White, red and green symbolising the TOM’S KP47 Toyota Starlet’s fearless image are incorporated throughout the watch’s honeycomb dial.
In the horological world, where craftsmanship intertwines with artistry, brands often look to celebrate historical milestones from the past and new partnerships in the present.
Thus, the release of timepieces to mark significant occasions is nothing short of a grand celebration for many watch lovers.
Ultimately, commemorative watches are more than mere timekeepers; they are living artifacts of horological heritage and pivotal moments.
Certainly, the idea of the commemorative watch has managed to dig up a corner of its own in the public’s consciousness.
And though it may be no foreign practice to assign a watch a significant emotional value, watchmakers are vying to determine what the public deems significant and how to fulfil that.
With her distinctive flair and effortless grace, South Korean starlet Nayeon has become the perfect muse for Bonia.
That’s where commemorative watches come in.
The challenge of selling “significance” is that a watchmaker can’t sell you a family heirloom.
So, what they do is cater to personal interests.
Whether it’s your favourite sports team, super hero, historical event or even favourite pop star, there is a definitely watch for you!
Here, we showcase two limited-edition masterpieces from two different brands, which tick relentlessly commemorating a significant moment in time for each of those brands, while embodying the rich heritage and innovation that define the art of watchmaking.
The sub-dials are inspired by the iconic TOM’s Igeta racing wheels, while (right) the genuine leather band evokes the KP47’s B-pillar and features a metal band loop styled like the car’s side mirrors.
Bonia BNB10809 Ladies Chronograph Collection
Just recently in September, fashion brand Bonia reached a significant milestone when it marked five decades of timeless style, meticulous craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to quality.
To help celebrate this, the brand has launched its Autumn/Winter 2024 Watch Collection, showcasing the global South Korean superstar Nayeon of K-Pop group Twice.
She has recently made the trip to Kuala Lumpur for the joyous occasion.
With her distinctive flair and effortless grace, Nayeon has become the perfect muse for Bonia, embodying the brand’s legacy and values of timeless elegance, charm and innovative style.
Bonia BNB10809 Ladies Chronograph Collection.
Perhaps the key highlights of this milestone celebration are the new timepieces in the new BNB10809 Ladies Chronograph Collection.
Designed to adorn any feminine wrist with a touch of casual luxury, the timepieces from this collection have a classic round case and a bezel that is beautifully adorned with sparkling crystals.
At its heart, the collection’s watches feature a reliable Japanese quartz chronograph movement that ensures a dedication to quality alongside plenty of style.
Meanwhile, the luminous coating on each watch’s hour, minute and chronograph hands adds a stunning, magical glow in low-light settings.
The Bonia logo, proudly placed at the 12 o’clock mark, adds plenty of signature sophistication, while the 24-hour register at 3 o’clock provides practical functionality, making this watch superbly functional and not just a pretty face!
The new Bonia BNB10809 Ladies Chronograph Collection watches are available in five stylish colours – pink, white, burgundy, brown and black – to suit every woman’s unique style, of course.
Casio Edifice TOM’S 50th Anniversary Edition
Japanese carmaker Toyota definitely knows the name TOM’S well.
Of course, it’s short for “Tachi Oiwa Motorsport” which serves as something of an unofficial performance arm for the automotive giant.
This timepiece is a tribute to the historic TOM’S KP47 Toyota Starlet – the debut race car produced by the tuning house that was produced amid the backdrop of the aftermath of the 1973 Oil Crisis.
The watches are available in five stylish colours of pink, white, burgundy, brown and black.
This Edifice high-performance motorsports chronograph also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the racing team’s founding.
TOM’S was set up by Nobuhide Tachi and Kiyoshi Oiwa, automotive racers who started their tuning business in 1974 after Toyota was forced to shelf its own official motorsports programmes due to the oil embargo that was placed on Japan the year before.
So, this horological collaboration specifically pays homage to the special KP47 Starlet that made TOM’S Racing an overnight sensation.
The car had an impressive streak of touring race victories in the 1970s: 22 pole positions, 20 wins and three series champion victories.
White, red and green – colours symbolising the race car’s fearless image – are incorporated throughout the honeycomb-shaped dial.
The purple hue on the dial is a nod to the TOM’S Starlet front grille and to the cover of the car’s engine, with inset dials inspired by the iconic TOM’s Igeta racing wheels.
Casio Edifice TOM’S 50th Anniversary Edition.
Meanwhile, the genuine leather band evokes the KP47’s B-pillar and features a metal band loop styled to resemble the car’s side mirrors.
The band loop’s colour also matches the scheme of the KP47 Starlet.
It is emblazoned with the original TOM’s logo for a nostalgic touch from the brand’s early days.
Green edging on the band echoes the green lining featured on the KP47.
Another design homage is the iconic TOM’S ace car number “36” glass-printed at the 36-minute mark of the watch.
Powering the watch is the EFS-S641 SOSPENSIONE solar-powered chronograph that boasts a carbon fibre-reinforced resin case, solar charging, and sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on the inside surface.
