Elite Traveler September-October 2017

INSPIRE TOP 50 WATCHES

Innovations Sometimes a watch is born that surprises us with its unusual features that just don’t seem to fit a single category. For instance, sometimes the watch performs a function that is intriguing, but not necessarily a complication. Other times, the watch company has delved so deeply into new technology or new materials that the innovation warrants strong attention. Here, we take a look at some of the more futuristic watches on the market this year, many of which are world-firsts.

MB&F HM6 ALIEN NATION

BULGARI OCTO FINISSIMO AUTOMATIC

SLIM D’HERMÈS L’HEURE IMPATIENTE

One of the newest creations from MB&F — easily one of the most innovative brands on the market — is the Horological Machine No 6 (HM6) Alien Nation. The HM6 Alien Nation is a series of four unique watches that are space-inspired. Marking a world-first for aliens in a watch, each timepiece actually features six extra-terrestrials carved in 18K gold by artisan Olivier Kuhn. In addition to the five placed around the movement that are visible through the entirely transparent sapphire case, the sixth alien is the pilot and he can be seen manning the bridge atop the movement. Adding cosmic glow to complete the theme, each of the four watches is finished with a mixture of Super-LumiNova and AGT Ultra by Black Badger, and glow in the dark in one of four colors: blue, green, turquoise, purple. $500,000 Where to buy A collector snapped up all four pieces, but its innovation can't be denied.

This year Bulgari set a new world record in the watch industry by unveiling the world’s thinnest automatic watch: Octo Finissimo Automatic. The slimmest ultra-thin self-winding watch on the market to date has a thickness of just 5.15mm — the equivalent of 2-3 letter envelopes stacked. The in-house-made self-winding movement, Caliber BVL 138, measures 2.23mm in thickness, features a platinum micro-rotor and offers 60 hours of power reserve. The 40mm watch is crafted in sandblasted titanium and features a small seconds hand in addition to hours and minutes. $13,900 Where to buy Bulgari boutiques nationwide, contact Anita Paredes, +1 800 285 4274, bulgari.com

The Slim d’Hermès L’Heure Impatiente features a new complexity that is the first of its kind. Designed by Hermès with master watchmaker Jean-Marc Wiederrecht of Agenhor, the L’Heure Impatiente (the Impatient Hour) allows the wearer to anticipate an upcoming event, meeting or moment via a whimsical countdown that heralds the moment’s arrival with a chiming sound. The system is easy to use, in that the wearer need only set the upcoming moment (within a 12-hour time frame) via a push button, then, an hour before the event is to occur, the countdown starts on a tiny subdial at 7 o’clock. $39,900 Where to buy Available at Hermès boutiques nationwide, hermes.com