Best Banker Watches of 2013
The famous “Uncle Pennybags” icon from the game Monopoly, believed to be based on the stature and dress of banker J.P. Morgan, was conceived to look as well turned out as possible, with dapper top hat and tails, cuff links and even a nice cane as an accessory. But where’s the luxury watch? The Monopoly banker needs to update his image to keep up with modern day bankers, and we recommend the following timepieces to make his high-end look complete. Something in a precious metal, like gold or platinum, with a classic, elegant look that is understated but luxurious. A high complication, such as tourbillon or minute repeater, exudes an appreciation for quality craftsmanship and precision, and an extra time zone gives it a useful flair, but these complications should be presented with the utmost discretion, in cases that are slim and elegant.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Tourbillon Dualtime, with a second time zone on the inner bezel. The date indication is adjustable in both directions and makes a bigger jump between the 15th and the 16th so as not to obstruct the view of the titanium tourbillon carriage. With JLC caliber 978B.
Audemars Piguet Traditional Tourbillon Minute Repeater Chronograph, with 18k pink gold hour markers and 18k white gold crown, bezel and pushpieces. The case is made of 18k white gold and titanium. With the hand-wound AP caliber 2874.
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-Day Tourbillon in platinum, from the Collection Excellence Platine. With VC hand-wound caliber 2260 and four barrels. The 14-day power reserve is indicated with a “dragging” or “trailing” hand showing the remaining energy on a 280° sector. The rounded tourbillon bar took 11 hours of hand finishing.
Zenith Captain Winsor Annual Calendar Boutique Edition, in 18k rose gold with rose gold applied numerals. Developed in collaboration with Ludwig Oechslin of the Musée International d’Horlogerie, who designed the annual calendar mechanism used in conjunction with the Zenith El Primero movement.
Piaget Altiplano Date, with the Piaget caliber 1205P, the world’s thinnest automatic movement at just 3 mm thick, housed in a 6.36 mm white gold case. With a date display at 9 o’clock and smalls seconds at 5 o’clock.
