Originally revealed a year ago, the gorgeous Zeitwerk started the digital revolution in the world of traditional mechanical timekeepers. Now, having its Arabic numerals covered with Superluminova and equipped with a smoked, semi-transparent sapphire crystal that replaces the original dial crafted from solid silver, the new A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk Luminous takes the idea even further.
30 m
SIHH 2010: IWC Portuguese Perpetual Calendar (Ref. IW5023)
IWC has once again updated its gorgeous Portuguese Perpetual Calendar range extending the line with three extra models and two choices of metal. Besides an older version in platinum (Ref. IW502305,) you can now get it in red gold (Ref. IW502306) and white gold (Ref. IW502307,) too.
SIHH 2010: IWC Da Vinci Chronograph Ceramic IW3766
I can hardly believe my eyes. At this year’s SIHH 2010 show, IWC has finally expanded the Da Vinci collection with its first-ever ceramic (!) model. Judging by the looks of it, the 2010 Da Vinci Chronograph Ceramic (Ref. IW3766) is going to be even more successful than the rose gold members of the Da Vinci family.
Maurice Lacroix Classique Phases de Lune
The second interesting entry from Maurice Lacroix is the Classique Phases de Lune. Available both in stainless steel and SS / yellow gold mix (ref. LC6068-YS101-13E), this is yet another dressy watch from the relatively young brand. While the basic layout of the dial doesn’t offer anything particularly new, it is the styling of hands and other elements that makes this new collection look almost* unique.
F.P. Journe Chronometre Bleu in tantalum
The 2010 hand-wound F.P. Journe Chronometre Bleu (ref. 11874) brings you an in-house Calibre 1304 movement, which is hidden inside a finely crafted, extra slender case made from tantalum: a highly corrosion-resistant metal that you will rarely see outside of mobile phones, computers and other sorts of electronic gadgets that surround us in our life.
2010MY IWC Portuguese Automatic Chronograph in Rose Gold (Ref. IW371482)
Like the just refreshed Portuguese 7-Days Power Reserve chronograph that IWC plans to introduce either at the SIHH 2010 or a little bit later at the Baselworld show, the 2010 Portuguese Chronograph in Rose Gold (ref. IW371482) has also received a minor update for the next year. It will be presented at the same event.
2010MY IWC Portuguese Automatic 7 Days Power Reserve (Ref. IW500114)
The Portuguese 7 Days Power Reserve collection has been slightly refreshed for the new season. Crafted from high-grade stainless steel, the elegant and simple chronograph sports the same timeless classic exterior, but the dial has finally received a new silver finish that was previously available only with a lot more expensive version in rose gold (ref. IW500101).
Omega Number 9 Milestone 1941 Museum Collection
The vintage-styled Omega Number 9 Milestone 1941 is a breath of fresh air in –let’s face it– a long line of elegant but dull and not particularly inspiring products sold under the Omega brand.
Girard-Perregaux 1966 Chronograph (Ref. 49539-53-151-BK6A)
The automatic Girard-Perregaux 1966 Collection chronograph (ref. 49539-53-151-BK6A) will see the light at the upcoming 2010 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie event set to open in Geneva, Switzerland on 18 January 2010.
Breitling Chrono-matic QP limited edition in rose gold
Commemorating the 40th anniversary of the world’s first automatic chronograph, Breitling has presented the 2009 rose gold Chrono-matic QP (ref. R29360) limited-edition chronograph that sports a rare “perpetual calendar” complication.
Nienaber Bünde Retro 2 with Retrograde Dial
The self-winding Nienaber Bunde Retro 2 comes equipped with a car dashboard styled dial with a pair of retrograde hands that are unusually placed at the lower part of the dial. If you are looking for a timepiece that looks different and original, and the sticker price of almost €6000 doesn’t scare you away, this brief review is probably written for you.
Baume et Mercier William Baume Monopusher Chronograph Limited Edition (ref. M0A08802)
Baume et Mercier will soon start selling its limited-edition William Baume Monopusher Chronograph (ref. M0A08802). The new model will be produced in a small lot of only 20 units. Although not as high-ranked in terms of brand value as Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre or even IWC, Baume amp; Mercier nevertheless enjoys a good reputation as a serious watchmaker that sells a high-quality product, which is not only finely crafted but is also a great pleasure to look at.
A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk: the giant leap of time
The German brand has unveiled the revolutionary A. Lange & Sohne Zeitwerk in May 2009. At that time, it was one of their most daring and controversial (as well as immensely beautiful from the point of view of pure engineering) models. Not as deliberately high-tech as some wristwatches made by, say, Louis Moinet -another brand that is known for its audacious approach to industrial design- this “digital” timekeeper attracted a lot of attention even before it went on sale later that year.
Graham Chronofighter Trigger Tourbillograph Havana (ref. 2TTAR.C01A.C87B)
The Graham Chronofighter Trigger Tourbillograph Havana (ref. 2TTAR.C01A.C87B) doesn’t make an impression of a particularly elegant timekeeper, but it sure is as easily recognizable as a German luxury car. Regardless of the generation, you can always say which one is a Mercedes and which one is a Bimmer thanks to their signature corporate grilles that evolved through decades while maintaining their core DNA. The design element from Graham is, of course, not as old, but something tells me that this controversial (putting it mildly) trigger-shaped chronograph activator will haunt us for years to come.
Jaquet Droz L’Origine Email
Jaquet Droz has revealed the laconic L’Origine Email collection during the Baselworld 2009 show. It is yet another (and by far the most interesting) member of the Hommage Londres 1774 Collection. Offered in two colors of their enameled dials, these restrained, but also refined timepieces give you a nice combination of classic design with a modern movement.