If you were to ask 100 random people to draw a wristwatch, the resulting pictures would, more than likely, be pretty similar – a strap or bracelet with a round dial featuring either Roman or Arabic numerals or indexes, two or possibly three hands and a crown to the right. But thanks to a growing band of innovative designers and watchmakers we no longer have to be limited to the traditional. Today almost anything goes – single-handed watches, crazy case shapes, off-the-scale sizes, multiple sub-dials and brand new ways of reading off time. The only rule that really applies is that the watches must be fit for purpose and allow easy reading of hours and minutes, beyond that it’s now a no limit game.

Tracey Llewellyn is Deputy Editor of top UK fine watch magazine QP.