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Great musicians have to keep proper time and so do great watches, and a new campaign from luxury retail hub MR PORTER explores the common ground between these two thrilling terrains. Featuring a variety of bold pieces from brands such as Piaget, Cartier, IWC, and more, ‘Keeping Time’ simultaneously enlists local musical talent from London, thereby spreading its wings in every direction. From this wellspring of music, rhythm, style, artistry, and time, a new collection comes bursting to life in a stunning and vibrant fashion. The action kicks off starting on 23rd September.
But what about the watches?! Someone out there might be shouting. Don’t worry because MR PORTER always has you covered. With its finger squarely on the pulse of modern luxury and design, the global retailer definitely knows how to put together a versatile showcase. Here are nine striking models that makeup part of the new ‘Keeping Time’ campaign. In the spirit of things, maybe put on some background music whilst you peruse. Now you’re getting it!
Slim d’Hermès Automatic GMT 39mm Platinum and Alligator Watch, Ref. No. 054192WW00
This Swiss-made GMT watch from the House of Hermès combines a slender case with a translucent black smoked dial and all kinds of signature details. Take the singular typography, for example, crafted by famous French designer Philippe Apeloig. Ultra-slim and dressed in slates of dark grey with a graphite alligator strap, it keeps time and turns heads like the best of them.
Piaget Polo Date Automatic 42mm Stainless Steel and Rubber Watch, Ref. No. G0A47014
Piaget’s effortlessly wearable Polo Date offers perfect juxtapositions of colour and geometry alike. The cushion-shaped dial within a round case remains an iconic brand hallmark whilst no one argues with the interplay between black and stainless steel. Minimalist by design, the piece employs clever details in the form of its stylish hands and indices, which take on the glow of SuperLuminova under dark conditions. Note the subtle red tip at one end of the second hand and the “P” signature at the other. Under the skin, a 1110P automatic movement keeps time like a veteran jazz musician.
Baume & Mercier Riviera Automatic 42mm Stainless Steel Watch, Ref. No. M0A10702
Here we have another luxury watch that renders unique impressions through the signature use of geometric form, namely the fixed steel bezel. Meanwhile, its bold dial face unravels in superb visual layers. A robust and sporty stunner perhaps, but the Swiss-made piece also imparts a classical presence. Flip it over and peer through the exhibition case-back to behold an in-house BM13-1975A COSC automatic movement with 21 jewels and a 120-hour power reserve.
IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Automatic 43mm Stainless Steel and Rubber Watch, Ref. No. IW329306
It’s been a huge year for IWC’s iconic Big Pilot and this one doesn’t disappoint. Making expert use of its aviation-based underpinnings, the classic watch touts a streamlined display on one side and intricate see-through case-back on the other. That’s not to mention the downright eye-popping profile of green and stainless steel, which becomes all the more powerful when the dial is illuminated. This is everything one would want out of a modern pilot’s watch.
Cartier Pasha de Cartier Grille Automatic 41mm 18-Karat Gold and Alligator Watch, Ref. No. WGPA0019
No one does luxury wristwear quite like Cartier and this mechanical wonder is here to prove it. Perched behind a removable grid of pure yellow gold is a silver flinqué dial with ultra-legible numerals and diamond-shaped hands. If the piece was a musical artist, we’re thinking maybe Lady Gaga or André 3000 of OutKast. This is how you keep time in style, folks.
Roger Dubuis Gully Excalibur Limited Edition HandWound Skeleton Flying Tourbillon 42mm Titanium and Leather Watch, Ref. No. EX0931
When only absolute distinction will suffice, look no further than ultra-premium watchmaker Roger Dubuis. One of the company’s latest creations, this Swiss-made masterpiece redefines Haute Horlogerie with its dazzling skeleton dial of vibrant colour and maze-like mechanics, including a rare tourbillon of titanium and cobalt chrome. The piece was made in collaboration with French graffitist turned studio artist Gully, who’s similarly no stranger to spectacle.
Montblanc 1858 Geosphere O Oxygen Limited Edition Automatic GMT 42mm Titanium, Ceramic and Leather Watch, Ref. No. 129415
Montblanc’s limited edition chronograph features zero oxygen to prevent oxidisation or fogging inside the movement whilst also maximising precision. True to its globe-spanning 3D display, the watch is ready for all kinds of outdoor adventures across a slew of altitudes and terrains. Strap on its lightweight 44mm case of polished titanium and go. Where? Anywhere.
Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Automatic 44mm Carbotech and Rubber Watch, Ref. No. PAM01232
Panerai is known for innovating in order to better service those who spend their days in pursuit of adventure. The brand’s use of incredibly light carbotech in crafting this timepiece’s 44mm case is a perfect example of how to harness cutting-edge material to create something extraordinary. As a result, this Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro is guaranteed not to weigh the wearer down, no matter what they’re exploring, be it the great outdoors or keys and time signatures in the music studio.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Automatic Tourbillon Skeleton 42.5mm 18-Karat Rose Gold Watch, Ref. No. 6000V/110R-B934
Jet-setting is a key element of the musician’s lifestyle, so the Tourbillon Skeleton’s continuation of the travelling spirit inherent in Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas range makes it an essential addition to the ‘Keeping Time’ collection. This 18K 5N rose gold watch houses an ultra-slim skeleton movement just 5.65mm thick, while the NAC-treated calibre has an anthracite grey hue and a power reserve of more than three days. It’s the perfect partner to accompany musicians keeping track of time during consecutive late-night gigs or recording sessions.
Keeping Time
MR PORTER is ‘Keeping Time’ as only they know how, hence their latest collection of jaw-dropping watches. To expand upon the built-in theme, the luxury retail hub is collaborating with London musical artists, who also know a thing or two about keeping time. So goes this celebration of music, rhythm, and style, which manifests itself from one brilliant song or striking watch to the next. Check it out starting 23rd September.
Jacob Osborn
Jacob Osborn is an accomplished author and journalist with over 10 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor's degree in English and Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin--Madison and co-authored a Young Adult novel through Simon & Schuster. Now based in Portland, Oregon, Jacob specialises in entertainment, technology and alcohol reporting. You might find him crate-digging at the nearest record store or sampling whisky at the nearest bar. He daydreams of travelling around the world, but for now, the world will have to come to him by way of lifestyle products, gear, gadgetry, and entertainment. Let's call it a happy compromise while he saves up for the next big trip.
