From the boats designed by car manufacturers to the best yachting and fashion collaborations, when luxury brands work together the results can be beautiful and unique – and this is no different when it comes to fine watches. Click through to see some of the best limited edition watch collaborations to add to your collection now.
F.P.Journe and Holland & Holland Limited Series
Swiss fine watch brand F.P.Journe has teamed up with heritage gun maker Holland & Holland to created a limited edition series of watches celebrating the history and craftsmanship of these storied companies. The 66 piece limited edition run was created using two Damascus steel gun barrels from Holland & Holland's archive, each of which dates back over 100 years. The distinctive pattern of Damascus steel, which is made via a unique method of twisting the metal, can be seen on the dial of each timepiece and is complemented by a 39mm steel case. You'll have to show your credentials to get hold of one though because all 66 pieces are reserved for serious collectors.
Case: Steel, 39mm
Strap: Leather
Movement: Calibre 1304 manual wound
Limited edition: 66
Price: POA, fpjourne.com
Hublot Classic Fusion Italia Independent
Hublot is quite the veteran when it comes to collaborations, having worked with famous names from supermodel Bar Rafaeli and athletics star Usain Bolt to Ferrari, FIFA World Cup and the World Poker Tour. Most recently the brand has turned its focus to fashion with a partnership with Fiat heir, yacht owner and founder of Italia Independent Lapo Elkann. For the collaboration Elkann took inspiration from storied Italian tailor - and long-term family friends - the Rubinacci family for a series of six distinctive fabric strap watches informed by Elkann's impeccable eye for style.
Case: Titanium, ceramic or King Gold, 45mm
Strap: Wool
Movement: Calibre HUB1143 self-winding chronograph
Limited edition: 50 of each
Price: POA, hublot.com
Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Cohiba Edition
If your luxury humidor and watch winder both take pride of place on board your superyacht then Zenith’s collaboration with Cuban cigar brand Cohiba could be for you. The Swiss watchmaker has teamed up with Cohiba to celebrate the cigar maker’s 50th anniversary and the result is this stunning yellow and monochrome timepiece inspired by Cohiba’s branding, which is said to have been designed by Fidel Castro himself.
Case: Stainless steel or 18 karat rose gold, 42mm
Strap: Brown alligator
Movement: El Primero 4061 automatic
Complications: Central chronographs hand, 12 hour counter, 30 minute counter, small seconds, tachymetric scale
Waterproof: 100 metres
Limited edition: 50 in rose gold, 500 in stainless steel
Price: CHF 19,900 in rose gold and CHF 9,300 in stainless steel, zenith-watches.com
RM 68-01 Tourbillon Kongo
Innovative watchmaker Richard Mille has teamed up with French street artist Cyril Phan (AKA Kongo) to create a timepiece that is just as much contemporary fine art as it is an outstanding wristwatch. Every single part of the watch, from the case to the tourbillon, dial and movement are hand painted by Phan in a process that takes up to one month per timepiece.
Case: TZP black ceramic and NTPT carbon, 50.24 x 42.7mm
Strap: Fabric
Movement: Calibre RM 68-01 manual winding
Complications: Tourbillon
Waterproof: 50 metres
Limited edition: 30
Price: $685,000, richardmille.com
Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra
Created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Shelby becoming the first American car manufacturer to win the FIA International Championship of GT Manufacturers, this motor sport inspired watch is one for true petrol heads. Inspired by a 1948 B&M chronograph, this limited edition features stylish retro design and a second hand adorned with the classic cobra logo.
Case: Stainless steel, 44mm
Strap: Black alligator
Movement: Capeland
Complications: Small seconds, 30 minute counter, 12 hour counter (stainless steel)
Limited edition: 1,965
Price: £3,300, baume-et-mercier.co.uk