Little did I know when I penned my Monday editorial on the links between watch brands and the history and future of space exploration that an entire project team (researchers, engineers, historians, watchmakers – you name it) had been working under the secret codename Alaska 11 over the past two years to bring the legendary Omega calibre 321 back to life. After writing the editorial I concluded that, when it came to space exploration, watch brands had their attention focused on the past. In a way, Omega has proved my point, but they have done so in a brilliantly revolutionary way.

One of the distinguishing characteristics of Cartier watches is the volume of the watch cases, their lines and their proportions, even the link between the case and the width of the strap. These shaped watches – unlike round watches – make up the lion’s share of the Cartier collection and were, in fact, how Louis Cartier kicked off his entrance into watchmaking. The first square Santos appeared in 1904, followed two years later by the Tonneau. The Crash, Tank, Tortue and Drive followed (in no particular order).

The spirit of Florence, cradle of the Renaissance, breathes on this rare masterpiece of jewellery. The capital of Tuscany, a gentle region set in the heart of an Italy of dolce vita and genetic elegance, is at the heart of this limited series of 68 pieces.

Over the years and through its different guises, Longines has constantly striven to complement its quest for precision with exacting aesthetics. These aspects still characterise its production today. The 185 years of know-how have been shaped by tradition, elegance and performance. As such heritage deserves to be honored and perpetuated, the brand has continually worked to preserve its legacy. 

It would appear that everything has already been said about this primary colour: the sea, the sky, boys, the blazer, the uniforms of pilots or the monochrome of Yves Klein. For some it’s a royal colour, for others the colour of the flag. One thing is certain: blue is everywhere.

Best of British displays works by British blue chip and established artists and rising stars including Dan Baldwin, Mark Evans, The Connor Brothers, Harland Miller, Banksy, Marc Quinn, Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, David Yarrow, Russell Young and Grayson Perry. The exhibition will continue until 28th January 2019.