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.
Concord Saratoga Lady White (Ref. SKU 0320214)
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.
Chopard Happy Sport Medium Automatic
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.
Bvlgari Catene in Rose Gold, Necklace Chain Bracelet
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.
Ebel X-1 1216156 in Steel and Ceramic… and Diamonds
The new version of the elegant Ebel X-1 (ref. 1216156) comes in the same glossy black ceramic body as previous iterations, but now features whole 71 diamonds adorning its bezel, the setting crown and, of course, the signature galvanic black dial. Almost twice as expensive as the version that is not decorated with precious stones, the new X1 is worth every extra penny that the Swiss-based brand asks for it.
Breitling Transocean Chronograph 38 Automatic
I am not sure whether gender equality advocates will love this model. Compared to the original 2010 Transocean Chronograph 01 Limited Edition that was designed for men, this new Breitling Transocean Chronograph 38 Ladies is not only smaller (which is, probably, acceptable for most people), but is also equipped with a less exclusive movement, which is not made in-house, but is based on the ETA 2892-A2 blank caliber, albeit adjusted to meet strict COSC standards. And it has one sub-dial less, too!
Raymond Weil Maestro Open Heart is Surprisingly Cool
The good old Raymond Weil Lady Maestro line has fairly recently been updated with a new open-heart version. Finally available in different colors (including absolutely gorgeous one on a lime-green strap with reference number 2827-L5-00966) and growing noticeably in size, the updated timekeeper still features the easily recognizable design cues on its dial, including the clever use of guilloching and diamond-setting techniques.
Breitling Colt 33 Adds Sahara Leather Straps
First offered around a year ago, the quartz-powered Breitling Colt 33 diver (sic!) gets updated for this year with a wide choice of straps that are crafted from Sahara leather: a natural material that is easy to recognize on first sight thanks to the numerous “dunes” that are embossed on its surface.