Available both in glossy stainless steel (ref. 886020 1NRFN) and in dressier rose gold PVD (ref. 886020 8ARF) versions, any member of this new Saint Honore Trocadero Chronograph collection could be a timepiece of choice for a person searching for a classic-styled “Swiss made” chronograph on a (very) tight budget. And never mind the purists: after all, you are buying a watch for yourself, not for a bunch of snobs who believe that anything below an Omega or a Rolex is not even worth considering.
41 mm
Longines Conquest Classic Chronograph
Presented at the Baselworld 2013 trade show together with the refreshed Conquest Classic three-hander, the new Longines Conquest Classic Chronograph sports the same styling, but somehow manages to look even more elegant than its dressy sibling.
JeanRichard 1681 Ronde Small Seconds Automatic
The Swiss Manufacture has recently revealed their dressy 1681 Collection. While the version in 18-karat rose gold with central seconds hand is sort of underwhelming, the JeanRichard 1681 Ronde Small Seconds makes a strong impression, even despite its “plebeian” stainless steel body.
Reliable but Uninspiring: Louis Erard Grey Heritage Chronograph
The automatic Louis Erard Grey Heritage Chronograph (ref. 78 269 AA 03) leaves dubious impression. The mechanism that powers it has successfully passed the test of time in terms of reliability and accuracy, but is also as common as Bic ballpoint pens. The design of its dial is familiar to everyone and is easy to read, but is also as uninspiring as a phony Gibson. Well, it is a matter of personal preferences, as usual.
Girard-Perregaux 1966 Automatic in Rose Gold
The dressy Girard-Perregaux 1966 (ref. 49527-52-131-BK6A) three-hander brings you the easily recognizable minimalistic styling of the 1966 Collection that is supposed to only be worn with formal attire.
Sporting a traditional medium-sized body and featuring one of their highly reliable automatic movements with increased power reserve, the watch may become an instant win if the price is right. Compared to the previously available ref. 49525-52-131-BK6A model, the 1966 Automatic is not only 10 percent larger and thicker, but also offers eight more hours of guaranteed power reserve.
Bell & Ross WW1 Argentium Hand-Wound
Although different alloys of silver are popular among jewelers all over the world, serious watchmakers aren’t especially fond of the metal. However, Bell & Ross has fairly recently updated its vintage-styled WW1 collection with the new Bell & Ross WW1 Argentium model. As the name implies, the watch uses their proprietary “argentium” alloy of silver and some other, unspecified metals.