10 of the most popular luxury watches
Some people collect baseball cards. Others collect cars. But when it comes to subtle, but head-turning accessories, nothing beats a top quality luxe watch.
The addiction runs deep for those that love their watches, and it runs at a high price tag as well.
We asked Riani Townshend, a private luxury watch buyer for select clientele in Asia, what watches are making those who can afford them tick.
Here are her picks based on her buying and selling experience in Asia.
Patek Philippe Nautilus Stainless Steel Watch
Attaining cult-like status at its debut in 1976, the Patek Philippe Nautilus was designed to be both casual and refined. Modeled after the portholes on vintage transatlantic liners, the watch was built to compliment an active lifestyle. With its understated appearance, the Nautilus functions perfectly in the boardroom as well as the cigar lounge.
Retail Price: US$30,700.00
Why people buy it: Casual but still makes a statement, it's popular because it's hard to get and has cult status. Plus the stainless steel band means you're not sweating through the leather.
Panerai Men's Radiomir Black Seal Ceramic 45mm Watch
Official supplier for the Italian navy for nearly 60 years, Panerai was used by Italian commando frogmen in World War II to aid in sinking enemy ships. The company became popular after Sylvester Stallone spotted a watch in a Rome jeweler and wore it while filming the movie "Daylight" in 1995. The Radiomir Black Seal is a coveted limited-edition Panerai, sporting a case and bezel made of high-tech ceramic five times harder than stainless steel.
Retail Price: US$8,000
Why people buy it: Panerai itself has a very loyal following, the 292 is popular because it is one of the only black-ceramic pieces in the collection. Since its understated, they work well in most social situations. Also difficult to find.
Audemars Piguet Men's Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph Steel Watch
AP Royal Oak's were named after the fleet of ships in the British navy that ruled the waters during Napoleonic times. Like the Nautilus, this watch is based on the shape of a porthole, and crowned with an octagonal bezel. There are many versions of the Royal Oak Offshore, and everyone from Shaq to Quincy Jones has a limited edition line named after them. Royal Oak Offshores are sporty, rugged statement pieces that work best on weekends and a night on the town.
Retail Price: US$20,700
Why people buy it: Rugged and sporty, the Royal Oak Offshores have a distinctive shape that is instantly recognizable to other watch aficionados. Its a robust statement piece without being too flashy.
Lange & Söhne Men's Zerwierk White Gold Watch
Inspired by an 1841 clock above the stage in the Semper Opera house in Dresden, the Lange Zerwierk demanded out-of-the-box thinking for the design concept to become reality. "I shut my eyes in order to see" said Paul Gauguin, which is exactly what the Lange designers had to do in order to create the innovative jumping numerals mechanism. The result is a stunningly beautiful and technically ground-breaking watch.
Retail Price: US$54,500
Why people buy it: A breakthrough watch, Lange is purchased by serious collectors who are captivated by the beauty and mechanical genius that Lange continuously puts into their watches. It's a statement piece and a marriage between innovation, art and history.
Patek Philippe Men's Calatrava World Timer White Gold Watch
Redeveloped in 2000, the Calatrava World Timer features two rotating disks that allow the time to be shown in all 24 time zones. By just the touch of a button the time can be corrected without losing any accuracy. This watch features exclusive ring-shaped hands reminiscent of the original World Timer introduced in the 1930s.
Retail Price: US$38,800.00
Why people buy it: Popular among the Asian jet-set crowd because it allows them to keep track of the time at home in Hong Kong, as well as knowing when the markets open in New York and when to expect that call from Rome. Available in both rose gold and white gold, the Calatrava World Time is also sohpishcated enough to be used in the office and black tie events.
Patek Philippe Gondolo Serata White Gold Watch
Inspired by art-deco, this contemporary reinterpretation of old Hollywood glamor makes it the perfect accessory to a black tie event. With a sun-burst dial made of Balinese mother-of-pearl, this slim and sultry watch is perfect for dynamic women looking for perfection and drama.
Retail Price: US$32,100
Why People Buy It: With its beautiful design and generous amounts of diamond detailing, this iconic piece is popular among the Hong Kong socialites.
Cartier Tank Française Stainless Steel Watch
Cartier Tank was one of the first publically available wristwatches, displayed without fanfare in Cartier windows in 1919. Andy Worhol, Jackie Kenney and now Michelle Obama wear a version of this watch. It's esthetically balanced with simple clean lines and versatile. Wear it to the office and also to Sunday brunch. The Cartier Tank comes in different materials, sizes, colors and slightly different designs -- so there's a Tank available for every personality.
Retail Price: US$3,875
Why people buy it: Like diamond studs, that structured cashmere cardigan or Hermes Birkin, there are staples a women needs in her wardrobe. The Cartier Tank is timeless and classic, and it can be worn anywhere with virtually anything.
Audemars Piguet Women's Dream Watch
Although AP is known for rugged men's watches, they have also produced some exceptionally graceful pieces for the softer sex. Available in both rose and white gold, these elongated watches hug a women's wrist-line and accents it with a full show of pave diamonds. Delicate and show-stopping, it is a perfect watch for a evening out.
Retail Price: US$36,700
Why people buy it: Purchased for the wow-factor, this watch is worn for black-tie events. Popular among Chinese mainlanders and local Hong Kong socialites.
Rolex Datejust 36mm Diamonds & White Gold Watch
With 52 brilliant-cut diamonds on the bezel and that distinctive Rolex look, the new Datejust, which launched in 2009, has been very popular because of the larger face. Sporting a pink mother of pearl dial with (yet again) more diamonds for the time markers, this watch is hugely popular in the Asian market.
Retail Price: Retail price not available.
Why people buy it: Worn by the likes of Paris Hilton and Sharon Stone this watch packs a lot of punch. Instantly recognizable and built to last, it's versatile and holds its vaule really well.
Cartier Ballon Bleu Medium Rose Gold Watch
Named after the Sapphire Cabuchon Crown, the Cartier Ballon Bleu is deceivingly complex in its styling. Available in an assortment of colors, sizes and materials, the collection is popular with many of Hong Kong's high society. Versions with diamonds are preferred, and the trend tilts towards the larger sizes on this watch.
Retail Price: US$39,175
Why people buy it: High society baby, high society.
