We all hope you had a very merry Christmas with your loved ones, but the show must go on with the next instalment of our weekly series, MR PORTER x Haulogerie: Watch Picks of the Week. In this week's round-up we'll be featuring watches from Girard-Perregaux, Cartier and Breitling. Enjoy!
IWC Big Pilot's Watch Automatic
The famous 'Big Pilot's' watch was first produced in the '40s when IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN was commissioned to produce 1000 military navigators' timepieces. This latest model scales the original’s 55mm proportions down to a 46.2mm stainless steel case, made distinct by an enlarged screw-in crown. The in-house automatic 52110 calibre employs ceramic and zirconium oxide to make the self-winding action resilient to wear, while the indexless balance and Breguet spring together refine precision.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Ghost
Girard-Perregaux's 'Ghost' timepiece proves there's something to be said for the act of looking back to move forward. Modelled on the house's very first 'Laureato' watch, which launched in 1975, it's designed with the help of Bamford Watch Department and has a white ceramic case - a notable contrast to the other styles in the collection. Just like the first edition, it features an octagonal bezel and Clou de Paris-bevelled dial. The intricacies of the movement are visible through the exhibition case back, and the engravings signify this limited edition piece celebrates the 45th anniversary of the original.
Breitling Chronomat B01 Chronograph
This duo-tone stainless steel and 18-karat red gold watch pays tribute to Breitling's iconic 'Chronomat' reference that was launched in 1984. Featuring a classic storm-blue dial and signature design details, including a rotating bezel with rider tabs and sleek Rouleaux bracelet, it has been built in Switzerland with an in-house, COSC-certified calibre Breitling 01 automatic movement that has a 70-hour power reserve and precise chronograph functionality. The hands are coated with Super-LumiNova® for visibility in low light.
Zenith Pilot Type 20 Rescue
In 1909, French aviator Mr Louis Blériot completed the first flight across the English Channel, and on his wrist was a Zenith watch. It's vintage timepieces like those that inspire the brand's current models, like this automatic 'Pilot Type 20 Rescue'. Built with a stainless steel case, it has a black dial offset by Super-LumiNova®-coated hands and large Arabic numbers for maximum legibility, and is fitted with a large 'onion' crown that can be gripped even while wearing gloves.
Girard-Perregaux 1966 Automatic
Founded in 1791, Girard-Perregaux is one of the oldest Fine Watchmaking manufacturers still in operation today. This '1966' piece is a contemporary interpretation of vintage models from the same year and has a polished stainless steel case that's subtly curved to sit neatly against your wrist. The lustrous opaline dial is elegantly detailed with slim indices and two coordinating hands that ensure excellent legibility. You'll find that the alligator strap grows increasingly supple with wear.
Cartier Ballon Bleu de Carter
Over the past decade, Cartier's 'Ballon Bleu' watch has become one of its most iconic styles, thanks to the elegant rounded case. Manufactured in Switzerland from 18-karat pink gold, this reference is detailed with a rich blue dial with contrasting silver-tone hands, Roman numerals and indices and secures with a sleek alligator strap. It's powered by a precise calibre 1847 automatic movement and has a fluted crown set with a cabochon sapphire.
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