The Longines Heritage Classic Tuxedo

With its newest two watches, Longines looks back to the wild parties of the later 1940s and the carefree spirit of this time. After the harsh war came a time of prosperity and celebration. Elegance was back in fashion; men wore suits and women wore recently-introduced nylon stockings. People got dressed up to go out and dance to the rhythm of jazz bands. And the new Longines Heritage Classic – Tuxedo creations – one with 3 hands and the other featuring a chronograph – are inspired by two historic pieces designed in the spirit of their time.
Collectors have nicknamed the historic watches „Tuxedo“, because the contrast of the black and white on their dials reminds us of the suits worn during the elegant and festive evenings of the time.

To respect the spirit of the original models, Longines has chosen her not to add the word „Automatic“ on the dials. In kepping with the aim to create timepieces as faithful as possible to historical models, there is also no date window on the contemporary models.
The 3-hand model stands out for the aesthetics of the dial, a typical and very popular design from the 1940s. An opaline silver disc surrounded by a sublime matt black circle of thin baton hands covered with Super-LumiNova. The small seconds counter, located at 6 o’clock, is off-centre; this detail contributes to the charm of this 38.5-mm-diameter timepiece housing the exclusive L893.5 automatic movement featuring a silicon balance spring.

The chronograph version displays matt black, opaline and midnight blue, colours as elegant as they are refined. Several zones feature on its dial, and a tachymetric sclae – quite rare for a Longines watch – also enriches its circumference, just like on the original model. The Longines Heritage Classic Chronograph – Tuxedo houses in its 40-mm-case the calibre L895.5, a movement developed exclusively for Longines Heritage timepieces.

Both Longines Heritage Classic – Tuxedo watches are presented on semi-matt black leather straps, perfectly in keeping with the spirit of the late 1940s.

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Skeleton

In a freshly restyled Aikon case, Maurice Lacroix has fitted a new manufacture, openworked, automatic calibre of unique design. True to its vocation of manufacturing high quality timepieces at an affordable price, deeply rooted in urban and contemporary culture, Maurice Lacroix introduces the Aikon Automatic Skeleton.
Openworked timepieces are an integral part of Maurice Lacroix’s history and watchmaking culture. Several successive generations of its watches have featured this graphic and horological principle. In consists in the hollowing of a movement’s parts, in order to retain only its bearing and functional structures.

Based on the 2016 AIKON Quartz design, the AIKON Automatic case leans towards a more masculine, sharper state of mind, one that is also more polarizing. It is 45 mm wide, yet only 13 mm thick, which provides it with strong and harmonious proportions. Entirely made of steel, both brushed and polished, it stands out thanks to the six arms on its bezel, positioned once every two hours. This is a signature feature of the AIKON collection, as is the one-piece case shape. Without lugs, it bears two prongs that descend on the bracelet and shape its curve.
The case is water-resistant up to 10 atm.

The calibre ML134 was entirely designed for the Aikon Automatic Skeleton. The automatic movement is the result of a thorough aesthetic and functional reshuffle of the ML134 calibre, one of the first to have come out of the Maurice Lacroix manufacture. And as is the case with all its in-house skeleton movements, it is born of design, not necessity. It is structured by a series of five concentric circles, that run diagonally through the entire watch. Bridge after bridge, they radiate from the centre of the barral, at one o’clock.
Said bridges are black due to a DLC surface treatment. Their central canal is lower and sandblasted. Their outline is one level higher and satin-brushed. All of the components are skeletonised; the barrel, which sits at the pattern’s core, the balance wheel, the winding mechanism, and the oscillating weight too. The latter is visible through the sapphire case back.
One level above this mechanical lattice, a sapphire dial bears rhodium-pleated indices and the small seconds hat at 6 o’clock.
The movement works at a frequency of 2.5 Hz and provides a power-reserve of up to 52 hours.

Aikon Automatic Skeleton introduces Maurice Lacroix’s Easychange system. These fast-swap attachments allow to singlehandedly remove the bracelet made from black alligator leather.

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.

A new Seiko with Urushi Dial

Seiko recently introduced a new, extremely slim design in its Elegance-Collection. The combination of a new case and a hand-wound calibre with a small second and Urushi lacquer expresses the unique Japanese aesthetic of Grand Seiko.

The new Urushi creation, available in two versions, combines two outstanding Japanese crafts. Thanks to the watchmaker’s skills, every detail reflects Grand Seiko’s understated design aesthetics.
The dial and sapphire crystal are so slightly curved to give the watches a classic look. The minute hand as well as the hand of the power reserve are slightly curved to follow the contours of the dial.
The Urushi dials are made by a master craftsman. He also applies the hour markings and the letters „GS“ with the traditional Maki-e technique to the dials of the watches. By applying the lacquer in layers, the markings are given a three-dimensional profile and a decentralised presence on the dial. A gold or platinum powder is then applied and the surface polished. This process gives the Maki-e its discreetly shimmering appearance.
With the dials at the centre, the subsidiary dials for the small seconds at 9 o’clock and the power-reserve indicator at 3 o’clock are subtle and understated.

The case is polished with a special Zaratsu technique that underlines the beauty of the curved surfaces. It has a diameter of 39 mm and is water-resistant up to 3 bar.
Inside works the 9S63 calibre, which is a significant addition to the ever-growing number of Grand Seiko movements. Eight years have passed since Grand Seiko unveiled its last mechanical hand-wound calibre, but we’d say it was worth the wait.
The 9S63 operates at a frequency of 4 Hz, offers a power reserve of 72 hours and is highly accurate with a deviation of +5 to -3 seconds.

The new Design Series consists of three limited editions. Seiko has combined the two Urushi versions with a red gold case and limited each to 150 pieces. The third model has a stainless steel case and a blue dial and will come in a edition of 1.500 pieces. In July, a version with a gold case will expand the collection.
All models are complemented by a crocodile leather strap.

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.

Piaget Presents New Polo Versions at the SIHH 2019

The elegant Piaget Polo has represented the sporty and casual side of Piaget Manufacture since 1979, when the collection was first launched. This year’s Piaget Polo models capture the essence of the Maison in 2019, injecting the collection’s recurring vitality with a pop of colour and a dash of sparkle.

In 2016, the Piaget Polo debuted a refreshed look that updated its hallmark design for the new millenium. The slender proportions remained, but with a larger case size and a bezel that blended oblong and round shapes for an exuberant celebration of Piaget’s signature aesthetic. The classic faceted dauphine hands embraced a friendlier approach, trading sharp angles for softer curves. The bold horizontal dial and case godroons transitioned into dial guillochage that offered subtle texture without overpowering it.
Following the popularity of the steel launch models and the acclaimed 2018 introduction of gold to the new Piaget Polo, the 2019 models confidently move the collection into other areas of the Maison’s expertise – the use of colour and gem-setting.

The steel 42 mm Piaget Polo comes dressed in verdant hues, with a green dial that changes in tone and intensity depending on the angle of light that hits the guilloché surface. A dark green alligator leather strap completes the tone-on-tone look.

A second 42 mm model, this time in red gold, comes in two diamond-set versions. The first features a simple halo of brilliant-cut diamonds on the emblematic bezel, whilst the second is unrestrainedly spirited with a fully paved dial and bezel. These models come with two alligator straps for maximum versatility; a sober blue strap sets off the sparkle of diamonds while a deep gament strap emphasises the warmth of the red-gold case.

The new Piaget Polo models of 2019 are driven by the automatic calibre 1110P of Manufacture Piaget, ensuring a high level of timekeeping performance designed for our modern times. It works at a frequency of 4 Hz and provides a power reserve of approximately 50 hours.
All new Piaget Polo watches show hours, minutes, seconds, as well as a date at 6 o’clock.

The green model is limited to 500 pieces.

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.

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.

JS Watch co. Reykjavik Celebrates the World Cup

So, today it begins, the World Cup championship in Russia. A lot of watch manufacturers have presented special editions for this event (or interchangeable bracelets in team colours. We will introduce the Limited Edition by JS Watch Co. Reykjavik, the COLLECTION WOЯLD CUP MMXVIII. Because it’s awesome and dedicated to everyone’s favourite underdog from the last UEFA Euro Cup: Icelands men’s national football team.
With a population of around 330,000, Iceland is by far the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup championship – and it’s the first time, the team managed to do so. If that’s not a reason to celebrate with a special edition, we don’t know what is.

In this edition, JS Watch Co. Reykjavik has incorporated the colours of the Icelandic flag to honor the team. You’ll also find a lot of small details in the watch which reflect the spirit that has built up around the National team.
In the dial design you will find small details like „Fyrir Ísland“ (which translates into „For Iceland“). The numbers 1 – 11 are in silver for the players on the pitch, the number 12 is in red and represents the fans, who are called „Tólfan“ („The Twelve“); due to their undying support the fans are considered to be the twelfth player in the team. The minutes in blue from 0 to 45 representing the Game Time and the 45 to 60 minutes in red saying Half Time. This idea originally came from a game time clock that was located on the National stadium „Laugardalsvöllur“. Since for battle a weapon is needed, JS Watch Co. Reykjavik designed the blue seconds hand in the shape of a viking spear.
The COLLECTION WOЯLD CUP MMXVIII logo sports a reversed R as a special memorandum for Russia, the nation hosting this years FIFA World Cup – and also to honor its special alphabet.

The back of the watch is engraved with JS Watch Co. Reykjavik,  COLLECTION WOЯLD CUP MMXVIII and VAR ÞAÐ EKKI – the celebration chant the team whispers in the locker room after victories. A small engraved soccer ball on the crown filled with ceramic blue colour completes the design.

The watch comes in a 43.3 mm steel case with a curved anti-reflective sapphire crystal and see-through sapphire crystal back. The case is water-resistant up to 5 atm. Inside works a Swiss made automatic movement which assures a 38-hour power reserve when fully wound.
The watches are completed by a leather strap – calf, ostrich or alligator.

JS Watch Co. Reykjavik has limited the COLLECTION WOЯLD CUP MMXVIII to 300 pieces and the first 30 numbers are reserved for the National team members.

Bell & Ross: BR03-94 Horolum & BR03-92 Horoblack

Bell & Ross, a reference in the field of professional aviation watches, with its square iconic shape and graphic lines, launched its Horo line last year with the BR03-92 Horolum. This year, the brand presents two novelties: the BR03-94 Horolum and the BR03-92 Horoblack. Their name comes from „Horo“, which is a reference to Bell & Ross‘ concept using matt micro blasted steel on the boxes and dials and a sandwich dial for an optimal readability.
The BR03-94 Horolum and the BR03-92 Horoblack reflect the spirit of Bell & Ross instrument watches. The case is designed in a contemporary style boasting the iconic shape of the house, a circle in a square that is reminiscent of the silhouette of a cockpit clock. They both have micro blasted steel caps and dials, which gives them a monobloc effect.

Steel blasting involves high-pressure spraying of tiny glass beads on the metal’s surface. This treatment „depolishes“ the surface giving it a uniform appearance and a grey tone. The finish is matte, and therefore, anti-reflective. It also avoids reverberations in the sun. This process reinforces their graphic look and utilitarian purpose. The cases are water-resistant up to 10 atm and measure 42 mm in diameter.
The common feature of both watches is the sandwich construction of the dial, which consists of two superimposed metal plates. The main characteristic of the „Horo“ models is the best readability at all times.

BR03-94 Horolum

This chronograph brings to mind light and readability. Super-LumiNova treatment facilities reading during the day and at nighttime. The color used for lighting landing strips, an intense green light that illuminates the tracks in the dark, is also used in the dial. It offers excellent luminescence and night readability. The indexes and giant numbers 12 and 6 are very legible and painted on the bottom plate. With its unparalleled brilliance, the green tinted Super-LumiNova is ultra-phosphorescent and lasts a long time in the dark. It allows a persistent reading during the night hours. The dial has two counters for calculating short times and a tachymeter scale on the flange.
The BR03-94 Horolum is powered by the automatic mechanical movement, the calibre BR-CAL.301. It features hours, minutes, small seconds at 3 o’clock; a date at 4.30 and a chronograph for short time periods – a 30-minute timer at 9 o’clock and central chronograph seconds.
The BR03-94 is mounted on a grey-green calfskin strap and is a limited edition of 500 pieces.

BR03-92 Horoblack

This watch features a simple and uncluttered display that features a graphic dial with clear indications. The design is simple. The bar indexes and the four numbers 12, 3, 6, and 9 enable an easy reading. This type of display is a classic at Bell & Ross, and its effectiveness is very well established. The identical finish of the box and the dial establishes a homogeneous block of the same hue. Indexes and hands play on the black and gray contrast, which guarantees optimal readability.
the BR03-92 Horoblack is powered by the calibre BR-CAL.302, an automatic movement which features hours, minutes, seconds and a date.
This three-hands model comes in a limited edition of 999 pieces.

The BR03-94 Horolum and the BR03-92 Horoblack instrument watches have been designed according to the principles of industrial design. Based on a square case, with pure and simple lines, they return to basics. The contemporary timepieces have their character and evoke the realm of the air: They share a minimalist design, hyper-readability and the micro blasted steel gives them modernity and purity.