Swiss Watches
The new Longines Heritage 1969 (ref. L2.310.4.72.0) automatic wristwatch is the Swiss brand's yet another bold attempt at reintroducing one their many classic models for the modern audience. Relatively inexpensive (although definitely far from affordable if 'affordability' for you is something in the range where Certina and Tissot usually operate) and powered by a fine-tuned version of one of the most robust self-winding calibers ever produced by ETA, the watch may become an instant hit among those in need of a dressy timekeeper with solid exterior and a bearable price tag.
Swiss Watches
Presented at Baselworld 2016, the new Victorinox Swiss Army Airboss Mach 9 Automatic Limited Edition (ref. 241732) chronograph wristwatch somehow manages to combine more or less adequate pricing (especially after all the usual discounts that the Swiss-based brand is known for) with a fairly small lot of pieces destined to be manufactured and sent to select stores around the world.
Swiss Watches
During the last three or four years the Swiss-based watchmaker Tissot has introduced a number of great classic-styled timekeepers in their Heritage line that, among others, included an absolutely stunning 2013 Heritage Navigator 160th Anniversary model that still stays in production. For this year, the entry-luxury brand adds an even more impressive (although deceptively simple) Tissot Heritage 1936 (ref. T104.405.16.012.00) mechanical wristwatch that combines deliciously vintage appearance with a time-proven hand-wound caliber and more than attractive price. What else would you want for Christmas?
Swiss Watches
First presented earlier this year at Baselworld 2016, the new IWC Ingenieur Chronograph "W 125" (ref. IW380701) limited edition automatic wristwatch comes in a nice -if somewhat bulky due to its 42 mm wide to 15 mm high proportions- titanium case that features an appealing combination of mirror-polished front surfaces that are lovely accented by deliberately roughly brushed sides. Set to go on sale in just three or four months (the Swiss watchmakers mentions "autumn" in its press release), the new member of the legendary Ingenieur family will be offered at a competitive -all things considered- price of just over $7000 USD.
Japanese watches / Quartz watches
The Japanese brand has been in the business of (also) making GPS-equipped watches for quite some time now. Their new Citizen Promaster Navihawk Satellite Wave GPS (ref. CC9030-51E) is a fine example of how you can get a lot of experience, a block of high-grade steel, a handful of silicon parts and create an absolutely wonderful object that can be a watch, a gadget, and even a surprisingly low-priced fashion statement as well!
Swiss Watches
The new Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage (refs. AL-525S4H6 & AL-525G4H6) collection of dressy diving timekeepers is a clear reference to the brand's so called "days of independence" when, back in late 1950s and throughout all the 1960s, the company introduced one beautiful model after another. Although I can't really call it a real "homage" (and I actually like that it is not,) this new pair of timepieces does a very good job at recreating the spirit of the days long gone. Perhaps, the only thing that somehow devalues these gorgeous retro-styled models -besides the fact that, differing so much from other members of the Seastrong family, it needed to become a foundation of a completely new collection- is the simple mass-produced mechanism: each of these beauties just screams for a hand-wound NOS job!
Japanese watches / Quartz watches
Featuring design cues similar to other "aviators" released by the Japanese brand during the last five or six years (those including not only relatively expensive members of their higher-range Prospex family like this ref. SSC279 wristwatch, but also a lot more affordable ones like their older SND253P1 model,) the new Seiko PROSPEX Radio Sync Solar World Time Chronograph, which is available in three different finishes, was probably designed to cover the niche of XXL-sized timekeepers designed with price-conscious public in mind.
British watches
Equipped with a hand-wound Swiss made movement, the new Chr. Ward C5 Malvern Slimline Square wristwatch makes a very strong impression. In fact, this new accessory, as deceptively unsophisticated as it is, may become one of the halo models for the British brand all over the civilized world, at least when it comes to people who can appreciate real beauty.