Our Favourite Watch Releases of 2017

The past year has been exceptionally eventful for the world of luxury watches and timepiece auctions. We recently witnessed the most expensive wristwatch to have ever been sold at auction sell for an incredible $17 million, and the famous bi-annual Only Watch charity auction produced some incredible record-breaking results. Although auctions are all very enthusing, sometimes it’s the new watch releases that sends us all into an excited rage, and this year has been a pretty remarkable year for luxury brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller Ref. 326934 (Stainless Steel) and Ref. 326933 (Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel)

One of our favourite watch releases of 2017 would have to be the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Bi-metal Sky-Dweller. Rolex released the Sky-Dweller range (available only in precious metals) in 2012. However, this year the Swiss manufacturer decided to produce a more affordable alternative to the all-gold models, by introducing a stainless steel and a bi-metal (Rolesor) version. The new models are not only attractive and stylish timepieces, but are also testaments to the quality of Rolex watchmaking.

The Sky-Dweller is Rolex’s first wristwatch with a dual time-zone display and an annual calendar, and also holds one of Rolex’s most complex movements to date, Calibre 9001. The latest generation, which was produced with the prospective world traveller buyer in mind, differs slightly to the all-gold Sky-Dwellers. The hour markers are now a rectangular shape and the hands have been elongated; both features are also now made from materials coated in long-lasting luminescence to enhance readability. The Sky-Dweller is a sophisticated and striking wristwatch, so it’s no wonder celebrities like Conor McGregor, Jay-Z and Roger Federer favour the stunning timepiece.

Credit: Rolex

Watch specifications for Ref. 326933 (Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel)

• Material: 18-carat yellow gold and steel
• Calibre: 9001 (One of Rolex’s most complex movements to date)
• Diameter: 42mm
• Dial: Champagne coloured dial featuring a date indicator at 3 o’clock, 24-hour disc and 18-carat yellow gold fluted bezel, with scratch resistant sapphire glass
• Bracelet: 18-carat yellow gold and steel oyster bracelet with a folding Oysterclasp
• Movement: Self-winding
• Water-resistance: 100m
• RRP: £12,600

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Ref. 15410BC.GG.1224BC.01 (White Gold)

The next release high up on our list is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in Frosted Gold. The wristwatch is a prime example of the Swiss manufactures creative capabilities. The ‘frosted’ model is essentially the original Royal Oak design, but instead of a clean brushed over appearance, Audemars Piguet has taken inspiration from an ancient hammering method called the Florentine technique, to create a gorgeous sparkling finish.

The ‘Frosted Gold’ selection oozes elegance and class; the design is comfortable, stylish and easily legible. Famous faces like Lionel Messi, Patrick Dempsey and Tom Brady are all huge advocates of the original classic Royal Oak wristwatch (Ref. 15400ST.OO.1220ST.03), and who could blame them?

Credit: Audemars Piguet

Watch specifications for Ref. 15410BC.GG.1224BC.01 (White Gold) 

• Material: 18-carat white gold
• Calibre: 3120
• Diameter: 41mm
• Dial: Blue dial with “Grand Tapisserie” pattern, 18-carat white gold applied hour-markers and Royal Oak hands with luminescent coating and date indicator at 3 o’clock
• Bracelet: 18-carat white gold bracelet with AP folding clasp
• Movement: Self-winding
• Water-resistance: 50m
• RRP: N/A – Limited Edition of 200 pieces, availability is yet to be confirmed (other Frosted Gold models are available)

Richard Mille RM 035 Black Toro Ref. RG-TZP

Richard Mille introduced two new versions of the RM 035 this year, the Black Toro and the Gold Toro. Today we are going to focus purely on the Black Toro, because let’s be honest, it’s a pretty stunning wristwatch! In fact the RM 035 Black Toro verifies that Richard Mille is leading the way for watch manufacturers, by proving that the future is NOW with its use of high-tech materials and complexly engineered mechanisms.

Richard Mille are constantly trying new techniques and testing the limits of watchmaking by producing a selection of ‘ultra-light, ultra-high-performance and ultra rugged Chronofiable certified’ chronograph wristwatches. Some RM’s like the RM 027 have been produced for and inspired by the routine and demands of the current world number one tennis champion, Rafael Nadal, who has tried and tested Richard Milles’ genius craftsmanship on famous courts across the globe. If you’re looking for a timepiece that will live up to its hype, then the Black Toro is the wristwatch for you!

Credit: Richard Mille

Watch specification for Ref. RM 035 RG-TZP

• Material: Black Magnesium alloy and satin-finished rose gold case
• Calibre: RMUL1
• Diameter: 41mm
• Dial: Secure skeletonized dial within a black ceramic and rose gold case, sapphire crystal glass, black inner bezel, skeletonized hands, model tag located at 9 o’clock, hour index markers filled with a luminous material, and NTPT carbon crown with black rubber protector
• Bracelet: A satin-finished black DLC titanium buckle paired with a black Polyurethane strap
• Movement: Self-winding
• Water-resistance: 50m
• RRP: $145,500 (USD) Limited Edition, exclusively sold at Richard Mille Boutiques in USA

Are you feeling sad now that you’ve reached the end of this post? Yes? Why not continue the excitement and browse through our selection of 2017 timepieces, like the RM 035 Black Toro here!