Christmas Gift Guide 2022: Five Exclusive Timepiece for That Special Someone

CONTENT: Yiew Kai Jie/ Andrew Kho

Thinking of gifting your loved ones unique timepieces? It may not be an easy task to choose the perfect watches but you won’t go wrong with these exclusive luxury timepieces.

Read on for our top picks for your perfect timepiece gifts this Christmas (one watch might not be enough).

Jacob & Co. X Bugatti Chiron Tourbullion

The conception behind the Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon watch all started with an idea, how does one reproduce the visceral sensation of the iconic Bugatti W16 engine in a timepiece?

After a full year of research and development, the team answered the question in the form of the Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon to honor the automobile in a timepiece. First off, the incredible flying tourbillon movement is a completely clean-sheet design. Jacob & Co. has been working with its movement suppliers for more than a year to realize this spectacular piece. The case was inspired by the flowing lines of the Chiron and the movement, or “engine block”, intended to duplicate the Bugatti engine, placed under a massive sapphire crystal, on display for all to see.

The most eye-catching action that the watch does is when the wearer pushes the right-hand crown of the timepiece, the engine comes to life – the crankshaft turns and the pistons pump up and down, mimicking a true internal combustion engine. Two “turbochargers” (down from four in the actual Chiron engine) on the side of the engine block spin while the engine runs, adding to the visual impact. The crankshaft driving this is just one of 578 components and is one of the smallest and most complicated watch parts ever manufactured, made out of one solid steel piece. The pistons, challenging to fabricate in their own right, are mounted onto the crankshaft at varying angles to maximize the show. Framing the engine block are two “exhausts” pipes, that further lends credence to the engine theme of the design.

The ground-breaking Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon also comes in an 18K Rose Gold version — a true engine on the wrist and an exclusive piece that’s limited to only 72 pieces that’s sold only at the SHH (Sincere Haute Horlogerie) boutique in Singapore.

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Watch

Specially created for Cortina Watch’s 50th Anniversary, TAG Heuer has introduced the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Cortina Watch that’s limited to just 10 unique timepieces, taking inspiration from the unique decade old aesthetic that first made the original Carrera a favourite among demanding racing pilots on and off the track.

The silhouette of the original Carrera is retained including the signature lugs and pushers, now scaled up to a contemporary 42-mm encased in a solid gold case for that added touch of luxury. The hours and minutes hands are 18K 3N yellow gold plated polished and coated with Super-LumiNova for optimal readability even in the darkest nights. Under a dome shaped sapphire glass, the unmistakable dial with its elegant tri-compax layout, takes on a brand-new style however, in a lush shade of green. Although seldom known for using gemstones as their dial material, TAG Heuer decided to go the unorthordox route, by creating a watch dial using jade-albite (also known as maw sit sit).

This bold move is a refreshing update for the Carrera collection, yet at the same time is also a nod to the original 1963 design by Jack Heuer, by retaining its finely balanced design, complete with a slim bezel, angled lugs, classic pump-style pushers, as well as a minimalist seconds-counter and discreet date window at the 6 o’clock position.

Sincere Fine Watches x Gorilla Fastback GT Sunset LE

With only 100 pieces worldwide, the exclusive Fastback GT Sunset LE is a collaboration between Swiss independent watch brand Gorilla and luxury watch e-retailer Sincere Fine Watches.

The timepiece combines a duo of radiant orange and shades of blue with Gorilla’s signature blend of high-performance carbon composites and titanium alloy which pays tribute to the Singapore GP. The timepiece also boasts a 44mm forged carbon case, an off-centered forged carbon bezel, all new applied titanium crown guards, and a newly sculpted bi-color Viton strap. The carbon dial of the Fastback GT Sunset LE is complemented by the anodized flange with horizontal brushed finish. The applied numerals, skeletonized hour disc, minute hand and hour markers are rendered in white Super-LumiNova for maximum legibility. An aperture at 17h30 and a specific skeletonized hour disc expose the beating heart of the 90S5 caliber and is water resistant up to 100M.

The Fastback GT Sunset LE is priced at S$2,688 (including taxes). Each watch is individually numbered and engraved out of 100. This limited-edition collection is available for purchase exclusively online and comes with complimentary international delivery.

Corum Admiral 45 Tourbillion

Limited to just 10-pieces globally, Corum has especially curated the Admiral 45 Tourbillon, a 45mm timepiece specially created for Cortina Watch’s 50th Anniversary. Due to the limited number of statement pieces being produced, no two pieces of the emblematic dodecagonal-shaped Admiral case are the same due to the random results of combining fluctuating layers of carbon composite with 18K gold. Therefore, each watch is unique, due to the use of cutting-edge material further enhances the already striking gold elements, the purity of the stark black sunray-finished dial, that evokes and reflects the wonder and mystery of the starry night sky- a magical sight to behold under the moonlit sky.

The timepiece is especially noteworthy due to its closed dial, which is unusual for Corum as their tourbillon watches often have openworked dials. Not commonly seen on Corum watches, the sunray-finished dial has a subtle iridescence that radiates a magnetic aura and features a sunray-finished anthracite dial with an aperture at 6 o’clock for the tourbillon. The unmistakable ‘upright key’ emblem of Corum, which alludes to the tenacity and grit needed for the mastery of horology and watchmaking, has been carefully hand-applied to add dimension and finesse for a finishing touch.

Laurent Ferrier 5-Piece Square Micro-Rotor SHH Edition

With its Square Micro-Rotor SHH Edition timepiece, Laurent Ferrier has decided to return to its Art Deco roots with an original design based on minimalism. Developed by Abraham Louis Breguet himself, the signature Breguet Indices are used as an unmistakable homage to its history. In this instance, the Breguet Indices are combined with a modern architectural hour circle decal, alongside the 18k white gold Arrow shaped hands that are filled with white Super-Luminova.

Utilising the brand’s iconic Square case, with its 41 by 41mm dimensions, the square case is a bold statement component that ensures easy handling for the wearer when winding up the watch while the hooked case back allows users to admire the movement that is visible from the back of the watch-free of any distractions. The movement can be accessed by watchmakers via the olivette, and water resistance is guaranteed to a depth of 30 metres.

Only 5 timepieces will be available, with the words “Limited Edition 1 of 5” engraved on each timepiece that’s sold only at the SHH (Sincere Haute Horlogerie) boutique in Singapore.