Black Diamonds Watches for Avid Skiers

The most wonderful time of the year has officially arrived: Ski season! Throughout the country (and the globe, for that matter), snow is falling on the most desirable mountains and skiers are readying themselves to enjoy world-class powder. From the Avi & Co. Aspen boutique, we have been watching as adventurers and spectators alike descend on this glamorous ski town for the high season. As temperatures drop, life in Aspen gets livelier by the day.

Whether you are skiing Aspen Mountain, Banff’s Mount Norquay, or the mighty Swiss Matterhorn, you know all too well that skiing and luxury living go hand in hand. After a full and exhilarating day on the mountain, you head back to the chateau to freshen up and enjoy five-star dining, flights of sumptuous wine, or maybe even a Michelin starred experience. Of course, you will need to look the part.

Today, we are going to dive into some of our favorite watches for skiers, both on and off the slopes. Some of these watches can take you from the black diamond to the black tie event, while others are best kept for a romantic meal with your special someone. Here are Avi & Co.’s pristine picks for the skiers (fine, and snowboarders) who want to turn heads this winter.

If you want a watch that can keep up as you travel around the world, seeking out the freshest powder and the steepest slopes, look no further than the RM 11-02. From new-age Swiss powerhouse Richard Mille, this watch exudes technological innovation and avant garde design from every angle. Mille is known for his collaborations with world-famous athletes such as Rafael Nadal, Lando Norris, and even skiers Johannes Thingnes Bo, Alexis Pinturault, and Ester Ledecka. Every Richard Mille creation has been tested to the absolute highest standards of performance. If tennis great Rafael Nadal can launch 135 mph serves across the court while wearing a Richard Mille watch, then surely it can withstand the trials and travails of ski life.

This sharp Richard Mille piece, the RM 11-02, showcases the brand’s commitment to high-end, high-performance materials. Crafted from elite titanium, the watch’s oversized 50 mm case houses an elegant and sophisticated flyback chronograph movement, which you can actually observe through the skeletonized dial. Dual timezone functions, a date display, and an annual calendar function complete the picture of functional beauty that this timepiece provides. Wear it on the slops or wear it out to dinner; this watch is a versatile and classy accessory.

With this watch, we have taken the phrase “black diamond” very seriously. This exquisite Patek Philippe Aquanaut hails from the Swiss legend’s most athletic line. An offshoot of the original Nautilus collection, the Aquanaut lineup hit the shelves in the 1990s as an attempt to interest younger and more adventurous audiences in a heritage collection that was ready to take on a modern flair. It hit the mark and then some, and the Aquanaut remains one of Patek Philippe’s most-loved watch lines even 30 years later.

This stainless steel Aquanaut showcases the very best of this prestigious line: The “tropical” rubber strap looks chic and versatile in a saturated black, and the deep hue of the dial is perfectly offset by the sparkling diamonds set on the bezel. White inlay Arabic numerals offer a high degree of legibility, and you will appreciate where form meets function with the date display at the 3 o’clock position. The watch’s 39 mm silhouette can work for wearers of any gender, making it a timeless and sophisticated piece that you are sure to pass down for generations.

Jetting off across the world to find the finest powder around? Do not forget your Rolex GMT-Master II, the ultimate timepiece for travelers since 1982. The original Rolex GMT-Master line was created for Pan-Am pilots who were embarking on transatlantic flights for the first time in the 1950s. Its iconic two-tone bezel allows for a functional and intuitive dual timezone display that makes it easy to keep track of the hour abroad and at home.

While the “Pepsi” edition of this beloved model might be the most recognizable, sporting its red-and-blue Cerachrom bezel, the “Bruce Wayne” model has our heart. Like its brother, the “Batman” watch, the “Bruce Wayne” has a more subtle bezel contrast. It showcases a black-and-grey bezel that is the perfect addition to any sleek outfit, whether you are pairing it with this year’s hottest snowsuit or saving it for an elevated after-hours affair. From the board room to the black diamonds, you will find yourself reaching for the “Bruce Wayne” GMT-Master II on virtually every occasion. Don’t miss the chance to scoop it up from your local Avi & Co. showroom today: You can find us in Aspen, Miami, and Manhattan.

Nothing says ski season like a watch that mirrors the effect of sparkling snowflakes, miles of untouched powder, and frost clinging to your windowpanes in the morning. Luckily for you, we have the perfect lineup in mind: Avi & Co.’s Frosted Collection. Launched in early 2024, the Frosted Collection was received with much celebration and praise from industry experts. The sister of the Iced Collection, the Frosted Collection features a diamond-set dial and bezel paired with a more subdued metal bracelet, from which it gets its name. We worked with expert jewelers to create a proprietary tooling technique that gives the bracelet a “frosted” finish, perfect for the winter months.

The Frosted Collection is available in two different case sizes: 44 mm and 40 mm. The more substantial 44 mm case is set to make an impact, and the 40 mm is what we like to call the “Goldilocks” of watches: It can work on virtually any wrist. You can also choose from 18K rose gold and 18K white gold. For a cool, wintery effect, we love the look of the showstopping 44 mm white gold Frosted watch, which is pictured above. Set with countless diamonds, it will reflect light from every angle, bathing you in luxury and splendor.

Blend into your snowy surroundings with this chic white Royal Oak Offshore watch from renowned Swiss brand Audemars Piguet. The midsize 37 mm case is a versatile silhouette that can work for both men and women wearers, making it ideal as an heirloom investment that you can pass down one day. The Royal Oak Offshore is to the Royal Oak line as the Aquanaut is to the Nautilus line: It amounts to a sportier rendition of a classic, offering rugged appeal without sacrificing its much-loved characteristics. For instance, the Royal Oak Offshore retains its octagonal bezel and exposed screws, which appeared on the 1970s Royal Oak as a nod to a diver’s helmet. Here, the Offshore juxtaposes these classic elements with a comfortable and durable rubber strap that makes this watch ideal for the modern adventurer.

The monochromatic color palette of this Royal Oak Offshore is sure to delight any skier. Its snowy hues complement the brushed sheen of the stainless steel bezel, and the dial features an attractive Mega Tapisserie pattern with oversize Arabic numeral hour markers. On the face of the watch, you will also find three chronograph subdials that are ideal for timing your runs down even the most challenging trails. Plus, the date window nestled in at the 4:30 position adds to the watch’s modern functionality. You simply cannot go wrong with a masterpiece from the Swiss maestros at Audemars Piguet, and this watch is no exception.

Here at Avi & Co., we understand that skiing is so much more than a hobby. It is a lifestyle, and luxury accoutrements go right along with it. That is why we are here to help our snow bunny clients take their slopeside style to the next level. Our three luxurious boutiques are the perfect places to shop for your next gorgeous timepiece. We specialize in renowned brands like Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Rolex, and we even have a strong selection of vintage and discontinued pieces perfect for the horological connoisseur in your life. Plus, discover our very own lines of Avi & Co. watches and fine diamond jewelry, which are ideal for anyone on your holiday shopping list.

So, what are you waiting for? Make an appointment today to shop with us in person. We cannot wait to meet you and welcome you into our Avi & Co. family!