No.5 - Seiko
Impressive almost every year, Seiko’s laurels are mostly technological. While a Seiko watch is clearly one of the top five pieces this year, the exact model we like best is a toss-up. Impressive are the new e-ink “EPD” watch and the 40th Anniversary Seiko Quartz Astron: The Commemorative Edition. Both take the limit of watch tech in important directions, but the new Quartz Astron wins simply because it will be available much sooner. Limited to just 200 pieces, the worst thing going against the watch is the hefty price of about $5,700.
The original Seiko Astron was the first quartz movement watch. Using the core style of the original, the contemporary version is in a highly polished titanium case with a double personality dial with a style that evokes the Grand Seiko. The new 9F62 quartz movement is very reliable, hand-built and accurate to within 10 seconds a year. It also has an instant change date, and the ability to move much heavier hands. This gives the Astron the personality of a mechanical watch with the reliability and accuracy of a quartz movement -- further reminiscent of the time when the quartz movement was making serious progress, and not just something found in every dime-store timepiece.
No.4 - Corum Admiral's Cup
A new, simpler model in the aggressive 48mm-wide steel, PVD coated case, is the underdog winner of the brand this year. Black against white, the sharp, bold dial is uncomplicated and legible, deeply evocative of the Admiral’s Cup collection while being a less pretentious model. A mixture of polishes under the black PVD on the case adds to the visual interest of the angular case design, while the automatic mechanical movements (exclusive to Corum) offers useful and reliable timekeeping (keeping it simple with just the time, subsidiary seconds dial and a day/date indicator).
Interesting is the lack of Corum’s confidence that the model is a clear winner. As it is a limited-edition piece of just 500 whose success should hopefully spur the newly invigorated brand to continue in this high-fashion, though utilitarian, direction with at least a segment of its pieces. Price is $7,400.
No.3 - Rolex Submariner (in steel)
Anything but unpredictable, the latest release from Rolex is an all-steel version of its ubiquitous Submariner. A new version of the best-seller is sure to help the brand stay strong and keep the watch world’s key markets busy with (relatively) high demand. Be sure to see bolder dials and a retro-shape on Rolex Submariner models everywhere. The case is now made out of exotic 904L grade steel, and there is even a quirky green dialed and bezeled version of the iconic black watch available. Still the rock-solid Rolex everyone expects, purists are split in whether the bolder look is best for the super brand’s signature product. No one can argue, however, with its more durable materials and ultra-comfortable bracelet as an improvement. Rolex keeps the mainstream luxury watch market strong with new models such as this.
No.2 - Chanel J12 Marine
Chanel as a producer of an important watch? These days, yes. Quality timepieces from fashion houses are growing in popularity and demand. In fact, tough economic times have seen a consumer stickiness to highly regard luxury brands as opposed to less known or unknown brands. Over the last several years, Chanel has single-handedly made ceramic the new emerging material of choice in the watch industry, and its J12 models have proved popular beyond belief.
While the Chanel J12 was a dive-style watch, the brand now releases a real diver’s piece with the J12 Marine. The case on the black version is done in a matte finished ceramic with dive-style hands on the easy-to-read dial. Matched with a vented rubber strap, the watch is a highly competent dive watch from a house of fashion -- and it will be highly successful. In addition to serving as an example that watches from popular brands are hot, the Chanel J12 Marine also serves to show that dive watches are still the most popular types of watches out there.
Available in black (with a matching black or blue bezel) or white, the piece is still very Chanel in style, but offers a more mainstream piece for the hungry watch-loving fans of the brand. The message is clear: A quality watch from a popular fashion house is a recipe for success in today’s market. Price is likely in the $5,000 range.
No.1 - Hublot Classic Fusion
The last decade saw a major rebirth of Hublot under the leadership of the charismatic Jean-Claude Biver. Circa 2004, the Big Bang was released and it hit the market like a sledgehammer. Since then, the onslaught of limited and unlimited editions has thrust the Big Bang forcefully into the collective psyche of the watch world, such that what was the invigorating and unique design of the Big Bang is oddly enough now a classic. Chalk it up to the genius of Mr. Biver at the helm of the Hublot ship, but that is how a classic is made with haste.
Now, the brand strips down the look for a thinner, more elegant watch known as the Hublot Classic Fusion. In a 44mm- or smaller 42mm-wide case, the simpler watch evokes the trend of classic timepieces while staying true to the brand. In steel or gold, various styles are available in the easy-to-read watch with a Swiss automatic movement, and a bit of the stuff that makes Hublot so hot. Nowadays, even the trendiest of sport watch brands can be true classics. Price i
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