The massive impact caused by COVID-19 has not hindered the artistry and endless creativity in the watch world, thankfully. And the resiliency there is inspiring. With summer now upon us, we look forward to what other horologic advancements to expect. From drawing inspiration from the nautical 60s to athletic performance, when the topic is men’s luxury watches, only time will tell what we’ll see.
Related: The Oris Divers 65 is a timeless classic that looks smart on the wrist
In May, Breitling launched its Limited Edition SuperOcean Heritage ‘57 II, a colourful addition to its popular SuperOcean collection. The blue dial and rainbow hour markers are an ode to the hardworking healthcare workers of COVID-19. The watch pays tribute to their endless efforts and optimism. This capsule collection is limited to 1,000 pieces with each caseback engraved with the words “ONE OF 1000”.
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The multi-colourway is meant to brighten global societal efforts towards battling the disease. You can expect this 42mm stainless-steel case to come with the choice of three straps. There is a calfskin leather strap ($5,265 CAD), a folding buckle ($5,550 CAD), or an integrated Ocean Classic stainless-steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp ($5,840 CAD). It is powered by the Breitling Caliber 10, a COSC-certified chronometer. A percentage of proceeds made from this watch will be donated to global charities supporting the frontline healthcare workers.
Glashütte: Timelessness
Glashütte Original Sixties Annual Edition 2020 epitomizes German watchmaking through a single timepiece. Designed with a solid identity, adaptable details, and mechanical ingenuity, it is absolutely timeless. The glacier blue dial pays an idyllic homage to the small German town of Glashütte. This cool colourway is a byproduct of separate layers of lacquer, a dark blue layered underneath the iconic “glacier blue”. That gives a gradient effect.
Jaquet Droz: art pieces
This time-only watch is detail-oriented with a no-frills approach to their classic. And their hour-marker design furthers the quintessential 60s style. Coming with or without a chronograph, the former features two circular symmetrical subdials, with both options as pleasing to the eye.
The mid-century elegance of the 2020 Edition doesn’t boast, yet it still demands to be worn as an everyday piece. Both are available now. The watches are priced at $8,300 CAD for the Sixties Model and $10,100 CAD for the Sixties Chronograph.
Earlier this month Jaquet Droz announced the launch of their Grande Seconde 41mm case. That’s a thinner model to their elegant collection. The brand is known for their intricate enamel dials which are appreciated as art pieces in their own right.
Men’s luxury watches: Streamlined aesthetic
Their exceptional mechanics and attention to detail are also seen on the other side of the spectrum, through the Grande Seconde collection. Although seemingly more simple, don’t be fooled by the streamlined aesthetic. The Grande Seconde watches feature a figure-8 dial design with a remarkably large sub-dial as its seconds hand. The dial is clean and open, and this available space is usually occupied by unique enamel hand-paintings.
This collection introduces seven new models in the new 41mm size and Jaquet Droz leans into the elegance of their simple dial. This more wearable option still leaves a lasting impression with its tasteful, detail-oriented decadence. Of the seven timepieces, four come in red gold with grand feu enamel dials in ivory, deep blue, burgundy, and anthracite options. The other three are offered in steel with matte black, silver, or titanium grey dial options.
Wempe’s new Iron Walker line
All steel options start at $9,900 CAD while all red-gold pieces are priced at $21,800 CAD. They all have a 2660Q2 caliber movement, and a silicon balance spring. There are two mainspring barrels with a 68-hr power reserve.
German watchmaker Wempe has unveiled their new 16-piece Iron Walker line. This collection boasts a strong and sporty construction. Every piece comes with an integrated bracelet design that divides the collection into four different case styles. The foundational design is ubiquitous throughout the collection. All 16 models feature the same simple and sporty stainless-steel case. Each piece draws attention to the wrist but remains conservative in design.
With 16 variants, Wempe maintained its own recognizable identity throughout the four distinct models: Chronograph, Diver, Time-and-Date 40mm, and Time-and-Date 36mm, which are all automatic, while the latter two also come in quartz movements.
Wempe intended this collection to be a dependable foray to accessible luxury with watches that can be worn for any occasion. Whether it’s for business or for casual wear, the brushed surfaces, polished accents, and H-link was influenced by athletic integrity while the choice of dial designs, movements, and complications were influenced by the dynamism of sport. Prices vary, starting at $2,050 USD.
Men’s luxury watches: Longines embodies heritage
The release of Longines’ Flagship Heritage Black Dial truly embodies “heritage” through its design and function. Keeping true to its retro roots, in terms of men’s luxury watches, this piece builds on the originality of the initial Flagship watch of the 50s and 60s. With several iterations made over the years, the 2020 launch includes a new black dial with pink-gold hands, logo, and indices.
The glossed-black dial features a matching date wheel and comes in at 38.5mm that wraps around your wrist on a stitched leather strap. The purity of its design is consistent throughout – the dial features numberless hour markers and linear design – and its lack of decoration that allows its avion origins to shine. Without a subdial, the watch’s dial features the model name “Flagship” as the focal point.
Vintage flair
This vintage flair is a contrast against its more non-traditional features, a paradox Longines values in their craftsmanship. The caseback salutes the original watch with its closed backside. Inside is powered by the L615 movement, which is a result of the ETA 2895-2, capped with an elegant crown. Priced at $1,900 CAD, this one of the more appealing new men’s luxury watches, available for preorder now.
To purchase these watches, and other luxury men’s timepieces, including certified pre-owned watches, head over to L’Oro Jewellery, Humbertown Jewellers, Bandiera Jewellers, Knar Jewellery, and Royal de Versailles.
Margo Vartanian is a bicoastal freelance writer between Toronto and Los Angeles, always in journalistic pursuit. She studied English Literature, Rhetoric, and Media at the University of Toronto while holding congruent internships at Narcity and StyleDemocracy. Post-grad, she worked as the social media manager of multiple companies before fully freelancing. She now develops written content strategies for various luxury and corporate brands and directs website copy. Her admiration for fashion stems from her interest in fusing the creative with the functional and mimics the concept of utilitarian frivolity through her written approach.
