Ahead of the SIHH 2011 industry event, Panerai has announced its Luminor Composite PAM 386 model in a scratch-resistant ceramic case. Measuring just 44 millimeters in width, the new member of the Luminor family is more, um, wearable than the last year’s ceramic piece, while still retaining its heavy masculine presence and offering clean, easily recognizable design of its dial.
Swiss Brands
The Bling Thing: Breitling Chronomat 01 Diamondworks
Breitling has issued a diamond-set version of its cash-cow: the Chronomat automatic chronograph. The Chronomat 01 Diamondworks is available in white gold and rose gold cases and bears enough diamonds either to rebuild the Republic of Haiti or to finance a manned mission to Mars. Thankfully, the chronograph is delivered in two versions with a more modest one having the use of diamonds limited only to its signature diving bezel.
Hermes Cape Cod Tonneau Bleu de Malte
The new Hermes Cape Cod Tonneau Bleu de Malte may be a nice choice for those looking for a branded gift from the legendary French haute couture brand that started 170 years ago as a saddle-maker and gradually became one of the most respected fashion houses that currently specializes in fine (and very expensive) leather goods, perfumery and, yes, watches. And it looks like they take this watchmaking business extremely seriously.
Breguet Type XX Aeronavale 3803ST Chronograph
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the French Naval Aviation, one of the oldest and most venerable Swiss watchmaking Houses (also, the one that is currently one of the most precious jewels in the gorgeous crown worn by The Swatch Group,) has revealed its new limited-edition Breguet Type XX Aeronavale 3803ST (Ref. 3803ST/92/W6) flyback chronograph. Preserving its decisively sporty appearance, the 3803ST replaces the traditional notched bezel with a diving scale with a more traditional seconds/minutes ring but keeps the easily legible dial. Surprisingly, it is now offered in a compact stainless steel body measuring only 39 millimeters in diameter.
Bye, ETA: Breitling Navitimer Gets an In-House Caliber
As the name implies, the new (or, rather, upgraded) Breitling Navitimer Caliber 01 Limited Edition has undergone a complex heart transplant procedure with its mass-produced ETA-based cal. B26 movement changed in favor of their latest in-house Caliber B01. Visually, however, this is still the same good old Navitimer that hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts around the globe love so much.
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine Venezuela
Vacheron Constantin has issued an ultra-limited edition of its super-slim Patrimony Contemporaine (ref. 81180) model devoted to the Latin American Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Presented in a finely-crafted rose gold (or even platinum) case 40 millimeters in diameter and also slim at less than 7 millimeters, the timepiece looks like one of the best options that are currently available for those searching for a dress watch, which is as elegant and understated as it is expensive.