Written by
Reviewed by William Cooper
‘To watch or not to watch?’ isn’t the question – the real question is: ‘Which watch?’
The ultimate accessory, a luxury timepiece adds dimension to any outfit, whether it’s in the boardroom or at the beach. But selecting the right timepiece is as crucial a step as pairing the right tie with a dress shirt, or the right bag with your ensemble. Getting it wrong can appear visually clumsy, while getting it right can achieve the ultimate confidence boost.
But where to begin? Fortunately, the Stanhope team along with Simon Lazarus, Head of Marketing and PR at Chrono Hunter knows a thing or two about great watchmaking. Each of us has a timepiece that reflects our personal style, our routines, and how we move through the world. Below, the team shares their go-to watches for different occasions.
The workday edit
Forget about the Seamaster and Datejust. If you’re looking for the right timepiece for the office, you’ll want dressier editions that can fit comfortably beneath a shirt cuff that commands the right blend of dependability and professionalism.
Stanhope Director Matthew Ashton’s pick is none other than A. Lange & Söhne’s Saxonia Thin. A truly elegant timepiece, this is the watchmaker’s thinnest creation to date. On why it’s his prime office pick, Matthew says, “I’m all about minimalism, but it needs to be done properly, and this watchmaker is the pinnacle of excellent craftsmanship.”
For an office-friendly timepiece with a touch more intrigue, consider the Endeavour Centre Seconds Concept by H. Moser & Cie. Managing Director Will Cooper says, “I like a watch that speaks volumes. I like this one for its elegance, which reflects confidence and integrity.”
Another one for the slim collection, Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Automatic Rose Gold is truly an office beauty. The Rose Gold Ultra Thin is Marketing Manager Claire Martell’s pick: “This is an ultimate wear-to-work watch that’s ideal for city life or working from home.”
Who says you can’t make a statement in the office? The Rolex GMT Master II Root Beer certainly isn’t shy about announcing itself. With Simon Lazarus’s preferred edition in rose gold, stunningly complementing a Tiger Iron dial.
“A real statement piece for the boardroom, with unrivalled technical precision.”
Rolex GMT-Master II ‘Root beer’, ref 126711CHNR. Image credit: Chrono Hunter
The wear to work watch collection
Rolex GMT Master II Root Beer Rose Gold, Tiger Iron Dial
Reference: 126715CHNR
Estimated Price: £45,900
Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Automatic Rose Gold, Ultra-Thin
Reference: G0A48125
Estimated Price: £32,500
Style doesn’t take a day off – the weekend choice
The weekend’s all about relaxing into your own sense of style, whether that’s bold, sleek or full of intrigue. Weekend timepieces should be the perfect luxury companion to brunches, adventures, and kicking back at home.
Matthew’s weekend pick is a stunning timepiece for both night and day. With luminescent hands, Arabic numerals and a case in midnight blue, Matthew says of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut in Sunburst Blue, “This watch is perfect for a sports lover who prefers minimalist accessories.” A slightly subtler option than the Submariner or Royal Oak.
Another sporty pick comes in the form of the classic Rolex Submariner Date, in white gold. Will says this iconic timepiece is ideal for casual outgoings and adventures in what he terms.
“The perfect balance of luxury and leisure.”
Rolex Submariner Date, ref 126610LN. Image credit Chrono Hunter
Another from the Rolex collection, the Yacht-Master 37 in Oystersteel and platinum is Claire’s weekend pick, and for good reason. “It’s lightweight yet tough, meaning it’s perfect for most weekends when plans are unpredictable.” And its versatility means she can wear it all day, from kids’ playdates to impromptu dinners.
Who doesn’t love a complication? From Patek Philippe, the inimitable Swiss watchmaker, comes Simon’s choice, the Nautilus. With three complications and a sunburst motif, for Simon this is luxury at its understated, elegant best.
Patek Philippe Nautilus, Stainless Steel Bracelet, ref 5990/1A-011. Image credit Chrono Hunter
The weekend watch collection
Go anywhere, do anything watch choice
We don’t always have the time to select the perfect watch. Fortunately, there’s a perfect watch for that. Enter the Go Anywhere Do Anything (GADA) category of watches – the watch you grab without thinking because it always works.
Matthew’s GADA pick is the Rolex Datejust 41 in stainless steel, blue dial and a Jubilee bracelet.
“The Datejust is an icon of reliability and versatility. Just what I need when rushing around, dropping the kids off at their extracurriculars – while, ironically, being 30 minutes late.”
Rolex Datejust 41, Stainless Steel, Blue Dial, ref: 126300. Image credit: Chrono Hunter
The gritty Hublot Big Bang 20th Anniversary Titanium Ceramic is Will’s GADA of choice. “Versatile style, durable with cutting edge mechanics. What more could you need?”
The Rolex Submariner Hulk is Simon’s ultimate GADA timepiece. This discontinued collector’s piece comes in an eye-catching green, with its functionality and robustness making it the perfect rugged choice for Simon’s busy schedule.
Rolex Submariner “The Hulk”, ref 116610LV. Image credit: Chrono Hunter.
Now, if you’re going anywhere and doing anything, you may as well look cool while doing it. Claire’s old school selection of Breitling Top Time B01 Fausto Coppi in turquoise makes it easy.
“Originally launched in the 1960s, it’s got that retro racing vibe but with modern Breitling under the hood. It’s the kind of watch that can keep up with whatever gets thrown at me”
Claire Martell, Stanhope
The go anywhere, do anything watch collection
Hublot Big Band, 20th Anniversary Titanium, Ceramic.
Reference: 431.NM.1337.RX
Estimated Price: £17,900
Wear what your love. We’ll handle the rest.
We know a thing or two about watches – but we know more about how to keep them protected. For luxury timepiece protection visit our Luxury Protection comparison site for an instant quote and online cover.
Get up to five quotes now
Get an instant quote
A great and easy to use site, which had my new watch insured immediately giving peace of mind. Thank you.
5 Star Review ReviewsIO
Written by Matthew Ashton
I started working in the insurance industry in 2004. Four years later, I left to focus on theological studies, working as a youth worker and then as a ministry director in Seattle, USA. When returning to the UK, I had an opportunity to work for the late Andrew Marchington. I joined his firm as a sales advisor when it had around ten staff members. Within three years, I was Head of Ops with a staff team of over 30 people. After a chance encounter in 2019 with Rachel Living and Will Cooper, I co-started Stanhope to build a high-value home, luxury watch, and jewellery broker synonymous with trust. I love being with Donna, my wife, and four kids when not working, cramming in the odd row, or run when I can. I am fortunate to love what I do and consider it a blessing to grow the Stanhope brand.