This specimen is a controversial one. The Deep Blue Rally Diver 1000 Automatic (regrettably, the “1000” here stands for feet, not meters of water resistance) comes in a sort of nonspecific Submariner-style case, while the choice of the caliber doesn’t look the best (putting it mildly). The thing that saves it is the vibrant (almost jovial in some combinations) dial.
Swiss Brands
A Fifty Fathoms for the Rest of Us: the MK II Stingray Keroman
Always wanted a vintage Fifty Fathoms, but didn’t have a platinum credit card? There are dozens of micro-brands that get you covered, but you should probably wait until MK II restarts the production of its Stingray Keroman collection.
Fortis Official Cosmonauts Chrono AMADEE-20 Edition
A mechanical chronograph has long ceased to be a “tool of choice” for an astronaut: there are specialized electronic devices for that that are just better. The 2022 Fortis Official Cosmonauts Chrono AMADEE-20 Edition acknowledges the fact with a brief nod and instead delivers what a modern customer really wants: megatons of style and charisma at an *ahem* relatively affordable price of $3900 and some change.
Bell & Ross BR 03-93 GMT 100M (ref. BR0393-BL-ST/SCA)
With this 2021 Bell & Ross BR 03-93 GMT, the Swiss brand finally adds a nice square-shaped, multiple time-zones “aviator” to their extensive product range.
Breitling Premier Bentley Centenary LE: Finally, a Bentley Watch You Can Wear
Well, not “finally” because this new limited edition is just another iteration of the last year’s Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley British Racing Green. The correct title would sound like “That’s Why This New Breitling Premier Bentley Centenary Limited Edition Chronograph is One More Chance to Get Yourself a Bentley Watch You Can Wear,” yet it would be too long (and too clickbaity,) so, please, forgive me this attempt at sensationalism.
Larger than Life: Oris ProDiver Dive Control Chronograph (01 774 7727 7784-Set)
First announced in January 2019 days before SIHH 2019 show, the limited-edition Oris Dive Control Chronograph (ref. 01 774 7727 7784-Set) offers a blend of great caliber, interesting exterior, and an overall flamboyant attitude of a heavy-weight boxing champion delivered in a single -albeit slightly overpriced- package.
Homage to Mark XI: IWC Bronze Pilot 36mm Special Edition Automatic
On January 15th, 2019, at the SIHH 2019, IWC has officially presented the Bronze Pilot 36mm Special Edition: a beautiful homage to a timekeeper that was introduced over 70 years ago and was worn by the British Royal Air Force pilots for many years to come. Featuring a deliciously compact and surprisingly -for a watch powered by a self-winding caliber- slim case machined from a bronze alloy, it looks stunning new and has a great potential to age graciously together with its owner.
Ulysse Nardin Diver 42 Automatic Three-Hander
Designed for a person who thought that Ulysse Nardin’s earlier Diver Chronometer 44 was too pricey, too big, and too cluttered for a diver (or, perhaps, for a person who is happy with the watch and wanted to augment their collection with a simpler version,) the 2018 Diver 42 automatic three-hander offers a beautiful, clean exterior, superior build quality, and a mechanism that, alas, is a bit too simple for the price that the brand asks for this thing.
Steinhart Nav.B-Chrono 47 Baumuster B Grey Edition 06-0877
Earlier this year, Steinhart has issued their new take on the concept of a “vintage-modern pilot”. Successfully blending vintage exterior with a classic caliber and modern CNC machinery, the 2018 Nav.B-Chrono 47 Baumuster B Grey Edition (ref. 106-0877) offers, perhaps, the best “value for money” ratio for those interested in buying a relatively affordable brand new “aviator”.
Breitling Navitimer Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 in Collaboration with MR PORTER
Created in collaboration with MR PORTER, one of their major partners that sells all things luxury, the 2018 Breitling Navitimer Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43 is limited to just 1000 pieces. The limited edition packs a great in-house chronograph caliber, and, as real estate agents like to say, is priced to sell in a market over-saturated with equally elegant pilot’s watches produced by well-established brands like Omega and IWC.
Historic Re-Issue: DOXA Sub 300 “Black Lung” Edition
In 2017, Doxa has released several “anniversary” timekeepers that celebrate the brand’s first semicentennial in the business of making professional diving tools. While the blackfaced Sharkhunter and the silver-faced Searambler attracted their fair share of attention from collectors and, um, more normal enthusiasts alike, it was the Sub 300 “Black Lung” Limited-Edition automatic diver that broke the brand’s own sales record with the whole bunch being pre-ordered during the first 24 hours after registration officially commenced.
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Automatic (ref. H82305931)
With this gorgeous Khaki Navy Scuba Automatic H82305931, Hamilton not simply expands its line of diving companions. It finally offers a model that is not just “different” from the rest of the crowd, but -unlike their last year’s Navy Frogman- can be worn by a casual person without attracting weird glances from persons who “just don’t get it.”
Montblanc TimeWalker Automatic Chronograph UTC Ceramic (ref. 116101)
Unveiled at the Baselworld 2017, the Montblanc TimeWalker Automatic Chronograph UTC Ceramic (ref. 116101) is a nice (if a bit overpriced to my taste) addition to their line of popular sporty chronographs. While some of the main selling points of this new TimeWalker -like, say, the choice of the movement, as well as the combination of materials- look more “acceptable” to yours truly rather than even mildly “exciting,” we at WorldWatchReview.com would still recommend getting one of these oversized pieces of, um, time-measuring opulence if the price is not a problem.
Breitling for Bentley Supersports B55 Connected in Titanium
The 2017 Breitling for Bentley Supersports B55 Connected (ref. EB552022-BF47-285S) offers you the same list of amenities as their earlier “hybrid” smartwatches but in a styling that is so loved by thousands of Bentley fans. Reassuringly overpriced and deliciously archaic, it will feature one of the lowest “value for money” ratios in their whole product range, yet it’s not the mythical “value” that allows Breitling to continue being one of the brands for those who love deadly planes and fast cars.
Victorinox Swiss Army I.N.O.X. Carbon (refs. 241776 & 241777)
Coming soon to a store near you, the new Victorinox Swiss Army I.N.O.X. Carbon (refs. 241776 & 241777) military-style collection offers you a decent Swiss made movement neatly packed into a feather-light carbon-fiber body. Despite being somewhat overpriced, the I.N.O.X. Carbon still gives you tons of style and comfort in return for that hard-earned cash.