Chopard Happy Golf.
Chopard Happy Golf.
Image: Supplied

It is spring and I’m certainly looking forward to the promise of warmer, dryer weather and the much-needed extra dose of the 'sunshine vitamin’. A gentle warm hug after winter, spring brings rebirth and change, and will hopefully also release us — even if only psychologically — from the cage of restrictions. It’s time to move away from screens big and small, and embrace the great outdoors again.

If you’re a golfer in the Cape, you can look forward to some uninterrupted play. Mark your return to those lush fairways and greens in style with a Chopard Happy Golf timepiece. Part of its Happy Sport collection, the latest Happy Golf automatic has a 36mm, 18-carat rose gold and stainless steel case, and a magnificent grainy green dial with the texture of a freshly trimmed green. You’ll find extra charm in the miniature golfing iron and ball to be found floating among the five “dancing diamonds” with a combined weight of 0.24ct. The exaggerated lug screw heads, crown and bezel are crafted in rose gold. There is also a reference with a gem-set bezel featuring 38 white diamonds, but this may present a distraction if you’re wanting to remain under par.

The “artisan of emotions” launched the Happy Sport collection in 1993 and were the first to combine diamonds with a stainless-steel case. But the idea for the line dates back to 1976, when in-house designer Ronald Kurowski created the Happy Diamonds as a men’s dress watch. Who said diamonds are only a girl’s best friend? The diamonds floating between two sapphire crystals inside a round-cornered, square case were inspired by droplets from a waterfall glistening in the sunshine. This concept is carried through into the current collection. 

Highlighting its green credentials, Chopard also ensures that the high-quality materials are responsibly sourced. Since July 2018, Chopard has been using 100% ethical gold in the production of all watches and jewellery. Water resistant to 30m, with a 42-hour power reserve, the Happy Golf is a practical everyday sports luxe timepiece. POA, chopard.com or call Boutique Haute Horlogerie on 011-325-4119.

Swatch x MoMA.
Swatch x MoMA.
Image: Supplied

Among the array of uplifting colours offered by the watch manufacturers, green stands out as the colour du jour. In all its tints, tones, and shades, green may echo what’s in fashion, but it is perhaps, more importantly, a reflection of our changing consciousness and emotional connection to nature. What better place to dive in and immerse yourself in green at its most expressive than in an exotic jungle. This is so exquisitely captured in “The Dream” (1910) by French post-Impressionist artist Henri Rousseau. This work is among five selected from the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection in New York City and reimagined for the new Swatch x MoMA collection, which is  now available from R1,340 at swatch.com or stores nationwide.

Zenith DEFY 21 Urban Jungle.
Zenith DEFY 21 Urban Jungle.
Image: Supplied

Combining the colour and material du jour, Zenith’s Defy 21 Urban Jungle features a “khaki green” ceramic case and openwork dial to showcase the exceptional El Primero 9004 automatic movement inside. This is the fastest and most precise series-made chronograph in production today, with a timing capability of 1/100th of a second. Perfect for keeping up with your fast-paced lifestyle from the urban jungle to the Tsitsikamma. It is presented on a woven texture-effect matching green rubber strap, POR, zenith-watches.com or Picot & Moss 011-669-0500.

IWC Portofino Chronograph.
IWC Portofino Chronograph.
Image: Supplied

The IWC Portofino Chronograph is now available in a 39mm case size, with a cleaner profile. It is an even more elegant interpretation of one of the Schaffhausen-based manufacturer’s most dressy chronographs, with subdials at 6 and 12 o’clock for a balanced layout. There are three new stainless steel references, but the green-dialled version stands out. Inside, the Calibre 79350 mechanical chronograph movement ensures reliability and practicality with the added benefit of its 44-hour power reserve. Demonstrating its celebrated commitment to more sustainable manufacturing, IWC’s new HQ in Schaffhausen is powered by 100% renewable energy and the company has a sustainability committee to manage its social and environmental impacts, and set its sustainability targets and activities.

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