Swiss Watches
Presented at Baselworld 2016, the new Victorinox Swiss Army Airboss Mach 9 Automatic Limited Edition (ref. 241732) chronograph wristwatch somehow manages to combine more or less adequate pricing (especially after all the usual discounts that the Swiss-based brand is known for) with a fairly small lot of pieces destined to be manufactured and sent to select stores around the world.
Swiss Watches
During the last three or four years the Swiss-based watchmaker Tissot has introduced a number of great classic-styled timekeepers in their Heritage line that, among others, included an absolutely stunning 2013 Heritage Navigator 160th Anniversary model that still stays in production. For this year, the entry-luxury brand adds an even more impressive (although deceptively simple) Tissot Heritage 1936 (ref. T104.405.16.012.00) mechanical wristwatch that combines deliciously vintage appearance with a time-proven hand-wound caliber and more than attractive price. What else would you want for Christmas?
Swiss Watches
First presented earlier this year at Baselworld 2016, the new IWC Ingenieur Chronograph "W 125" (ref. IW380701) limited edition automatic wristwatch comes in a nice -if somewhat bulky due to its 42 mm wide to 15 mm high proportions- titanium case that features an appealing combination of mirror-polished front surfaces that are lovely accented by deliberately roughly brushed sides. Set to go on sale in just three or four months (the Swiss watchmakers mentions "autumn" in its press release), the new member of the legendary Ingenieur family will be offered at a competitive -all things considered- price of just over $7000 USD.
Swiss Watches
The new Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage (refs. AL-525S4H6 & AL-525G4H6) collection of dressy diving timekeepers is a clear reference to the brand's so called "days of independence" when, back in late 1950s and throughout all the 1960s, the company introduced one beautiful model after another. Although I can't really call it a real "homage" (and I actually like that it is not,) this new pair of timepieces does a very good job at recreating the spirit of the days long gone. Perhaps, the only thing that somehow devalues these gorgeous retro-styled models -besides the fact that, differing so much from other members of the Seastrong family, it needed to become a foundation of a completely new collection- is the simple mass-produced mechanism: each of these beauties just screams for a hand-wound NOS job!
Swiss Watches
Officially revealed last January at SIHH 2016 show, the new IWC Top Gun Miramar Chronograph (ref. IW389002) automatic wristwatch brings everything you loved about the Miramar collection, albeit in a smaller package. With a touch oversized case crafted from dark grey scratch-resistant ceramic and a high-contrast, yet discreet dial layout, this new model looks like a very interesting choice for a person who always wanted a dressy pilot, but wasn't quite satisfied with earlier models and their Gargantuan proportions.
Swiss Watches
Scheduled to be presented soon at the upcoming Baselworld 2016 trade show, the new Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Chronograph Master Chronometer (ref. 304.33.44.52.03.001) looks like one of the most attractive takes on the Swiss brand's legendary "moon watch." Combining striking exterior with an advanced, anti-magnetically shielded movement, the device tries really hard to be worth every single dollar that the Swiss watchmaker wants you to spend on it.
Swiss Watches
During the 26th Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH 2016,) the Italian brand has presented a number of new watches. Among them was this gorgeous (but in a very modest way) Panerai Radiomir 1940 3Days GMT Acciaio (ref. PAM 627) automatic wrist watch that features their brand new Caliber P.4001 movement with micro-rotor design. Although the watchmaker didn't dare to steep too far away from the time-proven design that Radiomir collection is known for, the watch still looks fresh and attractive thanks to the waffle-style dial finish that they, unfortunately, use only on a very limited number of models.
Swiss Watches
The new Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic Cal. 4069 wristwatch is, as you have probably already guessed, equipped with the brand's new caliber 4069 automatic movement and is offered in relatively inexpensive steel and much more impressively priced gold version. At this time, this is one of the most interesting choices when it comes to "dressy" chronographs with character.