6 most classic and timeless watch designs from 2022, from the Breitling Chronomat GMT 40 and Patek Philippe’s latest Nautilus edition, to timepieces by Audemars Piguet, Tudor and A. Lange & Söhne

Dec 13 , 2022

These 6 modern classic watches in 2022 continue to impress with their nostalgic yet original styles. Photo: Handout

XXIV 2022

Timeless yet modern watches from luxury watchmaking brands like Breitling, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Tudor can become treasured possessions to be passed down for generations

Tudor’s new Black Bay and Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Self-Winding Flying Tourbillon are simple yet elegant, while H. Moser & Cie Streamliner Tourbillon Vantablack riffs on a 2020 April’s Fool joke

For watch connoisseurs and novice enthusiasts alike, a timeless, classic design is unmistakable. These are the pieces that one remembers from childhood as a treasured possession of a family member to be passed down, or that lure the curious into the deep world of horology. If a design is recognisable, chances are that it has seen years – maybe decades or centuries – of history.

So, naturally, each house wants to create the enduring timepiece of tomorrow. These are the six pieces from 2022 that stood out to us for their simplicity, versatility, sheer good looks and timelessness that is either already the subject of, or will beget, a long and storied heritage for the model and the maison that made it.

1. Breitling Chronomat GMT 40

Breitling Chronomat GMT 40. Photo: Breitling

Breitling gives us a sleek steel GMT piece with a 24-hour scale for timezone keeping that serves as an elegant green light to resume travel in the post-pandemic world.

2. Patek Philippe Nautilus 5811/IG-001

Patek Philippe Nautilus 5811. Photo: Patek Philippe

Its lines as beautifully neat and functional as its namesake mollusc, this latest edition with a white gold case and classic blue dial exemplifies the brand’s top-shelf heritage.

3. Tudor Black Bay 41 S&G

The Black Bay’s classic silver and gold bracelet is complemented simply by a tasteful black and gold dial – the bare necessities in an era crying out for some simplicity.