42 mm | WWR

Ulysse Nardin Diver 42 Automatic Three-Hander

Dec 19, 2018 by Evgueni Matoussevitch 1557 views

Designed for a person who thought that Ulysse Nardin's earlier Diver Chronometer 44 was too pricey, too big, and too cluttered for a diver (or, perhaps, for a person who is happy with the watch and wanted to augment their collection with a simpler version of the watch,) the new Ulysse Nardin Diver 42 automatic three-hander offers a beautiful, clean exterior, superior build quality, and a mechanism that, alas, is a bit too simple for the price that the Swiss watchmaker asks for this thing.

Swiss Watches

Historic Re-Issue: DOXA Sub 300 “Black Lung” Limited Edition

Nov 02, 2017 by Evgueni Matoussevitch 4719 views

This year, Doxa has released a number of "anniversary" timekeepers that celebrate the brand's first semicentennial in the business of making professional diving watches. While the gorgeous blackfaced Sharkhunter and the silverfaced Searambler attracted their fair share of attention from collectors and, um, more normal enthusiasts alike, it was the DOXA Sub 300 "Black Lung" Limited Edition automatic diving wristwatch that broke the brand's own sales record with the whole bunch of watches being pre-ordered during the first 24 hours after the registration officially commenced.

Swiss Watches

Hamilton Broadway Day Date Automatic (refs. H43515735 & H43515135)

Jan 09, 2017 by Evgueni Matoussevitch 9464 views

The new Hamilton Broadway Day Date Automatic (refs. H43515735 & H43515135) wristwatch, the Swiss brand's recent attempt at grabbing their own share of a growing "affordable dress watch" market, offers a nice blend of interesting exterior, good build quality and one of the best "long-play" mass-produced automatic movements that you can get in the sub-$1k price range. Unexpectedly elegant and amazingly refined, right now this may be one of the best choices for the money.

Swiss Watches

IWC Ingenieur Chronograph “W 125” Limited Edition in Titanium (Ref. IW380701)

Jul 15, 2016 by Evgueni Matoussevitch 6370 views

First presented earlier this year at Baselworld 2016, the new IWC Ingenieur Chronograph "W 125" (ref. IW380701) limited edition automatic wristwatch comes in a nice -if somewhat bulky due to its 42 mm wide to 15 mm high proportions- titanium case that features an appealing combination of mirror-polished front surfaces that are lovely accented by deliberately roughly brushed sides. Set to go on sale in just three or four months (the Swiss watchmakers mentions "autumn" in its press release), the new member of the legendary Ingenieur family will be offered at a competitive -all things considered- price of just over $7000 USD.

Swiss Watches

Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage Automatic (refs. AL-525S4H6 & AL-525G4H6)

Apr 29, 2016 by Evgueni Matoussevitch 7581 views

The new Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage (refs. AL-525S4H6 & AL-525G4H6) collection of dressy diving timekeepers is a clear reference to the brand's so called "days of independence" when, back in late 1950s and throughout all the 1960s, the company introduced one beautiful model after another. Although I can't really call it a real "homage" (and I actually like that it is not,) this new pair of timepieces does a very good job at recreating the spirit of the days long gone. Perhaps, the only thing that somehow devalues these gorgeous retro-styled models -besides the fact that, differing so much from other members of the Seastrong family, it needed to become a foundation of a completely new collection- is the simple mass-produced mechanism: each of these beauties just screams for a hand-wound NOS job!

Swiss Watches

Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic Automatic Cal. 4069

Jan 20, 2016 by Evgueni Matoussevitch 5111 views

The new Zenith Elite Chronograph Classic Cal. 4069 wristwatch is, as you have probably already guessed, equipped with the brand's new caliber 4069 automatic movement and is offered in relatively inexpensive steel and much more impressively priced gold version. At this time, this is one of the most interesting choices when it comes to "dressy" chronographs with character.

Swiss Watches

Tudor Fastrider Black Shield Ducati (ref. 42000CN)

Jan 12, 2016 by Evgueni Matoussevitch 4614 views

Marketed as a sort of accessory for the new Ducati XDiavel cruiser that was presented last November at the EICMA international motorcycle show in Milan, Italy, this new Tudor Fastrider Black Shield Ducati (ref. 42000CN) looks as sporty and laconic as the Italian sports bike. While some may find its look a bit dated (while others may call it 'classic',) the choice of material for its chunky case easily compensates for its apparent lack of originality making it a very nice choice for a person willing to spend close to $5000 for a Swiss-made chronograph that, while looking plain, offers you the same level of quality and functionality that we expect from a timekeeper in this price range.

Swiss Watches

Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey Automatic Chronograph (refs. FC-397HS5B6 & FC-397HDG5B4)

Jul 02, 2015 by Evgueni Matoussevitch 6639 views

The new Frederique Constant Vintage Rally Healey automatic chronograph watch makes an impression of a very well-designed accessory. While I wouldn't call it 'revolutionary' or 'groundbreaking', it successfully combines standard elements of design into a very attractive time measuring device. Oh, some purists would probably wince a little at the way they use gold-plating to make a stainless steel body look dressier, but I find nothing wrong with it: for those on a tight budget, a gold-plated watch is an excellent choice.