Tatler’s picks: Watches that push the boundaries of contemporary craftsmanship

Parmigiani Fleurier’s Tonda PF Micro-Rotor continues its quiet homage to the enduring allure of platinum. This new limited edition appears in a moody shade of deep blue stone, sheathed in a 40mm case of 950 platinum—pure, understated opulence.

Its standout feature is its remarkable slimness—just 7.8mm, made possible by the 3mm PF703 ultra-thin movement, integrated with a platinum micro-rotor. This enables both mechanical prowess and graceful finesse. The dial, dressed in a grain d’orge guilloché pattern, offers layered texture while maintaining a minimalist sensibility.

Rooted in the philosophy of discreet elegance, this piece echoes Le Corbusier’s ethos—intentional, poised and considered. With only 25 pieces created, it is a rare find for the connoisseur collector.

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For those who once doubted the synergy between Bulgari and MB&F, the Flying T Allegra of 2019 swiftly silenced them. This year, the two maisons push further, unveiling an even more audacious creation.

The new Serpenti is a spectacular metamorphosis reimagining Bulgari’s iconic femininity as a feat of mechanical ingenuity. Its layered 53mm case cradles twin rotating aluminium domes, each displaying the time and mimicking the hypnotic gaze of a serpent. At its centre, a 14mm flying balance wheel pulses like the beating heart of a mechanical being.

Far from a conventional jewellery timepiece, this is a kinetic sculpture, defying tradition. Each of the 33 limited editions crafted in titanium, rose gold or black PVD-coated steel is the result of three years of research and devotion, a symphony of precision and artistic flair. The openworked dial completes the silhouette—fierce, refined, and utterly singular.

The spirit of Gérald Genta lives on in the latest Credor creation, drawing inspiration from the legendary Locomotive. This edition features a 38.8mm titanium case, housing the automatic Calibre CR01, which delivers a 45-hour power reserve combining reliability with refined performance.

The watch’s defining features include a distinctive hexagonal case, a striking blue dial with precise geometric motifs, and a mix of brushed and polished finishes across the case and strap creating a play of textures that catches the light with sophistication. At 8.9mm thick, it offers a reassuring yet elegant weight on the wrist. With a water resistance of up to 100 metres, it proves to be a versatile companion in varied settings.

Set to launch at retail boutiques next month, this design continues the legacy of a true icon.

Actor Hiroyuki Sanada made a statement in understated elegance at the Producers Guild of America Awards 2025, selecting the IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, an intricate timepiece that marries technical prowess with timeless style.

The 43mm stainless steel watch features a slate-grey dial, classic Arabic numerals, and a black leather strap, a combination that strikes a balance between refinement and masculinity. Its design encompasses a perpetual calendar, displaying day, date, month, year and a moon phase, all powered by the in-house Calibre 89630.

Beyond the calendar complication, it includes a chronograph with flyback functionality, allowing precise timing with a single seamless motion. A 68-hour power reserve ensures the watch is as dependable as it is sophisticated, capturing the essence of IWC’s mechanical artistry.

The age of neo-vintage has arrived, and the Zenith Chronomaster Revival A3818 “Cover Girl Carbon” leads the charge. This striking piece revives the spirit of the original 1971 El Primero chronograph, reimagined in three contemporary limited editions.

The 37mm case is crafted from carbon composite, offering a featherlight feel at just 60 grams, far lighter than its steel or titanium predecessors. The black carbon dial features a distinctive “shark’s tooth” seconds track, framed by tachymeter and pulsometer scales. Inside, the automatic El Primero 400 movement ensures chronograph precision, a 50-hour power reserve, and compatibility with a variety of strap styles making it a dynamic piece of wearable heritage.

Parmigiani Fleurier’s Tonda PF Micro-Rotor continues to honour the enduring elegance of platinum in haute horlogerie. This new limited edition appears in a deep stone-blue hue, encased in 40mm of 950 platinum, a study in quiet opulence.

Its most striking feature is its svelte silhouette, measuring just 7.8mm thick. This is made possible by the PF703 ultra-thin movement at 3mm, which includes a platinum micro-rotor delivering high performance while preserving the watch’s refined form. The dial is embellished with a grain d’orge guilloché motif, offering texture without compromising minimalism.

The piece embodies the ethos of understated luxury, echoing Le Corbusier’s principles—purposeful, elegant and sincere. With only 25 pieces produced, it is a rare acquisition for the discerning collector.

The Eilean, a 70-foot sailing yacht from 1936, gained cult status after appearing in Duran Duran’s Rio video, only to fall into disrepair. In 2006, then Panerai CEO Angelo Bonati discovered the vessel in Antigua and began an ambitious restoration, returning it to its former glory.

To honour this nautical legend, Panerai unveils the Radiomir 8 Giorni Eilean Experience Edition PAM01643, limited to just 30 pieces. The 45mm Brunito steel case features bronze accents repurposed from the Eilean during its restoration—a seamless blend of legacy and innovation.

A beige dial evokes wind-filled sails, while the hand-wound P.5000 calibre delivers an impressive eight-day power reserve. Each owner is invited on a voyage through Sicily—from exploring Mount Etna to sailing aboard the Eilean herself, offering an immersive experience in the spirit of timeless adventure.

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