We kick off the year with the newest watches to herald in a new season of watch novelties from the likes of Vacheron Constantin, Grand Seiko, TAG Heuer, Bell & Ross and Swatch.
Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin combines contemporary design and watchmaking heritage as it unveils the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface. Guided by age-old horological codes, the Genevan watchmaker elevates traditional aesthetics with an avant-garde profile through the use of transparency and colours. Sensations of openness and skeletonisation are imparted through the use of a clear sapphire dial, giving a glimpse into Vacheron Constantin’s fine watchmaking virtuosity. The calibre 2460 QCL/2 and its 312 components work in tandem to display the date, day, month and phases of the moon. Both front and rear sides of the movement are polished and decorated to perfection as one would expect from Vacheron Constantin. Classical influences of the Traditionnelle collection such as the stepped round case, dauphine hands, gold baton hour-markers and railway minute-track are contrasted by modern grey-anthracite NAC treated main plate and bridges. The Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface is available in either white or pink gold case.
Grand Seiko
Grand Seiko’s deep reverence for nature sees them turn to Mount Iwate as inspiration for its latest creation — the Grand Seiko SBGJ253. Capturing the ephemeral beauty of Tasogare (twilight), a grey dial bordering between light and dark takes centre stage for the GMT iteration. Apart from the atmospheric beauty of Mount Iwate, the ridges of the mountain are mimicked on the dial with subtle patterning. Streaks of gold adorn the dial for contrast and legibility as the GMT hand and inner ring follows the shade of the moon. Aficionados of Grand Seiko will be quick to spot the 44GS case styling as the legendary design code, which dates back to 1967, is given a modern re-interpretation for the Grand Seiko SBGJ253. Sharp angles, brilliant surfaces and softly curved lines flow through the stainless steel case as Grand Seiko’s famed Zaratsu polishing give the case facets a mirror finish that appears more pronounced when seen in person. The Hi-beat 36000 GMT calibre 9S86 powers the Grand Seiko SBGJ253, offering unrivalled accuracy and precision.
TAG Heuer
Usher in the Lunar New Year in style with TAG Heuer’s timely release of the Carrera Year of the Tiger Limited Edition. Channelling the spirit of the Tiger, its qualities of courage, confidence and adventure are a testament to the dangerous Carrera Panamericana race which served as the inspiration to the TAG Heuer Carrera. Part sportive, part elegant, the bold styling of the seasonal release demonstrates TAG Heuer’s “Swiss Avant-Garde since 1860” tag line to aplomb. An abstract rendition of the tiger’s stripes adorns the dial as two distinct shades of blue complement harmoniously. The lighter blue stripes are made of horizontally brushed metal coated with blue PVD treatment while the darker stripes are made of painted textured metal. 18K 5N rose gold plated elements provide subtle contrast as seen on the watch hands, applied hour indexes and aperture frame. Flipping the watch over reveals a stalking tiger and a view of TAG Heuer’s trusty automatic Calibre 5 movement. The Carrera Year of the Tiger Limited Edition is made in limited quantities with a special engraving of “LIMITED EDITION” and “ONE OF 300” set on the case back.
Bell & Ross
The Horolum concept makes a comeback as Bell & Ross begins a fresh year with the BR 05 Horolum. First conceived in 2017 in the original BR 03-92 Horolum, the terminology is a play on the words “Horo” and “Lum” which refers to watchmaking or time and light respectively. Central to Horolum is C5 Super-LumiNova, the most powerful photoluminescent coating that exists. The hands and indices of the BR 05 Horolum are liberally applied with C5 Super-LumiNova, guaranteeing excellent legibility at night with a high level of luminescence. Bell & Ross’s BR 05 needs no further introduction as the urban sports watch spots the brand’s iconic “circle in a square” case and integrated bracelet. Its stainless steel case, bracelet and dial take a leaf from the BR 03-92 Horolum as it shares the same bead-blasted treatment used for a ghostly matte finish throughout.
Swatch
Reset with a clear mind and wipe the slate clean for the New Year with Swatch’s CLEAR Collection. The Swiss watchmaking disruptor embraces transparency quite literally as it presents a series of transparent watches. Though the trend of crystal clear watches are taking off in exquisite Haute horology pieces, Swatch is no stranger with the see-through Swatch Gent first produced in 1985. Four Swatch models, namely the CLEARLY BIG BOLD, CLEARLY Gent, CLEARLY New Gent and CLEARLY SKIN will be part of the CLEAR Collection with the latter three watch cases made with sustainable biosourced materials. The minimalist and colourless palette is offset by the signature splash of primary-coloured hands that gained prominence and fame in the early days of Swatch. Though the four pieces share a common theme, each possesses its own unique character that appeals to different wearers with their case construction and dimensions.
Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our February 2022 issue!
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