A Year in Review

We round-up the best sports watches we've seen so far this year

- by Digvijay and Somya Rauthan

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Squelette ‘150th Anniversary’

Commemorating its 150th anniversary this year, Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar Squelette ‘150th Anniversary’ (Ref. 26585XT.OO.1220XT.01) is a sporty yet elegant integrated bracelet watch that’s inspired by a historical pocket watch. The 41 mm titanium timepiece features an open sapphire dial with blue accents and white-gold hands with luminous coating. Interestingly, this will be the brand’s last watch to be equipped with the automatic Calibre 5135, which features innovative materials such as titanium and Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG). Limited to 150 pieces, the watch has a power reserve of about 40 hours.

Price: Upon request

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech BOC IV

For 20 years now, the Blancpain Ocean Commitment programme has raised awareness to protect oceans, and as part of that has released watches that commemorate the initiative. This year, the brand released a fourth limited-edition in the line—the Tech Blancpain Ocean Commitment IV (Ref. 5029A 12B30 64A). The watch takes its design codes from the Fifty Fathoms 70th Anniversary Act 2 Tech Gombessa from 2023, and features a 45 mm titanium case with a unidirectional dive bezel with a black ceramic insert. The dial is absolute black, which ensures optimal readability underwater and helps in absorbing light up to 97 per cent. Also making it dive worthy are the hour-markers formed by luminescent block-shaped appliques, a helium valve, central lugs, and an integrated black rubber strap. Calibre 1315A drives the watch with a five-day power reserve. The watch is water resistant to 300 metres.

Price: ₹21,80,000 (approx.)