In the Kitchen with the Chrono Diamond Argos

The Chrono Diamond Argos is a true titan in the collection of the Swiss watch manufacturer. Reliable, robust and extremely attractive, this wristwatch is the perfect companion in almost every-day situation. This also applies to the kitchen, a place where the exact timing is of the utmost importance. So it is fitting that Chrono Diamond’s latest brand ambassador is a professional chef. But before we introduce Miguel Sánchez Navarro, let’s look at his watch, the Chrono Diamond Argos.

This elegant wristwatch features a generous 44 mm stainless steel case that is water-resistant to 5 atm. Chrono Diamond offers the Argos in pure stainless steel or with various golden PVD-coatings.
The large, clearly designed dial – created on the one hand by the large diameter and on the other hand by the slim bezel – can be read without effort at the first glance which is not only crucial in a fast-paced environment. The Argos is also a chronograph. The timekeeping function is not only popular in everyday life, but also in professional kitchens.

This wristwatch is powered by a powerful and reliable movement. Like everything else from Chrono Diamond, the movement is entirely made in Switzerland. The movement uses four central hands to display hours, minutes, the chronograph seconds and the day-date. The subdials show the running second, chronograph minutes and hours. At the 12 o’clock position you’ll find a double window which displays the date and the month.
This robust watch for all situations comes with a leather strap.

And now let’s look at the new brand ambassador who has joined the ranks of Chrono Diamond this year: Miguel Sánchez Navarro. The professional chef was born in Spain and trained at the cooking school Karlos Arguiñano which is famous beyond the Basque Country in which it lays. Afterwards, his odyssey through Michelin-starred kitches worldwide began. Navarro has worked in the Akelarre which is decorated with three stars and in various restaurants in New York, among others with Eric Ripert.
After this superb entry into the world of gastronomy, the chef traveled Latin America in search of new inspirations and flavors. Miguel Sánchez Navarro found exciting local and sesonal products as well as stimulating collaboration with local chefs.

From the very start, Sánchez Navarro was fascinated by one fact more than anything: that the process of cooking can be so extraordinarily new, creative and exciting while at the same time being invariably based on traditional techniques. Heat and time have always been central and will continue to play a crucial role in cooking in the future.

And now Chrono Diamond’s watches will help Miguel Sánchez Navarro in preparing his unique dishes. An important collaboration, because time – and of course timing – plays a crucial role in the art of cooking.

Chrono Diamond has just introduced its latest brand ambassador: Miguel Sánchez Navarro. In the future, the Swiss manufacturer’s watches will help the Spanish chef to prepare his unique dishes. An important collaboration, because time – and of course timing – plays a crucial role in the art of cooking.

The Breitling Navitimer B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45

It has been more than 85 years since Breitling introduced the first modern chronograph, whose influence on the watch design in general has been incalculable back then. With its new Navitimer B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45, featuring its interpretation of one of watchmaking’s greatest complications, the brand has shown that it is still offering innovations.

The Navitimer B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45 is as aesthetically impressive as it is technically sophisticated. Housed in a big, bold 45 mm red gold case, it is distinguished by a Stratos Gray dial and is water-resistant up to 3 bar. Its hour markers and hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova, which guarantees easy legibility in all lighting conditions. The chronograph has a bidirectional rotating bezel with the circular slide ruler that has long been associated with Breitling’s Navitimers.
Breitling has varied the stylized „B“ logo with an anchor symbol for this watch and divided it between two hands. The „B“ is on the red chronograph hand, while the anchor sits on the split-second hand. As a result, the two elements of the logo are separated when the split-second hand is stopped and reform when the hands realign with each other.

The split-second pusher, which is housed in the crown at 3 o’clock, serves to stop and restart the split-second hand as often as desired during a timing operation, allowing the wearer to measure split times or compare the results of several competitors.

Breitling has equipped the Navitimer B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45 with an in-house movement, the calibre B03. It is a unique split-second movement. With its two superimposed central chronograph hands, it can measure two elapsed times simultaneously. The COSC-certified chronometer, whose performance can be viewed through the transparent sapphire caseback, offers a power reserve of around 70 hours. The automatic movement works at a frequency of 4 Hz.

Breitling has equipped the Navitimer B03 Chronograph Rattrapante 45 with a black alligator leather strap.

Hublot Big Bang Sang Bleu II Limited Edition

Blue is the new black – at least if you ask watch manufacturer Hublot. And the new Limited Edition of the Big Bang Sang Bleu is also a true artistic sculpture on the wrist. The watch reinforces Hublot’s Big Bang Integral collection. The overall design and functionality of the Sang Bleu II are identical to previous models of this collection, but the colour scheme is a different one.
The introduction of the iconic, award-winning Big Bang design in 2005 paved the way for further successful collections such as the Classic Fusion or the Spirit of Big Bang with complications ranging from the most classic to the most complicated of watchmaking. This is one of the reasons why it continues to shape Hublot’s extraordinary DNA with constant growth.

From an ancient practice to a worldwide cultural phenomenon, tattooing has become an art form in its own right thanks to the work of visionary artists such as Maxime Plescia-Büchi, founder of Sang Bleu. And the Big Bang Sang Bleu II is the expression of Plescia-Büchi’s craft of geometry and dimensionality, implemented in the form of a timepiece. A watch, a sculpture, a work of art that tells the time – a fusion of different concepts to create a unique, timeless watch, brought to life by Hublot’s expertise in materials.

As already mentioned, the new Hublot Limited Edition is entirely blue – blue like the ink of the Tattoo Studio, which name it bears. Both, dials and bracelets come in this colour, emphasising the design of geometric lines that run across the hands, bezel and case. The bezel is not round but hexagonal and is fitted with the classic six H-shaped screws. And the alternating polished and satin-finished surfaces further emphasise the geometry of this Big Bang. The case of the Sang Bleu II is water-resistant up to 10 atm.
The skeletonized dial consists of different layers which together create a complex 3D effect. Reading the time display is a challenge and may require some practice. A central chronograph seconds hand extends across the entire diameter of the dial; the hours and minutes are indicated by arrow-shaped hands placed on square, dragon-shaped structures. Two hexagonal, rotating subdials are placed beneath several elements; at three o’clock you’ll find the chronograph minutes, at nine o’clock the running seconds. And between four and five o’clock there is also a small date window.

The 45-mm-case of the Big Bang Sang Bleu II houses an Unico in-house calibre. The HUB1240 automatic chronograph movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph and provides a power reserve of 72 hours. The movement can be seen through the sapphire case back, including the rotor which was designed by Buchi.

The Big Bang Sang Bleu II is available in two limited versions. Hublot offers 100 pieces of the King Gold version and 200 pieces of the Titanium version. Both models are presented on a blue rubber strap.

Unleashed: The New Urban Warrior from Corum

The Admiral is one of the pillars of Corum’s heritage. Unveiled in 1960, five short years after the brand’s creation, it embodies the Swiss watchmaker’s idea of maritime-inspired watchmaking. Although it has always been loyal to its artistic fibre, it has never been afraid to set sail for distant shores. This year, it gives its Admiral AC-One 45 Chronograph a facelift so as to modernise the collection while lending it an urban sportiness.

First introduced into the brand stable as the Admiral’s Cup AC-One 45 Chronograph in 2013, the masculine-looking watch has always been a combination of power, elegance and performance with a huge dose of inspiration from the sailing world. The new Admiral AC-One 45 Chronograph retains the essence of its sporty predecessor except for a few minor tweaks. The 60 hour marker at 12 o’clock has been replaced by the Corum key and brand logo, which have been slightly enlarged. That decision makes the dial less busy and crowded and therefore the chronograph looks sleeker and more contemporary.
For the chronograph display, Corum stuck to the same tri-compax arrangement. But the dial now features a „Grenadier fendu“ motif, which is a unique pattern. And instead of monochromatic dials as with the predecessor, The Admiral AC-One 45 Chronograph comes with black or white dials with contrasting sub-dials. On the former are white sub-dials framed by either white or rose gold rings, while the latter features black sub-dials encircled with white or rose gold rings.

Corum also reworked the case shape of the Admiral AC-One 45 Chronograph. While it follows strictly the case shape of the legendary Admiral watch, there is a marked difference – the new version features a more angular dodecagonal bezel compared to its predecessor, which boasted more rounded corners. For the new variant, Corum has also included two titanium inserts between the bezel and case so as to offer the option of playing with colours and materials – the possibility of mixing and matching is boundless and something that might be experimented with in the future.
The result lends a more powerful and athletic presence on the wrist, which also makes the watch highly suitable for the rigors of every day wear.

Powering the chronograph is the highly reliable CO 132, a self-winding movement that beats at 4 Hz and boasts 42 hours of power reserve.

While the previous versions were offered with either a rubber strap or metal bracelet, the new Admiral comes with a vulcanised rubber strap. But Corum offers the watch also with either a titanium or rose gold bracelet.

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.

Breitling Commemorates Notable Airlines with New Editions

Watch manufacturer Breitling played an important role in the golden era of aviation, helping crews track the full range of calculations related to navigation. To commemorate the most emblematic airlines of that time, the brand has now created a capsule collection of Navitimer 1 Airline Editions. The collection is being launched with the Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 Swissair Edition, which will be followed by timepieces celebrating other important airlines.

Breitling’s first capsule collection captures the cool and evocative style of the 1960s and 1970s. The Navitimer 1 Airline Editions pay an affectionate tribute to the pioneers of civil aviation and celebrate the most emblematic airlines of the era. Thanks to them, the world suddenly became smaller as the dream of flying was no longer limited to a privileged elite. Breitling played a key role in the emergence of commercial flight, since its onboard chronographs became standard equipment; first in propeller-driven planes and later in the jets produced by the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers.

All models of the Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph 43 Swissair Edition feature a bi-directional rotating bezel fitted with the famous circular slide rule, which serves to perform the entire range of calculations relating to airborne navigation. Their distinctive straight hands give the watches a dynamic, contemporary interpretation of a classic look. The dial itself is black with silver subdials; indices as well as hour and minute hands come with Super-LumiNova to ensure best legibility even in the dark. The red highlights on the dial are a hommage to Swiss Air and the transparent case back bears a printed Swissair logo.
The dial is protected by a convex, double anti-reflective sapphire crystal.

All Navitimer 1 B01 Chronograph Airline Edition watches are powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01. The in-house mechanical chronograph movement features both remarkable precision and a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. It works at a frequency of 4 Hz.
The movement is housed in a 43-mm-stainless steel case which is water resistant up to 3 bar. It is fitted with a vintage-inspired black leather strap or a stainless-steel mesh bracelet.

This first Breitling capsule collection will be available from April 2019 at Breitling boutiques and official retailers for a limited period of time.

Big, Bigger, Graham Chronofighter Grand Vintage

The Graham Chronofighter Grand Vintage definitely means business and is not subtle in any way like, at all.The watch manufacturer thinks big and doesn’t shy away from transforming its big ideas into big watches. Into four of them, in this particular case. These timepieces shall transfer its wearer back to the 1940s and therefore bridge the gap between yesterday to today.

To stick to the point: The trigger on the left-hand side of the case acts as a symbolic bridge between nostalgia and modernity. Originally placed there for easy thumb-activated operation in the cockpit, the placement of the crown is now a reminder of Graham’s roots in aviation.
The case’s large diameter of 47 mm serves to enhance legibility of the chronograph dial, as well as adding an additional active signature. The stainless steel case also guarantees a water resistance of 10 bar.

A domed sapphire crystal integrates a magnifier for the date at nine o’clock. Just to be sure that solar power can be put to aesthetic use, a steel satin-brushed bezel and sunbrushed dial with a gradient are ready to catch the rays.
Inside the case works the calibre G1747, a Swiss made automatic movement. It features an Incablock shock absorber and a power reserve of approximately 48 minutes.

All dials of the Chronofighter Grand Vintage are equipped with a sunbrushed dial that also features a gradient; getting darker around the edges. One can choose from four colours: blue, brown, silver or black. The big hands, numerals and indices are coated with Super-LumiNova. At three and six o’clock Graham has placed two subtly overlapping subdials; the one at 3 o’clock showing the running seconds, the one at 6 o’clock the 30-minute-counter of the chronograph. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating which also features a magnifier above the date window at 9 o’clock.
Behind the dial, the calibre G1747 is working tirelessly. It is an automatic chronograph movement, working at 4 Hz and providing a power reserve of 48 hours.

The four Chronofighter Grand Vintage watches feature sporty rubber straps in black or green with a distinctive Milanese-style mesh pattern – newcomers to the family. A calf leather variant in blue is geared to those wishing to confidently cling on to a classic.

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.

Hamilton Goes Vintage with the Intra-Matic Auto Chono

Here at the wristwatches blog we are known fans of the vintage trend that is still going strong within the watch world. Yes, we love everything retro and we’re getting excited about a lot of the lovingly created and often very cool reissues of various manufacturers. And of course, Hamilton is also joining the party. Not long ago, the american watch manufacturer has revived its 1968 chronograph, presenting a model that draws on the classic good looks of its ancestor. We (as many of you, we might imagine) especially love the panda dial that comes with the new Intra-Matic Auto Chrono.

The new 40 mm stainless steel case is slightly larger than the 36 mm original – the first hint that this is a watch updated to reflect modern tastes. But Hamilton made sure to retain the authentic late 60s look and feel. It is also waterproof up to 10 bar.

The highlight is, of course, the original panda dial that was so popular in the 60s and 70s; but largely disappeared since then. Even the font and Hamilton logo across the dial are the historic version from 1968. The white dial with black chronograph counters harmonize beautifully with the black tachymeter scale running around the outer edge of the dial, making sure the bezel is staying slim. At 6 o’clock is a prominent but not intrusive date window and generous applied Super-LumiNova on the indices and hands are making sure that best legibility is assured even in the dark.

Inside the case of the new Intra-Matic Automatic Chrono works the calibre H-31. This automatic chronograph movement provides a comfortable power reserve of 60 hours.
The chronograph comes with a black leather strap.

Retro and also understated cool – can anyone possibly want more in a wristwatch? Swiss made maybe? Of course the Intra-Matic Automatic Chrono is also that. After all, American design made in Switzerland is one of Hamilton’s signature features.