Based on a classic model from the 1970s, the new TAG Heuer Silverstone Chronographs (refs. CAM2111.FC6259 & CAM2110.FC6258) not only look great. They also look different from myriads of standard sporty timepieces that -expensive or cheap, hand-crafted or mass-produced- have flooded the market during the recent decade or two. Although the movement that powers the 2010 collection is modern, it is the vintage aura that makes me want to own one of these.
42 mm
Panerai Radiomir PAM 336 in a 42mm body
Previously available in much larger cases, the 2009 Panerai Radiomir PAM 336 has become both smaller and thinner. At just 42 millimeters in diameter (well, actually in width since the gadget sports the brand’s traditional cushion-shaped body) and just 12.5 millimeters high, the new timekeeper doesn’t look like an expensive metal hamburger stuck to your wrist. Instead, you get a jewelry item that, while still being massive, is at the same time elegant and even refined, in a restrained, masculine way. Thank the in-house P.999 caliber for that!
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.
Eterna KonTiki Date (ref. 1220.41.63.1183)
Larger than average with its 42 mm in diameter, the 2009 Eterna KonTiki Date (ref. 1220.41.63.1183) is still elegant and lean and will look great on a hand of a guy who spends three nights a week in a gym while keeping a low-carb diet.
Certina DS Action Chrono C013.417 Quartz
With its 42.5mm case machined out of 316L low-carbon stainless steel and a Rolex-like unidirectional rotating bezel, this quartz-powered 2009 Certina DS Action Chrono is available both on a sexy black rubber strap (ref. C013.417.27.057.00, pictured) and a more practical stainless steel bracelet (ref. C013.417.11.057.00.)
Iron Man’s Watch: Bulgari Diagono Retrograde Moonphase
The Italian-based fashion and jewelry brand Bulgari keeps adding new exclusive models to its elegant Diagono collection. Trying to keep their accessories as upscale as practically possible, the brand issues this Diagono Retrograde Moonphase (ref. DGP42BGLDMP) in an almost prohibitively priced massive rose gold case that features their own self-winding movement. Coming as a -relatively- limited-edition model and featuring their traditional exaggerated design, it will possibly sell off fast thanks to its brief, but dramatic cameo on Robert Downey Jr’s wrist at the latest Iron Man blockbuster.