Breitling has issued a diamond-set version of its cash-cow: the Chronomat automatic chronograph. The Chronomat 01 Diamondworks is available in white gold and rose gold cases and bears enough diamonds either to rebuild the Republic of Haiti or to finance a manned mission to Mars. Thankfully, the chronograph is delivered in two versions with a more modest one having the use of diamonds limited only to its signature diving bezel.
43 mm
Perrelet Regulator Retrograde in Titanium
Perrelet has recently updated its Regulator family with a model in a titanium case. Judging by the promotional photos that we have just received, the refreshed Regulator Retrograde in Titanium (refs. A1041/4 and A3014/5) will retain all the characteristic design elements of the collection but will bring in a more subdued, discreet color scheme with different shades of grey accented with burgundy-colored elements of the dial.
Waterfall of Colors: Breitling Chronomat B01
The original Chronomat B01, the one equipped with Breitling’s new, totally in-house B01 automatic column-wheel chronograph movement, was first revealed in September 2009. Recently, the Swiss watchmaker has revealed a limited-edition version of the model. While being powered by the same self-winding caliber and sporting the same massive-looking body, it offers you a more interesting combination of colors, as well as a revised case back cover.
Oris BC4 RHFS Limited Edition (ref. 674 7616 4284 Set)
Oris has devoted the 2010 limited-edition BC4 RHFS (ref. 674 7616 4284 Set) chronograph to the 4e Régiment d’Hélicoptères des Forces Spéciales (4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment) that was established in August, 2009 and is now based in Pau, Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Despite being an “aviator” (well, it is not your classic B-Uhr, but it is still styled like a plane’s instrument gauge,) the new BC4 RHFS is presented in a comparatively compact body and is equipped with a natural-born chronograph movement.
Perrelet Big Central Moonphase in Titanium A5000/2
The last year’s Perrelet Big Central Moonphase is now reintroduced in titanium as (ref. A5000/2) model. Resurrected only six years ago, when the brand was sold to Miguel Rodriguez of the Festina Group, Perrelet is doing its best to reestablish itself as a haute horlogerie brand.
Girard-Perregaux World Wide Time Control Chronograph
Although Girard-Perregaux’s iconic World Wide Time Control collection was first unveiled about ten years ago, the new ww.tc World Wide Time Control Chronograph (ref. 49805-11-650-BA6A) doesn’t look much different from the model that started it all. Coming in basically the same oversized stainless steel case and offering the same dial layout, it differs from its numerous predecessors only with its color scheme (and even that one is just a carefully facelifted job that doesn’t offer anything particularly new in the styling department.) Frankly, I must admit that I actually like this approach: like the iconic Speedmaster or the Navitimer with their easily recognizable styling, some watches just have to evolve as slowly as possible in order not to disappoint the loyal followers of the brand.