The luxury sports watch… A genre defined in 1972 with a new category that merged elements from high-end watchmaking and sports watches, watches with integrated bracelets made from stainless steel. And almost 50 years later, it is still the most coveted category of watches, from accessible to ultra-exclusive. While the AP and PP models are the easiest choices, today we look at the other propositions, with the new luxury sports watch of 2020.
If the Octo Finissimo Automatic is not per se a new watch, this year Bvlgari has rejuvenated its ultra-thin design statement with new finishes and several technical updates. First of all, this new Steel Satin-Polished model offers contrasting surfaces, from matte to glossy, emphasizing the architectural look of the watch – instead of the matte, sand-blasted finish used before. Second, it also gets rid of the monochromatic look and offers dials that contrast with the case material, including a black version and this brand new summery blue model. Last, together with this new finish, the case has been reinforced and a screw-down crown installed, meaning now a healthy 100m water-resistance – and a slightly thicker case, at 6.40mm.
Quick Facts: 40mm diameter x 6.40mm height – stainless steel, satin-brushed and polished – 100m water-resistant – blue dial, lacquered with sunray-brushed pattern – calibre BVL138, in-house – ultra-thin automatic – stainless steel bracelet – ref. 103431 – EUR 11,500
Previously the appanage of the holy trinity (AP, PP, VC), the luxury sports watch has also been adopted by more mainstream brands, as well as independent watchmakers. Among them, the latest to enter the game is Czapek, with a new watch collection named ‘Antarctique’. Gathering all the usual features of this category, it comes with its own personality and beautifully executed dials, available in four different colours – this silver, tone-on-tone edition being very convincing. Inside is a brand new in-house movement, with a micro-rotor and superb design and decoration. For its first sports model, Czapek strikes hard.
