First offered around a year ago, the quartz-powered Breitling Colt 33 diver (sic!) gets updated for this year with a wide choice of straps that are crafted from Sahara leather: a natural material that is easy to recognize on first sight thanks to the numerous “dunes” that are embossed on its surface.
30 mm - 35 mm
Breguet Reine de Naples Charleston 8928
The new Breguet Reine de Naples Charleston Automatic (Ref. 8928BB/51/J60 DD0D), for example, while coming in an easily recognizable body, differs from the rest of the pack with its absolutely outrageous Charleston-type bracelet that can be had either in understated white or in more traditional yellow gold (ref. 8928BA/51/J60 DD0D.)
Cartier Tank Folle Ladies Hand-Wound
Unveiled during the Baselworld 2012 trade show, the hand-wound Cartier Tank Folle (ref. WJ306017) is a reincarnation of the (almost) legendary Cartier Crash from the late 1960s. Clearly influenced by Salvador Dali’s “liquid” clocks, the original watch was a morbid homage to one of Cartier of London senior managers who died (actually, was incinerated alive) in a car crash. His wristwatch was deformed by fire to a degree of melting and some other member of staff happened to be crazy enough to take the destroyed timekeeper as a source of inspiration. Now, eat your heart out, Stephen King.
Mondaine Classic Big Date Ladies (Ref. A669.30008.11SBO) Hands-On Review
A great fan of the Bauhaus approach to industrial design, I always liked the beautiful simple layout of the Swiss Railway Clock and its numerous more compact reincarnations currently sold by the Swiss watchmaker Mondaine. Thanks to the people from the U.S.-based WatchCo.com online retailer, I finally have the pleasure to review one of the recent additions to the growing family: the simple, yet elegant Mondaine Classic Big Date (Ref. A669.30008.11SBO).
Van Cleef & Arpels Timeless XL in White Gold VCARN9VB00
The French fashion and jewelry brand has finally updated its Timeless line with a new, larger-than-life version. Sporting an impressively massive oval case 50 mm x 35 mm in dimensions and a hand-engraved dial with its deep blue color, the Van Cleef & Arpels Timeless XL (ref. VCARN9VB00) may not look as entertaining as their other collections featuring retrograde indicators and thoroughly executed “romantic” scenes, but it still leaves a strong impression on an unsuspecting mind.
Baume & Mercier Two-Tone Linea Automatic (Ref. 10073)
Now presented in another, even more expensive combination of materials, the updated Baume & Mercier Two-Tone Linea 10073 combines solid 18-karat rose gold and high-grade stainless steel.
MIDO Baroncelli III Lady Chronometer in Steel (Ref. M010.208.16.053.20)
MIDO has just presented its updated Baroncelli III Lady Chronometer (Ref. M010.208.16.053.20). Although some bloggers take MIDO’s recent press release too literally and call this new model the brand’s “first” entry into the world of ladies chronometer watches, it is not exactly so. Here’s why.
Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Ivory Enamel (Ref. J005003200)
Do you remember the brilliant Petite Heure Minute Art Deco (Ref. J005013570) that was released earlier this year? Well, the famous Manufacture has recently introduced a number of new members of the family, including the elegant Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Ivory Enamel (Ref. J005003200.) Compared to the aforementioned model that sports a 39 mm case, the new generation is released in a more compact body measuring only 35 millimeters. A nice choice for a lady’s watch, that is.
NOMOS Glashuette Tangente Alma Mater Special Edition Wempe 100
Remember the gorgeous NOMOS Glashuette Tangente series of hand-wound watches? Well, the independent German watchmaker that shares the neighborhood with such giants as Glashuette Original and A. Lange & Sohne, has just introduced the new ‘back to school’ NOMOS Glashuette Tangente Alma Mater designed together with the online retailer Wempe for (particularly wealthy) students.
Raymond Weil Jasmine in Rose Gold PVD (2935 PCS 00659)
The watchmaker has recently updated its Jasmine collection with several new models. Powered by quartz and mechanical movements, they all look great and desirable. But it was the new Raymond Weil Jasmine in Rose Gold PVD (Ref. 2935 PCS 00659) that grabbed our attention.
Hermes Heure H Tres Grand
The new Hermes Heure H Tres Grand (ref. 036929WW00) that was recently presented by the French fashion brand keeps exploring a somewhat trite theme of H-shaped cases.
Armand Nicolet SL5 for Ladies (Ref. 9613C-AG-G9615B)
The sporty Armand Nicolet SL5 (Ref. 9613C-AG-G9615B) features 33 nicely-cut diamonds and, for a change, sports an automatic movement: a combination, which is not so common in the world of jewelry timepieces for women.
Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Small Seconds Ladies (Ref. 77238BC.OO.A002CR.01)
For the year 2011, Audemars Piguet has updated its “modern classic” Jules Audemars line with a discreet Jules Audemars Small Seconds model in 18-karat white gold (Ref. 77238BC.OO.A002CR.01).
Frederique Constant Amour Heart Beat Ladies Automatic
Next month, Frederique Constant will present its new Amour Heart Beat line that was designed by the Chinese actress Shu Qi. If the name sounds familiar, it is alright: the young actress is known for her roles in Luc Besson’s blockbuster ‘The Transporter’ and in the sequel to the horror movie ‘The Eye.’
Orient Fashionable Automatic Happy Stream Ladies (Ref. DM00001W)
Last summer Orient has started selling the beautiful Fashionable Happy Stream (Ref. DM00001W) model in PVD rose gold.