The New Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback, with a Bronze or Aged Steel Case

If the early El Primero watches (the ref. A386 in particular), fitted with one of the very first automatic chronograph movements, are certainly the most iconic pieces produced by the Le Locle-based manufacture, another watch has gained quite some fame recently: the Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Cairelli. Already reissued in 2016 in a limited edition, some new, non-limited versions of the Cairelli-inspired watch have been presented, with exotic materials and a new flyback function – quite relevant for a pilot chronograph. Meet the new Zenith Pilot Cronometro Tipo CP-2 Flyback, with Bronze or Aged-Steel case.

7 years ago

Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd. Kelly, for Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is fast approaching and there is another victory girl in the Graham pin-up line up. The concept of the vintage-inspired pilot chronograph, with its bold lefty-case, combined with painted dials depicting Nose Art is now a signature style for the brand, and there’s a new “babe” coming. She goes by the name of Kelly, she is Asian and she wears a long red floral dress. Here’s an early hands-on look at the Graham Chronofighter Vintage Nose Art Ltd. Kelly.

7 years ago

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph With Smoked Dial (SIHH 2018)

Now that the big stress linked to the opening of SIHH 2018 is gone, it is time for us to look at less important novelties. Alongside the RD#2 (the thinnest automatic QP ever), Audemars has many other watches to show in the 2018 collection, including this one, a new version of the Royal Oak Chronograph with a smoked slate grey dial. Nothing revolutionary here, just a cool looking watch – but not for every pocket though.

7 years ago

IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “150 Years” (SIHH 2018)

IWC celebrates its 150th anniversary with a generous line-up of 27 limited editions of the brand’s icons – including this popular Pilot’s Watch Chronograph, also known as the  “FliegerChronograph“. The “150 Years” watch displays elapsed times against a glossy, white lacquered dial that pays tribute to the enamel dials of IWC’s historic pocket watches.

7 years ago

The New Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpa Collection for SIHH 2018

Originally introduced back in 2001, the Kalpa collection by Parmigiani Fleurier is amongst the most recognizable models of the brand. With its distinctive tonneau-shaped case and teardrop lugs, it has a unique style that, if not liked by all, definitely makes a statement. Ahead of the upcoming SIHH 2018, the brand has introduced the new, redesigned Kalpa collection, which is now fitted exclusively with shaped movements, developed in-house. Here are the first three watches to be presented: the Kalpa Chronor, the Kalpagraphe Chronometre and the Kalpa Hebdomadaire.

7 years ago

The New Bulgari Octo l’Originale Velocissimo Chronograph in Full Titanium

Born from a distinctive perception of elegance, the Octo is a perfect illustration of Bulgari’s Italian design flair and expertise in creating fascinating-shaped watches. Right from its introduction in 2012, its faceted, octagonal case has imposed its strength and personality becoming an instant classic. With a modernized design and materials for 2018, here is the Bulgari Octo l’Originale Velocissimo Chronograph.

7 years ago

A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph Now In Pink Gold (SIHH 2018)

A. Lange & Sohne has introduced another iteration of its classic 1815 Chronograph this year at SIHH, now cased in warm 18ct pink gold but still with the same iconic pulsation dial. Considered by many to be the ultimate expression of a purist chronograph, these latest versions will be sure to strike a chord with collectors, who now find themselves literally spoilt for choice. Will it be the distinctive and powerful black dial or the equally elegant yet slightly more understated argenté dial? Perhaps one of each? We can dream.

7 years ago

Montblanc 1858 Automatic Chronograph – The Minerva Style Made Accessible (SIHH 2018)

Looking at recent collections by Montblanc, one series of watches clearly created a strong interest amongst the collecting community. You name it; the Minerva-inspired Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymetre and its superb (to say the least) hand-wound Monopusher movement. One not-so-superfluous problem though with these watches… Their prices. Well, if you like the Military- and vintage-inspired Minerva chronographs and if you have a normal budget, MB has the solution at the SIHH 2018: the Montblanc 1858 Automatic Chronograph.

7 years ago

A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split – The New Mightier Than Mighty Chronograph (SIHH 2018)

Several years ago I had the pleasure of reviewing the A. Lange & Söhne Double Split and called it the über-chrono. To be clear, this has nothing to do with its functions but is entirely due to its spectacularly beautiful movement. Of course, the Double Split is the only mechanical double split-second chronograph, so that certainly demands some respect, but the movement’s architecture and finishing show a breath-taking beauty that no watch lover can ignore. And now there’s a Triple Split! Does that mean that the über-chrono has been surpassed? Yep, it does, and… it’s limited to only 100 pieces!

7 years ago

The Brand New Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris 2018 Collection (SIHH 2018) – Live Photos & Price

Jaeger-LeCoultre is well-known by watch enthusiasts, especially when it comes to dress watches or elegant timepieces – think Reverso or Master Ultra-Thin. Yet, in terms of sports watches, the situation is rather different. JLC never really achieved to create the definitive collection – now more than ever, as the Master Compressor collection is discontinued. For the SIHH however, things are changing with the introduction of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris 2018 Collection… A sports watch collection, which is JLC all the way.<

7 years ago