For a long time, watches existed outside my interests. In a world where most people carry a phone throughout the day, I saw watches less as functional objects and more as accessories.
That perception changed during my second year of university, when my parents gifted me an IWC Schaffhausen Mark series watch. Since then, I have become increasingly drawn to the world of watchmaking, not only for its craftsmanship, but also for the atmosphere, history, and quiet character that certain timepieces carry.
The watches introduced here are not pieces I currently own, but rather a small selection of timepieces I have continued to admire over time and hope to one day add to my collection.
Cartier Santos-Dumont
First introduced in 1904 following a request from the pioneering Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wished to read the time while flying, the Santos-Dumont remains one of Cartier’s most enduring watch designs. Beyond its place in watchmaking history, what continues to make the piece so compelling is the story of friendship and innovation that exists behind it.
With its slim profile, softly rounded square case, and restrained detailing, the Santos-Dumont feels elegant rather than excessive. Despite its deeply classic design language, the watch never feels overly formal or dated, which is perhaps what makes it so timeless.
Among Cartier’s many watch collections, the Santos-Dumont remains one of the models I admire most. Not simply because of its design, but because it carries the spirit of two figures who, in their own way, helped shape a new era.
Panerai Luminor Marina
Among the watches I continue to admire, the Panerai Luminor Marina stands out for a very different reason. Unlike dress watches that rely on elegance or refinement, the appeal of the Luminor Marina feels rooted in function and structure.
The oversized crown guard, highly legible dial, and utilitarian design language give the watch an almost industrial presence on the wrist. Rather than feeling decorative, the Luminor Marina feels more like a beautifully designed instrument, where practicality itself becomes part of the aesthetic.
Perhaps because of my background in engineering, this was one of the few watches that immediately stood out to me. There is something particularly appealing about the way the watch prioritises clarity, durability, and function while still maintaining a strong sense of identity through its design.
Chanel J12 BLEU
Inspired by the streamlined silhouette of racing yachts, the Chanel J12 BLEU Calibre 12.1 38mm marked Chanel’s first sports watch designed for both men and women. The collection quickly became recognised for its distinctive use of ceramic, a material that feels both remarkably durable and unexpectedly refined on the wrist.
For many years, the J12 was defined by its monochrome black and white colourways. The recently introduced BLEU collection, however, presents a deeper and more understated tone that feels particularly well suited to menswear.
According to Chanel, the development of the colour alone took nearly five years. Depending on the light, the watch shifts subtly between deep navy and near black, giving the ceramic case a unique sense of depth. What makes the J12 BLEU especially compelling is the way it balances the casual spirit of a sports watch with the quiet refinement that has long defined Chanel’s design language.
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IWC Ingenieur Automatic
Spending time with the Mark series naturally deepened my appreciation for IWC Schaffhausen as a brand. There is something particularly appealing about the way IWC watches balance simplicity with presence, feeling versatile enough to pair effortlessly with almost any style of dress. Rather than relying on excess or decoration, the brand’s designs often feel grounded in proportion, practicality, and quiet confidence.
The IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35 reflects that same sensibility particularly well. Instead of relying on overly complicated details or aggressive styling, the watch creates its identity through balanced proportions, clean lines, and an integrated bracelet design that feels both refined and understated.
Despite being a sports watch, the Ingenieur Automatic 35 never feels overly heavy or imposing. There is a calm and polished quality to the design that makes it feel closer to a piece of industrial design than a conventional tool watch.
Recently, I have found myself increasingly drawn to watches with more restrained proportions rather than oversized sports models, which is perhaps why the 35mm Ingenieur stood out to me so strongly. Its appeal feels rooted less in trends and more in the kind of timeless design that can be worn comfortably for years.