During the last three or four years, Tissot has introduced several great classic-styled timekeepers in their Heritage line. Among others, the collection included the stunning 2013 Heritage Navigator 160th Anniversary that still stays in production. For this year, the entry-luxury brand adds an even more impressive (although deceptively simple) hand-wound Heritage 1936 (ref. T104.405.16.012.00). Staying true to the collection’s concept, the model combines deliciously vintage appearance with a time-proven hand-wound caliber and more than attractive price. What else would you want for Christmas?
ETA Unitas 6498
Eberhard & Co. Traversetolo Ambri Piotta (Ref. 21016)
The Eberhard & Co. Traversetolo Ambri Piotta (Ref. 21016) is a classic hand-wound three-hander that features a surprisingly easy-to-read dial and is powered by the legendary Unitas 6498 caliber.
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.
Frederique Constant Carrera Panamericana Limited Edition (FC-435S6B6 & FC-435V6B6)
During the Baselworld 2012 international trade fair that took place in March, right, 2012, the Swiss brand has present its limited edition Frederique Constant Carrera Panamericana (refs. FC-435S6B6 & FC-435V6B6) collection. Presented in two versions (each limited to 1888 numbered pieces,) it was powered by a hand-wound movement based on a “vintage” pocket-watch caliber.
Archimede Deck Watch R (Ref. UA7952)
For this year, the German watchmaker has presented a revised version of its last year’s “deck” timepiece, which is now aptly named Archimede Deck Watch R. Initially introduced early last year as a prototype, the original was inspired by the famous (at least, among serious collectors) Stowa Kriegsmarine maritime chronometer that was used by the German Navy during the World War II.
Epos 3403 OH Collection Passion
The 2011 Epos 3403 OH Collection Passion (ref. 3403.193.20.15.25) is not just another pretentious “entry-luxury” item that tries to sell you the old ETA/Unitas 6498-2 hand-wound movement wrapped in anything more impressive than a standard mildly oversized case and an open-heart dial. As deliberately eclectic as it is, the new device is an interesting combination of a semi-skeletonized movement with some nice engraving on its bridges visible only through the sapphire back with a daringly modern dial on the front.
Kudoke KudOktopus Skeleton
At the Baselworld 2011 show, the young master-watchmaker Stefan Kudoke has presented his extensively skeletonized Kudoke KudOktopus model. Featuring a vintage movement that was elaborately cut to resemble a giant octopus, the timepiece would probably easily compete even with made-to-order timepieces from Grieb & Benzinger… if only it was equipped with a higher-grade caliber.
Glycine Incursore II 44mm California Dial (Ref. 3901)
Glycine SA will soon start selling its hand-wound Glycine Incursore II 44mm (Ref. 3901). Presented in a huge stainless steel body around 44 millimeters in diameter (as the name clearly tells us), the new military-styled timekeeper (at least, the version with a so called ‘California‘ dial that combines Roman and Arabic numerals) seems to be deeply inspired by vintage timekeepers from another Italian watchmaker — Panerai.
Archimede Pilot XL Automatic
If you have a body (or at least wrists) of heroic proportions and are not willing to pay thousands of dollars for ridiculously overpriced timepieces like, say, IWC Doppel-Chronograph Top Gun, then you may want to check out the vintage-styled Archimede Pilot XL , which is both ruggedly-classy and, priced well below the €500 mark, surprisingly affordable.
a.b.art launches simplistic MM series
O Sancta simplicitas (but in a good way!) These are the first words that come to mind when I see the new MM series (refs. MM 101 & MM 102) from a.b.art. The Swiss company built its reputation on creating minimalist, easy-to-read timekeepers with the Bauhaus movement being their most important source of inspiration. The new MM series, however, is simplicity in its purest form. And I must admit that we here at WorldWatchReview.com are extremely delighted to see this beautiful timekeeper. While some may find its exterior oversimplified, I would argue that this is one of the most refined “simple” dressy watches currently available in this price range.