Alfex mostly specializes in “fashion” products but also has a (relatively) long history of making refined “classic” timekeepers. Their 2008 Big Adventure is one of their latest efforts in this crowded niches. Featuring a “Swiss quartz” movement sourced from Ronda, the collection’s main selling point is the sporty and energetic (alas, inexpensive) exterior with an unorthodox open-calendar layout and an off-centered small-seconds counter at 7 o’clock.
Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX 3 Tourbillon GMT for Aston Martin
Just like Aston Martin does it with their luxury grand tourers, Jaeger-LeCoultre offers you a breathtaking combination of ingenious engineering and beautiful exterior with their latest AMVOX 3 Tourbillon GMT Aston Martin (Ref. 193 C4 50). The outstanding Calibre 988c is full of technological innovations and is as complex as a modern mechanical movement can be. The body is meticulously crafted and the open-working dial somehow manages to be extremely legible while putting on display the timekeeper’s inner workings. Although the Ref. 193 C4 50 lacks the usual transponder chip that would allow you to open and start the sports car, it is still worth every single penny that Jaeger-LeCoultre plans to charge for it.
Oris BC4 Flight Timer: ready for take-off?
The idea of creating a watch with a rotating internal bezel that could be operated by an external unit is not terribly new. However, it is this new Oris BC4 Flight Timer (Ref. 690 7615 41 54 LS) that the Swiss-based brand presented at Baselworld 2008 show that puts the whole concept on its head.
Omega Five Counter Speedmaster Olympic
Has it ever occurred to you that two counters are enough for a normal chronograph, that three is okay and even four is nothing but tolerable (and only look good on certain watches like this Eberhard & Co. Chrono4 BADBOY)? Well, some people at Omega consider five counters just right for the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932. Positioned like the famous five Olympic Rings, but apparently not sized as evenly, the counters add a “days of the week” indicator and a 7-day chronograph display to the usual hours, minutes, and small second sub-dials. Meet the Omega Speedmaster Five Counter Olympic Beijing automatic chronograph!
Blancpain Speed Command Chronograph (ref. 5785F-11D03-63)
Here comes the big one. With its 45mm Speed Command Chronograph (ref. 5785F-11D03-63), Blancpain has introduced its sportiest model so far. Although the exterior defies the recent trend of making rugged-looking devices (inspired by real tools, they often come with lots of angles, lots of machine-brushed surfaces and feature deliberately rudimentary, even crude look to their components), the new Speed Command makes a strong impression thanks to its glossy black sapphire bezel and scratch-resistant body of the same color.
Chopard Mille Miglia GT XL Chrono Speed Black Chronometer
Chopard has unveiled the Mille Miglia GT XL Chrono Speed Black (Ref. 168459-3008) chronometer back in January 2008. Visually, it differs from the previous iterations only with the color of its massive case. However, while the original GT XL Chrono featured an unremarkable stainless steel body, this one uses a relatively new (well, at least it is new for the watchmaking industry) technology that allows the case to maintain its finish for the virtually whole lifespan of the device. User discretion is advised, but it is one of the most durable coatings available at today’s level of technology.
DeWitt Academia Night Chronograph: Radiating Luminous Splendor
DeWitt delivers the stately Academia Night Chronograph (Ref. AC.6005.53.M255) in a massive 18-karat rose gold body of three different varieties that are inspired by long-gone days of the Golden Age that preceded the Great Depression of the 1930s. The collection’s main point of attraction is the unusual gear-shaped bezel that is matched by similarly styled sides of the massive case. Although to some the device may look a bit too extreme, it will find its share of customers even despite its obscenely high MSRP.
Code Orange: DOXA SUB 5000T Seaconqueror Diver
The recently unveiled SUB 5000T Seaconqueror has been officially promoted to the flagship status. Featuring all the usual design traits from DOXA, the device is offered in a deliberately aggressive-looking design with lots of protruding parts that may make you hurt somebody if not used with care.
IWC Pilot Double Chronograph Edition TOP GUN
Ever wanted to join the US Navy? IWC Schaffhausen now lets you fulfill at least a part of your dream. With its IWC Pilot Double Chronograph Edition TOP GUN (Ref. IW379901) just about anyone (with a wallet heavy enough to afford to buy this kind of watch) can come closer to the exciting world of air to air dogfight missions.
Montblanc TimeWalker Chronograph (ref. 103094)
In 2008, Montblanc has introduced yet another TimeWalker. Delivered in nicely styled stainless steel with black ceramic elements decorating its body and comfortable-looking bracelet, the chronograph makes a good impression although its sticker price may scare a lot of potential customers away to more traditional models with better-advertised brand names printed on their dials.