Blue Sky Thinking is Trending in Watches

One of blue’s most positive associations is surely the sea. Panerai’s signature Luminor is one of horology’s greatest dive watches, first developed in the 1950s for use in the Italian navy. This bestselling Marina model retains all the original hallmarks: an instantly recognisable luminescent dial, maximum legibility and a patented protecting device at the crown. Notice the sun-brushed technique on the dial, a specialised technique creating a shimmering, light-catching effect – almost like the lustrous surface of the ocean.

It’s well known that fragrance can transport you to a better time and place. But how about a watch? IWC Schaffhausen’s Portofino takes its name from the famous town on the Italian Riviera, capturing the essence of “la dolce vita.” Inspired by the simplicity of 19th century pocket watches, the Portofino collection demonstrates that elegance lies in precision and restraint. This new addition, complete with a navy alligator strap, is as timeless as its first iteration from the 1980s, proving that great design never dates.

Tudor has distilled 60 years of diving history into its bestselling Black Bay model. The 1958 Oyster Prince Submariner contributed its clean lines and oversized dial, while the ‘Snowflake’ Submariner, worn by the French navy in the 1970s, supplied its unique angular hands. While honouring historical designs, the newest Black Bay models are fitted with the best of modern horology: a supremely robust Manufacture Calibre that took Tudor five years to develop.

A pillar of 20th century design, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso watch carries the pioneering spirit of 1930s Modernism. Created to withstand the rigours of polo matches, it’s defined by its revolutionary reversible dial, making it one of the most recognisable watches in history. And don’t let the fact it’s “women's” put you off. Celebrities such as Jacob Elordi, Tyler the Creator and Timothée Chalamet have together indicated a movement towards men wearing watches marketed for women, and perpetuated trend for smaller, more refined styles.

According to Oracle Time, sales of ceramic watches have soared by 380% in the past ten years. Bamford London’s D-300 Dive Watch has a fully ceramic case, making it exceptionally durable, scratch-resistant and lightweight. It’s built with a water resistance of 300 meters ATM, luminescent dial, hands and bezel markers, and deep cut-outs for easy underwater adjustments. Ceramic is also unaffected by UV light and saltwater, meaning its deep navy hue will never fade or rust.