Automatic Watches for all Occasions

Fortis is known for its sleek designs. The Spacematic Pilot Professional, of which there are only 2,012 pieces available, is another watch in that style. This wristwatch is 40mm wide, with a stainless steel body that encases a Sellita SW220-1 movement. The soberingly simple face makes for superb legibility, and the date and day indicators are easily read at a glance. The striking red second hand adds some liveliness to an otherwise reserved colour palette. Another distinctive feature – typical of pilot’s watches – is the large crown on the Spacematic, which allows for easy setting of the day, date and time.

This model possesses a certain allure – an unconventional mix of elegance and bold nonchalance, that has earned it a spot on this Top 10. The Breitling SuperOcean Héritage, with its three-hand design and mesh wristband, is captivating, whilst still restrained. Conservatively sized for a diver, it has a 42mm diameter case, that houses the Breitling Caliber 17. With its embossed indices and numerals, as well as an oversize crown, this is another impressive timepiece from the watchmaker in Grenchen.

Zenith’s story is an intriguing one, so it’s not surprising that they offer an eclectic line of products to match. This limited edition Chronograph is one of my personal favourites from the El Primero collection. The hi-beat Calibre 400 B runs at 36'000 VpH, and its power reserve allows it to run up to 50 hours. The otherwise black dial, within the 42mm case, is circumscribed by a red ring, which really gives the watch some character; all these elements are seamlessly tied together to create a splendid design.

There’s one brand that jumps to mind when you think of James Bond: Omega. The exclusive Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M James Bond is the current iteration of the classic released in conjunction with the latest movie ‘Spectre.’ This watch combines innovations, that, as of recent, had been cause for excitement in the watch market. Not only is the new Seamaster water resistant up to 15 bar, but is fitted, naturally, with Omega’s Co-Axial 8507 movement, which can withstand magnetic fields of up to 15,000 gauss: The quintessential agent’s watch.

There are certain watches with designs that are simply spellbinding. So, it is no wonder that that Navitimer 01, with its iconic ‘Spiegelei’ (that’s fried egg, for you Non-Teutons) is highly coveted amongst watch lovers. It’s a union of watchmaking at its finest and stunning design. The stainless steel casing, 43mm wide and 14.25mm thick, houses the movement of its namesake: the Breitling Calibre 01. I especially like the model with a bi-directional bezel with a black leather strap.

In my opinion, the Patek Philippe Calatrava is one of the most elegant timepieces existent, and for many watch enthusiasts, a likely candidate for their exit-watch. The Calatrava comes in various styles; my personal favourite is the 6000R in rose gold, with a diameter of 37mm. This fine timepiece houses a Caliber 240 PS C, with a date function, a small second hand at 4 o’clock, and a decentralised solid 22kt gold mini-rotor. Of course, this work of art is endowed with the Patek Philippe Seal.

Timepieces with multiple complications are fascinating marvels of engineering. One of these masterpieces hails from Saxony: The Langematik Perpetual. This little ‘Wunderwerk’ from A. Lange & Söhne is not only stunning to look at, but a product of technical prowess. The platinum watch has a diameter of 38.5mm and the movement, which is a L922.1 SAX-O-MAT, presides over a whole array of mesmerising complications. Amongst these are the decentralised second hand, outsize-date, day/night, day-of-week and month indicators, a moon-phase, and last but not least, a perpetual calendar. In brief: a watch for very special occasions.