I have a confession. I have child-like wrists. There, I've said it. It is my cross to bear, the albatross around my neck, my Achilles heel. Or should that be Achilles wrist? This affliction has prevented my enjoyment and, to a large extent, participation in all racquet sports. Basketball has proved a hoop too far and the less said about my golf swing the better. I throw like a girl and handstands are something I can only dream of.
Yet, the biggest downside of having tiny wrists is not being able to convincingly wear oversized wristwatches. A watch is generally considered to be oversized if the case dimensions creep over 40mm. My inability to sport them pains me considerably, especially when one considers the recently released XL gems such as the Harry Winston Midnight Big Date (above). Retailing for an equally large HK$264,600, this is a big watch, with conversely classical and minimal design sensibilities. However, size seems to be the leitmotif of this watch. The 42mm casing features an off-centre dial to accommodate the oversized date display at the six o'clock position. Of course, a Harry Winston watch isn't complete without a signature jewel or two and the Midnight Big Date features a brilliant-cut diamond just above the date window. Available in either rose or white gold, with an alligator leather strap, the Midnight Big Date seems to revel in excess with a massive 72-hour power reserve and water resistance to an impressive 30 metres.
Tag Heuer has a reputation for making large and desirable watches, which was underlined by the slew of timepieces it released at Baselworld this year. The pick of the big beasts is the Tag Heuer Carrera Heritage Calibre 16 Chronograph (below). The Carrera brand is indelibly linked with motor racing and was established in the 1960s, in what became known as the golden age of racing. The Carrera Heritage Calibre 16 is a tribute to that bygone age with its vintage styling and overtly sporty look and features. The casing measures 41mm and the face features three sub-counters at the six, nine and 12 o'clock positions as well as a date func- tion. The numerals and hands are a gorgeous deep blue that plays well with the polished stainless-steel casing and bracelet. Prices for the Tag Heuer Carrera Heritage range start at HK$25,000, with the stainless-steel Calibre 16 Chronograph retailing for HK$40,000.
There are big watches and then there are huge watches and the Panerai Radiomir 10 Days GMT (right) is securely in the latter category. With the cushion-shaped stainless-steel case measuring 47mm, the Panerai Radiomir 10 Days GMT is not for girly men. With its design inspiration coming from the brand's military watches, the Radiomir 10 Days GMT features two time zones, a date feature and a ludicrous 10-day power reserve with a handy power reserve indicator at the six o'clock position. To add to that, the watch is water resistant to a completely unnecessary but totally impressive 100 metres. Despite its size, the Radiomir 10 Days GMT is designed to fit the wrist perfectly and the relatively simplistic design makes the watch appear smaller than it actually is. The movement, built inhouse by Panerai, is visible through the transparent back plate. Limited to 500 numbered pieces, prices for the Panerai Radiomir 10 Days GMT start at HK$200,000.
