You can pre-order this model, which is back in the Hoffman range in limited numbers. Delivery expected September, $50 off the RRP.
Seiko VK movement, PVD coated case, 40mm width.
We quite like the black n white variant on the Racing 40 too, which has a sort of Hamilton Intra-Matic vibe going on.
More here.
Just $184 buys you a Hoffman Racing 40, Octane edition, with its striking yellow panda dial. Pure motorsport joy for the petrolhead watch collector, it features a 40mm stainless steel case, housing a Seiko V64 Meca-quartz movement. Tried and trusted engine, no worries over durability and excellent timekeeping there. You get a sapphire crystal as well, which is a detail that is often lacking on watches like Hugo Boss, Armani, Kors etc. You can splash out an extra £120 or so an get a Tissot Chrono XL quartz, which gives you that Swiss kudos and a sapphire glass, but there isn’t a yellow dial model.
But tbh, we still like the Hoffmann Octane better. Why? Well it’s an Indie brand trying to define its own style, we love motorsport chronographs and this one has a bold edge that is lacking in many mainstream £150 quartz chronographs. You can find out more here.
Nope, we ain’t commission either.
TAG has refreshed their Carrera Racing sports/dress watch models, with four new variations. Featuring black/white, green, blue and a black and rose gold design, the Carrera also has a Cal 02 in-house movement, with a healthy 80 hour power reserve.
Case size is 44m, the bezel is ceramic and the black/rose gold model has gold plating on the chrono pushers and winding crown as well. Plus an alligator hide strap. The crystal has been re-worked slightly, with a little bevel to it, and TAG say that the case has also been subtly altered to make the watch feel thinner and lighter on the wrist.
It’s nice to see an olive green dial design, just for a change and we think this might turn out to be the most collectable of this range in years to come. TAG say they are releasing two more special edition Carrera models later in 2020 by the way.
It’s £4,695 for the blue, green and black/white models, and £5,395 for the black with 18ct roase gold touches. More here at TAG’s website.
Viqueria from Italy is one of our fave brands on Kickstarter right now and its down to the all new Levante project – launched today – with a range of beautiful dials. Two tone, racing green or traditional motorsport white – take your pick.
The Levante now runs using Seiko VK64 Meca-Q Chrono, a hybrid of a quartz and mechanical movement. The end result is a chronograph that functions exactly as a mechanical would, including snapping back to zero upon the reset and sweeping smoothly rather than ticking, but without the immense hassle of winding and dealing with power reserve.
Previous 2019 versions of the Levante used the Seagull auto movement by the way.
More tech info from Viqueria;
– Different subdial complications: Chronograph and Hour of the Day;
– 4 completely new color variations, including a real Meteorite dial + Panda Silver/Black, Two Tones “Braveheart” Silver/Cobalt and Racing Green;
– BGW9 SuperLume (the first Levante was supplied with C3 SuperLume);
– A thinner case (-0,3mm) and a different engraved crown;
– An astonishing scratchproof DLC (diamond-like carbon) Black Case;
– A completely new solid caseback with an engraved alloy wheel;
– Aluminium DLC Coated bezel for the Meteorite style.
– Optional steel bracelet is extra – standard watch comes with Italian leather strap.
The Levante features a 42mm steel case, is also available in a limited edition of 300 pieces with a special Meteorite dial design – which does a little bit exra. All moels feature an and an acrylic crystal. There’s an early bird discount price on the standard model at $178 which is you can get via Kickstarter of course. It’s $292 early bird price on the Meteorite model.
More info and you can pledge here. Delivery estimated October 2020.
