Beyond the Ordinary: Five Exceptional Timepieces for this Festive Season

BOVET 1822 Récital 30

For the seasoned globetrotter, the BOVET 1822 Récital 30 is a rare fusion of haute horlogerie, real-world functionality and contemporary elegance that will earn its place on the wrist long after the holidays are over. Fresh from winning the Men’s Complication Prize at the 24th Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) in November, this world-timer combines serious horological innovation with a lightweight, contemporary case in Grade 5 titanium that’s made for life on the move.

What makes it special? It resolves an inherent problem that has long plagued traditional world-time watches: the uneven application of Daylight Saving Time (DST) around the globe. Around 70 countries move their clocks forward and back twice a year, while about 120 do not, leaving most mechanical world-timers inaccurate for months at a stretch. The Récital 30’s revolutionary system of 26 miniature roller display – adapted from BOVET’s award-winning Récital 28 from 2024 – instantly adjusts to the four civil-time phases observed throughout the year: Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), American Summer Time (AST), European and American Summer Time (EAS), and European Winter Time (EWT). The watch maintains precise time across 25 time zones all year-round, including New Delhi’s distinctive 30-minute offset, making it the first mechanical watch to truly tackle this complex issue.

With a single press of one pusher, all 24 city rollers advance in unison to reflect the correct time regime, while a second pusher moves the central 24-hour disc forward by one hour with every click. Despite the complex mechanics beneath, making adjustments becomes remarkably intuitive and navigating world time becomes effortless for the wearer.

Aesthetically, the titanium case enhances the drama and wearability of the watch. The ring of city rollers surrounds a day/night indicator in the centre, while a partial exhibition caseback reveals glimpses of the self-winding calibre R30-70-001, whose 373 components are finished with BOVET’s signature finesse. A rubber strap option alongside the leather one shows that this watch is built to travel, adapt and perform wherever the season takes its wearer.

H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Small Seconds Concept Pop

For the collector who appreciates truly singular timepieces, H. Moser & Cie.’s Endeavour Small Seconds Concept Pop with a lapis lazuli and lemon chrysoprase dial is a celebration of colour, craftsmanship and pure artistic audacity. Part of Moser’s Pop collection, this limited edition of just 28 pieces transforms natural gemstones into a minimalist canvas with maximum visual and emotional impact.

The dial sees deep blue lapis lazuli – historically associated with wisdom and creativity – contrast beautifully against the fresh, vibrant green of lemon chrysoprase, a stone linked to confidence and clarity. With no logo and no hour markers, the gemstones take centre stage, each one hand-selected for intensity, purity and visual harmony. The result is a dial that feels more like a contemporary art object than a traditional timepiece.

Framed by a sleek 38mm stainless steel case, the watch is powered by the in-house HMC 202 automatic calibre, offering a robust three-day power reserve, bidirectional pawl winding and Moser’s signature Straumann hairspring. A small-seconds display at 6 o’clock adds balance without distracting from the dial’s captivating looks.

Completed with a hand-stitched ostrich leather strap in chic grey, the playful yet poetic timepiece is an unexpected meld of technical finesse and bold design. For the festive season, it’s the kind of gift that marks time and exquisite taste.

Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43

For anyone drawn to watches with history, purpose and presence, the Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 ticks all the right boxes. Limited to just 50 pieces, this Cortina Watch online exclusive is available only via Shop.CortinaWatch.com in Singapore and Malaysia and celebrates the ongoing partnership between Breitling and Cortina Watch with a fresh, contemporary take on an aviation icon.

Its commanding 43mm stainless steel case frames a striking purple satiné translucide dial, paired with hands, indices and Breitling logo in red gold for a rich, festive contrast. Turn the watch over and the sapphire crystal caseback reveals the “One of 50” and “Limited Edition” inscriptions, while offering a clear view of the Breitling Manufacture Calibre 01 – a self-winding, column-wheel chronograph with a 70-hour power reserve and 1/4-second timing precision.

True to its tool-watch roots, the timepiece features Breitling’s bidirectional bezel with slide-rule scale and a glare-proof cambered sapphire crystal for excellent legibility. It’s presented on a stainless steel bracelet for daily versatility, as well as an additional brown Drakkar calfskin strap for a laid-back, vintage aesthetic.