Our Favorites of 2019
LOFTThe El Loft team has chosen their Top 5 picks for this year. Will they be among your favorites?
Another year has come and gone, a year full of social events in our region, in Europe, and in Hong Kong, the global mecca of watchmaking. As a result, the optimism that the major brands had brought after an auspicious 2018 has been dampened by these dates. Even so, we were bombarded by an endless stream of vintage-inspired new releases, a veritable craze for the integrated bracelet sports watch, and the imminent consolidation of the direct-to-consumer model implemented by emerging "microbrands."
After breaking down all these trends, reviewing hundreds of press kits, and testing many of the most talked-about releases, we've once again compiled our list of our top five favorites of the year. This list represents a very diverse group, covering very different price points, with very different objectives and audiences, but, in our opinion, they all share the virtue of standing out from their peers in terms of design, credibility, and desirability.
A 100% subjective list, in no particular order, whose deeper objective is simply to generate lively and endless conversations in the blogosphere and in every group of “watch nerds” around this beautiful hobby of “tick-tac” :
Seiko 5 Sports
As the 50th anniversary of the Seiko 5 revolutionized the market with its value proposition, Seiko draws inspiration from its cult icon, the SKX, to create the new Seiko 5 Sports . A sports watch that comes in over 25 configurations, all with a 41mm case, water resistance to 100 meters, in-house movements from the Japanese brand, a unidirectional rotating bezel, and a price tag close to $300 USD. A true bargain, ideal for a summer watch, for those starting to collect, or for those who need just one watch in their lifetime (hard to imagine). Without a doubt, a worthy tribute to the discontinued SKX and a popular hero that will delight generations to come.
Hamilton Khaki Mechanical Black
While the first version of this wonderful military watch was launched in 2018, it wasn't until this year that Hamilton decided to include the Powermatic 80 movement and present it in this black PVD-coated steel case, black NATO strap, and 100% tactical look. This change transformed the personality of the little Hamilton (38 mm) from a vintage soldier to a killer commando, while also delivering a collector's item from a reputable Swiss watchmaker at an almost unbelievable price ($545). The fact that it's hand-wound and has a true military pedigree makes us love it even more, and we recommend it every time someone asks us for the perfect gift this Christmas.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic
Without a doubt, the most awarded watch of 2019, and rightly so, it cements Bulgari's triumphant return to the big leagues. The Italian brand was coming off great successes with its Octo Finissimo , but it was this extra-thin chronograph with integrated pushers that won our hearts. As if that weren't enough, it includes a GMT, the trendy complication of 2019. Apparently, we all need to know the time in New York, Hong Kong, or Talca.
Special mention goes to the designers who managed to integrate the chronograph pushers, as well as the GMT adjustment button, into the contours of the Octo's slender case without disturbing its natural style. The 100% matte finish of the case and the automatic movement, which broke records for its thinness, are the icing on the cake of this work of art. Bulgari reminds us that from time to time, Italians must teach us what good design is, the true proof that we can look to the future rather than the past to forge a true classic.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar White Ceramic
While each iteration of the Royal Oak seems to be a cliché of itself, we continue to marvel at the perfect shape that the legendary Gerald Genta conceived more than 30 years ago, and which continues to cement its status as a cult object of our decade's urban culture.
Within the already ultra-extroverted universe of the Royal Oak, the new White Ceramic model seems to be the ultimate expression of impudence, luxury, and afternoons on your yacht in St. Thropez. AP's supreme quality is revealed in the finishes achieved on each link of the bracelet, in the slim perpetual calendar movement, and in the "mega-gatapisserie" design of the mirror... But who cares? This Royal Oak is both to see and to be seen, the ultimate symbol of the opulence and decadence of our times, and an unattainable trophy for us mortals who wander the purgatory of waiting lists and discount sites. We'll have to settle for seeing it in Hip Hop videos and the Instagrams of Floyd Mayweather or Dan Bilzerian.
Bulova Computron
We've left our guilty pleasure of 2019 for last. Presented at the Basel trade fair, the Computron is pure 1970s nostalgia. Designed in the image and likeness of the 1976 model , it incorporates the improvements that 40 years of chip development have brought to the world, without losing a drop of the retro-futuristic style that made it famous. For less than $300, you can be the center of attention at the party, imagine a future full of space adventures, and even change your watch battery using a coin. It was a true technological revolution when it was launched in '76, and today more than ever, its visionary design, straight lines, and luminous display bring a smile to our faces every time we press the button. If you're going to keep a battery-powered watch in your collection, at least try to make it one as cool as this Bulova.
There you have it, our definitive, and very diverse, list of 2019 favorites. Did you agree? Are we crazy? What new additions did we miss? Let us know your anger, or satisfaction, in the comments section below or on our Instagram .
Happy holidays and may 2020 welcome you with great abundance in your collection!
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