It’s the end of August and we take a close look at Panerai’s new tourbillon pocket watch and also what some diehard Paneristis think about the direction the brand is taking. Elsewhere, we review IWC’s very classy new Portuguese Chronograph Classic, Schofield’s exquisite Signalman DLC and Chanel’s very shiny J12 Chromatic. Lastly, we check out Ball’s stealthy Engineer Hydrocarbon Black and Harry Winston’s new watches for this year.
The J12 was originally released in black or white porcelain in (I think) a few different sizes. Over time Chanel enlarged the J12 set with added sizes (smaller actually) and a couple more complicated models such as a chronograph and after a GMT as well as moon phase model. Yes a tourbillon was also available, in addition to unique J12 model with an Audemars Piguet motion in it. This was probably enough because Chanel was promoting J12s due to their good looks and esteemed name. Wearing a Chanel watch is actually a no-brainer for ladies, but what about for men?There are some watch men I know who make it a point to just abstain from even contemplating any timepieces with a fashion house name. That means brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Ferragamo, and Chanel are only out of this question. That’s a shame because these brands create some fantastic watches. Let’s explore the bad side of buying a “fashion brand watch” before we talk about the good. First, you are of course getting something with a known fashion name that impedes you obtaining any street cred as a educated watch guy – no matter how good the watch is. Next, as it’s from a (mostly) European style label, chances are that you are paying a great deal for what you’re getting a lot of the time. Last, there’s frequently a feminine slant to most of these brands that doesn’t make it the very manly of choices – and I believe that it is this last reason which prevents many guys from exploring these watches.
1. IWC Portuguese Chronograph Classic Watch Review
2013 is the year of the Ingenieur for IWC, but that has not stopped them from updating their Portuguese collection. New for this year is the Portuguese Chronograph Classic, which should not be seen as a replacement for the standard Portuguese Chronograph, but rather as a higher-end alternative. In this article, we detail the differences between the two and tell you all you need to know about this new offering from IWC.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
2. Chanel J12 Chromatic Watch Review
Although Chanel was not the first to use ceramic in their watches, the white ceramic J12 which was released over a decade ago did popularize the material. Today, many high-end luxury watch brands are releasing models using ceramic as a case material. The Chanel J12 Chromatic is a high-tech variant of ceramic, and infuses titanium into the ceramic material, making it extra strong and durable. Here is our take on their J12 Chromatic dive watch.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
3. Schofield Signalman DLC + Strap Kit + Watch Wallet Review
If you know anything about cars and Pagani, the Schofield Watch Company can be said to be the horological equivalent. Everything offered by the company is formed through the singular vision of one man, Gille Eilles, a British watch designer with an almost fanatical obsession to detail and keeping high standards. Here, we review not only the famous Schofield Signalman, but also their strap kit and watch wallet.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
4. Chanel Premiere: Possibly The Best Ladies Watch Of 2013
In general, I think most women’s watches are too flashy and blingy, but understandably so. Women love shiny things (I speak generally, of course) and the brands are just giving them what they want. However, there are a few women pieces that stand out for me and the Chanel Watches Repair Premiere is one of them, mainly because it is not flashy just for the sake of it. The design of the Premiere is so painfully simple and elegant.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon Black Watch Hands-On
Ball’s Engineer Hydrocarbon watches are arguably their most recognizable, thanks to the prominent and unique crown guard. Earlier, we showed you the Engineer Hydrocarbon Airborne and this time round, we are looking at its DLC sibling, the Engineer Hydrocarbon Black. With a black DLC case, this new watch is perhaps Ball’s most stealthy one yet and the ETA 2892-2 movement within also features the brand’s new SpringLock shock protection system.
Source: aBlogtoWatch