The Ulysse Nardin Monaco YS Maxi Marine offers you a cool combination of DLC treated stainless steel, black ceramic and, of course, 18-karat rose gold. As usual, the manufacturer did not limit the alloy to only some elements of its grim dial: it also decorates its trademark bezel with the usual “waves” pattern and the number plaque at 9 o’clock on a side of the body. And, thanks to its official water resistance rating of 200 meters (20 bars), you can use it for some serious diving!
Swiss Brands
Marvin M109.54.43.64 with “Open-Heart” Dial
While doing my research on another great affordable timepiece from this manufacturer, the M108 automatic model, I came across this beautiful Marvin M109.54.43.64 with a trendy open-heart design. While I still plan to write a small review of the M108, I just can’t help to stop for a moment or two and make a piece regarding this affordable, yet expensive-looking model.
The Tactical Glycine Combat 6 (Ref. 3890.19AT-LB9)
The Glycine Combat 6 (Ref. 3890.19AT-LB9) comes in a mid-sized 43 mm case and, with its traditional layout, offers superb readability in any lighting scenario. Combine this with almost unrivaled reliability and robustness of the famous ETA 2824-2 Swiss-made movement (they prefer to list it as Caliber GL 224 in some of their ads) and an affordable price, and you get yourself an absolutely gorgeous “entry-level” pilot’s (sort of) timekeeper for a person looking for his or her first “real” Swiss watch.
Raymond Weil Nabucco Rivoluzione Chronograph
Black is the new black, you know, and the new Raymond Weil Nabucco Rivoluzione (ref. RW-7810-BSF-05207) automatic chronograph is among the best ways to prove this.
Victorinox Swiss Army Airboss Mach 4 “Aviator”
First unveiled at the Baselworld 2009 and going on sale at the beginning of October of the same year, the Victorinox Swiss Army Airboss Mach 4 (ref. 241381) featured a “love it or hate it, we don’t care” layout of its huge dial, but had at least one advantage over competitors that you just could’t deny: it was powered by an almost legendary Unitas 6497 hand-wound movement known for its impressive power reserve, the decent ability for keeping good time, as well as that old-school charisma that more modern mechanisms simply don’t have.
Edox Grand Ocean Chronograph I (ref. 01201-357RN-NIR)
The new Edox Grand Ocean Automatic Chronograph I (ref. 01201-357RN-NIR) may look a bit cheesy with its gold-plating and the choice of relatively inexpensive self-winding movement, yet it looks almost like the next best thing for a person who can’t afford something like an Ulysse Nardin Monaco diver.