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 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 issued for armies and navies of all parties involved. For obvious reasons, I can’t call this 2015 Longines Heritage Military COSD (ref. L2.832.4.53/73.x) a true “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 an officer and 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 their 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 2014 Baume & Mercier Clifton Retrograde Date Automatic, a new addition to the growing Clifton collection, 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.
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.
Edox Grand Ocean Extreme Sailing Series Special Edition
Edox has recently expanded its Grand Ocean collection with a new Extreme Sailing Series special edition model. Featuring the same basic styling as other chronographs in the family, the 2013 Edox Grand Ocean Extreme Sailing Series Special Edition (ref. 45004 357B BUIN) is available in three versions: black, blue and, don’t look now, pink PVD.
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.
Breitling for Bentley Light Body Midnight Carbon Chronograph
The new Breitling for Bentley Light Body Midnight Carbon Chronograph follows in the footsteps of the grim Barnato 42 Midnight Carbon Chronograph that was revealed in September 2012. However, compared to the first version, this variety comes in a larger body and features a more elaborate (also, slightly busier) dial with Breitling’s signature 30-seconds chronograph display.
Limited to just 1000 pieces, the watch was revealed in all of its carbonized titanium and black rubber glory during the Baselworld 2013 trade show.
Epos 3420 Limited Edition Chronometer
For this year, the Swiss brand Epos introduces a new version of its COSC-certified chronometer in a classy “three-hander” design. Well, there are two versions to be more precise: a model in steel (100 pieces), and a more impressive variation in black PVD body (pictured,) which is limited to 200 pieces. The limited edition Epos 3420 Chronometer is powered by a high-grade (although somewhat archaic) automatic movement that was officially certified as a chronometer by the Swiss COSC authority.
Longines Conquest Classic Self-Winding
Longines has first presented the Conquest Classic collection at the Baselworld 2013 exhibition. Soon to arrive at a watch shop near you, the new watch will be available in a choice of three versions including a two-tone with gold-steel bracelet variety (ref. L2.785.5.56.7) reviewed here. I must admit that the new member of the Conquest family looks a lot more elegant than its previous incarnations.
Breitling Transocean Chronograph 38 Automatic
I am not sure whether gender equality advocates will love this model. Compared to the original MY 2010 Transocean Chronograph 01 Limited Edition model that was designed for men, this new Breitling Transocean Chronograph 38 Ladies is not only smaller (which is, probably, acceptable for most people), but is also equipped with a less exclusive movement, which is not made in-house, but is based on the ETA 2892-A2 blank caliber, albeit adjusted to meet strict COSC standards. And it has one sub-dial less, too!