In this week's instalment of our regular series 'Watches of the Week', we take a look at new pieces from the likes of Breitling, Roger Dubuis, Montblanc and Bell & Ross. Enjoy!
Breitling Chronomat Collection
Breitling, along with its larger-than-life CEO Georges Kern, announced in its first 'Summit Webcast', announced three new collections. The first is the new Chronomat collection. First introduced in 1984, the Chronomat has become a mainstay for Breitling. But this revamped and refreshed version is absolutely outstanding. It measures 42mm across and will be available in either a stainless steel, gold and steel, or solid 18k red gold case. Pricing for the new Chronomat will begin at $11,350AUD.
Breitling Superocean Heritage '57 Capsule Collection
Next from Breitling is the Superocean Heritage '57 Capsule Collection. These vintage inspired watches are flamboyant, exceptionally loud and have enough flair to take you back to the good ol' days. I particularly love the redesigned pip-over-lume-dot hour markers at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock, as well as the ensuing flow secondary to the missing date window. The Superocean Heritage '57 Capsule Collection also comes with a flashy rainbow model made in a limited run of 250. All other models will be standard pieces. The Superocean Heritage '57 Capsule Collection will be priced from $5,940AUD.
Breitling Navitimer Automatic 35 Collection
Breitling's iconic Navitimer Automatic is back in a smaller size and many visceral options that you can choose from. Available in a stainless steel, red gold or two-tone red gold and steel case, you also have the option of choosing a blue, copper, silver or mother-of-pearl dial. The Navitimer Automatic 35 is priced from $6,350AUD for the standard steel model.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Huracan in Black Titanium
Roger Dubuis' Excalibur Huracan has received an epic makeover. Now encased in black DLC titanium, the new Excalibur Huracan's darkened persona is well and truly befitting of the watch's innate nature of being super modern, bold and wholly unique. The Excalibur Huracan is still powered by the automatic RD630 calibre which features a 12º angled balance wheel, representing the movement signature associated with Lamborghini Squarda Corse. Pricing is yet to be confirmed.
Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition
Montblanc's latest 1858 Split Second Chronograph version will be made in a limited run of only 100 pieces and will feature a titanium case with a deep bleu grand feu enamel dial. The split second chronograph (or rattrapante, if you will), is an exponentially cool complication, with Montblanc fitting the 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition with what is basically a pocket watch movement that has been adapted for a wristwatch. This means that the calibre MB M16.31 basically fills the entire watch case, meaning a very interesting caseback view. The 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition is priced accordingly for a split seconds chronograph at $36,000USD.
Montblanc 1858 Geosphere
Now available in a blue guise, the new Montblanc 1858 Geosphere also comes on either a grains-of-rice bead bracelet or a blue alligator leather strap. I am really enjoying Montblanc's 1858 collection as of late, and the 1858 Geosphere is no exception to that sentiment. It features soft edges, clean lines and a wonderful flow. The turning northern and southern hemispheric globes are awesome, as are the cathedral hands and compass point bezel. The 1858 Geosphere in blue is priced at $5,800USD.
Bell & Ross BR V3-94 Black Steel
New from Bell & Ross is the V3-94 Black Steel. This beefed up chronograph is not necessarily an extension of the V2 series. Rather, it is in its own right a completely different, stand alone piece. Featuring 3 sub-dial registers (as opposed to the standard 2 on the V2 series chronographs), as well as a thicker case structure and an integrated lug system, the new V3-94 Black Steel continues the sleek and modern aesthetic that Bell & Ross' chronographs have been known for. The V3-94 Black Steel comes on either a leather strap or a steel bracelet and will be priced at €3,900 and €4,200, respectively.
‘The Cheetah’ by John-Mikaël Flaux
A specialist in artistic and horological machines, John-Mikaël Flaux’s latest invention is the ‘Le Guépard’, or ‘The Cheetah’. Featuring 205 separate components, ‘The Cheetah’ is a unique table lock with a passing strike complication. Modelled on the outline of a running cheetah, each piece of the striking mechanism plays an aesthetic role in the cheetah’s composition. Each of the 5 unique pieces takes John-Mikaël Flaux about one month to handcraft and assemble and will feature a stunning background painted by artist Line Descombes. Pricing is on request.
Watches of Switzerland Launches Australia’s First Online Boutique
In light of the global pandemic, Watches of Switzerland has introduced online facilities catering to the purchasing of many of its featured brands. This e-commerce platform is the first of its kind in Australia and will provide unprecedented remote access to the many brands Watches of Switzerland retails. Currently only IWC and Panerai timepieces are available for online purchases, with pieces from A. Lange & Söhne, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Piaget and Vacheron Constantin being launched on the e-commerce platform in the coming weeks. Hats off to Watches of Switzerland.