Daily watches are must-have accessories that ease our routine. It’s impossible to leave the house without a casual and comfortable timepiece on the wrist. Otherwise, the feeling of incompleteness accompanies us throughout the day. But, these are not the only timepieces that should “live” in our collection, as there should always be a dress timepiece for the ”just in case” scenarios.
Whenever the winter-heavy days are left behind, humbly inviting the reviving spring atmosphere, we reconsider our wardrobe. We prepare our oxfords and revise the tie collection to see what matches and what does not. Of course, ties, suits, and oxfords are just a part of the entire epics, as the timepieces are the final touch. And since we want our look to be sophisticated, we must pick up those accessories that could grab the attention of any seasoned watch collector. But which are they? What spring racing timepieces are just perfect to complete the look with sophistication and one taste?
With these questions in mind, let me introduce you to a couple of watches that stand out from the pack, elevating your outfit to the most sophisticated levels.
IWC Portugieser Automatic 40
Through the release of the Portugieser line-up, the brand achieved two major objectives: it revived the interest in classically proportioned formal timepieces and re-confirmed its artistry in the eyes of worldwide watch enthusiasts. The line first appeared in 2020 presenting a crafted beauty of watches made with the help of various experts from different fields, including astronomists and mathematicians. The Portugieser Automatic comes in a gorgeous 40 mm case. For this line, the brand selected stainless steel material. The applied hour markers and polished hands look gorgeous on the sunburst blue dial.
The genuine model runs on an in-house 82200 calibre. The beauty of this calibre consists of a construction of about 192 details. In addition, the timepiece resists for up to 60 hours. With this collection, IWC has shown its great talent in designing not only pilots but also dress watches.
The price of the genuine Portugieser can seem high for some watch lovers. But, considering the design finesse and the technical construction it has, I think that the $11,100 price is completely justified. Either way, not any watch enthusiast is ready to pay that price, especially if he intends to create a big watch collection. In such circumstances, replica versions are a logical and reasonable alternative, as their prices are around $500-$900 (depending on the quality grade).
Santos de Cartier
This French designer, Cartier, knows like no other how to mix classic style with sophistication. Its design language always showcases the beauty of the gorgeous Roman numerals combined with unconventional shapes. Of all the Santos de Cartier timepieces, I would recommend the white dial version, as I find it the most expressive. In terms of dimensions, it is less generous than the other models suggested in this article.
However, its shape is pretty common for formal watches, featuring a 39.8 mm case. Similar to the Portugieser, the Santos de Cartier comes in a stainless steel version, being perfect for a style combining formality and versatility. More than that, the shiny finish of the 904l stainless steel gives the watch enough elegance and sophistication to couple harmoniously with any highly formal outfit.
Technically, the timepiece includes a date display apart from the basic time-indicating feature. The construction of the way h makes it easy to interchange straps. Therefore, due to the “QuickSwitch” system, you can play with the metal bracelet and the leather strap to your liking, according to the environment surrounding you.
In terms of price, it’s identical to the Portugieser model-$11,100. In case a replica version would comfort you better, Santos de Cartier imitations are much more affordable.
Piaget Polo Date
Another great example that blends sports and chic most harmoniously is the Polo Date timepiece, designed by Piaget. If you look back at the history of the Polo collection since 1979, you will discover its many shades. Either way, this line is currently associated with great integrity, highly comfortable wearability due to dimensions, and a great technical profile.
Being more generous than the previously-mentioned models, the Piaget Polo comes with a solid 42mm case. Aesthetically, the timepiece has a pretty compelling and delicate design: the flat surfaces of the case and the dial texture feature the same horizontal brushing, whereas the case facets express the beauty of a highly-polished finish.
The mechanism lying on the basis of this watch is an in-house self-winding mechanical 1110P movement. This provides a 50-hour power reserve capacity. As for the price, it’s a bit more expensive in comparison to the above-mentioned options, being available at about $20,000. Imitations begin at $150 price, but I would recommend considering those above $250. The latter has a better quality profile in both technical and aesthetic aspects.
Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Classic Monophase Small Seconds
If describing this timepiece in a single word, it would probably be “phenomenal”. It indeed is, from all the perspectives you look at it. To begin with, it comes with a gripping history. As it turned out, the brand initially designed this line for British polo players. These needed a timepiece that would resist the errant polo mallet. The Reverso Classic collection not only met all the requirements of the exquisite sport but also raised the interest of all watch enthusiasts around the world. Rectangular shape, Art Deco design, calfskin leather strap- the Reverso collection became an icon in the horological industry.
This beauty costs about $12,600. Those who are lucky to have this masterpiece in their watch collection can be sure that they own a true timeless treasure.
Patek Philippe Calatrava 6119R
If Jaeger LeCoultre has any competitor, it can only be Patek Philippe. Personally, I think that no other watchmaking house is as iconic as Patek Philippe. And I know that Audemars Piguet and Constantin Vacheron are by no means inferior. However, I resonate with Patek’s design approach most of all. The Calatrava collection is a premium level of watchmaking craftsmanship. This line shows how excellent and refined Minimalism can be. The more you look at it, the more quintessential the watch becomes for you.
Technically, the watch comes in a pretty slender shape, featuring a 39mm case. The bezel comes with an expressive guilloche hobnail pattern. True watch connoisseurs describe this pattern as Close de Paris. In addition, the watch comes with a silvered matte dial which boosts the visual beauty and expressiveness of the rose gold hands and hour markers.
This manually-wound beauty runs on a caliber 30-255 PS, providing 66 hours of power resistance. The price of this artistic timepiece is no more and no less than $43,500. Do you find it pricey? I don’t. As for the replica versions, prices differ between $350 and $1000. In my humble opinion, I would recommend considering expensive imitations.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s just that I didn’t find any single cheap imitation that would have at least half the beauty that the genuine one has. High-quality imitations look and work great, that’s why these are more expensive. And when it’s about Patek Philippe, it’s always about premium standards. So, imitations should also be premium, so that you can enjoy the full potential of this timepiece.
Grand Seiko SBGY013
While the watch community knows Grand Seiko as a sports watch brand, few enthusiasts know that its first watch was, in fact, a dress model. So, there is no doubt that this factory is a high-level professional in designing both formal and practical watches. To prove this statement, just take a look at the SBGY013 model.
This timepiece comes in a slender and discreet 38,5 mm case. The manufacturer opted for a satin-brushed stainless steel case, coupling perfectly with the intricate finely linked bracelet. On the whole, the watch has two main beauties to expose: the alluring dial with its snow-like texture at the exterior and the reliable in-house 9R31 spring drive movement in the interior.
Considering the great job that Grand Seiko performed with this model, I find its price pretty reasonable. The watch is available at $13,400 for the authentic version and ranges between $500-$650 for a reliable replica version.
Rolex Day Date 40 ref. 228238-0061
The Rolex couldn’t be missing from this list as this brand is always a great choice when it comes to formal watches. Not in vain that US presidents as well as anyone who wants to make a statement opt for the Day-Date collection. The Day-date has always been symbolizing success and wealth. Few watches can convey the specific “achievement” charisma that the Day-Date conveys.
Every single detail of this model is compelling whenever you look at it separately, or in an ensemble. The watch showcases the beauty of the sophisticated fluted bezel pairing harmoniously with faceted Roman numerals. The dial and all its components flirt with the light like no other watch. The green font expresses a powerful sense of vividness.
Apart from the outer sophisticated design, the inner system runs on a powerful calibre 3255, in-house made, obviously. With a sustainable 70[hour power reserve, the watch is available at about $52,000. In contrast, replica manufacturers offer it at prices starting with about $200. However, as in the Patek Philippe case, I would recommend having a high-quality Rolex imitation. This would cost a bit more, but instead, you can get a reliable replica to serve many years to come.
Laurent Ferrier Classic Micro-Rotor Autumn
I deliberately placed this model at the end of the article, as I truly think it’s an underestimated timepiece. I find it gorgeous and I don’t know why it is so scarcely mentioned in watch articles and blogs.
Laurent Ferrier is, in general, one of the finest watchmakers in the world. Its main descriptive words are tradition, classics, and craftsmanship. Therefore, the Classic Micro-Rotor Autumn is an iconic timepiece, expressing the whole nature and spirit of Laurent Ferrier.
All seems usual: stainless steel case, 40 mm diameter, mechanical movement. But, what makes this timepiece stand out is the gold-toned dial and seconds subdial. At first, these seem traditional; but if you pay attention, you will see the minimalist beauty it expresses through the slender hour markers and gorgeous hands. The dial couples perfectly with the leather bracelet, as these both have the same color font.
Not to mention that the technical profile of this watch is more than performant: a natural escapement caliber (FBN 229.01), gold micro-rotor, and 72 hours of power reserve.
The price for this beauty is pretty spicy; it costs about 49,000$. But, there isn’t such a thing as high prices for those who embrace Haute Horlogerie.
Final words
All these timepieces are to elevate the exquisite taste and style of all those who want to make a statement. Yes, not all of them are for daily wear and tear. They aren’t designed for that. These are for the moments in your life when you want and need to feel confident, wealthy, and accomplished. Whenever you decide to add a replica watch from the list, visit the AAAReplica online store to find great imitations with a high-quality profile and pleasant prices. After all, a replica watch is always a good way to start, until you become “strong” enough to get yourself a genuine version.