Our selection for this week’s edition of The Cultivated Wrist takes a turn toward the unorthodox. If you enjoy watches but like breaking the status quo even more, then pay attention because we’ve got watches that aren’t quite unusual, but certainly bend the established rules of the game. At the very least, they’ll elicit a “what made you buy that watch?” from the pessimists of your social circles. Without further ado, let’s jump in.
Jaeger-leCoultre Reverso Classique 2518410
The Reverso in and of itself is a bit of an oddball due to its unique shape and the party trick the case has waiting up its sleeve. The shape is of course, a tall rectangle, which has endured the test of time thanks to impeccable execution from the likes of Cartier, Patek Philippe, and JLC as seen here. What makes the Reverso different, is the case’s ability to flip itself over while on the wrist. The original intent was to protect the dial of the watch from an errant polo ball during a match (a problem that plagues us all), by flipping the watch inside its case to reveal a solid steel protective back. Whether you play polo or not, it’s a cool watch, and you can even get a second dial option for the back side if you don’t need the protective features (or just haven’t gear up for polo season yet). We like this example because it captures the classic, art deco look of the original, and thanks to a quartz movement, can be had for a song. Don’t worry, mechanical versions are available as well.
Omega Constellation Co-Axial 123.10.38.21.02.001
The Constellation has a long and storied past not only with the Omega brand, but within watchmaking history as well. The “pie pan” dial and caliber 551 are the stuff of legend for WIS forum dwellers everywhere. When the 80’s rolled around, however, things got a little weird. Gone were the demure, tasteful lines of the original Constellation, instead we got more modular, angular case that’s just kind of hung around in the Omega stable. The current “pie pan” design can still be found in the Globemaster collection, thankfully. It’s an odd case, sure, but it’s unlike anything else out there and is bound to wind up the “we like it old school” crowd at the next watch gathering. Shop it on StockX right here.
The Mare Nostrum holds a special place in the hearts of Paneristi as a foundation reference within the Panerai DNA. It was, after all, the first chronograph the brand ever produced, and was put to good use by the Italian Navy in the late 40’s. No fake marketing ploys there. The Mare Nostrum was resurrected in the early 90’s, and again briefly in 2015, but none have been as wearable (or accessible) as the latest iteration, the PAM 716. It’s 42mm in diameter, which, for Panerai, is downright reasonable, but the case still makes a statement thanks to the bold bezel and robust case. It’ll turn a few heads and you’ll have a great story to go along with it. Get your Bid in right here.
