Editors’ Picks: Watches Beyond the Rolex Standard
August has arrived, signaling the shift from summer to fall. It’s the ideal moment to discover timepieces that surpass the renowned Rolex standard. As the days become shorter and evenings cooler, we’ve curated a selection of exceptional watches that not only meet but exceed the benchmarks set by leading luxury watch brands. Whether you’re enjoying the last of the summer sun or gearing up for the crisp autumn days, these standout watches offer unparalleled precision, durability, and style.
RZE Resolute Pro – Spruce Green
This summer our bestselling, tough, titanium field watch, the RZE Resolute Pro, debuts in a Spruce Green Special Edition. In partnership with Project Forest, 15% of every watch is dedicated to rewilding Canada and features an exclusive caseback engraving symbolizing the shrubs and trees planted with your support.
The Resolute Pro is a truly versatile tool watch designed to ‘go anywhere, do anything’. Ensuring the beautiful brushed finish on your adventure companion looks new after years of escapades, our cases and bracelets are crafted from solid UltraHex™ titanium, making them 8X more scratch resistant than stainless steel. The slim 40mm case features our signature angular aesthetic and houses a premium automatic Miyota movement; beneath the inner AR coated sapphire crystal is the stunning green enamel dial, custom handset, and applied indices filled with Swiss Super-LumiNova®. Providing a fully customized fit, the bracelet is equipped with tool-free, “on-the-fly” adjustment and quick-release for effortless strap changes. Begin your adventure today with a Resolute Pro in Medallion Yellow, White Enamel or Jet Black.
Buy nowLaco Flieger PRO
There are pilot watches. And then there are Laco pilot watches. As one of the few companies, the manufactory from Pforzheim looks back on a long tradition. Especially in the 1940s, an indispensable instrument in the cockpit, a Laco today is an expression of freedom and adventure. They are not only precise and robust timepieces but also bring a piece of history to the wrist, preserving the spirit of adventure from past moments. And although the tradition of the Laco brand is maintained with great attention to detail in the pilot watch Original and pilot watch Basic lines, the team is always committed to driving contemporary developments. In doing so, wishes of our customers are specifically incorporated into the development process. This approach is particularly reflected in the Flieger PRO models Stuttgart PRO and Karlsruhe PRO. Thanks to numerous configuration options, they meet the desire for diverse individualization in a special way, offering each wearer a unique watch. Thanks to the new option of a blue dial and a case without the typical FL engraving on the case flank, a variety of over 100,000 individual configurations is made possible.
Buy nowShinola Ceramic Monster Automatic 43mm
The Shinola Ceramic Monster Automatic 43mm is a masterpiece of modern watchmaking, seamlessly combining innovation with a nod to maritime heritage. This sport watch stands out with its scratch-resistant, lightweight black ceramic case body and unidirectional bezel, complemented by high-grade 316L black PVD-coated stainless steel for unparalleled strength and durability. Powered by the precise Swiss automatic movement, the robust performance is visible through an exhibition caseback. With an impressive water resistance of 300 meters, this watch is built to handle the toughest conditions. Adding to its allure is the integrated black rubber strap, wave-etched dial, and vibrant accents inspired by the legendary fireboats of the Great Lakes—elements that make this timepiece a true homage to life on the water.
Style Tip: Wear with dark blue jeans and a white crewneck for an effortless cool look that transitions perfectly from summer to fall.
Engineer Hydrocarbon EOD (42mm)
The Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon EOD (42mm) is the epitome of versatile sophistication, effortlessly transitioning from rugged adventure to refined style. Inspired by the demands of naval engineering, this watch boasts a silver titanium case and a unidirectional rotating bezel, built to withstand any environment. Its unique protective features include a patented black elastomer shock absorption ring inside the case, surrounding the dial and movement to protect against external impacts. Combined with anti-magnetic technology, these features ensure reliability year-round. Whether for a formal event or a weekend getaway, the Engineer Hydrocarbon EOD delivers with its sleek design and luminous hands that ensure readability in any light. With its screw-down crown and pushers enhancing water resistance, this watch is a seamless blend of durability, elegance, and versatile functionality.
Dive Pro Automatic
The Victorinox Dive Pro Automatic is where high performance meets undeniable style. Engineered in Switzerland, this watch is built to handle the pressures of the deep with an impressive 300-meter water resistance. Its sandblasted titanium gray case and black rotating bezel give it a rugged edge, while the bold orange accents add a splash of color that’s perfect for bridging the gap from summer’s heat to fall’s chill. Comfortable on the wrist and designed for practicality, it features a tool-free rubber strap that lets you personalize your look on the fly and a day/date display that’s legible even with gloves on. Whether you’re diving deep or dressing up, the Dive Pro Automatic has you covered with a blend of sportiness and refined elegance.
Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve
For the trendsetter seeking timeless sophistication, the new Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve delivers. With a sleek 38mm case and captivating three-part dial in champagne, anthracite, or black, it’s a tribute to the iconic Conquest collection’s 70th anniversary. Boasting a date window at 12 o’clock, skyscraper-style hour and minute hands coated with Super-LumiNova®, and finished with a black or grey leather strap, it’s a modern take on a classic from the late 1950s.
Shop the Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve (starting at $4,700.00 CAD) online at Longines.ca.
TURBINE SPLASH A8003/2
The Perrelet Turbine Splash is the epitome of luxury and innovation in watchmaking. Featuring a striking 3D turbine dial, this timepiece marries cutting-edge design with high-end craftsmanship. Its dynamic, rotating blades capture light and movement, adding a touch of opulence to any ensemble. With a bold aesthetic and premium materials, the Turbine Splash transcends traditional luxury, making it a standout choice for those who seek sophistication beyond the Rolex standard.
Buy nowAccutron DNA Casino 28A206
For those who appreciate a timeless design, the Accutron DNA Casino is a captivating choice. Paying homage to history with its classic design, this timepiece features a forward-glide secondhand and cutting-edge electrostatic energy movement. Seamlessly blending tradition with modernity, this stainless steel timepiece is water-resistant up to 50 meters and comes complete with a red sporty rubber strap and double-press deployant closure.
Movement: Electrostatic
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