With our team on location at SIHH 2018 in Geneva, we bring you our top three watch highlights from day one of the luxury watch fair
Video: Kevin Cureau/Hong Kong Tatler
Above Photo: Kevin Cureau/Hong Kong Tatler
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Aventador S
Why we love it: It’s a tribute piece done right. The brand makes subtle yet clear-cut references to the sleek Lamborghini Aventador S (the movement's design is inspired by the car’s engine, and the strap is made from the same material used in the seats of Lamborghini cars) but it remains very much a Roger Dubuis timepiece.
And because it has a skeletonised movement, plus a case made from carbon and titanium, the Excalibur Aventador S is also extremely light and easy to wear despite its hefty size. A major plus? You need not bring your watch to the shop to change the strap. Thanks to its “quick release” system, you can change the straps yourself without any tools.
Above Photo: Courtesy of Cartier
Cartier Santos de Cartier Skeleton watch
Why we love it: It was a tall order for Cartier to re-launch a much-revered icon like the Santos, but the Maison delivered beautifully. The Santos of 2018 is leaner, integrated and ergonomic, all while being ever faithful to its identity. This year’s refreshed Santos is more svelte, with its bezel seamlessly integrated into the case and bracelet. This gives the watch a smoother and continuous appearance, making the piece more comfortable to wear.
Aesthetic-wise, its bevels were made sharper to further highlight the square shape of the case, where lies the distinctiveness of the Santos. The piece also has self-fitting interchangeable straps. You not only can change the straps yourself, you can also adjust the length of the bracelet, thanks to links that are easily detached by hand.
Above Photo: Kevin Cureau/Hong Kong Tatler
Richard Mille RM 53-01 Tourbillon Pablo Mac Donough watch
Why we love it: Ladies and gentlemen, it doesn’t get any sturdier as this. Named after polo great Pablo Mac Donough, the Richard Mille RM 53-01 Tourbillon is built to withstand the extreme rigours of the sport. The dial is protected by two sheets of sapphire glass separated by a thin Polyvinyl film—should the watch encounter a violent blow, the glass may crack but not shatter, keeping the shards off the movement.
Its case is machined in Carbon TPT, an extremely tough material resistant to cracks and tears. And if all these measures weren't enough, Richard Mille uses extremely durable cables to suspend the movement, making it impervious to violent shocks.
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