A Futuristic Heritage: Hamilton’s Ventura

In 1957 Hamilton created the first electronic watch which was the watch of the future then. It came in an unconventional three-sided case with a pulse line adorning the dial. With this watch, science-fiction became reality. No wonder the Ventura quickly achieved a very iconic status. And now Hamilton has unveiled a new triangular timepiece for the world of tomorrow, once again taking the Ventura to its futuristic heritage – may we present the Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton.

With the new Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton, this space age-icon presents its most futuristic side yet. Hamilton has reinterpreted the classic appearance of the Ventura to create the slee, ergonomic Elvis80 Skeleton case shape, named after the original Ventura’s most famous fan – Elvis Presley, the King himself.
The Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton is an automatic rather than electronic watch that celebrates watchmaking in all its forms – with a clear view of the mechanics revealed through its skeletonised movement.

Hamilton has equipped the Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton with a stainless steel case. It sports a diameter of 42.5 mm and a height of 44.6 mm and comes with either a PVD coating in pink gold or black. The case is water-resistant to 5 atm.
The dials of the two versions of the Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton also differ in colour. Both come in the basic colour black, but while the pulse line on the pink gold version matches the case, Hamilton has opted for a red accent on the black watch. To ensure excellent legibility at all times, the hands are coated with Super-LumiNova. A scratch-resistant and anti-reflective sapphire crystal lies over both dials.
The H-10-S movement can be seen through the open dial. It is an uncompromising calibre that boasts a power reserve of 80 hours and a Côtes de Genève finish.

The Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton is completed by a rubber strap.
With this modern evolution of a visionary classic on your wrist, the future can come.

Bell & Ross Flight Instruments: BR 03-92 HUB

Bell & Ross, the ultimate reference for professional aviation timepieces, goes back to its origins in high performance military instruments with a new interpretation of its iconic watch, the BR 03-92 HUD. The Instrument collection is directly inspired by the aeronautical essential navigation tools of aircraft cockpit and highlights bell & Ross‘ four fundamental requirements: legibility, functionality, precision and water-resistance.
Fully in line with the characteristics of this collection, the new BR 03-92 HUD gets inspiration from the avionics displays of fighter jets equipped with the most cutting-edge technology.
Everything started in 2005 with the BR 01 which was inspired by the cockpit clocks of 1970’s airplanes. Then in 2010 the BR 01 Radar entered the market, followed by other models like the BR 01 Turn Coordinator. And now, ten years later, the watchmakers at Bell & Ross are turning all their attention to the Head Up Display (HUD). This new introduction completes the Flight Instruments Family.

The HUD is a transparent glass screen that displays all information that is essential to fulfill a mission in the pilot’s visual field. For optimal effectiveness, its primary function is to keep the pilot focused on the target ahead without having t take the eyes off their line of sight. The HUD takes on the augmented reality concept; with displaying digital data onto the windshield, pilots can be alerted about everything from the horizon line, altitude or speed to navigation aids. If you think that that sounds vaguely familiar it’s because the HUD is now also frequently used in the automobile industry.

The design of the BR 03-92 HUD embodies the spirit of Bell & Ross’ Instrument watches, as a contemporary style, the black matte ceramic case features the iconic “circle in a square” that evokes the silhouette of an aircraft cockpit clock.

The technical and graphical tools with tips to translate this display type at the much smaller scale of an analog mechanical watch was an innovative exercise at the brand’s creative studio. Arranged in tiers, the BR 03-92 HUD is built around superimposed levels to create an overlay that echoes the real HUD instrument.
The watch hinges on three layers: On the upper level, the green-tinted sapphire crystal gives the illusion of the digital HUD-type display, using the surface of the disc dial and that of the crystal. Here are the four brackets found from HUD line of sight. On the middle level, the black and green hands reveal the minutes and seconds. The hand’s center parts were purposely hidden to further increase the legibility. On the lower level, the hours are indicated by a green triangle marker which appears in the center through an independent concentric disc. The watch also features a small date at 4 o’clock.

And of course, the coatings are worth noting on this timepiece. By using the green color, Bell & Ross recreates the graphic style of this Instrument as closely as possible. The green on the dial mirrors the computer-type display of the HUD, and the cases anti-reflective matte black background provides a striking contrast and the sapphire crystal is tinted.
To provide an intense green light, hour numerals, indices and triangle as well as the minute-circle and hands are coated with green Super-LumiNova.

The BR 03-92 HUD fits perfectly in the Instruments family which guarantee ultra-legibility at all times. The combination of green tinted sapphire crystal on green information emphasizes this.

The watch is powered by the calibre BR-CAL.302, an automatic movement known for its absolute reliability.
The utilitarian approach of this watch is completed with both a black rubber and an ultra-resilient black synthetic fabric strap.

The BR 03-92 HUD is a limited edition of only 999 pieces.

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.

Two New Panerai Submersible 42 mm Watches

Panerai’s collection of professional diving watches is enhanced by two models in stainless steel, with an applied ceramic disc on the rotating bezel which gives these creations a sporty look, powerful and contemporary, suitable for any wrist since the case diameter is just 42 mm.

Strong, functional and tough are the new watches immediately recognisable Panerai as personalities. Both models have an AISI 316L stainless steel case, with the iconic device protecting the winding crown and the unidirectional rotating bezel for displaying the duration of the dive, and they are water-resistant to a depth of 300 metres (30 bar).

The difference between the two new Panerai Submersibles lies in their colour schemes. In the first the dial, the ceramic disc on the rotating bezel and the rubber strap are all black, with luminous white markers clearly legible under all lightning conditions and in complete darkness; the second stylishly combines a blue ceramic disc surrounding the dial and a blue rubber strap with a distinctively textured shark grey dial. In both models the small seconds hand, essential for checking that the watch is running during a dive, is Panerai blue and rotates in the subsidiary dial at 9 o’clock, symmetrical with the date at 3 o’clock.

Two neu Panerai Submersibles in cases 42 mm diameter – an impressive size, consistent with the Panerai DNA, but suitable for any wrist – express all the power and personality of the professional diving watches made by Panerai, which for many years supplied precision to the commandos of the Italian Navy.

The two new Panerai Submersibles are fitted with the OP XXXIV Manufacture calibre, an automatic movement with a power reserve of three days, the basic standard of the House’s movements. The calibre operates with 28,800 vibrations per hour and is responsible for displaying hours, minutes, small seconds and the date.

As well as the rubber strap, these Panerai Submersible watches are supplied with a spare strap of high-tech material, tough and water-resistant.

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.

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.

Hanhart: Black Falcon Primus Race Winner

This October, Hanhart introduced a new limited editions for adrenaline junkies and car lovers, for racecar drivers or simply the modern man with a need for speed. It is created by Black Falcon, the young motorsports company currently celebrating both national and international success, in cooperation with watch manufacturer Hanhart. The fusion of Black Falcon’s progressive design and technology with Hanhart’s more than 130 years of tradition offers unmistakable sportiness and maximum wearing comfort. The result is the Black Falcon Primus Race Winner, a chronograph which is dedicated to the Black Falcon team’s many first-place victories in international motorsports.

The black dial is partly structured and since the Black Falcon Primus Race Winner is a chronograph, it comes with two subdials. You’ll find the small seconds at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute-counter at 3 o’clock. At 6 o’clock a small, an unobtrusive date window was placed. The watch is excellent legible and not only during the day; the big Arabic numerals are not only polished but coated with Super-LumiNova, as are the index marks and skeletonized hands. The yellow details are beautiful and stop the chronograph from getting too dark.
The dial is protected by a convex sapphire glass with anti-reflective coating.

The Black Falcon Primus Race Winner is based on the iconic design of Hanhart’s Primus watches. It comes with a stainless steel case, measuring 44 mm in diameter, sporting a black DLC-coating. The fluted bezel comes with a red inlaid marking at 12 o’clock. The case is water-resistant up to 10 bar and sports the attention-grabbing trademark of Hanhart, the red button which underlines the connection between stopwatches, the first pilot’s chronographs and the new collection.
Inside lies the calibre HAN3809. The automatic chronograph movement works at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and comes with a very mediocre power reserve of 42 hours.

The Black Falcon Primus Race Winner is a limited edition watch with only 111 pieces. Every one of these watches stands for a victory the Black Falcon team achieved and comes on a black vulcanized rubber band.

Down in the Abyss with the Hindenberg Diver Professional

Not long ago, watch manufacturer Hindenberg has presented once more a new, exciting model. And in various different versions. May we introduce: The Diver Professional. The Hindenberg Diver Professional was designed as a serious tool and dive watch. This watch conquers depth up to 300 metres which is significantly more than the average diver needs, nevertheless how ambitious and serious he may be. With this dive watch on the wrist one can calmly face the abyss. The case is made from stainless steel and the teethed bezel can be easily operated even with gloves.

The dial comes with a clear design and a focus on optimum readability. Hindenberg offers three different versions of the Diver Professional – with a white, black or blue dial. The indices are, just like the skeletonised hands, filled with lume, so the time can also be read in the dark. And in the white version, the whole dial glows in the dark. A big date window is placed at 3 o’clock and to enhance its appearance, Hindenberg has opted for a cyclops lens.
The tip of the second hand and the imprint „Automatic“ in red add a welcome splash of colour to the dial.

The Diver Professional also comes with a helium valve. It ensures that potentially bottled-up gases like helium and hydrogen escape slowly when the diver rises to the surface, preventing the watch from being damaged. The valve functions fully automatic.
The diver’s watch is powered by the caliber H-17.430, a highly reliable automatic movement.

As for its measurements, the Diver Professional is not shy. With a diameter of 43 mm and with 14 mm in height, this watch makes a statement on the wrist. On the other hand, it’s not so big that it would be unpractical to wear every day. It’s understated design contributes to that. With the Diver Professional, Hindenberg isn’t providing a dress watch (the Emperor or Ascender in the current collection are happy to do that job), but ever since the invention of business casual, a diver’s watch can be worn to the office as well as on the boat.

Hindenberg offers, like mentioned earlier, three different models, all fitted with stainless steel bracelets or rubber straps. The blue version is completed by a bright blue rubber strap, matching the colour of the dial.

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.

Breitling: Bentley GT „Dark Sapphire“ Edition

Breitling has introduced a new, limited wristwatch, a homage to the new Bentley Continental GT. With its ultra-light chassis made of Breitlight enhanced by bluish „Dark Sapphire“ tints, this watch is a vibrant tribute to a magnificent car. Accordingly is this timepiece equipped with an efficient engine, a 30-second chronograph.
Bentley presented the third generation of the Continental GT at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2017, redefining the quintessence of Grand Touring. The car is a new interpretation of the classic Bentley design that is long and sharp-edged, with a new optimised 6-litre W12 TSI engine, state-of-the-art onboard equipment, a refined and beautifully hand-crafted interior.

The limited edition by „Breitling for Bentley“ marks the occasion by launching a limited edition reflecting the entire spirit of the new Continental GT. The ultra-light, ultra-sturdy case is made in Breitlight, a Breitling-exclusive high-tech material distinguished by its qualities. It resists to scratching, traction and corrosion, is non-magnetic, non-allergenic and is thermal stable. is subtly black streaked effect takes on a bluish shimmer echoing the colour of the Bentley „Dark Sapphire“. The dial features a diamond motif picking up the pattern appearing in several areas of the Continental GT interior and dashboard controls.
The case measures 48 mm in diameter and is water-resistant up to 100 metres.

The motorisation of the Bentley GT „Dark Sapphire“ takes the form of a Manufacture Breitling B06 calibre officially chronometer-certified by the COSC. This movement was entirely developed and produced in the Breitling Chronométrie workshops. It is distinguished by its ingenious 30-second chronograph system, inspired by a 1926 Breitling patent, with a central hand completing a full sweep of the dial in half a minute – thus ensuring extremely accurate readings of times to the nearest eight of a second. This feature is highlighted on the black dial by a blue measuring scale, picking up the subtle shades of the case. The calibre is working with a frequency of 28.800 vibrations per hour and guarantees a 70-hour power reserve.

The watch is fitted with a specially created rubber strap, bearing the same diamond motif as the dial.
The Bentley GT Dark Sapphire Edition is a 500-piece limited edition.