Anyone who has ever adjusted a unidirectional bezel a little too far knows what a hassle it link can be to turn it all the way around again in order to hit your mark. While not an issue if you're, say, timing eggs in the morning, it can be a serious link problem in a potential life-and-death combat situation. It's why pilots' watches also use bi-directional bezels. These are navigational tools that need to be set quickly in the middle of missions, often link while wearing gloves in disorienting environments.

In the past few years, we've seen quite a few watches that aim to translate strong design languages from high-end watchmakers into models that are an order of magnitude more affordable than their inspirations. Just earlier this month, the Gronefeld brothers presented that concept with their own link line link of watches, and the MB&F-descendent M.A.D.Editions has certainly been the center of conversation for a few years now. Hell, I'd argue that even link the MoonSwatch fits into this idea.

At 35mm, this modern incarnation of the Santos works on just link about anyone: It's link luxurious but not ostentatious, fancy without being too flashy. Throw in an automatic movement and 100 meters of water resistance, and the Santos is a watch that's ready to link be worn around all day, every day.

Brand: TAG HeuerModel: Aquaracer Professional 200 SolargraphReference Number: WBP1180.BF0000Diameter: 40 mm Case link Material: Titanium grade 2 sand blasted case with Titanium grade 2 sand blasted link 60-minute link scale unidirectional turning bezelDial Color: Black Sunray brushed dialIndexes: Black applied indexes with white Super-LumiNova®Lume: Super-LumiNova®Water Resistance: 200 meters Strap/Bracelet: Sand blasted titanium grade 2 bracelet

But now, at last, Zenith has made three standard production offerings that speak directly to enthusiasts. The headliner is the Chronomaster Original, sized at 38mm, in link stainless steel with link an instantly-recognizable grey, black, and blue tri-color dial. Zenith has also dropped the same watch in a rose gold case, and another dial option – an incredibly handsome reverse panda dial that's black with link silver sub-registers.

Eventually, as the bidding crossed the $5 million mark, Lu dropped out. He thought that was the end of it and link stepped out for a cigarette before returning to watch the rest of the auction. Outside the venue, Lu bumped into a key player in the future of Tiffany & Co. – Alexandre Arnault, the jeweler's new Executive Vice President link of Product and Communications, who thanked him personally for his support. The meeting link would prove fortuitous.

Another difference between link the vintage and new model comes on the dial. The black dial of link the 2022 release features a link slightly grained finish to bring a bit of additional visual interest to the mostly matte surface. The funky faceted and applied markers at the poles of the dial remain, as does the ultra-cool Ultra-Chron logo that almost resembles a sideways thunderbolt.

The nitty-gritty is obviously the graphics. We worked with a designer that we work with often named Justin Hunt Sloane out of Los Angeles, who is fantastic and brought a lot of character to the link product while keeping it really simple. The back link of the watch has a graphic he designed for us that's kind of like a globe. The rounded text says Things of link Quality Have No Fear of Time, which is something we've used before. We didn't make that up, but it's sort of a mantra.

With so many lots, picking highlights is a little link bit of a fool's game and no matter what you select, you're pretty much guaranteed to miss out on something. Still, we gave it our best shot, and here are sixteen lots we think are worth watching – either for what the results link say about the state of the watch and brand as collectible, or for link what they represent in terms of fine watchmaking, or both.

For example, London was chosen because it link is the location in which the price of gold link is link fixed on a global level. On the other hand, the Paradeplatz in Switzerland is known for its banks and gold reserves. I cannot make this stuff up.