If you are a watch nerd, you might have noticed your SoMe going bonkers with the release of the new line from one of the most prestige watchmakers, Patek Philippe. And it makes sense because it’s a new model line after 25 years for the brand. But it’s the design which created all the buzz… Apart from that, there are other releases worth mentioning. So get yourself a cup of coffee and let’s dive in…. And don’t stress, as always we’ve got you covered at the end of the article with a description of what all the terms mean. (the full list is also here).
Oris Divers Date
In 2015, Oris reintroduced their dive watch based on a design from 1965. Since then, the Sixty-Five has become one of the brand’s most loved models. And now, almost a decade later, here comes an update, under a new name Oris Divers Date. It keeps its case diameter of 39 mm but now comes with a more sophisticated dial, where you can choose from black, dark grey/blue and off-beige. Another upgrade comes in its water resistance, which jumped from 100 to 200 meters. This updated model should fit even better on the wrist due to its tweaks on the case profile. To complete the Divers Date, it comes with a stainless steel bracelet and a black rubber tropic strap. Our favourite would definitely be the option with a beige dial. Dive more into details at Oris’ website.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Monoface
We love Reverso models, an Art Deco watch that many watch collectors want to have on the wrist and for many, it’s especially the ‘petite’ vintage Reverso from 1931. However, to find one in mint condition might not be that easy. But it changed now as the Swiss luxury watchmaker introduced the model in dimensions that stay close to the original. This new steel case has a 24,4 mm diameter, and a 40,1 mm length and inside beats a manual winding movement. If you are in search of a simple, classy dress watch and want something a bit more interesting than a basic round watch, the Reverso is an excellent choice. I can imagine Graham wearing this one. More info at the official website.
Patek Philippe Cubitus Collection
After years of discontinuing and introducing updated models in their sports lines, the luxury Swiss watchmaker Patek introduced three models in a new collection called “Cubitus”. Two of them are straightforward three-hand date pieces, and the third contains a new movement and complication. Objectively, the watches are beautifully built with great finishing. The mix of brushed and polished surfaces plays great in light. But they fit and look big due to their squared case with a diameter of 44,5mm and they lack a little bit of elegance: the design definitely doesn’t appeal the same as all the Nautilus or Aquanaut models. If we were in search of a square watch, we would probably rather get the Cartier Santos or an older squared model from Vacheron Constantin 222 from the early 80’s. Sorry, Patek… But if you are keen to know more, have a look here.
G-Shock with Analog Chronograph Dial
I think there is no need for an introduction to this model. The G-Shock’s iconic octagonal form has been here for ages and has become a fun watch for many. It comes in different variations and colours, but now for the first time in the full-metal exterior, along with an analogue chronograph dial, which is re-positioned differently than we are used to from other watches. It utilizes the newest technology, such as smartphone link via Bluetooth, Tough Solar® and other features that help in the digital age. With G-Shock, it’s not about what’s ticking inside, but it’s about the enjoyment and having something different on your wrist. It’s nice from time to time to put your mechanical watch on the side and have some fun. Need more details? Here you go!
Panerai Radiomir Perpetual Calendar GMT
Next year Panerai will celebrate the 90th anniversary of their Radomir collection, one of the most interesting designs ever produced in watching, especially when it comes to divers. In celebration of these earliest prototypes, Panerai just launched their first-ever Perpetual Calendar in this model. As you might have expected, it comes in the standard cushion shape big case of 45mm in diameter, produced in rose gold. Compared to other watches with Perpetual Calendar, the Italian watchmaker opted for a more simple layout on the dial with a 24-hour GMT hand and a classic day-date display. However, that’s not where it ends. All the other complications, such as the year, leap year, month and power reserve indicator are shown through the open caseback. Its power reserve of 72 hours helps it to preserve these functions that require constant precise power supply to run smoothly. If only I had a bigger wrist, I would definitely enjoy this one a lot. More info here.
becoming a watch nerd?
- Reverso watch (Jaeger-LeCoutre) – The Reverso watch was created to withstand the tough conditions of polo matches thanks to their Monoface case.
- Monoface’s steel case (Jaeger-LeCoutre) – has a system that allows the main case to press in and then turn around to reveal the opposite side. That blank polished-metal surface can be augmented with a personalized engraving all the way up to a miniature hand-painted enamel work composition (prices vary, of course), services that Jaeger-LeCoultre performs in-house.
- Tough Solar® – it’s an inconspicuous solar cell system placed on the face that stores energy from sunlight, ensuring the watch’s power supply.
- Panerai – quick history – founded in 1860 in Florence, Italy. It initially specialized in producing military watches and optical instruments for the Italian Navy. The brand’s early watches were designed to withstand rigorous conditions while providing high legibility and precision. In the 1990s, Panerai finally set out to make watches for the public. They launched their first collection in 1993.
- Movement – can be automatic/self-winding, manual winding or quartz and is what keeps the watch going.
- Complication -is any function on a watch that goes beyond telling the time (from calendars and alarms to tourbillons and time zones).
- 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.
- GMT – a watch that features an additional 24-hour hand – shows two time zones at once
- Power reserve – how long the watch can show you the time when it’s not on your wrist.
