The year has come to a close once again and it’s time for us to give you the rundown of our favourite watches of 2017. It has been such an incredible year for the watch industry with so many brands proving once again that there is no limit to watch making. From Raymond Weil producing their very first in-house calibre to luxury giants TAG Heuer completely taking over the concept of a smartwatch, it is almost impossible to narrow down our favourites. Below are just a handful of the watches that have truly impressed us on both an aesthetic and technical level.
Bremont Norton V4-RR Limited Edition: Norton V4/RR
Starting things off with a bang is the Bremont Norton V4-RR. Released at the beginning of 2017, this striking automatic chronometer chronograph had us in awe with its special edition design commemorating the Norton V4RR motorbike. The silver Norton inspired dial is beautiful and is complimented by unique styled Superluminova markers and gold accents. As a limited edition of 200 pieces, the Bremont Norton is a truly unique and unforgettable instrument.
Nomos Glashutte Ahoi Neomatik Signalrot: 563
A colourful welcome from the Nomos Glashutte Ahoi Neomatik Signalrot watch. This bright and bold timepiece immediately demands attention with its impressive red dial and sleek stainless steel case, but it is what is inside the watch that really impresses us. The ultra thin and highly accurate DUW 3001 automatic movement makes use of the famous Nomos swing system and proves that German watch manufacturing is only getting better.
Glycine Airman Airfighter Double Twelve: GL0053
It’s impossible not to have your breath taken away by the luxurious Glycine Airman Airfighter Double Twelve watch and its magnificent skeletonised dial. The busy assembly of the GL250 Swiss automatic movement is a true work of art and its pairing with the sophisticated blue coloured dial is more than perfect. We also love the addition of a second time zone displayed on the bidirectional turning bezel and the large date feature at 3 o clock.
Sinn 3006 Hunting Watch: 3006.010
Boasting one of the very first moon phase displays used in a Sinn watch, the 3006 Hunting watch has a stunning luminous moon symbol at 6 o clock which glows beautifully in the dark in order to assist hunters on their chase. Not only that but the watch is equipped with a 24 hour display, centre mounted date hand and chronograph function, equipping this 44mm stainless steel instrument with everything you could ever possibly need.
Baume et Mercier Clifton Club Burt Munro Limited Edition: M0A10404
The Swiss watch manufacturer are no strangers to their automobile inspired timepieces and the Baume et Mercier Clifton Club Burt Munro Limited Edition watch seems to have included all the Burt Munro tropes they could into the design. We absolutely adore the story behind this watch and this model does the perfect job of honouring the famous record breaking motorcyclist.
Oris Chronoris Date Watch: 01 733 7737 4053-07 8 19 01
It was almost impossible to pick just one favourite from the collection of Oris watches released this year, but lo and behold we finally decided on the Oris Chronoris Date watch. What did it for us was the unmissable retro aesthetic taken directly from 1970s. The streamline case, bold orange accents and multi toned dial brings to life a watch that not only shows off the rich heritage of the brand but also provides an unbeatable technical prowess.
Raymond Weil Bowie Limited Edition: 2731-STC-BOW01
The amount of detail that has gone into the Raymond Weil Bowie Limited Edition watch is exactly why it’s in our 2017 favourites. To celebrate the 70th birthday of the late popstar, the Swiss watch manufacturer released this stunning timepiece with an array of David Bowie themed details including a vinyl record dial, lightning bolt detailing, the famous pop art logo and a stunning portrait of the singer on the case back.
Bell and Ross Vintage BR V2-94 Bellytanker: BRV294-BT-ST/SST
Another automobile inspired timepiece, the Bell and Ross Vintage BR V2-94 Bellytanker watch takes its notion from a slimline silver race car that was built from a fuel tank of a fighter plane. With a consistent need to be the very best, Bell and Ross have done it again with this release creating a timepiece just as powerful as the machine it is based on. We particularly love the gilt metallic cooper dial and black minute track which gives an almost rustic and vintage finish.
Grand Seiko Hi Beat 3600 GMT: SBGJ219
Forever dominating, the Grand Seiko Hi Beata 3600 GMT watch has got to be one of our all-time favourite watches of 2017. Not only are we a sucker for Grand Seiko watches but if it is a Hi Beat as well then we are sold. This exquisite stainless steel dress watch incorporates the calibre 9S86 with an exquisite accuracy of -5 to +3 seconds a day with the 55 hour power reserve of the calibre 9S85 while still managing to equip a GMT function.
Dietrich Perception Watch: Perception Silver
It wouldn’t be a true Horologii run-down if there wasn’t a watch here that was a little bit weird and wonderful. The Dietrich Perception watch has been developed from the brand’s OT collection where they have taken the unusual textures and futuristic aesthetic of this design and paired it with their brand new in-house movement and an array of useful functions. Whatever you do, do not hide this masterpiece under your sleeve.
Breitling Navitimer Rattrapante Red Gold Limited Edition: RB031121/Q619/756P
There must always be a Breitling on our list and this Breitling Navitimer Rattrapante Red Gold Limited Edition watch is by far one of our favourites of 2017. Limited to only 250 pieces, this solid rose gold timepiece takes on the popular and iconic Navitimer design while also boasting the impressive B03 calibre COSC certified movement with a split second chronograph function. The luxurious brown alligator leather strap also pairs beautifully with the gold case making for a truly expensive and sophisticated look.
Longines Master Collection Mens Watch: L2.793.4.71.3
Possibly a somewhat controversial favourite of ours as it won’t be to everyone’s taste, but there is something about this particular Longines Master Collection Mens watch that we just adore. Whether it is the combination of the painted Roman numerals and sunray grey dial or the sleek 40mm stainless steel case, we love the look of this timepiece. And yet, not only does it look amazing but the impressive L619 self winding movement can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back.
TAG Heuer Connected Smartwatch: SBF8A8001.11FT6076
TAG Heuer have quite simply taken over the smartwatch industry this year with their TAG Heuer Connected Smartwatch and its highly customisable design. Not only can you change the strap and buckle but there are thousands of different dial and bezel combinations to choose from. It is considered by many as the first genuine smartwatch to come from a Swiss watch brand and since the technology is still made in TAG Heuer’s workshops in La Chaux de Fonds, it still proudly displays it’s Swiss Made label on the dial.
