Watches Of The Week: 02/09/2024 - 08/09/2024

This week was another blinder in the world of horology, with new watches popping up left right and centre. And there is no better way to get your retrospective fix than in the latest Watches Of The Week edition, your go-to source for all things new in the wonderful world of watches.

New watches from the likes of Tissot, TAG Heuer, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Glashütte and Audemars Piguet. A. Lange & Söhne dropped an immense piece unique (that's right after the maison dropped the latest Handwerkskunst model, mind you), and there was some movement in the world of Breguet, with a new CEO stepping into the shoes of maison veteral Lionel a Marca.

Have a fantastic week ahead watchfam!

Watches Of The Week: 26/08/2024 - 01/09/2024

Watches Of The Week: 19/08/2024 - 25/08/2024

Watches Of The Week: 12/08/2024 - 18/08/2024

Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon Chronograph

AUDEMARS PIGUET

• Brand: Audemars Piguet

• Model: Code 11.59 Flying Tourbillon Chronograph

• Reference: 26399NB.OO.D009KB.01

• Case: 41mm x 13.80mm

• Case Material: Ceramic and white gold

• Water Resistance: 30m

• Movement: Calibre 2952

• Frequency: 3 Hz

• Power Reserve: 65 hours

• Price: CHF272,500

  
  

Audemars Piguet has introduced a new version of the Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph, featuring a 41mm case made of white gold and black ceramic. The contemporary dial design showcases the architectural complexity of the Calibre 2952 movement, blending various shades of grey and black. Transparent chronograph counters and pink gold hands enhance legibility, while a flying tourbillon at 6 o'clock highlights its intricate mechanism. The hand-finished ceramic components, crafted from a Zirconium Oxide powder formula, ensure scratch resistance, precision, and a striking aesthetic.

A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up/Down “Hampton Court Edition”

A. LANGE & SÖHNE

• Brand: A. Lange & Söhne

• Model: Datograph Up/Down “Hampton Court Edition”

• Reference: 405.047

• Case: 41mm x 14.04mm

• Case Material: White gold

• Water Resistance: 30m

• Movement: L951.6

• Frequency: 2.5 Hz

• Power Reserve: 60 hours

• Price: Piece unique, to be sold at Phillips in November with proceeds going to The Prince's Trust

  
  

A. Lange & Söhne continues to showcase its capabilities with the new Datograph Up/Down “Hampton Court Edition". This particular pieces continues to mark the Datograph's 25th anniversary following the release of the incredible Datograph Handwerkskunst only last week. The Datograph Up/Down “Hampton Court Edition” is a piece unique reference which will be sold to benefit charity. It comes in a white gold case with a matching white gold bracelet, along with a grey dial, black sub-dials and date window, a red chronograph seconds hand as well as an officer style (or hunter) caseback. The caseback is engraved with the Concours of Elegance logo, and if you flick it open then the brilliant L951.6 calibre will be displayed in all of its glory. We can expect pricing for the new Datograph Up/Down “Hampton Court Edition” to likely push into 7-figure territory.

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time

SEIKO

• Brand: Seiko

• Model: Presage Cocktail Time

• Reference: SRPL20J

• Case: 40.50mm x 11.80mm

• Case Material: Stainless steel

• Water Resistance: 50m

• Movement: 4R35

• Frequency: 3 Hz

• Power Reserve: 41 hours

• Price: AUD950 (Limited to 1,000 pieces)

  
  

Seiko Australia has unveiled its second Presage Cocktail Time Australasian Limited Edition SRPL20J, inspired by LARK Distillery’s "Ichigo Ichie" cocktail, reflecting the philosophy of cherishing unique moments. Limited to 1,000 pieces, the watch features a rose gold case, textured sunray dial, and a black leather strap. The colors mirror the cocktail’s blend of Japanese shochu, teas, and LARK’s whisky, offering a refined elegance. Driven by the Calibre 4R35 movement, it comes in a special presentation box and will be available from September 2024 in select Australasian boutiques.

Biver Automatique

BIVER

• Brand: Biver

• Model: Automatique

• Reference: -

• Case: 39mm x 10mm

• Case Material: Rose gold; Platinum

• Water Resistance: 80m

• Movement: JCB-003

• Frequency: 3.5 Hz

• Power Reserve: 65 hours

• Price: From 75,000CHF

  
  

Meet the newest watch from Biver in the Automatique, the trimmed down version of the maison's esteemed Carillon Tourbillon, sans a tourbillon. The Automatique has been unveiled in two distinct formats, a standard version and what the brand calls the Atelier Series, with the main point of difference being the dials. The standard models have solid gold dials with matching case metals, while the Atelier Series have mineral stone dials (in either frosted obsidian or Pietersite), and will be produced in limited numbers for a limited time. Powering the Automatique is the elaborately finished JCB-003 calibre, designed with the assistance of Dubois Depraz. An interesting element of this movement is when the crown is pulled out to set the time, the seconds hand resets to zero. Beyond that, finishing is of course second to none, with meticulous hand detailing found throughout. The use of clous de Paris guilloche on the bridges is an odd choice, where perhaps some simple Côtes de Genève or even frosting would have looked more appealing. But regardless, it's a fine movement with enough technical oomph to appeal to all.

Tissot PRX 40 Powermatic 80 Forged Carbon

TISSOT

• Brand: Tissot

• Model: PRX 40 Powermatic 80 Forged Carbon

• Reference: T137.907.97.201.00

• Case: 40mm x 11.20mm

• Case Material: Carbon composite

• Water Resistance: 100m

• Movement: Powermatic 80

• Frequency: 3 Hz

• Power Reserve: 80 hours

• Price: AUD1,635

  
  

The evolution of the Tissot PRX continues, with this latest reference perhaps being the coolest of the lot. Out of all the new watches released in the last seven days, the PRX 40 Powermatic 80 Forged Carbon stands out to me the most. Maybe because it doesn't cost a fortune. But probably because of how badass it looks. Tissot went to town with this new model, utilising forged carbon for the case and the dial, and rounding out the package with a rubber strap. The black on black on black look is one that appeals to me greatly, particularly because of how stealthy it looks. Changes I would make? Extend that forged carbon to the buckle and close up the caseback with some more forged carbon. Beyond that, the PRX 40 Powermatic 80 Forged Carbon is about as exceptional a new watch can be.

Breguet's New CEO And What That Means For The Watchmaker

BREGUET

Gregory Kissling, previously vice president of product development at Omega, will take over as CEO of Swatch Group's luxury brand Breguet on October 1, 2024. A 47-year-old engineer from Neuchâtel, Kissling has been with Swatch for over 20 years, succeeding Lionel a Marca, who is transitioning to Blancpain as vice president of operations. A Marca will also oversee product development in the Swatch Group’s prestige brands division. Kissling's appointment reflects continuity and strategic leadership for the Breguet brand.

TAG Heuer's New Carrera Extreme Models

TAG HEUER

TAG Heuer's approach to market penetration seems pretty obvious now. Relentless and unwavering. New watches after new watches after new watches is met with only more new watches. And with the pedal to the metal even more so now, TAG Heuer has unveiled two new Carrera models (with reference subsets) to continue its unabated onslaught of new watch releases. The first is the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Extreme Sport, available in either titanium or rose gold with different dial colours, and the second is the Carrera Chronograph Tourbillon Extreme Sport, in either DLC titanium or rose gold. Both models feature the quintessential aesthetic of the Carrera, and both models seem quite evidently geared to the younger collector and enthusiast. My pick of the two would definitely be the flying tourbillon chronograph model in DLC titanium. Easily.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel "Monet"

JAEGER-LECOULTRE

• Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultre

• Model: Reverso Tribute Enamel "Monet"

• Reference: Q39334M4 (San Giorgio Maggiore); Q39334M5 (The Grand Canal); Q39334M6 (The Doges’ Palace)

• Case: 27.4mm x 9.73mm

• Case Material: White gold

• Water Resistance: 30m

• Movement: Calibre 822

• Frequency: 3 Hz

• Power Reserve: 42 hours

• Price: €100,000 (Limited to 10 pieces each)

  
  

Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced a limited-edition Reverso Tribute Enamel collection featuring miniature enamel reproductions of Claude Monet’s Venice series. Each of the three watches, limited to 10 pieces, is housed in an 18k white gold case with intricate hand-painted case backs and guilloche-decorated dials. The paintings take around 70 hours to complete, using 14 layers of enamel, showcasing expert craftsmanship. Priced at €100,000, the collection includes “San Giorgio Maggiore,” “The Grand Canal,” and “The Doges' Palace,” each featuring distinct designs and color schemes

Glashütte Original SeaQ Chronograph

GLASHÜTTE ORIGINAL

• Brand: Glashütte Original

• Model: SeaQ Chronograph

• Reference: 1-37-23-03-80-70xx

• Case: 43.20mm x 16.95mm

• Case Material: Stainless steel

• Water Resistance: 300m

• Movement: Calibre 37-23

• Frequency: 4 Hz

• Power Reserve: 70 hours

• Price: From AUD22,550

  
  

Glashütte Original has introduced a new SeaQ Chronograph, dubbed the "Silver Screen Edition," featuring a striking panda-style dial. Inspired by the aesthetics of vintage chronographs, the watch offers a blend of sporty functionality and classic elegance. The SeaQ Chronograph sports a 43.2mm stainless steel case, housing a silver dial with contrasting black subdials, along with a 70-hour power reserve from its in-house automatic movement. The design balances retro cues with modern-day craftsmanship and technical prowess.