The best of the rest

TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer has revisited one of its most iconic collections, the Carrera, to present a new generation of the watch. Four models - the Day Date 41 mm, Twin-Time 41 mm, Date 39 mm and Date 29 mm - have been reimagined over a total of 13 pieces.

All retain their motor racing heritage and timeless sportiness since the collection's debut more than 60 years ago, but the emphasis is still on legibility.

Legend has it that this obsession can be traced back to 1958 when brand founder Jack Heuer dropped from first to third in a race because he was unable to read his car's dashboard timer correctly. So when the Carrera was finally launched in 1963, the most obvious thing was its clear and minimal design which made reading the time easy.

To that end, the new generation of watches all boast bolder hands, so one glance is all you'll need to tell the time.

Price: From S$3,250

Audemars Piguet

WHEN it comes to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, it's go big or go home.

The sporty chronograph collection isn't for everybody because it wears chunky on the wrist. Over the years, the case size has gone up to as big as 44 mm but the latest models make a return to back to the 1993's original 42 mm. This is even smaller than the previous generation which measured 43 mm so that might be good news for those with slightly smaller wrists.

The most eye-catching new models come in blue and green dials with new-look textured rubber straps in corresponding colours. All come with a quick-change strap system and are fitted with the latest flyback chronograph Calibre 4404.

Price: From S$48,300

Patek Philippe

THE Patek Philippe 5711 Nautilus is one of the world's most sought-after watches and when the brand introduced a new version in green dial (Ref 5711/1A-014) in April this year, watch collectors on the Internet went into a meltdown.

The model has come in different coloured dials like blue, silver and brown-black over the years, but this is the first time green is being used.

Demand went through the roof and it didn't take long for prices to soar on the secondary market.

In July, a brand new watch in its original sealed packaging was auctioned off at Antiquorum's Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces for US$376,000 - about 11 times its original US$34,893 retail price.

Don't worry if you can't get your hand on that stainless steel base model because you can still try your luck with other Nautilus novelties from this year including a flyback chronograph, perpetual calendar and two-time zone.

Panerai

THE Submersible Blu Notte (PAM1068) is Panerai's first Submersible 42 mm watch with a metal bracelet.

Look closer and you will also notice the design of the links is inspired by the 162-year-old Italian brand's signature crown guard.

A combination of polished and brushed finish give the bracelet an elegant look and the PAM1068 also comes with an additional black strap in Sportech with contrasting blue stitching and Velcro closure.

The watch is water-resistant to 30 bar (about 300 metres) and is powered by a self-winding movement that has up to 3 days power reserve.

Price: S$15,500

Vacheron Constantin

VACHERON Constantin Historiques American 1921, like its name implies, is an interpretation of a 1921 model that was designed for the American market.

The era, known as the Roaring Twenties, was a time when culture makers were challenging conventions with bold artistic ambitions.

Hence the watch boasts an unusual look with the crown placed higher than usual between 1 and 2 o'clock and the dial slanted to the right so one can actually read the time without turning the wrist.

The case itself is equally avant garde and is cushion shaped instead of being round.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Historiques American 1921, 3 versions have been released - a 40-mm white gold case; a 36.5 mm white-gold case; and a 40 mm platinum case.

And in keeping with its vintage vibe, the watches are powered by a manual-winding movement with about 3 days of power reserve.

Price: From S$43,600