Powered by an inexpensive Ronda 5030 D quartz movement, the new Versace Mystique Sport Chronograph (Ref. VFG01 0013) has little value as a collectible item, but it still looks like a nice fashion accessory for those preferring sportier style in their everyday life.
Swiss Brands
(Unexpectedly) Refined: Certina DS Podium Shape
Presented in a compact, cushion-shaped body, the 2013 Certina DS Podium Shape (ref. C025.510.16.033.00) is an affordable unisex watch that looks surprisingly refined for a timekeeper that is offered at a price well below the $1000 mark.
Flashy but Boring: Raymond Weil Freelancer Lady Urban Black
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.
Edox Grand Ocean Extreme Sailing Series Edition
Edox has recently expanded its Grand Ocean collection with a new Extreme Sailing Series special edition model. Featuring the same basic styling as other chronographs in the family, the 2013 Edox Grand Ocean Extreme Sailing Series Special Edition (ref. 45004 357B BUIN) is available in three versions: black, blue, don’t look now, pink PVD.
Tissot PRS 516 Extreme Chronograph Automatic
Equipped with a self-winding movement, the 2013 Tissot PRS 516 Extreme Chronograph (refs. T079.427.27.057.00 & T079.427.27.057.01) makes a strong impression, especially if you compare this one with their older “sporty” models. It still lags miles behind what some people consider “real” watches with their elegantly simple designs, but in its price niche (it retails at about €1100), the “Extreme” version absolutely beats the crap out of most of its competitors that feature similar functionality.
Breitling Aerospace Evo SuperQuartz
Today, when a last year’s smartphone, which is not even considered a flagship anymore, sports more firepower than a top-of-the-line laptop PC from the early 2000s, it is extremely difficult to impress someone with a simple electronic watch. There are devices that act as your personal running coach and there are wrist computers that could guide you to the nearest landing field if your plane’s engine suddenly dies on you. I am not even talking about the latest batch of “smart” watches that were designed to communicate with your tablet-size phones that are now just too large to handle. So, how does the Swiss brand plans to surprise us with its new Breitling Aerospace Evo (ref. E7936310/BC27-152E)?