Tag Archives: blue

German watches, Uncategorized

Sinn 6060B Worldtimer: Sharp Dressed Man

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Sinn has sent us info on their Worldtimer dress watch, which will be available from Feb 2022. It’s a Sellita SW330 powered auto, see-thru caseback and 38.5mm across, so quite compact by modern standards. Here’s the press info;

The first Frankfurt Financial District Watch was unveiled in 1999 and marked a landmark decision for our company. Up until then, the name Sinn Spezialuhren had been synonymous with innovative timepieces specially designed for pilot and diving missions. The expansion towards classic, elegant series proved to be hugely popular with our customers. After all, a Frankfurt Financial District Watch is the perfect accessory for festive occasions or day-to-day business – exhibiting both elegance and the durability typical of Sinn Spezialuhren.

The appeal of this series is now being further enhanced by the new model 6060 B. This watch gains its allure from the blue dial, which is exquisitely finished with a sunburst decoration.

The model also features characteristics that connoisseurs of this series have come to appreciate. For example, the Frankfurt World Time Watch 6060 B is characterised by three time zones that can be read simultaneously. The movement is exquisitely decorated. Particularly eye-catching are the Geneva stripes and blued screws. Sapphire crystal is used for both the watch crystal and the transparent case back, offering an impressive view of the bull and bear rotor engraving.

While the case is made of polished stainless steel, the appliqués attached to the blue dial are luminous, along with the hour and minute hands. The watch is also waterproof and pressure-resistant up to 10 bar and resistant to low pressure.

Model 6060 B comes in a fine wooden case with a stainless-steel fine link bracelet, cowhide strap, a band replacement tool, spare spring bars, an Eschenbach watchmaker’s loupe, a care cloth and a brochure.

Japanese Watches

Orient Star 70th Anniversary Editions

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News from Orient, who continue to mark their 70th annivarsary with some new models.

To celebrate its 70th anniversary, ORIENT STAR (I know, the constant use of capitals by brands is deeply annoying – Ed) is releasing four limited-edition models: a Mechanical Moon Phase, a Modern Skeleton and a Classic Semi Skeleton. The Classic Semi Skeleton is available in both his and her models.

Throughout its history, ORIENT STAR has dedicated itself to producing high-quality made-inJapan mechanical watches, that are “shining stars” fusing traditional craftsmanship and the latest watchmaking technologies.

This year, ORIENT STAR celebrates its anniversary with a dedicated colour concept inspired by nebulae floating in the vastness of outer space. These nebula-themed anniversary models provide a fresh interpretation of the glittering cosmos of ORIENT STAR.

Limited in numbers, these one-off models make appealing timepieces for watch afficionados everywhere.

The popular flagship Mechanical Moon Phase model features a power reserve indicator, a semi-skeleton dial design revealing a glimpse of the mechanical movement, and a distinctive moon phase display with a date hand. The latest limited-edition 70th anniversary model of this Classic Collection has a MOP dial with distinctive colour gradation that transitions from green in the centre to navy blue on the outer edges, evoking nebulae glittering in the infinite depth of outer space.

The gold coloured accents suggest a universe of twinkling stars. This Mechanical Moon Phase model is limited to 100 pieces and comes with a black cordovan leather strap. It is powered by in-house automatic mechanical caliber F7M62, known for its stable precision and reliability, and featuring a 50-hour power reserve. The see-through case back provides a view of the movement and an engraved serial number certifying the limited-edition timepiece.

VERDICT: We love the modern take on the Skeleton watch, which sets the Star range apart, and having a 70th anniversary box is a nice touch. The teal dial is our fave, sums up the Japanese watchmaking philosophy we reckon.

Frustrating that Seiko’s internal politics mean the UK doesn’t get Orient supplies via the Seiko/Lorus dealer network.

More info at Orient’s website. 

 

Japanese Watches

New Grand Seikos: Beauty, Simplicity & Yeah, Expensive

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Is a Grand Seiko worth £54,000? We only ask the question because as great as a Grand Seiko is, we are at Patek money and the watch market is Swiss dominated. Maybe it’s a great investment, maybe not.

Anyway that expensive GS model is the star in a range of new models from the famed Japansese watch house of horology, with some more affordable models on offer for us mere mortals on average wages and ever rising taxes.

That GS at £54,000 is the Hi Beat, Annual Rings, (above) made from platinum and limited to just 140 pieces by the way. In case the Sultan of Brunei is a regualr reader of NWC magazine.

Other GS models are available on pre-order right now, including a very nice Mechanical Seasons: Summertime edition, with a kind of light blue, folded linen effect on the dial. Seiko says;

“The dial of this watch is inspired by early Summertime in Japan just after the rainy season when the refreshing southern wind breezily ripples on the sea and the lakes to mark the start of high summer.”

This one is relatively affordable at £6860 by the way.

Finally, this is our fave from teh new GS model line-up, the Spring Drive Suwa Lake . This blue dial watch is a classic, and very much an investment piece or grail watch for the average collector with 3-5K per year to devote to their watch obsession.

A 40mm case, updated power reserve of 120 hours, yes 120 hours, plus a see-thru caseback so you can admire that exquisite workmanship every month or so.

There is a great deal to be said for owning a Spring Drive rather than a Rolex Sub. Why? Well in some ways it is a purists choice because you are investing in the watch technology of today, not a refinement of 1950s dive watch tech. That marriage of electronic power and mainspring drive is a clever tour de force in miniature, rather like the gear-driven V4 motor powering the first 1980s VFR750 from Honda.

OK we digress, what’s the pice of the Suwa? £8200, which is bang on Rolex Sub territory.

Find out more at Seiko’s UK site here. 

 

Best Swiss watches

Get That Blue/Green Vibe With Ball Roadmaster GMT

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Ball has added a blue/green bezel option to its Roadmaster GMT model. Here’s the press info;

Engineered to the specifications of a 35-year Navy Mariner veteran, it’s the world’s first GMT timepiece with day and date functions, delivering utmost functionality.

The pioneering quick-set GMT push buttons revolutionize the way GMT hand is adjusted with its ease-of-use. The tough titanium material and COSC certified mechanical movement guarantee perfect performance in the most imperfect situations. Topping off with the darkness-conquering luminosity of the micro gas tube. The watch that once ran America’s railroads now empowers world explorers to live freely and fearlessly.

The stunning Blue & Green bezel version marks the latest addition to the signature Roadmaster Marine GMT ceramic series, a statement piece that fits for all occasions.

Limited to 1,000 pieces each. The Roadmaster Marine GMT Blue & Green bezel is now available for pre-order until 25 August 2021, at £2110.
Best Swiss watches

Ball Engineer Master II: Understated & Underwater

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The Ball Engineer Master II has a clean simplicity about it that we love at NWC mag.

In blue or black dial options, it looks like a perfect tool watch. Kinda understated yes, but still ticking all the right boxes. It’s on pre-order right now, with an October delivery date. Pre-order price is £1950.

Here’s some info from Ball Watches;

Designed for the ultimate feeling of freedom that comes with exploring Earth’s last frontier, we introduce the Engineer Master II Diver Chronometer.
The remarkable internal diving bezel can easily be manipulated under water when timing the safety stop. In darkness, it shines with micro gas tubes and ensures elapsed time is always visible. The automatic chronometer delivers outstanding precision as deep as 300 meters – packed inside a 42mm case that is just 13.5mm thick.
And no matter the terrain, explore with 1,000 Gauss (80,000 A/m) anti-magnetic protection and patented shock resistance.
Limited to 1,000 pieces each, pre-order yours today for a selection of limited edition number and complimentary engraving.
DIVE WATCH BUT NOT TOO CHUNKY
As a watch’s underwater performance is defined by its material and construction, the new Diver Chronometer features a robust stainless steel build. Its engineering allows you to operate the internal diving bezel while completely submerged under water to time the safety stop.
Simply use the crown at 2 o’clock to set the bezel at any time. Its 42mm case diameter measures only 13.5mm thick, offering stunning diving capabilities and everyday wearability.
More here at the Ball website.
Micro Brands

Torgoen Kingfisher is Back; Big, Blue & Swiss Powered

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Torgoen are bringing back one of their popular models, the striking Kingfisher. Vivid blue, with a Swiss quartz movement inside the 44mm case. Big imposing watch for a not unreasonable £217.

Here’s the PR word from Torgoen;

Like many of the Torgoen watches, the T10 is inspired by the clean look of altimeters and other cockpit instruments, which are ergonomically designed to facilitate reading both in daylight or in the dark, with large digits and bold hands, this sturdy yet elegant watch leaves quite an impression. It is guaranteed to draw compliments.

The movement is manufactured by Ronda, a renowned movement manufacturer, in Switzerland. With a 44mm diameter, solid high grade stainless steel case and and a Silicon strap with heavy duty solid stainless steel buckle, this elegant watch has a notable presence.

Movement: Ronda 515S.2
The movement of the watch was designed and made by Ronda, a prominent Swiss movement manufacturer. Ronda’s movements can be found in many of the world’s most famous brands and are considered to be highly reliable and robust.

The 515S.2 incorporates torques which are meant to withstand the heavy hands of the T10 Series watches. Specifications: 29.4mm in size, battery life of 24 months, 3 hands and a calendar, powerful stepping motor, repairable metal parts, power saving mechanism with pulled out stem (which reduces power consumption of approximately 70%) and one jewel.

Micro Brands

Aragon Hiro Dive Model – With Turning Inner Bezel

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Aragon watches has launched  a new dive watch called the Hiro, with a 45mm case, plus internal turning bezel. So you can unscrew the button at the 2pm position and then set the inner bezel to your minutes available underwater.

It has a 200m depth resistance and is powered by the ever popular Seiko NH35 movement. Black, purple, green, blue or white dials. See-thru caseback as well, plus a superlume dial, not just the hands and markers.

There’s an intro video from their website below.

We also spotted a blue dial version on their site in the Sale at $149 – plus UK import duty and VAT of course. Still a very competitive price.

Best Swiss watches

Bell+Ross Renault F1 Collection

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Let’s be homnest, F1 is dull now. But some of the cars look amazing and we are always suckers for motorsport themed watches here at NWC mag.

The new Bell & Ross chronographs feature white numbers on a black dial, with some typically Renault blue – bleu then, OK – around the edge.

Yes, we like what they did with the straps giving them that tyre tread pattern feel – very Chopard Mille Miglia. Limited to just 500 pieces btw for the collector market.

There is a super limited edition of just 50 titanium case models as well.

More here.

German watches

It’s Alright Baby Blue

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This limited edition Viro model is one of those laidback designs that grows on you the more you look at it. It’s retro motorsport, yet still looks clean and modern. You can’t go wrong with Stoke pottery blue and white, offset with orange hands.

Here’s the word from Union Glashutte;

This special model, limited to 128 pieces, is a real eyecatcher. Its round 44 mm stainless steel case is equipped with smooth, easy-to-use push-buttons for starting, stopping and resetting short timing measurements.

The high-quality sapphire crystal provides clear view of the dial, thanks to its anti-reflective coating on both faces. The blue calfskin leather strap with large, sporty orange dimples and matching underside draw immediate attention to the wrist. For total versatility, the watch is also delivered with an interchangeable stainless steel bracelet.

The Union Glashütte Viro Chronograph Limited Edition Silvretta Classic 2021 skilfully combines total functionality and highly sporty appearance. The blue sub-dials of the 30-minute and 12-hour counters, date window and matching blue outer tachymeter scale beautifully offset the silver-coloured main dial area, with its small-second display at 9 o’clock and fine gradient finished indices.

The black nickel-plated hands with Super-LumiNova® coating ensure absolute clarity while bright red provides the necessary contrasts on the tip of the central stop second sweeper and the sub-dial indicators. This special chronograph is water-resistant up to a pressure of 10 bar.

Retails at £2330 in the UK. More info here. 

Japanese Watches

Casio Add New Colours to G-Steel Range

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Casio has added red and blue dial options to its G-Steel range. The watches, which feature a steel case, mineral glass crystal and resin straps have a wide variety of dial colours.

The red dial model is priced at £399 and the blue dial costs £479. Not really sure why, as it appears to have the same spec on the Casio website. 

The G-Steel watches are powered via solar cell, so you should get about ten years or so before a new cell needs to be fitted. That saves you the costs of about 3/4 battery swaps.