TIMELINE: The Times That Shine 

So very often, the gift of a fine timepiece is also the gift of a memory. A wonderful cruise, a world-class event, a musical moment, a reminder of another of life’s passions…these exquisite timepieces will give the lucky people on your holiday list something to think about, beyond what time it is, whenever they check their wrist.

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport 

Tourbillons are a always a desirable high horological complication, which was first created to mitigate the effects of gravity on pocket watches to improve precision. From such fussy beginnings, a tourbillon complication on flat-out super sporty chronographs like TAG Heuer’s latest 44mm Carrera releases redefines the spinning elan of the device. 

Debuted earlier this fall during Geneva Watch Days also, this masterpiece is powered by the advanced TH20-09 in-house caliber, an evolution of the legendary Heuer 02 movement, that utilizes a vertical clutch, column wheel, and a new shield-shaped rotor for an edgy aesthetic. This mechanism also offers a bidirectional automatic rewinding system and a 65-hour power reserve, showcasing the watchmaker’s commitment to superior craftsmanship and reliability. 

Available in an all-black execution and a resplendent rose gold version, the 18K 5N rose gold model is the one that makes the bigger bang on the wrist. tagheuer.com 

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater Carbon 

The so-called Minute Repeater, a chiming watch function, not only dates back to the days before indoor lighting, it is also one of the most challenging watch complications to execute properly. That is why the House of Bulgari made quite a splash during Geneva Watch Days early this fall by including the sonic feature on one of its most edgy, modern, super-thin models, the Octo Finissimo.  

Powered by the calibre BVL 362 movement, the Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater Carbon has the instantly recognizable DNA of the Octo line at the core. To add to the modernity, this model’s case is rendered in lightweight carbon (a rarity for the collection), and features the collection’s signature highly geometric octagonal case design and slightly oversized 40mm proportions.  

However, it also maintains an ultra-thin profile, measuring just 6.85mm thick – not a lot of room to house the elaborate hammers and gongs to generate the gorgeous sound of the Minute Repeater, one that also happens to chime the hours, quarters, and minutes on demand. bulgari.com 

Ulysse Nardin Diver Atoll 

With its tasteful use of diamonds, clean white color way, and mesmerizing blue dial, the Ulysse Nardin Diver Atoll released over the summer is not only a legitimate dive watch, it is also clearly a terrific choice to wear on deck (for men and women, to boot). Let’s start with that delightful dial: Crafted from stone-cut chrysocolla, each dial execution carries its own unique swirls of deep blues, blacks, light aquas, and earthy island browns; almost like an aerial photograph of tropical waters. 

Alongside the gleaming polished and satin-brushed steel case (produced from 80 percent recycled steel), which tends to tone down the bling of the 40 diamonds set between the 15-minute intervals on the bezel, the overall result is a decidedly more gender-neutral package than you might expect from a jeweled dive watch.  An additional 11 diamonds adorn the dial indices for a total of .92 carats.

With all of its stylish surface appeal, the Ulysse Nardin Diver Atoll also checks the boxes for diving functionality, as it is powered by the UN-816 self-winding movement with edgy silicon components and is water-resistant to 300 meters. The Diver Atoll is limited to 100 pieces. ulysse-nardin.com 

Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024

While the 2024 Paris Olympic Games may be chronologically in our collective rear-view mirrors, the memories persist. Who can forget the extraordinary golden accomplishments of U.S. gymnast Simone Biles, shot putter Ryan Crouser logging the first-ever third straight gold medal in his event, the U.S. women’s foil fencing team’s first gold, American runners setting a new record for the 4 x 4,000 relay, and, of course, the awesomeness that is swimmer Katie Ledecky.  

To capture that spirit, we can’t think of a better way than via Olympic Official Timekeeper Omega’s Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024 timepiece. Released as a form of the 100-day countdown to the Paris games, the 43mm timepiece is available in steel, but it’s the Olympics, so let’s talk gold. 

Crafted in Omega’s proprietary 18K Moonshine gold alloy (which offers a distinctive paler hue that traditional yellow gold and is more resistant to color fading), the gold version of this special Speedmaster offers a shimmering white opaline dial sporting black chronograph registers at 3 and 9 o’clock in the Omega “two counters” tradition. Moreover, you’ll find technically elaborate sets of three dark grey timing scales – tachymetric, pulsometric, and telemetric – running in concentric circles on the dial, making them a fitting ode to the importance of precision timing in athletic competition. 

Powered by the immaculate METAS-tested and certified Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9909 movement, and featuring an appropriately etched commemorative case back, this is a “gold medal” we all desire. omegawatches.com