Time check

While the historical influences are profound, DFS concludes that "we are living in one of the golden ages of watchmaking, with well-established brands standing alongside new independents, offering an extensive array of models that provide something for virtually every taste".

Take the example of case materials, which range from traditional steel and gold to titanium and ceramic, and now to such exotic substances as Panerai's Carbotech and IWC's Ceratanium. There is also increased use of open-working by the likes of Girard Perregaux and Hublot, in addition to compilations now being combined more frequently, such as the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic. There's even a timepiece – the Panerai Luminor Tourbillon GMT – that contains 3D-printed material.

For timelords of the future, get ahead with the new Zenith Defy Inventor. Heralding its new disruptive Zenith Oscillator control system – which replaces the traditional sprung balance, used for more than three centuries – the oscillator dispenses with the 30 or so components traditionally used in a regulating watch, and features a case made of lightweight titanium and Zenith's aluminium polymer composite Aeronith.

The immediate future of watchmaking continues – undefied.