Love it or loathe it, Downton Abbey is one of the hottest televi-sion shows of recent times. Who would have thought a period drama about British toffs, wherein not much happens, would prove so popular? Reservations aside, the show is a wonderful insight into how people used to dress - with the men, in particular, donning tailored suits and a glorious assortment of neckwear. This was also a time when the humble pocket watch could still compete against the wrist-watch for a gentleman's affections.
Ah, simpler times. But all is not lost, and if nostalgia is getting the better of you, then you will be pleased to know that watchmakers are still creating pocket watches that can be used every day - and not just for fancy dress.
Bovet is a storied name when it comes to pocket watches and the brand has stayed true to its origins by creating a new generation of styles, such as the Amadeo Fleurier Rising Star (above left). Immediately, one is struck by this double-sided pocket watch's ornate design, with a 46mm case available in 18-carat red or white gold. Each side is equal in intricacy, but differs in character. One face is busier, with complications such as a power-reserve indicator, a second and third time zone, and two day-night indicators. The other is more modest, and tells only the time.
The Amadeo Fleurier Rising Star comes with a chain but can quite easily be converted to an admittedly large wristwatch (above right) by attaching a black alligator strap to a novel lug design at the 12 o'clock position. But all these grand features and fine craftsman-ship come at a price: the model is limited to 190 pieces, each of which is priced at HK$2.5 million.
Cartier is another label from the golden age of good taste, and the French jeweller is still making pocket watches for the more discerning, wealthy gent. The Cartier Grand Complication Pocket Watch (below right) looks like it should belong to a museum, with its elegant outer skeleton fashioned with Roman numerals. Just as the name suggests, this watch has complex features, including a tourbillon, a perpetual calendar and mono-push chronographic movement. The white-gold case is a rather large 59mm, but this allows the watch to have those gorgeous skeletonised roman numerals.
The white-gold chain has some of Cartier's trademark fine detailing. Released in January, it is limited to five diamond-set pieces, which have yet to be priced, and 10 white-gold pieces, available for HK$5.08 million each. If that price tag startles you, perhaps take comfort in the fact that this magnificent timepiece is already a modern classic and is sure to be a much sought-after collector's item.