New York, New York—Reported by Nate Borgelt for Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
Not ready for the long-term, high-maintenance commitment of a perpetual calendar watch? The annual calendar (accounting for the differing lengths of every month of the year, except for February) is a great alternative, and it can be adjusted at any time, unlike its more finicky sister complication.
Zenith Captain Winsor Annual Calendar
Based on the brand’s famously impressive El Primero movement, the Zenith Captain Winsor Annual Calendar makes a great addition to any collection. Its caliber 4054 movement, developed in collaboration with master watchmaker Ludwig Oechslin, retains the chronograph function while integrating the calendar complication. The day and month, situated beside each other on the dial, are easily visible at 3 o’clock. The small seconds and central chronograph hands are at 9 and 6 o’clock respectively, the chronograph subdial sharing the area with the date indicator. The 42mm watch’s dial has sufficient space for all these displays without overcrowding. Available in 18K rose gold (with or without diamonds) and stainless steel, this watch can definitely be used for all occasions ($9,700 to $72,000).
www.zenith-watches.com
Rolex Sky-Dweller
At Baselworld 2012, one of the most talked about presentations was the introduction of the Rolex Sky-Dweller, the very first annual calendar from Rolex. The watch expands the Rolex line with the inclusion of the caliber 9001, developed exclusively for the Sky-Dweller and now the most complicated movement produced by Rolex. The new movement’s functions are adjustable via an innovative method involving the bezel, which rotates to select which component to calibrate: The time, the home-time and the date. The large central disk annotates the home-time, and the month is designated by small windows next to the hour markers (for months one to 12). At 42 mm, the watch has an impressive size and plenty of presence whether you pick the Everose (i.e. pink), white or yellow gold version ($39,550 to $48,850).
www.rolex.com
Girard-Perregaux 1966 Annual Calendar and Equation of Time
The 1966 line, named for the year Girard-Perregaux received the Neuchâtel Observatory’s Centenary Prize, combines a classic look with advanced complications and modern styling. The 1966 Annual Calendar and Equation of Time watch, available in white or pink gold, features both the practical annual calendar and intricate equation of time complications. The dial displays the date and seconds in subsidiary dials at 2 and 9 o’clock, and the month through an aperture from 6 to 8 o’clock. The equation of time, displayed from 4 to 5 o’clock, shows the difference between true solar time and mean time. Amazingly, all of this information is presented on an exceptionally clean dial ($32,860).
www.girard-perregaux.com