With its mirror-polished body, guilloched dial, and a set of finely-cut diamonds, the 2012 TAG Heuer Link Lady (ref. WAT1414.BA0954) could have been a serious competitor to the gorgeous Omega DeVille Ladymatic (425.65.34.20.63.001), if only it wasn’t powered by a simple quartz movement instead of a high-grade automatic caliber. On the other hand (no pun intended), the watch is still a good contender for the right to be chosen by those ladies who don’t care about the movement and other technicalities and simply look for a beautiful trinket that also tells time.
Porsche Design P’6510 Chronograph I Reissue
Forty years ago, back in 1972, a then-recently established brand Porsche Design of Austria has presented its first product: an analog chronograph that had all its visible surfaces treated with a black coating.
Although offering nothing particularly new in terms of mechanics, the model nevertheless was the first in the world to offer an all-black (with only hands and hour markers covered in white) color scheme that offered unrivalled contrast and legibility and, inevitably, has soon become a hit among those interested in a ‘lifestyle’ timekeeper with a loud name on its dial. This new Porsche Design P’6510 Chronograph I Reissue (Ref. 6510.43.41.0272) pays homage to the famous timekeeper with only minor details changed here and there.
Zenith Pilot Doublematic World Timer Automatic
For the year 2012, the Swiss watchmaker Zenith offers the new Pilot Doublematic family that is available both in stainless steel (Ref. 03.2400.4046/21.C721, which is reviewed here) and more expensive 18-karat rose gold cases.
Omega Spacemaster Z-33 Analog Digital Flight Computer
It’s been years since Omega discontinued its (almost) legendary digital/analog Speedmaster Professional X-33 that, in its heyday, directly competed against a similar model from Breitling. Finally, the Swiss watchmaker has presented a totally reworked version of the piece. The 2012 Omega Spacemaster Z-33 (ref. 325.92.43.79.01.001) features an absolutely stunning (although somewhat controversial) design and belongs to the “love it or hate it” category. As you may have already guessed, the titanium-clad monster from outer space was first demonstrated in flesh earlier this month during Baselworld 2012 event. Here is our first “initial impressions”-style review on this beast.
Zeno Basel Vintage Classic Chrono Hand-Wound 4100-i4
The 2012 hand-wound Zeno Basel Vintage Classic Chrono (Ref. 4100-i4) pilot’s watch features all the usual stuff that you expect from a Valjoux 77xx-powered device. There is a chronograph, a rudimentary calendar, and an almost inevitable moonphase complication. Basically, everything that a gentleman needs in a vintage-style “aviator.” Presented in a slightly oversized stainless steel body, the 4100-i4 is powered by a rare(-ish) version of the hand-wound caliber and features a somewhat eclectic, but pleasant to look at, dial. It was first unveiled during Baselworld 2012 show.
Bell & Ross BR 01 Horizon Sports an Unusual Dial
Renowned among watch enthusiasts for their huge, square-shaped pilot’s watches, the Swiss watchmaker Bell & Ross has recently extended the model range with the new Bell & Ross BR 01 Horizon. Presented at Baselworld 2012 and modeled after a real navigational instrument, the new model sports the most unusual dial design.