Early in 2014, there is no better time to look back over the 2013 watchmaking year and establish what trends have become evident from this specific time period. Leading horological brand names Rolex and Omega have been identified as producing two of the most popular luxury watches to see use over last year, and it is extremely enlightening to scrutinise this exemplary pair of timepieces to establish what we can learn from them. The two watches in question are the Omega Speedmaster Darkside of the Moon watch and the Rolex GMT Master II. By examining both of these fine instruments of timekeeping, one can gain a better understanding of exactly where the market for high-end timepieces sits today.
Both Rolex and Omega are historic brand names that carry a substantial degree of prestige. Both also have a strong tradition for producing sporty wristwatches that blend the elements of modern and vintage design into a single peerless form, and the Speedmaster and the GMT Master II certainly exemplify this trend. Both of these chronometers are typified by relatively restrained, yet superbly sophisticated aesthetics, suggesting that the current preference is leaning towards a less brash design of wristwatch. Another unifying factor is the use of ceramic. Ceramic was once labelled as a material of no singular prestige, yet this once unassuming substance has been wholly embraced by the recent market for luxury watches, and its inclusion on two of the most popular pieces from 2013 cements this appeal.
Looking at the Rolex GMT Master II individually, it is unsurprising to see a travel oriented watch performing so well in the modern world. However, the favourite style variant of this timepiece has proved to be the ‘Day/Night’ design. Identical to any other GMT Master II in terms of the fundamentals, the ‘Day/Night’ has a unique bezel that displays the duality of daytime blue and night-time black. This theme is also an appreciative nod to the dual colouration of the vintage ‘Pepsi’ bezel GMT Master II. This was a hugely celebrated offering from Rolex, and the new ‘Day/Night’ version actually achieves a feat that the ‘Pepsi’ bezel did not; imbuing a piece of ceramic with two distinct hues.
Boasting the same name as the legendary Pink Floyd album, the Speedmaster Darkside of the Moon also takes inspiration from the time of day, yet it conforms to an all-black finish that epitomises the depths of night. The name also carries connotations of Omega’s iconic exploits to the surface of the moon, proving once again that the established reputation of a horological brand name is still of enormous consumer interest. Omega continues to market ‘moon themed’ watches to this end, yet the Darkside of the Moon also retains a spirit of strong innovation by using ceramic that has been polished to the same breathtaking finish as a metal model. Even the dial and the strap buckle are made of this newly acclaimed material, suggesting that its influence is undoubtedly here to stay.
When one compares the Rolex GMT Master II and the Omega Speedmaster Darkside of the Moon watch, one sees a pair of sophisticated sports style watches that combine the stature of their manufacturer’s history with modern innovations of ceramic and GMT multi-time zone capabilities. This type of wristwatch is by no means exclusively personified by the selected pair of chronometers, but one can be reasonably certain that this horological blueprint will remain in high-demand during 2014. Here at Banks Lyon, we are pleased to stock an extensive collection of the most up to date luxury watches on the market, including Omega watches and Rolex watches, and we will continue to offer all of the most exciting timepieces that are released over the coming months. For more information, please call our team on 01524 38 48 58.
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