Get smart

Smartwatches have come a long way since they first appeared on the market, and Apple is still the industry leader when it comes to navigating form, function and technical wizardry. Series 7 is the most impressive release yet, with the largest full screen display to date, advanced durability and high-tech health apps. Combined with the inimitable style of Hermès, this elegant watch is a true investment piece. Apple Watch Hermès Series 7 41mm case in steel, simple tour Circuit H band in Swift calfskin, £1,229; Hermès at The Royal Exchange

Reach new heights

Speaking of sophisticated smartwatches, the Summit 3 series from luxury atelier Montblanc promises that the wearer ‘no longer has to choose between technology and elegance’. At first glance, the timepiece does appear like an ordinary (albeit, very stylish) analogue watch, with its customisable dial and titanium case, but the Summit 3 also features top-of-the-range apps and health-monitoring systems for the best of both worlds. Montblanc Summit 3 Smartwatch Bi-colour, £1,105; Montblanc at The Royal Exchange

Family favourite

Did you know that British jewellery house Boodles has been an authorised retailer of Patek Philippe for the past 25 years? Both brands are family-owned, with a prestigious heritage, so they have plenty in common. We love the pared-back elegance of this self-winding dress watch, a rose gold version of the classic Golden Ellipse launched in 2018 to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Golden Ellipse, £27,150; Boodles at The Royal Exchange

Curves and edges

This sculptural stainless-steel watch from Georg Jensen is truly a wearable work of art. Designed by celebrated Swedish silversmith Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe in 1969, the mirror-shine minimalist design and curved bangle strap is a masterclass in Scandinavian simplicity. Vivianna Bangle Watch, £1,545; Georg Jensen at The Royal Exchange

Water world

British watchmaker Bremont is renowned for producing technically advanced timepieces. This summer, the brand has released the Waterman Apex, the follow-up to 2018’s Waterman. This stylish and state-of-the-art dive watch is, according to Bremont, designed to ‘celebrate life on and under the water’, with US surfing icon Laird Hamilton its official ambassador. The Waterman Apex is limited to just 250 pieces, and a percentage of sales will go towards the Bimini Shark Lab, a research facility in the Bahamas that looks to advance knowledge of the biology of marine animals. Waterman Apex, £4,795; Bremont at The Royal Exchange

Star gazing

The Omega Novelties 2022 series introduces exceptional new designs and materials. Among the highlights is this 18k yellow gold and brown Constellation Co-Axial Chronometer with a unique grey “silk” 41mm dial. It’s timeless yet contemporary and a masterful addition to the Constellation family. Constellation Co-Axial Master Chronometer 41mm, £8,080; Omega at The Royal Exchange

In the air

You don’t need to hold a pilot’s licence – or even to have ever stepped inside a cockpit – to have an appreciation for aviator watches. The first one dates back to 1906, and pilot’s watches would become an essential apparatus following both World Wars. This oversized 46mm limited-edition pilot’s watch by IWC pays homage to the Supermarine Spitfire, an aircraft used by the RAF during World War II. Available from pre-owned watch specialist Watchfinder & Co, it’s the perfect limited-edition piece for those who want something multi-functional and vintage-inspired. The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Spitfire Ref. IW503601, £23,500, available at Watchfinder & Co at The Royal Exchange

Into the woods

Watches of Switzerland has been curating and selling the world’s most prestigious timepieces for nearly a century. This summer, the company is championing a series of luxury new designs and updates from classic brands, including this exquisite Grand Seiko timepiece. Launched to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the very first Grand Seiko, the Series 9 features a unique dial inspired by the white birch tree forests of Shizukuishi, Japan, where all Grand Seiko mechanical watches are made. Grand Seiko Series 9 White Birch Hi-Beat, £8,500, available at Watches of Switzerland at The Royal Exchange