TAG’s latest in the ladies’ line, meanwhile, the spectacular Lady Steel and Ceramic that first saw the light of day at this year’s Baselworld, marries two contrasting materials to maximum effect, the solid dependability of steel with the lightweight strength and smooth stylishness of ceramic.

The DolceVita line expresses that feeling precisely, combining identifiable elements from the watchmaker’s past – the stylish rigour of the 1930s with 1950s post-war glamour - to produce a series of women’s watches that almost define that elusive quality that Longines has always been after: elegance.

TAG Heuer has a long association with sport and the brand’s near-obsession with accurate timekeeping has made it a natural for disciplines in which covering the distance as fast as possible is precisely the point.

Priding themselves on their distinctiveness and independence, Maurice Lacroix produce their exquisite watches from a strikingly modern head quarters based in the Swiss Jura mountains.

Statement watches are perfect for the extrovert amongst you. If you're looking for that Christmas gift with impact, then this is the watch for you.

An elegant Swiss made quartz watch with polished rose gold tear drop index markers, this watch comes with a matching polished steel and rose gold bracelet. Rose gold is a strong trend for autumn/winter and this unique look is great if you're looking for a watch with a difference this Christmas.

Emma Watson was a natural as the face of Burberry - the pale, ethereal look and flowing locks somehow chiming perfectly with the classic brand’s quintessentially English identity.

In the world of watch brand marketing, it is fair to say that it is all about the timing. Get it wrong and your image suffers correspondingly. Not only that, but you will have to suffer endless barbs about timing being, just maybe, not exactly your strong point.

For any top watchmaker, a major anniversary is a time to look back through its history, relive its triumphs, reaffirm the values that got it this far, and yes, celebrate its survival in an increasingly competitive and cutthroat world.

It is hard to credit that Diesel has now been around for almost 40 years. Founded by Italian designer Renzo Rosso in faraway 1978, when punk was at its height and Margaret Thatcher only an aspiring Prime Minister, the Diesel brand has long been synonymous with smart, knowing advertising and a youthful sexiness that, while challenging, never stepped too far over the line.

The French-raised Marciano brothers launched Gc Watches in 1984, at a time when the popularity and public profile of their Guess brand was at its giddy heights.

From a small luggage and saddler company in Florence, Gucci has developed into one of the world’s premier creators of high quality luxury goods.

Calvin Klein is the designer who put American fashion on the world stage, almost single-handedly earning it the respect of the world’s fashionistas.

The Bell & Ross Phantom is the watch Batman might wear on his night-time forays into Gotham City, a symphony in grey and black - gunmetal, lead, worn tarmac – offset only by the dull silver sheen of the rims on case and bezel.

There is something deeply and satisfyingly reassuring about seeing a classic watch brand do what it does best. At 180-year old Baume & Mercier, which is to classic what Bill Haley is to rock ‘n roll, by virtue of age alone almost the ‘ur’-brand, the Classima Executive men’s line is a constant reminder both of what got the brand this far, and how it retains its appeal.

Along with the distinctive perfume of Ambre Solaire and the rush of water rippling over sand, there’s nothing quite so redolent of a dazzling Mediterranean summer as a woman’s watch in white and gold.