Going into an all-out assault against its archrival IWC, Breitling will soon start selling a limited edition Chronomat 44 TOPGUN. The new self-winding chronograph is going to proudly wear the colors of the famous U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School, which is more known under its “TOP GUN” nickname thanks to the eponymous Hollywood blockbuster starring Tom Cruise.
Swiss Brands
Rodania XSEBA is Another ETA 7750-Based Generic
Okay, it looks like we will soon see yet another 7750-type chronograph. The watchmaker that was founded back in 1930s in Switzerland, almost went bankrupt in late 1990s and then re-launched by a Belgian family, is going to present its new Rodania XSEBA Black Edition (ref. RS2505326) chronograph.
Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Open-Heart Chronograph
The new Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 (Ref. 27.03.0138.940) is equipped with a new self-winding chronograph caliber that was specifically re-engineered in order to move its “heart,” the balance wheel that beats at 10 vibrations per second, to a less usual position between 10 and 11 o’clock.
Cartier Tank Folle Ladies Hand-Wound
Unveiled during the Baselworld 2012 trade show, the hand-wound Cartier Tank Folle (ref. WJ306017) is a reincarnation of the (almost) legendary Cartier Crash from the late 1960s. Clearly influenced by Salvador Dali’s “liquid” clocks, the original watch was a morbid homage to one of Cartier of London senior managers who died (actually, was incinerated alive) in a car crash. His wristwatch was deformed by fire to a degree of melting and some other member of staff happened to be crazy enough to take the destroyed timekeeper as a source of inspiration. Now, eat your heart out, Stephen King.
For a Tiny Wrist: Louis Erard Excellence Chronograph
Presented in a slightly oversized (though almost impeccably proportionate) stainless steel body, the automatic Louis Erard Excellence Ladies Chronograph (ref. 82 234 SE 01) not only has its razor-thin bezel set with dozens of finely cut diamonds: It is also animated by a rare Swiss made caliber. The ultra-compact self-winding movement was designed by ETA to be used exclusively in watches designed with the better half of humanity in mind. In fact, the new timekeeper is one of the most elegant “ladies” chronographs set to be revealed at this year’s Baselworld show.
Dubey & Schaldenbrand Grand Dome DT Vintage 1946
The 2012 Dubey & Schaldenbrand Grand Dome DT Vintage 1946 chronograph is basically a refinished version of the 2011 D&S Grand Dome DT (ref. GDOM-ST-BKS-LS) model. However, the refreshed version features an even more appealing vintage-styled dial with almost the same set of vertically aligned sub-dials. While the original with its glossy and carbon-fiber-style surfaces was more high-tech, the new version has a certain Patek Philippe aura about it.