The brand's well-known 12-sided case has been a star performer for the company since it was launched in 1973. At 43mm in diameter, the men's ultra-contemporary polished and satin-brushed XXL steel case is fashionably oversized.

Sailors and divers appreciate the automatic chronograph movement, with subdials at the top, left and bottom for minutes, seconds and hours, respectively.

A tachymeter, steel and aluminium rotating bezel to measure dive times and 200-metre water resistance also rate as practical features for nautical enthusiasts.

Markers in orange Superluminova ensure optimal reading of time and other information in dark and deep waters.

'When it comes to diving, the Riviera XXL Chrono Diver Seaside is the best companion. It also performs very well for other water sports like windsurfing or wakeboarding,' said Cindy Chee, regional marketing and communications manager of Baume & Mercier, who added that even landlubbers admire the refined, sporty design. The strap is made of black sailcloth with orange stitching, a durable material that can readily withstand the effects of sun and saltwater.

Swiss watchmaker Clerc combines aesthetics with the technical challenges inherent in diving watches with its new Hydroscaph collection, the company's best-selling line. 'There's something fun, sporty and exciting about diving watches,' said Gerald Clerc, the chief executive and designer at the fourth generation family-owned firm. Clerc watches are carried exclusively by King Fook Jewellery in Hong Kong.

The GMT 311B (HK$137,600), one of more than 25 diving models in the collection, features an unusual combination of colours and materials in its 18-carat pink gold and black titanium case with a black vulcanised rubber strap.

The eight-sided circle within a square design motif used for its cases is the brand's trademark shape. Oversized at 49.6mm in diameter, the watch isn't overwhelming and thanks to its lug construction, it sits comfortably on the wrist.

Serious divers will be drawn to the watch's exclusive crown-activated rotating bezel, which locks securely into place and prevents any unintentional bezel movement which could cause the diver to lose track of the time expected to be spent underwater.

The durable grade-five titanium case and a helium escape valve that allows the gas to escape during ascent prevents damage to the watch on deep dives. This is especially relevant for the Hydroscaph, one of the few diving watches that is water resistant to 1,000 metres.

Two subdials show the GMT time for a second time zone at 12 o'clock and the power reserve indicator at 6 o'clock. A magnified date window is at 3 o'clock.

'It has the serious functionality and authenticity of a real diving watch, but the reality is that most people are attracted to the very strong design,' Mr Clerc added.

Named after the famous yacht race which was won by the Corum team in 1991, Corum's new Admiral's Cup Tides 48 is a sailing enthusiast's dream. Twelve colourful nautical pennants which correspond to the first 12 numbers of the International Code of Maritime Signals take the place of numbers on this jaunty, sporty watch.

A long-time sponsor of regatta races, Corum's patented Tides CO 277 movement gives sailors accurate, reliable information on three subdials about the state of twice-daily tides - their strength, time, estimate of high tides and the lunar cycle.

The Admiral's Cup Tides 48 features a generous 48mm, 12-sided case in 18-karat red gold topped by a vulcanised rubber bezel with a choice of a black vulcanised rubber band with an 18-karat red gold buckle or an 18-karat red gold and black vulcanised rubber bracelet with a triple folding clasp.

The watch, priced at HK$198,000 with a strap and HK$284,000 with a bracelet, is water resistant to 300 metres and has a 42-hour power reserve function.

The House of Graff, known worldwide for more than half a century for its fabulous diamonds, began turning its attention to Swiss-made watches this year. The London-based company's new line of Graff Luxury Watches includes a men's and women's edition of the sporty ChronoGraff, featuring a durable black diamond-like carbon case and natural rubber or croco strap in a choice of colours. The watch is water resistant to 30 metres.

Each Graff watch case cleverly evokes the special faceted design of a polished diamond. A triangular hour marker at 12 o'clock is set with an emerald. Crowns are tipped with a white or black briolette-cut diamond.

Featuring an automatic movement designed and made in Switzerland, the chronograph's three subdials display hours, minutes and seconds.

'It's super-hard nature allows the watch to be spared from damage while enjoying various sports. Because it's water resistant, it's also the ideal watch for various activities in the sea,' said Arnaud Bastien, general manager of Graff Diamonds, Greater China.

Several other versions of the ChronoGraff are available - 18-karat white or pink gold, and 18-karat white gold set with 13.85 carats of fine diamonds.

Prices range from HK$132,000 to HK$2.55 million.