The 2016 limited-edition Frederique Constant Peking to Paris (ref. FC-303WBRP5B6) may not be revolutionary or groundbreaking in any meaning of the words, but it is still an interesting (albeit a tad overpriced) timekeeper for a person interested in a nice three-hander with a just a grain of sportiness to it. While the “limited edition” part may be a bit gimmicky (in a sense that you can’t seriously expect a piece limited to almost 2900 units to become a rarity in any foreseeable future,) all the rest is legit: it is an expertly designed, solidly built piece that is powered by a robust mechanism.
Sellita SW200
Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage Automatic (refs. AL-525S4H6 & AL-525G4H6)
The 2016 Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage (refs. AL-525S4H6 & AL-525G4H6) collection of dressy divers is a clear reference to the brand’s so-called “days of independence” when, back in the late 1950s and throughout all the 1960s, the company introduced one beautiful model after another. Although I can’t call it a real “homage” (and I actually like that it is not,) this new pair of timepieces does a good job at recreating the spirit of the days long gone. Perhaps, the only thing that somehow devalues these gorgeous retro-styled models -besides the fact that, differing so much from other members of the Seastrong family, it needed to become a foundation of a completely new collection- is the simple mass-produced mechanism: each of these beauties just screams for a hand-wound NOS job!
Oris Divers Sixty-Five Automatic
First revealed at the Baselworld 2015 trade show, the 2015 Oris Divers Sixty-Five (ref. 01 733 7747 4055-07 4 17 18) automatic diver pays homage to a classic model from 1965. Although it is absolutely not a true reissue (even the choice of the movement makes it a different model), the Sixty-Five makes a strong impression and will be a wonderful choice for a person who wants to buy something “vintage”, but with brand new guts to power it.
Oris Thelonious Monk Limited Edition Automatic (Ref. 733 7712 4085)
Known for its love for music (among others, their limited editions include homages to such legends as Frank Sinatra, John Coltrane, and Dexter Gordon) Oris has recently introduced its limited edition Thelonious Monk (ref. 733 7712 4085). Although in certain respects this new model may look unfamiliar to a person who usually associates the brand with their gorgeous chronographs and bulky divers, it is, in fact, deeply rooted into the manufacture’s philosophy of industrial design. As the legendary sculptor of the past, they took a piece of metal and removed everything that didn’t belong there leaving only the essential elements that make an ordinary accessory a masterpiece.
JeanRichard Terrascope Automatic 39mm
With their 39mm JeanRichard Terrascope (ref. 60510D56A602-11A), the brand tries to kill two birds with one stone. First, it is the first unisex member of the Terrascope collection. Second, it is the first Terrascope that is less than 40 millimeters without the crown. Finally, you don’t have to be a huge guy to wear one of these with pride: you can be a skinny girl, too.
Alpina Comtesse Automatic
With its Comtesse (refs. AL-525APWD3CD3B and AL-525APW3CD6B) series,Alpina targets a wide array of customers, both in terms of exterior styling and price. While some may find this “one for everyone” concept too undiscriminating, the logic behind it is undeniable. After all, Alpina is here for the money and there seems to be nothing more cost-effective than offering a model that, as generic as it is, allows the brand to make so many nice variations without investing too much money designing the new collection.
JeanRichard Terrascope: Now in Rose Gold
JeanRichard Terrascope, a relatively new family of “masculine” timekeepers has just been updated with a number of “two-tone” models that successfully combine gold and steel. Carefully mixing textures and colors, the Swiss-based brand effectively delivered one of the most attractive cushion-shaped watches currently available on the market.
Archimede SportTaucher Kompass Automatic Diver
The sporty Archimede SportTaucher is now available with a new feature: a bidirectional rotating bezel graduated with a compass-style 360-degree scale. Although, unlike some electronic timekeepers, the Archimede SportTaucher K (Kompass) doesn’t have a real compass function, you can still use this little gadget to impress your girlfriend by finding north (or south). The only three things that you need to do to achieve this are the watch, visible Sun, and a girlfriend.
Alpina Startimer Pilot Sunray (Ref. AL-525GB4S6)
About two years ago, the Swiss watchmaker has introduced its vintage-styled Startimer Classic three-hander (Ref. AL-525SCR4S6). With a sleek, easy to read dial, the timekeeper looked great and probably generated good sales because for this year the company re-introduced the watch as an Alpina Startimer Pilot Sunray (Ref. AL-525GB4S6).
Limes Pharo Cartouche Automatic
The German holding Ickler GmbH, the one that sells more affordable Archimede and more expensive Limes watches under respective brands, has recently introduced an update to their dressy vintage-styled Pharo line. This Limes Pharo Cartouche Automatic (ref. U6282C-LA5.1) sports all the familiar strands of the collection’s DNA, but mixes them in better proportions producing, as a result, a watch that not only looks finely crafted but is also affordable almost to everyone.