Despite its flashy look, this automatic Raymond Weil Freelancer Lady Urban Black (Ref. 2750-BK1-05208) belongs to that extremely boring (and also extremely large) class of fashion accessories that can only get attention at times like this: when the constant flow of new releases almost dries out and when there are almost no interesting objects fighting for our attention.
With its dial layout similar to that of their limited edition 2011 "Geograph" (it was issued about three years ago and then reissued almost immediately as Geograph Rainforest limited edition), the Louis Moinet Stardance (ref. LM-32.20DD.80) offers the same layout with two vertically-aligned sub-dials but delivers a different functionality. Instead of a chronograph and a second time-zone display, this beautiful watch is focused on its otherworldly (literally so) moon phase indicator.
The Italian fashion giant Gianni Versace S.p.A. has finally decided to expand their Vanitas collection (the one that was previously known to me only for its fairly expensive fragrances but also happens to include handbags and other accessories) with a fashion watch. Designed for women and powered by an inexpensive Swiss quartz movement, which is identical to the mechanism that also happens to animate their 2010 Versace Reve Carre model, the new Versace Vanitas Quartz Collection (ref. VK773 0017) sports an attractive design.
After a somewhat controversial Saratoga Alarm Chronograph (0320219) that was released about two months ago during the last Baselworld 2013 show, Concord delivers yet another quartz-powered timekeeper. The new Concord Saratoga Lady White (ref. SKU 0320214), too, pays homage to the legendary Saratoga Race Course, a thoroughbred horse racing track which is located in Saratoga Springs, New York, United States.
While this Chopard Happy Sport Medium (ref. 278559-3001) doesn't introduce anything new in terms of the shape of its bulky-looking body or dial layout, the new member of the family marks the dawn of a new era for the Swiss watchmaker (or, at least, for the HS model range): it is in fact the first Happy Sport model that swaps a simple and not particularly inspiring quartz movement for a more stimulating self-winding caliber.
Bulgari is known for its extensive collection of snake-style "bracelet watches." Usually comprising no less than two "coils" that gently embrace a lady's petit wrist, the bracelets are crowned with a snakehead-shaped case that usually houses a compact quartz movement. This new Bvlgari Catene (refs. 102038 BBCP31WGGD1.2T/12 & 102052 BBCP31WGG.2T/12) ("catene" means "a chain" in Italian, if I understand it correctly), however, features a slightly less radical styling that may be especially appreciated by persons suffering from ophidiophobia: an irrational fear of snakes.
