Tick Talk: Sport it in style

By Garima Shah
Tick Talk: Sport it in style
WATCH THIS SPACE | Nothing quite makes a better statement than a wrist watch. Shown here is a Cartier Ballon Blue wrist watch. Photograph: Cartier.com

Time is money and the hip and happening want a chronometer that not only keeps track of every second that ticks by but also makes a fashion statement. The choices vary from person to person. But more the merrier seems to be the motto when it comes to features that most watch buyers are looking for. Tachymeter, compass, multiple time zones and everyone’s favourite chronograph are some of the must-haves for the high-end sports watches.

OMEGA DEVILLE HOUR VISION ANNUAL CALENDAR | The watch is aptly named: the beauty of the movement is clearly visible through sapphire glass apertures in the side of the watch case and through the sapphire crystal case back
OMEGA DEVILLE HOUR VISION ANNUAL CALENDAR | The watch is aptly named: the beauty of the movement is clearly visible through sapphire glass apertures in the side of the watch case and through the sapphire crystal case back

For the rich and the famous, watches today are accessories on which they are ready to splurge. Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul with his expensive Cartier and the new Superman Henry Cavill, whose favourite is the $24,000 Omega Deville Hour Vision Annual Calendar, symbolize the craze for big, mean watches.
If you are finding it hard to pick from among the Gucci, Rolex, Longines, Panerai, Chanel et al, take time out with Luxe Café and become wiser by the second.

ROLEX EXPLORER 1016 | The watch oozes classic appeal like no other. Photograph: Hodinkee.com
ROLEX EXPLORER 1016 | The watch oozes classic appeal like no other. Photograph: Hodinkee.com

If you love the vintage look, Rolex Explorer 1016 from the 70s and Tag Heuer 36 mm chronograph with a Valjoux 72 movement would do your wrist proud. Those looking for a classic touch need n’t waste time and simply pick from among Panerai Radio mir 1940 Chronograph, Jaeger LeCoultre Ultra Thin Date and the $1095 G-timeless collection by Gucci.

JAEGER LECOULTRE ULTRA THIN DATE | Maintaining the philosophy and character of the master ultra thin line, the watch displays its traditional hour, minute, central second and date functions in a minimalist, timeless design
JAEGER LECOULTRE ULTRA THIN DATE | Maintaining the philosophy and character of the master ultra thin line, the watch displays its traditional hour, minute, central second and date functions in a minimalist, timeless design

 

PANERAI RADIOMIR 1940 | The watch comes with a P.999 hand-wound movement, the smallest and thinnest in the range of calibres produced by the Officine Panerai manufacture in Neuchâtel
PANERAI RADIOMIR 1940 | The watch comes with a P.999 hand-wound movement, the smallest and thinnest in the range of calibres produced by the Officine Panerai manufacture in Neuchâtel

For the rough and tough look, go for Longines’ Heritage Military watch. Drawing inspiration from their 1930s military range, it boasts of a three-hander, a two-register chronograph and a sleek GMT.

MODERN AND METROPOLITAN | The G-Timeless collection offers a highly contemporary design and a variety of styles and variants are available–from the smaller feminine sizes to unisex medium
MODERN AND METROPOLITAN | The G-Timeless collection offers a highly contemporary design and a variety of styles and variants are available–from the smaller feminine sizes to unisex medium

If exclusivity is what makes you tick, check out the Burberry Limited Edition Automatic Chronograph Britain, Alpina Vintage Star Timer and, of course, the iconic Chanel J12 Matte Black Superleggera.

LONGINES HERITAGE MILITARY | With its clean, flowing lines and distinct feel,this masterpiece has rightly been called the quintessence of classicism in watch making
LONGINES HERITAGE MILITARY | With its clean, flowing lines and distinct feel,this masterpiece has rightly been called the quintessence of classicism in watch making

There are two things to keep in mind while buying a sports watch. First, always look for one with automatic winding. Second, as far as the number of features goes, fewer the better because the clutter-free display adds to the sophisticated look.

ALPINA VINTAGE STAR TIMER | The watch is built on traditional lines, is highly wearable and maintains the vintage feel that is distinctive for the entire alpina startimer range
ALPINA VINTAGE STAR TIMER | The watch is built on traditional lines, is highly wearable and maintains the vintage feel that is distinctive for the entire alpina startimer range

In case you are looking for features, your check list must include new-age trends such as altimeter, chronograph, moon phase, multiple time zones, tachymeter, power reserve indicator and tour billion.

BLACK IS BACK | The J12 Matte Black Superleggera can rightly be credited to have made ceramic enter the leagues of gold and stainless steel as preferred materials for watches
BLACK IS BACK | The J12 Matte Black Superleggera can rightly be credited to have made ceramic enter the leagues of gold and stainless steel as preferred materials for watches

One last advice before it is time to upload this article, pick a piece that complements your personality and befits your style quotient. What you sport on your wrist can make you stand out for time to come or end up being a waste of time and money.