Making Time: Jan / Feb 2020 

The best timepieces to get your hands on right now. 
Thursday 23 January 2020
A guaranteed showstopper. Photo: Bell & Ross

They say time solves everything. We agree, especially if telling the time looks this good.

Bell & Ross BR 01 Laughing Skull

BR01-Laughing-Skull_Bones-JL_fond-blanc (1) - watch
Photo: Bell & Ross.

This limited edition model by Bell & Ross will definitely get you loads of compliments. The elegant yet robust 46mm-diameter watch is defined by its stunning micro-blasted steel with a Clou de Paris design and a skeleton dial.

The unique ivory alligator leather strap adds a playful touch and will liven up any old suit. You can even use this stunning creation as a party piece by mechanically winding up the watch to make the skull laugh. Best be quick to snatch up this beauty, as there are only a limited 99 pieces available.

Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Rat

161902-5069 (black) (2) (1) - watch
Photo: Chopard

Usher in the Year of the Rat by wearing this charming creation on your wrist as a tribute to the new Chinese zodiac year. Adorned with eye-catching rose gold and powered by an ultra-thin movement, this masterpiece was crafted in the Chopard Manufacture workshops and is entirely handcrafted.

The watch’s most distinguishing feature is the lacquer finish, made using the traditional Japanese lacquer method of Urushi, whereby lacquer and gold dust are combined to create a one-of-a-kind glittery finish.

Another interesting feature is the hidden symbolism behind the design – the ear of corn under the golden rat symbolises abundance. Meanwhile, the pickled persimmon represents longevity and the three blue, gold and green flowers represent luck for the year ahead.

Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar Rose Opaline

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Photo: Glashütte.

The new limited edition Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar comes in a one-of-a-kind velvety rose opaline, made as a result of a unique galvanisation technique that involves placing the dial for a specific duration in a galvanic bath under a constant electrical charge to get this stunning hue, a process done at the watchmaker’s in-house dial factory in Pforzheim, Germany.

Limited to only 50 pieces, this timepiece features a calibre 90-02 automatic movement that can be gazed at through its sapphire glass back case. It also features an elegant moon phase display and striking sword-shaped hands with set blue accents that perfectly stand out against the dazzling warm rose opaline background.

Hublot’s Ferrari-themed pop-up store in Penang

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Photo: Hublot.

People up north in Malaysia will get a taste of what Swiss luxury watchmaker Hublot has to offer with the opening of their first Ferrari-themed pop-up store in Gurney Plaza, Penang. The high-end kiosk is designed to give guests a taste of their Art of Fusion concept that combines luxury, modernity, innovation and tradition.

It highlights the brand’s long-term collaboration with Ferrari, whereby the two have been fusing fine watchmaking and automotive expertise by crafting fine timepieces marked by innovation, excellence and performance since 2011. The partnership has churned out over 50 collaborated pieces and watch enthusiasts can find out more about this unique collaboration at the pop-up store.

The Longines Equestrian Pocket Watch Jockey 1878

Jockey 1878_ L7.031.8.11.1PRCMYK (1) - watch
Photo: Longines

There’s something quirky about owning a pocket watch and no one makes them better than Longines, especially with their rich heritage in equestrian timekeeping. This exquisite model inspired by The Longines Equestrian Pocket Watch Jockey 1878 will definitely stand out in your collection.

It comes in a dazzling 18-carat rose gold casing and a hand-wound movement and a column-wheel chronograph mechanism. Everything about this watch boils down to its mechanical precision such as the column-wheel chronograph that is activated via the crown, which acts as a push-piece.

Meanwhile, fine features like the movement’s elegant blued steel column wheel are visible when you open the engraved cover. Clearly, this is a watch that was created to be admired.

Piaget Altiplano Year of the Rat

Piaget - watch
Photo: Piaget.

Rats aren’t the most easily marketable creatures in the Chinese zodiac calendar, but the ones by Piaget are cute and sophisticated. This limited edition of only 38 pieces of the Piaget Altiplano was crafted in cloisonné “Grand Feu” enamel by artist Anita Porchet and pays homage to the Year of the Rat.

Decorated with 78 brilliant-cut diamonds in a 38mm-diameter white gold case, this is a watch to wear for all seasons. The black alligator-skin strap with an ardillon buckle will match your entire wardrobe. The ultra-thin hand-wound calibre indicating hours and minutes also adds an elegant touch.