The 7 Best-Looking Nautical Watches You Can Buy in 2016

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SMOOTH-SAILING
In 2008, Parmigiani and Italian high-end yacht-maker Pershing first established their partnership, which led to the creation of a series of luxurious sports watches. One of the more recent additions to this collaborative collection is the Parmigiani Pershing 005, a chronograph watch powered by the in-house PF 334 movement, housed in a distinctively shaped 45mm rose-gold case.
MAKING WAVES
It might be known for its links to aviation, but Bremont has also set its sights on the nautical world as the first British official timing partner for the America’s Cup race. A classic model from its America’s Cup collection, the AC I bears the clean lines of the J-Class yachts of the ’30s. While it looks simple with its 43mm steel case and white embossed dial, the automatic timepiece is a certifi ed chronometer.
SENSE OF PLACE
Always know where you (approximately) are with the Richard Mille RM 60-01 Regatta Flyback Chronograph, a 50mm titanium timepiece. When the UTC (or second time zone) hand is pointed towards the direction of the sun, and the bezel is turned so that this hand lines up with the local time engraved on the bezel, the watch’s compass markings will also be aligned with the geographic directions.
OUT OF THE ORDINARY
Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the iconic Ulysse Nardin Freak welcomes a sporty addition to its family. The Freakwing celebrates the brand’s partnership with the Artemis Racing team: The shape of its upper bridge (indicating the minutes), for instance, is inspired by the internal structure of the team catamaran’s rigid sail. The manually wound movement is housed in a 45mm case of black titanium.
GRAND VOYAGE
Montblanc’s 4810 collection takes its cues from the golden age of transatlantic journeys. In the 42mm red gold 4810 Exotourbillon Slim, the design of the function selector at three o’clock resembles that of the engine order telegraph, a communications device used in early vessels. Other features are decidedly modern: The new in-house Calibre MB 29.21 features the brand’s patented Exotourbillon with a stop-seconds mechanism.
SHIP SHAPE
Back in the day, brand founder Abraham Breguet supplied the French Navy with chronometers, a must for accurate navigation. Today, watches in the Marine series pay homage to this legacy. Water-resistant to 100m, this rose gold Marine chronograph (Ref. 5827BR/12/5ZU) features a self-winding movement, as well as signature accents like a hand-engraved dial and Breguet-style hands with luminous tips.
MARITIME LEGEND
A dressier version of the well-known Admiral’s Cup watch by Corum, the Admiral’s Cup Legend 42 Chronograph is similarly distinguished by 12 nautical pennants doubling as hour markers, set against a deep blue face. The watch’s signature 12-sided case is made from steel, and is powered by an automatic movement, with 42 hours of power reserve.