Presented by
Since the dawn of digital watches in the 1970s, mechanical watches have seen an ebb and flow in popularity. Made even more complicated by the advent of cellphones and smartwatches which display the time in our pockets or on our wrists, appreciation for these traditional timepieces might be stronger now than ever. Watchmaking is both an art and a science, combining elements of creativity and engineering to form one tiny product that looks amazing and performs on an equal level.
Like watches, music has been taken in new directions because of technology. However, at its core, the art of music-making still consists of movement, rhythm, and frequencies; there’s still an art and science behind it that come together in a beautiful way when music is good. Today, online style curator MR PORTER, with the help of London musicians, has unveiled its Keeping Time Collection of watches that have been inspired by the world of music. These are our favorite pieces.
Baume & Mercier Riviera 10702
Baume & Mercier’s Riviera debuted in 1973 and this latest version echoes the original’s design language in full force, but with some contemporary touches. Sporting a 42mm dodecagonal steel case, this new model blurs the lines between sporty and dressy, with a strong masculine aesthetic. The in-house Baumatic BM13-1975A automatic movement is largely visible through the smoky transparent gray dial and open caseback.
Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen
The Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen doesn’t just look classy, but it’s a deceptively effective tool watch as well, utilizing the brand’s innovative 0 Oxygen tech which precludes fogging in environments with drastic temperature vacillation. Likewise, its individual components have a longer lifespan with the elimination of oxidization, which can cause rust. This limited-edition timepiece features Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere subdials at the top and bottom of the dial that indicate if it’s day or night in different parts of the world.
IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch 43
IWC Schaffhausen helped revolutionize the industry throughout the ‘30s and ‘40s with its aviation timepieces. Today, the Swiss firm likes to have some fun with its flagship Big Pilot’s Watch 43. However, this green version is decidedly dressy, and we’re not complaining. Equipped with an automatic movement housed in a 43mm stainless steel case, the watch sports a streamlined aesthetic and a matching green rubber strap.
Piaget Polo Date
For a watch brand to last nearly 150 years, it almost has to continue to evolve and innovate. Utilizing its 42mm stainless steel case almost as an accent, Piaget’s Polo Date continues the same grooved pattern from its rubber strap onto the black dial and out the other side as though they’re one solid piece. One of the most appropriate pieces for this collection, the aesthetically kinetic dress watch beats with a manufacture caliber 1110P movement which features a date window at the 6 o’clock spot.
Hermès Slim d’Hermès Automatic GMT
Although French-based designer brand Hermès makes an array of luxury goods, it still manages to be one of the few of its kind to make quality high-end watches as well. Fusing dressy aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, the watchmaker always experiments with looks and design, never more so than with this Slim d’Hermès Automatic GMT. The unconventional dial sports stencil-like numerals and a wonky subdial configuration. Harkening back to the age of bebop jazz, this timepiece, like the genre, marries both randomness and pristine structure.
The 15 Best Dress Watches for Men to Wear
Interested in more from the world of high-end timepieces? Check out our guide to the best dress watches for men.
