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 a deliciously vintage appearance with a time-proven hand-wound caliber and more than attractive price. What else would you want for Christmas?
Hand-Wound
Chr. Ward C5 Malvern Slimline Square Hand-Wound
Equipped with a hand-wound Swiss-made movement, the 2016 Chr. Ward C5 Malvern Slimline Square makes a strong impression. In fact, this new accessory, as deceptively unsophisticated as it is, may become one of the halo models for the British brand all over the civilized world, at least when it comes to people who can appreciate real beauty.
Oris Big Crown ProPilot Calibre 111 Hand-Wound
The 2015 Oris Big Crown ProPilot (ref. 01 111 7711 4163-Set 5 22 14FC) is powered by the new Caliber 111 hand-wound movement. Developed and built on their own premises, the beautiful mechanism not only makes this new timekeeper even more exclusive but also shows that Oris has enough resources to design and put on the production line a wonderful caliber. Their new Cal. 111 is an in-house mechanism that, at least in terms of functionality and efficiency, rivals those recently introduced by a lot more established watchmaking houses.
Breitling Transocean Chronograph 1915
The new Breitling Transocean Chronograph 1915 (ref. AB141112/G799-154A) is an interesting beast. It nicely mixes its modern design language with visual elements from models dating back to as many as hundred years ago. Some of these elements -or rather the way Breitling combined them together- look controversial. Some of them -like the choice of caliber- are cheap. Yet, this new variety is a great offer for a person who finds their signature Navitimer and Chronomat models too arrogant for a person of good taste.
Armin Strom Skeleton Pure (Water, Air, Earth & Fire)
Presented in a traditional for the brand cold, technocratic style, the new Armin Strom Skeleton Pure is offered in four versions, each corresponding to certain key elements of nature. Namely: Water, Air, Earth & Fire with the “Air” being a model in lightweight titanium and the “Earth” featuring black PVD-coated stainless steel. All of them look absolutely fabulous.
Nomos Orion 1989 Fall of the Berlin Wall Limited Edition
As the name implies, the limited-edition Nomos Orion 1989 Fall of the Berlin Wall celebrates the 25th anniversary of the fall of the wall that not only led to the reunification of Germany after more than four decades of Soviet occupation but actually marked the end of the communist era in Eastern and Central Europe.
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.
Tissot T-Complication Chronometer Hand-Wound
This Tissot T-Complication Chronometer (ref. T070.406.16.057.00) was first presented at the Baselworld 2014 trade show. Although the name would better suit something more aggressively designed and equipped with anything less complicated than a tourbillon, the gadget still looks extremely attractive offering a serene, elegant (although some might call it a bit generic) appearance. In fact, the timepiece may be a nice choice for a young person getting their first job in the City.
Montblanc Meisterstuck Heritage Pulsograph by Minerva
Celebrating the 90th anniversary of its legendary Meisterstuck pen that Montblanc has first released in 1924, the Swiss luxury brand releases the dressy Montblanc Meisterstuck Heritage Pulsograph by Minerva. Limited to just 90 pieces, the timekeeper features a working mechanical pulsometer: a thing that was popular among wealthy medical doctors during the first decades of the last century.
F.P. Journe 10th Anniversary Tourbillon Limited Edition
Based on their limited edition F.P. Journe Special 30th Anniversary Tourbillon that was released in October 2013, the 2014 F.P. Journe 10th Anniversary Tourbillon was produced to celebrate two landmark events in its short biography: the 10th anniversary of their first boutique in Tokyo, Japan and the opening of the tenth F.P. Journe boutique in Beirut, Lebanon. Predictably, the timekeeper’s total production was limited to just ten pieces, with only one of them going to each of their shops around the world.
A. Lange & Sohne Richard Lange “Terraluna”
A. Lange & Sohne has presented whole seven new models at the SIHH 2014 event, yet it is the gorgeous Richard Lange Perpetual Calendar “Terraluna” that will possibly get the most attention from both journalists and connoisseurs alike.
Chopard L.U.C 1963 50th Anniversary Chronometer
ere is a nice update from Chopard. Re-established back in 1963 by a goldsmith Karl Scheufele III, the company rose to its former glory like a ballistic rocket. A pair of limited-edition Chopard L.U.C 1963 50th Anniversary Chronometers (refs. 161963-5001 and 161963-9001) marks the semi-centenary of the luxury brand.
A. Lange & Sohne Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase in Rose Gold (Ref. 139.032)
A. Lange & Sohne, an elite German watchmaker as well as a jewel in the crown of the Richemont Group (just for context, their portfolio also includes such gems as IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Panerai,) has recently launched its new masterpiece. The A. Lange & Sohne Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase (Ref. 139.032) features a familiar design of its face with lots of off-centered sub-dials and the signature big date indicator, which is now powered by a new version of their gorgeous Caliber L095 hand-wound movement.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931
Back in December 2010, when the Swiss manufacturer was going to celebrate the 80th anniversary of its iconic 1931 Reverso model, the brand has introduced an outstanding Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 Limited Edition. The timekeeper proved to be so popular among thousands of fans that exactly a year later JLC introduced an even more appealing Grande Reverso 1931 Rouge Hand-Wound, and a later year still a splendid Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Duoface Bleu. This year, the company introduces Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 (ref. Q2782560) that features a slightly different, but an even more historically correct dial.
Panerai Luminor 1950 Left-Handed 3 Days (PAM 557)
Preparing for the SIHH 2014 industry event, the legendary Italian brand is about to begin yet another heavy artillery barrage of new model announcements. Among the first shells to blast the ground near you is their new Panerai Luminor 1950 Left-Handed 3 Days (PAM 557). Equipped with their in-house hand-wound caliber, the watch is designed for that strange sort of people that strum the guitar with their lefts and wear their watches on their rights.