Playing on the crowded field of -ahem- “affordable” luxury dress watches, the Portofino range has always been somewhat of an ugly duck in the family of beautiful swans. Now, however, updated with the 2011 IWC Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days Caliber 59210 (Ref. 5101) model, the collection has been moved a tad upmarket.
rose gold
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.
Hublot Big Bang 38 mm Automatic Ladies
Hublot has recently presented a new Big Bang 38 mm collection equipped with a Sellita SW300-based HUB 1110 automatic movement. There is also a more practical -albeit not as *ahem* classy- “Swiss Made” quartz caliber. The HUB 1110 is a very basic mechanism that is only slightly refinished and fine-tuned above the basic specs to meet stricter standards of the ultra-luxury segment. Yet, you may still want to consider acting fast if you are interested in this gadget. Luxury wristwatches featuring self-winding movements (instead of, you know, quartz) are rare species in this niche and, something tells me, the collection won’t stay in production for long.
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.
DeWitt Twenty-8-Eight Regulator A.S.W. Limited Edition
DeWitt has just revealed its new self-winding Twenty-8-Eight Regulator A.S.W. limited edition (ref. T8.TA.001) equipped with their proprietary Automatic Sequential Winding system. Presented in a generously proportioned 18-karat rose gold body 46 millimeters in diameter and almost 13 millimeters thick, the watch makes an impression as strong as a stun gun discharge.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931
Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the iconic JLC Reverso (a line that was loved by all generations of polo players, but is now considered a distinguished gentleman’s wristwatch of choice,) Jaeger-LeCoultre will soon start selling their hand-wound Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Tribute to 1931 Limited Edition (refs. Q2788570 & Q2782521). As it often happens with models from JLC, the new version will be presented both in modest (but still expensive at almost $8000 MSRP) stainless steel and more luxurious rose gold.