In Formula 1, the piercing shriek of engines and the drama of racing are met with an equally high-octane display of opulence. With the Singapore Grand Prix approaching, we have curated a selection of horological marvels guaranteed to turn heads from the Paddock Club to the Padang Stage
Patek Philippe Nautilus Haute Joaillerie
Go big or go home. Everyone’s holy grail timepiece is guaranteed to make an appearance at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, but very few will be able to set their Nautilus apart the way the iced-out Ref 5811/1460G-001 can. Presented on a white gold 41mm model, the scintillating timepiece reimagines the architecture of the Nautilus through a full-diamond execution, boasting almost 20 carats. This year, Patek Philippe also released a smaller Ladies’ model with an azure blue lacquered dial with a wave pattern. Ringed with diamonds as well, Ref 7010G-013 makes for a good matching piece for the missus.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
See also: Form and function
While a chronograph would definitely be more fitting for the world of high-stakes racing than a perpetual calendar, Audemars Piguet’s latest Royal Oak in 18-carat sand gold is so mesmerising that admirers may forget to keep their eyes on the track. Depending on the viewing angle and lighting, the patented alloy hovers between white and pink gold, offering a galvanic show that is sure to impress. Its tones are far from ostentatious, however, making it wearable even for the day-to-day.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Skeleton Aston Martin
See also: Evolution in action
Sure, diamonds and gems are a magnet for attention, but discerning collectors know nothing compares to the artistry of an openworked movement. Girard-Perregaux’s Aston Martin tribute may not be frou-frou, but its sculptural lines make it a refreshing sight. Sculpted from black ceramic, the case reveals a skeletonised heart, where each bridge, edge and hand-finished surface reflects understated elegance. It is a sophisticated timepiece that speaks volumes without shouting.
Hublot Big Bang Unico Water Blue Sapphire
When it comes to celebrating all things big and bold, Hublotistas often make a considerable part of the guest list. The brand is an expert in materials and metallurgy, which has resulted in a slew of timepieces that double as art. Its work with sapphire is second to none, engineered with a transparency that reveals the heart of the watch while being robust enough to effectively protect its intricate mechanisms, like the automatic chronograph movement in this eyecatching baby blue number.
Richard Mille 65-01
You are likely to see more Richard Mille watches in the Paddock Club than anywhere else. While the watchmaker sponsors both McLaren and Ferrari, those who want to stay neutral while donning the brand can opt for an RM 65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph. A symbol of both sportiness and technical sophistication, it is the most complex automatic watch ever made by the Swiss manufacture. For the first time, a white Quartz TPT is used for the case, endowing it with a visual purity that will stand out among the crowd.
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IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff
Watching the race is an intense experience, but it is even more nerve-wracking when you have a vested interest in the outcome. For the team principal, the stakes are raised exponentially as the weight of the entire operation rests on their shoulders. The tension often leads to slammed tables and air punches, which probably are not the best gestures for million-dollar watches. The IWC Big Pilot for Toto Wolff, however, is designed to reduce the g-force from shocks and bumps — suitable for anyone who experiences that same level of intensity.
Tag Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph F1
The raw energy of the racetrack is encapsulated within the four corners of this avant-garde Tag Heuer Monaco dedicated to the maison’s comeback as F1’s official timekeeper. Those lucky enough to snag one of 10 limited editions would be able to enjoy subtle design nods to the race throughout the watch. For example, the minute track discreetly features the F1 logo at 6 o’clock while the split-seconds chronograph counters display the famous phrase Sky Sports F1 lead commentator David Croft announces at the starting grid.
H Moser & Cie Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton Rainbow
While H Moser & Cie’s partnership with the Alpine F1 team has yielded two smart-looking Streamliners (one of which is a digital watch dedicated to the unsung heroes in the pit lane), this striking iteration definitely brings more extravagance to the table. Invisibly set with vivid sapphire gemstones in rainbow order, the bezel draws the eyes to the skeletonised movement taking centre stage, where a flying tourbillon with a patented double hairspring whirs. The steel case lends a contemporary edge without taking away from the salient elements.
