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 is a reference to the brand’s “days of independence.” Back in the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, the company introduced one beautiful model after another. Although I can’t call it a real “homage” (and I 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 (AL-525APWD3CD3B / AL-525APW3CD6B)
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.
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.
Archimede Outdoor Black PVD Automatic
Recently, the German brand has introduced an absolutely outstanding Archimede Outdoor Black (refs. UA8237B-A2.1-SW & UA8237-A2.1-SW) presented in a rugged stainless steel body treated with black PVD coating.
JeanRichard Kind Surf Aquascope 60400-11l706-FK7A
The automatic JeanRichard Kind Surf Aquascope Edition (60400-11l706-FK7A) was created together with an NGO founded last year by Almudena Fernandez, a Spanish top model, in order to support kids from “socially disadvantaged environments”. It looks like by buying one of these limited-edition timekeepers, you will support a good cause.
Raymond Weil Freelancer Lady Urban Black (Ref. 2750-BK1-05208)
Despite its flashy look, this automatic Raymond Weil Freelancer Lady Urban Black (Ref. 2750-BK1-05208) belongs to that extremely boring (and also extremely large) class of fashion accessories that can only get attention at times like this: when the constant flow of new releases almost dries out and when there are almost no interesting objects fighting for our attention.
Raymond Weil Maestro Automatic (Ref. 2867-STC-00659)
After years of numerous trials and errors, Raymond Weil has finally delivered. Their 2013 Maestro Automatic (Ref. 2867- STC-00659) is offered in an elegant, well-proportioned stainless steel case that makes even the top-tier watchmaking houses want to eat their hearts out.
JeanRichard Terrascope SIAR «Jaguar» & «Golden Eagle» Limited Editions
Last week, at the Salon International de Alta Relojeria (SIAR) exhibition in Mexico, JeanRichard has presented a pair of limited edition watches. Based on their current Terrascope line, the new Terrascope Jaguar and Golden Eagle have their stainless steel cushion-shaped cases treated with scratch-resistant DLC coating and also feature unusual guilloche decor on their dials.
Chr. Ward C61 Trident-Pro Automatic Diver
Considered by many enthusiasts as an entry-level “Swiss Made” watch of choice, the Trident C60 has recently got significantly smaller. Since the bulky 42 millimeters of the original model were often too massive for buyers of the skinnier type, this 38-millimeter Chr. Ward C61 Trident-Pro will fit any medium- and small-sized wrist. And if you think that orange is just too bright for you (and it is, just trust me), there are two more color combinations to choose from.