We survey some of the best watches money can buy

The humble watch seems to be rather neglected of late. Mobile phones - something with which we can never leave the house - carry a perfectly adequate clock, seemingly negating the need for a timepiece worn on the wrist. Why wear one when you can check the time by removing the phone from your pocket? To think in this way is perhaps to miss the point of a watch; it's an object that carries a purpose beyond the practical.

A watch is never solely functional, like a fine wine or a beautiful piece of art it can convey volumes about the status, taste and aesthetic values of its wearer. Through computer and phone clocks, wall mounted office staples, and the information bar on television channels, the time is constantly presented to us. A watch can hold each of us accountable to a schedule that we set for ourselves. As an exquisite object worn on the wrist it can inspire and motivate whenever it's checked. Overseas Living presents an array of some of the finest watches currently available.

Ladies
Tag Heuer Grand Carrera Diamonds - The ladies are treated to a rather more feminine version of the Grand Carrera, an elegantly refined exposition of the technology and design that has gone into the range. The dials of the chronometer are removed, and replaced with a surround of diamonds - truly a girl's best friend. Price: Available on request. www.tagheuer.com

Zenith Starissime Glittering with 18 carat gold stars crafted onto the body of the watch, the Starissime is a finely built, opulent timepiece. 30 diamonds are built into the casing of the watch, enclosing a black mother of pearl hands and gold dial. Price: Available on request. www.zenith-watches.com

Gentlemen
Tag Heuer Grand Carrera Calibre 17 - Tag Heuer is a company that prides itself on being at the forefront of avant-garde design. Inspired by the styling and mechanics of high performance GT cars, from the dashboard through to the elegantly revealed engines, the latest Grand Carrera Calibre 17 takes expresses these visuals with circular, speedometer style dials, and a double sapphire case-back that reveals the inner workings of the watch. Price: £2,995 www.tagheuer.com

Zenith Defy Classic - Georges Favre-Jacot reputedly created the modern watch manufacturing workshop in 1865, bringing together artisans, designers and craftsmen to work on the process inside one room. Setting his sights rather high, Georges named his company Zenith after taking inspiration from the cosmos. The Defy / Classic sets out to represent the modern duality of sleek styling with timeless values. Drawing inspiration from a luxury lifestyle replete with yachts, fast cars and designer toys, this is definitely a statement piece worthy of those who can afford it. Price: Available on request. www.zenith-watches.com

Breitling Navitimer World - As prestige brands go Breitling are hard to beat. Founded in Switzerland in 1884, Breitling watches are still laboriously crafted their today. Blessed with cachet, accorded with status and known for their precision. Many of their watches are produced using traditional but refined mechanical technology, so as to avoid relying on electronic components. The Breitling Navitimer was first manufactured in the 1940s - notable for its inclusion of a chronograph around the bezel - as a practical tool for pilots. Currently the Navitimer is the world's longest continuously manufactured chronograph. Price: £2,915 www.breitling.com