A Watch Buyer Picks His Top 10 Models

Following the success of the colourfully dialled Oyster Perpetuals that launched in 2020, Rolex recently announced a ‘Bubbles’ version – a euphoric combination of coral red, yellow, dark green and pink bubbles all on the sought-after turquoise dial. Starting from £4,750, these effervescent timepieces are as recognisable as they are collectable.

Available at RobertGatwardJewellers.co.uk

One of Geneva’s most venerated brands gave its classic Calatrava 4997 watch a refresh that harnesses the skills of its watchmakers to a sensitivity for current trends. The original women’s update is circled with 76 diamonds – for a pared-back unisex take, the brown leather colourway also provides an eye-catching finish.

Available at WatchCentre.com

A staple of Cartier’s collection for over 25 years, this iconic piece was refreshed earlier this year. In a wonderful satin and polished stainless-steel case and bracelet combination, it’s an eminently stylish timepiece. At a starting price of £3,550, it’s the perfect watch to invest in for everyday wear.

Available at Cartier.com

New for 2023, this performance-packed timepiece is adventure travel ready. It features water resistance to 150m and a movement that has undergone the rigours of Master Chronometer certification, which also guarantees superior precision, shock resistance and anti-magnetism protection. Priced at £6,100, it’s available in an array of dial colours including saffron, terracotta and green.

Available at Goldsmiths.co.uk

The 36mm Carrera Date features automatic movement at under £3k – making it a hugely popular 2023 release from the brand. Classic silver, blue and pale green – there’s a model to suit every occasion.

Available at BeaverBrooks.co.uk

Breitling’s Top Time Classic Car collection reminds us all that watches and cars are synonymous. Corvette, Thunderbird, Cobra and Mustang are famous automotive names and Breitling has captured their powerful essence. The colourful chronograph dials, activated by piston-shaped pushers, recall the greatest cars of the 1960s. At £6,250, the 41mm case has real wrist presence.

Available at Breitling.com

Iconic is a much-used word in horology, but IWC’s Ingenieur faithfully presents Gérald Genta’s iconic 70s design. One of the landmark launches from this year’s Watches & Wonders trade show, it shows how popular the integrated bracelet watch trend has become. The 40mm case and chequerboard dial marks this timepiece as one with a true pedigree. It’ll be hard to find one priced under £10,000 by now.

Available at Harrods.com

Longines was a pioneer of pilot’s watches and its Majetek has all the functionality required by aviators of the early 20th century. With luminous hands and numbers, the clear, full-figure dial is surrounded by a bidirectional knurled bezel on a 43mm cushion-shaped case. This vintage-inspired look is attracting a lot of attention.

Available at Watches-Of-Switzerland.co.uk

Combining the recent trends for green dialled watches and animations, Oris released the ProPilot in new colourways including the Kermit earlier this year. As green as the frog himself, the dial features a date window where Kermit is revealed on the first day of each month. It’s wonderfully playful but still a serious Calibre 400 timepiece with five days’ power reserve and a 10-year warranty, all for £3,700. If Kermit isn’t the shade for you, try the limited-edition Army green, stainless steel, automatic style instead.

Available at MrPorter.co.uk

To meet growing demand for sustainable timepieces, ID Geneve provides some of the most eco-friendly and innovative models out there. With cases made from recycled steel, straps made from green waste and compostable packaging, the collection starts from £3,700 and – in my opinion – has an assured future in the world of watches.

Available at Watches-Of-Switzerland.co.uk