The 2014 Girard-Perregaux Chrono Hawk Hollywoodland (refs. 49970-34-132-BB6A and 49970-34-232-BB6A) looks like a normal version of the model that was first introduced during Baselworld 2013 event but has its steel body swapped for an extremely scratch-resistant ceramic one.
Equipped with a self-winding movement, the 2013 Tissot PRS 516 Extreme Chronograph (refs. T079.427.27.057.00 & T079.427.27.057.01) makes a strong impression, especially if you compare this one with their older "sporty" models. It still lags miles behind what some people consider "real" watches with their elegantly simple designs, but in its price niche (it retails at about €1100), the "Extreme" version absolutely beats the crap out of most of its competitors that feature similar functionality.
With its borrowed shape and an outrageously high price tag, the 2013 Citizen Signature Grand Touring Automatic leaves, um, a strange taste in your mouth. Although the Japanese brand's desire to make some easy money on an iconic design of a watch that many lust for, but only a few can actually afford is somewhat understandable, it is a shame to see this sort of trick played by such a respectable manufacturer.
The 2013 Luminox Tony Kanaan Valjoux (Ref. A.1188) limited-edition chronograph offers a strong blend of an unusual, aggressive-looking body combined with a bullet-proof automatic movement and offered at a fairly competitive price.
Christopher Ward, a brand that offers watches that are not only well designed but are also affordable and reliable (a rare mix in this segment), has finally started taking pre-orders for its new Chr. Ward C8 Regulator that was first announced back in June as "C800" model. Featuring an aviator-style design similar to their recently announced Chr. Ward Typhoon chronograph, the watch offers an extremely legible and surprisingly well-balanced dial layout.
Panerai has recently its growing range of in-house movements with yet another nice job. Called Caliber P.5000, the new hand-wound engine offers an impressive combination of beautifully laconic decoration with surprisingly efficient design and impressive power reserve. The first timekeeper to be equipped with the new caliber happened to be the new Panerai Luminor Marina 8 Days Oro Rosso (PAM 511) that was presented in New York in July 2013.
