Category: Review

Breitling has redesigned its Superocean Héritage line, dedicated to modern-day explorers. The result is a new face as original, pure and dynamic as ever, for this highly successful collection that is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2017.

First launched in 1957, the Superocean professional diving replica watch – rapidly adopted by the first enthusiasts of leisure diving – has since spawned several generations of instruments boasting peerless aquatic performance. Yet Breitling has also preserved the spirit of the original model in a line named Superocean Héritage that has become one of the brand’s stellar collections, thanks to its unique and timeless look combined with cutting-edge technology.

To mark the 60th anniversary of this pioneer of wide-open spaces, Breitling had reinvigorated its iconic design while maintaining its unique character. The main development took the form of a new steel bezel with an ultra-hard high-tech ceramic ring that is scratchproof and extremely shock-resistant. The elimination of the metal ring surrounding the minute circle means the bezel appears to form a seamless whole with the dial in a matching color, adorned with the original Superocean logo. The unusual shape of the hands (triangular for the hours and lozenge-like for the minutes), along with the slightly cone-shaped hour-markers, reinforces ties with the 1957 model, while ensuring optimal legibility enhanced by luminescent markers.

The Superocean Héritage II is interpreted in two replica watch sizes (42 and 46 mm) and as a 46 mm chronograph, all available in three colors: black, blue and bronze. The latter versions are available with an exclusive brand-new rubber-leather strap in the same color and enhanced by contrasting stitching. In addition to the leather, crocodile or rubber straps, all the models may be fitted with a steel mesh bracelet echoing the legendary 1957 version.

In terms of performance, the Superocean Héritage II has all the technical qualities that have made it the perfect companion for the finest adventures on land, at sea and in the air. The Superocean Héritage II Chronographe 46 houses a selfwinding chronograph movement chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute). The Manufacture Caliber B20 powering the Superocean Héritage II 42 and 46 models, also COSC-certified, is a high-precision, reliably robust selfwinding movement endowed with a 70-hour power reserve.

Derived from the Tudor Caliber MT5612 and flaunting exclusive finishing, it represents one aspect of the recent cooperation between the two brands that are now pooling their expertise in the development and production of certain mechanical movements. The sturdy steel case with its screw-locked crown is water-resistant to 200 m (660 ft).

The fluted unidirectional rotating bezel, bearing a luminescent dot at 12 o’clock, is fitted with a 120-tooth system enabling extremely accurate adjustment and very smooth rotation.

Technical details
Model: Superocean Héritage II 42 & 46
Movement
Manufacture Caliber B20, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, self-winding, high-frequency (28,800 vibrations/hour), 28 jewels
Over 70- hour power reserve
Calendar

Case, dial and strap
Steel case
Water-resistant to 200 m (660 ft)
Screw-locked crown
Unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel
Cambered sapphire crystal, glare-proofed on both sides
Diameters: 42 and 46 mm
Dials: Volcano black, Gun Blue, Stratus silver, Copperhead bronze
Straps/Bracelet: leather, crocodile leather, rubber Aero Classic or Ocean Racer, rubber-leather/Ocean Classic

Model: Superocean Héritage II Chronographe 46

Movement
Breitling Caliber 13, officially chronometer-certified by the COSC, self-winding, high-frequency (28,800 vibrations/hour), 25 jewels. 1/4th of a second chronograph, 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers. Calendar

Case, dial and strap
Steel case
Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft)
Screw-locked crown
Unidirectional ratcheted rotating bezel
Cambered sapphire crystal, glare proofed on both sides
Diameter: 46 mm
Dials: Volcano black, Mariner blue, Copperhead bronze
Straps/Bracelet: leather, crocodile leather, rubber Aero Classic or Ocean Racer, rubber leather/Ocean Classic

British replica watch brand Schofield presents its latest model Daymark, the first non-limited ‘house’ model from the company. The new model takes its name from Daymark, which is a navigational aid like a light house but without light. These structures are an integral part of British coast line.

The Daymark is a completely new Schofield replica watch Made from stainless steel with a vapour-blast finish, the replica watch case is a one piece construction like the brand’s Blacklamp model. The meticulous precision and finish uniformity is evident from the complex angles of the lugs to the detailing around the crown. A convex sapphire crystal with 9 layers of clear anti-reflective coating on the inside improves legibility of the dial, whilst another in the case-back exposes the movement. The low profile crown engraved with a lighthouse map symbol has a double o-ring and a rebate has been added to the case to make crown adjustments easier. Strap fitment is standard across all Schofield replica watches ensuring that straps are interchangeable.

The Daymark dial maintains the Schofield look with some major differences from other models. Firstly, the PVD coated chapter ring with Super-LumiNova C3 luminescent markers housed in metallic pink anodised buckets. Further, it incorporates the symmetrical use of the ‘Dart’ hour markers (half a Schofield Beam-of-Light logo) also luminescent and the omission of any obvious branding – the word Schofield now replacing 9 of the minute marks at the bottom of the chapter ring. There are no superlatives or unnecessary indices which give the Daymark a unique clarity. The colour density and print resolution are exceptional and the night-time luminescent glow is beautiful.

A new hand set was designed to complement the dial and improve legibility. These are a laddered construction with Super-LumiNova C3 in the terminal apertures. They are larger and bolder than any other Schofield designs. A tapering second hand has a luminescent counterpoise that is a facsimile of the hour markers in the chapter ring. The finish provides remarkable visibility in low light levels even when the lume is not activated.

The Daymark uses the Swiss made ETA 2824 automatic, mechanical movement, arguably the most important movement in modern replica watch manufacture.

Seeking to promote uniqueness in both product and customer experience, Schofield allows its customers to select a strap for the Daymark from its ever growing and extensive range. Famous across the globe for eccentric fabrics and leathers Schofield replica watch straps have the ability to transform the Daymark from an informal tool replica watch to a much dressier type. The Daymark comes in an English made Ash wood box with brass hardware and engraved detailing. The price of the Daymark is £3000 excluding VAT and £3600 including VAT.

Technical details

Case
Vapour-blasted stainless steel
Dimensions: 44mm diameter base, 42mm bezel, 15.1mm high
Weight: 134 grams with strap
Colour: Silver
Crown: Push in, machine finish stainless steel, engraved
Case back: Stainless steel, engraved exhibition window, sapphire
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 200m

Dial
Raised chapter ring, flat dial, luminescent markers
Hands: laddered baton, Super-LumiNova C3

Movement
ETA 2824
Power reserve – 38 hours

Functions
Hours, minutes and seconds

Strap
Leather or fabric strap
Strap bars – Stainless, vapour-blasted
Buckle – Brushed stainless steel, engraved

Warranty
2 years

Box
Black ash

In 1957, Swiss replica watch brand OMEGA released three professional timepieces that became absolute classics: The Seamaster 300, the Railmaster and the Speedmaster. In 2017, OMEGA is paying tribute to these three mechanical masterpieces by releasing special 60th Anniversary editions of each model, which can be acquired separately or as a beautifully presented trio.

A unique digital scanning technology, used by OMEGA for the first time, supplied the Swiss replica watchmaker with accurate representations of the original replica watches. These invaluable cross-sections and dimensions, along with drawings of the original models, served as design templates for the new replica watches, which, though slightly revised for the 21st century, remain true to the spirit of ’57.

All three replica watches are cased in brushed and polished stainless steel and feature black ‘tropical’ dials. The stainless steel bracelets have been updated for strength and feature a retro-style OMEGA logo on the clasp. In a playful nod to the past, all logos on the replica watches are in a different style. A reference to how suppliers back in the 50’s all interpreted the OMEGA logo in their own way.

Each replica watch is limited to 3,557 pieces and delivered inside a presentation box inspired by the original 1957 packaging, right down to the Seahorse on the lid, a retro logo and red corduroy lining. The presentation box contains two spare straps; leather and NATO, as well as a tool to change them.  

The Seamaster 300- 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Master Chronometer 39 mm
The very first Seamaster 300 was highly sought after, not only for its superb water-resistance, but also for its black dial, broad arrow hour hand, bi-directional diving bezel, and recessed triangular hour markers. Built for divers and underwater adventurers, it quickly became an icon of innovation and style.

The 2017 model, based on the CK2913, features a black aluminium bezel and retains the original’s Naïad sign on the crown, which back in ’57 was a mark of the replica watch’s exceptional water resistance. The Seahorse on the caseback is drawn just as it was in 1957.  It is powered by the OMEGA Master Chronometer calibre 8806 and comes with a 4-year warranty.

The Railmaster 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Master Chronometer 38 mm
Design wise, the Railmaster never had ideas above its station. It was a simple, practical, yet subtly elegant replica watch made to be worn to work. The double-case anti-magnetic replica watch was specially designed for scientists, technicians or anyone who worked close to electrical fields.

The original’s unpretentious style has been carried over into the 2017 model, though the vintage indexes are slightly deepened to allow a stronger light from the Super-LumiNova filling. The replica watch is powered by the OMEGA Master Chronometer calibre 8806, which can resist magnetic fields of up to 15,000 gauss and comes with a 4-year warranty.

The Speedmaster 60th Anniversary Limited Edition 38.6 mm
The original Speedmaster, called the “Broad Arrow” due to its distinctive hands, was not only the first Speedmaster, it was also the first chronograph wristwatch in the world with its tachymeter scale on the bezel as opposed to printed on the dial – a feature designed for the benefit of racing car drivers.

On the new model, the font was redrawn to match the scale of the original ’57 tachymeter. The beating heart of the replica watch is OMEGA’s 1861 calibre.

The TRILOGY Presentation Box
OMEGA has created a very special Trilogy presentation box containing all three replica watches. The outer-box, made of Swiss oak wood, has an engraving of the 1957 Seahorse on the lid and a front-plate engraved with “Trilogy 60th Anniversary, 001/557”.

Opening the lid reveals a smaller box, inspired by the 1957 version, which contains all three replica watches, identical in style and technology to the individual pieces, but uniquely marked. Each dial is printed with TRILOGY and the Limited Edition number; and each caseback is engraved with “LIMITED TO 557 TIMEPIECES”. The larger box also includes a leather replica watch roll, with three spare leather and NATO straps as well as a wooden spring bar changing tool (plus tube with additional spring bars).

As OMEGA understands that what’s rare is precious to the truly passionate collector, the special TRILOGY presentation box is limited to just 557 pieces.

Unveiled at Baselworld 2017, the new Classique 7147, like many classic and historic models produced by Breguet, proudly houses an elegant dial made using an extremely complex ornamental technique named Grand-Feu enameling, a traditional artistic craft known since ancient times. This multi-stage, traditional technique, mastered by the replica watch making house, offers the dial radiant whiteness and glowing texture. On the enamel dial, the famous slender, dainty yet legible Breguet numerals are placed, as a tribute to early replica watches and clocks from the House. Hours and minutes are indicated by traditional blued steel Breguet hands with an offset open tip, complemented by the small seconds discreetly sweeping around a 5 o’clock subdial.

Inside the Classique 7147 timepiece beats the Calibre 502.3SD, which is visible through a sapphire crystal case back and graced with “Côtes de Genève” and “Clous de Paris” hobnailing. This high performance and reliable self-winding movement is equipped with a balance spring in silicon and an inverted in-line lever escapement with horns made of silicon.

Paired with an alligator leather strap featuring gold pin buckle, the Classique 7147 is available in rose gold and white gold versions.

Technical details
Model: BREGUET CLASSIQUE 7147
REF. 7147BB/29/9WU

Case
18k white gold with delicately fluted case band
Sapphire-crystal case back
40mm diameter
Welded lugs with screw bars
Water-resistant to 3 bar (30m)

Dial
“Grand Feu” enamel
Signed Breguet
Hours chapter with Arabic Breguet numerals
Small seconds offset at 5 o’clock
Breguet open-tipped hands in blued steel

Movement
Self-winding movement, Cal. 502.3SD
Numbered and signed Breguet
Extra-thin (2.4mm)
12 lignes. 35 jewels
45-hour power reserve
Inverted in-line lever escapement with silicon horns
Balance spring in silicon
Balance frequency 3Hz. Adjusted in 6 positions

Strap
Alligator leather strap with gold pin buckle

Other versions
Also available in 18k rose gold: Reference 7147BR/29/9WU

The year 2017 welcomes new additions to the Reine de Naples Mini line, now available in six additional variations. The famous mother-of-pearl dial and its off-centred 6 o’clock chapter ring remain the principal characteristics of this model, alongside its dainty 33 x 24.95mm size.

The chapter ring is now graced with generously-sized graphic Arabic numerals designed to match the unique case shape. The six references unveiled this year pick up the aesthetic codes of the Reine de Naples collection, including the “ball-type” lug – in this instance paved with diamonds, as well as a winding crown topped with a briolette-cut diamond at 4 o’clock. The sense of opulent prestige continues on the bezel, flange and folding clasp in gold, finely set with brilliant-cut diamonds. 

Continuing the tradition of equipping Breguet ladies’ replica watches with exclusively mechanical self-winding movements, the new Reine de Naples Mini houses Calibre 586/1 with a silicon balance spring. It has a 38-hour power reserve and beats at a frequency of 3Hz.

This model is available with a black satin strap or chain bracelet in rose or white gold. Clients wishing to opt for the white gold version can also choose a dial with pink-rimmed numerals, complemented by a pink leather strap matching the colourful details on the chapter ring.

Technical details
Model: BREGUET REINE DE NAPLES MINI 8928
REF. 8928BR/5W/844 DD0D

Case
18k rose gold, cambered ovoid with delicately fluted case band
Bezel, dial flange and lug set with 139 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 1.255ct)
Crown set with a briolette diamond (approx. 0.26 ct)
Sapphire-crystal caseback
Dimensions: 33 x 24.95mm
Water-resistant to 3 bar (30m)

Dial
Natural white mother-of-pearl
Individually numbered and signed Breguet
Hours chapter with Arabic Breguet numerals offset at 6 o’clock
Breguet open-tipped hands in blued steel

Movement
Self-winding movement, Cal. 586/1
Numbered and signed Breguet
6 3/4lignes
29 jewels
38-hour power reserve
Inverted in-line lever escapement with silicon horns
Balance spring in silicon
Balance frequency: 3Hz
Adjusted in 6 positions

Strap
Satin strap with gold folding clasp set with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.12 ct).

Other versions
18k white gold:  Reference 8928BB/5W/844 DD0D
Also available with a chain bracelet in 18k white or rose gold: References 8928BB/5W/J20 DD00 / 8928BR/5W/J20 DD00
Also available with pink-rimmed numerals on a pink leather strap or a chain bracelet in 18k white gold: References 8928BB/5P/944 DD0D / 8928BB/5P/J20 DD00

Emile Chouriet, this year’s sponsor of the Prix de Lausanne, pays tribute to the world famous dancing event by presenting a pair of classic replica watches: Alchimie. Capture the dreamy ripple of a tulle fan as the ballerina twirls in a floaty pirouette on a replica watch dial: that’s what inspired the designers at Emile Chouriet as they replica watched the dancers at the famous Prix de Lausanne.

Like white silk muslin, the heart of the Alchimie’s shimmering silver dial is adorned with a softly gleaming fan. A slim black minute track wraps around the guilloché dial and the slender Roman hour numerals reach out to the chapter ring.

The two dark grey hands on the silver body are like two arms stretching into a graceful arabesque to track the hours and minutes in the centre alongside the central seconds hand. The date display performs supple leaps in its bubble to take today into tomorrow. The hands performance is brought to life by the caliber EC5317, a self-winding mechanical movement made by Emile Chouriet in its Genevan studios.

The new steel Alchimie models come in two sizes (28 or 38mm) with a metal or leather strap to wrap around your wrist.

Technical details
References
19.2185. L.6.2.25.6/2
19.2185. G.6.2.25.6/2

Movement
Calibre EC5317
In-house movement, designed and developed in Geneva
19.40mm in diameter, 4.88mm thick
Emile Chouriet Swiss spiral and anchor escapement
28 jewels
138 components
28 800 vibrations per hour (4Hz)
Power reserve: 45 hours
Winding: Automatic, Emile Chouriet bidirectional rotor

Functions
Hours, minutes, seconds in the centre, Date counter at 3H

Case
Steel
Bezel: Fixed, steel
Diameter: 28mm or 38mm
Water resistance: 30m
Glass: Sapphire glass
Case back: Solid, thread
Crown: 3 positions (manual winding, date correction and time setting with stop-second mechanism)

Dial
Silver opaline, markers with Roman numerals and printed black minute track, leaf-shaped steel hands, steel second hand, date in black Arabic numerals on a white background

Strap
Steel links on three rows or black leather with alligator scales, folding clasp or needle buckle

The Classic Open Heart timepiece by Les Genevez-based based replica watch brand Claude Bernard offers the wearer a ringside view of the mesmerizing beat of the Swiss made mechanical movement through a magnificent open dial  blued” hands and Roman numeral hour and minute markers. Further, its transparent case back invites the admirers to view the movement parts. Dressed in an elegant stainless steel case measuring 40.5mm diameter, this timepiece comes fitted on a patterned leather strap.

Technical details
CB calibre 85
Functions Display of hours, minutes, seconds
Transparent caseback
Sapphire crystal Scratch resistant and anti reflective
Double aperture dial with view on the movement
Water resistance 30 meters
Strap Genuine structured leather strap

On the occasion of the 135th Anniversary (1882 – 2017), Swiss replica watch maker Cuervo y Sobrinos presents a new version of the emblematic “Prominente” this model perfectly embodies the unique identity of the brand with a Latin soul. 

The cream-colored dial, richly decorated with laser technology transmits the warmth and the emotion of the brand unmistakably associated with its Cuban origins. The double curved sapphire crystal gives to the replica watch a fascinating touch of vintage style from the 50’s.

The Prominente 135th will be available in April 2017, in limited edition of only 135 pieces, combined with an elegant Cuervo y Sobrinos’ writing instrument, also numbered.

The new model of Cuervo y Sobrinos reflects once again the essence and philosophy of this unique Swiss brand: respect for Latin origin and tradition combined with state-of-the art replica watch making competence and know-how. Essential is the well-known “Humidor” that Cuervo y Sobrinos uses to present his jewels, specifically created to accommodate both the replica watch and the writing instrument.

Technical details
Model: PROMINENTE 135° ANIVERSARIO
Reference: 1015.1135
   
Special features   
Classical and timeless rectangular case vintage style
Sapphire crystal curved at 12 and 6h typical from the 50s
Limited Edition as a tribute to the 135th anniversary of the brand
Sold with a L.E. roller ball pen 200.2IR or fountain pen 100.2IR
Acrylic resin and brass traded galvanically, Ivory color with rose gold plated finishing
   
Movement   
Automatic SW 300
Height 3.60mm
Diameter 25.60 mm
25 jewels
Power Reserve 42 hours
Rotor finishing with fan decoration and “CyS” engraving
   
Functions   
Hours, minutes, central seconds and date at 6 o’clock
   
Case   
Stainless steel
Curved sapphire crystal at 12 and 6h with antireflective coating
Height 8.6 mm
32 mm x 43 mm
Water resistant to 3 ATM
Screwed see through case back with decoration, mineral glass K1
   
Dial   
Cream colour – vintage style with lined pattern
Hour, minute and second hands vintage style
Special dial with ” 1 3 5 ” applied at hours 1,2,3 as tribute to the anniversary
CyS emblem applied at 12 o’clock
   
Strap   
Louisiana alligator strap
Stainless steel folding buckle
   
Limited Edition   
135 pieces

Price
Suggested retail price per set: 3,500 CHF

Equipped with the in house UN-153 caliber, the new Marine Annual Calendar Chronograph stainless steel model from the iconic collection of Ulysse Nardin marine replica watches boasts a stunning Grand Feu enamel dial in a lovely pale milky color. The eye catching dial was finished by Ulysse Nardin enamel specialists Donzé Cadrans by incorporating a traditional technique dating back to 17th century.

Its elegant beauty is accentuated by the sleek dial with its two-counter chronograph. This pared-down design was used in several historic chronographs from the Swiss replica watchmaker, and it delivers all the force of the original Marine DNA. The month counter at 9 o’clock is combined with the small seconds. The chronograph 30-minute counter is at 3 o’clock, while a round date at 6 o’clock boast the admirable quick set function, and is easily adjustable both forwards and backwards.

Marine characteristics are also evident in the historic cathedral hands, logo and thin Roman numeral indexes. In this edition, they are crafted in blue steel, providing smart contrast to the delicate white of the Grand Feu enamel dial. Also in blue, have the heritage logo and the addition of the words quantième annuel, or annual calendar, above the date.

Driving this self-winding chronograph and annual calendar is the UN-153 movement with a power reserve of 52 hours. The stringent precision and quality requirements of the Ulysse Nardin certificate are met through precision silicium components like the silicium balance-spring and escapement, both manufactured in-house.

A worthy inheritor of the lineage established by earlier Marine Chronometer Manufacture (2012) and Marine Chronograph Manufacture (2013) timekeepers, the Marine Chronograph Annual Calendar bears the same classic detailing. This includes a ribbed bezel, a screw-crown guaranteeing perfect water resistance to 100 m, and a generous 43 mm diameter case for excellent readability. The blue alligator strap is an elegant match to the rubber on the crown.

Technical details
Reference 1533-150/E0

Movement
Caliber UN-153
In-house designed movement
Silicium escapement and spring, 28’800 v/h
Power-Reserve approximately 52 h
Winding self-winding

Functions
Chronograph with seconds hand in the centre
30 minutes counter at 3 o’clock
Small seconds counter at 9 o’clock
Annual calendar, backward/forward setting, with months counter at 9 o’clock
Date at 6’clock

Case
Stainless steel
Bezel: fluted, stainless steel
Crown: screw down security crown, covered with rubber
Diameter: 43 mm
Water-resistance: 100 m
Crystal: anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Case-back: open case back with sapphire crystal

Dial
Grand Feu white enamel dial with blued roman numerals

Strap
Leather strap with folding buckle

Swiss replica watch brand Eterna marks the 70th anniversary of Thor Heyerdahl’s legendary KonTiki expedition with a bold new limited edition timepiece manufactured, for the very first time, out of bronze.

In celebration of this important anniversary, the new Eterna KonTiki Bronze Manufacture Limited Edition continues the magnificent story of the KonTiki adventure with a bold and highly recognizable design.

Triangular luminescent hour markers are contrasted against a jet-black, granite-patterned dial that provides excellent legibility, while a unidirectional rotating bezel frames the dial with a «no decompression limits scale». This «no decompression limits scale» provides divers with a useful backup to their diving computers as it indicates the amount of time a diver can spend at a particular depth before he will have to decompress.

With a water-resistance of 200 metres, the Eterna KonTiki Bronze Manufacture is ready for adventures both on the surface of the water and at the depths of the ocean. The diving style has not been neglected either, as the timepiece is fitted with a water-resistant leather strap that is durable and comfortable and whose dark brown colour brings out the warmth of the bronze case.

This special collection dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the KonTiki expedition is limited to 300 pieces.

Technical details
Movement
Calibre Maison Eterna 3902A, power reserve 65h, 28’800 v.p.h, 30 jewels, 1 ball bearing

Functions
Hour, minute, second

Case
All brushed bronze, rotating black ceramic bezel, case back secured with screw down, case back in SST, sapphire crystal opening

Crystal
Scratch-resistant, anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Dimensions: ∅ 44.0 mm / 14.05mm

Dial
Black, matte

Strap
Waterproof brown leather strap, bronze pin buckle

RRP Price
CHF 2 890 / € 2 990 / $ 2 950/ GBP 2 600

About the Kontiki Expedition, 1947
In 1947, the Norwegian explorer and ethnographer and his crew of scientists set sail across the Pacific Ocean on a hand-built raft to prove that ancient civilizations could have crossed the seas using primitive sailing crafts. Equipped with only the most rudimentary of instruments—except for a radio and six Eterna timepieces— the expedition was a huge success, marking new understanding in the movement of populations, and the start of one of the most iconic replica watch collections— The Eterna KonTiki.

Their replica watches likewise survived the journey and shown no sign of damage from salt water, the humidity or the fluctuating temperatures. The technical findings and expertise taken from the creation of the timepieces for this successful expedition subsequently flowed into the further development of Eterna’s sports replica watches.