Swiss-made and Paris-based, Reservoir’s high-spec technical watches reflect an era of courage and high performance. Its designs are inspired by measurement instruments from the worlds of motoring – for example, taking the GT Tour as a symbol of endurance and high performance – and military aviation, echoing the design of aviation gauges. This spirit of precision is embodied in the watches’ interestingly functional style of instrument counters, featuring the single hand of the dial, which jumps back every 60 minutes. The retrograde minute and jumping hour hand take the place of the typical three hands found on most Swiss watches. A feat of mechanical energy and pent-up power, the Reservoir display is achieved by combining two watchmaking complications with the power reserve. The retrograde minute at 240 degrees evokes rev counters, manometers and the altimeter, while the jumping hour in the aperture recalls kilometre counters, and the power display echoes fuel and oil gauges.

A recent launch from Reservoir is the neat Kanister, taking design cues from the speedometer of the beautiful and legendary 356 Speedster, imbued with the positivity of the 1950s. A time of freedom and discovery, the decade allowed for expressions of fervour and experimentation, reflected in the vehicles and apparatus of the time. The Kanister’s pastel green indices on a black dial, in a grade 5 titanium case for extra lightness, with polished finish, is completed by a leather strap inspired by the bucket seats of the car itself. This handsome piece is a sign of the times it represents, and great value for a luxury, complex timepiece. 

Available with a black leather strap and spare Nato strap, £3,750, and a set of three leather straps in black with green stitching, santa leather and havana leather, £3,950; reservoir-watch.com