WATCHES WITH ELEGANCE, SIMPLICITY AND HISTORY
IWC PORTUGUESE YACHT CLUB CHRONOGRAPH
Perhaps now more than ever, clarity, simplicity and elegance are virtues in the world of watches. The chunky, look-at-me styles of the recent past have lost out to a cleaner, more sober aesthetic. Which is where IWC Schafhfausen comes in – if tastes have shifted, they’ve shifted to ground IWC naturally calls its own. That’s particularly true of its nautically-themed Portuguese line, re-launched this year, and to which it’s added a sporting piece for the first time. The Yacht Club is as streamlined and graceful a sports watch as you’ll find, with a chronograph (stopwatch) feature, luminescent indices and hands and black rubber strap. With white or black dials, it’ll be available in the autumn.
£7,950 www.iwc.com
CHRISTOPHER WARD C5 BATTLE OF BRITAIN
English watch maestro Christopher Ward has made bespoke watches for six different RAF squadrons in the past year after members of the air force found a liking for his work. He’s now created this watch honouring the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Just 1,940 pieces will be made, a percentage of profits will going to the RAF Benevolent Fund. It’s inspired by WWII pilots’ watches, with the RAF crest on the dial and hands resembling Spitfire propeller blades. While affordable, it’s a quality item – the Swiss movement powering it is also used in prestige watches by the likes of Rolex, TAG-Heuer and Cartier. £299, www.christopherward.com