VIDEO: All thriller, no filler – Felix’s 5 favourites from SIHH 2018
Felix ScholzIf you’ve been paying attention to my recent spate of best-of/top lists (and if you haven’t, what’s wrong with you?!), you’ll know that I have a sense of style and taste that is dazzling in its brilliance, mercurial in its consistency, and as sophisticated as white tie at a garden party. I’ve recently sung my praises for gem-set wonders, hi-tech wrist gadgets that stretch the conceptual definition of ‘watch’, and occasionally a smaller, vintage-inspired piece.
So, going into SIHH 2018, knowing that I’d have to come up with a smart, snappy and sassy ‘top 5’ a few days later, I was filled with wonder and anticipation. Would I be drawn to outstanding statement pieces (the thinnest, the expensivest, the eroticest) or would I rein myself in and keep it real? Nobody knew, least of all myself … until now. So, without any further superlative (or is that superfluous?) waffle – here’s my SIHH top 5.
Cartier Santos de Cartier
A smart reworking of an icon that manages to be — depending on which option you opt for — either totally OTT (that’d be the full yellow gold) or perfect for everyday office (steel on leather, obvs). But it’s the user-friendly upgrades, like the tool-free strap changing and movement upgrade, that really make this a winner.
Ulysse Nardin Classico Enamel
No bells. No whistles. Just a deep, deep black dial on an oh-so-fine dress watch. What more do you need?
Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Automatic Acciaio – 42mm
For me, the surprise of SIHH was Panerai’s Due-heavy collection. Smaller sizes and more colours mean that there’s now a Panerai for more wrists than ever before. This ivory-dialled 42mm Due was a particular favourite, especially on the blue saffiano strap (though if I had my heart’s desire I’d like the strap a fraction thicker on the wrist).
Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Monopusher LE
I’m very much Team Montblanc in 2018. I think the direction they’re taking with the 1858 is smart, in both style and business senses. And while it’s very much a ‘something for everyone’ sort of line-up, it’s hard to look past the splendid mechanics of their Minerva movement Monopusher.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak RD#2
And finally, what better watch to end on than this super-slim heavyweight. This concept watch comes in at a mere 6.30mm thick (and the movement itself is 2.89mm) which is incredible for a full-on, automatic perpetual calendar. What makes this watch even more of a showstopper is the amount of platinum weight in such a wafer-thin case.
So there you have it, my 5 favourites from SIHH 2018. Tell us what you liked from SIHH over at YouTube.