WATCHES WITH A STORY

Brand: Tudor Model: Black Bay P01

Interesting because: Some watches never really existed, but decades later a remake of them suddenly does pop up. How can that be? In the late 1960s, Tudor developed a diving watch for the US Navy with a striking shape and innovative diving ring, which is locked by an ingenious click system. But the Navy opted for a different model of watch, so it didn't get beyond a prototype and the drawings ended up in a drawer. Until 2019. Because there is successively this modern version. With the same case shape and the special diving ring, which may now finally prove its worth. Costs € 3730 www.schaapcitroen.nl

• You can unlock the diving ring via a click system at the top of the case
• The distinctive case shape offers optimal protection for the crown
• Characteristic of Tudor: the 'snowflake' hour hands
• The case looks bigger than it is: 42 mm is a comfortably wearable size

Brand: Omega Model: Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition

Interesting because: You recognise him immediately, of course, Buzz Aldrin, the second man to ever set foot on the dusty lunar surface. In total, he walked around it for two hours and 15 minutes. After this successful Apollo 11 mission, the astronauts were presented with a special gold Speedmaster by NASA court supplier Omega, with a striking burgundy bezel and on the back the inscription 'To commemorate mankind's conquest of space - through time, with time and on time.' Now, exactly five decades later, Omega is launching this limited reissue. In a slightly lighter colour 'Moonshine' gold and of course equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the manually winding Master Chronometer Calibre 3861. Print run 1014 pieces. Costs €32,800 www.omegawatches.com

• The new variant has a viewing window on the back, surrounded by the engraving Apollo 11 - 50th Anniversary - The first watch worn on the moon
• The chronograph movement is manually windable, has a power reserve of 50 hours, is anti-magnetic and chronometer certified
• The hour indexes are made of faceted onyxes

Brand: Oris Model: Divers Sixty-Five Chronograph

Interesting because: Oris' Sixty-Five collection came about in large part thanks to ideas from Oris' Dutch Country Manager Gijs van Hoorn, and is proving to be a huge success internationally. Rightly so. So new variants are launched all the time. Like now this chronograph version, with steel case and bronze (!) diving ring. Interesting, because the bronze will start to form patina, so it remains to be seen how that will look later and that will differ from one individual to another. As far as we are concerned, a very successful design with beautiful retro features, old-style SuperLuminova and nicely matching strap. Costs €3800 www.oris.ch

• The dial has it the retro bi-compax layout, with two counters side by side
• The diving ring is made of bronze and will darken over time thanks to the patina that forms
• The automatic movement is visible through the transparent case bottom and features the Oris signature red rotor.

Brand: Sinn Model: EZM 12

Interesting because: This is not a new model, as it already saw the light of day in 2017. So why attention now? Because it was recently awarded the important Red Dot Design Award 2019. Recognition for an interesting design, because that's what it is. This watch was developed specifically for emergency services. A handy, potentially life-saving tool, on which various scales, rotating rings and a second hand in the shape of a helicopter rotor make it possible to quickly monitor a heart rate or time the administration of medication. Costs €3260 including matching pocket knife. www.sinn.de

• No sharp edges on the cabinet, so it cannot damage rescue workers' protective gloves
• the bezel is easily removable for disinfection
• the seconds hand is shaped like a helicopter rotor, allowing you to measure someone's heart rate within 15 seconds.

Brand: Van der Gang Model: Original

Interesting because: A strong interpretation of the slogan 'Rest in Motion', which so characterises Van de Gang watches. Because although complicated and full of information, this dial radiates tranquillity above all, with its rhodium-plated appliques and gracefully slim hands. Sporty and chic at the same time, encased in a rose gold case where the silvered dial is captured under domed sapphire glass. Cost €15,800 www.vandergangwatches.nl

• This special edition of The Original (Ref. 20052GW-TRg) is available in a limited edition of 337 pieces.
• Also note the surprising details, such as the royal orange pusher (it is, after all, a purely Dutch brand) and the moon-shaped dot on the date hand
• Inside is the Valjoux automatic chronograph, 7751 calibre with a power reserve of 48 hours

Brand: Patek Philippe Model: Alarm Travel Time

Interesting because: A watch with four very prominent crowns begging to be explained. Here it comes: one is for 'regular crown tasks' and selecting the alarm time, one to quickly switch local time in 1-hour increments forward, one to switch local time in 1-hour increments backwards and one to turn the mechanical alarm on or off. Et voila, the ideal watch for frequent travellers is a reality. Costs a bit, namely around €200,000 www.patek.com

• With the crown at 4 o'clock, you can set the alarm to 15 minutes exactly.
• The movement has 574 parts and four patents are registered for the alarm mechanism, which uses a hammer and a gong.
• The case is made of platinum and measures 42.2 mm.

Brand: SwissKubik Model: Travelbox

Interesting because: This is the first watch travel case with a built-in winder. Handy when travelling with a second watch and occasionally putting one away for a while. Place it on the built-in winder - Swiss made, super quiet and economical and fully programmable to your watch's specs - and the Travelbox will keep it running on time. Costs €990

swisskubik.com

• Available in leather or recycled marine polymer and in various colours
• With its surprising design - Swiss Kubik products are generally cube-shaped - it fits easily into your suitcase.
• The winding system is activated by twisting the 'blocks' in relation to each other.