The German holding Ickler GmbH, the one that sells more affordable Archimede and more expensive Limes watches under respective brands, has recently introduced an update to their dressy vintage-styled Pharo line. This Limes Pharo Cartouche Automatic (ref. U6282C-LA5.1) sports all the familiar strands of the collection’s DNA, but mixes them in better proportions producing, as a result, a watch that not only looks finely crafted but is also affordable almost to everyone.
50 m
Cimier Time Square Chronograph Automatic
While not terribly original, the automatic Cimier Time Square Chronograph (refs. 5106-SS011 in steel and 5106-BP021 in black PVD) delivers a nice combination of sportiness and elegance that makes it versatile if you don’t plan to wear it to a pool party or on a hiking trip.
DuBois et fils DBF001-07 Automatic Chronograph with Big Date
DuBois et fills, a French watchmaker that currently tries to reinvent itself, has offered a new DBF001 collection of automatic chronographs. Delivering a surprisingly satisfying mixture of sportiness and elegance, this may be their first step towards real success.
Stowa Flieger Black Forest Edition 1
On 11th November 2013, the German watchmaker started taking orders for its Stowa Flieger Black Forest Edition 1. There will be more models in this new range, which is named after the Schwarzwald mountain range, known not only for its fascinating landscape but also for the famous “Deutsche Uhrenstrasse”: a 300-kilometers long route that includes numerous clock factories and other objects related to German watch- and clockmaking history.
Versace Mystique Sport Chronograph (Ref. VFG01 0013)
Powered by an inexpensive Ronda 5030 D quartz movement, the new Versace Mystique Sport Chronograph (Ref. VFG01 0013) has little value as a collectible item, but it still looks like a nice fashion accessory for those preferring sportier style in their everyday life.
Louis Moinet Stardance 36mm Limited Edition
With its dial layout similar to that of their limited edition 2011 “Geograph” (it was issued almost three years ago and then reissued almost immediately as Geograph Rainforest limited edition), the Louis Moinet Stardance (ref. LM-32.20DD.80) offers the same layout with two vertically-aligned sub-dials but delivers a different functionality. Instead of a chronograph and a second time-zone display, this beautiful watch is focused on its otherworldly (literally so) moon phase indicator.
Raymond Weil Maestro Automatic (Ref. 2867-STC-00659)
After years of numerous trials and errors, Raymond Weil has finally delivered. Their 2013 Maestro Automatic (Ref. 2867- STC-00659) is offered in an elegant, well-proportioned stainless steel case that makes even the top-tier watchmaking houses want to eat their hearts out.
Chr.Ward C900 Worldtimer GMT
Christopher Ward has finally caught that ‘worldtimer’ superbug that keeps infecting European watchmakers at an alarming rate. Still, their new Chr.Ward C900 Worldtimer offers an unusual combination of functions: it not only tells you time both in the home and the second time zone, but also displays a three-letter airport code that makes it a tad easier to always set the correct time in the place of your current stay.
Chr. Ward C8 Regulator Pilot
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.
Oris RAID 2013 Chronograph Limited Edition (Ref. 01 775 7686 4084-Set)
Being an official time keeper of RAID Suisse-Paris classic car rally (this year the race, which is reserved exclusively to cars that were built before year 1975, will start on 22 August 2013) where dozens of oldtimers travel from Basel, Switzerland to Paris, France via Nancy and Reims, the Swiss watchmaker Oris introduces a new limited edition watch. This new Oris RAID 2013 Chronograph Limited Edition (Ref. 01 775 7686 4084-Set) looks very similar in styling to the Oris RAID 2011 Alarm Edition (Ref. 908 7607 4094) that was introduced two years ago, but features a different set of functions.
Vulcain 50s Presidents’ Alarm Edition France 160151.323L
Limited to just 50 pieces, each bearing an individually engraved number on their transparent back, the 2013 Vulcain 50s Presidents’ Alarm Watch Edition France (ref. 160151.323L) will be offered exclusively in France.
Saint Honore Worldcode Chronograph in Black Ceramic
Saint Honore Paris, a French company that has a number of great models in its portfolio, but is still inconsistent when it comes to design, has finally found a contractor capable of making fine ceramic components for their fashion watches. Unlike Hermes, another French fashion house that has enough resources to get the best industrial designers and the best mechanical movements for their timekeepers, SHP is forced to move by smaller increments towards their goal of becoming a great name in the industry. Still, they do make the progress and, around a month ago, the company has expanded its Opera line with a ceramic wristwatch designed for ladies, and now they introduce a sporty Saint Honore Worldcode Chronograph in Black Ceramic (ref. 890128 71CIN).
Versace Vanitas Quartz Collection
The Italian fashion giant Gianni Versace S.p.A. has finally decided to expand their Vanitas collection (the one that was previously known to me only for its fairly expensive fragrances but also happens to include handbags and other accessories) with a fashion watch. Designed for women and powered by an inexpensive Swiss quartz movement, which is identical to the mechanism that also happens to animate their 2010 Versace Reve Carre model, the new Versace Vanitas Quartz Collection (ref. VK773 0017) sports an attractive design.
Baume & Mercier Capeland Worldtimer in Rose Gold (Ref. 10107)
‘Worldtimers’ are extremely popular these days. They are produced as ultra-limited one-offs, as well as dirt-cheap throwaways from numerous Chinese “fashion” brands with a lifespan of a fruit fly. Baume & Mercier has recently introduced its own take on the idea. Powered by a (technically) in-house automatic caliber, the new Baume & Mercier Capeland Worldtimer (ref. MOA10107 aka 10107) is available both in stainless steel and in a lot more expensive rose gold body.
Dubey & Schaldenbrand Grand Dome R92 Vintage
The dressy Dubey & Schaldenbrand Grand Dome R92 Vintage is powered by a NOS Valjoux 92 hand-wound caliber and will soon be offered as a super limited edition of just 16 pieces with only one or two pieces available to US-based customers.