Officially revealed at the SIHH 2016 show, the IWC Top Gun Miramar Chronograph (ref. IW389002) brings everything you loved about the original Miramar collection, albeit in a smaller package. With a touch oversized case crafted from dark grey scratch-resistant ceramic and a high-contrast, yet discreet dial layout, this new model looks like an interesting choice for a person who always wanted a dressy “aviator”, but wasn’t quite satisfied with earlier models and their Gargantuan proportions.
ceramic
Tudor Fastrider Black Shield Ducati (ref. 42000CN)
Marketed as a sort of accessory for the 2016 Ducati XDiavel power cruiser that was presented at the 2015 EICMA international motorcycle show in Milan, Italy, the Tudor Fastrider Black Shield Ducati (ref. 42000CN) is as sporty and laconic as the Italian sports bike. While some may find its look a bit dated (while others may call it ‘classic’,) the choice of material for its chunky case easily compensates for its apparent lack of originality making it a nice choice for a person willing to spend close to $5000 for a Swiss-made chronograph that, while looking plain, offers you the same level of quality and functionality that we expect from a timekeeper in this price range.
Chopard L.U.C 8HF Power Control (Ref. 168575-9001)
The 2015 Chopard L.U.C 8HF Power Control (Ref. 168575-9001) features one of the best examples of the European industrial design. It 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.
Blancpain «Ocean Commitment» Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback
The Blancpain Ocean Commitment Bathyscaphe Chronographe Flyback features a stunning ceramic body with an elegant blue bezel and a highly-legible dial, sports a water resistance rating of 300 meters, and is limited to just 250 numbered pieces. Blancpain is also committed to donating as much as €1000 from each timekeeper sold to the various initiatives and foundations that contribute to making the world ocean a little bit better place to live for its billions of dwellers. What other excuse do you need to buy this beautiful timepiece?
Chanel J12-365: Ceramic Paradise
Presented at Baselworld 2014 trade fair, the Chanel J12-365 was offered in a total of eight different variations ranging from a fairly unassuming version with glossy ceramic body and polished notched stainless steel bezel to a lot more conspicuous variation with “beige” gold bezel and hands and lots of diamonds to admire. Significantly smaller than its older siblings, the new version of the legendary J12 (the one that, as the saying goes, is often imitated, but never duplicated, even when the attempt is made by such a serious player as TAG Heuer with its otherwise gorgeous Formula 1 Lady Steel & Ceramic Pavee model) will still look prominent on any wrist getting you tons of attention and envious looks.
Girard-Perregaux Chrono Hawk Hollywoodland
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.
Chanel J12 Moonphase in Black Ceramic
The sporty Chanel J12 Moonphase (ref. H3406) was first presented at Baselworld 2013 trade show. It took them less than six months to start selling the piece in select stores and exclusive boutiques around the world.
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).
2013 Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver (Ref. 266-33-8C/922)
Expanding the bizarre collection of “fashion divers”, the 2013 Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver (Ref. 266-33-8C/922) offers a nice combo of 18-karat rose gold with elements of its chunky body and solid bracelet crafted from black rubber and glossy black ceramic respectively. While not a “tool,” the timekeeper is nevertheless equipped with a COSC-certified chronometer movement and features a water resistance rating that makes it suitable at least for recreational diving.
IWC Big Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Boutique Edition Green (Ref. IW501903)
IWC has prepared a limited edition version of its Big Pilot model. Sporting the same dial layout as the 2010 IWC Blue Big Pilot Limited Edition 7 Days Power Reserve, the 2013 IWC Big Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Boutique Edition Green (Ref. IW501903) grew even bigger and finally got its stainless steel body swapped in favor of a more appealing black ceramic.