Time on your hand Archives - CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

With a glorious summer of sporting, hopefully, ahead of us, any sportsmen or woman out there will know the importance of a sustainable yet stylish watch. Timekeeping is an essential element of all sports, but you’ll need to find a watch that is able to withstand the challenges and demands of your active lifestyle. With this in mind, here’s just a small collection of watches that are ideal for any sportsman and will give you a good idea to the key functions and features of a good watch ideal for the ultimate sportsman.

Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Black Dial

This particular watch is specially designed to adapt to different pressures, while coping with the natural pressures of your wrist, making it the perfect watch for dealing with active sports. With a self-winding chronograph and a 30-minute counter positioned at 9 o’clock for further time measurements, the Classic Fusion is the ideal sports timekeeper. Not only that, but its sophisticated look will also look great with smart dress, thanks to its classic combination of titanium bezel, mat black dial and black rubber and alligator leather strap.

Tag Heuer Aquaracer Calibre 16

This watch is an excellent example of Tag Heuer’s reliability and excellence. It is specially designed with adventurers in mind and is mainly suited to the world of water sports and sailing, thanks to its water resistance to 300 metres. The Aquaracer Calibre 16 features a chronograph dial and uni-directional bezel for further time measurements, while its ocean-blue face is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire glass.

Longines Conquest Stainless Steel

This elegant Conquest Men’s Watch from Longines encapsulates the ultimate combination of sports function and style, as it is perfect for both sporting activities and smart dress. Its self-winding chronograph movement provides 46 hours of power reserve and the dial features a small second counter, a 30 minute counter and a 12 hour counter for further timekeeping. You can also know that your Longines Conquest is protected against any activity thanks to its water-resistance up to 300 metres and scratch-resistant sapphire glass.

Breitling Chronomat

The Breitling Chronomat is perfect for those sportsmen who may also be travelling this summer, as its self-winding mechanical movement features an innovative and entirely crown-adjustable second time zone system as well as a rotating bezel that provides a 24hr third time zone reading. Its dial also features 1/4th second, 30 minute and 12 hour counters for further timekeeping that are important for different sports and activities. The Chronomat is perfect for any adventurers’ wrist and you can know that it is protected through most activities thanks to its water-resistance of up to 3 bars.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

This great sport watch takes on the classic identity of the Royal Oak Offshore, but is makes it more powerful. It is therefore the perfect compliment to any active and dynamic lifestyle. Its black dial features 3 extra timekeeping counters for small seconds, 30 minutes and 12 hours and the watch itself is water-resistant up to 100 metres. This statement timepiece effortlessly completes the sporty look thanks to its simple and bold design and chronograph display. Its crown and pushers are all protected by a rubber coating and the face and bezel are both extremely scratch resistant, ensuring it can take on any challenge.

Founded in 1926, Tudor is the brainchild of well-known watchmaker, Hans Wilsdorf. Having first founded a little watch brand, you may have heard of called, Rolex. The TUDOR brand, often referred to as the little sibling of Rolex, offers the same unparalleled quality, assurance and dependability, sharing the technical prowess of its older sibling but at a more accessible price point.

After an absence from the UK watch market, returning in 2014, the brand are particularly focusing on their Heritage range, which is distinguished by the creative process of the brand’s Style Workshop. Each piece takes inspiration from Tudor’s vast and historical archive, updated with modern design tweaks for the ultimate in nostalgic and new.

The aesthetic and function of each TUDOR piece is unique. For example, their specialist diving watch – The Pelagos – was created and developed in collaboration with a large panel of professional divers and regular frequenters of the 320-meter deep Geneva Lake. The iconic ‘Montecarlo’ Chronograph, on the other hand, originally dates back to the 70s, with the latest reinterpretation boasting a bidirectional bezel with a sapphire crystal.

Additionally, since the 1950s, TUDOR has been officially supplying the Marine Nationale (French Navy) with reliable diving watches used to carry out the daring duties of naval troops for decades. The first Pelagos FXD model – “FXD” referring to the extra robust FiXeD strap bars of the watch case – was introduced in 2021, continuing the legacy of TUDOR and the French Navy. After years of use in the field, the Pelagos FXD platform has a proven track record of service. In 2024, the FXD family is expanding to the meet the needs of the Aéronautique Navale (French Naval Aviation), the force responsible for naval aviation operations. The Pelagos FXD GMT can keep track of time in up to three time zones at once, one being Zulu time, the military name for Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) and the standard reference time for all aviators—a valuable tool when undertaking crucial missions. Zulu time corresponds to zero-meridian time or the time at zero degrees of longitude, commonly known as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Its standardized use in global aviation prevents confusion in communications between nations and time zones. The word “Zulu” is the standardized phonetic alphabet code word used in aviation for “Z” or the first letter of the word “zero”.

Zulu time is tracked by the highly legible bright orange hand that completes a full lap around the dial every 24 hours. Once set, this hand typically is not reset, allowing sailors of the French Naval Aviation to check the global aviation reference time at a glance. The angular hour hand, commonly nicknamed “Snowflake,” indicates local time. It is set through the winding crown and “jumps” in increments of one hour for easy setting when changing time zones. The date changes when the hour hand passes midnight, in either direction—backwards or forwards. A third time zone can be checked using the 24-hour luminous bi-directional bezel and the orange Zulu time hand.

Breaking convention has been the modus operandi of Tudor since it’s founding. Nothing about a blue flamingo blends in, and that’s why the new Black Bay Chrono model was born to stand out, with a dial in a vibrant blue hue that’s unlike anything else in the TUDOR line-up. Like the Black Bay Chrono Pink released in 2024, this is a watch for those who dare to be different. The Black Bay Chrono was already quite a bold watch even before this new dial colour was introduced.Since the launch in 1970 of the Oysterdate model, TUDOR’s first chronograph, the brand has always produced watches that are closely tied to the world of motorsports.

The Black Bay Chrono model seamlessly fuses these traditions in a sports chronograph, with contrasting sub-counters and a high-performance automatic Manufacture Calibre, with column-wheel construction and vertical clutch. The Black Bay Chrono “Flamingo Blue” departs from the norm. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less of a TUDOR.

Aviation style luxury watches are set for a big year in 2013 and there is one name that typically stands out from the crowd when it comes to this style of timepiece – and it is that of Bell & Ross watches. Although they are a relative newcomer to the luxury watch industry (forming as recently as 1992) but they have not wasted any time at all in establishing themselves as one of the powerhouses of the industry and their aviation style timepieces certainly forms the cornerstone of their endeavours.

The brainchild of Bruno Belamich (Bell) and Carlos Rosillo (Ross), these breath taking timepieces have found favour amongst luxury watch aficionados the world over and all Bell & Ross watches are designed for professionals and crafted to 4 essential criteria – namely, precision, readability, performance and water resistance. Bell & Ross have a number of different collections of timepieces but the aviation feel permeates them all to some degree or other and it is a feature that has certainly made them popular amongst those looking for a highly functional and visually appealing luxury timepiece.

Just some of their most popular collections include the WW Vintage, BR01, BR02 and the BR S series of watches and these all positively exude luxury and elegant sophistication. Many of the Bell & Ross watches are purpose designed for pilots and this is something that is extremely evident from some of the features that you find on Bell and Ross timepieces. These classically styled, aviation themed type of watches are set for a big year in 2013 and Bell & Ross will inevitably be the driving force behind this popularity.

Let’s take a look at some of the stunning watches with an aeronautical feel that could be yours from the luxury watchmaker, Bell & Ross:

Bell & Ross Vintage Collection:

The Vintage Collection from Bell & Ross is unquestionably amongst their most stylish and sought after range of timepieces and you can see just how eye-catching they are from the spectacular Bell & Ross Vintage BR 126 Officer timepiece pictured.

This excellent series of striking timepieces is based on a profound need for military precision and they are designed on the military style timepieces worn by officers throughout military history.

These Vintage Bell & Ross watches are incredibly popular and this popularity is set to continue as more and more people look to add a classic style luxury timepiece to their wrist.

Bell & Ross BR02 Collection:

Famed for their versatility, Bell & Ross watches are one of the most stylish, rugged and precise collections of timepieces on the market and that is typified by their extraordinary BR02 Collection.

This unusual and striking collection is a departure from the aviation style watches that Bell & Ross are most renowned for as it is a series that is purpose built for divers and boasts an incredibly impressive water resistance with the pictured timepiece capable of plumbing depths of up to 1000m.

Bell & Ross BR03 Collection:

The Bell & Ross BR03 Collection is their square aviation style timepieces and they have become one of the most symbolic watches that they offer and for a fan of oversized timepieces, this collection should be your first port of call.

These watches are genuine aviation instruments and are popular amongst pilots the world over for their high-visibility and precise mechanics. Needless to say, those who spend a lot of time in the skies require a highly functional timepiece and watches like the Bell & Ross BR03-94 Heritage pictured certainly ticks all of the right boxes.

A great watch for aviation aficionados and one of the collections from Bell & Ross that will likely fly (pun not intended) off the shelves.

All Bell & Ross watches are made in their modern watchmaking facility in La Chaux-de-Fonds and all of the timepieces that roll off their production line have been tested in hazardous and inclement conditions to ensure their durability because, as aviation timepieces, then need to be capable of withstanding even the most inhospitable of environments. If you want one of the most rugged and stylish watches on the market, it is difficult to look beyond Bell & Ross.

Words by Charlie Britton

It’s safe to say that Louis Vuitton is one of the worlds most renowned and recognisable brands to date. An international leading design house and household name that was founded in 1854, Louis Vuitton produces an extensive range of luxury products including trunks and leather goods, ready-to-wear, shoes, watches jewellery and an extensive list of accessories.

In it’s latest release, Louis Vuitton has proven that it can keep up with the times by producing it’s very first smartwatch, the Tambour Horizon. Following the likes of other brands such as TAG Heuer and Montblanc, LV has launched a pricey £1,905 Android Wear-powered smartwatch to compete in the luxury smartwatch market. Aside from even higher priced finishes, there is also a variety of luxury straps on offer that are priced additionally, so you can expect a hefty number to show up at checkout.

Working closely with Google and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., LV has worked relentlessly to produce a smartwatch worthy of it’s label and price tag, combining all the technical capabilities of a smart watch with the elegance and beauty of a Tambour, the iconic watch that began Louis Vuitton’s watch making journey in 2002. Branded as the ideal watch for the contemporary traveller, the Tabour Horizon delivers the very best technology, expertise and design with a Switzerland-made watch that will remain functional across the globe, including China.

With technologies developed in California’s famous Silicon Valley, you can guarantee that this smartwatch is packed full of useful and technologically advanced features. Aside from the obvious mobile phone functions, the Tambour Horizon promises as intelligent platform that will enhance your experience wherever you might go.

An exclusive ‘My Flight’ function emphasizes the contemporary traveller element as it acts as your personal assistant when at the airport, monitoring departure and arrival times, delays and cancellations, gate numbers and information and time remaining until landing. Louis Vuitton’s smartwatch also connects to digital versions of the famous LV city guides, making use of an intelligent geolocation function to connect the wearer to cities, local restaurants, hotels and spots of interest.
The Tambour Horizon is also waterproof up to 30 meters and promises a 22 hour battery life, ample to get you through a long haul flight and every day-to-day life.

In regards to the hefty price tag, the Tambour Horizon is definitely a step up when it comes to the line-up of luxury smartwatches. It doesn’t seem that any form of consensus on the pricing of luxury goods such as smartwatches is being thrown into the mix any time soon, so for the time being, this product will remain a luxury for those who have the disposable income to indulge.

Here at Clothes Make The Man, we’re in agreement that this is probably one of the nicest smartwatches to date. We cant promise that the technology is a cut above the rest as it does carry the same Android Wear platform as other smartwatches in the same league, however the sleek design and exclusive performance features and apps might be enough to take this little guy to the top.

U-Boat Watches was founded in 1942 out of necessity, when founder and designer, Ilvo Fontana was commissioned by the Italian Government in 1942 to design a watch for use by pilots of the Italian navy. His plan was to produce a watch with an emphasis on high visibility, as he knew the pilots would encounter low light and bad weather conditions.

Unfortunately his dream was never realised and the designs lost, until in the year 2000 Ilvo’s grandson Italo decided to develop the U-BOAT watch as a tribute to his grandfather. Though based on the original designs, slight alterations have been made to make U-BOAT as we know it today; namely large, sturdy watches with bold designs. With their trademark large crown on the left side of the watch case and outstanding technical specifications, U-Boat Watches are designed to stand out from the crowd and stand up to the most demanding climatic conditions.
U-BOAT Classico watches capture the essence of the brand’s popular style with their bold military-inspired design, wide dial, and often a metal plate affixed to the strap. Timeless and iconic, the Classico is clean and uniquely styled model with its characteristic case, crown security device, on the right hand side, as well as the sandwich dial, constructed of two discs, one is superimposed on top of the other.
Classico represents Fontana’s idea of the pure, timeless design that does not fade and die like passing trends and it is designed for individuals with strong personal style. The new Classico boasts a tough temper thanks to the 48 mm black matt ceramic case on the outside and internally in black steel. The back of the case is sealed with 7 external screws, with sapphire crystal showing the movement balancer. The deep black dial features spheres and indexes in beige colour treated with superluminova. In addition to this an extra counter showing the 24 hours of the day has been added to the dial. Last but no least a calf leather strap with a deployant buckle in burnished steel after the IPB treatment.

Ideal watches for the ultimate Sportsman or woman

A Rose by any other name – Tudor Watches

Lord of the Skies – Bell & Ross

Introducing Louis Vuitton’s first Smartwatch – The Tambour Horizon

Deadly Accuracy – U-Boat Watches

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