Rare And Exclusive: 10 Limited Edition Watches To Get Your Hands On

29 Apr, 2023

Rare And Exclusive: 10 Limited Edition Watches To Get Your Hands On

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Limited edition watches have long been a fascination among watch enthusiasts and collectors. The idea of owning a timepiece that is one of only a few hundred or even just a handful in the world is a thrilling prospect. Limited editions are typically released to commemorate a specific event, anniversary, or collaboration, adding an element of exclusivity and collectability. These watches often feature unique designs, complications, or materials, making them highly sought after by collectors.

However, the limited nature of these watches also makes them difficult to acquire. They often sell out quickly and can be challenging to obtain. As a result, many collectors turn to the pre-owned market, where they can find rare and highly sought-after limited edition watches that they missed out on during their initial release. The pre-owned market is a treasure trove of unique and hard-to-find watches, offering collectors the opportunity to add such rare pieces to their collections. It’s a place where rarity and exclusivity are highly valued, and collectors can find timepieces that may have been out of reach when they were first released. Let’s explore some exclusive limited-edition watches that have graced Second Movement’s versatile catalogue.

1. Tudor Black Bay Harrods Special Edition

Tudor Black Bay Harrods Edition, released in 2016, is a celebration of the department store’s rich history while maintaining Tudor‘s iconic elements. The classic 41mm steel case features Snowflake hands which is also a key feature of Tudor’s diving watches, while the luminous markers on the dial enhance legibility in terms of readability in low-light conditions. However, most striking are the subtle visual nods to Harrods’ legacy. The green bezel and green accents on the dial are a tribute to Harrods’ signature colour scheme, and the depth rating listed in feet first, followed by metres, represents Harrods’ British heritage. Overall, the Tudor Black Bay Harrods edition is a timeless and sophisticated timepiece that perfectly blends Tudor’s strong design aesthetics with recognisable details.

2. IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition Expedition Charles Darwin

This IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition Expedition Charles Darwin is an exceptional timepiece that honours the legacy of the renowned naturalist Charles Darwin. For more than six decades, the Charles Darwin Foundation has been a leading force in preserving the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands. As a result, Darwin’s name has become inextricably linked with the region’s distinctive flora and fauna. This limited edition timepiece features a unique bronze case, a brand first, to pay homage to the ship HMS Beagle. This ship famously carried Darwin on his historic expedition to the Galapagos Islands, making the watch a fitting tribute to this remarkable chapter in scientific history. The Aquatimer’s robust and masculine aesthetic is retained in the 44mm case, which features rubber-detailed chronograph pushers and crown. A ratcheted bezel provides easy manoeuvring, adding to the timepiece’s practicality. The textured rubber strap with a quick-release system further enhances the watch’s functionality. The solid caseback features an impressive portrait of Charles Darwin, completing IWC‘s tribute to the naturalist’s contributions to science and nature conservation.

3. Omega Seamaster 007 Limited Edition

Omega Seamaster 300m 007 Limited Edition is a high-quality timepiece with a classic design and several unique details to pay homage to James Bond. The watch has a sleek and classic design with a black dial and luminous indexes and hands. The bezel is made of scratch-resistant ceramic and has a unidirectional rotating design. The case is made of stainless steel and measures 41mm in diameter. It has a helium escape valve and is water resistant up to 300 meters. The watch features a solid caseback with 007 engravings and a 007 counterweight on the second hand. The Omega Co-Axial calibre 2507 movement drives this watch and has a power reserve of up to 48 hours. Overall, the Omega Seamaster 300m 007 Limited Edition is a high-quality timepiece with a classic design and several unique details inspired by the James Bond franchise. It’s an impressive option for collectors and fans of the series alike.

4. Grand Seiko Heritage Seasons

This captivating Grand Seiko Heritage evokes the enchanting allure of an autumn night’s moonlit sky. Launched initially exclusively in the United States, this luxury watch has since traversed borders to claim its rightful place in your prestigious collection. Grand Seiko pays homage to the four seasons with its Seasons series, an array of timepieces exuding maison’s innovative watchmaking finesse. The SBGH273G model embodies this sentiment with its unique dial, featuring a beguiling texture and rich, dark hue reminiscent of a tranquil autumn eve. Crafted in steel, the watch’s bezel-less case design is a homage to Grand Seiko’s inaugural automatic timepiece, the 62GS, which debuted in 1967. This reference showcases signature Zaratsu polishing, further enhancing its visual appeal. While the crown’s positioning at three o’clock deviates from the 62GS’s placement at four, this modern touch enhances the watch’s contemporary aesthetic.

5. Hublot Big Bang King Power F1 India Edition

Hublot, known for its impressive and durable watches, has long been the choice of sports professionals and enthusiasts. Thus, it was no surprise when Formula 1 announced Hublot as its official timekeeper in 2010. As a tribute to India’s first-ever Formula 1 race, the house launched a limited edition Big Bang, the King Power 703.OM.1138.NR.FMI11, showcasing its creative prowess. The dial serves as a canvas for an impressive display of colours, with orange luminescent material adorning the hour indexes and hands and the three and nine o’clock sub-registers flaunting white, orange, and green shades that resemble the Indian flag. The small-seconds sub-dial featuring ‘India’ printing completes the homage to the country. The black dial background enhances the legibility of the chronograph counters and date window positioned between four and five. The 48mm case, crafted in 18k rose gold and black ceramic overlay on the bezel, bears complementing screws and perforations inspired by performance brake discs. The rubberised ‘Start’ and ‘Reset’ inscriptions on the pushers add to the motorsport-inspired aesthetic.

6. IWC Portuguese Automatic Edition Dragon Year

IWC Portugieser is a quintessential example of classic elegance and versatility, coveted by watch aficionados across generations. Since its inception in 1939, this horological masterpiece has undergone subtle transformations while retaining its uncluttered design and legibility. A testament to its enduring appeal, the reference IW500125 was created in 2012 to commemorate the Year of the Dragon. Its strikingly streamlined dial is enclosed in a meticulously crafted rose gold case, characterised by a slender bezel and a balanced 42mm size. The dial offers an optimal level of functionality, with neatly applied Arabic numeral hour markers, complementing leaf-like hands, a second sub-dial at nine o’clock, and a power reserve aperture at three o’clock. The open caseback reveals the self-winding mechanical movement, with a captivating gold rotor bearing the inscription “YEAR OF THE DRAGON – ONE OF 888”. The IWC Portuguese is a versatile timepiece that exudes understated charm and is perfect for any occasion, whether a professional engagement or a casual outing.

7. Raymond Weil Freelancer AC/DC Limited Edition

The Raymond Weil Freelancer AC/DC limited edition is an impressive timepiece that pays homage to the iconic rock band AC/DC. This limited edition watch is a must-have for fans of the band who appreciate the fusion of quality craftsmanship and precision. Swiss luxury watchmaker, Raymond Weil, collaborated with the band to create this remarkable 42mm stainless steel case timepiece that packs a punch and is ready to rock your wrist with an irresistible charm. Taking cues from the gritty and rebellious world of rock and roll, studded indexes mark the hours with bold confidence. This timepiece is not just a watch; it’s a statement that commands attention and respect from anyone who sees it. The Swiss-made automatic movement guarantees accurate timekeeping and reliability. The Raymond Weil Freelancer AC/DC limited edition 2780-STC-ACDC1 is a testament to the brand’s passion for the world of music and popular culture.

8. Oris Aquis Date Relief

The Oris Aquis Date Relief is a diving watch created in partnership with Swiss expedition swimmer Ernst Bromeis. It is designed to support Bromeis’ mission to raise awareness about the world’s water resources and promote their sustainable management.

The watch features a 43.5mm stainless steel case with a unidirectional rotating bezel for timing dives. The hands and hour markers are coated with Super-LumiNova for excellent visibility in low-light conditions. It is water-resistant up to 300 meters and has a screw-down crown for added protection. Visible through the open caseback is an automatic calibre with a date function, displayed at six o’clock on the dial. The movement has a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. Overall, the Oris Aquis Date Relief is a robust and reliable diving watch that supports a worthy cause.

9. Raymond Weil Freelancer Jimi Hendrix Limited Edition

The Raymond Weil Freelancer Jimi Hendrix Limited Edition tributes the legendary American guitarist by creating a timepiece that captures the free-spirited essence of this music icon. The flagship Freelancer collection was deemed the perfect canvas for Hendrix’s unmistakable style and distinctive flair. The iconic 1968 white Fender Stratocaster was the driving force behind the design of the watch’s dial, with intricate details mirroring the features of this legendary guitar. The nine dotted index markers on the dial are reminiscent of the frets on Hendrix’s guitar neck, while the circular border represents the six strings that he strummed with such passion. As a result, this timepiece perfectly embodies Hendrix’s musical legacy, imbued with his creative spirit and individualistic attitude. Its 42.5mm stainless steel case is a testament to the brand’s uncompromising commitment to excellence. Its grey dial, adorned with silver-tone hands and a day-date display at three o’clock, speaks of functionality. The watch’s Swiss-made automatic movement guarantees accurate timekeeping and reliability.

10. TAG Heuer Carrera India Racing Edition

The TAG Heuer Carrera India Racing Edition is a special timepiece released to celebrate the 150 years of TAG Heuer’s association with motorsports. The watch’s release also coincided with India’s first Formula One race. The Carrera India Racing Edition is based on the iconic TAG Heuer Carrera, which has been a favourite of racing enthusiasts since its introduction in 1963. The watch features a 41mm stainless steel case with a black ceramic bezel. The dial is black with red and green accents on the nine o’clock sub-dial, inspired by the colours of the Indian flag.

The watch is powered by a Swiss-made automatic movement, with a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. This TAG Heuer Carrera India Racing Edition is a stylish and unique tribute to TAG Heuer’s long-standing association with motorsports.