While some of us (not me) are getting into the whole "new year, new me" theme, we here at Watches of Wales are thinking more along the lines of "new year, new watch". And why not? Why not start off your year with one of the following three timepieces, examples of which we have at the time of writing.
When the Sky-Dweller was released, it was one of Rolex's 'big boy' watches. We say that because it was a large, complex watch and only available with a solid gold case. While it's also available in a variety of metal combinations, including stainless steel, the one we have in mind goes full-on with its solid 18k Everose gold case, measuring 42mm across. This example comes with a white dial, but it looks more like cream in some lights.
It also has an 18k fluted Everose gold Ring Command bezel. This unique system allows the user to control the built-in annual calendar mechanism without using dinky little pushers and a cocktail stick to set. Unscrewing the crown and rotating the bezel to a different position changes the function of the crown, allowing you to set the home time, local time and the calendar mechanism. The annual calendar within the Sky-Dweller knows when a month has 30 days in and 31 days, and (theoretically) will only need adjusting once at the end of February. This attention to detail and the slick Oysterflex strap make a Sky-Dweller the perfect watch to start 2023 with.
The Tank by Cartier is one of the oldest wristwatches going. In fact, it pretty much started the modern trend of wearing a watch on one's wrist, instead of in a jacket pocket for the gentlemen or in some kind of necklace or brooch for the ladies. While the Tank was a masculine piece at first, with a large part of Cartier's customer base undoubtedly being female, it wouldn't take long for them to make some exclusive models.
Traditionally, Cartier watches feature Roman numerals; it's sort of their thing, just like A.Lange & Söhne putting a big date window on its watches or Omega making a special edition Speedmaster for every day of the week. The version we have currently forgoes the traditional Cartier dial for a super sleek black dial with silvered sword hands, a Cartier hallmark that remained with this version. It also has the classic Tank case, which is unfussy and equipped with a blue cabochon in the crown, as is tradition for Cartier watches. It might look stripped back compared to some of the brand's other offerings, but the Tank has soul, and everyone needs a little more of that.
The Breitling Navitimer is the quintessential pilot's watch. It's not the oldest, and it's not the most popular. Some may even argue that it's not the best looking either. But, what it is, is functional, classy and sporty, and it's the perfect companion for those in the cockpit—our Navitimer World ref. A2432212/C651 is ideal for the professional pilot. The reason? This is the bigger model, featuring a sturdy stainless steel case measuring 46mm across. Traditional pilot's watches, like the B-Uhr watches worn by Axis pilots, were enormous, so the pilots could easily view them. Despite the amount of writing on the Navitimer World, we think reading it at a glance will be a cinch.
Speaking of functions, this Navitimer World comes with a load of them. As well as the usual date window, there's also a chronograph on hand, a GMT function with a red tip and the iconic slide rule bezel. Using this bezel and some simple brain power, you can perform a lot of mathematical calculations, the kind which would be helpful for those navigating without the assistance of electronic aids. The self-winding B24 calibre will be reliable, too, and the polished bezel gives it some extra classiness, overall, this is a really great way to start the year.
These are just some examples of the watches we sell at Watches of Wales. Don't worry if we don't have the watch you want in stock. We buy and sell a lot of watches, so another one is bound to come around, but you can always contact us, and we can help you source the perfect timepiece for your collection.
From all of us at Watches of Wales, we wish you a happy and prosperous 2023.
