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.
Bold, bold and… Bold! Yes, this new Ulysse Nardin Diver Deep Dive is far from discreet and is a proper tool made to resist to high pressure. What you see is the new hero piece of the Ulysse Nardin Diver Collection. Indeed, for the SIHH 2018, Ulysse Nardin is not only playing on the innovation or fine craftsmanship sides but they also look at some inspirations that made the brand popular a few years ago. Overview of a strong, powerful dive watch.
Right from the start of the SIHH 2018, we made sure that the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris 2018 Collection was already covered here, on MONOCHROME. Indeed, it represents one of the main novelties of the Show and, mainly, an extremely important collection for JLC, as their only true sports range of watches. And while the Memovox will certainly be the most desirable of them all, we chose to show you another (very close) model, that we consider here the cornerstone of the collection, as non-limited, relatively affordable but still vintage-inspired. You name it, the Jaeger LeCoultre Polaris Date.
Right from the start of the SIHH 2018, we made sure that the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris 2018 Collection was already covered here, on MONOCHROME. Indeed, it represents one of the main novelties of the Show and, mainly, an extremely important collection for JLC, as their only true sports range of watches. And while the Memovox will certainly be the most desirable of them all, we chose to show you another (very close) model, that we consider here the cornerstone of the collection, as non-limited, relatively affordable but still vintage-inspired. You name it, the Jaeger LeCoultre Polaris Date.
As part of their Pre-Baselworld 2018 collection, Bulgari unveils a new version of its Octo Tourbillon Sapphire, now with a black-DLC steel case. In the dark, its luminescent Tourbillon movement shines blue light and reveals its inner working in complete transparency. Here’s an early hands-on look at this bold piece.
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.
As the modern incarnation of the very first luxury-sports watch created in 1972, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin 15202 needs no introduction anymore. Its octagonal shape, its screwed bezel, its integrated chain-like bracelet, its extra-thin automatic movement, its finely guilloched blue dial… Everything in this watch is iconic. Well, for the SIHH 2018, there’s a new version, and don’t be fooled by the familiar look, it has much more secrets than you would expect at first. Please meet the Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin 15202IP – and yes it is titanium and it has a superb and unprecedented smoked blue dial.
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.<
Now it makes zero sense to compare the very first luxury sports watch to the very latest in this desirable segment, at least not from a consumer’s perspective (the vintage AP RO Jumbo is of course not for sale anymore.) However, it does, when looking at if and how the luxury sports watch segment has developed over the past 4.5 decades. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 5402ST was introduced in 1972, and the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic was introduced in 2017. Forty-five years, only a handful of competitors in all those years and only one serious competitor survived: the Patek Philippe Nautilus. But will the new Bulgari become a serious competitor for the uncrowned king of the luxury sports watches?
I always have a little bit of a tough time stomaching car, football club or otherwise branded Limited Edition or commemorative timepieces. Some try way too hard to get across what they are, other than a standard series watch with often little more than a few details that have nothing to do with watchmaking. Don’t get me wrong, there are examples that come out just right in my book, and yes it is of course highly personal, as is everything when it comes to preferences. One of those watches that seems to hit the proverbial nail on the head for me is the recently introduced Oris Chronoris Williams 40th Anniversary Limited Edition.