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. Initially designed for pocket watches, the huge mechanism looks perfectly at home in this mildly oversized timepiece.
Gustafsson & Sjogren GoS Midnight Sun Limited Edition
Created by bladesmith Johan Gustafsson and watchmaker Patrik Sjögren, the Swedish brand is known for timekeepers that, while not terribly advanced when it comes to mechanisms that tick inside their bodies offer a rare combination of materials and excellent craftsmanship. Since all their watches are hand-finished, they are usually limited to just a handful of pieces. This new Gustafsson & Sjögren GoS Midnight Sun, for example, will be issued in a run of just five items!
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.
Hamilton Khaki Navy Pioneer Wrist Watch/Desk Clock
With a substantial, even intimidating, stainless steel body that measures more than 46 millimeters in diameter, the new hand-wound Hamilton Khaki Navy Pioneer (ref. H78190)deck watch can easily serve both as a big wrist watch and as a small desk clock.
Alpina Heritage Pilot Hand-Wound Limited Edition (Ref. AL435B4SH6)
Presented during the Baselworld 2012 event, the limited edition Alpina Heritage Pilot (Ref. AL-435B4SH6) features the same easily recognizable styling of their “aviators,” but is now equipped with a nicely decorated hand-wound movement, which is protected from accidents with a solid “hunter” caseback cover.
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.
Baume & Mercier Hampton Small Seconds in Rose Gold (ref. MOA10033)
The entry-level Swiss watchmaking brand has recently updated its Hampton collection of rectangular timepieces. Among the new set of models is the hand-wound Baume & Mercier Hampton Small Seconds (ref. MOA10033 aka 10033). It is presented in a slim rose gold body that measures less than eleven millimeters from nicely curved top to flat bottom.
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.