Louis XVI Palais Royale 2.0 1823

Having worked for one of the largest global watch brands as Regional Managing Director for 13 years as well as Chairman of the Jewellers Association of Australia along with President of the Australian Timepiece Council, it’s fare to say I know a thing or two about timepieces. I don’t buy watches very often, but when I do, I don’t shop simply by brand. The criteria I use are – the nature & quality of materials, the method of construction, the type and quality of movement, it’s weight and profile on my wrist. Finally, it must have a ‘wow’ factor.

I wasn’t even looking for a new watch when I stumble across the LOUIS XVI watch collection online and was instantly captivated. LOUIS XVI is a contemporary independent Swiss watch brand founded in 2012 that creates boldly designed, regal-themed timepieces that combine striking, heavily textured aesthetics with Swiss precision and engineering.

When I saw the Palais Royale 2 1833/1823 gents quarts chronograph with the baby-blue dial I just had to have one.

It’s available with a 43mm or a 48mm case size and both case and bracelet are made from 316L stainless steel and feature baroque artistic engraved scrollwork. As well as a safety latch the watch has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with a screw down crown for greater water resistance (5ATM/50 meters).

Now, one of the annoying drawbacks of buying a link bracelet watch online is having it adjusted to fit your wrist. Unless you have the necessary watchmaker tools it requires a trip to a jeweller and an added cost. But not with a purchase from the LOUIS XVI collection. That's because each is sold with the tool needed to remove links along with instruction on how to use it - smart thinking!

The elaborate baby blue dial of the watch I chose is hand finished and comes to life with 10 genuine diamonds.

The watch also come with a 5 Year International Warranty.

It has quickly became my ‘go-to’ timepiece and I get comments every time I wear it.

Best of all it was affordable - I paid $897.99 (including shipping).