Time in technicolour
Once limited to classic shades, modern luxury watch dials are now awash with vibrant hues that add a splash of personality to the wrist
Grand Seiko SBGJ285
Grand Seiko celebrates its second anniversary in the Asia-Pacific with a new limited-edition, the SBGJ285.
This exquisite timepiece puts a modern twist on the iconic 44GS design – first introduced in 1967 – and features a stunning dial inspired by the wisteria flower, known as “Fuji” in Japan.
The delicate purple Fuji-iro symbolises nobility and elegance, mirroring the graceful sway of wisteria blossoms. This soft and traditional hue evokes fleeting beauty and profound elegance – both hallmarks of Japanese artistry.
Crafted from Ever-Brilliant Steel, this watch is enhanced also by Grand Seiko’s renowned Zaratsu polishing technique and the mirror-like surfaces elevate the minimalist design.
Powering the watch is the Hi-Beat 36000 GMT Calibre 9S86 to ensure not only precision and versatility, but also offering dual-time-zone tracking for the modern traveller. Available exclusively from the Grand Seiko boutique at Marina Bay Sands and authorised dealers.
IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40
IWC Schaffhausen has expanded its Ingenieur Automatic 40 collection with a fourth colour. Previously available in black, silver and aqua, the watch now also comes in a new blue dial.
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Rooted in history, the Ingenieur debuted in 1955 as IWC’s first antimagnetic wristwatch. Gerald Genta’s redesign in the 1970s reimagined it as a bold, stainless steel sports watch with integrated bracelet, and the iconic Ingenieur SL Reference 1832 was born.
The Automatic 40 revives Genta’s classic design codes with a signature bezel featuring five functional screws for an industrial look, a distinctive grid dial, and a contemporary ergonomic upgrade via a meticulously crafted integrated H-link bracelet that is designed for optimal wearability.
The standout blue dial showcases a unique grid pattern stamped into soft iron and treated with PVD coating for durability. Rhodium-plated baton hands and luminous markers ensure legibility in various lighting conditions.
Powering this timepiece is the IWC-manufactured calibre 32111, an automatic movement that offers an impressive 120-hour power reserve.
This blend of heritage and modern technology positions the Ingenieur Automatic 40 as a quintessential luxury sports watch. By combining innovation and functionality, the watch is a reborn modern classic.
Zenith Defy Extreme Jungle
Zenith unveils the Defy Extreme Jungle, the final instalment in its series of ultra-precise 1/100th-of-a-second chronographs, inspired by nature’s fiercest landscapes. Limited to just 50 pieces, this bold creation follows the Desert and Glacier editions, drawing inspiration from the untamed allure of the jungle.
Crafted from brushed titanium, the 45-mm case features a striking dodecagonal bezel and pusher protectors made from Tiger’s Eye, a unique quartz stone known for its eye-catching golden-brown hues. The watch is engineered for durability with a water resistance of up to 20 atmospheres (ATM).
Beneath the green-tinted sapphire dial lies the El Primero 9004 calibre, the world’s fastest automatic chronograph, capable of measuring time to 1/100th of a second. Partially visible through the dial and fully exposed via the exhibition case back, this high-frequency chronograph is known for its unparalleled precision, thanks to two mechanisms operating independently for timekeeping and chronograph functions.
Even the movement’s finishing reflects the jungle theme with a khaki green mainplate, and the Defy Extreme Jungle comes with three interchangeable straps – titanium bracelet, green rubber and black velcro – for versatility.
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