1 Classic by Braun

Last year, Braun’s industrial-looking timepieces, the Classics, bagged two design awards, including a gold iF. The leather-strapped watches, with scratch-resistant cases in mineral glass, are powered via quartz chronograph movement and are water-resistant up to 50 metres. $285

2 Minuteman by Squarestreet

Hong Kong’s Squarestreet devised these ultra-minimal single-handed watches in a palette of vintage hues and patterns, including a tortoise shell. Crafted in cellulose acetate (sourced from Italy’s Mazzuchelli, renowned for its eyewear frames), the cases can withstand water up to 30 metres deep. A two-handed version is also available. $165

Ideal for jet-setters, this stainless steel watch from the brand’s Calendomatic line is defined by its rotating city module in subtle red lettering, and 24-hour global time indication. Among its other signature details: the silver concave dot and skeleton hands, as well as Swiss automatic movement power and water resistance up to 30 metres. $2,495

4 Hyperchrome Court by Rado

The saturated shades of tennis courts – green (grass), blue (hard) and orange (clay) – inspired the neon accents on these chronographs. Their scratch-resistant cases come in high-tech ceramic, their hands glow in the dark, and their sporty bands are made of sleek black rubber. $4,300

5 351/PL-01 by Uniform Wares

This sleek stainless steel number is one in only 100. London watch brand Uniform Wares’ first limited-edition collection features a ceramic bezel enclosing a scratch-resistant brass dial and a brushed champagne face. It’s finished with a mesh bracelet made in Milan. $1,250

6 Urban Expressions by Swatch

For this new collection, Swatch looked to the gritty graffiti, art and slogans that transform big-city buildings into vibrant canvases. The nine watches comprising the edgy line include Generation 27, representing 27 musicians who passed away at the age of, you guessed it, 27. $60

7 42-20 Chrono by Nixon

A natural leather band with a raw finish lends this piece a Scandinavian feel. Several bezel finishes are available, from raw steel to the ceramic-mimicking Chromacoat. The times and dates are powered – and precise – thanks to Japanese quartz movement. $425

8 NT Ghost Chronograph by Minimal

Give a gift and help someone in need. These ultra-light aluminum timepieces, in a limited edition of 25, are up for auction at Crowd Tilt. Scott Wilson designed them in honour of his friend Neill Townsend, who died last year following a bike accident. Proceeds will go to AppalReD, a non-profit organization offering free legal counsel to those who can’t afford it, a cause Townsend strongly believed in. $400