Watches with the quiet luxury allure

Subtlety is key when it comes to the attraction of these timepieces

Understated. Elegance. Timeless.

While not technically new, "quiet luxury" is the current favourite catchphrase for those who love their luxury goods. It's the opposite of loud, flamboyant, and ostentation—put simply, less is more. For watches, this would probably mean a simple stainless steel or white gold watch in a sensible size with a dial that displays only the essentials. The flashiest thing about it could be the polished metal surface.

But just because it's subtle doesn't mean that it's boring. The following watches realised the quiet luxury concept quite nicely.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date

Above Vacheron Constantin Overseas Moon Phase Retrograde Date in 41mm steel

Despite the retrograde date display—a first for the Overseas line—and high-precision moon phase in addition to the minute track, the 41mm watch looks remarkably understated. The blue lacquer dial is classic and chic, and looks great paired with the polished and satin-brushed steel.

Chopard Alpine Eagle Japan Limited Edition

Above Chopard Alpine Eagle Japan Limited Edition

Limited to 100 pieces and available only in Japan, this Alpine Eagle conforms to the Japanese codes of simplicity and zen aesthetics with a Shikkoku (the darkest shade of black) dial that almost disguises the sunburst motif.

De Bethune DBD Digitale “Season 2”

Above De Bethune DBD Digitale “Season 2”

The burgundy of the new DBD, created with music producer Swizz Beatz by the way, may draw attention but the overall aesthetics are still remarkably minimalist with a dial composed of only three apertures for the calendar, hour, and minute. It is paired with an understated zirconium case polished to a subtle shine.

Don't miss: De Bethune CEO Pierre Jacques on elevating the watch owning experience

Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref.6007G-011

Above Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref.6007G-011

Crafted in white gold, the central black dial is elevated with an embossing of "carbon" pattern and a seconds hand in sky blue.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds

Above Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds

The very embodiment of classic elegance, this Reverso Tribute's sunray-brushed silver dial and gold case are given an interesting twist with a Fagliano Collection calf-and-canvas combination strap.

H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Tantalum Blue Enamel

H. Moser & Cie. Perpetual Calendar Tantalum Blue Enamel

Above H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Tantalum Blue Enamel

H. Moser & Cie. has removed all small counters for the calendar displays, relying instead on the small hand in the centre to indicate the months and an aperture at 3 o'clock for the date, in order to showcase the blue enamel dial in all its glory. The case is made of a rare and hardy metal called tantalum.

Norqain Independence 22 Skeleton

Above Norqain Independence 22 Skeleton in stainless steel

The dial has been stripped away to lay bare the skeletonised movement that is built according to the architecture of beam construction, meaning each support is held by at least two arms. It's more common to find only one arm per support point for skeleton movements. Such build-up makes it exceptionally resistant to shock, which augurs well for the smooth operation of the NN08S movement that is also COSC-certified.

NOW READ

5 jewellery watches that dazzled at Watches & Wonders 2023

Experience a burst of colours with Omega's new Aqua Terra Shades

Chopard expands the use of eco-friendly Lucent Steel

Topics

Quiet luxury

Tatler Asia