Another week down, another round up of all the latest watches in our regular series, Watches of the Week. Last week's release of the Odysseus was met with a lot of mixed reactions, and while we don't have many ground-breaking watches to feature this week, we've still got some pretty cool pieces, including watches from the likes of TAG Heuer, Seiko and Zenith. Enjoy!
TAG Heuer Monaco 2009-2019 Limited Edition
The final piece of the proverbial five-part puzzle celebrating the Monaco's 50th anniversary is the Monaco 2009-2019 Limited Edition. Featuring a 39mm steel case surrounding a slate grey dial, black gold-plated indices and dashes of red, the Monaco 2009-2019 Limited Edition is a modern take on what is one of TAG Heuer's most classical timepieces. Priced at $9,050AUD and limited to 169 pieces, unfortunately for our would-be buyers, all Australian allocation has been spoken for.
Seiko 1969 Quartz Astron 50th Anniversary
Celebrating another half-century birthday is Seiko with its 1969 Quartz Astron 50th Anniversary. Rewind back to Christmas Day of 1969, and Seiko released the world's first quartz wristwatch. Named the Seiko Quartz Astron 35 SQ, it paved the way for what we all know as being the Quartz Crisis. Fast forward 50 years and Seiko has recreated that watch, albeit with a splash of bling. Featuring a 40.90mm wide, 12.80mm thick solid 18k yellow gold case, the 1969 Quartz Astron 50th Anniversary is anything but low-key. It features a movement that is far more technically advanced the original watch (whose battery life was rated for only a year). The calibre 3X22 utilises solar energy to generate power, has a GPS controlled time and date function, and a perpetual calendar accurate to 2100. Limited to 50 pieces worldwide, the 1969 Quartz Astron 50th Anniversary is priced at an almost laughable $36,000USD.
Zenith Chronomaster 2
One of my favourite things about Zenith's Chronomaster is the sheer amount of tech available at your fingertips. Here is the Chronomaster 2, the latest rendition of a tried and true classic that marries the beauty of the El Primero 400 movement with contemporary aesthetics. To say that Zenith has hit the nail on its head with the Chronomaster 2 would be an understatement. Zenith has really gone all out, balls-to-the-wall style with the design of its newest chronograph. The openworked dial coupled with the 42mm wide titanium case works a treat. You have the option of having either a blue or a black ceramic bezel, and with either a black or blue alligator strap with grey stitching. Priced at 9,900CHF and limited to only 250 pieces in each variation. A round of applause, if you will.
Omega Seamaster 300 Malachite & Lapis Lazuli
A watch that clearly needs no introduction, and after having spent a week with one of its many variants, I can truly attest to its quality and workmanship. The Seamaster is, indubiously, a hallmark of Omega. Similar to that of the beloved Speedmaster, the Seamaster carries with it all of the traits of a typical Swiss watch. Now available with a gorgeous blue dial made of Lapis Lazuli (a deep blue semi-precious azure stone) in a platinum-gold case or with a green Malachite dial in a distinctive yellow gold case, these new variations take the Seamaster 300 to new heights. Both pieces are powered by the very sound Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8913, certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). The green version features a stunning wavy pattern on the dial very much reminiscent of the captivating stone, while the blue model's dial is expansive and absolutely mesmerizing. The Lapis Lazuli platinum-gold model is priced at $69,100USD, with the green Malachite yellow-gold model being priced at $35,000USD.
Corum Admiral AC-One Openwork 45mm Collection
With each model featuring Corum's iconic dodecagonal-shaped case, the Admiral AC-One Openwork 45mm will now be made available in a 45mm wide titanium case. Featuring a beautifully crafted openworked dial and a brand new manufacture movement made specifically for the AC-One Openwork Automatic, the piece is a masterpiece of architecture and ingenuity. Also available in a rose-gold and black PVD-coated titanium case. Taking it one step further, Corum has also released the AC-One Openwork Automatic Tourbillon. In a similar vein as the Automatic variant, the Tourbillon is captivating affair of complexity, of modernity and of presence. Pricing and availability yet to be confirmed.