WatchObsession

WatchObsession's favourite watches from 2014 !!! ( Part ONE )

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We began creating this list of our favourite watches with a limit of 10. No categories, just 10 watches that we like that have been released in 2014. We couldn't keep to 10 so we had to make it a top 12, as you can tell, we liked a lot of watches from 2014 and even narrowing it down to 12 was tough.

We are fully aware of some of the works of art that incredibly talented watchmakers are producing but costing 6 figures, they are not realistically obtainable by the average Joe. I mean, we can drool over them when we visit watch shows of their boutiques but for us, the attraction in a watch is wearing it day to day. However, our first watch is one that would cost you around £1,600,000. It makes our list due to its sheer magnificence. If you haven't guessed by now, it is the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 5175R. Racking up an incredible 20 complications, this watch is as breathe taking as it comes. Though it may not be aesthetically pleasing to everyone, nobody can deny this is one amazing feet of mechanical watch making. Patek Philippe will be producing 7 of these watches, keeping one for themselves for their museum and you are unlikely to ever see one in the flesh. This watch is for the elite watch collectors of this world and the chances of them being worn often are slim to none.


Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 5175R (£1.6m)



The next watch in our list should bring us back down to reality a little. Tudor have, in our opinion successfully reintroduced their brand in to the US and European market with a collection of desirable, affordable and functional watches. Our favourite is one we were lucky enough to get our hands on at SalonQP. Trying it on and seeing it in the flesh confirmed to us that Tudor are back with a bang and ready to stand alone in the watch industry.


Tudor Heritage Black Bay (£2,120)



This year saw many Watch brands capitalise from their archives by basing their new models on previous watches from a previous watch making era. Known as reissues, these watches resurrect the watch they were based on but using new manufacturing techniques. Jaeger LeCoultre used one of their famous watch designs to re produce an icon from their past. The Jaeger LeCoultre Geophysic 1958 is based on JLC's first release of the Geophysic in 1958. The original was only in manufacture for a year before being replace by another model and only around 1,000 pieces were ever made. Dubbed as one of the most legible watches ever produced, the original Geophysic was a brilliant all round watch. Thanks to this reissue, you are now able to buy one for yourself.


Jaeger LeCoultre Geophysic 1958 ($9,800 - $32,000)



From one reissue to another, Omega have this year reissued their Seamaster 300 from the late 1950's. What was back then a pure diving watch, is now a more more refined divers watch that uses all of Omegas latest technology. The watch is slightly larger than the one it was modelled on measuring in at 41mm as apposed to 39mm. The materials used to produce this watch are ones you can find on Omegas other releases such as their trademark liquidmetal technique. The movement as the name of the watch suggests is one of their new master co-axial movements, the 8400 which is anti magnetic to 15,000 gauss. We are a massive fan of this watch and it easily ranks in the top 3 of our list for 2014.


Omega Seamaster 300 Mast Co-Axial (£3,880 - £20,160)




Watch manufacturers can be influenced by almost anything. The designers are mostly incredibly creative and draw inspiration from their daily routine or an iconic moment in history. Bremont is a Watch manufacturer that we have long admired. Their MB series had us at hello and since then they have released some brilliant timepieces including this year when they released The Wright Flyer. The watch is an aviation-inspired tribute to the first powered aircraft from 1903. What makes this watch extra special is that it has part of the original aircraft inside of the watch, embedded in to the rotor and viewable through an exhibition caseback. Not only that but the British watchmaker has introduced their first ever proprietary movement with this release. It is great to see their commitment to British watchmaking and we wish them all the very best for 2015.


Bremont Wright Flyer (£17,950 - £30,950)



Staying on the subject of British watchmakers, another brand we really like is Schofield. Their first release, the Signalman was a hit and last year the impressive Black Lamp project which featuring our friend BlackBadger (James Thompson) produced a innovative carbon case watch with unique glowing inner bezel. This year Schofield came up with the idea of making a watch that will live each day with you and take anything you throw at it. Named the Beater, comes in three different robust finishes, Satin Steel, Bronze and Blued Titanium. Schofield has a fantastic array of watch straps that are compatible with all of the watches they produce. We especially like the distressed leather straps that these watches come with. We were lucky enough to try all of their watches on at SalonQP and they wear great!

TO BE CONTINUED !!


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We are an independent and wide-ranging forum for watch enthusiasts. From mainspring to microchip, from Europe to Asia, from micro-brand to boutique - we cover it all. Novice or expert, we want you to feel at home. Whether it's asking a simple question or contributing to the fund of horological knowledge, it's all the same hobby. Or, if you like, you can just show us a picture of your new watch. We'll provide the welcoming and courteous environment, the rest is up to you!
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