While small-sized watches are back in trend, that has not stopped brands from producing large watches.
Breitling Superocean Automatic 46
Breitling challenges the codes of watchmaking as its Superocean collection chimes to the tune of vibrant and casual instead of serious and no-nonsense. The contemporary interpretation of Breitling’s original SuperOcean Slow Motion from the 1960s and 1970 sees distinct colour blocking take centre stage for the Breitling Superocean Automatic 46. The dial ring, oversized hour indexes, and minute watch hand further enhance the visual spectacle. The Breitling Superocean Automatic 46 maintains a level of intimidation with its souped-up dimensions — the 46mm diameter ensures the watch is no pushover when thrown into the watery depths. A robust stainless steel case with 300m water resistance takes on sea and land adventures easily. Be it reading time underwater or in the glare of the sun, the distinct watch hands and hour indexes with generous super luminova offer exceptional legibility in all conditions. Breitling’s automatic Calibre 17 provides unrivalled accuracy with its COSC certification.
Panerai Submersible S Brabus Verde Militare Edition PAM01283
Separate worlds from horology and high-performance day boating collide as Panerai further strengthens its partnership with BRABUS with the Panerai Submersible S Brabus Verde Militare Edition PAM01283. Stylised by state-of-the-art tech and sophisticated, military-inspired styling, the Panerai PAM01283 is in a class of its own, characterised by performance and dynamism. The 200-piece limited edition Panerai PAM01283 is accented with hints of military green, matched by a stealthy black case. This reference spots a figure-imposing 47mm Carbotech case, but it is anything but burly. The composite material is lighter than stainless steel and even titanium, providing great wearing comfort. Further reinforcements to the 300m water-resistant rated case ensure optimal chronometric performance when submerged underwater. Panerai’s Calibre P. 4001/S features a skeletonised movement with a GMT function, a day/night indicator and a patented polarised date display. The collaborative piece sees both brands coming together with signature touches, including the Panerai Safety Lock crown protection device and the BRABUS logo proudly emblazoned on the dial.
Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze
Bell & Ross’ fascination with the skull materialises with the Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze. The release comes on the back of the BR 01 Cyber Skull, which sees a futuristic and angular take on the inimitable symbol of death, amongst others. The Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze shares the same ultra-modern faceted style, just that the case and skull motif are clad in bronze, as its namesake suggests. At first glance, the Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze is a born extrovert — a dramatic bronze skull levitates in a matching bronze case thanks to two sapphire crystal plates. An entirely new movement, the BR-CAL.210, was designed as part of the release as conceptualisation, production, and assembly goes entirely in-house. A percentage of the movement is visible, while majority of the remaining are positioned behind the skull. An ingenious automaton is concealed in the skull — the skull comes to life when winding the crown as it appears to sneer or laugh. The “living” bronze alloy elevates the watch’s uniqueness, which develops a patina on the surface to prevent further corrosion to the layers below. No two watches will be the same; as a result, a further testament to the appeal of the 500-piece limited edition Bell & Ross BR 01 Cyber Skull Bronze.
Omega Speedmaster Super Racing
Omega reached a new technical milestone with the Omega Speedmaster Super Racing release. The next-generation timepiece houses the Omega Spirate™ System. This revolutionary patent-pending spiral allows for ultra-fine rate adjustments and for Omega to achieve certified precision of only 0/+2 seconds a day. The Co-Axial Master Chronometer 9920 calibre debuts the new system that spots many features Omega are known for, including antimagnetic resistance, accuracy and resistance to shocks. A stylised honeycomb dial set in a 44mm stainless steel case references a concept timepiece at the Omega Museum, which survived extreme magnetic fields of 160,000 Gauss. The racing style minute-track adds a touch of detail to the watch, while the tachymeter scale is made with a yellow “grand feu” enamel with a black ceramic bezel ring. Other subtle nods to Omega’s storied history include the yellow shade featured on the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra > 15’000 GAUSS of 2013 and is also used on the gradient chronograph hand and small striped seconds hand at nine o’clock.
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche Orange Racing
TAG Heuer and Porsche once again highlight their common history and passion for motorsports with the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche Orange Racing. After announcing the historic partnership decades in the making in February 2021, the sixth release of this partnership sees the colour orange take the plaudits in this heart-racing novelty. Porsche’s unmistakable aesthetic keeps the collaborative watch authentic; vibrant orange streaks inspired by heat sparks made by the car on the asphalt evoke a sense of speed or a race against time. TAG Heuer’s emblematic Carrera Chronograph, born in the races, is the best timepiece to convey the passion for motorsports shared by TAG Heuer and Porsche. Given the expressive nature of orange, black was chosen as its ideal foil. A black 44mm DLC (diamond-like carbon) case exudes an extremely deep and elegant shade of black. Together with various dial textures and finishing, the contrast and brightness of the orange streaks shine through. TAG Heuer’s Calibre HEUER 02 Automatic movement provides an impressive 80 hours power reserve and features a custom rotor shaped after a Porsche steering wheel and a custom orange column wheel.
Once you’re done with this story about Large Watches, click here to catch up with our March 2023 issue.