Felix Scholz
If you've been paying attention to my recent spate of best-of/top lists (and if you haven't, what's wrong with you?!), you'll know that I have a sense of style and taste that is dazzling in its brilliance, mercurial in its consistency, and as sophisticated as white tie at a garden party. I've recently sung my praises for gem-set wonders, hi-tech wrist gadgets that stretch the conceptual definition of watch', and occasionally a smaller, vintage-inspired piece.So, going into SIHH 2018, knowing that I'd have to come up with a smart, snappy and sassy top 5' a few days later, I was filled with wonder and anticipation. Would I be drawn to outstanding statement pieces (the thinnest, the expensivest, the eroticest) or would I rein myself in and keep it real? Nobody knew, least of all myself … until now. So, without any further superlative (or is that superfluous?) waffle here's my SIHH top 5.Cartier Santos de CartierA smart reworking of an icon that manages to be depending on which option you opt for either totally OTT (that'd be the full yellow gold) or perfect for everyday office (steel on leather, obvs). But it's the user-friendly upgrades, like the tool-free strap changing and movement upgrade, that really make this a winner.Ulysse Nardin Classico EnamelNo bells. No whistles. Just a deep, deep black dial on an oh-so-fine dress watch. What more do you need?Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Automatic Acciaio – 42mmFor me, the surprise of SIHH was Panerai's Due-heavy collection. Smaller sizes and more colours mean that there's now a Panerai for more wrists than ever before. This ivory-dialled 42mm Due was a particular favourite, especially on the blue saffiano strap (though if I had my heart's desire I'd like the strap a fraction thicker on the wrist).Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Monopusher LEI'm very much Team Montblanc in 2018. I think the direction they're taking with the 1858 is smart, in both style and business senses. And while it's very much a something for everyone' sort of line-up, it's hard to look past the splendid mechanics of their Minerva movement Monopusher.Audemars Piguet Royal Oak RD#2And finally, what better watch to end on than this super-slim heavyweight. This concept watch comes in at a mere 6.30mm thick (and the movement itself is 2.89mm) which is incredible for a full-on, automatic perpetual calendar. What makes this watch even more of a showstopper is the amount of platinum weight in such a wafer-thin case.So there you have it, my 5 favourites from SIHH 2018. Tell us what you liked from SIHH over at YouTube.
26.01.18