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?
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.
Steinhart ST 10 Anniversary Edition (Ref. L0810)
Steinhart celebrates its tenth year in business with this limited edition 2014 Steinhart ST 10 Anniversary Edition (Ref. L0810) that deserves some attention. First, the German brand normally uses standard Swiss-made calibers to power its timekeepers. For a change, the ST10 is powered by a neatly decorated hand-wound movement from Unitas. Second, it comes with an unusual dial layout, even though some may find it a bit, well, too unusual. Third, even as bulky as it is, the gadget is still compact enough for a sporty daily beater. Perhaps, the only thing that may turn some people off is the price: €1290 seems *ahem* a bit too steep for a Steinhart.
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 new Nomos Orion 1989 Fall of the Berlin Wall Limited Edition wristwatch celebrates the 25th anniversary of the fall of the wall that not only led to 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.
Jaquet Droz Museum Pocket Watch
Earlier this month, Jaquet Droz has presented its piece unique: the Museum Pocket Watch. It was literally built around a time-worn 18th-century movement that was lovingly (and also painstakingly) restored to its present glory in JD own workshops. Originally missing certain vital parts, the restored mechanism, as archaic as it is, looks magnificent and stately inside its massive 18-karat red gold body.
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.
Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 (Ref. 311.62.42.30.06.001)
Although there is a feeling of something not being “right” when you look at a luxury watch, which is supposed to be a sort of homage to the timekeeper Neil Armstrong has worn when setting his foot at Moon’s dusty surface, the new limited edition Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 11 (Ref. 311.62.42.30.06.001) looks absolutely stunning with its chocolate-colored nylon strap matching the color of the dial. The latter, by the way, looks especially grand thanks to its rose gold hour markers and hands that provide the timekeeper with an even better sense of depth and dimension.