Hanhart is not as well-known outside of Germany as their competitors from Sinn or, say, Mühle Glashütte. Yet, even if they feel uncomfortable about that, I am sure that they still can find solace in knowing that there are not so many independent brands out there that enjoy an as long history of making fine watches as they do. Established in Switzerland back in 1882, Hanhart now operates on the other side of the border in a German town of Gütenbach, Baden-Württemberg. Preparing for its 130th anniversary, the watchmaking specialist will soon present its new collection of chronographs. The sporty Primus Chronograph Diver is one of them.
ETA Valjoux 7750
Baume & Mercier Capeland Flyback Chronograph
The vintage-styled Baume & Mercier Capeland Flyback Chronograph (refs. M0A10006 & M0A10007) collection is a modern re-interpretation of the classic “monopusher” design from 1948. This version will appeal to many representatives of the generation of baby boomers looking for a nice “classic” chronograph at a relatively affordable price. What could be even more exciting (for the brand,) there is a good chance that some of the brand’s younger customers would want one of these timekeepers, too, thanks to its impeccable finish, elegant exterior design, and, of course, the good mechanism made by La Joux-Perret: the brand’s new source of mechanical calibers.
Hublot Big Bang Chronograph Celebrates Greengo Club
Hublot has already established itself as an authority when it comes to bold-looking, salivation-inspiring high-tech ultra-luxury timepieces. Recently, the brand has teamed up with the famous Greengo nightclub (located in Gstaad, Switzerland, the iconic establishment that has just celebrated its four decades in business is a part of the Gstaad Palace Hotel that is known among particularly wealthy fans of the local ski resort for its plush apartments and especially friendly hosts) to offer this limited-edition Big Bang 44mm Greengo Bang (Ref. 301.CI.1170.GR.GGG10) chronograph. While offering nothing particularly new in terms of design, the sporty timepiece still looks impressive with its green-and-black (or vice versa) color scheme.
Louis Erard Re-Intros the 1931 Chronograph in Gold
Together with Fortis, Louis Erard belongs to Gevril Group: a tiny conglomerate currently owned by Samuel Friedmann. In late 2010, the watchmaker has presented a new member of their Classic 1931 collection. Called 1931 Chronometer (Ref. 79 220 OR 22), the premium-priced chronograph is now available in an even more expensive body that is crafted from 18-karat rose gold.
Fortis B-42 Stratoliner Chronograph LE 665.13.19
Fortis has revealed a blingy version of its popular B-42 “aviator”. The 2011 Fortis B-42 Stratoliner Chronograph Limited Edition (Ref. 665.13.19 L.01) is available in a medium-sized black PVD-coated stainless steel case and features lots of 18-karat solid(!) rose gold elements not only on its dial and case but even on the fixed bezel with the inevitable tachymeter scale.
Philosophy of Time: JS Watch Co. Islandus Chronograph
The new JS Watch Co. Islandus Chronograph collection of self-winding watches was first announced by the Iceland-based brand only a couple of months ago. Surprisingly, it took the watchmaking specialist a very short span of time to actually start selling the timepiece. Featuring a deceptively simple, vintage-styled design of its dial with all of its elements carefully thought over and executed with great attention to details, the new chronograph comes in a somewhat oversized stainless steel body, which is a little too big to my taste, but still looks great on a wrist of an average person.