Watches with bold character
A promise made, a promise kept! Here is the second episode of steel watches. We're stepping down a level in terms of price compared to the previous episode, but maintaining the focus on the excellence of the watches presented. The maison of Bvlgari, Cartier, IWC, Omega, and Rolex reveal their chic and sporty icons.
BVLGARI, Octo Roma Automatic
A true tribute to Roman architectural heritage, the Octo Roma collection from the watchmaker Bvlgari is defined by its octagonal-shaped case. This eight-sided geometry directly references the vaults of the Basilica of Maxentius, an iconic monument built in the 4th century.
An example of this is the Octo Roma Automatic, crafted in 41 mm stainless steel. Water-resistant up to 100 meters, the watch is particularly notable for the interplay of its finishes. The upper round bezel features a brushed satin finish that contrasts with the polished surface of the lower octagonal bezel. This striking visual effect is further enhanced by the white dial, adorned with a Clous de Paris pattern forming a multitude of small, juxtaposed pyramids that reflect every subtle play of light.
The dial features hands, indexes, and Arabic numerals (at 6 o’clock and 12 o’clock) coated with luminescent material. The date window remains discreetly positioned at 3 o’clock. Paired with an integrated and interchangeable bracelet, the watch is equipped with a screw-down steel crown with a ceramic insert. It is powered by an in-house automatic caliber, offering approximately 42 hours of power reserve. The movement, visible through a sapphire caseback, also features a rotor adorned with Geneva stripes.
€7,900
Consult the technical sheet of the Bvlgari Octo Roma Automatic.
CARTIER, Panthère de Cartier
It was eagerly anticipated, and here it is! The iconic Panthère de Cartier now comes in a larger format, making a bold statement on men’s wrists.
Made of steel, it ticks all the aesthetic codes of the Maison. Its steel case features a square shape with rounded corners (31 mm x 42 mm), a bezel adorned with eight visible screws, and a crown set with a synthetic blue spinel. With a thickness of just 6.71 mm, the case, water-resistant up to 30 meters, houses a silvered dial marked with a railroad minute track, Roman numerals with the secret signature in the bar of the “X,” and blued steel hands. Powered by a high-quality Swiss quartz movement, the watch is paired with a steel bracelet composed of highly flexible links, reflecting the feline grace of the Panthère.
€6,150
Consult the technical sheet of the Panthère de Cartier large model.
IWC, Ingenieur Automatic 40
Inspired by the Ingenieur SL model, reinterpreted by Gérald Genta in the 1970s, the new generation of the Ingenieur Automatic 40 presented, in 2023, a more contemporary look, a remastered movement technology, and new dial colors, such as the aqua version, which caused a sensation at the Watches and Wonders Salon that same year.
Today, the intense blue dial makes its debut in the collection on a 40 mm stainless steel reference. It features a characteristic grid pattern made up of numerous small squares alternating with fine lines. The blue hue is achieved through the application of a PVD coating. This surface is punctuated by rhodium-plated baton hands, luminescent indexes, and a date window positioned at 3 o’clock.
Housed in a soft iron case resistant to magnetic fields and water-resistant up to 100 meters, an automatic caliber with a bidirectional pawl winding system drives the heart of this sport-chic reference.
This mechanism converts the movement of the arm into energy to ensure a 120-hour power reserve. This timepiece stands out for the ergonomics of its integrated bracelet, featuring H-shaped links that offer undeniable flexibility.
€12,700
Consult the technical sheet of the IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40.
OMEGA, Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M
Certified Master Chronometer by METAS (Federal Institute of Metrology), this automatic movement with Co-Axial escapement, offering approximately 55 hours of power reserve, drives the Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M.
Visible through a transparent caseback, the movement features a rotor decorated with Geneva stripes in an arabesque pattern and a magnetic-resistant silicon balance spring. Measuring 38 mm in diameter (also available in 41 mm), the stainless steel watch showcases a stunning lacquered turquoise blue dial, slightly gradient from black to a lighter turquoise. Protected by a curved, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the dial is enhanced with faceted hands and indexes, coated with gray PVD treatment and white Super-LumiNova. Water-resistant to 150 meters, the watch, with its ocean-inspired hues, perfectly embodies Omega’s maritime heritage.
€7,300
Consult the technical details of the Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M in 38 mm.
On the vintage side: Rolex at Bucherer.
Unveiled in 1945, the Rolex Datejust was the first chronometer, automatic, waterproof wristwatch to display the date in a window at 3 o’clock on the dial. It wasn’t until 1953 that the iconic Cyclops lens was added, magnifying the date for optimal readability. Over the decades, this timeless watch has become a horological standard. Whether new or pre-owned, the models are highly sought after by many collectors.
Found at Bucherer, this 37 mm steel reference from 1979 is part of the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned program. This Rolex initiative allows the purchase of pre-owned models from authorized retailers, certified as authentic and guaranteed by the Crown. The watches undergo the same rigorous checks as new pieces. Accompanied by the dedicated “Rolex Certified Pre-Owned” seal, these timepieces also benefit from a new two-year international warranty starting from the date of sale.
€8,500
Technical details:
Year: 1979
Diameter: 36 mm
Material: Steel
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Movement: Automatic
Power Reserve: Approximately 44 hours
Bracelet: Steel
Dial: Silver
To learn more about the Rolex Certified Pre-Owned program.
See also:
Read also: