Welcome back to the next instalment of our weekly series focusing on all of the latest watches released over the past seven days, Watches of the Week. In this week's round-up, we'll be covering new pieces from Bremont, Bell & Ross, Ressence, as well as a few pieces from some brands you may not have heard from before. Enjoy!
Bell & Ross BR05 Chrono
Available in two variations, "Blue Steel" (No, not the pose made famous by Zoolander...!) and "Black Steel", Bell & Ross' latest variation on the BR05 is a harmony of casual-sport-luxe. Featuring Bell & Ross' iconic square-case, solid rectangular chronograph pushers and a bold look, the new BR05 continues on the theme that the watchmaker seems to hellbent on creating: functional cool. Both models are available on either a rubber strap for $5,900USD or on a stainless steel bracelet, which costs a smidge more at $6,400USD.
Bremont Broadsword Bronze
New from Bremont is the Broadsword Bronze, a beautifully well executed piece that continues on the maison's original Armed Forces Collection. Three models were released, each in a 40mm wide case, with the option of either a Sotek, Tobacco or Slate dial. The Broadsword was originally designed as a contemporary take on the three handed ‘Dirty Dozen’ watch design, a series of timepieces commissioned for the British Army during World War Two when Britain’s Ministry of Defence needed watches to issue to military personnel. These new bronze editions are exceptionally beautiful and really pay homage to Bremont's capabilities. All three variations of the Bremont Broadsword Bronze are available now for a very accessible $5,000AUD.
Ressence Type 5X
From Ressence we have the maison's second 10th anniversary piece in its collection X. Focused on motoring and marrying that inspiration with the passage of time, the Type 5X was made in collaboration with Eugenio Amos, the founder of Automobili Amos. It features a bezel design and markings related to the illustrious Lancia Delta Futurista and the functioning of its turbos. The first part of the bezel is dedicated to the warmup of the engine (15min) - the S stands for Start, D for Drive and R for Race - while the other one is dedicated to the cooling of the Turbos (10 min). Super cool!
Jaquet Droz SW Steel-Ceramic
From Jaquet Droz we have the maison's latest piece, the SW Steel-Ceramic. Featuring a steel case covered with a black ceramic fluted bezel, the SW Steel-Ceramic is a contemporary and sophisticated looking timepiece that places an emphasis on balance and symmetry. The bold, architectural look of the case and dial is very different to what we've come to expect from Jaquet Droz, but it's a piece that captures a modern view on 21st century watchmaking. Love it.
Raymond Weil Freelancer Chronograph
Raymond Weil has released its latest Freelancer timepiece, the Freelancer Chronograph. This new-look Freelancer Chronograph was built with legibility and design in mind, reflective throughout its aesthetic. The dial is expansive and easy to ready, there are elements of functionality and practicality, all captured wonderfully well in its titanium-coloured stainless steel case. Fantastic stuff.
Timeless Watch
Timeless Watch understands the principles of creating an affordable timepiece that retains the themes of originality in both design and execution. Marrying the ideologies of traditional watchmaking with contemporary design, Timeless Watch has produced a timepiece that harmoniously meets in the middle of these conflicting stylistic directions. The piece itself is distinctive and resolutely avant-garde, doing away with many of the conventions that a larger watchmaking maison feels it must abide by. And in marching to the beat of its own drum, Timeless Watch has created a watch that is absolutely spectacular. Conceptually, Timeless Watch draws inspiration from many eras of time. From the Industrial Revolution to early 20th-century streamlining, from particle colliders to Mars explorers, Timeless Watch has instilled many design thought processes into its first timepiece. Timeless Watch will be releasing two initial models, both made in steel, both featuring an openworked window in the centre of the textured dial. Both models will feature a sapphire domed crystal, with the option of having either an anthracite or matte white coloured dial beneath it. The emphasis here is on design and on mechanics, both of which are apparent throughout. This is a very interesting timepiece that does well to walk the fine line between traditional watchmaking and doing something a bit against the grain. You can find out more about it here.
StrapsCo Watch Bands and Straps
Based in Canada, StrapsCo specialises in watch bands and straps for our favourite timepieces. StrapsCo offers an enormous assortment of different bands, including leather straps, NATO straps, rubber straps and steel bracelets. StrapsCo also offers vintage-style straps, beads-of-rice bracelets, rally straps and mesh bracelets. There are hundreds of different watch straps and bands on offer suitable for maisons like Rolex, Breitling, IWC, Omega and TAG Heuer. StrapsCo also offers quick release straps, watch bands with curved ends as well was straps for the Apple Watch. StrapsCo also offers various watch accessories like spring bar tools, link removers, digital callipers, spare spring bars, buckles and clasps. A serious one-top-shop for all of your watch strap needs. They offer free worldwide shipping and if you buy two watch bands you'll get the third free.
Bamford Watch Department X Goodlife Clothing Collaboration
Bamford Watch Department has teamed up with Goodlife Clothing for the second time to create their latest piece, the Bamford GMT. Available in two colourways, the Bamford GMT highlights the brand's against-the-grain approach to all things watches. Two models will be available, both customised by Goodlife Clothing. The first features Goodlife Clothing's rinsed black denim dial in a matte black case with brown and grey accents, with the colours macchiato and espresso being the main colours from Goodlife Clothing's holiday collection. The second is a washed indigo shirt option with a dark steel case trimmed with navy and white. Both models will come on Bamford's cordura straps with contrasting stitching along with a second denim strap option using the same fabric as the shirts. And just for good measure, each piece will come with a co-branded t-shirt and hat to commemorate the collaboration. The watches will be made available in the week of 9/11/2020 online and at various store outlets.