Elite Traveler September-October 2017

INSPIRE TOP 50 WATCHES

BOVET RÉCITAL 20 ASTÉRIUM®

BREGUET MARINE ÉQUATION MARCHANTE 5887

For the Récital 20 Astérium® Tourbillon, Bovet master watchmakers and artisans mapped out the stars and constellations visible from Earth on a dome of translucent blue quartz, laser-engraved and coated in Super-LumiNova® to create a dazzling true-to-life sky. The watch offers retrograde minutes, seconds hand on the tourbillon, equation of time, precise moonphase indicator, solstice and equinox indicator, astrological zodiac and power reserve indicator. The night sky and sidereal indications are governed by an annual calendar mechanism that is on a 365.25-day cycle to reflect the true duration of a full terrestrial orbit. The watch holds two patents, including a double-face tourbillon. The reverse side of the 46mm case features the annual calendar. Just 60 pieces will be made. $350,000 Where to buy Bovet in New York, +1 212 257 5015, bovet.com

This grand complication wristwatch pays tribute to the fact that the brand's founder, Abraham-Louis Breguet, was appointed the official horologer to the French Royal Navy by King Louis XVIII in 1814. Crafted in 18K white gold, the triple-complication timepiece features a tourbillon, perpetual calendar and offers a running equation of time to show the difference between average and real solar time. The running equation of time is displayed via a central hand on the main dial. That main dial is a study in elegance, with a center blue wave pattern and concentric outer rings for indication of the date and time. The bridges of the movement are engraved with a French navy vessel, and the case back allows for viewing of the movement. This high-complication watch offers 80 hours of power reserve. $230,400 Where to buy Breguet in New York, +1 646 692 6469, breguet.com