Classic timepieces that have remained unscathed through time

Breguet
CLASSIQUE LA MUSICALE 7800
Breguet calls this piece a 'music box' on the wrist. A small button, located at the 10 o'clock position, controls the musical complication. When the button is pressed, or when the watch strikes the scheduled time, it plays Bach's Badinerie, which is the final movement of his orchestral suite N2 in B minor. An indicator positioned between 9 and 10 o'clock shows when the melody is playing. All this is set in the stunning backdrop of hand-polished diamonds to refract light at different angles. When the music plays, the dial comes alive, rotating and creating a stunning spectacle of shimmering colours. Apart from this extraordinary aural pleasure, the timepiece shows the hours, minutes and seconds in the centre, with a power-reserve indicator at 3 o'clock.

Panerai Radiomir 1940 ORO ROSSO-42 MM

Panerai
RADIOMIR 1940 ORO ROSSO-42 MM
Vintage looks are a hot trend this year and Panerai is no exception. Case in point: The new Radiomir 1940 Oro Rosso 42mm Special Edition. The iconic timepiece's classic dimensions are replicated in the 42 mm diameter, polished, rose-gold case of the Radiomir 1940 Oro Rosso (Italian for "red gold"). The brown dial with Arabic numerals contrasts beautifully with the rose-gold case and echoes the colour of the brown alligator strap. Like all Radiomir dials, it uses Panerai's signature 'sandwich' construction, with two thin plates surrounding a layer of Super-LumiNova.

Jaquet Droz
GRANDE HEURE GMT
Minimalist and precious, the Grande Heure GMT is a tribute to travel. This unusual timepiece is ideally suited to long-distance voyagers and modern-day aesthetes. The 24 Arabic numerals that circle the Grand Feu enamel dial trace each moment of the day in two separate locations. This innovative display is enhanced by the two hands in a compass-like formation. The red-gold hand shows the local time whereas the blue-hued steel hand proclaims the time in the wearer's country of choice. By opting for the unconventional system of a single crown to adjust both hands, Jaquet Droz has succeeded in making the Grande Heure GMT an embodiment of simplicity.

Bulgari
OCTO STEEL
The Octo range by Bulgari has upheld iconic watchmaker Gerald Genta's name over the years, and the marquee has now launched its latest version of Octo, showcasing many hallmarks of its creator's design style albeit with a few modern twists. Available in stainless steel and 18-carat rose-gold, the most notable difference to its predecessors is probably the new Octo's ultra-complex 41.5mm case. Hand-finished, the three-part case (bezel, middle
and caseback) boasts a total of 110 polished or brushed facets, some of which end in angles as steep as 90 degrees. Named after its distinctive shape, the three-hand watch comes in an octagonal base and profile married to a round face that frames an octagonal flange.

Audemars Piguet
TRADITION TOURBILLON MINUTE REPEATER CHRONOGRAPH  
This year, the Manufacture in Le Brassus has developed a model equipped with complications and clothed in a case inspired by a 1920s cushion-shaped pocket-watch belonging to its private museum. The result is the Tradition Tourbillon Minute Repeater Chronograph, produced in two 10-piece limited editions - one in pink and white gold, and the other in titanium and white gold.

Vacheron Constantin
CHINA LIMODORON
Inspired by The Temple of Flora, a 1799 British book of lush botanical illustrations, the China Limodoron timepiece from Vacheron Constantin couples pinprick-precise watch mechanics with ancient jewellery craft. One of the three limited-edition floral-themed watches in the Metiers d'Art Florilge collection, the piece is a classic example of sublime guillochage, enameling, and diamond-setting. Embedded beneath the orchid facade is the manual-winding calibre 4400 movement with 127 components, including 21 rubies. This floral fantasy features 85 round-cut diamonds, an 18-carat white-gold case with a diamond-set bezel, and a transparent caseback made of sapphire crystal.  Truly dazzling.

Carl F. Bucherer
MANERO MOONPHASE
Carl F. Bucherer's Manero MoonPhase Limited Edition mirrors the watchmaker's love for detail. A dial gives the current date, and the day of the week is positioned at 10 o'clock. The current month is at 2 o'clock. The special calendar is completed by the moon phase indication which appears at 6 o'clock. The watch's precision is rendered by the automatic CFB 1966 calibre.

Longines
HERITAGE MILITARY 1938
Inspired by the simple and practical aesthetics of the marquee's 1930s military watches, the Longines Heritage Military 1938 features three versions - one with three hands (in pic), a 24-hour model, and a chronograph. Reminiscent of the original model, the fluted, flat crown merges smoothly with the round steel case. The black synthetic strap is stitched in white, adding the final touch to this new model of contrasts.

Omega
CONSTELLATION SEDNA GOLD
This year saw the Swiss watchmaker patent the endearing and enduring 18-carat rose-gold alloy that stunningly blends three elements - gold, copper and palladium.  It has been christened Sedna Gold by Omega, with reference to a trans-Neptunian object. The case features both polished and brushed elements; indexes, hands and even the strap clasp are also made of Sedna Gold. The 'pie-pan' dial traces its roots back to the very first Constellation from 1952. Incidentally, 1952 is also the number of such limited-edition timepieces being produced.

Rado
HYPERCHROME UTC CERAMIC PLASMA
Of late, ceramic watches - first introduced by Rado in 1986 - have become quite the trend. The new HyperChrome collection includes 32 different models, with a choice of quartz or automatic movements in a 45mm case. The collection is available in black, white and platinum with plasma-treated high-tech ceramic.