Patrimony Self-winding: Minimalist Elegance in a Midnight Blue Gown

Vacheron Constantin has introduced two new, minimalist women’s watches that combine a timeless elegance, a feminine silhouette and sparkling diamonds. The Patrimony is the ideal watch for women who are looking for an elegant, straightforward and technically demanding timepiece. The perfect form of the Patrimony self-winding is reserved, the appearance is understated, distinguished and aesthetically extremely appealing. Since 2004, the Patrimony line embodied timeless watchmaking, striking a perfect balance between classicism and modernity.

The Patrimony self-winding is available in two versions – with diameters of 36 and 36.5 mm. The pink gold cases are water-resistant up to 3 bar.
This watch is either available in a simple pink gold version or with diamonds. In the latter, the beauty of 68 round-cut diamonds carefully aligned on the bezel; and the ultimate touch of a diamond-set crown with a diamond. A spark that gives even greater intensity to the midnight to the midnight blue shimmer of the sunburst satin-finish dial.
The surface of the dial is subtly curved and punctuated by a pearl minute-track carved into the material. Sleek hour-markers, a date window at 6 o’clock, slender pink gold hours and minutes hands complemented by a slim seconds hand, delicately curved to follow the dainty outline of the dial.

Inside the Patrimony self-winding works the calibre 2450 Q6/2. This automatic movement provides a power reserve of at least 40 hours and operates at a frequency of 4 Hz. The movement and its beautifully openworked oscillating weight can be viewed through the sapphire crystal back.
Precision and reliability is what first comes to mind when we think of the movements of Vacheron Constantin. And we, like a lot of watch enthusiasts, are especially excited, when manufacturers incorporate their powerful automatic calibres (and the mechanical ones, too!) into women’s watches. The main problem is, of course, that these movements are usually bigger and heavier than quartz movements; only with the latter, the smallest women’s watches can be realized.

The minimalism, which the Patrimony self-winding radiates, is paired with a dark blue alligator leather strap, which enhances the slim design additionally.

Ocean Star Tribute: Mido Honours its Iconic Collection

Since the 1930s, Mido has been renowned for the ultra-high performance of its timepices‘ water-resistance system. Dedicated to the undersea landscape, its Ocean Star collection is the most dazzling symbol of this technology. Launched in 1944, this family epitomises the brand’s watchmaking know-how and is not celebrating the 75th anniversary with the launch of the Ocean Star Tribute.
The Europa Point lighthouse, built to withstand all storms and guide sailors with its powerful beam of light, watches over the Street of Gibraltar. Mido’s Ocean Star collection is designed to embody the safety and reliability of this rugged yet slender structure and to help mankind in its conquest of the seas.

75 years after its first Ocean Star, Mido is launching a special edition series in homage to this iconic collection known since the 1940s for its unfailing water-resistance. These two new Ocean Star Tribute models are a contemporary reinterpretation of the diver’s watches created in the 1960s and provide numerous allusions to these historic novels.

The robust round case in polished stel is enhanced by a unidirectional rotating bezel with an aluminium ring in blue or black depending on the model. Several touches of Super-LumiNova on the bezel, hour-markers and hands ensure perfect readability whatever the diving conditions.
The hour and minute hands are flat diamond-cut, while the seconds hand is varnished in orange, the Mido colour. An aperture at 3 o’clock indicates the day and date. The dials are elegantly protected by a sapphire crystal in Mediterranean blue or deep black.

While this retro design is an emphatic tribute to the brand’s glorious past, the automatic movement that powers both of these Ocean Star Tributes makes these timepieces resolutely contemporary. With the calibre 80, the watches house a movement of the latest generation, a state-of-the-art automatic calibre with a power reserve of 80 hours. It is based on the ETA C07.621 and operates at 21,6000 vibrations per hour.
And the case back has a nice surprise in store: it is decorated with a polished starfish in relief, the historical symbol of Ocean Star. And have we mentioned that the case is water-resistant up to 20 atm?

The flexible, comfortable stainless steel multi-link bracelets gives them the great retro look that made the models successful at the time – even before the look was retro, of course.

Cool Design for Hot Days at Carl F. Bucherer

Carl F. Bucherer just introduced a palette of incomparable blue-hued watches that are perfect for midsummer wear: an azure blue reminiscent of the waters of Lake Lucerne, the deep blue of a cloudless Alpine sky, and the mysterious dark blue of the sky at twilight, poetically referred to as the blue hour. An ode to this radiant array of color, these men’s watches combine elegant style, sophisticated mechanics, and functions perfect for travel and exploration, from dashing across time zones to conquering the depths of the sea.

Patravi TravelTec New Version Blue Mood (PPR/Carl F. Bucherer)

New Edition in Petrol Blue: Patravi TravelTec

When it comes to time travel, the Patravi TravelTec is in a class of its own. This intelligent globetrotter always knows what time it is – in three different time zones. The latest addition to the collection is perfect for summer with its cool petrol blue hue. A mechanical masterpiece outfitted with a robust rubber strap, the new Patravi TravelTec features a three time zone display and chronograph function. It also boasts chronometer certification. A blue ceramic bezel adorns the eye-catching 46.6 mm stainless steel case, which feels cool against the skin, even when the temperatures are soaring.

Patravi ScubaTec Gold Black Dial (PPR/Carl F. Bucherer)

Maritime Style Icons: Patravi ScubaTec

Black and blue combine to stunning effect on the Patravi ScubaTec – a fitting combination for a sophisticated diver’s watch that is capable of experiencing every color of the ocean to a depth of 50 atm. Two models from this collection would make ideal companions during these hot summer months: the ScubaTec in rose gold features a perfect balance of warm and cool tones, while the stainless steel model with a blue dial is cool, modern and sporty all at once. Crafted from black and blue ceramic, the unidirectional rotating diver’s bezel ensures that the dive time can be set safely. The 44.6 mm case is home to an unicolored dial that features a honeycomb pattern, indexes with Super-LumiNova coating, an automatic helium release valve, and a screw-down crown – features that ensure the functionality of the timepiece even while diving to great depths.
The CFB 1950.1 automatic movement is ultra-precise and comes with an official COSC-certification.

Whether you are fulfilling your wanderlust or exploring new heights and depths, these bold Patravi timepieces by Carl F. Bucherer can accompany you through life in all of its dimensions.

Patravi ScubaTec Steel Blue Dial (PPR/Carl F. Bucherer)

A New Tourbillon with Perpetual Calendar by Frederique Constant

Following the success of last year’s Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Manufacture, Frederique Constant now presents two new limited editions of the timepiece. Both versions feature a classic navy blue skeletonized dial and a case in either pink gold or stainless steel.
The occasion for these new watches is the opening of the new Manufacture building in Plan-les-ouates in the Swiss canton of Geneva.

The case of the Frederique Constant Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Manufacture consists of three parts and measures 42 mm in diameter.
The silver-coloured skeletonized dials are equipped with navy blue sub-dials and an outer ring in the same colour, giving the wearer a deep insight into the complex mechanics.
The watch’s perpetual calendar displays an annual calendar, the day of the week, the date and the month, with a minimum of corrections. The complication takes into account the number of days of each month, displays the year and does not need to be corrected even in leap years. Normally, the Perpetual Calendar would work for 400 years without a manual correction; only due to one exception of the Gregorian calendar, the complication has to be corrected on March 1, 2100.
The hour and minute functions are adjusted via the crown. At 12 o’clock the dial shows the months and leap year, at 3 o’clock the date and at 9 o’clock the days of the week. The tourbillon cage with its integrated second hand, which makes a complete turn every minute, is at 6 o’clock.

The Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Manufacture is driven by the FC-975 calibre. The automatic manufacture movement was equipped by Frederique Constant with a silicon anchor and escape wheel for greater precision. The use of silicon eliminates the problems caused by the effects of earth gravity when the movement is in a vertical position. In addition, the material is insensitive to temperature fluctuations.
Both versions come with a transparent case back through which the perlage and Geneva stripes of the movement can be admired.

Frederique Constant supplies the Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon Manufacture with an alligator leather strap that resumes the blue colour used in the subsidiary dials and outer ring.

Audemars Piguet and the Code 11.59 Automatic Chronograph

Audemars Piguet has introduced a new watch line called Code 11.59 at the beginning of this year. Once again, the watch manufacturer was faced with the challenge of setting new standards. From the very beginning, the company has been working with the best craftsmen, who perform their profession at the highest level. Nevertheless, Audemars Piguet is constantly trying to penetrate new fields of highest craftsmanship and to advance the technical perfection of its own procedures and production standards.
With 13 models, including four complications, code 11.59 represents one of the most comprehensive launches in the history of Audemars Piguet. Also, for the first time the Manufacture is presenting a collection designed for both men and women.

The selfwinding chronograph’s deep blue or black lacquered dial offers a perfect mirror finish. The pink or white gold case echoes the polished gold curved indexes and singular numeral at 12 o’clock as well as the raised logo and long stick hands. The chronograph counters are circled by gold threads with polished V angles, a difficult finishing on lacquered dials. At the 3 o’clock position you will find the subdial for the hours, at 9 o’clock the one for the minutes. The small second is placed at 6 o’clock and at 4.30 Audemars Piguet has lodged the date window. The latter blends in seamlessly in the background of the dial.
Audemars Piguet has lacquered the inner bezel – depending on the version – in blue or black. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal which was specially designed for this collection. It is complex, double curved and glareproofed and with its arched profile it embodies the watch’s contemporary design. The glass’s internal surface is shaped like a dome, while its external surface is vertically curved from 6 to 12 o’clock. Its shape perfectly integrates the extra-thin bezel and extends from edge to edge. The play of depth, perspective and light creates a unique visual experience.

The new in-house calibre 4401 symbolizes Audemars Piguet’s constant quest for innovation. This calibre is endowed with an instant-jump date indication, integrated column wheel chronograph and flyback function that enables to re-start the chronograph without stopping and resetting it first. It has 70 hours of power reserve, as well as a dedicated pink gold beautifully openworked oscillating weight invisible through the sapphire crystal case back. This calibre also presents reinforced chronometry.
The movement operates at a frequency of 4 Hz or 28,800 vibrations per hour and consists of 367 individual parts.

The Selfwinding Chronograph is housed in a 41-mm-case with a water-resistance of 3 atm and is fitted with a hand-stitched large square scale blue or black alligator strap.

Ready for Take-Off with the Primus Carrier Pilot

German watchmanufacturer Hanhart, located in the beautiful Black Forest, extends ist Primus Pilot collection with a new, modern pilot’s chronograph in a rich royal blue: the Primus Carrier Pilot.
Hanhart is known for the production of pilot chronographs. Throughout history, the manufacture has also built watches for the navy. The new Primus Carrier Pilot combines those two elements – air and water. The name of the watch is reminiscent of the aircraft carriers stationed all over the world, on which military aircraft take off and land. Landing on one of these warships is one of the most demanding and dangerous aviation operations; even more so in bad weather or at night. The Primus Carrier Pilot is the ideal companion for these manoeuvres: perfect readability day and night, matt housing without reflections and flexible strap lugs for maximum wearing comfort.

The blue colour of the dial and bracelet is modelled on the depths of the ocean, while the hands and indexes reflect the design of a pilot’s chronograph. The blue colour in combination with the grey matt steel case gives the Carrier Pilot a truly unique look. And despite the modern, simple design, the watch still features the typical and highly popular Hanhart features.
As with the historic models from the 1930s, Hanhart relies on the proven and popular bicompaxe design: the subdials at 3 and 9 o’clock not only provide a balanced appearance, but are also very useful, since they are displaying the small second at 9 o’clock and the 30-minute stop at 3 o’clock.
Essential distinguishing features of Hanhart chronographs are the corrugated bezel with its red index point and the striking red pusher in the 4 o’clock position. The case comes in a diameter of 44 mm at a height of 15 mm and is water resistant up to 10 bar.

Inside the Primus Carrier Pilot the HAN3809 is working, an automatic chronograph movement. It operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and provides a power reserve of at least 42 hours.
The watch is worn on a blue textile strap matching the beautiful colour of the dial.

The new Mido Baroncelli Midnight Blue

With the new Baroncelli Midnight Blue watches, Mido is commemorating its horological heritage. This watch is offered as a pair and is thus part of the Baroncelli line. Just perfect for all the couples who want to express their affiliation with two matching timepieces.

Mido has finished the deep blue dials of the Baroncelli Midnight Blue with a satin sunburst finish. The women’s model features diamond hour-markers, which further enhance the intensity of the blue hue. The Dauphine-shaped rose gold hour and minute hands are faceted, as are the beautiful lancet-shaped indexes of the men’s version.
There’s just one small complaint we have about the Baroncelli Midnight Blue and that is, that the dark blue dials are quite rudely interrupted by the white date windows at the 4.30 o’clock position. The dials are protected by a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating on both sides.

The round cases of the two timepieces are measuring 29 mm for the ladies‘ version and 38 mm for the men’s version. They are made of stainless steel with a rose gold PVD coating and are water-resistant up to a pressure of 5 bar or 50 metres.

The two Baroncelli Midnight Blue are powered by an automatic movement. In the women’s model, the ETA 2671 operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour. It provides a power reserve of 38 hours. Mido has equipped the men’s watch with the Calibre 80 (based on the ETA C07.611), which provides a power reserve of up to 80 hours. However, it operates at a slightly lower frequency with 21,600 vibrations per hour. Both movements are decorated with Geneva stripes and the company logo. Mido has equipped both watches with a sapphire crystal back so the movements and its finish can be admired accordingly.

Mido has fitted both models with a Vachette leather strap in a semi-matte crocodile look.
In addition to the two Baroncelli Midnight Blue watches with rose gold coating, Mido also offers the pair in a stainless steel version.

Suitable for Everyday Use: H. Moser & Cies New Watches

In January, H. Moser & Cie. launched two new watches that combine comfort and are designed for everyday wear. Their elegant, audacious and contemporary design evokes references to the industrial world. The two timepieces are part of the Pioneer family and come in sturdy cases. The Pioneer Tourbillon and Pioneer Centre Seconds adapt to any situation.

H. Moser & Cie. has equipped both models with red gold casings with DLC-finished titanium inserts. The cases have a diameter of 42.8 mm and are waterproof to 120 metres.

The Midnight Blue fumé dial is topped with a domed sapphire crystal that highlights the deep blue tones. The indices, tipped with a luminescent dot, are faceted, and the hands are partially skeletonized with Super-LumiNova tips, perfectly in line with the open, streamlined aesthetic.

The Pioneer Tourbillon is powered by the HMC 804 Manufacture Calibre. The automatic movement was developed by H. Moser & Cie. and is also manufactured in-house. It is equipped with a double flat hairspring, which reduces the effect of gravity on the mechanism and thus improves accuracy. H. Moser & Cie. designed the tourbillon as an interchangeable module, assembled and regulated independently of the movement, which allows easy servicing. The calibre HMC 804 provides a power reserve of 72 hours.
The Pioneer Centre Seconds is also powered by an automatic movement. H. Moser & Cie. designed and manufactured the HMC 200 also completely in-house.
Like all H. Moser & Cie. movements, these two movements are 100% Swiss Made and elaborately finished by hand. All of this is visible through the crystal sapphire case back.

A rubber strap provides the final touch, reinforcing the contemporary dynamic of this stylish model, with a bold touch of non-conformity. H. Moser & Cie. has created two stylish models with a contemporary dynamic.

The Pioneer Tourbillon is a limited of 50 pieces, the Pioneer Centre Seconds however, is not limited.

Tudor Heritage Chrono and Chrono Blue

In the saga of Tudor historic chronographs, the reference 7169 happens to be an icon. Since its launch in 1973 it has been produced in a number of different versions, one of the most fascinating features distinctive touches of blue, grey and orange. It was produced for only a few years. We’re going to look at its new interpretation, the Heritage Chrono Blue, as well as at its black brother. Both watches share exactly the same characteristics just differing in their appearance.

Tudor’s approach to the design of these two chronographs was exactly the same as for all the watches in the Heritage line since 2010. Far from being merely a new version, these two watches are a reinterpretation in which past, present and future converge in both time and style. While all the aesthetic codes that contributed to the recognition of the historic models remain – a synthesis of the original spirit of the timepieces and a faithful reproduction of their key characteristics – Tudor’s Style Workshop has added modern touches to update the iconic spirit of these watches and endow them with a timeless strength.

The Tudor Heritage Chrono and Heritage Chrono Blue mirror the original shape and proportions of the middle cases, bezels, lugs and bracelets of the 1970s models. Only a closer look reveals a series of new design details. The bevelled and polished edges of the lugs, the stylized shoulders to protect the crown, and the knurled edge of the bidirectional rotatable bezel (featuring a black or blue aluminium insert and providing a second time zone) and of the pushers that flank a knurled crown to improve grip.
With measuring 42 mm in diameter, the stainless steel-cases are keeping up with the dimensions of today’s chronographs. They also boast a water-resistance of 150 metres.

The dials are enhanced with orange details and feature 3D applique hour markers with bevelled edges and Super-LumiNova to enhance legibility. They also feature two counters located inside two trapezoidal shapes, one at 3 o’clock for the small second’s hand, and one at 9 o’clock for the 45-minute counters, reiterating the one of the 1970s.
At 6 o’clock, Tudor placed a small date window.

The Tudor Heritage Chrono watches are powered by the calibre 2892. The self-winding mechanical movement provides a power-reserve of 42 hours.
The Tudor Heritage Chrono and Heritage Chrono Blue come with both a three-link steel bracelet as well as a black, grey and orange or blue, white orange fabric strap.

The Mido Ocean Star Collection Has Two New Members

The Mido Ocean Star Collection got two new nautical-inspired members. The sporty, elegant pieces each have their own distinct personality. Water-resistant up to 20 bar, they are the perfect companion for all fans of nautical activities.
The new Ocean Star is released as two different versions with distinct personalities. To the superficial observer, they may look different, but they are not. The first model sports a bold vintage look and features a sumptuous green grained dial, the second model is inspired by the maritime world and the call of the sea, with its deep blue grained dial.

The dials of both Ocean Star models are protected by a robust 42.5 mm diameter case in steel with elegant polished and satin-finished pink gold PVD treatment. The case is enhanced by a polished aluminium unidirectional rotating bezel in green or blue, according to the model, which features a dot of white Super-LumiNova at 12 o’clock. The sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective treatment on both sides means that the dials can be admired without moderation. The generous touches of white Super-LumiNova on the indexes and hands guarantee perfect legibility in all situations. The skeletonised hour and minute hands are polished and satin-finished with pink gold PVD treatment. A touch of orange Super-LumiNova placed at the end of the seconds hand recalls Mido’s visual identity, while an aperture at 3 o’clock indicates the day and date.

Water-resistant to a pressure of 20 bar, they house the Caliber 80. This latest-generation automatic movement provides up to 80 hours power reserve. The case back has a surprise in store for all marine enthusiasts: it is decorated with a polished starfish in relief – the symbol of the Ocean Star collection.

The straps carry on the colours of the dial. The green one features leather strap that acquires a patina over time, finished with ecru stitching. The blue one is accompanied by a blue fabric strap, reminiscent of boat rigging. Both are fitted with a pin buckle in stainless steel with a polished and satin-finished pink gold PVD treatment.