Make Every Minute Count with the Ressence Type 1 Slim X

When Ressence started in 2010, the manufacture had a clear purpose in mind: to improve the function of the mechanical watch in the 21st century context. After refining legibility, daily wearability and overall intuitiveness, Ressence’s next pursuit is dedicated to being more conscious of the passage of time. As we should all be, every one of us.
The purposeful ambition, to make better use of our time by focusing on our relation to it, starts with the new Type 1 Slim X. This watch is once more inventive and highly creative but also a limited-edition piece, marking the 10th anniversary of Ressence.
For all of us, time is an asset and every day, every one of us gets 24 hours. No more, no less, no exceptions. And still time seems to slip through our hands while we’re busy, moving fast, being over-connected consumers. Our activities seem to have become more and more meaningless and passive. As mentioned, Ressence is dedicated to change our relation to time – the one we have, how we chose to handle and even waste it. So that we can begin again to spend it more consciously, making every minute count.

The Type 1 Slim X is part of the new Collection X. This series marks the first 10 years while Ressence created a dedicated symbol for the collection that is the fusion of an X (ten in Latin) and an hourglass. The hourglass is devoted to make the wearer of the watch more aware of the time that is passing and like every watch in the new collection, the Type 1 Slim X is wearing it on its hour disc. Each of the four watches of the line is limited to 40 pieces and shares the main dark olive-green colour.

Ressence is convinced, that objects primarily designed as tools – such as watches – have to evolve with their time. Featuring the emblematic Ressence ever-changing dial, the Type 1 Slim X’s discs have been given a subtle, but focused makeover. Hand-made of course.
The new design is strictly driven by functionality. It all starts with the Ressence Orbital Convex System ROCS, the in-house developed (and patented) horological unit, which features discs that continually obit around one another. On the Type 1 Slim X, when the watch indicates midnight or midday, the dial is equally divided into two separate finishes; matte on one half and circular on the other half. In a playful way, the different finishes reinterpret the colour as the light hits the surface.
On the minute and the hour discs, the two finishes are a graphical extension of the hands. Once in motion, magic takes on a new meaning. The passage of time can be observed at a glance, a modern and wearable interpretation of an hourglass.

Of course, Ressence has the watch also designed with an organic form – tactile curves and domed sapphire glass are extending to the very edge of the case, making the Type 1 Slim X more sapphire than metal. The watch has no crown, since the winding and setting mechanism are worked into the case back. This makes for better ergonomics, also allowing a perfect left-right fit.
The case is made from titanium and measures 42 mm in diameter. It is only water-resistant up to 1 atm, so do not wear this watch to activities where it can get wet.
We mentioned it earlier, but let’s get back to the ROCS 1 for a minute, the movement that powers this watch. The automatic calibre works with 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides a power-reserve of approximately 36 hours.

Intuitive in viewing and motion, understated in its aesthetics, the Ressence Type 1 Slim X is a playful and relevant companion. It is completed by a olive green calfskin strap, complementing the dial very nicely.

A New Aesthetic for the Perpetual Calendar from Montblanc

Montblanc just unveiled its new Heritage Manufacture Perpetual Calendar Limited Edition 100. This watch features vintage aesthetics, being inspired by historical Minerva wristwatches from the 1940s and ’50s, and a beautiful rose gold case.
Invented in the 18th century, the perpetual calendar complication is a highly complex mechanism that automatically takes the number of days in the month, as well as the cycle of leap years, into account. This way, the perpetual calendar automatically corrects itself for short month, including the 29th of February in leap years. This way, as long as a watch with a perpetual calendar is kept running, it won’t require any manual adjustment for decades. To achieve this, the functions draw on a technical memory of 1460 days, representing four years. To this day, the perpetual calendar continues to fascinate and delight watch enthusiasts, making it a very popular complication.

The Heritage Manufacture Perpetual Calendar Limited Edition 100 indicates the hours, minutes, day, date, month, moonphase, and leap year – and is still a very legible watch. This is due to the large subdials at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. And the new aesthetic, featuring a brown colour scheme, suits this watch extremely well. The sapphire crystal class box continues the elegant vintage look of this watch.
In line with the design codes of the Heritage line, the Heritage Manufacture Perpetual Calendar Limited Edition 100 comes in a 40 mm rose gold case with curved horns. It is water-resistant up to 5 atm.

This watch is powered by the in-house calibre MB 29.22. This movement with its perpetual calendar complication took Montblanc three years to develop and was introduced two years ago. The calibre comprises 378 components of which 259 are dedicated to the perpetual calendar function. The mechanism allows the user to adjust the watch via the crown in both directions, which is unusual. Also, Montblanc has built in a safety feature, that prevents any setting between the hours of 6 pm and 12 pm, when any manipulation could potentially (and very likely) damage the movement. The movement works at a frequency of 4 Hz and provides a power-reserve of approximately 48 hours.

The Heritage Manufacture Perpetual Calendar Limited Edition 100 is equipped with a brown alligator leather strap, which completes the overall design nicely.

Bell & Ross Is Playing with Luminous Contrasts

For the second time in its history, Bell & Ross has introduced a fully luminescent watch, the BR V2-94 Full Lum 2. It’s predecessor, the BR 03-92 Full Lum, was introduced in 2019 and a huge success. And now, the manufacture has decided to add another model, which combines two Super-LumiNova Colours while holding up a professional appearance.

First, let’s take a look at the case of the BR V2-94 Full Lum 2. It is made of stainless steel and features a diameter of 41 mm. The black anodised aluminium bezel has a 60-minute scale and is fixed. The chronograph pushers are screwed down to ensure they cannot be activated accidentally, and everything is water-resistant up to 10 bar.

Bell & Ross has coated the dial of the BR V2-94 Full Lum 2 completely with a paint made of green Super-LumiNova C5 luminescent pigments, while the applique skeletonized numerals, indices, hands, and counters are filled with the pale yellow Super-LumiNova C3.
The brightness charge and discharge cycles are endless and never alter the efficacy of the watch. The recharge is quick and the light intensity is very good, ensuring maximum readability in the dark.
Of course, the look of the dial in daylight is probably even more crucial. We know Bell & Ross to design its dials clear and with a focus on legibility and the BR V2-94 Full Lum 2 is no different. The subdial at the 3 o’clock position shows the running seconds while the one at the 9 o’clock position counts the chronograph minutes. And the latter glows in a blue hue instead of green.
This chronograph features an ultra-domed glass-box sapphire crystal.

The case back is also made from sapphire crystal and opens onto the mechanical movement, the BR-CAL.301. It is a reliable automatic movement that Bell & Ross uses frequently in its chronographes. This calibre operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and provides a power reserve of at least 42 hours.

Just like its predecessor, the BR V2-94 Full Lum 2 is a limited edition of 250 pieces. The watch is made from weave black rubber, also known as „tropic“, which provides the final vintage touch to this contemporary watch.

The New Portugieser Chronograph from IWC Schaffhausen

At the end of last year, IWC Schaffhausen introduced the iconic Portugieser Chronograph on a stainless steel bracelet for the first time in its long history. This way, the elegant and sporty chronograph becomes even more versatile and apt for a whole new range of new adventures.
The Portugieser Chronograph has been part of the eponymous family at IWC Schaffhausen for more than 20 years. From its very first appearance, the watch introduced a sportier design language to the Portugieser line and quickly found enthusiastic followers world wide and grew to be one of the manufacturer’s most popular models.

The timelessly modern chronograph boasts a clear and open dial that is uncluttered and therefore excellently legible. The two recessed subdials at 12 and 6 o’clock show the chronograph minutes and the running seconds. Of course, this Portugieser is also equipped with a quarter seconds scale. The blue hands and appliqués stand out wonderfully against the argenté-coloured, silver-plated dial.

The Portugieser Chronograph comes in a stainless steel case with a diameter of 41 mm. It is only water-resistant to 3 bar.
Inside works an in-house calibre, the 69355. This automatic chronograph movement is designed in classic column-wheel fashion, operates at a frequency of 4 Hz / with 28,800 of half oscillations per hour and builds up a power reserve of 46 hours. Since IWC Schaffhausen has opted for a sapphire crystal case back, the movement can also be viewed.

As you would expect from the manufacture, the bracelet is beautifully finished with polished and satin-finished surfaces. It sits ergonomically on the wrist and naturally offers excellent wearing comfort. And of course, stainless steel is an excellent material for everyday wear and use, as it is robust, corrosion-resistant and durable, as well as very easy to clean.
The new stainless steel bracelet with its butterfly folding clasp is also available as an additional accessory for all new Portugieser Chronograph models, so customers can easily upgrade their watches.

A Striking Special Edition: Hublot and the City That Never Sleeps

Some time ago, Hublot established its largest flagship in the U.S. on Fifth Avenue right in the heart of New York City. Since then, the manufacturer has not only become an unwavering beacon in the city, but also sees itself influenced by the metropolis. This is expressed in the latest Special Edition, the Classic Fusion Concrete Jungle New York. The city that never sleeps did not simply inspire this creation – with this wristwatch, Hublot is paying tribute to New York City.
Concrete as an industrious material is noteworthy for its strength and endurance. As a city built on these foundations, New York is not just a place but a symbol of vigor and resilience. Hublot draws inspiration from the bustling streets, their exuberant spirit, brilliant energy and limitless opportunities, moved by the city’s perpetual ability to endure, evolve and overcome. Drawing on these elements, the Swiss watchmaker has created an avant-garde tribute to New York’s bedrock of strength.

The Classic Fusion Concrete Jungle New York presents the city’s sophisticated poise and everlasting elegance without ignoring its raw elements. Developed in an even more robust material, the Classic Fusion is reinforced in a fine concrete with minute detailing that evoke the city’s edges and structure.
The concrete material is composed of 65-75% fine cement, 25-30% epoxy resin replacing water in standard concrete, and 5-10% fiberglass replacing steel to reinforce the concrete. But that’s not all: The epoxy resin has been upgraded with an anti-UV additive to prevent color change over time and an anti-graffiti treatment has been applied on the finished components to prevent the concrete from becoming impregnated with other contaminants like dirt.
The 45-mm-case is water-resistant up to 5 atm.

Muted grey tones juxtaposed against a black strap are quintessential New York with its ability to be simultaneously monochromatic and effervescent, uniform and unconventional. The two subdials are also grey and present the running seconds at 3 o’clock and the chronograph minutes at 9 o’clock. The small date window at the 6 o’clock position blends seamlessly into the design of the dial.

The concrete encases the HUB1143 Manufacture self-winding chronograph movement. This calibre offers a power reserve of 42 hours and a high precision and reliability thanks to its frequency of 4 Hz.

The Hublot Classic Fusion Concrete Jungle New York is a limited edition of 50 pieces.

Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional

The Tissot family of dive watches has just recently grown: With the Seastar 2000 Professional, the ranks of the current collection are now reinforced by a new, advanced and technical watch. Its profile ticks every box for a high-performance timepiece and with its wave-patterend blue dial and its uncompromising design, it truly emphasises its connection to the diving world.

Like many other manufacturers, Tissot likes to include an indiction of its watches performance level in their names. The Seastar 1000, for example, was capable of resisting pressure to a depth of 1,000 feet (300 metres). The Seastar 2000 Professional is, in turn, able to cope with depths of up to 2,000 feet, equivalent to 60 atm or 600 metres. Its dimensions are also responsible that the watch meets all the criteria of he ISO 6425 standard that governs dive watches. At 46 mm in diameter by 16,25 mm thick, the Tissot Seastar 2000 is packing an impressive amount of steel, ensuring an intrinsic robustness. The flat surfaces of the case are polished, the vertical ones satin-finished and everything is completed by a very thick, bulging, domed sapphire glass with a bevelled contour. The case back is also made of sapphire crystal, which is rare for this degree of pressure resistance, which usually calls for metal case backs. On the glass,
Tissot has placed a seahorse, the symbol of its dive watches.
At the 9 o’clock position, the case is fitted with a helium valve. It ensures that the helium in the case can safely exit the watch without causing damage.

The essential diver’s bezel is made of steel, with a rim marked with deep notches. These are intended for improved grip, even with wet hands or with gloves. The graduated 60-minute insert is made of black ceramic. Of course, this bezel turns only in anti-clockwise direction to prevent an accidental extension of the dive time.
The bezel frames a beautiful blue dial with gradient coloring – deep blue on the outside, turqouise in the middle – and a beautiful engraved wave pattern. Tissot placed a small date window at 6 o’clock. The hour, minute and seconds hand are, like the indexes, equipped with Super-LumiNova ensuring a good readability in the dark as well as in the depth of the sea.

Inside the Seastar 2000 works the Powermatic 80 tirelessly and reliably. This powerhouse of an automatic movement is operating at a frequency of 3 Hz, is equipped with a new and anti-magnetic balance-spring made from Nivachron and provides a power-reserve of 80 hours.

Tissot equips the Seastar 2000 Professional with a rubber strap and a stainless steel bracelet.

Delbana Celebrates Its 90th Anniversary

This year, Delbana celebrates 90 years of watchmaking, a significant milestone and success. And of course, the manufacture set out to create a new series of automatic timepieces inspired by its own history under the name of a classic: The Delbana Recordmaster.
Originally introduced as a men’s model in the 1950s, the new Recordmaster I embodies Delbana’s heritage and DNA of quality and style at an affordable price. And this new watch is marketed to men and women alike.

When the Recordmaster was originally released, advancements in vinyl records had a profound impact on the music industry and society as a whole. The new method of recording and transmitting sound has been replaced by continuously changing audio formats but remains a nostalgic and cherished part of history – and for a lot of people vinyl records are not a thing of the past at all. The 1950s and 60s also represent a prime moment in Delbana’s history, a time period, where some of the brand’s most innovative models were introduced.

True to the original, the design of the new Recordmaster I is characterized by a series of stepped black microgrooves which mimic the texture of a vinyl record and serve as a backdrop for applied arrowhead indexes and retro Arabic numerals. The perimeter of the dial is further appointed with the minute track containing oversized circular hour markers that provide a whimsical touch and remind of sheet music and notes while the center of the dial is detailed with a delicate silver guilloche pattern. Delbana has equipped the hour markers as well as the hands with a generous amount of lume, therefore readability is a given, even in the dark.
The minute and hour hands are not only luminous but cathedral shaped, while the seconds hand comes in a striking red. A vintage Delbana logo recalls the classic inspiration while the addition of the date at 3 o’clock adds a further design element and convenience.

The ridged crown is engraved with the Delbana tower and solidifies the well-proportioned design. At 40 mm in diameter, the size of the new model is slightly larger than those of the past while practical and comfortable for daily wear. The polished stainless steel surfaces of the case and clasp give it a modern yet very classic appearance. The case is water resistant up to 5 atm.

The automatic movement Delbana chose for the Recordmaster I recalls early pieces of the manufacture, before quartz was introduced. The Sellita SW 200-1 is visible through a transparent case back to allow the owner to experience the joy of an automatic Swiss Made wristwatch. It works tirelessly at 4 Hz and provides a power reserve of about 38 hours.

Delbana offers the Recordmaster I on a black leather strap.
This watch is a limited edition which consists of only 90 pieces.

Chronoswiss Opus Chronograph Flag

Chronoswiss just intoduced the skeletonised Opus Chronograph Flag, a new interpretation of a true classic. This one brings a harmonious overall look to the table with its balanced combination of blue, white and red colours which are also the colours of most national flags.

The dial is only present as a fragment after the careful skeletonisation process, but the galvanic blue and silver-plated elements of the Opus Chronograph Flag create a beautifully balanced appearance. The mechanical transparency is created by skilfully and carefully paring away all superfluous material, leaving nothing but a filigree skeleton. Of course, this does not detract from the function and reliability of the watch or its movement. In this chronograph, the bridges of the C.741S calibre are galvanised in black. This creates an exciting contrast on the dial side to the hour, minute, second and date displays and the luminous red hands.
Hours and minutes are displayed centrally, as are the chronograph seconds. The running seconds have been placed on a subdial, the other two ones are divided between the 30-minute counter and a 12-hour counter of the chronograph.
An anti-reflective sapphire crystal provides a clear view through the dial and into the depths of the movement.

The case of the Opus Chonograph Flag has a very modern diameter of 41 mm and hugs the wrist comfortably with its short lugs. The solid case construction consists of a total of 23 individual parts made of stainless steel with different finishes: here, a brushed centre section with a vertical cut meets shining horns and a polished bezel, as well as the manufacturer’s typical features such as the side knurling of the bezel and the dominant onion crown. The case is also water resistant to 10 bar.
The calibre C.741S is an automatic movement that operates at a frequency of 4 Hz and provides a power reserve of approximately 46 hours.

The Chronoswiss Opus Chronograph Flag is completed by an alligator leather strap.

MeisterSinger Celebrates 20 Years with a Special Edition

Over the past 20 years, MeisterSinger mechanical watches have revolutionised the display of time. They display the time with great precision and in an unusual way – using only one hand. In doing so, the manufacture takes inspiration from the first mechanical timepieces from the late Middle Ages. They literally point to that one fleeting moment in time, conveying a reassuring sense of time.
And to celebrate its 20th anniversary, MeisterSinger is celebrating in style – with a limited edition. We’re introducing The Astroscope: An astronomical spectacle.

The Astroscope Edition displays the weekdays in a way never seen before; in relation to the celestial bodies that have been attributed to the various days of the week since ancient times. Whereas the sun and moon divide our time into day and night and the twelve months of the year, the division into seven-day weeks does not follow an astronomical rhythm but has more of a mythological background. This method likely dates back to the Babylonians, who considered the number seven to be sacred and connected with seven celestial bodies: The Sun, the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. Just as most planets are named after Roman gods, most days of the week take their corresponding names from Norse mythology. Throughout history, the allocation of the days of the week to celestial bodies has endured the test of time. Accordingly, the symbols of the planets are found on the Astroscope. A bright dot indicates the current day.
The new version is equipped with a dark dial that represents the night sky. The numerals are depicted in a fine serif typeface and the astronomical symbols are designed in luminous orange. Together with the luminous hand, the time can also be easily read at night. An intimated horizon arches above the circular date window and the company logo, enhancing the impression that the viewer is looking up at the sky.

The MeisterSinger Astroscope is powered by a Swiss automatic movement, the Sellita SW 220, which provides a power reserve of 38 hours. It can be viewed through a screwed-down glass back – along with all the finishes and the continuously operating oscillating weight.
MeisterSinger has opted for a stainless steel case. It has a diameter of a slender 40 mm and is water-resistant to 5 bar.

This Astroscope is a limited edition of 100 pieces.
All models are equipped with a soft calfskin strap. Its orange colour picks up the colours of the dial and provides a continuous look.

Urwerk presents the EMC TimeHunter Stormtrooper

For the new Urwerk EMC TimeHunter White Ceramic the nickname „Stormtrooper“ was chosen. Everyone who knows Baumgartner & Frei is not surprised by this choice because of their love of science fiction and the heavy influence of the Star Wars universe on their own designs over the years. The signature armour of the Stormtrooper was an instant icon ever since it appeared on screen in 1977. The Stormtrooper was designed to intimidate but also to look super cool and super clean.
The EMC Stormtrooper evokes the same characteristics. The whole watch belongs like it belongs in a sci-fi movie, and for this limited edition the white ceramic case set it apart from the previous models, indeed all previous Urwerk watches. Because gone is the trademark black look, as the manufacture embraces white for the first time in its history.

The EMC TimeHunter Stormtrooper belongs to the Ur-Chronometry family, which encompasses Urwerk watchmaking concepts dedicated to outstanding precision. An EMC TimeHunter is essentially a dual measuring instrument. Its appearance and even its surface all signal its nature. The EMC Stormtrooper is crafted from steel and its caseback from titanium. Its aesthetic is not round, square or cushion-like, nor indeed any of Urwerk’s signature indefinable shapes. This hyper-technical machine hugs the contours of the movement inside and submits to the constraints of its various organs. It is not symmetrical, regular, flat or curved, yet remains aesthetically pleasing and distinctive, embodying a truly unique personality.
Moreover, its stainless steel „hood“ is micro-beadblasted and then given a hard, matt ceramic lacquer-type treatment. As a result, the surface of the EMC TimeHunter „Stormtrooper“ has a grainy finish reminiscent of military equipment. The case measures 43 mm in diameter and 51 mm in length and is water-resistant up to 3 atm.

The same functionalism reigns on the dial with its matt black surfaces. Each indication zone has its own clearly marked space. Each unit is painted with fluorescent green Super-LumiNova to perfect the contrasts. In addition to the main dial with its chequered hand grenade pattern, which displays the hours and minutes, the EMC TimeHunter features a smal disc-type seconds hand at 1 o’clock, graduated in five-second increments. It is complemented by a power-reserve indicator at 7 o’clock.
The indications linked to the chronometric monitoring function are concentrated at 11 o’clock and indicated by the „EM Control“ marking on the screw-down bezel.

At the very heart of the EMC concept lies an electronic/mechanical system that makes each of these timepieces one-of-a-kind, bestriding two worlds. It is an entirely mechanical watch, optimised with the help of an electro-optical circuit. Designed exclusively for the EMC collections, the UR-EMC2 calibre is entirely crafted, finished, assembled and adjusted by Urwerk.
It incorporates an electronic module whose function it is to measure the rate of the mechanical part. It has its own power source, separate from the rest of the movement. On one side the engine, on the other, the control unit. These two integrated units make the EMC TimeHunter a truly wearer-adjustable watch.
The hand-wound movement works at a frequency of 4 Hz and offers a power reserve of a maximum of 80 hours.

The EMC TimeHunter Stormtrooper is a very limited edition of only 5 pieces.