Omnipresent in daily life, the color red brightly conveys positive energy. Infused with this passionate color that symbolizes blessings in Eastern culture, these small watches are more than just wrist accessories; they also serve as lucky charms for their wearers.
Although not as ubiquitous as blue, the use of red on essential watch components such as the dial and strap creates an exceptionally captivating look that is sure to draw attention. To celebrate the beauty of this vibrant color, we present seven striking “time machines” from renowned watch brands, Jacob & Co., Parmigiani Fleurier, Roger Dubuis, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Audemars Piguet, Zenith, and Grand Seiko, each showcasing the power and beauty of red in their designs.
JACOB & CO.
Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Baguette Ruby
After nearly a year of development, Jacob & Co. and Bugatti introduced the Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Baguette Ruby. Every component of this unique rose gold watch is meticulously designed to honor the Chiron super sports car. With dimensions of 55 x 44mm, the beautiful tonneau-shaped case is inspired by the Chiron’s distinctive graceful lines, providing ample space for the Caliber JCAM37, which offers a 60-hour power reserve displayed beneath sapphire crystal. The “mechanical heart” is manually wound to ensure the regular operation of the time display, the 60-second flying tourbillon, and most importantly, the full recreation of the iconic Bugatti W16 engine, crafted from monolithic sapphire. Paired with a red rubber strap, the Bugatti Chiron Baguette Ruby is further enhanced by the presence of 418 baguette-cut rubies, meticulously set on the case, crown, two pushers, and the 30° tilted flying tourbillon, along with the deployment clasp.
ROGER DUBUIS
Monovortex Split-Seconds Chronograph
The Monovortex™ Split-Seconds Chronograph commands attention with its striking sporty design, powered by the in-house RD114 Caliber. This exceptional movement not only counteracts the effects of gravity but also highlights Roger Dubuis’ masterful craftsmanship by reinventing both the tourbillon and the flywheel, featuring the innovative Turborotor Cylindrical Oscillating Weight at the 12 o’clock position. These intricate components are seamlessly integrated into the split-seconds chronograph. The watch’s sophisticated architecture, enhanced by a double column-wheel system, is further distinguished by a Rotating Minute Counter (RMC) positioned at 120°. Adding to its uniqueness, the counter at the 3 o’clock position takes on an unexpected nonagon shape. This engineering marvel is protected by transparent sapphire crystal on both the front and back, housed within a 47mm case crafted from composite red MCF (Mineral Composite Fiber). Completing the futuristic aesthetic is a strap made from a blend of black rubber and red leather.
PARMIGIANI FLEURIER
Tonda PF Xiali Calendar
Parmigiani Fleurier enhances the Tonda PF Xiali Calendar with a striking imperial red, a rare watch that features Chinese characters on the dial, allowing for the tracking of both lunar and solar calendars. Building on the calendar theme familiar to the Swiss brand, the Tonda PF Xiali Calendar also adheres to the signature design codes of the Tonda PF collection. The multi-layered dial, rendered in regal hues, is adorned with barley grain patterns created through the French guilloché engraving technique. The timepiece provides comprehensive information, including hour, minute, second, day of the week, date, month, year, lunar week, and perpetual calendar, all indicated by exquisitely crafted hands. This wealth of data can be quickly adjusted via discreet pushers on the sides of the stainless steel case, which is complemented by a 950 platinum bezel. Paired with an elegant yet sporty steel bracelet, the Tonda PF Xiali Calendar is powered by the automatic Caliber PF008, offering a 54-hour power reserve, visible through the sapphire crystal case back and featuring a 22K gold rotor.
AUDEMARS PIGUET
Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin
Ref. 16202XT.OO.1240XT.01
The red sunburst brushed dial on this timepiece (bright at the center and gradually deepening towards the bezel) elegantly accentuates the hour markers, the iconic Royal Oak hands with yellow gold rims, the AP logo, and the date window set at the three o’clock position. This vivid dial provides a striking contrast to the light and slim titanium case, measuring 39 x 8.1 mm, and is paired with a bezel crafted from Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG), similar to the exclusive Ref. 15202XT created for Only Watch 2021. The watch’s intricate mechanics are showcased through the sapphire crystal case back, revealing the automatic Caliber 7121, adorned with delicate Côtes de Genève decoration and offering a 55-hour power reserve for the hours, minutes, and date functions. Water-resistant to 50 meters, the watch’s refined design is further complemented by a titanium bracelet featuring BMG links and an integrated AP clasp.
JAEGER-LECOULTRE
Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds
Maintaining the same aesthetic standards as the original 1931 model, the Reverso Tribute Small Seconds is enhanced by a rose gold case with dimensions of 45.6 x 27.4 x 7.56mm. In this version, the dial plays a key role in creating the perfect appearance. The deep burgundy color is achieved through a meticulous process that involves applying multiple layers of lacquer, each requiring a specific drying time. Under light, the dial background subtly shifts in hue, adding a distinctive feature to the watch. In addition to the customizable reversible face, this timepiece is powered by a manual-winding movement and offers the ability to easily switch styles thanks to a pair of interchangeable burgundy straps: a mixed leather and fabric strap, and a full leather strap crafted by the renowned Argentine shoemaker Casa Fagliano.
GRAND SEIKO
SBGA493
Limited to 500 pieces, the SBGA493 features a dark red dial adorned with unique patterns. The striking background is further enhanced by gold accents reminiscent of a katana sword forged in red-hot flames. Much like the highly skilled and refined process of sword polishing, Grand Seiko applies its renowned Zaratsu polishing technique, established in 1967, to create a solid stainless steel case with a 40mm diameter. This Grand Seiko model retains the core functions of hours, minutes, seconds, and date with a deviation of ±15 seconds per month, powered by the Caliber 9R65 Spring Drive movement. The watch automatically stores 72 hours of power, which is indicated by a yellow hand near the center of the dial. Water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters, the SBGA493 secures itself to the wrist with a robust steel bracelet featuring a triple-folding clasp.
ZENITH
DEFY Revival A3691
The DEFY Revival A3691, one of Zenith’s most effortlessly wearable watches, masterfully blends the distinctive details and design elements that made the original a standout, creating a legacy that continues to inspire the modern DEFY collection with its vibrant colors. This model features a stainless steel case with a striking octagonal shape, paired with a fourteen-sided faceted bezel. The dark red dial, with its gradient effect that deepens towards the edges, is complemented by square hour markers with horizontal grooves, adding to its bold aesthetic. Completing the look is a Gay Frères-style stainless steel bracelet, a nod to Zenith’s heritage. At the heart of this timepiece is the in-house Caliber ELITE 670, a fine automatic movement that embodies Zenith’s renowned craftsmanship. This movement offers unmatched thinness and performance, delivering a 50-hour power reserve for the hours, minutes, and seconds functions.
