The Concord Saratoga Alarm Chronograph (Ref. 0320219) makes somewhat dubious impression. It does look expensive and is advanced when it comes to industrial design. Its main problem is the movement: the chronograph uses an ordinary quartz module. I mean, we are talking about a niche where potential buyers expect nothing less than a high-tech mechanical caliber. This may put off customers looking for an affordable timekeeper that they would be able to pass to their grandchildren. The watch will become a collection of metal parts and useless electronic components long before your grandson goes to college.
Swiss Brands
Simply Dressy: Cuervo Y Sobrinos Historiador Flameante
Now that’s something big from the Swiss-based brand with its roots going straight to the Caribbean. No, they didn’t introduce a tourbillon with parts made of silicon or some other fancy material from the asteroid 25143 Itokawa brought here by the Japanese space probe Hayabusa. However, this gorgeous Cuervo Y Sobrinos Historiador Flameante (ref. 3130) explicitly states that CyS has a great potential when it comes to “simple” dress watches.
2013 Vulcain 50s President’s Watch with Alarm
During the Baselworld 2011, the Swiss-based manufacturer has presented a beautiful alarm watch that featured a nicely done automatic movement combined with an understated design of its compact body and beautiful case. While still looking similar to the older version, this 2013 Vulcain 50s President’s Watch (ref. 110151.281LF) comes powered by a different movement that features manual winding but is as easy to operate as the 2011 model.
Tough One: Eberhard & Co. Chrono4 Geant Full Injection
Eberhard & Co. has first presented this collection back in late 2011. Featuring a titanium case, the 2012 Chrono 4 Geant Edition Limitee Titane was almost as light as a feather, but I suspect that the choice of the metal was just not right for a huge sporty watch that looks like a tank or a star destroyer but is highly prone to dents and scratches. To correct their mistakes, the guys have created a limited edition Eberhard & Co. Chrono4 Geant Full Injection (Ref. 31062) that doesn’t just look tough. It is tough.
Budget Classic: Saint Honore Trocadero Chronograph
Available both in glossy stainless steel (ref. 886020 1NRFN) and in dressier rose gold PVD (ref. 886020 8ARF) versions, any member of this new Saint Honore Trocadero Chronograph collection could be a timepiece of choice for a person searching for a classic-styled “Swiss made” chronograph on a (very) tight budget. And never mind the purists: after all, you are buying a watch for yourself, not for a bunch of snobs who believe that anything below an Omega or a Rolex is not even worth considering.
Introducing the Mido Commander Datoday Automatic
Mido, yet another child of Swatch Group’s quiverfull family, has finally updated its Commander line of sporty timekeepers. The refreshed Mido Commander Datoday Automatic (ref. M014.430.11.061.00) features the same ETA 2836-2 self-winding blank movement that also powered their Multifort Bicolor 42 mm model presented back in 2011, but features a lot more interesting looks with lots of straight lines and an elegant, lugless design of its compact body (although it may make it difficult to find an after-market replacement strap or bracelet if need be).