The 2016 Alpina Startimer Pilot automatic chronograph (refs. AL-725B4S6, AL-725GR4S6 & AL-725N4S6) is available in three colors of its laconic, extremely sober dial and in two colors of the genuine leather strap. It is a bit expensive, many people may (and probably will) call it boring, and it is not a match to majors like IWC and Omega in terms of mojo and perceived value, yet the combination of a highly ergonomic design, reliable mechanism, and an acceptable price make it a nice everyday watch for a person who can afford one.
Eterna Super Kontiki Chronograph Automatic (refs. 7770.41.49.1382 & 7770.41.49.1718)
Recently bought by a Chinese investment holding company, Eterna keeps on churning out great (while a bit overpriced) time measuring devices that also happen to be elegant accessories. Far from being “groundbreaking,” their 2016 Super Kontiki Chronograph (refs. 7770.41.49.1382 & 7770.41.49.1718) collection is now available not only in the brand’s numerous stores around the world but also at some online retailers albeit at very small discounts.
Frederique Constant Peking to Paris Automatic Limited Edition (ref. FC-303WBRP5B6)
The 2016 limited-edition Frederique Constant Peking to Paris (ref. FC-303WBRP5B6) may not be revolutionary or groundbreaking in any meaning of the words, but it is still an interesting (albeit a tad overpriced) timekeeper for a person interested in a nice three-hander with a just a grain of sportiness to it. While the “limited edition” part may be a bit gimmicky (in a sense that you can’t seriously expect a piece limited to almost 2900 units to become a rarity in any foreseeable future,) all the rest is legit: it is an expertly designed, solidly built piece that is powered by a robust mechanism.
Christopher Ward C8 UTC Worldtimer Automatic
In less than two months, Christopher Ward will start selling the 2016 C8 UTC Worldtimer. Styled as an “aviator” and featuring an appealing combination of a robust Swiss-made movement with their new distinctive approach to design, the new timekeeper is well worth the serious chunk of cash that the watchmaker plans to charge for it.
2016 Breitling Chronoliner Triple Time-Zone Chronograph
If you have noticed the sporty Chronoliner collection from last year but decided to pass on it for the lack of bling, this limited-edition 2016 Breitling Chronoliner Triple Time-Zone Chronograph will make you want to reconsider. Preserving the same energetic (some may even call it assertive) styling of the original, it comes in a dressier rose gold case. Carefully balancing the mix of materials and textures, it manages not to look too arrogant in all of its polished rose gold and glossy ceramic glory.
Eberhard & Co. Scafograf 300 Automatic (Ref. 41034)
Presented at Baselworld 2016, the Eberhard & Co. Scafograf 300 (ref. 41034) looks like a faithful recreation of a classic model that was sold by the brand back in the 1950s. Offering you a nice combination of a robust Swiss-made movement, adequate water resistance rating of 300 meters, and an elegant exterior, it is mildly overpriced but will probably be successful in the long run when all sorts of discounts and rebates kick in.
Longines Heritage 1969 Automatic (ref. L2.310.4.72.0)
The 2016 Longines Heritage 1969 (ref. L2.310.4.72.0) is yet another bold attempt at reintroducing one of their many classic models for the modern audience. It is relatively inexpensive, although definitely far from affordable (if ‘affordability’ for you is something in the range where Certina and Tissot usually operate.) It is also powered by a fine-tuned version of one of the most robust self-winding calibers ever produced by ETA. All things considered, the Heritage 1969 may become an instant hit among those in need of a dressy timekeeper with a solid exterior and a bearable price tag.
Victorinox Swiss Army Airboss Mach 9 Automatic Limited Edition (ref. 241732)
Presented at Baselworld 2016, the new Victorinox Swiss Army Airboss Mach 9 Automatic Limited Edition (ref. 241732) 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.
Tissot Heritage 1936 Hand-Wound (ref. T104.405.16.012.00)
During the last three or four years, Tissot has introduced several great classic-styled timekeepers in their Heritage line. Among others, the collection included the stunning 2013 Heritage Navigator 160th Anniversary that still stays in production. For this year, the entry-luxury brand adds an even more impressive (although deceptively simple) hand-wound Heritage 1936 (ref. T104.405.16.012.00). Staying true to the collection’s concept, the model combines deliciously vintage appearance with a time-proven hand-wound caliber and more than attractive price. What else would you want for Christmas?
IWC Ingenieur Chronograph “W 125” Limited Edition in Titanium (Ref. IW380701)
First presented at the Baselworld 2016, the limited-edition IWC Ingenieur Chronograph “W 125” (ref. IW380701) comes in a nice -if somewhat bulky due to its 42 mm wide to 15 mm high proportions- titanium case. Like a true luxury piece, the case 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 (they mention the “autumn” in the press release), the new member of the legendary Ingenieur family will be offered at a competitive -I mean, um, all things considered- price of just over $7000 USD.