There are good releases and then there are GREAT releases (or novelties in the watch nerd term if you like). And in the last couple of weeks, we have seen quite a few of the latter. While it might seem that Swiss brands are producing more and more, usually they are just really being playful and introducing variations to already established models or reintroducing models that were discontinued – those the watch community can’t live without. That also means that more people are investing in and wearing watches again. And that’s what we like! Give this piece a read, not only because of the watches, but you might learn a thing or two…
The Omega ‘First Omega In Space’ Speedmaster
The Swiss watchmaker just reintroduced a special edition of the Speedmaster under the name, the First Omega in Space. It first debuted in 2012 and was then discontinued 9 years later but now comes with some changes to the professional Moonwatch model we all know. While the main model has a retro vibe that comes from its timeless appeal, the new Speedmaster First Omega in Space focuses on the vintage touches. The case of 39,7mm diameter respects the original watch from 1959 and has a symmetrical design and straight lugs. But what truly stands out here is the dial, which has not only changed in shape but also comes with a sunray-brushed finish and dark grey-blue colour. That replicates the models from the 60s and gives it the proper vintage look. Worth mentioning is that it’s not a limited edition and comes now as a part of the permanent collection. So maybe it’s about time to put your colourful Moonswatch on the shelf and get yourself the OG watch instead. For more info, swing by Omega’s boutique in the city center, or visit www.omega.com.
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony
Vacheron Constantin celebrates the 20th anniversary of its Patrimony collection with a special edition made in collaboration with a French designer known as Ora ïto. Introduced in 2004, the Patrimony collection took its design inspiration from the brand’s ultra-slim ‘50s timepieces with their famous manual-winding movements inside. No matter what complications these models carry, they have one important thing in common: blending simplicity with complexity and sophistication to make a perfect dress watch that proves that ‘less is more’. The new Patrimony model celebrates yellow gold, used not only for the 40mm diameter case but also on the dial that features a series of concentric rings. It can beat up to 40 hours when wound and is limited to 100 pieces only. It’s a beaut, but we might look for different models in this collection: those with a 36.5mm case diameter. It just fits better on the wrist, especially as a dress watch… Get more details on Vacheron’s site.
Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph
Blancpain revisits their Air Command collection and brings two new vintage-inspired chronographs in homage to the brand’s very recognisable model from the ‘50s. The Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph is designed to resonate with the original model, with a modernisation of the materials and technical features but keeping intact the overall concept of a pilot chronograph watch with a rotating bezel and a flyback function. These two new models come in a satin-brushed titanium case with a diameter of 36.2mm and 42.5mm whilst dressed in a camouflage-green hue and limited to 100 and 200 pieces respectively. For us, this colour option is a better looker than the blue/titanium options in this line.
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
If you are a bit into watches, you might have heard or even seen someone wearing this sports watch with a ‘70s vibe-inspired design. It’s a sweet spot between style, mechanics and affordability and it’s the best selling line for the brand since its introduction in 2021. While the mint green or ice blue dial editions could fulfil our needs for funky, playful colours, the Tissot PRX is back, this time with original gradient dials (btw there’s also a full gold-coloured option in both 35mm and 40mm). As with the other models in the line, it comes with a 40mm diameter case, integrated bracelet, water resistance up to 100m and 80 hours of power reserve. Two options are available, one evolving from ice-blue to mid-blue, the other one transitioning from black to metallic blue. You can’t get any better for a watch in this price range (it’s unbeatable, just saying…). More info – Tissot’s website.
Longines Flagship Heritage Moonphase
The Longines Flagship collection, introduced in 1957, is one of the best-selling lines in the brand’s portfolio. Over the decades, the collection has maintained its elegance while embracing modern mechanics but keeping its vintage aesthetic. Last year, to enrich the collection, the Swiss watchmaker introduced an elegant Flagship Heritage, featuring date and moon phase indications and now they continue to expand it, Longines now offer three new variations featuring anthracite, Havana beige, and green sunray finished dials with domed glass. The trio comes in a stainless steel case of 38mm diameter and inside beats a movement capable of a 72-hour power reserve. For us, it’s the Havana beige option which stands out. Curious about more details? Check the brand’s website.
becoming a watch nerd?
- Novelty – A new product released by a brand
- Moonwatch – Speedmaster (Omega) – is without a doubt, one of the most iconic chronographs, introduced in 1957, earning its title “Moonwatch” when it landed on the moon in 1969 with the Apollo 11 crew.
- 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.
- First Omega in Space – produced between 1959 to 1962, got the name thanks to NASA astronaut Walter “Wally” Schirra who took it on the Sigma 7 mission, and bought it by himself, three years before the Speedmaster became the first qualified chronograph for manned space missions.
- Lugs – A watch lug (or horn) is where a watch strap, band, or bracelet attaches to the watch case -> |__|
- Moonswatch – a fun watch that came from a playful collaboration between Swatch & Omega. This crossover between entry-level plastic watches and high-end Swiss watchmaking has shaken up the watch industry, especially on the watch nerd’s side, but it reflects the trend we have seen happening a lot in the fashion world recently.
- Manual-winding movement – the manual (or mechanical) watch movement is the oldest movement, that is completely driven by the mainspring, which is wound by hand.
- Complication – is any function on a watch that goes beyond telling the time (from calendars and alarms to tourbillons and time zones).
- Ora ïto – real name – Ito Morabito, the 47-year-old French designer known for his collaborations with Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
- Blancpain Air Command – The story behind this model can start with the creation of the Type 20 standard for the French Ministry of Defence, which was looking for a high-precision chronograph with specific functions, including the all-important flyback or retour-en-vol feature. While not selected by the French Navy, other armed forces began looking for a similar instrument. Blancpain drew inspiration from it to develop a chronograph for the United States Air Force.
- Domed glass (crystal) – refers to a crystal that has a slightly curved surface that bulges outwards from the watch case and it’s stronger than a flat glass. In addition, domed sapphire crystal reduces the light reflection.
