Autopilot co-founder Antonia Li's cohesive watch collection

When it comes to fashion and jewellery, there’s no one-style-fits-all. The same goes for watches, and co-founder and creative director of athleisure brand Autopilot, Antonia Li certainly understands this. She shares six timepieces from six different categories that together form a cohesive watch collection – whether you’re looking to make a statement or for something subtle, there’s one for you

Rexhep Rexhepi

I believe that a complete watch collection should include a chronograph, a dress watch, a diving watch, a pilot watch, a complicated watch and an innovative Haute horological watch. This timepiece is a distinctive and contemporary take on the classic dress watch dial. More than that, the RRCC2 is the watch of the era. Founder of Akrivia, Rexhep Rexhepi is one of the most significant independent watchmakers of the century and his talent and passion for watchmaking are infectious. The finishing of both the RRCC1 and RRCC2 is impeccable. It’s very tricky to make a perfect enamel dial, but Rexhepi has definitely mastered it. The word “beautiful” is simply an understatement for this piece.

MB&F

One must feel a sense of curiosity when looking at an MB&F. A unique avant-garde Haute horology movement developed in-house, the three-dimensional “flying” balance wheel is like a beating heart. The series has also now evolved with three new editions – white gold with the purple dial, red gold with a dark blue dial and stainless steel with a light blue dial – that focus on the essentials of mechanical watchmaking more than ever. I also love Kari Voutilainen – he’s responsible for the finish and design of the movement. If you are a fan of his guilloches, you should also definitely check out the LM FlyingT model!

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Rolex

I have always wanted a single crown Submariner. There is just something extremely seductive about a large single crown with a glossy dial. Having starred in the 007 movies, both the 6538 – also known as the “Big Crown” Submariner for its oversized crown – and 5513 are exceptional in their own ways. But, my heart lies with the 6538. The first Submariner to feature the chronograph certification on the dial, the 6538 is just so captivating, especially with its gilt dial (gilt dials were produced in the 1950s to ‘60s, a shorter period in comparison to matt dials), which I personally prefer. And the red triangle on the bezel is just the cherry on top of the cake!

Audemars Piguet

Royal oaks are the first luxury steel watches and are the originators that led the trend for stainless steel sports watches from the 1970s. Both designed by Gerald Genta, the Royal Oak was created in 1972, followed by the Nautilus in 1976. I particularly admire how Royal Oaks use old-school methods, such as the real guilloche and the “Tapisserie” dial with hand-polished satin-brushed finishes. The octagonal shape is also undeniably distinctive, and the integrated bracelet maximises comfort and boasts its ability to remain upright on its own. Model 26240 has caught my eye with its dark green dial and 50th-anniversary special rotor – I find it exceptionally elegant.

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Rolex

With the growing hype for the “Batman” and “Pepsi,” the much-anticipated “Sprite” GMT has been added to the series. But what really sets this timepiece apart is that it’s designed for left-handed wearers with both the crown and the date on the left side. Besides this, it really does stay true to the heritage of GMTs, coming in the traditional 40mm and with its Cerachrom bezel. I’m a fan of GMTs regardless of vintage, neo-contemporary and contemporary timepieces, and this is one of my top picks and a great daily watch, especially if you want to join the green face trend that has been growing in the recent two years.

F.P.Journe

I have been fascinated with complicated watch movements since I was a child and a tourbillon was definitely something I wanted in my collection. I knew the F.P.Journe Tourbillon Souverain was the one the moment I held it in my palm. Finishing F.P.Journe watches, which are meticulously handcrafted, create a bold aesthetic identity. The balance and proportions of this wristwatch are very well thought-out, and it fits perfectly on one’s wrist. Mr Journe’s neoclassical watchmaking approach embodies balance, harmony and readability, which makes F.P.Journe timepieces some of the most iconic pieces of the century.

Also see: Sneak peek inside chef Christopher Ho’s watch selection