Our extensive range of timepieces include specialist brands from the likes of Jaeger-LeCoultre, IWC Schaffhausen, Ulysse Nardin and many more. Each timepiece brands has a rich history and heritage within the horology world, specialising in creating pieces that push boundaries and delight watch collectors each and every season. For those that want a unique timepiece this Christmas, we have put together a guide of the very best.
IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Chronograph (pictured above)
Thanks to its reputation for accuracy and excellent build quality, it wasn’t long before IWC’s timepieces were being used as deck observation watches by Britain’s Royal Navy. It was this pedigree that, in 1939, inspired the first IWC Portugieser, which deployed marine-chronometer precision and nautical legibility in a compact, modern wristwatch and heralded the birth of an icon. Ever since, the IWC Portugieser chronograph family has been a firm favourite among watch enthusiasts of all ages and tastes.
In 2020, the Portugieser Chronograph has been enhanced thanks to the brands’ trademark technological mastery, through craftsmanship and world-beating design, all while retaining the original DNA of this famous timepiece. We think that the deep green dial in this model makes for the perfect stand out piece, with it’s 41mm stainless steel case and alligator-leather strap. Not only is this powerful aesthetically, but the timepiece also boasts an impressive 46 hour power reserve and is water resistant up to 30m.
Panerai Luminor
Panerai started out by supplying diving watches to the Italian Navy. It distinguished itself by introducing techniques that made its watch numerals and indexes glow, most famously with the creation of a luminous substance called Luminor, which subsequently became the name of the brand’s most popular family of timepieces. It’s this same watch family that celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, with the brand declaring 2020 ‘The Year of Luminor’.
And while unmistakably Luminor in size and shape, the latest offerings benefit from innovative materials developed in the Panerai labs, as well as new construction techniques. For this guide, we have highlighted the ladies Panerai Luminor Due. The rich navy blue colour would be a welcome addition to any ensemble this season and is a key colour for timepieces. The 42mm case is large, making it a truly magnificent piece, and the model is powered by the P.900 calibre with Incabloc® anti-shock device.
Jaeger Le-Coultre Reverso
The Jaeger Le-Coultre Reverso was designed in 1931, at a time when many British soldiers in colonial India would spend their leisure time playing polo. As the oft-told tale goes, a player showed their smashed wristwatch to Swiss businessman César de Trey, who turned to Jacques-David LeCoultre, and challenged him to create a watch that could endure the knocks of the game.
This resulted in the creation of the Reverso, with a geometric case that can swivel 180 degrees from back to front, protecting it from the action on the playing field. Almost 90 years later, the versatile Art Deco-style timepiece, with its clean lines and classic proportions, remains a firm favourite with Jaeger-LeCoultre’s many fans. The Reverso classic in 34.2 x 21mm stainless steel case, pictured above, features a guilloche dial and fastens with a stainless steel bracelet. There is a pop of blue in the hands, and it’s unique aesthetic makes it an ideal dress watch for any woman.
Grand Seiko Exclusive
Another fantastic collaboration that was launched in 2020 was the Grand Seiko X Watches of Switzerland Toge model. This captivating new model takes inspiration from the Japanese and British legacies of the two respective companies, combining classic British Racing Green with the fine texture of Grand Seiko’s signature Mount Iwate dial. The term 峠 (Tōgè), or mountain pass, refers to a navigable route through a mountain range, and this special edition timepiece subtly evokes the image of a spirited drive over the many ridges of Mount Iwate in Northern Japan.
The exterior case design is an original creation by acclaimed Grand Seiko Chief Designer, Nobuhiro Kosugi, who is celebrated for his conception of the modern 44GS case design. It features a crescent moon-shaped profile courtesy of the Zaratsu polished, curved lugs. A gold GMT hand adds a distinctive touch and the brown leather strap, with fine green stitching, beautifully finishes the bold, refined and minimalistic aesthetic. The watches’ Caliber 9S66 is tested to the stringent Grand Seiko Standard of -3 to +5 seconds per day in static conditions, 6 positions (etc.) with MEMS escapement and a 72-hour power reserve. This timepiece is the perfect addition to any watch collection.
Vacheron Constantin Egérie
The meeting point of haute horology and haute couture, the Vacheron Constantin Égérie collection is a beautiful blend of the classic and the contemporary, and features a pioneering ‘tapestry’ technique, making the dial look like pleated silk. The Vacheron Constantin Égérie Self-Winding models are presented on leather straps, with three interchangeable options; candied chestnut, raspberry pink and midnight blue.
The 18-carat 5N pink-gold option pictured above comes in a 35mm case, with a beautiful diamond-set bezel. It has an approximate 40 hour power reserve and is water resistant to 30m. It would be the perfect timepiece for any occasion.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur
The Excalibur collection is the starting point of all Roger Dubuis inspirations with its iconic aesthetics, exceptional mechanics and innovative technology. Through a perfectly mastered know-how, each piece fully displays its temper whether it is resolutely wise or boldly excessive, according to your own personality. In addition, the Excalibur collection expressed itself to its full potential through a wide range of sizes and materials.
The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Manual Winding Mens Watch is a stunning addition to the range, with a 45mm skeletonised titanium and rose gold-plated case and the captivating skeleton dial. The timepiece is powered by a reliable RD630 automatic movement and is protected by sapphire crystal glass and features a date display window.
Piaget Limelight Gala
Piaget’s Limelight Gala Collection is a celebration of extraordinary women the world over – women who are creative, inspiring, empowering, and independent.
Since the 1970s, Piaget’s master artisans have been paying tribute to these audacious and passionate women through the art of watchmaking, goldsmithing, and gemsetting, creating extraordinary timepieces. This beautiful Limelight Gala piece features a petite 26mm case in a rich 18k rose gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds. The timepiece is powered by the Piaget59P quartz movement, and this small watch certainly makes for an impressive piece. A truly luxurious gift.
Ulysse Nardin Exclusive
Technology is driving the world at unfathomable speed. For watchmaking manufacture Ulysse Nardin, it has captained its course for almost two centuries. Calculating the waning and waxing of the moon to harness time and tides with exactitude, Ulysse Nardin changed how the world told time. Innovation upon innovation, it steers the craft into the future, marrying the age-old art of Haute Horlogerie with transformative technology, astounding with breakthrough performance and original design.
The contemporary, bold design of watches from the Executive collection makes them instantly recognizable. Their easy-to-use functionality makes them indispensable. The Watches of Switzerland Group introduced the Ulysse Nardin Skeleton X limited edition this year, a US exclusive debuting at Mayors and Watches of Switzerland. The Executive Skeleton X features a 42 mm titanium case with an 18k rose gold bezel and the timepiece is powered by the Calibre UN-371 and has an impressive 4-day power reserve. The perfect gift for those who want something unique, powerful and impressive.
Gift With Purchase
This season, we are bringing back our popular Gift With Purchase. Receive a free luxury leather watch roll with the purchase of any watch over £1,000 (UK only), or a free watch winder with any purchase over £2,000/$2,500. While stocks last*
Discover more specialist timepieces at Watches of Switzerland, Mappin & Webb and Goldsmiths in the UK and Watches of Switzerland and Mayors in the US.
*Exclusions apply. Please see full terms & conditions for details.
