First announced in January 2019 days before SIHH 2019 show, the limited-edition Oris Dive Control Chronograph (ref. 01 774 7727 7784-Set) offers a blend of great caliber, interesting exterior, and an overall flamboyant attitude of a heavy-weight boxing champion delivered in a single -albeit slightly overpriced- package.
50 mm and larger
Casio G-Shock Rangeman GPR-B1000-1/1B with Solar-Assisted GPS
To some, the new Casio G-Shock Rangeman (ref. GPR-B1000-1 / 1B) line of adventure watches may look like a glorified steam engine trying to compete with sleek and glossy bullet trains.
Casio PRO TREK PRG-600 “Outdoor” World-Timer with Tough Solar Movement (ref. PRG-600-1ER)
With its new PRO TREK PRG-600 “outdoor” world-timer, Casio delivers a stylish, surprisingly tastefully designed product. Primarily targeting people who lead an active lifestyle and do need a time-measuring device that would do a good job during a hiking expedition, it will also look great with a pair of blue jeans and a t-shirt in a safe co-working environment. Although inevitably having limitations of its own, the PRG-600-1ER gives you a great combination of good build quality, reasonable price, and an almost overwhelming list of functions that would make an owner of a Swiss-made analog/digital timekeeper drool. The only thing that spoils the fun is the “cased in Thailand” inscription on its machine-brushed back.
Nixon 51-30 Darth Vader Automatic Limited Edition
The upcoming premiere of Star Wars: The Force Awakens is just a couple of months away and Nixon has already unveiled a sort of “official” Star Wars-themed collection. Besides the inevitable “Stormtroopers”, and “Imperial Pilots”, there is also a full-black limited-edition Nixon 51-30 Darth Vader that pays homage to the most iconic character of the series. And, yes: all three models are dedicated to agents of the dark side of the Force. Ah, that irresistible attractiveness of Evil!
Casio G-Shock Metal-Twisted (MTG-S1000D-1AJF)
Offered in plain and black ion-plated stainless steel, the new Casio G-Shock Metal-Twisted (MTG-S1000D-1AJF) not only offers their pretty solid Triple G Resist shock protection technology and lots of useful functions, but also packs them in an impressively designed, massive body that makes your normal “sporty” chronograph look like a real pussy near this rugged giant.
Alpina Heritage Pilot Limited Edition (Ref. AL-435LB4SH6)
First revealed before the Baselworld 2012 trade show, the Heritage Pilot resurfaces in an even more appealing version. Although with a total production run of 1883 pieces (just like the older model), the Alpina Heritage Pilot Limited Edition (Ref. AL-435LB4SH6) shouldn’t be touted as a “limited” edition (there will be just too many of them in circulation for the model to become a rarity in any reasonable time), it still deserves our attention for the sheer beauty of it.
Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 with Tough Solar tech
Although Casio’s positioning of the new G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 as a “survival” tool is a little bit too far-fetched, the gadget still deserves a certain degree of attention. Sporting a long list of useful functions that millions of fans are already familiar with, the Rangeman also sports their famous Triple Sensor system that makes it especially useful for hikers, forest tourists and, perhaps, even soldiers and other professionals who need a reliable and durable tactical watch.
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.
Casio G-Shock GA-1000-2A Aviator
As quietly, as usual, the Japanese electronics manufacturer has updated the aviation-themed shock-resistant GA-1000 series. Their new Casio G-Shock GA-1000-2A features a sporty body, which is similar in its styling to that of the last year’s G-SHOCK GW-A1000-1ADF Smart Access. However, this new “aviator” sports a lot more readable dial with analog and digital displays combined for (almost) perfect usability.
Bulgari Endurer Chronosprint Chronograph Automatic (Ref. BRE56BSVDCHS)
This sporty Bulgari Endurer Chronosprint (Ref. BRE56BSVDCHS) is among the latest creations of the Swiss-based watchmaking house Daniel Roth that was acquired by Bulgari about a dozen years ago and was pretty recently completely absorbed by the Italian brand. Officially presented to the world at the Baselworld 2012, the refreshed timekeeper sports the same movement and heroically proportioned body, but now features a slightly different finish to its dial.
Omega Spacemaster Z-33 Analog Digital Flight Computer
It’s been years since Omega discontinued its (almost) legendary digital/analog Speedmaster Professional X-33 that, in its heyday, directly competed against a similar model from Breitling. Finally, the Swiss watchmaker has presented a totally reworked version of the piece. The 2012 Omega Spacemaster Z-33 (ref. 325.92.43.79.01.001) features an absolutely stunning (although somewhat controversial) design and belongs to the “love it or hate it” category. As you may have already guessed, the titanium-clad monster from outer space was first demonstrated in flesh earlier this month during Baselworld 2012 event. Here is our first “initial impressions”-style review on this beast.
Casio ProTrek All-Analog PRX-7000T
Although the annual trade fair in Basel is usually associated with fine (and often impressively expensive) mechanical watches, there is always a number of lower-priced models made by Japanese watchmaking giants that, while not looking particularly dressy or refined, bring to your wrist those cutting-edge technologies that often turn a modest quartz timekeeper into a miniature computer. The new all-analog Casio ProTrek PRX-7000T is one of these few.
Dubey & Schaldenbrand Grand Dome DT Vintage 1946
The 2012 Dubey & Schaldenbrand Grand Dome DT Vintage 1946 chronograph is basically a refinished version of the 2011 D&S Grand Dome DT (ref. GDOM-ST-BKS-LS) model. However, the refreshed version features an even more appealing vintage-styled dial with almost the same set of vertically aligned sub-dials. While the original with its glossy and carbon-fiber-style surfaces was more high-tech, the new version has a certain Patek Philippe aura about it.
Nautica NMX 650 200M Quartz Diver
Despite its somewhat toy-like appearance, the new Nautica NMX 650 (ref. N18633G) diver may be a nice choice for those looking for an inexpensive beater that can be used as a diving companion.
Casio Sea Pathfinder in Titanium (Ref. SPF-60D-7AVER) Hands-On Review
In my search for an inexpensive sporty timepiece with a digital-analog display, I have recently stumbled over this Casio Sea Pathfinder SPF-60D-7AVER watch. Now I feel compelled to share my impressions about this beater with you in this brief hands-on review article.