Week number 36 of 2019 is done and dusted, and as we approach the latter half of the year releases of the horological kind are still hotter than ever. In this week’s round up we have brand new watches from the likes of Breitling, Urwerk, Greubel Forsey and Apple. Enjoy!
Breitling Aviator 8 Etihad Limited Edition
As part of Breitling’s partnership with Etihad Airlines, the brand has launched the Aviator 8 Etihad Limited Edition. Featuring Arabic numerals on the dial and date window, along with Arabic typography in the day window, the Aviator 8 Etihad Limited Edition’s black look is offset beautifully by the gold plated hands and hour numerals. The 41mm wide DLC-coated stainless steel case is stylised like the original Navitimer 8 Automatic Day & Date but I much prefer the Aviator 8 Etihad Limited Edition’s darker look throughout. The Aviator 8 Etihad Limited Edition is limited to only 500 pieces and will cost $4,995USD.
Urwerk UR-100 SpaceTime
Able to tell the time on Earth and in space, the new UR-100 SpaceTime features Urwerk’s iconic satellite display in a super contemporary, super avantgarde package. This orbital looking dial is quintessentially Urwerk, and the UR-100 SpaceTime captures that very well known aesthetic. Technically, the UR-100 SpaceTime is supremely interesting. Instead of using the red tipped minute pointers on the hour satellites going back after 60 minutes, the new UR-100 SpaceTime’s minute arrows pass under and between subsidiary dials, eventually reappearing to display an exclusive astronomical indication being the distance travelled on Earth and the distance travelled on Earth. Romantic, philosophical and perplexing. The new UR-100 SpaceTime is available in either a stainless steel or PVD-coated titanium case, both limited to only 25 pieces and both available soon for 48,000CHF.
Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon 30° Technique Ceramic
Arguably one of the kings of contemporary watchmaking, Greubel Forsey has just released the Double Tourbillon 30° Technique Ceramic in a unique blue colour set exclusively for the U.S. market. Perhaps one of Greubel Forsey’s most technically appealing timepieces, the Double Tourbillon 30° Technique Ceramic is such an incredible feat of watchmaking. Interestingly enough, the Double Tourbillon 30° Technique Ceramic performed a reported 10 times better in a 2011 chronometry certification than a COSC certification. Priced at $695,000USD and limited to 11 pieces.
Apple Watch Series 5
Apple released the latest update to its famed accessory, the Apple Watch Series 5. As a proud owner of a previous generation Apple Watch that I wear throughout the working week, there are a bunch of new features that really caught my eye. The Apple Watch Series 5 features an “Always-On Retina”, enormous customisation options with case materials like aluminium, stainless steel, titanium or ceramic to choose from, a super sensitive heart rate monitor, a Noise alert system and advanced fitness metrics. There’s a better compass and altimeter system, the ability to stream the entire Apple Music library (that’s about 50 million songs mind you) and over a hundred different watch faces to choose from. Priced from $649AUD.
TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 The Hour Glass Edition
Despite being launched in 1969, the Monaco has been a staple of TAG Heuer and has generated quite a cult following. The latest Monaco variation is the TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 The Hour Glass Edition, made to celebrate The Hour Glass’ 40th anniversary, along with commemorating its own half-century celebrations. To be completely honest with you, I’ve never really connected with the Monaco. Not that I don’t like it – more like I don’t seen myself wearing it. But, in saying that, the Monaco Calibre 11 The Hour Glass Edition does look pretty cool. Featuring a sand-coloured bezel, red dial highlights and a completely badass black PVD case, the Monaco Calibre 11 The Hour Glass Edition is miles cooler than anything I’ve seen yet from the Monaco famiglia. Limited to only 50 pieces and available for $8,900AUD.
Arnold & Son Globetrotter Night
New from Arnold & Son is the Globetrotter Night, a darkened take on the manufacture’s very prolific world timer. Featuring deep-grey galvanic treatment across the dial and hand-lacquering to create a black-grey hue, the Globetrotter Night’s raised dial is a treat to look at. Arnold & Son has gone one step further and integrated hand-applied silver sparkles, depicting the city lights. The Globetrotter Night is available with a dial that either displays the Northern or the Southern Hemispheres, is limited to 50 pieces and is priced at 16,800CHF (not including taxes).