The 2018 Christopher Ward C1 Grand Malvern Worldtimer (the model with reference number C01-43AWT2-S00W0-CC with a “Camel” leather strap is reviewed here, but there are two more versions available with “Tan” and “Blue” leather bands,) is the young watchmaking brand’s latest attempt to conquer the niche of dressy ‘UTC’ watches. This time, it offers a better-calculated combination of good quality, great exterior, and a nice automatic movement that is equipped with a complication that is manufactured exclusively for Chr. Ward by its long-standing Swiss-based partner.
GMT
Grand Seiko Sport Collection Spring Drive GMT Limited Edition (Ref. SBGE245G)
In a matter of days, the Japanese conglomerate Seiko will start selling the hybrid-powered Grand Seiko Sport Collection Spring Drive GMT Limited Edition (Ref. SBGE245G). With the luxury gadget being limited to the Japanese domestic market, it will be a bit difficult to come by if you happen to live on the other side of the globe. Yet, the device is so beautiful, so impressive that it will be absolutely worth going into all the trouble to get one.
Montblanc TimeWalker Automatic Chronograph UTC Ceramic (ref. 116101)
Unveiled at the Baselworld 2017, the Montblanc TimeWalker Automatic Chronograph UTC Ceramic (ref. 116101) is a nice (if a bit overpriced to my taste) addition to their line of popular sporty chronographs. While some of the main selling points of this new TimeWalker -like, say, the choice of the movement, as well as the combination of materials- look more “acceptable” to yours truly rather than even mildly “exciting,” we at WorldWatchReview.com would still recommend getting one of these oversized pieces of, um, time-measuring opulence if the price is not a problem.
Christopher Ward C8 UTC Worldtimer Automatic
In less than two months, Christopher Ward will start selling the 2016 C8 UTC Worldtimer. Styled as an “aviator” and featuring an appealing combination of a robust Swiss-made movement with their new distinctive approach to design, the new timekeeper is well worth the serious chunk of cash that the watchmaker plans to charge for it.
2016 Breitling Chronoliner Triple Time-Zone Chronograph
If you have noticed the sporty Chronoliner collection from last year but decided to pass on it for the lack of bling, this limited-edition 2016 Breitling Chronoliner Triple Time-Zone Chronograph will make you want to reconsider. Preserving the same energetic (some may even call it assertive) styling of the original, it comes in a dressier rose gold case. Carefully balancing the mix of materials and textures, it manages not to look too arrogant in all of its polished rose gold and glossy ceramic glory.
Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days GMT Automatic Acciaio (ref. PAM 627)
During the 26th Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH 2016,) the Italian brand has presented a number of new collections. Among them was this gorgeous (but in a very modest way) Panerai Radiomir 1940 3Days GMT Acciaio (ref. PAM 627) that features their brand new Caliber P.4001 movement with a micro-rotor design. Although the watchmaker didn’t dare to step too far away from the time-proven design that the Radiomir collection is known for, the PAM 627 still looks fresh and attractive thanks to the waffle-style dial finish that they, unfortunately, use only on a very limited number of models.
Grand Seiko 55th Anniversary Spring Drive Chronograph LE (ref. SBGC013)
With its extremely precise mechanism and a nice sporty case, the new Grand Seiko 55th Anniversary Spring Drive Chronograph (ref. SBGC013) is a perfect (if not a bit overpriced) choice for a person who already has a collection of Speedmasters and wants to spice it with a lot more technologically advanced -and better finished- timekeeper from Japan.
Pierre DeRoche TNT Royal Retro GMT 1/2 Hour (Ref. TNT10005ACTI0-005CR) (UPDATED)
The 2015 Pierre DeRoche TNT Royal Retro GMT 1/2 Hour is basically the same TNT Royal Retro RB that we have seen many times before, but with a new complication that makes it not only fancy looking but also useful for frequent travelers.
Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Vuelo Automatic
As defiantly eclectic as it is, the Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador Vuelo still makes a strong impression with its deliberately oversized stainless steel body and a dial that could make your eyes bleed if only it wasn’t matched so convincingly well to the energetic shape of the case. Not designed according to the book that most Swiss-based watchmakers live by, this new Historiador may be a timekeeper of choice for a person who looks for something entirely new.
Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time 5524
Patek Philippe has first unveiled the self-winding Calatrava Pilot Travel Time (ref. 5524) collection during the Baselworld 2015 show. Combining in the same package a ‘historic’ dial layout of a 1930s pilot’s watch with a meticulously sculpted white gold body that only the modern tech makes possible, this is one of the most notable timekeepers presented at the trade fair. Also, there is an in-house self-winding movement that makes one drown in his own saliva while searching for one’s credit card.