Tag Archives: chronograph

Best Swiss watches

Ball Rescue Chronograph on Pre-Order Now

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Ball just keep remixing that Roadmaster formula, with the latest variant being the Rescue Chronograph. Here’s the blurb;

Whether by air, land or sea, every rescue mission is unique. But there’s one common truth: timing is everything. A purpose-built tool for critical search and rescue situations, the new Roadmaster Rescue Chronograph delivers extreme accuracy, easy readability and high functionality.

Engineered with a patented pusher locking system, the chronograph function works in unison with the pulsometer scale to measure heart rate, while two illuminated sub-dial counters track elapsed time.

And for countdowns at all hours, the ceramic diving bezel features a bold micro gas tube inset. Vital functionality and versatile form that’s ready to venture wherever necessary.

Constructed from a titanium-steel combination, the 41mm case affords high impact strength, lightweight wearing comfort and trusted durability – even at extreme temperatures.

And with a case thickness of just 14.8mm, the tool watch fits securely with diverse types of gear. Atop the robust case, the steel bezel features a virtually scratchproof ceramic ring with countdown markings.

In the centre of the triangular marking, a micro gas tube inset ensures an instantly bright glow in darkness, allowing the uni-directional rotating bezel to be used for countdowns at all hours.

The latest addition to the Roadmaster Rescue Chronograph with black ceramic bezel inset put the focus on the dial design with the popular “panda” and “reverse panda” colorways. Limited to 1,000 pieces each, it is now available for pre-order until 17 September 2021 at an exclusive price of £1590.

 

Micro Brands

Braun Chronograph: Get 50% Off

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The Braun watch brand has a Sale on right now and you can get the all-black chronograph for £275, which is half price. This is a high spec quartz watch, with a one-piece case construction and sapphire crystal. Here’s the press blurb;

The case of this Braun analogue watch is carved of one single block of steel. This one-piece’ construction eliminates the need for a case-back and in turn removes the element of potential leakage.

The Swiss movement is mounted into the case from the top before being covered and sealed by the sapphire crystal. This allowed the Braun designers to taper the bottom part of the watch more elegantly and attach the band lugs in such a way that would not be possible with conventional watch construction.

The simple screwdown battery cover means that replacing the battery is easy-peasy too – a definite bonus.

We also spotted a classic three hand ladies Braun for just £24. Considering the build quality that is a bargain.

More here.

German watches

Sinn 103 Chrono: Special Ltd Edition 60th Anniversary

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Sinn has sent us info on their limited edition 103 chronograph. Just 600 pieces will be produced, classic Sinn styling, perfect if you are a fan of the Pilot watch look. Here’s the press kit word;

The 103 is more closely connected to our company than just about any other series. After all, it was these timepieces that acquainted pilots, in particular, with the name Sinn Spezialuhren once the company was founded. We’ve also continuously expanded the series, adding, for example, the latest SINN technologies and other
features.

Classic in every sense of the word, this pilot chronograph is the perfect celebration of our company’s 60th anniversary – in the form of a special edition limited to 600 pieces. The 103 Classic 12 lives up to its reputation as a classic timepiece, but also boasts a modern interpretation, as demonstrated, for example, by the bezel insert made from ceramic – a material which appears for the first time on the 103 and is characterised by its outstanding hardness and the resulting exceptional scratch resistance.

The captive bezel features a twelve-hour scale to display a second time zone. The engraved numerals on the bezel are the colour of chamois, which is reflected in the three counters, all the printed elements and the luminous colour. The attached appliqués
are rhodium-plated and luminous, as are the hour, minute and stopwatch second hand.

Even the place of origin of the watch is mentioned by name. The ‘Sinn Frankfurt am Main’ lettering thus adorns the glossy black dial with decorative sunburst to mark the anniversary. To mark the special occasion, the edge of the transparent back features
the limited-edition number as well as the engravings ‘1961-2021’ and ‘60 Jahre’.

Watch market news

Timex Sale Now On

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Timex has a summer sale on right now and some watches have very good reductions. For example the popular Marlin automatic comes down to £112.49, from £224.99, which is an altogether more reasonable price for something with a Miyota auto movement inside.

Same price on the steel mesh or leather strap variants by the way.

The Navi Harbour 41mm quartz model is down to £83.30, plus the Waterbury quartz chronograph, with metal bracelet and an Indiglo night light built in, (pictured above)  is down to £75. Not bad for an everyday chrono that will last for years we reckon.

More details here.

Japanese Watches

Cheers! The Citizen Root Beer Perpetual Chrono is The Boss

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Citizen are always good value. No matter how much you love Swiss watches, and we do here at NWC mag, you have to admire Casio, Seiko and Citizen for constantly creating great looking watches with fab features, at Tissot Powermatic prices.

Take this new for 2021 `Root Beer’ flavour Perpetual AT model You get that rich brown n red colour combo that watch modders know and love. Plus atomic clock level timekeeping. Add on dual time, alarm function, power reserve indicator and a chunky 43mm case size and you have a tool watch, that kinda looks like a dress watch with its leather deployment clasp type strap.

Yep, that elegant Rotary steel/leather deployment touch adds a bit of everyday style to this number. But best of all, it costs just £429 and when you look at stuff like Hugo Boss, Armani or other fashion watchesn at this price point all you get is quartz battery stuff. PVD black cases and all that jazz.

Even the Swiss rivals aren’t offering solar cell power and perpetual calendar complications at around 400 notes. There’s a green dial variant at £499 too by the way.

More info here.

Best Swiss watches

IWC Pilot Chrono Gets The AMG Merc Treatment

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IWC Schaffhausen has launched a special Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition, branded “AMG”. The famous AMG initials denote high performance for every Merc fan so here’s the word from IWC on this new watch;

The first IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph in titanium is powered by the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre movement and features a carbon fibre dial. IWC unveiled the new edition during a webcast conversation with IWC CEO Christoph Grainger-Herr, Mercedes-AMG CEO Philipp Schiemer and shared brand ambassador and racing driver Maro Engel.

The long-standing collaboration between the Swiss luxury watchmaker and the performance and sports car brand Mercedes-AMG, is grounded in many common values, including the pursuit of technical perfection and uncompromising quality.

“The partnership between Mercedes-AMG and IWC has all the components that are needed for a successful and long-lasting collaboration. It’s very rare to come across a company and people with so many common interests and values.” said Philipp Schiemer, CEO of Mercedes-AMG.

Crafted from automotive engineering materials, the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” (Ref. IW377903) is IWC‘s first 43mm Pilot‘s Watch Chronograph featuring the IWC-manufactured 69385 calibre, as well as the first Pilot‘s Watch Chronograph with a case made of extremely light and scratch-resistant titanium. The Grade 5 titanium finish gives the watch its matte grey appearance, inspired by AMG‘s signature Selenite Grey Magno paint finish.

The dial features precisely woven carbon fibre, a material directly derived from AMG‘s aero components. These parts are produced in a complex process involving heat and pressure and are known for their remarkable lightness and rigidity. The raw material is continuous carbon fibres, which are processed on weaving machines into textile structures, giving the end product its characteristic woven “carbon look”.

The black carbon dial provides the perfect contrast to the silver chronograph sub-dials, reminiscent of motorsport instruments.

The all-around performance watch is powered by the IWC-manufactured calibre 69385, a robust and precise chronograph movement that enables stop time measurements of up to 12 hours. The chronograph function is controlled by a column wheel, an intricate component with two functional levels. The Mercedes-AMG logo is emblazoned on the tinted sapphire crystal case back. The timepiece is fitted with a black embossed calf leather strap with contrast stitching and folding clasp.

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” was unveiled at a webcast hosted by Philipp Schiemer and Christoph Grainger-Herr. Both elaborated on their passion for racing, the values both brands share, and the sustainable future of watchmaking and mobility. They were joined by Maro Engel, brand ambassador of both brands, who brought in the perspective of a professional racing driver. The webcast can be watched via https://watches.iwc.com/amgwebcast.

The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “AMG” will be available for pre-order from 21st May online at IWC.com, through IWC boutiques and authorised retail partners. The timepiece is eligible for registration under the My IWC care program and thus benefits from a 6-year extension to the standard 2-year International Limited Warranty.

Micro Brands

Monsieur Ranoma Mechanical – Get 20% Off

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Monsieur watches has a very handy 20% discount code available right now on its Ranomo mechanical. This features a Seagull movement, which is Chinese but generally considered one of the better made wind up movements.

It has an Italian leather strap plus sapphire crystals on the front and the see-thru caseback, which is nice for a budget watch.

Usual price is $389 so use the take20 code at Checkout if you like this panda dial chronograph.

More here.

Best Swiss watches

Breitling Premier Models Offer Collector Appeal

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Here’s one press release we missed earlier in April, but because we love vintage Breitling watches we wanted to post it. The Heritage Collection is arguably a bit niche, in that many modern watch buyers are investors looking to make money on the waiting list game. Others buy Breitling because the Bentley connection, or the aviation style and history.

But these are beautiful watches in their own right, that will not date quite so badly as say a 10 year old Avenger or Navitimer might do. The Top Time is another Breitling model we like as it captures the spirit of the original, without being an exact replica. There is a great deal to be said for reworking the greatest hits of the past for any watch brand, so long as you keep pushing on with some more innovative, sometimes quirky, designs.

Here’s the word from Breitling;

Inspired by the inventive spirit of Breitling’s founders, the new Premier Heritage Collection is for the modern and discerning man of impeccable taste. These exquisite timepieces are the brand’s most elegant and refined.

See thru caseback lets you absorb that stunning B09 movement.

The latest generation of Premiers – Breitling’s Premier Heritage Collection – brings this timeless elegance back to life. The collection includes six watches divided into three distinctive categories: The Chronograph, The Duograph, and The Datora. All feature Arabic numerals, vintage-inspired hands and semi-shiny alligator straps with tone-on-tone stitching. Every watch is a COSC-certified chronometer and water-resistant up to 100 meters.

Groundbreaking functions

The 40 mm Premier Heritage Chronograph is manually wound, just like its 1940s predecessors. It is powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B09, which is based on the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01. It comes in two variations: with an eye-catching pistachio-green dial encased in stainless steel or a stately silver-colored dial encased in 18 k red gold.

Premier B15 Duograph 42mm has a classic elegance, will probably be the best seller of the trio.

With stainless-steel and 18 k red gold cases measuring 42 mm, the Premier Heritage Duograph comes with a blue or black dial, respectively. Its rattrapante function – one of the most elaborate in watchmaking – enables the wearer to measure two elapsed times simultaneously thanks to its two superimposed chronograph hands. This piece houses the mechanical hand-wound Breitling Manufacture Caliber B15, which is based on the Breitling Manufacture Caliber B03.

Like its 1940s predecessor, the 42 mm Premier Heritage Datora also stands out for its highly visible and complex functions, namely its day, date, and moon-phase displays. It is powered by the Manufacture Caliber B25. The Datora’s copper-colored face is framed by a stainless-steel case, while its silver-colored dial comes in an 18 k red gold one.

All three models of the Premier Heritage Collection highlight Breitling’s mastery of timekeeping as it has evolved over the generations.

British Watches

Accurist Retro Racer is a Winner

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Ladies n gentlemen, can we have a tip of the hat to Accurist who have launched a pretty decent 1970s chronograph for under £130. In fact we saw one example at £109 on Ideal World today.

The Retro Racer has a qaurtz movement, the usual chrono functions and a Milanese mesh bracelet option too. It only has a 50m depth rating so don’t go swimming while wearing it, but this is an everyday watch that captures 70s motorsport style with a selection of dial colours. We love the blue best, but the silver is cool and the black option with red second hand gives you that older 60s vibe. The brown leather strap has the Paddy Hopkirk perforated look as well.

The thing we like about this is that the case has those rounded angles on its old fashioned TV dial look. Accurist has been making round case chronographs for ages, but since they dropped the Sekonda Monaco homage, they haven’t really produced anything a bit different from most of the budget fashion quartz watches out there. (Yes, Sekonda, Limit and Accurist are owned by the same company)

This new Accurist watch could pass for one of the many Indie brand VK64 models out there on Kickstarter right now and yep, that’s a good thing.

Why? Well, Accurist has become the Honda Jazz of watches, it’s an old person watch brand, so if it’s going to survive then they need some punchy, sharp designs – and they need to make much more of their 1960s Old England heritage. Spaceman cases, steering wheel watches, Twiggy Union Jack revival…the opportunity is there, get busy.

Accurist has produced a sort of Zen And The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance video for the Retro Racer, which is worth a look;

 

 

British Watches

Feeling the Goodwood Vibe? Try a Marchand Driver Chrono

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If you are looking forward to getting along to Goodwood Festival of Speed, or the Revival in September, once the lockdown house arrest ends, then a Marchand watch could be just the thing. Styled here in the UK, these Seiko VK64 quartz watches have motorsport oozing from every pusher and the retro Driver Chronograph model is on pre-order offer right now, at £199. Price then rises to £259 after the first 100 pieces are sold.

By the way the Marchand pictured in the header image is on Amazon right now for £179 – just saying.

Here’s the blurb from Marchand;

The Retro Driver Chronograph MKII wrist watch is inspired by retro motor racing, a mix of technical and elegance… steel and leather making it a stunning vintage drivers watch for your weekend drives.
The Driver chrono mens watch delivers sensations of tradition and modernity, its blue dial refers to the classic GT cars of the 70s and 80s with the added ivory and orange features of the dial to really reflect retro race styling. Elegant on the wrist the Driver chronograph embraces its owner with a perforated padded, leather rally strap to remind of the leather upholstery and gloves of the drivers. Who doesn’t love motoring watches?
Fave colours? Got to be blue, then the bold yellow panda.
The Driver Chrono MKIIs feature a brushed 43mm all stainless steel with a brushed and polished bezel, it runs on a highly popular and modern Japanese Seiko caliber VK64 chronograph hybrid meca-quartz movement with highly scratch resistant sapphire crystal to protect the dial. These chronos have the subdial dials lowered disc cut effect and features luminous hands and hours indicators. The caseback features an etched retro racing driver’s helmet from the 70’s and lastly all models tailor a genuine leather strap with quick release pins, brushed buckle and etched logo.