SINGAPORE (Dec 18): It's that time of the year where CROWN's editors get together for our annual dust-up, as we vote for our personal favourites from the past 12 months. No watches or brands were hurt during the process.
Alvin Wong, Editor-In-Chief
Rolex GMT Master II Ref. 126710 BLRO
Quite possibly the darling of Baselworld 2018, this Rolex GMT-Master II had me at ‘Pepsi dial’. It might not seem like a big deal but the ‘Pepsi’ colourway is incredibly sought-after among collectors, since its debut on the Pan Am GMT. While I’ve never been a fan of the Jubilee bracelet (I prefer the President), it works really well here on this stainless steel GMT. The only problem now is trying to get my hands on one.
Melissa Kong, Managing Editor
A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split
I have a gigantically mushy spot for Lange. Even though it is fiercely rooted in classical watchmaking, Lange always manages to up the mechanical ante. This is the world’s first mechanical wristwatch that lets you measure split timings to as long as 12 hours. We’d probably have no everyday practical use for something like that. But at Lange, it is the thought that counts – and what kind of amazingly insane brain would even think of making something as beautiful and wild as that?
Leong Wong, Editor, CROWN Malaysia
Hublot Big Bang Red Magic
We’ve been told that this watch is “not for the faint of heart”, and I absolutely agree. This Big Bang model sports a red hue that is so incredibly eye-catching that it will always be the centrepiece of any get-up, which is just the kind of spirit you’d expect from a Hublot creation. On the technical front, the vibrant colour on the ceramic is said to be really hard to achieve and represents a significant development for Hublot in the field of material experimentation.
Shannon Hartono, Editor, CROWN Indonesia
IWC Portugieser Constant-Force Tourbillon Edition ‘150 Years’
From the moonphase display that only needs to be adjusted by one day after 577.5 years; to the tourbillon with integrated constant force mechanism; to its impressive 96-houe power reserve, there is nothing I don’t love about this watch. Add to that the fact that all the features are clearly displayed on its dial, this watch is solid proof of IWC’s commitment to optimum legibility for its Portugieser range. Could this watch get any better?
Lan Nghiêm Thị Mai, Editor, CROWN Vietnam
Cartier Panthère Lovéer
Sensual, glamorous and playful – what’s there not to love about the Panthère Lovée? Cartier’s artisanship shines through with this bejewelled beauty with its enduring mascot, the panther, executed with sublime mastery. The gorgeous beast hugs the dial in a glittering show of precious stones, its ‘eye’ festooned with a teardrop shaped emerald. This is a statement-making piece that will elevate any evening wear.
This story first appeared on www.crownwatchblog.com
