The concept of quiet luxury has been an interesting one. It may be counterintuitive at first – how can something that is expensive appear to be low-key and understated?

Quiet Luxury: Six understated and excellent timepieces to add into your watch collection

Well, apparently, both statements can be true. In this week’s article, we will share six watches that we think embodies the concept of quiet luxury. To the masses, these watches may seem incognito, but for the keen eyed, these watches are statement pieces that do not require any introduction.

What have we selected? Let us find out.

Chopard Alpine Eagle

We begin the article with one of our favourite sports watches: Chopard Alpine Eagle.

Introduced in 2019, the Alpine Eagle was inspired by the maison’s St. Moritz collection. The St. Moritz collection was, notably, the first timepiece that was designed by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, when he was just 22 years old. The Alpine Eagle – which is an evolution of the St. Moritz – features a contemporary design with exposed screws and integrated bracelet. It is paired with a sunburst dial, and completed with a combination of stick indices and roman numerals.

There is just something special about the Alpine Eagle, with the way it looks. The bracelet is very original, and the overall design exudes elegance with subtle touches throughout (such as the round bezel, which juxtaposes the angular and symmetrical case). The movement is a treat as well. Our pick is the XPS 41 (priced at SGD 38,100), which features an extremely fine calibre from L.U.C.

Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Manual-Winding

Next, we have the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Manual-Winding.

Vacheron Constantin, in our opinion, has always been a brand that is both understated and underrated by many – despite being one of the “Holy Trinity” brands. It has a rich history, with a series of watch collections that exudes a strong sense of style and elegance. We guess this is what quiet luxury embodies.

The Traditionnelle Manual-Winding 38mm, cased in platinum, perhaps embodies this concept the best. The watch is quiet, but with a beautiful touch in the form of “côte unique” finishing on the dial which provides a subtle but sophisticated touch to this dress watch. As with most watches from the Geneva-based brand, the finishing across the board is magnificent as well. This particular model is limited to a production of 370 pieces, with a retail price of SGD 54,500.

A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1

The Lange 1 from A. Lange & Söhne is an interesting one. Introduced in 1994, the watch has since become an icon of German watchmaking. Yet, ironically, this is a well respected timepiece that does not put on any airs about its status.

We like the Lange 1 especially for its interesting touches, which is so atypical and yet exudes a quiet confidence about itself. The watch – which features an asymmetric dial and big date indicator – should not have worked on paper, and yet the end result is a harmonious and stunning watch that is mindblowing. The finishing is a work of art as well.

Priced at SGD 67,400, the Lange 1 is an exceptional timepiece for the discerning collectors. It is a well-made piece, with unusual characteristics that makes it unique. If one is looking for a discreet yet extraordinary dress watch, the Lange 1 is definitely worth a serious consideration.

Seiko Credor Eichi II

Seiko may not be a brand that is often associated with luxury, but the Credor Eichi II might just be the timepiece that will change your perception about the Japanese watch manufacturer.

The Credor collection was introduced in 1974 as the brand’s luxury series, although it is relatively unheard of (even today) given its exclusivity. The idea is to produce timepieces that are as perfect as they can be, and the Eichi II certainly shows it with the immaculate attention to detail and exceptional finishing touches courtesy of the Micro Artist Studio.

If one would like to enjoy an incredible timepiece without attracting any form of attention, the Eichi II is perhaps the best bet. The watch’s finishing is par excellence, but yet this timepiece is one that only the most esteemed and learned collectors will know. The last known retail price of the 39mm Eichi II – in platinum – is JPY 6,600,000 (approximately SGD 53,000), and we understand that only 20 pieces will be produced annually.

H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Perpetual Calendar

When it comes to watches with a perpetual calendar, we believe H. Moser & Cie.’s rendition is perhaps one of the greatest in terms of execution.

First introduced in 2005 as the Perpetual 1, the brand’s interpretation of the complication has always been fascinating to us. While most perpetual calendar watches in the market are cluttered with numerous sub-dials and indicators, H. Moser & Cie. had envisioned a timepiece to feature the same indicators as minimalistic as possible. More than two decades on, the approach clearly worked.

For most collectors, we do not think that they may have noticed the perpetual calendar complication. And that is the whole point. It is meant for the owner, which is also why the brand has incorporated user-friendly functions such as the 7-day power reserve and flash calendar function. The latest variation is priced at CHF 54,000 (approximately SGD 84,930), which we think offers a strong value proposition when it is compared to its peers.

Rexhep Rhexepi Chronomètre Contemporain

We round up the article with Rexhep Rhexepi Chronomètre Contemporain.

Rexhep Rexhepi is probably not a familiar name for anyone who is not well-versed in the scene of independent watchmaking, but this gentleman is rather special indeed. This timepiece, also known as RRCC, is a neo-classical interpretation of the wristwatch, with a nuanced but graceful design. The art deco dial – which is made of grand feu enamel – is a sight to behold as well.

The movement, however, is where the watch really shines. Driving the timepiece is the in-house Calibre RR-01, a manual-winding movement which boasts a power reserve of around 100 hours with a single barrel. We especially adore the symmetrical movement, and the incredible finishing that comes along with it. For some, the attention to detail on the Chronomètre Contemporain is virtually at the top of its game – not dissimilar to the likes of Philippe Dufour or Kari Voutilainen.

There is a new version of the RRCC, known as the RRCC II, which features a seconde morte mechanism. The base RRCC is priced at SGD 92,000 – but then again, how does one actually value perfection?

Concluding Thoughts

Today’s selection is just certainly the tip of the iceberg. There are many watches that can be termed as quiet luxury, such as Breguet, Parmigiani, as well as a host of independent watchmakers.

There is just something about such watches that does not shout, and are only recognisable by collectors or enthusiasts. Of course, the flipside applies as well – there are some who opine that if he or she is going to spend a good five- or six-figure sum on a watch, then people should know that it is expensive. There is no right or wrong, it all depends on the individual ultimately.

So, what are your thoughts on the selection today? What are some of the watches that you would consider as quiet luxury? Let us know in the comments section below.