Baselworld preview – two new 39 mm Terrascope watches by Jeanrichard

If there is a word that defines our 21st century age, it could be “ambiguity.” The age in which Conchita Wurst dresses and sings female but wears a beard. The same is true of watches. There was a time in which men’s watches were men’s watches, and women’s were much smaller and more decorative and bejewelled. Today, 39 mm is a diameter that can be worn by both men and women, and a watch with a diamond-encrusted case could equally be worn by a Spanish woman or a triad-member man or his wife. IWC encapsulated this ambiguity to perfection with its Portofino Midsize collection, presenting it worn by women but still maintaining their slogan “Engineered for men.” Another characteristic feature of many recent new watches is the cushion-shaped case, as in the new Vacheron Constantin Harmony collection, in Panerai’s watches, and in the Terrascope series by Jeanrichard. It’s elegant and sophisticated, and has the same sort of ambiguity: a bit round, a bit square.

The two new 39 mm Terrascope models, relatively slim at 10.3 mm, have an automatic JR60 movement, power reserve 38 hours, visible through the sapphire caseback. Reference 60510-11-401-QB4A has a blue denim-texture dial, and a strap in blue ostrich, and a retail price of €2,200. Reference 60510D11A702-11A has a bezel set with 54 diamonds, and a steel case and bracelet: price €4,700. Both models are water-resistant to 100 metres.