Stunning watches for those yet to go 'smart'
Abid Rahman
So the world is still spinning on its axis, night still follows day and cats have not become our malevolent overlords. The launch of the Apple Watch was big but it wasn't a particularly world-changing event. Not that that will stop it selling by the bucket load. Now that I've had a look at one, I'm sticking to what I said previously: the first generation is a bit meh, but the third or fourth will be a stone cold game changer; better battery life, better features and probably a flux capacitor. OK, maybe not the last one.
In the meantime, if you've got a few thousand dollars burning a hole in your pocket, these three nicely priced pearlers should hold you over until you get "smart".
First up we have the Eterna Adventic GMT (above) - an absolute steal at HK$33,000. Eterna is a smallish Swiss brand that I rarely, if ever, mention in this column, but that's not a reflection on its output, rather its low-key approach to marketing; that is, it doesn't sponsor events no one cares about (like show jumping) or Hong Kong actors who whore themselves out to a million brands (take your pick, really). The Adventic GMT is nonetheless a nifty watch for its price, what with its Eterna calibre 3914A movement and dual-time zone feature. The design, however, is the real standout, with the brown ostrich leather strap lending a rugged, can-do appearance and the simple anthracite dial design giving it an element of sportiness. The 42mm case is steel and features have been kept to a minimum, with the GMT alluded to in the name, a date window at the three o'clock position and small seconds at the nine o'clock position.
Next we have the Certina DS-8 Chronograph Moon Phase (above). Certina is another small-to-middling brand I don't often mention, but with it being backed by the deep, deep pockets of the Swatch Group, it can't really play the underdog card, yet its watches are pretty hit and miss. One definite hit is the DS-8, which is a snip at HK$6,000 and up. The watch features a fancy-schmancy moon-phase indication as well as a chronograph. OK, the move-ment is an ETA quartz but that along with the steel case has kept the price down. Speaking of the case, it's sized at a lovely 41mm, meaning it's not a beast on the wrist. The design, as with the Eterna, is a huge plus, with the classical three subcounter configuration, the sporty push buttons for the chronograph and the satin-brushed anthracite dial. Other versions of this watch come with either a black or silver-toned dial, but the anthracite and brown leather strap combo work best.
Finally, we have another chronograph, the Alpina Alpiner 4 Flyback Chronograph (above). The name is a little confusing, sure, but with a price tag of about HK$37,000 (depending on strap, etc), this is a great timepiece. The AL-760 flyback chronograph movement took a lot of time and money to develop for a small brand like Alpina, so is worthy of praise. But it's also pretty handy. Features include a date sub-dial at the six o'clock position, a 30-minute sub-dial at the three o'clock position and small seconds at the nine o'clock position. Lastly, the 45mm sporty case is steel.
