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.”
F.P. Journe Octa UTC: 2 Time Zones with a Twist
F.P. Journe, one of the most refined and innovating Swiss manufactures, has recently presented its new Octa UTC Automatic model that allows you to set secondary time by simply choosing one of 24 geographical zones.
Vintage Vibe: Casio G-Shock X Alife G5500AL-1
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
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)
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
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.