2020 has been an incredible year. It is not just a year where everything almost came to a standstill, but perhaps there might be some aspects that will be changed altogether forever.
Despite the seemingly challenging year, we have definitely come out stronger and more resilient. Brands have also adopted the “new norms”, with the leverage of social media to launch their novelties in these unprecedented times. Everyone certainly deserves a pat on the back.
Now that we are coming to the end of the year, it is certainly great to loosen a little and give ourselves a break during the holiday season. As per the usual Deployant tradition, we will be picking some of the watches that we would like to include in our Christmas wishlist.
For my selection this year, I am looking at watches that I would certainly like to own sometime in the future. Some are more accessible than the others, but perhaps Santa might just want to work his magic soon…
Habring² Jumping Second Pilot
The first watch is a timepiece that I personally wish to get sometime soon. We have been waxing lyrical about Habring², and I have definitely caught on the bug with the rest of the Deployant team. It is one of the most well-priced timepieces from an independent watchmaker, and the philosophy behind each of the watches is amazing. It may not have the best of finishes, but the complications definitely makes up for that.
The Jumping Second Pilot is one of the most accessible timepieces from the Austria-based brand, and it features an interesting jumping seconds mechanism as its nomenclature suggests. It looks so simple, but yet it has such an incredibly fascinating complication. It is a special watch indeed.
For someone who is looking to start with his or her first independent timepiece (including myself), do not look any further. This is perhaps the best way to get yourself down the “slippery slope”.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas 4500V
Two years ago, I selected this particular watch as one of the pieces in my Christmas wishlist. The same sentiments still remain, despite the plethora of novelties over the last couple of years.
The Overseas is one of the many timepieces within the luxury sports watches category, but it is perhaps one of my favourites. This is attributed to its great case/bezel design, as well as its versatility. The finishing, as per the usual Vacheron Constantin standard, is rather sublime as well.
I also like the fact that it is often overlooked. Do not get me wrong – I love both the Patek Philippe Nautilus and Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. But the Overseas – being an uncommon option – makes it a tad special. It is also much more usable, with the quick strap change mechanism being a huge plus point. There is just that little something with the Overseas, and I would gladly love to have this any day in my watch collection.
A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph
The last piece in my wishlist is none other than the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph.
Between the Datograph and the 1815 Chronograph, there is something about the latter that gives it the edge. Personally, the lack of a big date display gives the 1815 Chronograph a much more classic and timeless look. The newer variant – launched in SIHH 2018 – also features a pulsometer scale. That, together with the Arabic numerals and railroad-style tracks, is truly a sight to behold.
As with all A. Lange & Söhne watches, the movement is also magical. The finishing is sublime, and it is simply a work of art. Beyond that, the movement (first seen on the Datograph) also plays a significant role in the haute horlogerie scene – it was the first high-end in-house produced chronograph movement that was created for the longest time (while other manufacturers were relying on a few specialist manufacturers such as Lemania and Dubois Dépraz. That was two decades back, and it certainly made a strong impression with both brands and collectors alike.
This is perhaps one of the most beautiful timepieces that was ever made, and it will be a dream to add this into my personal collection.
Concluding Thoughts
Each of the watches on the list, although they are simple and more restrained, are great in their own ways. The Habring², for example, is a timepiece that proves that great watches do not necessarily have to be priced excessively. The Vacheron Constantin and A. Lange & Söhne simply exemplify the beauty of well-crafted watches.
I hope that you have enjoyed reading my selection. Have a merry Christmas, and please do take a well deserved break as we continue to move into 2021 with more challenges and uncertainties ahead.
4 Comments
2 out of 3 is on my wish-list. Excellent choices! 😊👍
Hi Robin,
All the choices are great, but I’d prefer to go with the Datograph, mainly because the big date gives you that ‘triangle’ with the sub dials. But then, if someone passed an 1815 chrono to me, I’d very happily wear it.
Superb selection.
Thank you Gav.