Following the craziness of Only Watch 2019’s releases, you’d be forgiven in thinking that this week is going to be a quiet one. But with anniversary releases from TAG Heuer and A. Lange & Söhne, along with a handful of new releases from the likes of H. Moser & Cie, IWC and Zenith, it sure did prove to be an eventful week.
Oh, and we’ve changed the name from “Week in Review” to “Watches of the Week”. Seems a tad more catchy. :)
A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Moon Phase “25th Anniversary”
Number six of ten in A. Lange & Söhne’s collection of anniversary pieces, celebrating the Lange 1’s 25th birthday. The last limited edition Lange 1 releases was the impeccable and super technical Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar “25th Anniversary”, a watch that was wholly well received by the watch community at large. The Lange 1 Moon Phase “25th Anniversary”, while not as complex or intricate as the Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar, is perhaps the collector’s choice. Consistent with the entire “25th Anniversary” collection, the Lange 1 Moon Phase “25th Anniversary” has a solid silver dial with blued steel hands and blue printed numerals. The moon phase indicator is beautiful and utilises a rotating “8” displaying the moon superimposed on a revolving blue disc. Available for €43,300 and made in a limited run of 25 pieces.
TAG Heuer Monaco 1989-1999
The third of five limited edition watches celebrating the model’s 50th anniversary, the TAG Heuer Monaco 1989-1999 celebrates the ‘90s with its distinctive style. The grainy grey dial features red highlights, the typical horizontally orientated chronograph register layout and a beautiful vintage flair that is beloved within the Monaco collection lineage. The traditional Monaco placement of the crown on the left hand side of the watch continues with the TAG Heuer Monaco 1989-1999, and the blocky nature of the case continues on with the Monaco’s masculine yet subtle look. Limited to 169 pieces, the TAG Heuer Monaco 1989-1999 will cost $6,550USD.
H. Moser & Cie Pioneer Centre Seconds Funky Blue Black Edition
Expanding on what is already a very popular collection, the Pioneer Centre Seconds is now available in a stunning look, combining dark colours, deep blues and a bit of trickery for dramatic effect. The black DLC-coated stainless-steel case is flawless, the Funky Blue fumé dial features a gradient finish, with a darker outer dial turning into a lighter blue-purple inner dial. The hands and hour markers are darker than in the original Pioneer Centre Seconds and powering the Pioneer Centre Seconds Funky Blue Black Edition is H. Moser & Cie’s in-house automatic calibre HMC 200. Not a limited edition and priced at €13,250.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition Racing Green
IWC introduced one of their most popular and most iconic watches ever, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition, with a stunning Racing Green dial. Inspired by the classical racing car look, albeit known as British Racing Green, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition Racing Green features a glistening green dial with a sunray-brushed pattern finish. This classical British theme continues on to the strap, with a brown pilot-style calfskin strap finishing off this very English-themed ensemble. The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition Racing Green is priced at $5,800USD and limited to only 1,000 pieces.
Edox SkyDiver Military Limited Edition
Rumour has it that the original Edox SkyDiver Military was made following a secret request from a Swiss colonel in 1973. Fast forward a generation, and the SkyDiver Military Limited Edition is still as durable, as robust and as tough as the original paratrooper-friendly SkyDiver Military. Inspired by military watches of yesteryear, the SkyDiver Military Limited Edition features a super legible matte black dial, a satin green diving bezel, a 42mm wide stainless-steel case and Super-LumiNova X1 (embodying a faux patina look) on the indices and hands. The SkyDiver Military Limited Edition is powered by an automatic ébauche movement, is limited to 555 pieces and will cost a very wallet-friendly €1,290.
Zenith Defy Classic Skeleton Mykonos Edition
Featuring a rubber strap with the infamous Mykonos pavement look imprinted on it and the iconic colours of Greece’s party island, the Defy Classic Skeleton Mykonos Edition is the perfect summer watch. Zenith’s distinct look of the Defy Classic is further extenuated with the iconic look of the addition of the Greek flag colours: blue and white. Extending from the ceramic case to the openworked dial, the blue and white look of the Defy Classic Skeleton Mykonos Edition is especially reminiscent of beautiful sunny days not only in Mykonos, but throughout the islands of Greece. Exclusively available at Greek retails GOFAS, the Defy Classic Skeleton Mykonos Edition is limited to only 25 pieces and will be available for €7,900.
Longines Master Collection Chronograph Bucherer “Blue Editions”
The blue-themed look that Bucherer’s limited edition collaborative pieces are known for now extends to Longines’ Master Collection, specifically the super budget-conscious MC Chronograph. The Master Collection Chronograph Bucherer “Blue Editions” blends tradition with modern aesthetics, and its package is one that I find greatly appealing. I love the contrast between the blue dial and silver sub-dials, with the polished 40mm wide stainless-steel case providing the perfect accompaniment to an overly cool-themed watch. Soft subtle touches like flowing lugs, smooth pushers and a slim bezel extenuates the Master Collection Chronograph Bucherer’s nature, and while it is powered by an ébauche movement, its €2,510 more than reflects that.