Based on one of their earlier Supersports models, the 2016 Breitling for Bentley GT3 (ref. V273655S/BE14/233S/V20DSA.2) delivers the traditional mix of daring exterior styling and a fairly impressive price tag. The only thing that it lacks is an in-house caliber, but for those not interested in the model’s guts and more concerned about looks and brand value its modified ETA movement may even be a better choice.
ETA 2892
Longines Heritage Military COSD Automatic (ref. L2.832.4.53/73.x)
War never changes. Watches, however, do. It is nice when reputable brands introduce all sorts of homages to the legendary WWII-time models that were issued for armies and navies of all parties involved. For obvious reasons, this 2015 Longines Heritage Military COSD (ref. L2.832.4.53/73.x) can’t be called a “reissue”. However, it is still a nice choice for a person who wants to buy a military-style timekeeper that doesn’t look like it came straight from the Call of Duty: Black Ops. This one was designed with a gentleman in mind.
IWC Aquatimer Deep Three Titanium (Ref. IW355701)
Unveiled at SIHH 2014, the IWC Aquatimer Deep Three Titanium (Ref. IW355701) is perhaps the first “tool” diver that actually looks great. Its lightweight titanium case is meticulously crafted and features a much elaborated high-tech finish. With its easy-grip rotating bezel and crisp (although a bit busy thanks to its mechanical depth gauge display) dial, the wristwatch would look organic in a sci-fi movie like Oblivion or maybe even Prometheus.
Hublot Classic Fusion Bol d’Or Mirabaud Chronograph in Titanium (Ref. 521.NQ.1717.QR.BOM14)
This Hublot Classic Fusion Bol d’Or Mirabaud (Ref. 521.NQ.1717.QR.BOM14) is a nice take on the Swiss brand’s iconic Classis Fusion collection. While the differences with other models in the range are only cosmetic, the choice of materials and the way they are put together make a strong impression. As usual, Hublot will severely limit its total production volume in order to make it a ‘real’ rarity.
Breitling for Bentley 6.75 Midnight Carbon Limited Edition
The limited edition Breitling for Bentley 6.75 Midnight Carbon was introduced on March 5, 2014. Created in partnership with the German-owned, British-based maker of ultra-luxury cars, the monstrous timepiece features all the usual design elements of the family and, as usual, comes in a fairly small lot of 1000 individually numbered pieces. Like a number of their recent offerings, it is offered in a sexy black (or very dark grey) finish that, unlike models treated with PVD coating process, will not show minor dents and scratches.
Baume & Mercier Clifton Retrograde Date Automatic
So far, the beautiful Baume & Mercier Clifton Retrograde Date Automatic, a new addition to the growing Clifton collection of affordable dress watches that was presented back in January at SIHH 2014 show, looks like the most advanced member of the family. Although the mechanism that powers it is just a usual ETA 2892-2 with a complication module sitting atop of it, it is still elegant and refined and, if you are not obsessed with technical features, could become a nice companion if you plan to wear it with a business suit.
Breitling Super Avenger Military Limited Edition
Introduced right before the holidays, Breitling Super Avenger Military Limited Edition (ref. M2233010/BC91-100W) brings to your doors just about everything that you can expect from a contemporary “luxury tactical” timekeeper: it is huge, it is black, and it is powered by a COSC-certified chronometer movement. It is also obscenely expensive.
Perrelet Turbine Automatic Chronograph (Ref. A1074/2)
First presented back in 2009, the “double-rotor” Turbine line includes a number of beautiful three-handers. What the collection lacked till now was a chronograph: obviously, it is not that easy to make a chronograph out of a watch that has most of its dial covered with a turbine blades-styled auxiliary oscillating weight. However, with its new Perrelet Turbine Automatic Chronograph (Ref. A1074/2), the company demonstrates that anything is possible if you have some imagination.
Longines Heritage 1968 Square Stainless Steel (Ref. L2.792.4.71.0)
This new Longines Heritage 1968 Square doesn’t look like a re-issue of a certain model that was released by the Swiss brand back in the 1960s. However, it looks more than a curt nod to the period when the Western civilization was reaching its peak giving a pretty good idea of how Longines watches of the time could have looked like if watchmakers of that time have had technologies of the XXI century.
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.