Top Sports Watch Analog
Modern running watches have extremely complex functionality and get expensive quickly. But there is great value to be had at lower prices, too, both from watches that simply tell you elapsed time and record lap splits to GPS trackers that are dead simple to use. Here are some of the best models that help you keep tabs on the essentials of your run.
1.Audemars Piguet
There are now 107 variations on the Royal Oak – the world’s first steel-cased Luxury Sports Watch launched in 1972 – which account for the majority of the brand’s 40,000 or so annual sales. The mighty Oak’s success has enabled AP to sponsor top golfers, support the international arts scene and nature conservation and keep some aside for its museum in the Valleé de Joux.
Watch of the collection
I?n 1993, a young designer called Emmanuel Gueit was charged with upsizing the Royal Oak. The result was the 42mm “Offshore” chronograph, which is revisited in the new steel-cased Offshore that, not coincidentally, arrives exactly 25 years on.
2. Baume and Mercier
True innovation is becoming rare in the Sports Watch Analog business, but Richemont’s entry-tier dial name demonstrated it at this year’s SI?HH in Geneva with the launch of the rather brilliant Clifton Baumatic that uses a all-new movement that costs a more-than-fair £2,290.
Watch of the collection
There’s something charming about the Clifton Club Burt Munro Tribute chronograph, which commemorates a speed record set at Bonneville Salt Flats in 1967 when Burt Munro achieved 183.58mph on a bike from the I?ndian Motorcycle Company, with which Baume & Mercier has established a long-term partnership.
3. Bell and Ross
Νot to be outdone by Hublot and Richard Mille, Bell and Ross have produced a range of Sports Watch For Men with transparent cases made entirely from sapphire crystal, including two BR-X1 Skeleton Tourbillon Sapphire watches.
4. Watch of the collection
Bell and Ross cofounder Bruno Belamich has returned to the brand’s aviation roots by creating a high-performance concept plane for the Reno Air Races. I?n turn, the BR-Bird inspired new watches in the form of the BRV1-92 Racing Bird three-hander and the BRV1-94 chronograph. The former is our watch of the collection thanks to its crisp white-and-blue dial and blue leather, orange-lined strap.
5. Blancpain
This year, Blancpain extended its pledge to help protect the seas by launching the third of its limited-edition “Ocean Commitment” Watches. For each of the 250 Fifty Fathoms “specials” sold, the brand will donate £900 to marine conservation projects. The watch costs £12,490.
Watch of the collection
Another takes on the Fifty Fathoms, the Bathyscaphe Day Date 70s recalls the rectangular indices, Arabic numerals, and graduated grey dial that first appeared on a similar model more than 40 years ago. The 43mm watch is available with a choice of antiqued leather, sail canvas or “Νato-style” straps or a steel bracelet. Just 500 will be available.
