In the blink of an eye, we are almost at the end of 2022. But before we wrap up another fantastic year, there’s still time to send our timepiece wish lists to Santa. Maybe this year our wishes will be heard?
Christmas wish list for 2022
MB&F LM101 Cream
The first watch on the list is the stunning MB&F LM101 Frost. Owning an MB&F timepiece has always been the author’s dream, and the Legacy Machine series has also been sought after by him in recent years. There’s something about the collection, especially with less complicated but equally compelling timepieces. The LM101 is without a doubt the best work encapsulating this.
Although the LM101 is a pure chronograph with a power reserve indicator, it offers more than just complications. Here we have a very well designed watch with an attractive balance wheel and highly exaggerated domed sapphire crystal on the dial side. The finishing and attention to detail is also outstanding, not least the superb movement produced in collaboration with the legendary Kari Voutilainen.
The Frost, with its warm red gold case and gorgeous brushed gold dial, is my favorite version of the LM101. Extremely elegant, it adds a different style to the watch. Then again, honestly, any other version of the LM101 would have been good enough.
Urwerk UR-102
Apart from MB&F, Urwerk is another brand that largely influenced and shaped the independent watchmaking scene of the late 90s and early 20s. The UR-102 (above courtesy of Urwerk) was one of the early watches that started it all.
There’s something quirky and conversational about the UR-102. The watch has hardly any indices or details; it’s just a half-circle with some markers and an aperture showing the hours. The hour display hole also acts as a minute hand. Referring to the picture above, the time is about 8:42.
Minimalism is certainly fun. It’s definitely polarizing – some people understand the concept and some don’t. There’s no right or wrong answer here, at the end of the day it’s really about how these watches feel. The UR-102 certainly struck a chord with the author.
A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph
Last on the list is the superb A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph. Interestingly, this piece also entered the author’s wish list in 2020.
Many will question why the 1815 Chronograph was chosen over the slightly more advanced Datograph. Again, there are no right or wrong answers. I personally prefer the clean look of the 1815 Chronograph, as this watch does not have a large date window (and now also has a power reserve indicator).
In addition to the dial, the movement is another highlight of the watch. Much has been said about the finishing of A. Lange & Söhne watches, and the Caliber L951.5 certainly does not disappoint. The movement is luxuriously finished with all the different high-end finishing techniques expected from a haute horlogerie brand. Its origins can be traced back to the legendary Caliber L951.1, which also makes it quite special.
The 1815 Chronograph, especially in the configuration pictured above, is simply to die for. If the author could only buy one more watch for the rest of his life, this Lange might be that watch.
The author’s choice today may be considered “esoteric” by many. These three replica men watches are different, covering different aspects of the watch field. But they certainly have very powerful advantages.
With that, we hope readers will enjoy the other writers’ (and, of course, the editor’s) picks. We thank you all for your support over the years and wish you all a Merry Christmas.