Throwback Sundays: Six Recommendations for Unisex Watch, from Our Archives

Over the last few weeks, we have covered watches that we reckon are versatile for different occasions. This week, we are going a notch higher. We will be featuring six watches that we think will look good on the wrists of either gender. 

Interestingly, this is one of the factors that some collectors actually consider when they purchase a watch. This is because it allows the couple to try out a greater variety of watches, considering that these genre of watches are not restricted to only a particular gender. On top of that, it will probably allow male collectors to appease the other half when he is making the purchase, as the ladies can now share the watches and wear them as well!

Now, you might be wondering what are the characteristics that constitutes a “unisex” watch. Frankly speaking, there are no particular set of criteria that we are looking at. It is based on what we have observed, and what we think actually looks good on the wrists of both gender.

So, what are some of the watches that we have selected this time round? Let’s find out!

 

Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso

 

We kickstart the article with an iconic timepiece that had just celebrated its 85th birthday – the Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso.

The Reverso was initially conceived as a sports watch, as its reversible case was crafted to ensure that the glass on the dial side will not shatter during polo games. Over time, people have considered the Reverso to be a dress watch. This is not much of a surprise, considering its dainty and elegant design. In addition, the rectangular watch is very well proportional, and in non-horology events might even be a conversational piece due to the unique case design.

Notably, the watch comes with different sizes. It includes the petite Reverso One, to the mid-sized Classique and the larger Grande Tallie. There is a model for every wrist size, and we think that the Classique should wear nicely on the wrists for both sexes. Either way, you can’t really go wrong with an evergreen classic as such.

 

Rolex Explorer

 

 

The Explorer is one of the more underrated watches in Rolex’s repertoire, but it is nonetheless a simple and robust timepiece that represents what the Geneva-based watchmaker is all about.

In the recent Baselworld 2016, the watch had undergone several upgrades, making it even better than before. For instance, in terms of aesthetics, the new Explorer includes longer hands and numerals that are filled with Chromalight. It is also powered by the in-house Calibre 3132, which features the Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers. As usual, it is also COSC-certified, although it is now subjected to a more stringent test by Rolex. Read more about it in our review article here.

Fitted with a 39mm Oyster case, the Explorer is sized appropriately. Coupled with its clean and classic look, it is certainly a watch that both the male and female can pull off nicely. It is priced at CHF 5,500 (approximately S$ 8,200).

 

Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days

 

 

Over the last two installments of Throwback Sundays, we have featured Panerai watches. This week, they continue its run in the list again, albeit we are looking at the Radiomir collection this time round.

The Radiomir, in our opinion, works better as an unisex watch as compared to the Luminor. There are particularly two references from the collection – PAM574 and PAM575 – that are fitted with the smaller 42mm 1940 Radiomir cushion case. It is much more subtle, and the lack of crown guard makes the watch a little smaller and simpler. Having said that, timepiece still provides a wonderful wrist presence.

Additionally, the PAM574 and 575 are fitted with a new in-house movement. The P.1000 is a manual-winding movement, featuring a dual barrel system that churns out a power reserve of 3 days as its namesake suggests.

The 1940 Radiomir 3 Days is available in two different materials: stainless steel and rose gold. Both of them are excellent choices, but we reckon the stainless steel version should work better if one is more inclined to experiment with different strap options.

 

IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36

 

 

This year’s SIHH saw IWC revamping its Pilot’s collection, and we have seen some rather pleasant changes to the aesthetics and design of several Pilot’s watches in the repertoire. The Automatic 36, however, was the particular piece that have caught our attention.

As its nomenclature suggests, the watch is fitted with a 36mm case. This is smaller than the 40mm case that is featured on the Mark XVIII. We feel that the 36mm variant, which can be paired with either a leather strap from Santoni or a metal bracelet. The Santoni strap offers collectors a more subtle and dressy option. In addition, the watch is dainty enough for a lady and yet classy at the same time for a gentleman.

The Automatic 36 is priced at S$6,250 and S$7,650 for the leather strap and bracelet variant respectively. On top of that, as written in our detailed review article, the watch is also available in a variety of dial options.

 

Sinn U1

 

 

When it comes to tool watches, there aren’t many watchmakers out there that are capable of matching what Sinn had achieved with the U1. Known for its scratch-resistant case and clean design, the U1 had undoubtedly won the hearts of many collectors.

We reckon the U1 is a perfect unisex watch, not only because of its functionalities, but its aesthetics as well. The 44mm dive watch is no doubt chunky, but it looks uber-cool on the wrists of either gender. We would like to think that this is the perfect piece for an adventure, or on a day when a person just wishes to wind-down and dress casually.

There are several variants of the U1, which includes limited edition models like the Camouflage (priced at S$ 4,700) or the U1-D Mission Dune. However, for the purists, the original U1 with the black dial is probably the best option out there with its practicality and legibility.

 

Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Bronze

 

 

Finally, we end off the article with arguably one of the sexiest watches from Zenith: the Pilot Type 20 Extra Special Bronze.

There are many bronze watches, as well as pilot’s watches, that collectors can choose from. However, combine these two together, and we bet that there aren’t many options that are available in the market currently. This Zenith is one of the few rare examples around, and we are pretty much sold by this! We like the combination of  the bronze case and the vintage dial design, in which the former accentuates a rustic charm that makes the watch incredibly appealing. Paired with a vintage calf leather strap, the watch is certainly going to look even as the bronze case gets its patina over time.

This particular Zenith is priced at US$ 7,600 (S$ 10,900), is also fitted with the in-house Elite 679 automatic movement. While its price point is might be slightly steep for a time-only piece, but we feel that its charm and attractiveness is something many watchmakers have failed to replicate. Best of all, we are sure that this is a watch that your missus will approve of. Just make sure that she doesn’t not start hiding this timepiece away from you…

 

Concluding Thoughts

 

As we have mentioned right from the start, there are no set of prerequisites or criteria that determines if a watch is suitable for both the male and the female. It is based on our own feeling and observation, and we feel that we might have missed out on quite a number of watches on the hindsight. It seems like there are many more unisex watches that are available than we have initially thought.

What are some of the watches that you reckon should have made it into the list today? Also, what are some of the watches that you are share with your partner? Let us know in the comments section below.

Anyways, we hope that you have enjoyed this installment of Throwback Sundays. Till the next article, cheers!