Alpina Geneve has released yet another update to its Extreme Diver 300M collection of cushion-shaped divers. After a mild facelift to its chronograph that was revealed in May during Baselworld 2013 event, the Swiss-based company turned its attention to the three-hander version of the diver. Just like the previous iteration, the 2013 Alpina Extreme Diver 300M collection (Refs. AL-525LBO4V26, AL-525LBO4V26B & AL-525LBO4V26B2) will be available in three versions that will differ only in the way the gadget is secured on your wrist.
Versace Vanitas Quartz Collection in Gold-Plated Steel
The Italian fashion giant Gianni Versace S.p.A. has finally decided to expand their Vanitas collection (the one that was previously known to me only for its fairly expensive fragrances but also happens to include handbags and other accessories) with a fashion watch. Designed for women and powered by an inexpensive Swiss quartz movement, which is identical to the mechanism that also happens to animate their 2010 Versace Reve Carre model, the new Versace Vanitas Quartz Collection (ref. VK773 0017) sports an attractive design.
Linde Werdelin: New Colors for Oktopus II Collection
The mildly refreshed Oktopus II Titanium Double Date collection now comes in a flashy new color of lipstick red. The color is not limited to just the dial and the thick rubber strap, but also decorates the gaskets between eight steel screws and the black ceramic bezel of the piece. And if you get tired of so much red on your wrist, the rubber band can be easily swapped for a more discrete black textile strap that comes free of charge.
Concord Saratoga Lady White (Ref. SKU 0320214)
After a somewhat controversial Saratoga Alarm Chronograph (0320219) that was released about two months ago during the last Baselworld 2013 show, Concord delivers yet another quartz-powered timekeeper. The new Concord Saratoga Lady White (ref. SKU 0320214), too, pays homage to the legendary Saratoga Race Course, a thoroughbred horse racing track which is located in Saratoga Springs, New York, United States.
2013 Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver 266-33-8C/922
Expanding the bizarre collection of “fashion divers”, the 2013 Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver (Ref. 266-33-8C/922) offers a nice combo of 18-karat rose gold with elements of its chunky body and solid bracelet crafted from black rubber and glossy black ceramic respectively. While not a “tool,” the timekeeper is nevertheless equipped with a COSC-certified chronometer movement and features a water resistance rating that makes it suitable at least for recreational diving.
Baume & Mercier Capeland Worldtimer: Finally in Rose Gold
‘Worldtimers’ are extremely popular these days. They are produced as ultra-limited one-offs, as well as dirt-cheap throwaways from numerous Chinese “fashion” brands with a lifespan of a fruit fly. Baume & Mercier has recently introduced its own take on the idea. Powered by a (technically) in-house automatic caliber, the new Baume & Mercier Capeland Worldtimer (ref. MOA10107 aka 10107) is available both in stainless steel and in a lot more expensive rose gold body.