Another week down, another round up of all the latest watch releases in my regular edition, Watches of the Week. In this week's instalment, I'll be featuring a handful of new watches, most notably from the likes of Glashütte Original with its very first diver's chronograph, Chopard with a brand new green-dial Alpine Eagle and a few new chronographs from Blancpain. Happy reading! :) You can check out last week's highlights here.
Blancpain Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph
Blancpain has introduced two refreshed Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph models into the foray. Each piece features the manufacture's esteemed automatic Calibre F385 with a beating frequency of 5Hz. This modern movement uses the maison's vertical clutch design to ensure smooth engagement of the chronograph, eliminating the issue of the chronograph seconds hand making sudden jumps. Control of the chronograph is done via a column wheel, ensuring smooth and comfortable operation of the pushers. This calibre also has an inertia-regulated balance wheel with a silicon balance spring, improving chronometric performance. Each model comes with its own quirks. The titanium model has an anthracite dial, while the red gold reference has a blue dial. The titanium reference comes on either a NATO or sailcloth strap, or a matching titanium bracelet, while the red gold model comes with either the NATO or sailcloth option. Brand: Blancpain
Model: Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Reference: 5200xx Case: 43mm
Case Material: Titanium/Red Gold
Water Resistance: 300m
Calibre: F385
Price: From AUD21,900
Verdict: An all-purpose chronograph that has enough pedigree to hold its own.
Chopard Alpine Eagle
Chopard has unveiled its green-dial Alpine Eagle. Drawing inspiration from the Alpine habitat of the white-tailed eagle, what we have here is an interesting bit of collection expansion from Chopard. It features a lovely textured green dial and comes with either a stainless steel or 18k ethically-mined rose gold case.
The Alpine Eagle is an exercise in looking outside the box. For those wanting a true high-end sport watch, the Alpine Eagle should really be a part of that consideration. Full of interesting details, beautiful finishing and steeped in tradition and history. Brand: Chopard
Model: Alpine Eagle Reference: 298600-3014/295363-5007 Case: 41mm
Case Material: Steel/Rose Gold
Water Resistance: 100m
Calibre: 01.01-C
Price: From €16,100
Verdict: Green is the new black. Looks spectacular paired with the rose gold case. Steel pairing also looks part.
Glashütte Original SeaQ Chronograph
Glashütte Original has just released its very first diver's chronograph in the form of the ultra-practical SeaQ Chronograph. Based on the already very special SeaQ platform, the new SeaQ Chronograph is the ultimate blend of functionality, wearability and versatility.
It comes with either a rubber, fabric or steel strap option and is completed with a beautiful blue dial, a big date window at the unconventional location of 6 o'clock and that incredible calibre 37-32. This is a very special movement that has a fully integrated chronograph with flyback capacity, 70-hours worth of power reserve, a silicon hairspring and ISO 6425 and DIN 8306 standards of sport and dive watch functionality. Outstanding stuff from Glashütte! Brand: Glashütte Original
Model: SeaQ Chronograph Reference: 1-37-23-02-81xx Case: 43.20mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Water Resistance: 300m
Calibre: 37-23
Price: From AUD20,450
Verdict: Another prime example of why Glashütte Original really is at the top of their game.
Ulysse Nardin Adds Three New Marine Models
Ulysse Nardin's keynote Marine Torpilleur collection welcomed in three brand new pieces in the Marine Torpilleur Dual Time, the Marine Torpilleur Moonphase in rose gold and the Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon Grand Feu in stainless steel with a white Grand Feu enamel dial. Each model has been welcomed in as a permanent reference to the Marine Torpilleur collection.
The Marine Torpilleur Dual Time will retail for CHF10,900, the Marine Torpilleur Moonphase in rose gold comes in at CHF21,400 and the Marine Torpilleur Tourbillon Grand Feu will cost 37,500CHF.
Verdict: Three key signature pieces that expand one of Ulysse Nardin's core collections.
Richard Mille RM 88 Tourbillon Smiley
Richard Mille unveiled its latest astronomically priced timepiece in the shape of the RM 88 Tourbillon Smiley. Complete with an enlarged smiley face, a three-dimensional aesthetic and a vivid colour palette, the RM 88 Tourbillon Smiley is an extension of an already wild line up of super complicated watches from the maison.
The RM 88 Tourbillon Smiley is a playful, casual-looking and almost toy-like looking watch. Except it's not. It costs a gob-smacking CHF1,100,000, it took the maison three years to design and manufacture, it features an enormous amount of detailing and finishing, and it is complete with an automatic tourbillon. Brand: Richard Mille
Model: RM 88 Tourbillon Smiley Reference: RM 88 Case: 48.15mm
Case Material: ATZ White Ceramic
Water Resistance: -
Calibre: CRMT7
Price: CHF1,100,000 Verdict: Another exciting and insanely expensive novelty from Richard Mille. Can't help but smile when you look at it.
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