At the last Baselworld 2009 trade show, Concord has revealed several new models from their C1 family of deliberately rugged timekeepers. Among others, the new collection included an outrageous QuantumGravity, as well as some variations on their more practical C1 Chronograph family. Predictably, they all looked good (or, at least, acceptable for someone who is into this kind of industrial design,) but it was the C1 Biretrograde (ref. 0320045) collection that I liked the most.
Rugged and Sturdy: Timex Expedition WS4
The Timex Expedition WS4 will soon be available in the United States and in some overseas markets. With its comprehensive list of functions, all of them packed within a sturdy, rugged body, the new gadget will probably become a serious competitor to several watches from European and Japanese manufacturers thanks to its more than competitive price.
Tired of the Seamasters? UTS 1000M Diver Is the Answer
To mark its 10th anniversary, UTS Watches created a special-edition version of its deliberately minimalistic 1000M Diver. Still offered in a slightly oversized 43-mm stainless steel case and powered by the same time-proven ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, the 10th Anniversary edition offers a rugged, simple design of its exterior that, together with its impressive water resistance rating and quality movement, makes this new device an almost perfect “tool” (of course, only if you are ready to pay for this “tool” a price of a slightly used Omega Seamaster.)
Hamilton Jazzmaster Seaview AutoChrono H37646331
The sporty Jazzmaster Seaview collection is available as a 42-mm GMT, huge 46-mm Automatic three-hander, as well as the medium-sized 42 mm Hamilton Jazzmaster Seaview AutoChrono (ref. H37646331) version that is briefly reviewed here. Priced at around $1.5K, the new range will be one of the most affordable offers in Hamilton’s current lineup.
Eberhard 8 Jours Grande Taille in rose gold and steel
Eberhard & Co.’s new take on the hand-wound 8 Jours collection offers impressive 8 days of power reserve. Although preserving the same basic dial layout with seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock and the power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock, the 8 Jours Grande Taille grew slightly bigger to match today’s standards and now sports a more modern appearance with more prominent lugs and a cleaner design.
TAG Heuer Aquaracer 500M Calibre 5 Diver
During the Baselworld 2009 show, TAG Heuer presented its new offering for those seeking a sporty, waterproof timekeeper. The Aquaracer 500M Calibre 5 arrived in a mid-sized 43 mm case and allows for impressive water resistance of 500 meters (1640 ft.) Combine these features with the elegant exterior styling and you get yourself a solid choice not only for recreational diving but also for more formal events.