The A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split – or the Triple “Wow Effect”

In the watchmaking world, there is the chronograph complication – in itself a complex type of movement that is hard to develop and to assemble. Then, there is the flyback chronograph, allowing for an instant reset-start of the timing session. And for years, right at the top of the food chain was the Split Seconds or rattrapante chronograph – the ultimate version of the stopwatch. That was the status quo until A. Lange & Söhne came on the market with a watch nicknamed by collectors the Mighty Double Split” or the “Über-Chronograph, a timepiece with split seconds and split minutes. This year, at the SIHH 2018, A. Lange & Söhne presented the Triple Split, the “mighter than mighty” version of its rattrapante chronograph. One watch that holds sway over them all…

7 years ago

The New Bulgari Octo l’Originale Solotempo in full Titanium

Bulgari made quite an impact last year when they unveiled their record-breaking, ultra-thin Octo Finissimo Automatic. In total, the sand-blasted titanium case measured just 5.15mm thick, an incredible achievement and one that in my opinion, looks absolutely superb on the wrist. Others, however, found it simply too thin, not to mention, also quite expensive. Fortunately for those people, Bulgari’s new Octo L’Originale SoloTempo Titanium offers a very similar aesthetic, in a slightly thicker case and at a more wallet-friendly price point.

7 years ago

Pre-Baselworld 2018 – Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon Black Enamel

As part of their Baselworld 2017 collection, Jaquet Droz introduced a watch that we reviewed here and that I personally loved and considered as one of the most achieved pieces in the signature “Grande Seconde” collection. Based on the iconic 8-shaped dial, the addition of the date and the moon indication gave the watch a lovely complicated, yet balanced design. As a preview of the upcoming Basel fair, a new version is coming, in the name of the Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Moon Black Enamel.

7 years ago

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm – Super Accessible, Cool and Hand-Wound

Sometimes – yes, it does happen to us, watch snobs – we like to take a look at some watches that could properly be named “value propositions”. By that, we don’t mean only an accessible price but also an outstanding value for the money. What Swiss brand Hamilton will launch soon is just that: cool and historically relevant design, right proportions, mechanical movement (and hand-wound in addition to that) and very, very friendly priced… Meet the new Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm.

7 years ago

The Breitling Navitimer 8 Collection, Georges Kern’s First Creation as CEO of Breitling

After he unexpectedly left IWC and joined Breitling as new CEO, Georges Kern was under the radar… We were all waiting for the first novelty to come out of the Grenchen-based manufacture. And today, here THEY come. Indeed, it’s not a watch but a full collection, named the Breitling Navitimer 8 collection, which is today introduced. 5 different models, 5 different displays, 5 different movements, 1 entirely new concept. Let’s have a look at Kern’s first creation.

7 years ago

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Annual Calendar Edition “150 Years” (SIHH 2018)

IWC is celebrating its birthday, and boy do they know how to throw a party! The Schaffhausen-based manufacture is having a birthday bash by not just releasing one simple anniversary piece, but by launching an array of models from various collections, all sharing one common theme: lacquered dials. We’ve shown you the superb IWC Tribute to Pallweber Edition 150 Years and the new IWC Portugieser Constant Force Tourbillon Edition 150 Years – to name a few. It is now time to take a closer look at the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Annual Calendar Edition 150 Years.

7 years ago

Hermès Introduces the Carré H, An Architectural Piece for their Debut at SIHH

The SIHH 2018 was Hermès’ first appearance at the Geneva-based show and, for that very reason, they had to make a statement. Using their usual sleek, sophisticated and elegant style, the brand teamed up with designer/architect Marc Berthier to create a contemporary and architectural piece, the new Hermès Carré H. Here’s our first look at this piece.

7 years ago

Pre-Baselworld 2018 – Bell & Ross Vintage BR-V2 Steel Heritage

One year ago, for Baselworld 2017, Bell & Ross introduced a new “Vintage” collection, their classical range of watches, with round cases and more reasonable dimensions. This new BR Vintage collection was fully redesigned to be thinner, smaller and more elegantly shaped. Quite a success, which was later followed by several colourful limited editions, such as the Gardes-Cotes or Bellytanker. Prior to Baselworld 2018, Bell & Ross just introduced a new version in the Vintage collection, the Vintage BR-V2 Steel Heritage. And if the normal ones were already cool, these new ones are certainly even cooler.

7 years ago

5 Cool Watches By Indie Watchmakers Launched Next to the SIHH

As SIHH 2018 excitement has settled down, it is time for us to look at some of the watches presented in Geneva (understand, not at the SIHH) that week, in particular, some we have not covered yet – or only with press pictures. LVMH brands exposed on a boat on the Geneva Lake or hotels, while several independent watchmakers showcased their latest creations in different locations across the city. Last but not least, the WPHH (World Presentation of Haute Horlogerie) was the opportunity for Frank Muller, Cvstos, Backes & Strauss and other affiliated brands to present their novelties at their Watchland site in Genthod.

7 years ago

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