Why this sudden onset of sandy dials? Is it the influence of the latest runway collections or is style icon Timothée Chalamet, star of Dune: Part Two, part of the attraction?
CHF 5,890, Hermès
A simple watch although not quite as simple as it seems. The case of the Cut is not perfectly round but, in Hermès's words, a circle in a round, a sliver of metal shaved from its sides. Crafted in steel, it beautifully complements the opaline dial, with numerals in a special Hermès typography, and the sand-coloured rubber strap that ripples like dunes.
CHF 8,200, IWC
A creative mainstay of IWC's collection, the Portugieser chronograph adopts a distinctive and recognisable layout for its dial. Just two subdials, one for the 30-minute counter and one for small seconds, vertically aligned at noon and 6 o'clock respectively. The aptly named Dune variation boasts sandy hues for the dial and subdials.
CHF 9,200, Omega
A professional instrument engineered for underwater exploration with a 600-metre water-resistance rating and powered by Omega's highly respected co-axial chronograph movement. This mechanical pedigree is matched by a stylish design that complements a lighter coloured strap and dial with darker shades for the subdials and ceramic bezel.
CHF 14,523, Blancpain
Blancpain transforms this professional dive watch with 300-metre water-resistance, part of the iconic Fifty Fathoms collection, into an elegant grand complication. A complete calendar displays days, months and date, not forgetting moon phases.
CHF 22,900, Hublot
More than a disruptive and desirable design, embracing an on-trend sandy hue across the case, dial and bracelet, this is also a first-rate chronograph. Powered by an automatic in-house movement with a column-wheel mechanism for the flyback chrono, it delivers 72 hours of power reserve. Did we mention that it's a limited edition?
CHF 29,800, Audemars Piguet
A finely crafted watch whose in-house movement is visible through a sapphire caseback. The dial simply cannot be faulted, in ivory with an embossed motif, paired with an ivory flange, applied indexes in rose gold and a rose gold handset with luminous tips. As a final flourish, the large-square scale alligator strap in ivory fastens with a rose gold pin buckle, engraved with the Audemars Piguet name.
CHF 34,100, Vacheron Constantin
A manufacture movement visible through a sapphire caseback, 58 diamonds on the bezel and a moonstone set in the crown. A taupe-coloured opaline dial featuring a pleated design in its centre and a rose gold ring set with 34 diamonds framing the date display. Everything a woman watch connoisseur could ask for and more, as this Égérie is delivered with three interchangeable taupe straps in alligator, satin and padded leather.
CHF 44,200, A. Lange & Söhne
A beautiful brown dial in harmony with the taupe strap and the warm sheen of a rose gold case: A. Lange & Söhne brings a contemporary feel to a quintessential watch. A true classic with the benefit of an original dial layout, designed so none of the indications overlap, that is not only pleasing to the eye but extremely effective when maintaining legibility.
