When it comes to watches, men are spoilt for choice. There are not only watches of every conceivable size and shape, but the selection ranges from the most elegant timepieces, with uncluttered dials and just two or three hands,
to watches with endless additional features.
New models are introduced each year in Basel and just when it seems that everything that could be designed has been designed, a new raft of ideas is introduced by watchmakers who seem to be endlessly creative.
Men's watches fall into many categories. There are those which appeal purely because of their classical good looks, while others are popular because of the name on the dial and the reputation of the manufacturer. Some men are influenced by design, some by functions and others, often the collectors, by the movement inside the watch.
For pure elegance and classical styling, Patek Philippe is one of the first brands that comes to mind. In Basel this year it introduced new interpretations of some of its flagship models by underscoring their personalities, optimising their readability and subtly updating them. The celebrated World Time watch, considered unmatched in terms of ease of use, is now in a slightly larger case, which helps make the dial legible. The Calatrava, with the distinctive hobnail (Clous de Paris) pattern on the bezel, also has a slightly larger case, emphasising its ultra-thin profile.
The Annual Calendar Chronograph 5960P is the first new chronograph introduced by Patek Philippe for some time but the wait has been worthwhile, because this new model is equipped with the first automatic chronograph movement crafted entirely in-house.