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THE ALLURE OF BLACK
THE MAGNETIC CHARM OF DARK-HUED TIMEPIECES HELPS TIME TAKE ON A WHOLE NEW SHADE OF SOPHISTICATION
WORDS SONY THOMAS
WATCHES WITH BLACKED-OUT CASES, BEZELS AND DIALS have always held a distinct allure, exuding an aura of elegance, sophistication and magnetism. We love these new timepieces that have embraced the darkness.
1. TAG Heuer Monaco ‘Dark Lord’
The original Heuer Monaco series underwent significant evolution, expanding from showcasing the Calibre 11 automatic chronograph movement in 1969 to including hand-wound movements. The Heuer Monaco ‘Dark Lord,’ first released in 1974, was a remarkable innovation, featuring a black-coated case and limited production. TAG Heuer paid homage to this iconic timepiece with the modern Monaco ‘Dark Lord’ for 2022’s Monaco Grand Prix. The watch boasts a 39mm sandblasted matte black DLCcoated Grade 2 titanium case, a sapphire display window and 100-metre water resistance. The dial has applied faceted indices and a broad handset in brushed and polished 5N rose gold plate, a striking contrast against the black dial. Powering the watch is the Heuer 02 automatic chronograph movement with an 80-hour power reserve. The look is completed with a matte black deployant strap in alligator leather. R187 000, picotandmoss.co.za
2. MONTBLANC 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date
Since its association with the Minerva manufacture in 2007, Montblanc has sought to align itself with its rich heritage. This commitment is exemplified by the prestigious 1858 line, paying homage to the year of Minerva’s establishment. The Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Automatic Date is a sports diving watch boasting a striking patterned dial that evokes the depths of a glacier. Inspired by the Mer de Glace – the main glacier of the Mont-Blanc Massif – the dial features a black glacial pattern through the meticulous gratté-boisé technique, reminiscent of a bygone era. This timepiece features a unidirectional bi-colour ceramic bezel and the caseback is engraved. For optimal comfort and precision fitting, the watch includes an interchangeable black rubber strap with an adjustment system. Designed to meet the standards of the ISO 6425 norm for diving watches, it is water-resistant to an impressive depth of 300 metres. R53 300, montblanc.com
3. TISSOT T-Race Cycling Tour de France 2023
Tissot has been an official partner of the Tour de France since 2016. Like the previous versions, the T-Race Cycling Tour de France 2023 has been designed with subtle references to the race itself, with the watch showcasing an asphalt-grained dial and a seconds hand shaped like a bike. The dial and strap have a yellow trim, reminiscent of the iconic yellow jersey worn by the race champion. It features a quartz movement, ensuring accurate timekeeping, while the hour and minute hands are coated with Superluminova for easy legibility in low-light conditions. The watch is also equipped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal to protect the dial from damage and the Tour de France logo is engraved on the caseback. Additionally, the T-Race Cycling Tour de France Collection offers the convenience of an interchangeable quick-release strap so users can easily customise the watch to suit their preferences. R15 000, tissotwatches.com
With the Black Bay Ceramic, Tudor has not only showcased its technical prowess, but also closed the gap with Omega, which has always obtained METAS certification. With a matte black ceramic case, Manufacture Calibre movement and Master Chronometer certification from METAS, this watch is a symbol of Tudor’s expertise in chronometry and magnetic resistance. While the certification is proof of the watch undergoing rigorous testing that surpasses industry standards, the aesthetic combines high-tech elements with nods to the brand’s heritage. The monobloc ceramic case features sand-blasted surfaces, bevelled edges and polished accents. The dial and bezel are black ceramic with engraved graduations, while ‘Snowflake’ hands and luminescent hour markers add to the Black Bay look. The Manufacture Calibre MT5602-1U has a 70-hour power reserve and silicon hairspring. R93 800, tudorwatch.com
BLACK WILL ALWAYS BE IN FASHION. AFTER ALL, IT SUITS EVERYONE, GOES WITH EVERYTHING AND GIVES EVERY LOOK AN ULTRA-LUXE FEEL
BY
IN HONOUR OF WOMEN’S MONTH, WE ASKED FOUR CREATIVE DYNAMOS TO SHARE THEIR LITTLE BLACK BOOK OF ADVICE AND INSPIRATION
WORDS NORMA YOUNG
