WATCHES & STYLE
Tick Talk: Freshly Wound
by Charmian Leong
10 Sep 2026
10 Sep 2026
Slimmer, studded, golden, and ready for a holiday — these are the watches worth getting excited about this month.
- A NEW DRESS CODE
- STUDS AND STONES
- A SWEET ESCAPE
- SPORTING GOLD
After three years of Fifty Fathoms fanfare following the diver’s 70th anniversary in 2023, Blancpain wants to remind us that it also does dress watches rather well. Three fresh versions join the Villeret Ultraplate collection, each slightly more compact than their predecessors at 38mm wide and just 8.35mm thick, down from 40mm by 8.7mm. Two come in stainless steel, while the third is rendered in 18K red gold.
The standout is undoubtedly the steel model with a sunburst salmon dial (a first for the Villeret) paired with black-treated 18K gold numerals and a colour-matched date window. Another steel version combines a gold-toned opaline dial with 18K yellow gold numerals, though this one is reserved for Blancpain boutiques. Finally, the red gold model is matched with an opaline dial and 18K white gold numerals.
Despite their trim proportions, all three are powered by Blancpain’s automatic manufacture Calibre 1150, visible through the exhibition caseback. Equipped with a silicon hairspring, it delivers a generous 100 hours of power reserve.
- A NEW DRESS CODE
- STUDS AND STONES
- A SWEET ESCAPE
- SPORTING GOLD
Studs and Stones
There are few things Bvlgari enjoys more than finding inventive ways to dress up the Serpenti Tubogas. It has added gemstones, mixed metals and, for its latest trick, studded the serpent’s signature coiled bands with gold for a new four-piece capsule collection.
The dials get in on the fun, too. The two steel and yellow gold models have either mother-of-pearl or malachite dials; a steel and rose gold version features gem-set studs and a sodalite dial, and a full yellow gold model pairs gem-set studs with a carnelian face. It would have been nice to see Bvlgari’s new BVS100 automatic movement make an appearance, but these 35mm beauties remain quartz-powered. But it’s a compromise that at least allows them to sit satisfyingly flush on the wrist.
- A NEW DRESS CODE
- STUDS AND STONES
- A SWEET ESCAPE
- SPORTING GOLD
A Sweet Escape
Born from a desire to indulge our inner children, Norqain’s “Enjoy Life” editions have previously dressed its Freedom Chrono in ice-cream-inspired colours, serving as a cheerful nudge to take it easy and have a little fun. Its latest edition, however, is putting its money where its mouth is. One of the 500 Freedom GMT Enjoy Life “Holiday” watches comes with a “golden ticket”, gifting its lucky owner a six-night holiday for two in an Ocean Villa at Ayada Maldives.
Even if you don’t strike holiday gold, the watch itself is imbued with a sense of escapism. The dial is splashed in shades of orange, pink and turquoise, with 24 tiny landmarks scattered across a world map. Five more icons are dotted around the GMT ring, including a cup of coffee at 8am and “happy hour” between 4 and 6 o’clock. Like the lighthearted chronographs before it, the date wheel hides a surprise, too. Every seventh day, the date is replaced by a holiday icon, rotating between flip-flops, swim trunks, sunglasses, a beach umbrella and a bikini. The 40mm steel watch is powered by the Kenissi NN20/2 movement, with 70 hours of power reserve and 100m of water resistance, and comes on either a stainless-steel bracelet or white rubber strap.
(Related: Years in the making – milestone watches)
- A NEW DRESS CODE
- STUDS AND STONES
- A SWEET ESCAPE
- SPORTING GOLD
Sporting Gold
Though built as a “sports” watch, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas is blessed with an elegance that belies its robust engineering. And this is just as true of the ladies 34.5mm models, especially now that the lineup welcomes a full 18K rose gold variant. Set against a matching lacquered dial, applied pink gold hour markers, and hands, it brings added warmth and richness to the Overseas family.
The integrated bracelet gives it all the polish it needs for a dressier occasion, but the quick-change system means it can easily switch things up with white rubber or white alligator straps. Water-resistant to 50m and powered by the self-winding manufacture Calibre 1088/1, it also comes with a date display and 40 hours of power reserve.
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