The self-winding Perrelet First Class Double Rotor Skeleton 20th Anniversary pays tribute to the Dipteros 1777 model that the brand issued back in 1995. For Perrelet, the model was groundbreaking. It was the first among their watches ever to feature so-called “double rotor” design where a front oscillating weight is visible freely right on the timekeeper’s face. Originally designed to advertise the fact that it was none other than Abraham-Louis Perrelet who first invented a self-winding timekeeper, the Dipteros 1777 became a grandfather of their current iconic Turbine family. The 20th Anniversary model was officially presented during the Baselworld 2015 show.
42 mm
Ball Engineer II Magneto S (Ref. NM3022C-N1CJ-BK)
The Ball Engineer II Magneto S Automatic (ref. NM3022C-N1CJ-BK) is a fascinating timekeeper. It features an interesting combination of sporty -albeit a bit deceptive- exterior with a reliable -even if a bit too standard- mechanism. It is the way the shielding system works that makes this new gadget stand out from the ranks of other magnetically shielded wristwatches.
Bulgari Octo Maserati Limited Edition
The 2014 Bulgari Octo Maserati Limited Edition (ref. 920007208) celebrates a centenary of the Italian ultra-luxury car manufacturer. The Octo Maserati delivers the finest “sporty” design currently available on the market. It also comes powered by an impressive little “engine” that rivals the gorgeous V8 inside Maserati’s latest GranTurismo MC Stradale.
Ball Watch Engineer Hydrocarbon Hunley Automatic Diver (Ref. PM2096B-S1J-BK)
Although the 2014 Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Hunley Automatic Diver (Ref. PM2096B-S1J-BK) still features that “polarizing” patented crown guard system as previous iterations of the watch, it is still one of the most elegant members of the growing family. As refined as a diving tool can be, it is also not expensive sporting a price tag around $1000 lower than that of an IWC Aquatimer.
Stowa Seatime Black Forest Edition 1
The German watchmaker has just started taking orders for its new Stowa Seatime Black Forest Edition 1 automatic diver. Offered at a moderate price of just €1390 (including VAT), the new timekeeper is a wise choice for a person looking for a nice diving companion, but not willing to pay the premium for an Omega Seamaster or a Rolex Submariner. Reserved, but also handsome, this is so far one of the most attractive divers that money can buy.
Chopard L.U.C 8HF Power Control Automatic (Ref. 168575-9001)
The Chopard L.U.C 8HF Power Control (Ref. 168575-9001) not only features one of the best examples of the European industrial design, but also offers an unusual high-beating movement that, while being twice as fast as your average caliber, also manages to work for as long as 60 hours: a remarkable achievement in this extremely rarely populated class.
Porsche Design Chronograph Titanium Limited Edition
The 2014 Porsche Design Chronograph Titanium Limited Edition is yet another masterpiece of German design. Delivering just the right combination of manliness and reserved elegance that could only be compared to that of a Porsche 911 Carrera sports car, it is issued as a limited edition of just 500 pieces, which is a pity: collectibility or not, the world, which is dominated by tasteless, soulless objects of industrial design, needs more beautiful things like this one.
Pierre DeRoche GrandCliff Milady Chrono Automatic with Diamonds
The Pierre DeRoche GrandCliff Milady Chrono delivers that winning combination of features that you will rarely see when it comes to wristwatches designed for ladies. It somehow manages to combine an “exclusive” caliber made by its parent company Dubois-Depraz, a brilliantly decorated dial, as well as a finely sculpted body and just the right number of precious stone in a unique package that makes this timepiece immediately adorable and extremely desirable. Frankly, I wasn’t able to find a single flaw with this beautiful device.
Chopard Mille Miglia for the Porsche Club of America (PCA)
Although the 2014 Chopard Mille Miglia for the Porsche Club of America (PCA) will never become a highly sought-after collector’s item, all sixty-six examples of the timekeeper will undoubtedly find their owners, and not just because the brand is so strongly associated with Porsche and all of their legacy. After all, offered in precious yellow gold, as well as in less expensive (but still impressive) stainless steel body, the new accessory looks quite spectacular and clearly gives a standard-issue Mille Miglia chronograph a run for its money.
Fortis Blue Horizon Automatic Chronograph
The new Fortis Blue Horizon features an appealing color scheme with its bronze-toned dial (that the brand actually prefers to call “Metallic Brown”) nicely matched by a cognac-brown leather strap. Although the blue accents on the timekeeper’s face look a bit ahem controversial, I must admit that this is one of the dressiest “pilot’s chronographs” that the Swiss brand has ever produced. Just don’t forget to get yourself a complementary set of good brown shoes.