Blancpain Expands the Bathyscaphe Collection with a Ceramic Quantième Complet and New Ceramic Bracelets

A more streamlined and less instrument-oriented take on one of the most emblematic dive watches ever created (the Fifty Fathoms, if you ask), the Blancpain Bathyscaphe collection continues its evolution initiated a few years ago with the introduction of new materials and redesigned dials. This year will be all about ceramic. First,  replica luxury watches Blancpain introduces a new black ceramic version of its original Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet. Second, we’ll see the addition of full ceramic bracelets to some of the best-loved Bathyscaphe models. Let’s see what they’re like.
The Bathyscaphe is Blancpain‘s more compact and streamlined version of the Fifty Fathoms, which was first released in 1956. Since its reappearance in the collection in 2013, marking the 60th anniversary of what was one of the very first dive watches ever created, it has appeared in many iterations. We’ve seen this watch in different sizes, different materials and equipped with all sorts of complications, such as a chronograph, an annual calendar or a complete calendar with moon phase. Following the evolution of the collection that was implemented recently in the time-and-date version, also seen on the chronograph and the Quantième Complet, it is now time to introduce new materials to this collection, starting with a surprising blue-on-black, full ceramic edition of this calendar dive watch. But first, let’s talk bracelets…
Ceramic watches are nothing new. We’ve seen them around for decades now, and most established watchmakers have one in their collection – one exception to the rule remains  replica luxury watches Rolex… Durable, highly scratch-resistant and hypoallergenic, ceramic is nearly five times harder than stainless steel, almost four times harder than grade 5 titanium, and about 25% lighter than steel. Besides this, ceramic can be coloured (solid colours, not coated colours), opening endless creative ideas. The only downside of ceramic is its lower resistance to shock, as the material is known to be brittle when pushed to its structural limits.
Now, there are various ways to bring a ceramic watch to life. The accessible way is by moulding parts, often resulting in rounded shapes. High-end watchmakers such as Blancpain do it differently by finishing all parts in the same way they do for a metallic case. This involves polished and satin brushing the parts by hand with diamond tools, a time-consuming process given the hardness of ceramic.
While  replica luxury watches Blancpain is no stranger to using ceramic for the case of its Bathyscaphe, what’s new this year is the addition of a ceramic bracelet. It’s been long known that creating a solid, well-designed bracelet is a complex task, often more complex than a case – something that is often outsourced to suppliers. Making a ceramic bracelet is nothing short of complex, specifically when one wants to respect the shape of that used for a metallic bracelet.
Blancpain presents a full black ceramic bracelet, shaped and finished in the same way as the bracelet found on its titanium models. The base material is produced locally in Switzerland by one of Swatch Group’s companies (Comadur) and then finished in-house. What makes a ceramic bracelet for the Bathyscaphe so complex is that all links are different in shape and size, designed to guarantee ideal ergonomics and comfort. The bracelet tapers from the lugs to the buckle, and all links have to be manufactured individually. The links are connected by a patented mounting system using cam-shaped pins for greater resistance to wear. The bracelet is closed by a titanium triple-folding clasp.
In addition to being presented on the new complete calendar model (more about this below),  replica luxury watches Blancpain also provides its most appealing versions with ceramic bracelets. First is its classic time-and-date dive watch, the Bathyscaphe reference 5000, with its 43.6mm black ceramic case, matching ceramic bezel and sunray-brushed dial. Technically identical to the titanium version, it is powered by the automatic calibre 1315 with a 120h power reserve and silicon balance spring. Known as the reference 5000-0130-01S, this new model joins the editions worn on sailcloth or NATO straps and retails for CHF 19,600.
The other model now available on a black ceramic bracelet is the cool green Bathyscaphe Chronograph Flyback. Housed in a 43.6mm black ceramic case, this version is characterized by its gradient green sun-brushed dial and a matching green ceramic bezel. The tri-compax dial layout results from a high-end chronograph movement powering the watch, the calibre F385. This automatic, integrated column-wheel and vertical clutch chronograph movement runs at a 5Hz frequency and stores up to 50 hours of power reserve. Known as the reference 5200-0153-01S, this new model joins the editions worn on sailcloth or NATO straps and retails for CHF 23,900.
In both cases, the ceramic bracelet adds CHF 7,000 to the total price compared to the versions on a strap. This is somewhat explained by the complexity of the machining and finishing. I’ll let you decide, however, if you prefer this ceramic bracelet or add another strap next to your Bathyscaphe.

New Czapek Complicité Place Vendôme Stardust Cobalt

Dual regulators were invented by horology’s illustrious grandfathers to improve accuracy and stability. Names like Huygens, who introduced the concept of resonance inside his movements, and others like Breguet, Berthoud and Janvier are all associated with this alignment of double regulators. Coveted by collectors, this rara avis is not extinct and reinterpreted by contemporary wizards like F.P. Journe and Vianney Halter and brands like Armin Strom, replica luxury watches Audemars Piguet, MB&F et al. Last year, Czapek entered the elite circle and introduced its Place Vendôme Complicité, a dual regulator model developed with watchmaker Bernhard Lederer. Following the first editions in white and rose gold cases, the latest Complicité Stardust Cobalt respects the technology and habillage of former editions but introduces a couple of design tweaks.

The principle of the double escapement regulator is to achieve greater accuracy. With two balance wheels beating independently and power delivered from a single barrel via a differential, any variation in rate will be cancelled out.
Toying with the idea since 2018, CEO Xavier de Roquemaurel’s ambitious vision for housing a double regulator inside the brand’s Place Vendôme was brought to life by German master watchmaker Bernhard Lederer in 2023. Using the signature layout of the Place Vendôme with sub-dials forming the base of a pyramid and a third sub-dial at the apex, the escapements were fitted at 4:30 and 7:30, with the differential connecting them at noon and their trains running down the centre.

The openworked dial ensures a perfect view of the pyramid alignment formed by the dual regulators and the differential gear at noon. Beneath the triangular bridges, you can appreciate the four adjustment screws on the variable inertia balance wheels as well as the Breguet terminal curve. The novelty of this latest reference is the use of heat-blued indices and hands contrasting with the circular-grained grey minutes and hours flange skirting around the movement. Another difference replica luxury watches between this model and earlier reference is the substitution of the glass-box crystal for a domed sapphire crystal.
Relying on a fusion of tradition and modernity, the applied indices (from 9 to 3) and openworked sword-shaped gold-plated hands are luminescent, and the differential gear at noon is secured under a transparent sapphire crystal bridge with six rubies set in gold chatons. To keep an eye on the 72-hour autonomy of Lederer’s manual-winding calibre 8, there is a power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock with a blued hand.
The spectacle is guaranteed as the balance wheels oscillate in opposite directions, sending their 3Hz impulse to the gear train and differential. The reverse side reveals other components of the 293-part manual-winding movement with its contemporary matte grey bridges and refined haute horlogerie finishings. At 9 o’clock, you can see Lederer’s signature three-spring crown wheel mechanism.
Czapek’s Place Vendôme case has a 41.8mm diameter, a thickness of 13.3mm and a contemporary profile with polished surfaces and hollowed-out lugs with sandblasted interiors. Although the replica luxury watches model we had for our photographs was a steel prototype, the commercial models will be crafted in 18k white gold. The large crown is flanked by protectors to ensure the 50m water-resistance.

Piecing Together the Upcoming APX GP F1 Movie

If you’ve been paying attention to Formula 1, you might have witnessed something odd over the past 12 months or so. While officially there are 10 teams putting two cars each on the grid, an eleventh team has been spotted! And no, it’s not Mario Andretti and his Cadillac-backed Formula 1 plans making an early appearance, nor is it Audi who’s taking over the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, but it’s something different altogether. It’s Hollywood baby! But just who, how, what and where? I’m going to try and piece together the most important elements, but straight up; it involves a certain Mr Pitt and Mr Hamilton, the director from TOP GUN; Maverick, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team, and of course; replica luxury watches  IWC Schaffhausen!
It was almost exactly a year ago, during the 2023 British Grand Prix, that we witnessed something never seen before in Formula 1. Apart from all the on- and off-track shenanigans of the 10 teams and 20 drivers battling it out for the Constructor’s and Driver’s World Championships, an 11th team plus a 21st and 22nd drivers could be seen parading around. What was going on?
Simple, really, as Hollywood had taken an interest in the exciting world of Formula 1. With that, things started to slowly come into the public eye, including a possible name; APX GP, or Apex GP. However, just before the Silverstone Grand Prix weekend, it was announced that the movie will be simply called; F1. Sounds like the easy way to do things, but marketing wise it’s probably the most sensible thing to do. During our very recent visit to the 2024 Silverstone Grand Prix, we managed to take a couple of shots of the ‘action’ going on over the weekend;
So, let’s first talk about who’s involved. The replica luxury watches  cast and team behind APX GP include some serious A-listers so it has all the potential to be quite a spectacular movie, perhaps even a must-see for any F1 and motorsports fan! The biggest name is that of Brad Pitt, the Hollywood Heartthrob who’s seemingly very good at adopting pretty much any role or character. From Se7en to Fight Club and from the Ocean’s series to Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood, Brad Pitt could be considered one of the modern movie greats. The character he will be portraying in the APX GP movie, which isn’t an official title, by the way, is that of Sonny Hayes, a former F1 racing driver coming out of retirement to mentor and team with a younger driver. According to IMDB at least, but it seems like such a plot fits given Pitt’s age and all.
But who’s he mentoring teaming up with? Well, that’s Damson Idris, a British actor you might know from the TV series Snowfall. Damon Idris will be portraying the character of Joshua Pearce, a rising star on the global stage of open-wheel racing. And it’s rumoured that Lewis Hamilton will make an on-screen appearance as well (more on that in a bit).
Other big names are involved as well, such as Academy Award winner Javier Bardem (for his brilliant portrayal of the relentless hitman Anton Chigurh in 2008’s No Country For Old Men) and Joseph Kosinski, who will be directing this new F1 movie. Bardem will be acting as a struggling team owner enlisting the help of former F1 ace Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), while Kosinski should ring a bell to any cinema fan, as he’s the man who directed TOP GUN: Maverick. Other than Bardem and Kosinski, the cast includes Kerry Condon (Rome, Better Call Saul, the Marvel Cinematic Universe), Tobias Menzies (The Crown, Outlander), and a certain 7-time Formula 1 World Championship-winning Britton by the name of Sir Lewis Hamilton.
Not only is Lewis Hamilton involved as an actor, but also as a producer and consultant. His Dawn Apollo Films company, launched last year, replica luxury watches  is involved both with this big-screen movie production as well as a feature documentary on his journey from karting to F1 dominance. With a record-breaking 7 titles under his belt, and winning no less than 103 F1 races and a staggering 198 podium finishes, he certainly has the experience to make sure the movie is as credible as possible. Lewis knows the business inside and out and has plenty of connections to help make APX GP a box office success.
But the collaboration or involvement of Lewis Hamilton goes beyond that even, as it seems like his career path is part of the inspiration behind the character of Joshua Pearce (Damon Idris). Pearce is a young and upcoming racing driver employed by the Apex Grand Prix team or APX GP. Despite this, Lewis is also credited as himself in the movie, so it remains to be seen how the story will actually be portrayed. Nevertheless, it seems like all boxes are checked; an upcoming prodigy, a former star coming out of retirement, a struggling team principal and so on. Plus, knowing that actual Formula 1 cars are used in production, and filming is done on track, it should look pretty slick on the Silver Screen!
Speaking of which, there’s plenty to be said about the cars and other stuff as well. Such a project simply needs partners, suppliers and sponsors. Part of this comes from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team, who have supplied the modified Formula 2 car to be used as an F1 car. The livery reveals that IWC is a sponsor of the fictional team, and thus the Swiss watchmaking brand is tied up in this project as well. That all makes perfect sense, of course, given the longstanding relationship between both the F1 team and F1 ace Hamilton.
During replica luxury watches  shooting days both on and off-track various IWC watches could already be seen adorning the wrists of key players in the APX GP movie, such as Damon Idris wearing an IWC Pilot’s Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Ceratanium IW388106 (see above and below) and director Joseph Kosinski wearing an IWC Pilot’s Chronograph Edition “Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor” IW389004 (see below) that could also be seen in TOP GUN: Maverick. So from movie buffs to F1 stars, and from cars to watches, it seems like we’ve come full circle.
The APX GP movie, for lack of an official title as mentioned, is set to hit cinemas in June, 2025. Until then, keep your eyes peeled for anything on and off track, which we do too when visiting the 2024 Silverstone Grand Prix and perhaps you will see Brad Pitt or Damon Idris casually strolling up and down the pitlane in fire-proof racing suits, rocking some IWC in the process!

New MeisterSinger Neo Collection Exemplifies the Beauty of Simplicity

For obvious reasons, the watch world tends to glorify complexity and the accumulation of functions into a single watch. We, at MONOCHROME, are no better than the rest of the crowd and we can spend days contemplating a Grande Complication watch, or a timepiece with a novel, ultra-complex escapment. However, we also tend to forget the primary function of a watch; indicating the time. Mastering complexity can be… complex. But so does simplicity. The  replica luxury watches less is more approach has long been a difficult exercise, where making a watch interesting and characterful by striping down everything unnecessary is not often convincing. With its updated Neo Collection, German brand MeisterSinger has decided to focus on the essential, to the point where not even the minute hand makes sense. Is it enough to be appealing? Let’s check it out.
The brand launched by Manfred Brassler in 2001, MeisterSinger, has since its early days focussed on a highly specific display, its signature “decomplication” if you will; indicating the time thanks to a single hand or mono-aiguille. A tribute to sundials and single-hand clock towers of the Middle Ages, the single-hand feature is here to remind us that another philosophy of life is possible, and that we can look at time through another prism. No frenetic high-frequency hand rotating once every 10 seconds around the dial here. No fast jumping indications. Just that one hand that completes a revolution in 12 hours, with sub-segments to indicate the closest 5-minute mark… And in reality, for most of our moments in life, isn’t it sufficient? Who needs to be present at the exact second to a meeting? If this is the case, then I’m sorry for you.
Having to create a  replica luxury watches collection, MeisterSinger has, over the years, added multiple functions to its single-hand display, such as jumping hours, dual time zones, a moon phase, a chiming device and power reserve indicators. There was even a mono-pusher chronograph featuring four hands in total at a point (the Paleograph). Recent models have shown, however, that if the days of complications might not be entirely over at MeisterSinger, the brand has decided to refocus on the essential; classic watches with a single hand and tons of charm. And the new Neo, a compact, accessible and minimalistic piece, just shows how great a watch with only one hand can be.
The MeisterSinger Neo isn’t entirely new. It’s a long-time classic from the brand that was redesigned in 2015 and remained untouched, until recently. It was and still is the epitome of minimalistic elegance within the MeisterSinger catalogue. As said by Denis, “Since its redesign in 2015, the Neo line has seamlessly blended classic vintage aesthetics with modern elements, offering elegance, good looks, and decent prices.” But there’s a new one coming. What has changed? A few things really, such as the addition of a sapphire crystal replacing the fragile acrylic glass or an upgraded water-resistance (50m instead of 30m). What was good about the watch, its ultra-clean yet charming look, is almost untouched. In fact, it’s even cleaner than before as it got rid of the date.
Let’s briefly talk about the  replica luxury watches specifications. The case; polished steel for most of the surfaces, a supremely pleasant-to-wear-and-touch pebble shape, a brilliant 36mm diameter and a thickness of just under 10mm (and in reality, it feels much less due to the domed sapphire and caseback). The mechanics; a reliable Sellita SW200 automatic (clone of the ETA 2824) that will do its job, no questions asked. The options are plenty. MeisterSinger offers 3 different dials; ivory with black numerals (not photographed here), sunburst blue with white numerals and white with golden numerals and blue baton markers. You’ll also have the choice between a cowhide leather strap, a nubuck leather strap or a Milanese mesh steel bracelet.
For once, I’m going to leave the factual part at this. If you want to have more details, please consult this article. Instead, I’m now going to talk about feelings and emotions. Only a few watches can claim to be appealing with so little going on with their cases and dials. What do they have instead? Shapes, proportions, balance of the colours, elegance on the wrist. And this is where the MeisterSinger Neo strikes hard. On the principle, if you try to describe this watch to a person who can’t see it, you’ll end up drawing the image of an utterly boring object. It could have happened, but it certainly doesn’t.
Just like the  replica luxury watches designed by Max Bill during the 1960s, the MeisterSinger Neo has this inexplicable charm of a perfectly balanced object with timeless attire, refined design, sleek but not strict, elegant yet casual, not gender-related, small but present. It is quite hard to describe in words what a watch feels like on the wrist, but I can imagine that the photos speak for themselves. This watch is not demonstrative, not flashy, not complicated and yet it has a highly pronounced personality. You could almost remove the logo and most would see it as a MeisterSinger. It doesn’t have many strings on its bow but what it does is to strike the right strings, the right way.
I can think of a handful of other accessible watches that have managed to bring simplicity to such an interesting level; the Nomos Tangente and the Junghans Max Bill are two great examples. And yet, despite having so little to play around, each has its own personality and charisma. Well done MeisterSinger, this new Neo is a lovely little watch.

THE TUDOR PELAGOS FXD CHRONO CYCLING EDITION

As its name suggests, the Pelagos FXD Chrono Cycling Edition is a cycling-themed Pelagos with among its main specificities a carbon composite case and a black dial with a cycling-specific tachymeter scale.
Measuring 43mm in diameter, replica luxury watches the round case showcases pump-style pushers along with a screw-down crown protected by distinctive guards. Crafted from a single-block black, matt-finished carbon composite case complemented by titanium elements, it is lightweight, robust and offers excellent bio-compatibility. No need to mention these materials are favoured in racing bikes. The carbon does not feature any pattern. The diving DNA of the Pelagos has been altered with the cycling connection. The case has a fixed bezel with a 60-minute scale. The water resistance rating has been “reduced” to 100m, which will still be sufficient for those leading sporty, active lifestyles. This also allowed Tudor to slightly reduce the case profile at 13.2mm versus 13.6mm for the Alinghi Red Bull Racing edition.
The replica luxury watches matt black dial comes in a typical Tudor style, and features square hour markers and “Snowflake” hands. Its red accents on the counter and tachymeter are a nod to Tudor Pro Cycling’s colours. I would have favoured a brighter red however to bring more contrast. The use of luminescent ceramic composite blocks makes up for optimal legibility in challenging conditions. Last, the tachymeter scale coils 4 times on the flange to be calibrated to measure speeds that cyclists ride at (while still measuring speeds up to 240 units/hour). This does make a lot more sense than a traditional tachymeter scale calibrated for a car or a plane.
The Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono Cycling Edition is powered by the automatic calibre MT5813. It is based on the Breitling B01 with a few Tudor tweaks including an antimagnetic silicon oscillator. With it, you get a modern high-grade chronograph whose integrated architecture features a column wheel and vertical clutch. It drives a bi-compax layout with a small second at 9 o’clock and a 45-minute chronograph subdial at 3 o’clock. The date is displayed at 6 o’clock. It runs at 28,800 vibrations/hour and its precision is chronometer-certified by the COSC. The power reserve is comfortable at about 70 hours.
The replica luxury watches Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono Cycling Edition is presented on a one-piece fabric strap held by fixed strap bars (hence the FXD name, for fixed – first seen on the Marine Nationale) and closed by a pin buckle. On the wrist, it looks great, combining a discreet appearance with a sporty vibe. At 43mm it is admittedly a rather large watch but wears surprisingly well considering the size. The stealthy black case gives it a smaller feel than the actual diameter suggests. Its lightweight carbon/titanium case makes it practically comfortable too. You almost forget it is on your wrist.
The cycling-themed tachymeter scale adds a nice sporty touch. Like for motorsport-inspired tachymeters, most people won’t use this functionality often – if ever. Cyclists rely on GPS and computers. Yet, this feature enhances the watch’s appeal for cycling enthusiasts (like me), creating a special connection. And last but not least, you don’t need to be into cycling to enjoy this watch. Like all FXDs, it is simply a great, robust, good-looking watch. It is versatile enough to be used on weekends, at the office or on a bike. It is been a real pleasure to have it on my wrist for a few days and during this memorable experience…

Oechslin’s Ochs und Junior Luna Sole, the Three-Body Problem

Ludwig Oechslin’s ochs und Junior original designs offer unique solutions to traditional complications. The ochs und Junior luna sole, a recent addition to the collection, is a testament to the brand’s commitment to a minimalist style and the simplification of astronomical indications. This new watch elegantly combines timekeeping with date, sun, moon phase, and the moon’s position in relation to the earth and sun, offering an intriguing experience  replica luxury watches .

The luna sole belongs to the ochs line collection, so it is non-customisable and is presented with two dial options – sand-blasted anthracite or white rhodium with subtle rose gold accents. Designed by Ludwig Oechslin, the 40mm round case maintains a familiar shape with its short lugs, crafted from grade 5 titanium, left untouched after milling and machining. It features a two-part construction, a screw-down crown, and boasts 100m water resistance. Remarkably slim at just 9mm, including the sapphire crystal, the watch is exceptionally lightweight, weighing only 40 grams without the strap and buckle.
In the recent Netflix series Three-Body Problem, Earth scientists required several VR game sessions powered by extraterrestrial technology to grasp the complexities of saving the planet (spoiler: it wasn’t successful). How many sessions with the luna sole watch would one need to master the intricacies of reading the moon phases with the three bodies – sun, moon, and earth depicted on the dial? Give it a try, making a note that the watch has two overlapping discs in the centre. The lower disc shows the sun as a large circle and a heart shape, while the upper disc represents the moon and is the same size as the sun. Together, these discs indicate the different phases of the moon  replica luxury watches .
The sun disc completes one rotation every 24 hours around the centre. At 12:00, it is at the top position, and at midnight, it is at the bottom. In the morning, it is at 9:00, and in the evening it is at 3:00. This allows you to determine its position in the sky at any time.
The moon operates similarly but lags behind the sun and completes one rotation roughly every 29.5 days. Its illumination can be tracked on the inner circle of the lunar ring, with a full moon appearing when the moon is opposite the sun and fully illuminated, and a new moon occurring when it is directly above the sun and completely unlit. Timekeeping, indicated by rhodium or rose gold leaf hour and minute hands, depending on the dial variant, is straightforward, as I am sure other indications will seem once you’re familiar with the display. The intricate mechanism behind the ochs und junior luna sole watch was conceptualised by Ludwig Oechslin a decade ago and utilises a module comprising only six parts, with the base ETA 2892A2 movement operating at 28,800 vibrations/hour and offering a power reserve of 42 hours  replica luxury watches .

Cuervo y Sobrinos Robusto Sans Souci and Robusto 1935

Cuervo y Sobrinos is the only major watch brand with solid Cuban roots, celebrating specific time periods and locations in Cuban history. For example, the previous Robusto Churchill Limited Edition honoured Winston Churchill’s fondness for Havana tobacco. The new Robusto Sans Souci looks back at 1950s Cuba, specifically the Sans Souci night venue just outside of Havana. The Robusto 1935 leans into the Art Deco era of the 1930s and a particular Cuervo y Sobrinos model from 1935. It’s a contemporary take on an almost 90-year-old piece and both new models are versatile for most occasions. high quality replica watches
Back in the 1950s, Havana was a popular destination for celebrities, foreign leaders and the wealthy, including the Sans Souci night venue with lavish cabaret productions and often American dancers. The Robusto Sans Souci celebrates this period with a midcentury-inspired piece and three distinctive dials – sunray brushed black, vertical brushed champagne and sunray brushed blue. All have bold Arabic numerals with Super-LumiNova and lume inserts in the central hands, while a snailed small seconds sub-dial sits at 6 o’clock.
The high quality replica watches stainless steel case is compact at 38.5mm in diameter and 11.1mm in height, and water resistance is rated at 50 metres. An AR box-shaped sapphire crystal protects the dial, while the solid case back is engraved with a depiction of the Sans Souci’s iconic entrance. The crown sits within a recess in the caseband, which is replicated on the left side for symmetry. Strap options include a stainless steel 3-row bracelet or colour-coordinated, tone-on-tone stitched leather straps. high quality replica watches

New Microbrand Cherkas Launches with an Original Watch

So, we have another first watch from a new microbrand, but this one truly stands out with a unique, retro/contemporary approach that drew inspiration from the early space race. Cherkas was founded by Vasily Kuybar, born in the USSR and fascinated by aerospace, who designed the Cherkas Module One with a retro sci-fi aesthetic that’s anything but ordinary. It’s quirky for sure, but not over the top with a spacecraft-like titanium case that’s both blocky and rounded with a uniform matte finish. It would look right at home in a 1960s sci-fi movie, but it’s also very contemporary – quite a design achievement. highluxurystore.ru
The bead-blasted grade 5 titanium case has a “floating bezel” that surrounds the convex anti-reflective sapphire crystal like a spacecraft window, maintaining soft and organic curves throughout. A sizeable gap sits between this and the one-piece integrated lugs and caseback, which introduce a more angular aesthetic. The contrast works well and a titanium crown sits at 12 o’clock within a machined gap in the integrated lug arm. The move from 3 o’clock prevents an interruption of the design and is also ideal for either arm. At 38mm in width and 13mm in height (46mm lug-to-lug), it’s compact and very lightweight. The solid rectangular case back is secured via four screws and water resistance is rated at 100 metres. The minimalistic dial is both simple and futuristic with a time-only display. The Apogee-shaped hour and minute hands have Super-LumiNova inserts with a blue glow – stripe on the minute hand and circle on the hour hand. The matte black sandwich dial underneath has cutout indices with Super-LumiNova that glows green. Again, a nice play of contrast. The brand name and logo are seen above 6 o’clock with the latter being an image of Sputnik 1, the first space satellite from the Soviet Union (launched in 1957). The brand also offers the possibility to order a no-logo dial version on their on-line ordering platform. highluxurystore.ru
Powering the Module One is a Sellita SW300-1 automatic (ETA 2892 alternative) with 25 jewels, a beat rate of 28,800vph (4Hz) and a 42-hour power reserve. Functions normally include central hours, minutes, seconds and date, but only the hours and minutes are utilized here. The 24mm strap is a proprietary “Adjust-n-Fasten” piece made from nylon seatbelt material. It has a titanium buckle and Velcro fastener for quick adjustments. The wide strap on a relatively small case adds to the contemporary, sci-fi vibe and any 24mm NATO variant can be used as well. highluxurystore.ru

The new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963

This weekend, on Saturday the 15th, we’ll be attending one of the most legendary car races of all time, the 101st edition of the 24h of Le Mans. And just like in Formula 1, watches are everywhere. While Rolex is the official timekeeper of the event, many watch brands are also sponsoring teams, such as Moser and Alpine, Richard Mille and Ferrari and, of course, TAG Heuer as the sponsor of Porsche. As another step in the Porsche x TAG Heuer connection, the brand releases one of its most modern and bold versions of its racing chronograph, as a tribute to the car competing in the endurance race. Here’s the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963.
The name Carrera at TAG Heuer has incredible relevance in the field of motorsport. Its name already bears a strong connection with racing, being named after the legendary Carrera Panamericana race… which coincidentally is also a name long associated with Porsche and its 356 and 911 race cars. Since then, both names have been synonymous with racing and passion, but it’s only in 2021 that the connection between these two equally important icons would be sealed with the partnership between TAG Heuer and Porsche. Since then, it has given birth to multiple Porsche-inspired TAG models. The latest to date is linked to endurance racing and is also the boldest, most modern to date. high quality replica watches
As a race that’s all about cutting-edge technology (the Porsche 963 is, as all cars in the LMH and LMDh categories, using hybrid technology) and endurance on the track, the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963 reflects this with a large, sporty and technical inspiration. Don’t expect to see here historical references or a vintage look like the current Glassbox Carrera Chronograph. This 963-inspired Carrera is a statement watch with a large modular, angular case and an openworked dial.
The Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963 is a large and contemporary sports watch, with presence. Its case measures 44mm in diameter, 15mm in height and close to 50mm in length, and it feels on the wrist. Thanks to the curved strap and the shape of the case, it is not uncomfortable but definitely not a watch that will fly under the radar. It has visual impact. The design also feels like a mix of novel and known elements, and somehow looks back at previous generations of the Carrera with the Heuer-01 movement (the Biver-era) yet with an overall better look. high quality replica watches
This case, with a racing vibe, is a rather complex one. Mostly made of stainless steel, it features recessed sides, framed by a non-coated steel line with inside a grained surface coated in black PVD. The left side has a Porsche signature in contrasting silver colour and the right side has black coated crown and pushers. In the same vein, the fixed bezel with tachymeter scale is made of forged carbon, with the Porsche logo in luminescent printing. Classic faceted Carrera lugs are present, with a new central link engraved with 963 and a strap connection that mimics the NACA air inlets found on most race cars.
Like modern and racing-oriented versions of the Monaco, this new Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963 relies on an openworked dial with a complex architecture – a polarizing look that some will love, while some prefer a more classic closed dial. Using circular shapes and a radial-style spiderweb (said to be reminiscent of Porsche’s racing car chassis), the dial retains a classic tri-compax display with closed sub-dials, making sure that legibility isn’t affected. Several details to note; the white Super-LumiNova block indexes, with a red one at 4 o’clock to mark the start of the 24h of Le Mans, red accents on the chronograph hands, and a SLN-coated date revealer… With the idea of having a watch that can be easily used at night too… practical for a 24-hour race. high quality replica watches
Under the sapphire back, no surprises as we have here the in-house calibre TH20-00, also known as Heuer-02. This integrated, automatic movement relies on a column-wheel and vertical clutch architecture, for a jump-free start of the chronograph function. Boasting 80 hours of power reserve, it’s light decorated on the back and features a rotor shaped like a Porsche steering wheel. The watch is worn on a black integrated rubber strap, closed by a folding clasp with micro-adjustment.

2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

As the affordable sibling company to the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games, Swatch has just launched a quartet of new thematic watches, which celebrate the upcoming Summer Olympics that kick off in Paris next month. While three of the four models are inspired by sports that will be featured in the Summer Games, the fourth is from the brand’s Flik Flak collection of children’s watches, and it is specifically dedicated to the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. https://www.highluxurystore.ru
The first of the new Swatch Olympic Games Paris 2024 watches is the Green Backside Wave (ref. SO29G108), which is inspired by the sport of surfing. Measuring 41mm in diameter by 9.85mm thick with an overall lug-to-lug profile of 47.4mm, the case of the Swatch Green Backside Wave is crafted from a dark green bio-sourced resin, and it is fitted with a domed crystal that is made from bio-sourced plastic. Featuring with a dark green dial that has white and green accents, the Green Backside Wave offers 30 meters of water resistance, and it is powered by a standard time-only ETA quartz movement, with a user-friendly battery hatch on the caseback that can easily be opened with the edge of a knife or coin. Lastly, fitted to the lugs is a silicone strap with a green gradient finish and a pink underside surface that features a keeper that is adorned with a multi-colored surfboard print.
The second watch from the new Swatch Olympic Games Paris 2024 collection is the Blue Heelflip (ref. SUSN420), and this model is dedicated to the sport of skateboarding. Based upon the brand’s chronograph series, the Swatch Blue Heelflip features a dark blue resin case fitted with a domed plastic crystal, and it measures 42mm in diameter by 14.03mm thick with a lug-to-lug profile of 50.1mm. Featuring a matching dark blue gradient dial with a gold seconds hand and pink, white, and light blue accents, the Blue Heel Flip offers 30 meters of water resistance, and it is powered by an ETA quartz chronograph movement that also includes a 4:30 date display. Operating the watch is achieved with a pair of light blue pushers and a pink crown on the left-hand side of the case, and completing the Swatch Blue Heelflip is a dark blue silicone strap with a pink underside surface and a keeper that features a multi-colored skateboard design.
Rounding out the trio of sport-inspired models from the Swatch Olympic Games Paris 2024 collection is the Purple Rollshot (ref. SO28V700), which is inspired by the sport of volleyball. Crafted from purple bio-sourced resin and fitted with a domed bio-sourced plastic crystal, the case of the Swatch Purple Rollshot measures 34mm in diameter by 8.75mm thick with a lug-to-lug profile of 39.2mm, and just like the rest of the collection, it features 30 meters of water resistance to protect against incidental contact. Featuring a dark purple dial with pink and white details, the Purple Rollshot also includes a dual day/date display at the 3 o’clock location with contrasting light purple and pink calendar discs. Just as you would expect, the Swatch Purple Rollshot is powered by a standard three-handed ETA quartz movement, and fitted to its lugs is a silicone strap with a dark purple gradient finish, a pink underside surface, and a keeper decorated by a multi-colored volleyball print. https://www.highluxurystore.ru
Lastly, the fourth and final model from the Swatch Olympic Games Paris 2024 lineup is the Flik Flak Paris 2024 (ref. FPNP154), the children’s watch that celebrates this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games. Crafted from transparent blue resin and fitted with a plastic crystal, the Swatch Flik Flak Paris 2024 measures 31.85mm in diameter by 9.25mm thick with a lug-free design that creates a lug-to-lig profile of 30.6mm, and it features the same 30 meters of water resistance that can be found throughout the rest of the Swatch Olympic Games Paris 2024 collection. Fitted with a white dial that has red and blue accents, the Flik Flak Paris 2024 is powered by a standard time-only ETA quartz movement, and it is completed by a fabric strap made from recycled PET that features the “Phryges” characters, which are the official mascots of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
As the Olympics are the single most famous sporting event in the entire world, I fully understand the appeal of merchandise that celebrates the Olympic Games, and outside of watch enthusiast circles, some communities collect various Olympics-themed items. With that in mind, most Olympic Games merchandise exists in the form of T-shirts, pins, and keychains, and these types of commemorative items exist at a price point that is exponentially less than even the least expensive Omega watches. While buying one of Omega’s Olympics watches requires a significant financial commitment, opting for one of these Swatch Olympic Games Paris 2024 models allows buyers to indulge in the novelty of an Olympics watch, without spending the same amount of money that is required to travel to Paris and watch the event in person. https://www.highluxurystore.ru