Men's Folio Blue Ribbons Watch Award: the Contemporary Daily Beater and Ultra-thin Sports Chronograph - Men's Folio
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Men’s Folio Blue Ribbons Watch Award: the Contemporary Daily Beater and Ultra-thin Sports Chronograph

  • By Asaph Low

Contemporary Daily Beater and Ultra-thin Sports Chronograph
From top to bottom: the contemporary daily beater Hermès H08 Titanium; and the ulta-thin sports chronograph Bvlgari Octo Finissimo S Chronograph GMT

Today we unveil the Men’s Folio Blue Ribbons Watch Award for the Contemporary Daily Beater and Ultra-thin Sports Chronograph. The Blue Ribbon has always been associated with excellence and awarded in recognition of distinction. Men’s Folio is proud to unveil the second edition of the Blue Ribbon Watch Award for the timepieces that stood out amongst its peers.

Men's Folio Blue Ribbons Watch Award: the Contemporary Daily Beater and Ultra-thin Sports Chronograph
Hermès H08 Titanium — The Contemporary Daily Beater Award
Contemporary yet timeless, robust yet delicate, the Hermès H08 harmonises opposites and contrasts according to artistic director Véronique Nichanian’s vision of the Hermès men’s universe. Rounded edges on the square case invoke a sensuous appeal while Hermès’ unique typography alludes to an otherwise serious demeanour — yet both belie the sporty nature of the H08. Hermès imparted a touch of technicality to the H08 by utilising titanium, which extends from the watch case to the bracelet. The contemporary material is lauded for being tough yet lightweight at the same time and is further augmented with hypoallergenic properties, making it the ideal everyday companion for the modern man. A locking crown ensures water-resistance of 100m that is more than capable of withstanding a torrential downpour or even a quick dip in the pool. Hermès’ Manufacture H1837 automatic movement powers the H08 for added reliability and precision when on the go.

Men's Folio Blue Ribbons Watch Award: the Contemporary Daily Beater and Ultra-thin Sports Chronograph
Bvlgari Octo Finissimo S Chronograph GMT — The Ultra-thin Sports Chronograph Award
Coming into 2021 on the back of six world records for ultra-thin watches, Bvlgari is not resting on its laurels as it unveiled the Octo Finissimo S Chronograph GMT, an update to the worldrecord-setting 2019 Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT. Though the Octo Finissimo S Chronograph GMT is slightly thicker than its predecessor, it is still powered by the very same ultra-thin BVL 318 calibre measuring 3.3mm thick. The overall case thickness has been increased to 8.75mm thick from 6.9mm as Bvlgari increased its water resistance to 100m, which is within the acceptable realm of sports watch requisites. With that said, the “S” could be a nod to the steel sports watch as the 2021 version is presented in a multifaceted stainless steel case paired with a matching integrated bracelet. Complications of the Octo Finissimo S Chronograph GMT include an automatic chronograph and a GMT hand to track a second time zone.

Photography Daryl Tan
Art Direction Izwan Abdullah

It’s not too late to catch up on our October 2021 issue once you’re done with our story about the best daily beater watch and thin sports chonograph: click here!