Hanhart Primus Chronograph Makes a Lasting Impression

Hanhart Primus Chronograph Diver automatic diving watch

Hanhart is not as well-known outside of Germany as their competitors from Sinn or, say, Mühle Glashütte. Yet, even if they feel uncomfortable about that, I am sure that they still can find solace in knowing that there are not so many independent brands out there that enjoy an as long history of making fine watches as they do. Established in Switzerland back in 1882, Hanhart now operates on the other side of the border in a German town of Gütenbach, Baden-Württemberg. Preparing for its 130th anniversary, the watchmaking specialist will soon present its new collection of chronographs. The sporty Primus Chronograph Diver is one of them.

Breitling Montbrillant Chrono Upgrades to Caliber B01

Breitling Montbrillant 01 Automatic chronograph (ref. AB013112-G709BRCT) watch

Like the Italian Panerai, Breitling keeps distancing itself from the overwhelming monopoly of ETA on high-grade mechanical movements and gradually substitutes their blank calibers with its own mechanisms. Their biggest bet? The in-house Caliber 01 that will replace the omnipresent Valjoux 775x family. The Montbrillant 01 Chronograph is one of those iconic models getting equipped with a brand new "heart."

Vintage Vibe: Casio G-Shock X Alife G5500AL-1

Casio G-Shock X Alife G5500AL-1 digital electronic watch

The Japanese electronics giant and the NYC-based lifestyle brand have teamed together to introduce a co-branded Casio G-Shock X Alife G5500AL-1 model. With its styling reminiscent of the crazy 80s and a relatively low price, the new collaboration makes it tempting to grab for the credit card and make the purchase. Must. Resist. Now.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Q2782520

Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin in Rose Gold (Ref. Q2782520)

Carefully refreshed for an even more pronounced art-deco feel, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin (ref. Q2782520) is a successor to a model that was first designed with wealthy sportsmen in mind. Despite the age, it still successfully combines the best of two worlds with its extremely elegant rose gold body successfully protecting the front sapphire crystal from vicissitudes of life.

Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Bronze (PAM 382)

Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronze (PAM 382) automatic watch

Among the new (and a number of older models that were simply updated with minor touches here and there) models presented at last week's SIHH 2011 trade show, there also was a gorgeous Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic PAM 382 diver. Having its huge 47 mm case made not of over-hyped ceramic or some other hi-tech material, but of good ole brushed bronze, this new member of 1950 family looks like it was designed exactly for the sort of people who still dream about giant krakens and burning Spanish galleons, and prefer a good goblet of rum to a snifter of cognac.

A Modern Cassic: IWC Portofino Automatic 3565

IWC Portofino Automatic (Refs. IW356516 & IW356502) automatic watch

This is certainly going to be a great year for the refreshed Portofino range of entry-luxury watches. Besides the dressy Portofino Dual Time and the elegant Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days, IWC has also presented a face-lifted Portofino Automatic (Ref. 3565): a modern-classic three-hander with a simple calendar.