This Week in Watches: May 9, 2020 — Everything Edition
Howdy-do fine folks and welcome to This Week in Watches for May 9, 2020 the Everything Edition. I’ve given it this name because we’ve got quite the smorgasbord of new watches for you. So, grab your plates and hit the buffet!
Christopher Ward C60 Sapphire Edition
When I said we had everything, I meant it. We kick things off with a new Christopher Ward C60 Diver. This 40mm dive watch has a blue dial made from sapphire. With this, the Sellita SW200 automatic is visible. Christopher Ward tells us that creating such a dial takes 20 production steps. Lapping, grinding, and polishing are just some of the measures required to fit this slice of sapphire into a watch case. The watch has a display back in blue and comes on various straps or a bracelet. Prices start at €995, which sounds more than fair for such a looker. Head to the C Ward site for more.
Zenith Chronomaster Revival Shadow
Next up is a retro-inspired El Primero dubbed the Chronomaster Shadow. As the PR lore tells us, Zenith made some sort of concept watch with a black-coated case back in 1970 using the A384 shape. However, instead of using the original automatic El Primero, the “Shadow” used a manual wind version of the watch. No real records exist and all that kind of hocus-pocus. Setting the story aside, we have a really attractive new El Primero and it doesn’t appear to be limited. Everything has changed from the supposed 1970 piece and that means a titanium micro-blasted case and an automatic 4061 El Primero. It keeps its glorious 37mm diameter and comes on black cordura. Like I said, I think this is a beautiful watch and at €8,300, it’s interesting to compare to other luxury chronographs. More information is on the Zenith site.
Bell & Ross BR03-92 HUD
Bell & Ross sent us word of a new limited edition — 999 pieces — BR03-92 called the “HUD”. Those three letters stand for “Heads Up Display”, which shows you everything you need to know while you’re piloting your jet. For us mere mortals, the technology also exists on cars. The HUD is 42mm on each side and is made of matte black ceramic. A green sapphire crystal adds to the fighter jet feel. At €3,700, the HUD will come on black rubber and black synthetic fabric. Expect shipments to begin in June and head to the B&R site for more information.
Maurice Lacroix Limited Edition Aikon Quartz Chronograph
The Aikon series of watches from Maurice Lacroix attempts to hit on the do everything dressy sports watch theme made famous by the folks at Audemars Piguet. Of course, the Lacroix watches come in at a much lower price point. Take today’s limited edition — 500 pieces — Aikon Quartz Chronograph as an example. The watch has a coated 44mm stainless case on a funky leather strap. It’s good for 100 meters of water resistance and has a three register chronograph with date display. Due to its movement, this may not please enthusiasts, but it’s a sharp looking number. At €1,390 it’s not a bank breaker either. Head to the Maurice Lacroix site for more information.
TAG Heuer Grand Prix de Monaco Historique
TAG Heuer has announced that it is the official sponsor and timekeeper of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. Sadly, that event has been cancelled this year because of the obvious. Still, TAG will introduce a limited edition — 1,000 pieces — Monaco Calibre Heuer 02 model to mark the event. I have to say I like just about everything on this model aside from the running seconds just above 6:00. I even dig the cool event logo between 1 and 2:00. The burgundy and silver look great, proving that this case can still surprise after all these years. At 6,700 CHF, you can sign up on the TAG Heuer website for more information and availability.
Corum Admiral 42 Bronze
We’re not through with everything yet! The Corum Admiral 42 Bronze comes our way next. We’ve shown the Admiral here on TWIW before, but we now have the choice of a blue or green version in a 42mm bronze case. Corum likens the hue of bronze to the brass used on old sailing ships, which is fine despite the different ingredients in each alloy. The watches come on matching alligator straps, have 50 meters of water resistance, and use the CO 395 automatic (based on an ETA 2895). Pricing is set for €4,700. There’s no info on the Corum site yet, but keep checking.
Junghans max bill MEGA Solar
Our final entry on the Everything Edition of TWIW comes to us from Junghans. I saw “Solar” and was about to dismiss this watch, but it’s actually pretty cool. Junghans has taken a 38mm max bill case in titanium and has added a solar-powered connected movement. The movement has radio frequency connectivity to signals in Germany, USA, UK and Japan (not unlike some Casio or Seiko watches). It can also connect via the Junghans MEGA app to control timekeeping. To keep things true to the max bill ethos, the crystal is plexiglass and there are several dial styles. All have a date and various straps are available along with a mesh bracelet. The watches boast 3 years of power reserve and 3 bar of water resistance. Pricing starts at €895 and more information can be found on the Junghans site.
Folks, that’s for This Week in Watches — enjoy your weekend!
