TAG Heuer’s new Carrera Calibre 5 “diver” will go on sale in a matter of weeks, and it looks like you have just stumbled upon a fine back-to-school present for your kid! Just keep in mind that, with its nicely sculpted 39-mm case rated for not very impressive depths of just 100 meters, the Calibre 5 is not a real diving tool. With such a poultry WR rating one might rarely use it for anything more adventurous that swimming and, maybe, some basic snorkeling.
Swiss Brands
Porsche Design Flat Six P’6340 Automatic Chronograph
With its easy to read dial and impeccably finished surfaces, the new Porsche Design Flat Six P’6340 Automatic Chronograph sports an almost flawless design. Its only problem is that it takes only one quick glance to understand what kind of movement is beating inside its generously proportioned stainless steel case.
Revue Thommen Airspeed Instrument RT1920
Revue Thommen has just presented the new Airspeed Instrument RT1920: a new member of its –ahem– controversial Bell & Ross-styled line of “aviators”. As you can see, the guys behind the –ahem– aspiring Swiss-based brand even preserved all four Arabic numerals from the series name, although, apparently for copyright reasons, put them in a slightly different order.
Baume et Mercier William Baume Monopusher Chronograph
Baume et Mercier will soon start selling its limited-edition William Baume Monopusher Chronograph (ref. M0A08802). The new model will be produced in a small lot of only 20 units. Although not as high-ranked in terms of brand value as Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre, or even IWC, Baume amp; Mercier nevertheless enjoys a good reputation as a serious watchmaker that sells a high-quality product, which is not only finely crafted but is also a great pleasure to look at.
Graham Chronofighter Trigger Tourbillograph Havana
The Graham Chronofighter Trigger Tourbillograph Havana (ref. 2TTAR.C01A.C87B) doesn’t make an impression of a particularly elegant timekeeper, but it sure is as easily recognizable as a German luxury car. Regardless of the generation, you can always say which one is a Mercedes and which one is a Bimmer thanks to their signature corporate grilles that evolved through decades while maintaining their core DNA. The design element from Graham is, of course, not as old, but something tells me that this controversial (putting it mildly) trigger-shaped chronograph activator will haunt us for years to come.
Concord C1 Biretrograde Automatic (ref. 0320045)
At the last Baselworld 2009 trade show, Concord has revealed several new models from their C1 family of deliberately rugged timekeepers. Among others, the new collection included an outrageous QuantumGravity, as well as some variations on their more practical C1 Chronograph family. Predictably, they all looked good (or, at least, acceptable for someone who is into this kind of industrial design,) but it was the C1 Biretrograde (ref. 0320045) collection that I liked the most.