Another week down, another round up of all the latest watch news and releases in our weekly series, Watches of the Week. In this week's instalment we'll be featuring new watches from the likes of MB&F, Chopard and Girard-Perregaux. Enjoy!
MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO
New from MB&F is the Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO. This sporty evolution of the watchmaker's famed Legacy Machine Perpetual is crafted in titanium and features either an orange, blue or balck dial. It boasts a water resistance rating of 80m and comes on a rubber strap with a titanium buckle. The Legacy Machine Perpetual EVO also features a new monoblock shock protection system named "FlexRing", which is described as "an annular dampener fitted between the case and the movement", essentially protecting the movement from more external forces. Each model will be released in a limited run of only 15 pieces, with each piece costing $167,000USD.
Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Crystal Rock
Now featuring a carbon glass case, the Laureato Absolute Crystal Rock is the latest piece from the storied Girard-Perregaux maison. Truth be told, when I first came across this piece I had my reservations about it. But after allowing the dust to settle, as they say, I can confidently say that I am a fan of the Laureato Absolute Crystal Rock. The Carbon Glass case is a textural revelation and looks epic, matched only by the darkness of the sandwich-dial. It's an interesting timepiece that walks the fine line between too much and just enough. The Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Crystal Rock is limited to 100 pieces and will be priced at $16,900USD.
Chopard Alpine Eagle Additions
Chopard has introduced some chronograph variations into its all-metal line of contemporary sports watches. The first three variations are of the Alpine Eagle XL Chrono collection and feature two stainless steel models, one with an Aletsch Blue dial and the other with a pitch Black dial, with a bi-material version combining steel with rose gold and a Pitch Black dial rounding off the trio. These models are powered by the Chopard 03.05-C movement which holds an incredible four separate patents -- a testament to Chopard's watchmaking prowess. Chopard also dropped a solid rose gold Alpine Eagle Large model, offset by a stunning Aletsch Blue dial -- the most hardcore piece of the lot. The two stainless steel models will cost $28,100AUD, the two-tone model will cost $39,200AUD, while the all-out, balls-to-the-wall solid gold model will cost $64,000AUD.
IWC Top Gun SFTI Edition
New from IWC is the Top Gun SFTI Edition. Dedicated to the legendary Navy Fighter Weapon's School program which trains the very best US Navy pilots, the Top Gun SFTI Edition features a ceramic case with a ceratanium caseback which measures 44mm across and a fairly thick 15.70mm in height. It comes on a green textile strap with red dial highlights and a red tip on the end of the chronograph seconds hand in the shape of a fighter jet. This is a very sound looking, stealthy watch that fits the persona of a modern fighter pilot's watch perfectly. The IWC Top Gun SFTI Edition will be limited to only 1,500 pieces and will be priced at $9,150USD.
Barillet Superpunk Master+
We featured Barillet earlier this year, highlighting the brand's innovative approach to the typical e-commerce experience, introducing the idea of virtual commerce, or 'v-commerce'. Building on the idea of innovation, Barillet is back with a timepiece that will be sure to capture your attention: the Superpunk Master+. Continuing on its theme of "Round Is Not An Option", Barillet's Superpunk Master+ draws inspiration from muscle cars with a curved asymmetrical hexagonal case along with an openworked dial all sitting atop ergonomically designed lugs. It's available on a variety of straps with Barillet's new "Spring Green" shade strap being my favourite. The Superpunk Master+ is available in a full steel case version, or you can opt for the caseback, lugs and crown to be crafted in rose-gold, with the rest of the case being made in steel. The movement of course features extensive openworking and looks fantastic whichever angle you look at it. Ordering directly from the brand via messenger or Instagram @barilletfactory, the Barillet Superpunk Master+ on its first launch edition of 15 pcs will be priced from €4,900.