With Watches and Wonders just around the corner, you’d think brands would wait to unveil their novelties at the event itself: after all, that’s where all the attention will be. But with two weeks still to go, a few have already made their way out since our last feature. And with the days finally getting brighter, they are bringing some warmth and colour with these releases.
Breitling Navitimer B19 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
Last year, Breitling introduced its first Perpetual Calendar Chronograph movement in a trio of limited-edition rose gold watches and it was unlikely the brand would keep such a movement exclusive only to those. Now Breitling has released the Navitimer Chronograph B19 Perpetual Calendar (you already got lost in the name, didn’t you?!) in a more accessible, non-limited steel version. The new model features an ice-blue sunburst dial housed in a 43mm case, offering 30m of water resistance and a 96-hour power reserve. It comes on either a black alligator leather strap or a seven-link stainless steel bracelet. The size still feels on the larger side for us but, at the same time, it becomes one of the most accessible perpetual calendar chronographs out there. More at the brand’s website.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M In Bronze Gold and Burgundy
While we’re all still waiting to find out who will play the next James Bond, Omega has released yet another Seamaster Diver 300M, this time in bronze gold and burgundy. The material, a mix of palladium and silver, seamlessly conveys the aesthetic appeal of bronze with the prestige of gold. Unlike standard bronze, it resists corrosion and keeps its colour stable over time, without developing the kind of problematic green patina that can leave marks on the skin. Finished with a burgundy bezel insert to give it even more warmth, the specs remain unchanged from other models in the line. Now, just picture this watch on your wrist, whilst sipping a martini during the sunset on your next vacation… More info here.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Worldtimer ‘Deep Black’
We’re sticking with Omega, as alongside its other release, the Swiss watchmaker has introduced the new Seamaster Planet Ocean Worldtimer ‘Deep Black.’ For the first time, this model includes a world-time complication, housed in a brushed black ceramic case that features a diving scale polished in positive relief on the bezel, created using laser engraving. That is super practical for a dive watch, especially paired with its 600m water resistance. Like the rest of the older models in the same line, which focus more on diving capabilities over compact and sleek dimensions, this one comes in at 45.5mm. Yes, quite bulky… but thanks to the materials, weighing almost nothing at just 143g. Available in two variations, with either grey or turquoise detailing – and that’s a real eye-catcher. But since we’re not divers, we’d still pick a Seamaster Aqua Terra any day. For more details, check the Omega’s website.
Citizen’s New 37mm Tsuyosa Trio
Citizen’s Tsuyosa collection launched in 2023, answering the market demand for affordable sports watches with colourful dials and integrated bracelets. Since then, the brand has introduced a few new colour variations while sticking to the original 40mm case size. That changes now, as Citizen shakes things up with three new 37mm models with dials in Ice Blue, Pastel Pink and Dark Green. Like the larger version, it houses an automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. This might be a great entry-level watch for those just getting into the watch world, or could be an ideal beater watch for many… We like it.
G-Shock Tough Silicone
There is no introduction needed for such a watch. G-Shock is a classic. It’s fun, durable, and something many of us grew up with and hopefully occasionally still wear today. While we see new models’ versions pop up at least monthly, this time, the brand comes with something different. After a decade of development, G-Shock has unveiled its new ‘Tough Silicone’ technology. The new Fine Metallic series comes in six variations, from the classic rectangular shape to the octagonal ‘Casio-Oak’ line, while offering a hint of the experience you’d get from the higher-priced Full Metal Series. The difference to the full metal ones is that beneath the stainless steel bezels sits a glass-fibre-reinforced resin case, with a bracelet designed for flexibility, comfort, and strength, all that while keeping its silver or gold finish intact. That’s thanks to a protective sheet that helps reduce the risk of damage and scratches. There’s not much more to say to this, we’re here for it!
Becoming a watch nerd?
- Watches & Wonders – is the luxury watch industry’s preeminent annual event, a watch fair, showcasing new releases from over 50 top brands.
- Novelties – new products released by a brand
- Perpetual Calendar – a watch uses a complex system of gears and levers to automatically adjust and display the correct date, accounting for different month lengths and leap years, making manual date adjustments unnecessary for many years.
- Chronograph – is a traditional timepiece fitted with an extra complication to act as a stopwatch, allowing it to record time. Most chronographs have subdials on the watch face that display seconds, minutes, and hours elapsed. To use the chronograph function, there are typically pushers on the side of the watch case that allow to return of stopwatch hands to zero.
- Sunburst dial – is produced by using a brush, usually with metal filaments, to etch super fine lines that radiate from the dial’s centre. Often layers of enamel are then added to create depth.
- Power reserve – how long the watch can show you the time when it’s not on your wrist.
- Diver – diving or dive watch – is a watch designed for underwater diving to record elapsed time that features, as a minimum, a water resistance greater than 100m (typically around 200 to 300m). Another important feature is a bezel, which must have uni-directional rotation. If the bezel is bi-directional, any knock could rotate and the diver can lose the tracking.
- Water resistance – refers to a watch’s ability to withstand exposure to water without damage. It is measured in meters (m), atmospheres (ATM), or bars, indicating the depth or pressure the watch can endure. However, these measurements are theoretical and don’t always equate to actual diving depths. 30m (3 ATM): Splash-proof, suitable for everyday use but not for swimming. 50m (5 ATM): Safe for showering or light swimming. 100m (10 ATM): Suitable for swimming and snorkelling. 200m+ (20 ATM or more): Ideal for professional diving or water sports.
- Beater watch – A beater watch is the one you wear without worry. It’s the go-to option for occasions when you don’t want to risk your nicer piece. Simple, affordable, durable, and stress-free.
- Movement – can be automatic/self-winding, manual winding or quartz and is what keeps the watch going.
- G-Shock – a watch created by Kikuo Ibe, who accidentally dropped and broke a watch given to him by his father. That inspired him to create an unbreakable timepiece, leading to the development of the iconic G-Shock. A watch that had to follow a triple ten concept; can survive a 10-meter drop, withstand 10 bars of water pressure, and last for 10 years on a single battery. It eventually exceeded some of these targets… The shock-resistant design was inspired by how a rubber ball absorbs impacts. The first G-Shock watch saw a light in 1983.
- Casio-Oak – is the nickname for G-Shock’s GA-2100 series, known for its slim, octagonal case that gives off serious Audemars Piguet Royal Oak vibes, just without the price tag.
