Being biased towards chronographs (at least, when it comes to so-called ‘aviators’,) I must admit that I am almost in love with this mirror-polished Bell & Ross Vintage Original BR 126 Officer Chronograph. Offered in a refined mid-sized body that is inspired by pilot’s watches of the pre-WWII era, this iteration of the BR 126 model brings you a convincing combination of a relatively clean, easy-to-read dial and a slightly modified version of a reliable and precise Swiss-made automatic movement.
Swiss Brands
Corum Admiral’s Cup Chronograph 48 Grand Prix
Celebrating its long-standing partnership with the Okalys-Corum Team, Corum has presented a special-edition Admiral’s Cup Chronograph 48 Grand Prix (ref. 753.935.06-0231.AK57) model. As it becomes usual for the niche of “sporty” luxury chronograph, the new timepiece combines such materials as light-weight titanium, elastic rubber, and leather with a textile-look finish.
Perrelet Big Central Moonphase in Titanium A5000/2
The last year’s Perrelet Big Central Moonphase is now reintroduced in titanium as (ref. A5000/2) model. Resurrected only six years ago, when the brand was sold to Miguel Rodriguez of the Festina Group, Perrelet is doing its best to reestablish itself as a haute horlogerie brand.
Mildly Elegant: Certina DS Rookie Chronograph
The new Certina DS Rookie (ref. C016.417.22.057.00) quartz chronograph is essentially the old DS Action chronograph introduced back in April 2009 and is now packed in a slightly smaller, more elegant case.
Eberhard & Co. Chrono4 BADBOY Automatic Chronograph
At the beginning of this year, Eberhard & Co. extended its Chrono4 line of automatic chronographs with a sportier Chrono4 BADBOY (ref. 31060). Featuring a bold and energetic, yet “industrial” design, which combines a monochromatic color scheme of steel and rubber with only small red accents here and there, it leaves a somewhat ambiguous impression and, like the famous black licorice, should be sold under a “Love it or hate it, Whatever” slogan.
Girard-Perregaux World Wide Time Control Chronograph
Although Girard-Perregaux’s iconic World Wide Time Control collection was first unveiled about ten years ago, the new ww.tc World Wide Time Control Chronograph (ref. 49805-11-650-BA6A) doesn’t look much different from the model that started it all. Coming in basically the same oversized stainless steel case and offering the same dial layout, it differs from its numerous predecessors only with its color scheme (and even that one is just a carefully facelifted job that doesn’t offer anything particularly new in the styling department.) Frankly, I must admit that I actually like this approach: like the iconic Speedmaster or the Navitimer with their easily recognizable styling, some watches just have to evolve as slowly as possible in order not to disappoint the loyal followers of the brand.