From mobile phones to computers and electronic billboards, ultra-precise time is displayed all around us. Therefore, wearing a watch is about so much more than hours and minutes, it’s an emotional investment and a lifestyle choice, and in this issue we provide some inspiration and direction for adding to – or starting – your watch wardrobe.

We look at Bremont’s military partnership with the Ministry of Defence, trace Tudor’s historical women’s watch collections and admire Cartier’s very elegant Baignoire beauties. We also explore Zenith’s magic movement, the El Primero, which is celebrating its 50th birthday, along with the Omega’s Speedmaster Professional, which commemorates becoming the first watch on the moon 50 years ago with the launch of a new contemporary model.

On the way we travel the scenic route, taking in watch expert Ken Kessler’s beady-eyed look at whether the vintage bubble may be about to burst; we visit the specialist school teaching skills to tomorrow’s watchmakers; and celebrate a watch industry legend, the great Gérald Genta – possibly the most influential watch designer of the 20th century.

We hope you enjoy this issue.