The former Swiss watchmaking brand Zodiac, which is currently owned by the American-based Fossil, has revealed another timepiece of dubious concept. The new Zodiac ZMX 03 chronograph delivers a puzzling combination of a deliberately oversized body with a deceptively rugged look, which is not supported by either increased water resistance nor extra shock or magnetic protection. Also, for a fashion gadget powered by a mundane, throwaway-type quartz mechanism, the price tag that it wears seems unreasonably, even ridiculously high.
Quartz
Quartz Michel Herbelin Newport Trophy Grand Sport
Based in a Jura mountain village of Charquemont commune in Eastern France, watchmaker Michel Herbelin sits so close to the Swiss border it just can’t stop producing the finest quartz watches in the world. Well, excluding Switzerland, of course. Meet the new Michel Herbelin Newport Trophy Grand Sport family that is going to bring some rugged elegance into your life.
Alfex Extends Big series Big Adventure
Alfex mostly specializes in “fashion” products but also has a (relatively) long history of making refined “classic” timekeepers. Their 2008 Big Adventure is one of their latest efforts in this crowded niches. Featuring a “Swiss quartz” movement sourced from Ronda, the collection’s main selling point is the sporty and energetic (alas, inexpensive) exterior with an unorthodox open-calendar layout and an off-centered small-seconds counter at 7 o’clock.