As vast and expansive as the watch world is, much of it revolves around the same-same. Same shapes, same brands, same complications. The trivial nature of novelty seems to be a lacking aspect in our world of watches, and everyday it feels as though the proverbial door is slowly being closed on innovation, creativity and the general sense of eccentricities.

With many a watchmaker going the route of appeasing crowds, lining the pockets of their shareholders and riding the hype wave through every crest and trough, many a would be watch enthusiast looking for something a little different might wave their white flag of defeat. But -- and there always is a but -- if you look hard enough you'll be surprised to find an equally vast and expansive world of watches that very much do go against the grain and march to the resounding beat of their own drum.

Here are six watches that stand in solitude, away from the masses of like-for-like and fanfare-driven timepieces.

TAG Heuer Monaco V4 Titanium 

Enigmatic, different and very much unlike any Monaco you're likely to see, the TAG Heuer Monaco V4 Titanium bridges the gap between conservative watchmaking and modernity in a very interesting manner. The semi-openworked dial showcases many of the TAG Heuer Monaco V4 Titaniums moving parts, while its contemporary aesthetic is expanded upon by way of its titanium case. All in all, the TAG Heuer Monaco V4 Titanium is an interesting bit of kit.

• Brand: TAG Heuer

• Model: Monaco V4 Titanium

• Reference: WAW2080.FC6288

• Case: 41mm

• Case Material: Titanium

• Water Resistance: 100m

• Movement: Calibre V4

• Frequency: 4 Hz

• Power Reserve: 42 hours

  
  

Corum Golden Bridge

The Corum Golden Bridge was introduced in 1980 to widespread fanfare and intrigue. Its bold design gave its wearer an unparalleled look into its intricate workings, with elements of transparency and craftsmanship noted throughout. The linear movement is suspended by two plates and encased entirely in sapphire, setting the stage for some of the most spectacular theatrics in watchmaking. A striking, almost ornamental take on time-telling. 

• Brand: Corum

• Model: Golden Bridge

• Reference: 113.050.55/0F02 MX55R

• Case: 29.50mm x 9.30mm

• Case Material: Rose gold

• Water Resistance: 30m

• Movement: CO 113

• Frequency: 4 Hz

• Power Reserve: 40 hours

  
  

Breguet Classique Moonphase 7137

Breguet's Classique Moonphase 7137 is an information-laden piece of truly high end watchmaking that marries all of our favourite tenets from the haus of Breguet. Intricate finishing details, a beautifully technical movement and an eye for the extravagant make for a truly intriguing package. Perhaps the most conventional unconventional watch on this list, the Classique Moonphase 7137 holds its own as being a remarkable machine of time.

• Brand: Breguet

• Model: Classique Moonphase 7137

• Reference: 7137BA/11/9V6

• Case: 39mm x 8.65mm

• Case Material: Yellow gold

• Water Resistance: 30m

• Movement: 502.3 DR1

• Frequency: 3 Hz

• Power Reserve: 45 hours

  
  

Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph

Before Richard Mille. Before Hublot's Spirit Of Big Bang. Before the hype of tonneau shaped watches, there was Franck Muller. The Vanguard Chronograph perhaps best reminds us of who and what Franck Muller is, both as a watchmaking powerhouse and as a trail blazing stylistic icon. The Vanguard Chronograph is a workable, practical and altogether brilliant timepiece that reminds us of what there is over yonder.

• Brand: Franck Muller

• Model:  Vanguard Chronograph

• Reference: V 45 CC GD SQT 5NBR. NR

• Case: 45mm x 14mm

• Case Material: Rose gold

• Water Resistance: 30m

• Movement: MVD FM 7002-V1GGDTC3

• Frequency: 4 Hz

• Power Reserve: 42 hours

  
  

Cartier Drive de Cartier

You have the Tank. The Santos. And all of the other Cartier derivatives that the crowd seems to go crazy for. And in the Drive de Cartier, you have perhaps the maison's best kept secret. It's a combination of legibility, visceral details, practicality and uniqueness that makes for a very interesting timepiece that lies in the shadow cast by Cartier's most popular references.

• Brand: Cartier

• Model: Drive de Cartier

• Reference: WGNM0005

• Case: 41mm x 12.63mm

• Case Material: Rose gold

• Water Resistance: 30m

• Movement: 1904 FU MC

• Frequency: 4 Hz

• Power Reserve: 48 hours

  
  

Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL 

Girard-Perregaux's coffers are full of interesting, different and namely random references, with the Vintage 1945 XXL in particular standing out. Its DLC-coated titanium case displays a semi-openworked dial which in turn showcases all of its functions in a well thought out manner. Its architectural case design is very beautiful, and with its darker, monochromatic aesthetic you have a timepiece that not only flies well below the radar but one that is also completely out of the ordinary.

• Brand: Girard-Perregaux

• Model: Vintage 1945 XX

• Reference: 25882-21-223-BF6A

• Case: 36.10mm

• Case Material: Titanium

• Water Resistance: 30m

• Movement: GP03300-0124

• Frequency: 4 Hz

• Power Reserve: 46 hours

  
  

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