LIST: Fergus’ 3 favourite watches of 2020

Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer

There aren’t many words to describe this watch that fit better than plain old ‘fun’. It’s a diver, with all the specifications you could ask for from such a weekend warrior, making it beg for adventures to be had and fond memories to be formed. Although they do serve a technical purpose, the colours used for the decompression timer are just the perfect pastel shades, which aren’t overbearing and hint at the many hours spent under the sun, which the original ’60s decompression timer watches would have. Its proportions may have been blown up from those vintage examples, but the short lug-to-lug length makes it eminently wearable. The ETA-based movement also offers that fantastic 80-hour power reserve, whilst still being an affordable option to buy and service, with a great reputation for accuracy and durability. If someone had told me at the start of the year that there’d be a Mido selling for above retail price, I’d have dismissed it, but it’s easy to see why that’s now the case.  It was originally available for AUD$1800,  but good luck finding one for that price now.

Casio G-Shock Full Metal Grid Tunnel ‘Tron’

My first venture into the G-Shock fandom began when I first saw a photo of this Tron-esque behemoth, and thought it was one of the most garish watches I’d ever seen. But, every now and again, when I saw the photos pop up, a little part of me grew more curious. There was just something about it that kept pulling me back, until I started seeking out the unboxing videos on YouTube in my own time and grimacing at the price. Months passed, but one late night I spotted a good deal, and snapped it up. On arrival, it was surprisingly more elegant than I’d expected, with its dramatically angled lugs conforming to my small wrist well and the glossy, flat, IP-coated surfaces creating an almost ceramic feeling of deep fluid black. It’s such a unique watch, which brings me joy to look at, especially knowing that I’m very unlikely to spot another one being worn in the wild. The solar charging and Bluetooth connectivity make it so easy to throw on and not worry about all the faff of an analogue watch, but I do enjoy the heft granted by the solid steel case.

A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus White Gold

Lange is just one of those brands that isn’t satisfied with the status quo of haute horology. But instead of massive skeletonised watches filled with more triple axis tourbillons than you could dream of, their attitude stems from a classical sense of German design and clinical precision. The first Odysseus in steel was already a bold move by the Glashütte giants, competing with the likes of the Nautilus and Royal Oak, but the second edition — in white gold, with smoked grey dial, and rubber or leather strap — is just on a whole new level. Undeniably sporty, but with enough detailed refinement to feel like a dress piece, the second Odysseus is one of the only precious metal watches I would want to wear every single day of the week. AUD$62,000.