Another week down, another round up of all the latest new horological releases in our regular series, Watches of the Week. In this week’s instalment we have new watches from IWC, Harry Winston, another limited edition from A. Lange & Söhne and a handful of other considerable releases. Enjoy!
IWC Big Pilot “Right Hander” Limited Edition
One of IWC’s most popular watches has received a bit of a revamp. The Big Pilot “Right Hander” Limited Edition now switches the crown placement to the left side of the case, also moving the power reserve over to the left hand side of the dial, with the small-seconds register shifting to the right side (the movement was turned 180°). Featuring a dark grey dial, black sub-dial registers, bold luminous markings and hands filled with SuperLuminova, the Big Pilot “Right Hander” Limited Edition is pretty much identical to the standard model, bar the onion-shaped crown sitting on the opposite side. Limited to 250 pieces and priced at $14,200USD.
IWC Portugieser Chronograph Bucherer Blue
The second piece released by IWC in the past week is the Portugieser Chronograph Bucherer Blue. Available exclusively at Bucherer boutiques, the Portugieser Chronograph Bucherer Blue is of course based on the standard IW371446 reference. There are some minor differences, however. For example, the silver-plated dial features blue numerals and indices, a blue inner flange and blue steel chronograph hands. Beyond that there is little else to differentiate the Portugieser Chronograph Bucherer Blue from the original model aside from the inscribed close caseback. Limited to 365 pieces and priced at 7,900CHF.
A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Daymatic “25th Anniversary”
We’re now on our eight celebratory limited edition Lange 1 model, commemorating the collection’s 25th year of existence. Last week we features the Grand Lange 1 which was quite well received. This week we have the Lange 1 Daymatic “25th Anniversary”. As the other seven models, the Lange 1 Daymatic “25th Anniversary” features the same blue and silver colour scheme throughout encased in white gold. The Daymatic has long been considered one of the more functional Lange 1 models, with an informative dial displaying data that can be used on a day to day basis. The movement is, as always is the case with A. Lange & Söhne, impeccable. Priced at €44,200 and limited to, yep you guessed it, 25 pieces.
Harry Winston Project Z13
In a world of the same-same, it’s nice to see watchmakers out there marching to the beat of their own drum. And Harry Winston is no stranger to a somewhat peculiar approach to its watchmaking. All of the models produced by the Harry Winston manufacture exhibit some kind of uniqueness mixed with a dazzle of insanity, a sprinkle of ingenuity and a broad dash of mastery. The Project Z13 is a like a breath of fresh air that the current watch market didn’t know it wanted, or needed. Featuring a Zalium case with a semi-openworked dial showing off Harry Winston’s in-house calibre HW3202, the Project Z13 is a modern, eccentric and boisterous watch that I think is the highlight of this week’s releases. And you know what else? This is perhaps the best priced watch of the past few “Watches of the Week” segments. At $23,400USD, you’re getting an incredible amount of watchmaking. The Project Z13 is limited to only 300 pieces. Put my name down for one.
Laco Augsburg Taupe & Aachen Taupe
Laco has released two new models available for pre-order, both inspired by the classical look of the vintage pilot’s watch. Both models will be available in a limited run of only 500 pieces, and both feature a taupe-coloured dial. This brown sunburst look seems to shimmer and change shades in different lights and is offset by the luminous numerals and markers. There is a look and feel about the Augsburg Taupe and the Aachen Taupe that appeals to me greatly. I’ve long been a fan of vintage pilot’s watches, but could never bring myself to part with many thousands of dollars to acquire one (that, and knowingly purchasing something that will, no doubt, require regular up-keep and servicing), so in that respect Laco’s Augsburg Taupe and Aachen Taupe appeal to me greatly. Available now for pre-order for €390, and as a special offer Laco are holding a raffle, with the winning prize being the very first Aachen Taupe limited edition numbered 001.