Fine Living Top 10: Luxury Watches

It’s been said that the only acceptable jewelry for contemporary businessmen is the watch. They equate cuff links with the old guard, and bracelets are just a little too close to neck chains. And unless you’re trying to sell rugs, anything gold and dangly is not appropriate accessorizing. Opinions may vary, but we can likely all agree on the value of a timepiece. 

Here are 10 of my favorites that blend elegance with relative accessibility. These are current luxury models from prestigious watchmakers with enduring style; none overly contemporary, none excessively conservative. These aren’t quite mass produced in sheer numbers to rival Swatch or Timex, but they’re not the most expensive on the market. They’re not necessarily the best known among casual watch enthusiasts, either. For instance, not a single Rolex made our list. They’re fine timepieces, without question, but with only room for 10 examples, some assumed natural picks didn’t make the cut. Read on to learn which models did…

Number 10

TAG Heuer Kirium F1

$3,000

TAG Heuer loves sailing, racing or most any active pursuit of the good life. After all, this is the watchmaker who honored Steve McQueen’s 75th birthday and their Le Mans film and race connections with the release of their Monaco Vintage timepiece. Still a trackside and driver favorite today, TAG Heuer hasn’t missed a beat. At first glance, their Kirium F1 appears to be overly simplified -- attractive, of course, but simple. In reality, it offers seven functions; both analog and digital time displays, 1/100th of a second chronograph, countdown, daily and diary alarm, perpetual calendar, second time zone, and dial backlighting. It also features an anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal surrounded by a stainless-steel case with a black rubber strap. Just in case you unexpectedly find yourself in the drink, no worries -- at least for the Kirium F1’s well-being: It’s water resistant down to 200 meters.   

Number 9

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique Grande Automatique

$8,200

Although a number of respected watch makers do not appear in our review, we would be remiss to exclude Jaeger-LeCoultre. The firm has a history of blending innovation and style. The Reverso Grand Automatique is an excellent example. For those who are unfamiliar, the Reverso designation is just that: The stainless-steel case has the ability to be swiveled or reversed. The automatic movement features hour, minute, second, date, day/night indicator, and second time-zone -- the latter, a thoughtful inclusion of a smaller hour hand. And just what function does the 30-meter water resistant Reverso perform, other than a neat trick to show off? We can think of two primary functions, as a matter of fact. First, the crystal can be protected from damage (essentially a nod to times when watches were more fragile). Second -- and perhaps even more important -- there are times when you don’t need to know the time to conduct yourself.

Number 8

Bulgari Ergon

$15,000

Like the aforementioned TAG Heuer, the Bulgari Ergon is another example of style doing the talking in the absence of a six-figure price. In this instance, curved form follows function and even lends itself to the name: ergo, Ergon. As the basic models in the line feature a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, crocodile band and no-nonsense stainless-steel case (water-resistant to 30 meters), their sporting elegance defy gaudiness and befuddling functions most wearers grudgingly admit they never use -- at least, with much success. Rather, only the very basic functions of hour, minute, second, and date are represented here. Still, rarely is such an uncomplicated timepiece so envied and admired. One could almost include “cool confidence” as a function.

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