Available both in glossy stainless steel (ref. 886020 1NRFN) and in dressier rose gold PVD (ref. 886020 8ARF) versions, any member of this new Saint Honore Trocadero Chronograph collection could be a timepiece of choice for a person searching for a classic-styled “Swiss made” chronograph on a (very) tight budget. And never mind the purists: after all, you are buying a watch for yourself, not for a bunch of snobs who believe that anything below an Omega or a Rolex is not even worth considering.
Introducing the Mido Commander Datoday Automatic
Mido, yet another child of Swatch Group’s quiverfull family, has finally updated its Commander line of sporty timekeepers. The refreshed Mido Commander Datoday Automatic (ref. M014.430.11.061.00) features the same ETA 2836-2 self-winding blank movement that also powered their Multifort Bicolor 42 mm model presented back in 2011, but features a lot more interesting looks with lots of straight lines and an elegant, lugless design of its compact body (although it may make it difficult to find an after-market replacement strap or bracelet if need be).
Ebel X-1 1216156 in Steel and Ceramic… and Diamonds
The new version of the elegant Ebel X-1 (ref. 1216156) comes in the same glossy black ceramic body as previous iterations, but now features whole 71 diamonds adorning its bezel, the setting crown and, of course, the signature galvanic black dial. Almost twice as expensive as the version that is not decorated with precious stones, the new X1 is worth every extra penny that the Swiss-based brand asks for it.
Oris Calobra Limited Edition (Ref. 774 7661 4484)
Based on their current Artix GT Chronograph, this new Oris Calobra Limited Edition (Ref. 774 7661 4484) differs from the original only with a slightly cheaper Sellita SW500 movement that replaces the classic ETA 7750 work-horse, but retains the easy-to-operate ceramic rotating bezel, as well as the signature dashboard-styled subsidiary second indicator at 9 o’clock.
Tissot Heritage Navigator 160th Anniversary Automatic
Although to some the new Tissot Heritage Navigator 160th Anniversary (refs. T078.641.16.037.00 & T078.641.16.057.00) may look suspiciously similar to the gorgeous 2010 Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox International, the source of their inspiration lays in a radically different place and time. This elegant traveler’s companion is almost an exact reproduction of the model that the Swiss watchmaker introduced sixty years ago for its centennial anniversary.
Girard-Perregaux Traveller Moon Phases and Large Date
Girard-Perregaux has a long history of building highly refined (and often mind-blowing) wristwatches for the world’s elite customers. In 2013, the brand added a nice entry to its Traveller collection. Although the Girard-Perregaux Traveller Moon Phases and Large Date (refs. 49650-11-131-BB6A, 49650-11-631-BB6A & 49650-82-231-HBBA) lacks a second time zone indicator or even a city disk (something that you often expect from a traveler’s companion), it can be a nice acquisition for a proud member of a Million Miles Club.