BOMBFROG BT25 Tactic with tritium tubes

The young German brand will soon start selling its 2011 Bombfrog BT25 Tactic diver illuminated by long-lasting tritium tubes.

The young German brand will soon start selling its 2011 Bombfrog BT25 Tactic diver illuminated by long-lasting tritium tubes.

The legendary French fashion brand has finally added a third, middle-sized, member to it the elegant Dior La D de Dior family. Previously, the collection was available in small (19 mm) or large (38 mm) cases that, naturally, limited fans of the brand in their choices. The version in a medium-sized 25 mm case easily solves this problem making both customers and shareholders a trifle happier.

Together with Fortis, Louis Erard belongs to Gevril Group: a tiny conglomerate currently owned by Samuel Friedmann. In late 2010, the watchmaker has presented a new member of their Classic 1931 collection. Called 1931 Chronometer (Ref. 79 220 OR 22), the premium-priced chronograph is now available in an even more expensive body that is crafted from 18-karat rose gold.

Hublot has recently presented a new Big Bang 38 mm collection equipped with a Sellita SW300-based HUB 1110 automatic movement. There is also a more practical -albeit not as *ahem* classy- "Swiss Made" quartz caliber. The HUB 1110 is a very basic mechanism that is only slightly refinished and fine-tuned above the basic specs to meet stricter standards of the ultra-luxury segment. Yet, you may still want to consider acting fast if you are interested in this gadget. Luxury wristwatches featuring self-winding movements (instead of, you know, quartz) are rare species in this niche and, something tells me, the collection won't stay in production for long.

Revealed at the beginning of the year, the 2010 Jaquet Droz SW Chronograph (ref. J029530409) is one of the most attractive models in JD's current collection of sporty timekeepers. Featuring the laconic bi-compax layout, an easily readable big date indicator, and a pair of partially open-worked hour and minute hands with nice yellow-orange Superluminova on them, this elegant timekeeper is an ultimate "tool" for the few survivors of the nuclear Holocaust.

The Maurice Lacroix Pontos Day Date Blue (Ref. 6158-SS001-43E) boasts an attractive three-dimensional blue dial and... not much else. Still, its compact stainless steel body, which is only 40 millimeters in diameter and not particularly thick at 12.50 mm, is nicely sculpted and is also perfectly finished giving the three-hander that sporty, energetic appearance that some money-savvy customers may find more than attractive.

Just in time for Christmas, a minor (yet still having a long history of making fine wristwatches) brand that specializes in fashion and designer timepieces has presented its new Alfex Truly Gorgeous Quartz (Ref. 5661.755) adorned with Swarovski crystals. Although, when it comes to decorating timekeepers with precious (or just precious-looking) stones, most brands tend to start with the body, Alfex (quite wisely) decided to limit the use of the crystals to the comfortable-looking, multi-piece bracelet.

Corum has updated its colorful Admiral's Cup Tides model with a monochromatic version in a huge 48 mm case. Although the body of the new version is crafted from extremely lightweight, and also relatively easy to scratch titanium alloy, the bezel and the crown guard of the piece feature a nice layer of black vulcanized rubber that protects the most prominent parts of the piece from accidental damage.