Sometimes it’s about the wearable watch – something versatile that looks equally good in the office or off duty. Sometimes it’s about the affordable watch – something that doesn’t feel like a punch to the wallet and pays just enough attention to form and function to avoid embarrassment. Other times, it’s not about either one of those things. It’s just about style. Timepieces from these watch brands will set you back a pretty penny, but it’s worth it if what you want is to turn heads and set tongues wagging.
HYT
Picture a supercar. Now turn than Ferrari/Lamborghini/Bugatti/whatever into a watch. That’s HYT. You’re already aware that timepieces are miniature feats of engineering, but HYT is taking it to another level by producing watches powered by liquid. They call it “hydro-mechanical” watchmaking, and so far have created 3 watches using their innovative hybrid technology. HYT is no slouch in the design department either. A bold, futuristic aesthetic runs consistently throughout the collection to complement the cutting edge tech.
MB&F
Maximilian Büsser worked his way through the horological ranks before striking out on his own to form MB&F. With free rein to go as far as his creativity can take him, Büsser pushes the limits of watchmaking aided by some of the biggest talent in the biz. MB&F calls their timepieces “horological machines” rather than “watches” because, although they do tell time, timekeeping takes a backseat to art and engineering. As collector’s pieces, these instruments are unparalleled.
De Bethune
In 2002, when David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet teamed up to found De Bethune, nothing was off limits. Extreme chronometric craftsmanship was the goal, and the company meets and exceeds it with each new release. De Bethune is above all a research and development lab that marries state-of-the-art technologies with exceptional artistry. They even called one release “an authentic wrist sculpture,” which ceases to seem like hyperbole the second you take a stroll through their back catalogue.
Roger Dubuis
After 14 years of developing complications for Patek Philippe, Roger Dubuis founded his own atelier. He was joined by Carlos Dias, a designer for Franck Muller, and together they are responsible for some of the most visually stunning watches around. Aside from their good looks, RD’s timepieces carry the Poinçon de Genève, the quality seal of the Watchmaking School of Geneva, and have received chronometer certificates. Be warned: all that comes at a high price. Some watches from Roger Dubuis clock in at over USD $1 million!
Jacob & Co
A marriage of artistry and technology, timepieces from Jacob & Co. are marvels of mechanical Swiss engineering and expressions of an avant-garde vision of horology. The hallmark of Jacob Arbo’s watches is their use of rare set stones, which leave absolutely no doubt that you’re dealing with a luxury brand. Jacob & Co. deftly strikes a balance between jewellery, watchmaking and technological innovation to deliver boundary-challenging timepieces.
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