Elite Traveler HRS 2016-2017

DISCOVER

Most watches come packed with special features that are never put to the test. See our picks of the best places around the world to use yours for more than just telling the time elite traveler HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS 2016/2017 16 Watches

LAMBORGHINI TRACK ACCADEMIA ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA As well as being one of the world’s most lusted-after timepieces, the Cosmograph Daytona is a superb racing watch. Originally created in 1963 for professional racing drivers, the Daytona has a tachymetric scale to measure average speeds up to 400mph. The new ceramic bezel is super-tough, so scratches are a thing of the past. Of course every Daytona has a waiting list, so if you haven’t already signed up, step to it! Test your driving skills at the Lamborghini Track Accademia, where professional instructors will teach you how to slalom, drift and race. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, $12,400, inquire at Tourneau New York, contact +1 212 758 5830, rolex.com For upcoming Lamborghini Track Accademia events, visit squadracorse.lamborghini.com If you want to play the best courses in the UK, including Muirfield Golf Club and the Old Course at St Andrews, head on a golf tour with Carr Golf, which will set up a bespoke itinerary for you. Even if you prefer to golf without wearing a watch, bring the Vacheron Constantin Overseas World Time with you. This durable steel timepiece tells you at a glance what time it is anywhere in the world, and it comes with three easily removable straps, so you can smarten up for dinner after a long day on the links. Vacheron Constantin Overseas World Time, $37,000, contact +1 877 862 7555, concierge.us@ CARR GOLF VACHERON CONSTANTIN

NORTH ISLAND PATEK PHILIPPE

Nowadays, your dive computer takes care of pretty much everything underwater, so our priority is picking a water-resistant watch that you will actually want to wear out of the water. Patek Philippe Ref 5069G-001 is part of the ladies’ Aquanaut Collection. Water resistant to 120 meters, this self-winding watch features a white- gold case with diamond bezel. Head to North Island in the Seychelles, one of the world’s best diving locations, and stay at Villa 11, a secluded and ultra-luxurious villa. Patek Philippe Ref 5069G-001, $81,310, available at Wempe Jewelers in New York, contact +1 212 397 9000, wempe.com Villa 11, North Island, Seychelles, from $10,317 per night, contact Nick Solomon, nicholass@north-island. com, north-island.com If it’s good enough for Rafael Nadal, it’s good enough for you. Richard Mille’s RM 35-02 watch is ultra-light, designed to absorb the shock from Nadal’s legendary serves, and it is the first self-winding timepiece in their collaboration. Wear yours on a trip to Rancho Valencia, in San Diego. The property has 18 tennis courts and expert instructors, including Bill Gates’s favorite tennis pro. Stay at the Hacienda, a beautiful three-bedroom private guesthouse with its own pool. Richard Mille’s RM 35-02, $135,000, available at Richard Mille Las Vegas, contact Azzeddine Azzat, +1 702 588 7272, richardmille.com Hacienda, Rancho Valencia, San Diego, USA, from $3,000 per night, contact Mark Phillips, +1 858 759 6221, mphillips@ranchovalencia.com, ranchovalencia.com RANCHO VALENCIA RICHARD MILLE

vacheron-constantin.com, vacheronconstantin.com

Carr Golf bespoke tours, from $6,150, contact Mark Byrne, +353 1822 6662, mark@carrgolf.com

Words Kristen Shirley