24 Sep Art of Luxury Watchmaking

Ticking all the right boxes: A spotlight on stylish yet practical luxury watches

Centuries of incredible craftsmanship, feats of engineering and painstaking hard work by artisan makers have elevated the humble wrist watch to a symbol of luxury. More than simply an instrument of time, luxury watches exudes style and class, offering a glimpse into a lifestyle that represents a passion for exceptional quality and unforgettable experiences.

Considered the cradle of Swiss watchmaking, Jura’s La Chaux-De-Fonds has always played an integral role in the history of haute horlogerie. Ever since the area’s iron and brass workers diversified into watchmaking in the 18th century, the region has been the home of some of the world’s most respected watch brands. Many of the big Swiss brands, including Audemars Piguet, still proudly call remote villages home, creating handcrafted masterpieces against the snowy backdrop of the Jura mountains.

As we move further into the seemingly disposable digital age, Swiss watches offer a romantic link to the past; a reminder that the impeccable beauty of handmade timepieces is a world away from the continual re-releases and software updates. That’s what award-winning British jeweller ROX – Diamonds & Thrills is celebrating in the Art of Luxury Watchmaking, a new piece of content that shines a spotlight on the origins of these incredible timepieces whilst looking to the future of the industry.

Below we take a look at three exceptional luxury timepieces that are both practical and stylish on the slopes and in the chalet, reminding us that time really is of the essence.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

In 1972, Audemars Piguet changed the world of luxury sports watches forever when it unveiled the first ever Royal Oak. With its octagonal bezel and steel case, the Royal Oak broke the rules of the industry, securing its place in the horological history books as a true icon. When it comes to a timepiece that ticks the boxes for hitting the slopes, the Royal Oak Offshore is the perfect choice.

Since launching in 1993, the Offshore collection has continued to change the face of luxury sports watches, taking Audemars Piguet timepieces to a level never before seen. By diversifying the iconic Royal Oak, Audemars Piguet created a design that was sportier and more masculine than ever before – a true and timeless luxury sports watch.

Hublot Big Bang Unico Magic Gold

For a timepiece that’s as durable as it is slick, look no further than the Hublot Big Bang Unico. Crafted in Magic Gold, the world’s first and only 18-carat scratch-proof gold alloy created by the brand’s Metallurgy & Materials department, it’s a rugged timepiece that cuts an impressive figure on the wrist.

Hublot is a brand that’s proud to continually push boundaries. Not content with sticking to the status quo, it’s known for its audacious nature, continually creating innovative and creative timepieces that never fail to inspire. And it’s all down to Hublot’s Art of Fusion philosophy.

Bremont Endurance

Bremont is a brand known for designing timepieces with extremes in mind, and the Endurance is a classic example of just that. Named after the three-masted barquentine in which Sir Ernest Shackleton sailed for the Antarctic on the 1914 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, the name is also a nod to the company maxim of being ‘Tested Beyond Endurance’. With that in mind,  it was obvious this timepiece had to be able to withstand extreme climate conditions, making it a practical choice for any skiing adventures, whilst not looking out of place at the dinner table.

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