Brutal, yet well-proportioned, the Breitling Cockpit B50 (ref. VB501022/BD41-155S) (especially the variation in plain machine-brushed titanium) somehow reminds me of a USAF’s F22 air superiority fighter jet: everything is in its place; everything is completely functional, yet extremely sexy. The only thing that makes the new B50 model different is the price. While still deliciously expensive, it won’t make you sell your house to get one.
Elegant, Stylish Orient Dyno Alarm Quartz Chronographs
Amazingly stylish and surprisingly elegant, the new Orient Dyno Alarm (Refs. FTD09004B and FTD09005W) collection of inexpensive quartz chronographs makes it possible to look smart and cool without breaking the bank. It is almost like if your Toyota Prius was designed by Bertone.
A Solid One: Seiko Prospex Solar Pilot Chronograph
Although not as technologically advanced as the stunning Astron GPS Stratosphere, the 2014 Seiko Prospex Solar Quartz Chronograph (Ref. SSC279) is also about five times less expensive. Offered at MSRP of just $450 (and you can find one on eBay at less than USD $350), it looks cool for a daily beater, and its built-in solar charger makes the gadget a must-have for a person that spends more time outdoors than inside an air-conditioned office. Just don’t forget to swap the brown leather strap for something more practical, like a solid steel bracelet or a hypoallergenic silicon band.
Just 400 Pieces: Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph Race for Water
With its extremely clean, visually lightweight dial and a nicely proportioned (as well as elegantly decorated) stainless steel body, this beautiful Alpina Alpiner 4 Chronograph “Race for Water” Limited Edition (ref. AL-860AD5AQ6) has only one major flaw: its total production run will be restricted to just 400 pieces, which, I am afraid, will not be enough to justify the demand from the general public. Well, at least there is a chance that the resale value will not plunge as swiftly as is often the case with products delivered by second-tier brands.
Glycine F104 Automatic: Bigger Case, New Dial
While the original Glycine F104 (ref. 3933) that was delivered back in April 2014 looked absolutely killer with its clean, vintage-inspired design, somebody at the company’s HQ has probably decided that sales are not quite satisfactory. Enters the Glycine F104 v.2, which is now available in a choice of four or five dials, and even includes a version with a steel black PVD bezel with 46 diamonds (1.80 carats, yuck!)
Underwhelmingly Stunning: Breitling Colt Caliber 73 Chronograph
Unlike the much-awaited Apple Watch (we will see it in a matter of hours), the 2014 Breitling Colt Caliber 73 SuperQuartz Chronograph doesn’t need to try to destroy the competition. With its classic massive body, easy-to-grip unidirectional rotating bezel, and traditional high-contrast dial, the new Colt delivers everything you ever wanted from a Breitling but never were quite ready to pull the trigger on their more expensive models. The device won’t stun you with the same level of craftsmanship as an automatic mechanism decorated by a skilled hand of an artisan but instead will offer you an almost unrivaled level of precision and dependability.