Anyone following American news may have noticed the rather curious ubiquity of Donald Trump. No, Trump isn't building another modestly titled supertower, but he is dominating the news cycle by threatening to run for president next year. Yes, Trump does have a new series of his reality show The Apprentice to promote, but that, of course, is purely coincidental. Whether Trump is serious about running for president or not, you cannot deny his ability to generate hype and he has been one of the most enduring corporate icons of the past 20 years, despite sporting a double comb-over lattice-like sculpture where his hair should be.
Trump's current notoriety seems to suggest that corporate bigwigs, if you pardon the pun, are back in fashion, after all that global recession business. Hotshots like Trump know that looking the part is almost as important as what you say or do and few things say more about you in the boardroom than the watch you wear.
Tag Heuer is extremely popular with executive types who want a dynamic and innovative brand. With the V4 Next Generation (above right), Tag Heuer has upped the ante once again. The Next Generation is the latest addition to the exclusive V4 range, and the 2011 V4 has a new design, a larger and more imposing size and a new precious-metal casing, in rose-gold ruthenium and ceramic. The V4 Next Generation uses the unique transmission belt mechanism, which does away with the traditional cog-on-cog movements found in most watches. The wearer will be the envy of his colleagues as he shows them this unique movement through the see-through face. Limited to 60 pieces, Hong Kong prices for the Tag Heuer V4 Next Generation have not been released but, judging by previous V4 releases, expect a price tag of well over HK$620,000.
Baume et Mercier has been courting the corporate customer with its Classima range and the new Classima 10038 (above) is likely to be met with an appreciative audience. Retailing for HK$42,800 and limited to 1,000 pieces, the 10038 has retro styling and would not look out of place on Mad Men. The restrained and elegant face features gilt hands and gilt indices at the 12, three, six and nine o'clock positions and also, amazingly, has an annual calendar, big date and small second complications, which, for a watch at this price point, is extraordinary. The 42mm-case is masculine without taking away from the sophistication of the watch and to round things off, the strap is made of high-quality black alligator leather.
For the business maverick looking for a watch that catches the eye and conveys a sense of, well, maverickyness, you can't go wrong with an FP Journe and, in particular, the Vagabondage II (below). It's a peculiar name, sure, but the design is even more so. Limited to 69 pieces in platinum and 68 pieces in 18-carat rose gold, the Vagabondage II is more an eccentric accessory than time-telling device. The manually wound Vagabondage II has a small second hand at the six o'clock position and the power reserve indicator at the 12 o'clock position. The complex movement can be seen through the partially transparent face, yet, despite all the intricacy and daring design, perhaps the best thing about this watch is that it has a digital display. The FP Journe Vagabondage II costs HK$370,000 for the rose-gold version and HK$386,000 for the platinum version.
