Watches are getting smaller, with unnecessary additions being cut back. In all
segments of the watch market, super-size watch faces are today considered
over-the-top and too ostentatious.
Watches are getting smaller, with unnecessary additions being cut back. In all
segments of the watch market, super-size watch faces are today considered
over-the-top and too ostentatious.
O
TT is going out of style. Large-diameter
watches are still around, but they are mostly Chinese fashion watches that
end up being sold off on the secondary markets.
Yet, while the reign of the oversized watch is in decline, it still has its fans amongst casual and professional adventurers.
Yet, while the reign of the oversized watch is in decline, it still has its fans amongst casual and professional adventurers.
They need robust watches ready for all eventualities, watches
that are genuine pieces of equipment. Some might say they don’t make them
like they used to. Others would say, they haven’t made them like that yet.
Many new watch models have the bulky parts of their mechanics inside the
movement, which is usually on full display, but Tough watches have retained
substantial middles. And makers aren’t afraid to add more accessories, if required.
It’s true that the world of adventuring, with is rugged conditions, hostile terrain,
freezing cold and burning hot temperatures, has challenged watchmakers to create
innovative pieces. Watches have become more robust, reliable and resistant,
with innovative materials and functions, creating some truly outlandish results.
RICHARD MILLE RM 25-01 TOURBILLON ADVENTURE SYLVESTER STALLONE
This model features a compass with a mirror, a level, a bi-directional
’day’ bezel to get your bearings, a hermetically-sealed
cache of water purification tablets, torque indicator, function indicator,
power reserve indicator, tourbillon, competition chronograph
movement, 24-hour time display and minute display, all
in a 50.85mm x 23.65mm diameter case made from carbon TPT
and titanium, water-resistant up to 100m. What more could you
need?! The watch was developed with Sylvester Stallone and
could be yours for a cool 983,000$.
“My equipment is a matter of life and death, and this watch is
an essential part of that. For me, it’s a practical tool. I can use it
as a compass when the sun is out, a calendar whenever I want
and a light when I go diving,” says ice diver and adventurer
Alban Michon. Inspired by ZRC’s Grands Fonds model launched
at the start of the sixties, this special version was designed in
collaboration with the explorer. It’s modest in size, at 40.5mm,
but has oversized hands and a large Superluminova regulator.
The famous crown at 6 o’clock still appears in this model,
and the ETA 2824 movement has been reworked to ensure that
it’s still reliable at negative temperatures. The watch also has
a uni-directional notched bezel, a reverse winding mechanism
and an automatically adjustable “diver” strap. The watch is reviving
the great tradition of tool watches. It’s also totally affordable
at CHF 2,790.
VICTORINOX I.N.O.X. CARBON LIMITED EDITION
The Carbon Limited Edition has a 43-mm matte carbon case
that’s 50% lighter and five times stronger than steel. The camoinspired
khaki dial and military time display printed in red are
covered by a sapphire crystal dome. The watch also features
a detachable protective bumper that contains a torch “with a
flashing mode to signal your location in the event of danger”. The
multi-strand nylon orange paracord straps can, when required,
be used as a shoelace. The watch is powered by a quartz movement
and the watch comes with a camouflage-print Swiss army
knife, all for CHF 995. Bringing adventure right within arm’s reach!
Less than 1,000$
MW&CO ASSET 2.1
The Asset 2.1 is immediately identifiable by its ‘damper’-style
cylinder horns that give the watch its ’tough’ appearance. The
‘dampers’ can be used to adjust the length of the watch for
ergonomic comfort and are made from 14 different parts fitted
to the nearest micron. The wearer can decide to fit their watch
with one or two pairs of ’dampers’, as they wish. The grade-5
titanium case is 15.9mm thick and encloses an automatic flyback
chronograph Eterna movement.
MW&Co is a young French brand. Their products can be purchased
directly from their website.
From 10,000 to 20,000$
LUMINOX CARBONOX+
Luminox has been using Carbonox since 2006 to make its
watches as tough as possible. The introduction of Carbonox+,
an ultra-light carbon long bar compound in which carbon fibres
account for 40% of the compound, has doubled the watch’s durability
and resistance to traction. Stand-alone Luminox Light
Technology provides optimum night-time visibility 24/7 for 25
years guaranteed. You can read the time in any imaginable situation—
on the water, underwater, on the ground or in the air!
Less than 1,000$
GVCHIANI MASTERBLOCK
The massive 49mm x 50mm-thick watch is fitted with a unique
X-shaped sapphire crystal that looks like it was made just for
adventurers. Cryptocurrency adventurers, to be more specific.
The DLC titanium case is shaped like a blockchain and the
X-shaped dial comes from Bitcoin (XBT); it is adorned with four
QR codes, one of which is always decipherable. Even the strap
evokes the ’chain’ in the blockchain network. Each Masterblock
has its own blockchain address, so every step of production
is recorded and every new Masterblock is connected to the
previous one, making its own ‘chain’. The real adventurers of the
21st century are in cryptocurrency.
From 10,000 to 20,000$
All mentioned prices are indicative and correspond to price segment.
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