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tudor pelagos fxd chrono

Big news today from Tudor as the brand has launched two new Tudor Pelagos FXD variations in celebration of its partnership with Alinghi Red Bull Racing, an America’s Cup yacht racing team. With a new chronograph and both models rocking carbon composite cases, it’s a big change from the Tudor Pelagos FXD‘s original military-derived intent, so let’s get to the details.
With one time-only model (ref 25707KN) coming in at 42mm and a brand new chronograph (25807KN) – a first for any Pelagos model – coming in at 43mm, both of these new FXDs have matte blue dials with red accents (think: Red Bull). Additionally, both use matte black carbon composite cases and have matching 120-click bi-directional titanium bezels set with carbon inserts that have fully-luminous 60-minute countdown scales.

The crown – and for the chrono, the pushers – are done in titanium, and the time-only model uses the Tudor MT5602 (the same as the standard FXD) while the Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono uses the MT5813 (which we’ve seen used in all manner of Black Bay Chronos). Both movements are COSC-certified chronometers, have 70 hours of power reserve, and beat at 4Hz). Those of you who prefer a date function will be happy to see one included at six o’clock on the chronograph.
Aside from the coloring, the direct references to the racing team are kept to a small nameplate at 12 o’clock on the rehaut (the minute marking ring that surrounds the edge of the dial), and a stainless steel case back featuring an engraving for the Alinghi Red Bull Racing team.

Similar to the original Tudor Pelagos FXD, both of the Alinghi models have fixed bars and come on a one-piece fabric strap that uses a hook-and-loop closure system. The time-only model costs $3,675, while the chronograph has a price tag of $5,075. Call me surprised, but I definitely didn’t expect this evolution of the FXD. Carbon cases? A chronograph? It’s a wild move that represents the most tech-forward evolution of the Pelagos since the model was introduced. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I’m here for it.
The watch world has long been fascinated by yacht racing, and that fascination has led to some really great watches made in conjunction with the various teams that battle for America’s Cup. Tudor started its partnership with Alinghi Red Bull Racing in 2022, and if you want a tough yacht racing-ready watch that can pull direct inspiration from the boat raced by the team, a carbon-cased Tudor Pelagos FXD chronograph seems like a great way to go about the task. This is also the first time that the material has been used for a production watch from Tudor (or a certain other sister brand).

The longer I look at the photos, the more I like the raw technical impression of the matte blue dial surrounded by the dark matte black of the carbon case. Additionally, I really dig the contrast of the titanium pushers/crown alongside the subtle carbon finish of the bezel insert. As for the weight figures, I have asked for the information and will update this story as soon as I can.
With or without the Alinghi Red Bull Racing connection, I can see both of these new FXDs being very popular among the Pelagos set. And despite the larger sizing (which should be in part mitigated by the case material), the chronograph feels like the stand-out from this racy new pair of Tudor Pelagos FXD. It represents another considerable evolution in the bloodline of the Pelagos as the line continues to represent the cutting-edge of Tudor’s work in truly modern sports watches.

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Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358

If you’ve ever delved deep into Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358 catalog, you may have noticed a fascinating assortment of high-jewelry watches, some of which include “mobile setting” whereby diamond-set petals sway to mimic floral nastic movement. I’ve seen one of these Breguet Crazy Flower watches in action, and the crazy part of the name is apt. I bring this up to emphasize that Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358 takes its gem-setting very seriously; I’d say as seriously as the intricate watch complications it’s famous for. So, just in time for sparkle season, Breguet adds two new gem-set tourbillon models that merge high jewelry and high horology in dramatic fashion. Available in white gold or rose gold and blanketed in diamonds, the new Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358 watches showcase the complex whirling mechanism that founder A.-L. Breguet was responsible for inventing, along with other design details that have become signatures of the brand. The first of the dazzling diamond pair is the Starlit Night, which features a white gold case, a varnished midnight blue mother-of-pearl dial, and a midnight blue alligator leather strap. The dial is decorated with a shower of diamond-set white gold stars while the shooting star-shaped tourbillon bridge is embellished with 45 snow-set diamonds and punctuated with a blue spinel at the center that serves as a pivoting stone for the Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358 carriage. The other new Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358 watch is the Stunning Sight, furnished with a rose gold case, a dial set with 281 diamonds, and a crimson-red alligator leather strap. There’s also the natural white mother-of-pearl chapter ring that frames the off-centered time display and its smile-shaped rose gold tourbillon bridge is set with 14 diamonds. Both models include an oval-shaped aperture at 6 o’clock for a view of the one-minute tourbillon, a rose-cut diamond set into the crown, diamonds set into the bezel and lugs, and triple folding gold clasps set with 42 diamonds. As is customary for almost all Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358 watches, there are the Breguet-style hands, Breguet-style numerals, and fine fluting on the case sides. The cases measure 35mm in diameter (water-resistant to 30 meters) and are fitted with sapphire casebacks for a view of the magnificently engraved hand-wound 187 D movements powering the watches. Caliber 187 D oscillates at a frequency of 2.5 Hz and supplies 50 hours of power reserve.
Petite yet punchy, these high jewelry tourbillons are designed for the maximalist who adheres to the “more is more” philosophy. And to that, I say, why not? When executed to the level of excellence that Breguet Classique Tourbillon 3358 has achieved here, a women’s diamond tourbillon watch is a spectacular style choice that few can pull off. Clearly, these are not everyday watches for everyday folks, but if you are the type to get invited to events where a diamond tourbillon is appropriate, then Breguet would be the go-to source.

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Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic The Avener

Launched just three years ago, Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic The Avener collection is the brand’s luxury sports watch collection with a fresh, contemporary design. Ranging from an affordable perpetual calendar with manufacture movement to automatic time-and-date models, the Highlife targets a younger audience. In 2022, Frederique Constant teamed up with the contemporary French musician and producer The Avener to promote the Highlife collection. Today, Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic The Avener and The Avener present two 39mm limited editions of the Highlife Automatic time-and-date with dials depicting the frequencies monitored on a recording studio console.
Tristan Casara, aka Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic The Avener, is a phenomenon on the deep house and electro-music scene and has sold over one million albums. As an ambassador for the Highlife collection, The Avener has put his personal seal on the two Highlife Automatic models. Presented in 39mm stainless steel cases with a thickness of 10.34mm, one is fitted with an integrated steel bracelet, while the second has a black sandblasted DLC coating with a matching rubber strap. The identity of the 100m water-resistant, barrel-shaped Highlife case with its half-moon facets is intact, and the steel version displays the characteristic brushed and polished finishings. Limited to 432 editions in each variant, this number corresponds to 432Hz, which is considered the perfect frequency, producing absolute harmony and promoting mental clarity and calmness.
The dials are decorated with a pattern that evokes the sound waves of studio monitors. On the stainless steel edition, the blue sound waves traverse the dial against a black background, the shade of blue being the same colour The Avener used on the cover of his first album. The black PVD model differs in that the sound waves are depicted concentrically. ‘A tempo’ is printed just above the date window at 6 o’clock, reminding musicians to recuperate a normal tempo after a slow or fast section. Although both models feature applied steel indices, the twelve hour markers on the black dial are filled with black luminescent material matching the hour and minute hands; the blue dial, however, has fewer indices (12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock) and the luminous material on the hour markers and hands appears to be white.
Powered by the automatic calibre FC-303 (base Sellita SW 200-1 without COSC chronometer certification), the movement can be seen on the reverse side of the case with its gold-coloured rotor delivering energy to the barrel for 38 hours.
The stainless steel Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic The Avener comes with a fully interchangeable integrated 3-link stainless steel bracelet with a folding buckle as well as an additional black rubber strap. The black DLC features a fully interchangeable black rubber strap and an additional black Nubuck leather strap with a pin buckle.

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Longines Heritage Legend Diver 39 Stainless Steel

Big news for fans of the Longines Legend Diver as the brand’s long-standing vintage effect dive watch has been retooled with a smaller case. Now in 39mm, the 2023 Legend Diver has been resized to reflect the current taste and is now offered in black or blue lacquer dials, and, as is common for the Swiss brand, you get a choice of straps or a steel bracelet.
Both colorways offer the same brand new 39mm steel case, which is 12.7mm thick and 47mm lug to lug. With 300 meters of water resistance, a closed steel case back, and two crowns – one for setting the time (no-date is the only option at this time) and one to control the bidirectional rotating internal bezel – it’s the Legend Diver we’ve known and loved since 2007, but refreshed for maximum wearability.

Replete with COSC certification, Longines has fitted the newLongines Heritage Legend Diver 39 with the brand’s modern and ETA-based L888.6. It’s an automatic movement with 72 hours of power reserve and a silicon balance spring. Furthermore, the Legend Diver is also an ISO 6425-compliant dive watch (for those of you keeping score).
While either the black or the blue dials can be had with a full steel tapered bracelet, the blue version can be optioned with a blue nylon NATO-style strap, or you can get the black dial with a vintage-style brown leather.
As I alluded to above, the Longines Heritage Legend Diver 39 was launched back in 2007, and it was a huge success that put Longines at the forefront of the then-novel “new vintage” movement. Based on a design from 1959, the Legend Diver was originally a Super-Compressor-style diver that measured 42mm wide. For 2023, in a somewhat backward turn of events, the Legend Diver has been re-born with a smaller footprint meant to translate the mid-century design into a sizing that is more in line with today’s tastes. What I find funny – aside from a modern version of a watch being smaller than the 1950s original – is that the 2007 Legend Diver was already a bit small for popular tastes when it launched during a time that was likely more connected to the rise of larger designs like those from Panerai (and let’s not forget that Longines does continue to offer a 36mm legend diver).

But at Longines Heritage Legend Diver 39mm, in an era downstream of the commercial success of watches like the Tudor Black Bay 58, the sizing seems just right. And where the case width has shrunk by 3mm, the lug-to-lug is more than 5mm shorter than on the 42mm model (from 52.4mm to 47mm). For a watch that was often noted as being quite long in the case – too long for my wrist – this change might be the secret to making this beautiful design suit a wider range of wrists.
All told it’s a simple, understandable, and entirely exciting development for one of the OG faux-vintage dive watches. With new sizing, continued tool-level specs, COSC timekeeping, and a variety of mount options, Longines Heritage Legend Diver 39 continues to impress with their 2023 novelties, and I’d imagine that this new take on an old diver will be very popular for those who appreciated the Legend Diver design but wanted it in a more conventional mid-sized offering.

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Richard Mille RM 21-01 Tourbillon Aerodyne

For its latest new release of 2023, Richard Mille has just announced a new version of the RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne that embraces a crisp black and white colorway with a case that is crafted from white Quartz TPT, Carbon TPT, and titanium. From a design and movement standpoint, the Richard Mille RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne is hardly a new watch, as this core concept and the RM21-02 movement were both originally unveiled back in 2009 with a set of models that featured cases crafted from 18k gold. However, the new 2023 RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne takes that original concept in an entirely more modern direction with high-tech case materials and a distinctly contemporary overall appearance.
Over the years, Richard Mille has produced several different variations of the Richard Mille RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne, although the latest 2023 version is most closely related to last year’s limited-edition model that featured green Quartz TPT case components and orange accents. What this means is that you get Richard Mille’s signature tonneau-shaped case in a format that measures 42.68mm in diameter by 14.3mm thick with a lug-to-lug profile of 50.12mm. However, on the new 2023 Richard Mille RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne, the center caseband is made from grade 5 titanium, while the pillars that run down either side of the case and cover the titanium connecting screws are crafted from black Carbon TPT.
The white and black colorway extends throughout the rest of the watch, with the caseback appearing in white Quartz TPT with a clear sapphire display window, while the bezel features a multi-component structure with a black Carbon TPT center section paired with white Quartz TPT segments running down either side for the areas that hold the grade 5 titanium connecting screws. An anti-glare sapphire crystal sits above the dial, water resistance comes in at 50 meters to protect against daily contact, and to complete the entirely white and black color profile, the ventilated strap is made from white rubber with black contrasting inlays.
At the 3 o’clock location on the new 2023 Richard Mille RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne is a winding crown that appears in white and black to match the rest of the watch, and at the tip of the crown is a titanium button, which serves as the watch’s function selector switch. Just like a number of other Richard Mille watches, including previous models based upon this platform, the crown on the Richard Mille RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne does not pull outwards at all, and instead pressing the button on the tip of the crown lets you swap between the different modes (winding, setting, and neutral), in somewhat of a similar fashion to how a transmission works on a car.
The dial layout on the new 2023 Richard Mille RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne is virtually the same as what can be found among previous executions of the model, and it features a skeletonized pair of centrally-mounted hands for the hours and minutes, along with a clear sapphire dial and applied Arabic numeral hour markers. The tourbillon symmetrically resides at 6 o’clock, while the indicator for the function selector switch appears with its own dedicated hand directly next to the 4 o’clock hour marker.
Meanwhile, placed near the very top of the dial are two additional multi-colored, arc-shaped displays, with the one on the left serving as a power reserve indicator, while the other is a torque indicator that provides information about the chronometry quality of the tension in the mainspring. Basically, what this offers is a visual representation of how accurately the watch will run depending on the amount of tension in the mainspring. Above or below a certain point, accurately will suffer, and the torque display is intended to help users achieve optimum timekeeping performance.
Lastly, sitting visible though the transparent dial along either side of the display on the new 2023 Richard Mille RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne is a mainplate crafted from HAYNES 214, which is an alloy consisting of nickel, chromium, aluminum, and iron that is capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 955 degrees Celsius (1,751 degrees Fahrenheit). The geometric honeycomb pattern of the HAYNES 214 mainplate provides extreme stiffness with a low thermal expansion coefficient, and the alloy has been given a jet-black PVD finish to match the rest of the colorway of this particular model.
Powering the new 2023 Richard Mille RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne is the same Caliber RM21-02 manual-wind movement, which runs at a frequency of 21,600vph (3 Hz) with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The bridges of the movement are all crafted from grade 5 titanium, and in addition to featuring a function selector switch, tourbillon, and three additional indicators dedicated to the crown function, torq display, and power reserve, the Cal. RM21-02 also incorporates a modular time-setting assembly that can be removed through the caseback whenever adjustments or maintenance are needed, and this means that routine work can be performed without having to dismantle the movement from the mainplate or even remove the dial and hands from the watch.

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Patek Philippe Nautilus 7118 Haute Joaillerie

Patek Philippe had dazzled the virtual audience with the Nautilus in rose gold gem setting (Ref. 7118/1450R-001) earlier this year during Watches & Wonders event. The addition of the white gold appears to be a logical step for the collectors preferring white gold over rose gold.

The case, the bezel, and the bracelet are decorated with diamonds in so-called snow setting. Several rows of diamonds sparkle on the dial, tracing the wave-like pattern that is typically found on Nautilus ladies’ models. It is a noteworthy example of Patek’s breadth in style that combines creativity, and delicate gem-setting in a bold yet elegant way on the Patek Philippe Nautilus 7118platform. Ref. 7118/1450G Nautilus Haute Joaillerie sparkles with 2553 flawless Top Wesselton brilliant-cut diamonds (~12.69 ct). Patek chose the extremely elaborate technique of snow setting, also referred to as random pavé setting. The gem setter places diamonds of different sizes side by side in a random fashion, making sure that as little of the gold matrix is visible between the individual diamonds. Hence, each watch with a snow setting has a unique dial. The dial features luminous Alpha hour and minute hands in blackened white gold, and the applied Arabic numerals made of the same precious metal also have a luminous coating for a perfect legibility, even on an haute joaillerie watch where the emphasis generally tends to be on the stones. The white gold case is powered by Patek’s caliber 324 S automatic movement, the same movement that powers Ref. 5711. The finely finished movement with gold rotor is visible through the sapphire crystal case back. The 18K white-gold bracelet is paved with diamonds (~9.22 ct) and features a patented fold over clasp set with diamonds.

The steel Patek Philippe Nautilus 7118 is one of the most iconic sports watches, the most Instagrammed object, and hardest to purchase at the retail price. The “Snowhite” Ref. 7118/1450G-001 in white gold takes it several notches above the steel sports watch with over 12.6 carats of diamonds on the dial, case, and the bracelet. Patek Philippe combines high watchmaking artistry with delicate and rare handcrafts, in this case with gem setting. While Nautilus steel is an understated and refined sports watch, Ref. Patek Philippe Nautilus 7118 transforms the Nautilus from an everyday timepiece to a rare jewelry object. I appreciate that Patek has not added any limitation to this reference, and it is now part of the brand’s standard collection. Although, due to the skills and resources required, it will likely be manufactured in a very limited fashion.

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Patek Philippe Minute Repeater Alarm Philippe Stern

On Friday, the watchmaker revealed a very personal and very rare Patek Philippe Minute Repeater Alarm Philippe Stern, Ref. 1938P-001. The watch is a tribute from Patek Philippe president, Thierry Stern, to his father, former Patek Philippe president, Philippe Stern on the occasion of his 85th birthday. The watch, rather unusually, features the face of Stern Sr., rendered in a white and gray miniature portrait executed in grand feu enamel on a grand feu enamel black dial (“Email” beneath the seconds counter means “enamel” in French). It’s a touching gesture from son to father, however, one wonders which collectors will want to wear the elder Stern’s on their wrist. But Patek Philippe Minute Repeater Alarm Philippe Stern aficionados might appreciate what’s beneath the surface. Not surprisingly, Thierry Stern went all out for this appreciation piece, which houses a brand new Caliber R AL 27 PS. The movement combines the Swiss brand’s famous R 27 caliber, used in its Grandmaster Chime Ref. 5175 for the company’s 175th anniversary, with a 12-hour alarm function chiming a programmed time, read via the 18-karat rose-gold Breguet-style hand. And what’s more, the new caliber will be used only in the 30 iterations of this watch and never employed again, increasing the rarity of the timepiece. The movement is visible beneath a hunter caseback engraved with “A Mon Père, 85 ans de passion horlogère” (“To my Father, 85 years of watchmaking passion”) on the cover. Beneath the sapphire crystal glass, another sentimental touch was added to the 22-karat yellow-gold rotor, which is adorned with an engraving of Philippe Stern’s signature. Driving home even further the special nature of the piece are the chamfered edges of the bridges and hammers, which are gilded.

The self-winding caliber R AL 27 PS takes the alarm function and integrates it into the caliber R 27. Patek Philippe Minute Repeater Alarm Philippe Stern engineers had to rethink the minute repeater mechanism to combine the two. Both the alarm and the minute repeater chime on the same two gongs. Once activated via the slide piece on the left flank of the case, the movement can either instantly strike the time on the dial in minute repeater mode or put the stake on hold until the time displayed corresponds to the scheduled alarm time. The two modes are indicated via the bell-shaped aperture beneath the Patek Philippe signature. When in minute repeater mode, the bell is black; in alarm mode the bell is red. A push-piece in the crown allows the user to choose between the two. When in alarm mode, the slide must be actuated again to wind the alarm, changing the bell from red to white. When in alarm mode is white, it means that the alarm has been set but has not yet sounded. While the bell is set to white it’s possible to return to minute repeater mode by pressing the push-piece without the striking mechanism being activated. Like a traditional minute repeater, the piece will sound the hours, quarters, and minutes on demand, but the 12-hour alarm, which is set from one quarter-hour to the next via the crown pulled out in its middle position, strikes two minutes before its set time in order to allow the maximum number of chimes (thereby providing more of a melody). For instance, if the alarm is set at 3 o’clock it would actually go off at 2:58, so the user would hear two low-pitch strikes for the hour, three double high-low strikes for the quarters, and 13 high-pitch strikes for the remaining minutes.

All in all 227 parts had to be added to the movement to accomplish its technical feats. Plus, four new patents were filed for a unidirectional coupling mobile system, a timepiece incorporating a minute repeater and alarm with reversible selection, a timepiece with a repeater and constant-travel slide piece, and a striking mechanism equipped with a delaying device.

The piece is limited to just 30 pieces worldwide. While Patek Philippe Minute Repeater Alarm Philippe Stern collectors may not be sold on wearing Philippe Stern’s face, Patek Philippe enthusiasts may want to get their hands on a piece for the art of its mechanics and, of course, to have the bragging rights of owning the most elevated complication from one of the most coveted (and hard to get) watch brands on the planet.

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Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic COSC

Despite a relatively young 32-year brand history, Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic has built a rich and varied back catalog of models throughout its run. One of the proudest nameplates in the marque’s history is the Highlife collection, originally launched in 1999 as a new integrated bracelet flagship for the company. While the Highlife would go on to become one of the most distinctive and influential models in the brand’s history, the Highlife collection has faded into the archives of Frederique Constant in the past few years. As part of its 2020 novelties, Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic has unveiled a new generation of Highlife watches, featuring streamlined new integrated case designs, dramatically etched dials, and refined, dependable movement work including Frederique Constant’s first ever COSC certified chronometer watch. Not one but three new models have been announced, including the Frederique Constant Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture, the Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic Heart Beat, and the Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic COSC. We’ll be taking a closer in-depth look at the Highlife Heart Beat and Highlife Automatic COSC models here today.

Both new lines share a new 41mm integrated bracelet case in stainless steel. Streamlined and clean with an unguarded pillbox crown and a narrow polished bezel, the main body of the case takes on a smooth, vaguely hexagonal form with fine brushing. The delicate contouring work along the case sides allows the case to flow organically around the wrist, creating a smooth and streamlined continuous curve that is as comfortable as it is attractive. With a design so dedicated to the concept of visual flow, the integration of the lugs into the main body of the case is a must. The smooth, rounded half-moon cutout surrounding the integrated link helps to maintain this sense of flow into the bracelet or strap with an evocative, elegant form.

All new Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic models are also available with rose gold plating, with variants for the Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic COSC available in a two-tone finish. In addition, the Frederique Constant Highlife Heart Beat and Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic COSC are available with all-over rose gold plated variants. Regardless of the metal used, each new Frederique Constant Highlife provides a striking window into the beating mechanical heart of the watch through a sapphire display caseback.

Like the cases, the dials of the new Highlife series models combine refined modern sports watch cues in exciting and distinctive ways to create a handsome and cohesive whole. All new Highlife series share the same pointed paddle handset with matching indices, but without a doubt, the unifying visual centerpiece for all these new models are the engraved dials. Frederique Constant opts for a stylized globe pattern here, giving the design some geometric depth while differentiating itself from more common tapisserie or striped styles. This pattern is surprisingly adaptable as well, displaying vibrantly on navy blue and black dials while lighter silver dials have this engraving fading elegantly into the background.

From here, the new model lines diverge as each iteration takes on its own character. The simplest and most pure expression is of course the Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic COSC, with an elemental three-hand design unfettered by complications save for a 3 o’clock date. Unlike many contemporary open heart designs, the Frederique Constant Highlife Heart Beat displays a deft visual balance, with the signature 12 o’clock open heart window counterweighted by the dial text at 6 o’clock. The end result is a brilliant synergy between simple design and the ornate mechanical workmanship within. For the Frederique Constant Highlife Heart Beat, the brand turns to the Sellita SW300-1 based FC-310 automatic movement, chosen for its 12 o’clock balance wheel, steady 38-hour power reserve, and 28,800 bph beat rate. Lastly, Frederique Constant powers the Highlife Automatic COSC with the Sellita SW200-1 based FC-303 automatic movement. This is the first Frederique Constant movement to be chronometer certified by the COSC for accuracy, with a 38-hour power reserve and a 28,800 bph beat rate. Both movements are dramatically crowned with a custom signed gold-tone rotor, finely finished with delicate Côtes de Genève. Naturally, one of the largest selling points for the entire new Frédérique Constant Highlife Automatic series is the smooth integrated design, and without a proper bracelet and strap selection, this sort of design simply isn’t possible. The brand delivers solidly on this front, however, with a wide tapering H-link design that pairs polished center links to brushed surroundings for a dynamic, layered look. For those preferring straps, there’s a tapering padded alligator pattern leather option in either black or a deep tobacco brown.

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Corum Admiral 42 Automatic Ceramic

Over six decades ago, Corum presented their Admiral collection that was inspired by sailing races. Today, the collection not only stays true to its historical achievements but also embraces its evolution to deliver some of the most contemporary and exquisite iterations that are best known for their dodecagonal bezel and vibrant nautical pennants on the watch face. With even more passion and commitment, the Swiss luxury watchmakers have combined their design language with horological innovation to add ceramic models to the Admiral collection. These newest timepieces also empower Corum to provide eco-conscious options, aligning with the eco-friendly properties of ceramic materials. The new Corum Admiral 42 Ceramic watches stand out for their remarkable lightness, and not to mention ceramic’s vigour that makes the iterations resistant to both scratches and oxidation. Available in ceramic and gold, the four new references are a bold and beautiful blend of materials and style.
Part of the bleeding-edge Corum Admiral 42 Ceramic watches collection, Corum have unveiled a spectacular timepiece that beautifully melds ceramic and 18-karat 5N gold. Available in two iterations—one in black and the other in white—the timepiece is an amalgamation of audacious design and regal elegance that make for a brilliant wrist presence. The two models have been paired with matching vulcanised rubber straps. The accents in gold for the indexes and hands, along with the gold bezel, create a rich look for the dial. These exceptional 42mm Admiral watches are also capable of withstanding the challenges of sailing adventures, boasting a water resistance rating of up to 50m.
Expanding the Corum Admiral 42 Ceramic watches collection are two other references that use the expression of graffiti to craft captivating dials. The first reference in this remarkable collection is the Admiral 42 Tag, a limited-edition with only 50 pieces available, making it a highly coveted ceramic watch. The Corum tag logo on its dial is a charismatic design that comes to life when it glows in the dark. This timepiece not only captures the dynamic energy of graffiti but also promises stealth with its 42mm sandblasted black case, complemented by a lightweight and comfortable black NATO strap. The second in the series, fashioned from white ceramic, boldly reimagines design with playful multi-coloured paint adorning its indexes and hands. The Tag timepieces, as well as the ceramic and gold variants, are powered by the C0 395 automatic movement, operating at a frequency of 28,800vph and delivering a 40-hour power reserve. With the Corum Admiral 42 Ceramic watches collection, which offers a series of timepieces exuding elegance and extending rugged endurance, Corum strike a perfect balance between its illustrious heritage and modern ingenuity.

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Frédérique Constant Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture

Frederique Constant is known chiefly for its interesting take on Swiss watchmaking, entirely focused on accessible luxury. With all models, whether a sporty time-only watch, an innovation that no one saw coming or a complex perpetual calendar, the brand always delivers more than expected. With the new Frédérique Constant Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture, we enter a somewhat different sphere and price segment, which on paper doesn’t really feel like accessible luxury anymore… Or is it still? Marking the 35th anniversary of the brand and the 15th anniversary of its tourbillon calibre, the brand releases a surprisingly high-end, hand-decorated model oozing luxury everywhere. Looking at the brand’s portfolio, you can clearly see a pricing sweet spot ranging from EUR 1.5k to 4k. Some watches, far more complex, can go up to low 5-digit prices, but even there, you’d still get a lot of watchmaking for your money. Today’s watch plays in a different league, sitting well above the 40k mark – far from the brand’s usual comfort zone. Based on the recently launched Frédérique Constant Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture, a watch powered by an in-house tourbillon movement retailing below EUR 15k in steel, Frederique Constant releases what could well be its most high-end watch to date. And it’s not only about the materials, as the back has some surprises too. Technically speaking, this new Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture is identical to the previous gold or steel editions of this watch. A streamlined watch entirely devoted to the anti-gravity regulator, it comes in a sleek and nicely proportioned case of 39mm x 11mm but is made of 950 platinum with an entirely polished finish. The dial, which follows the same principle of discretion, retains its thin, elongated markers and lance-shaped hands, as well as the large tourbillon opening at 6 o’clock. What matters is that here it is made from a thin slice of the Gibeon meteorite. Protected by a coat of ruthenium, enhancing its natural grey glints and shielding the surface from oxidation, it offers a nicely textured effect while keeping things low profile. The movement of this watch is, on paper, the same as used before. This means an automatic calibre developed in-house and fitted with a silicon escapement wheel and anchor. Running at a beat of 4Hz, the movement displays a small seconds above the one-minute tourbillon. But most importantly, it’s the back that makes an impression in this edition, with a level of finishing unexpected in a Frédérique Constant Classic Tourbillon Meteorite Manufacture watch. Entirely decorated by hand, the main bridge features a texture reproducing the aspect of a meteorite – it is hand-chamfered, hammered and finished with charbonnage on the frame. Then, the edges are beaded and grained, and parts are decorated on both sides (even those that aren’t visible), the screws are black-polished, and the lower plate is hand-hammered. Finally, the rotor also features bevelling… a significant step change in the quality of the decoration at FC.