Best Of The Watch Fairs – 2018

What with luxury watch brands having slipped back into the mainstream market for watch buyers, the timepiece is still very much alive and well. The big names in the watch business – Switzerland, Italy etc – still produce top-quality timepieces that will stand the test of time. M2 have put together a list of luxury watches that we think fully represent the sophistication of the product that truly represents the classy man.

Tag Heuer Monaco Gulf

First introduced in 1969, the Monaco was the first square waterproof automatic chronograph, the Monaco Gulf is a gem in a watchmaker’s crown. Though it slightly resembles the 1969 original version, its modern 3-part steel case and a sapphire crystal, rectangular shaped pushers and slimmer lugs (since 2009) and an open case back to reveal the movement with a Calibre 11.

RRP $9,050

Tag Heuer Monaco Bamford

With a solid carbon case, an elegant black dial and blue chronograph counters, the Monaco Bamford, is a respectful remake of the timeless classic. Complete with a 39 mm case, with the crown positioned on the left of the watch. Luminous indices and numbers illuminate amongst the watch and add another layer at night.

RRP$12,300

Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer-01

This TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer-01 Red Bull Special Edition men’s watch celebrates TAG Heuer, the Red Bull Racing Team and their high-powered racing spirits. Heavily inspired by car racing, the TAG Heuer Carrera collection is the classic yet contemporary sports watch. Fastened with a brushed and polished steel bracelet, this impressive watch features a 45mm steel brushed case adorned with a blue ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale. At 45mm this is quite the statement piece.

RRP$9,250

Montblanc Star Legacy Automatic Chronograph

This fantastic time-piece displays an aesthetically-pleasing face with re-designed, black numerals, classic blue leaf-shaped hands and a unique railway minute track that encircles the dial and counters. This watch has a Calibre MB 25.02 automatic motion. A beautiful time piece by Montblanc.

REF 118514 – RRP$6,955

Montblanc 1858 Geosphere

Dedicated to the world’s Seven Summit challenge, Montblanc’s Geosphere is great for mountaineering adventures and embodies the heart of the explorer. Powered by a calibre MB 29.25 motor, and an oscillating, two-turning dome hemisphere globes, this watch is stylish and advanced in its technology.

REF 117838 – RRP$9,050

OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300m

The Seamaster – it’s all in the name right? Complete with a Co-Axial calibre 2500, this watch really is an investment in the future. The stainless steel timepiece designed against the lacquered black or blue dial with a matching polished ceramic diving bezel. As the title would suggest, the Seamaster Diver is water resistant to 300 meters and perfect for any underwater explorer.

REF O210.20.42.20.03.001 – RRP$POA

OMEGA Seamaster 1948

The ’48 is back and it’s bigger and better than ever. For the 70th anniversary of the collection, OMEGA has produced a watch that will certainly stand amongst the rest. Featuring a calibre Omega 2500C, the timepiece can tick quicker and longer on its automatic styling. The watch includes a simple, elegant style with a leaf-style hour marker and domed minute hand. This watch is presented on a brown leather strap with a polished stainless-steel buckle.

REF O511.13.38.20.02.001 – RRP$POA

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8

Everyone knows the story of the crew of Apollo 8 being the first humans to seeing the dark side of the moon. Now, OMEGA has made a watch in respect of that mission. An attractive, skeletal dial – a textured black face with ample attention towards the outer ring of the wrist piece that acts as a Tachymeter – this famous Moonwatch calibre 1861 is set to take the watch world by storm. Around the case back is the engraving “WE’LL SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE” – a reference to the space mission.

REF O311.92.44.30.01.001 – RRP$POA

IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Moon Phase Edition “150 Years”

Running on a 59800 calibre movement, this attractive timepiece combines a classic Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days with a moon phase display at “12 o’clock”. This model is limited to 350 watches and is housed in a 45-millimeter stainless steel case. It features a blue dial with a lacquered finish. Matching the colour of the case, the hands are rhodium-plated, and the moon and stars in the moon phase display shine silver against a blue background.

REF IW516407 – RRP$34,200

IWC Portofino Chronograph Edition “150 Years”

In the year of its 150th anniversary, IWC presents this iconic timepiece in the timeless design of the Jubilee collection. This model is limited to 2000 watches and is housed in a stainless steel case. It features a blue dial with a lacquered finish, and rhodium-plated hands. The printed numerals and indices stand out in contrast against the background of the blue lacquered dial. The chronograph is powered by the self-winding 79320 calibre movement with a 44-hour power reserve.

REF IW391023 – RRP$8,400

SEIKO Prospex Limited Edition Quartz Diver’s

The Seiko Prospex Quartz Diver is a perfect watch for the enthusiastic diver. With a specially designed quartz movement for diving, it is cased in titanium and ceramic at 43.8mm with a unidirectional rotating black bezel. The powerful Seiko LumiBrite material is used to fill the hands and hour markers for luminescence in the dark. A perfect watch option.

REF S23626J RRP$4,300.00

Grand SEIKO Hi-Beat Automatic Special Limited Edition

The Grand SEIKO Hi-Beat Automatic timepiece is a must grab for any watch enthusiast. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 9S movement, this watch features calibre 9S86 (the same movement used in previous GMT models) and a hand crafted and finished dial and hour markers.

REF SBGJ229 – $24,600.00

Grand SEIKO Spring Drive

Powered by Grand Seiko’s unique Spring Drive movement, the SBGA211’s case and bracelet are made with high-intensity titanium, making it 30% lighter than stainless steel and a pleasure to wear. The blued steel second hand moves smoothly in glide motion, and glows over the contrasting pure white face to create an even more dramatic movement.
It features a 72-hour power reserve and a power reserve indicator on the bottom left of the dial.

REF SBGA211 – RRP$9,700.00

G-Shock MR-G MRGG2000HA

Available this July (with only 350 available world-wide) the G-Shock MR-G is in a complete class of its own. The ultimate display of watchmaking, stylish, elegant and practical. The name itself is tied into it’s making – M for “Majesty” and R for “Reality”. Based on the design of the Japanese sword, the watch is a work of art. Complete with a clad guard structure, a multi-layer dial and a dual dusk display, this watch is kitted out for anything. It features a GPS HYBRID WAVE CEPTOR with 200-meter water resistance, and Smart Access.

RRP$12,999.00 NZD