Time moves forward relentlessly and at a remarkably steady pace–second-by-second, minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour–just as it has since, well, time began. Many of us think of watch just as an instrument to know the pace of time, while there are others who consider their watch as an extension of their personality. Such watch lovers don’t mind shelling out some big bucks to find a perfect piece to complement their persona. From split-second chronographs to moon phase calendars, musical chimes to minute repeaters, ultra-slim cases to stylish power-reserve indicators, there’s virtually no end to the complexities watchmakers can crowd onto a dial. The pieces are as laden with complications as they are with extra zeros. And bear in mind that many are available only in limited editions if they can be found at all. Here’s something for all the watch aficionados- the list of Top 10 eternal time machines by Forbes.
1. Vacheron Constantin- Tour de l’Ile ($1.5 million)The Swiss watchmaker marked its 250th anniversary with the world’s busiest timepiece. The Tour de l’Ile has 834 separate parts and 16 complications, including a tourbillon, power reserve, striking-mechanism torque, moon phase, perpetual calendar, sunrise time, leap-year indicator, sunset time, sky chart and others. At $1.5 million, it’s the priciest timepiece in Vacheron Constantine’s anniversary line.
2. Blancpain- 1735- ($839,000)In the No. 2 spot for the second year in a row is Blancpain’s ultraslim 1735. The ultra-slim, 42 mm platinum case itself a complication, according to Blancpain’s owner, holds a perpetual calendar, split-second chronograph, minute repeater, tourbillon and moon phase minder. With a crocodile strap and 80-hour power reserve, it’ll wear well with just about anything.
3. Girard-Perregaux- Opera Three- ($532,000)what really differentiates Girard-Perregaux’s Opera Three from all those other complicated watches is its ability to sound passing hours, not with a beep, gong or chime, but with actual tunes. A convenient selector enables a choice of two different tunes–each of which can be personalized to the wearer’s taste. With a 43 mm platinum case and a crocodile strap, it’s a mellifluous timepiece that can be yours for $532,000.
4. Parmigiani Fleurier ($477,000)
5. Roger Dubuis ($450,000)
6. Audemars Piguet ($379,000)
7. Jaeger-LeCoultre ($310,000)
8. IWC ($300,000)
9. Omega ($282,500)
10. Breguet ($252,800)
Despite the best efforts of quantum theorists to confuse the issue, for most of us “time” remains a very simple matter.
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