BaselWorld 2010: Tissot Sailing Touch

This year at Basel Tissot will show off its latest version from their "Touch" collection. Coming off the popularity of their T-Touch Trekking watch, they have once again expanded the line with the "Sailing Touch" which has newly added functions directed towards those of you who find yourself having a kinship with the sea.

The original T-Touch is still quite a popular piece, and many know about all of its functions [compass, barometer, altimeter, chronograph, thermometer, and alarm] that are enacted by touching the crystal. Since its inception Tissot has listened to customer requests and updated the look of the watch and increased its water resistance to a full 100 meters, up from the originals 30 meter rating.

The Sailing Touch offers a few of the same functions as it's big brothers but two of them had to be swapped out for more nautical themed toys. The "Altimeter" and "Thermometer" have been replaced with a "Tide" calculator, and a "Regatta" countdown timer. The chronograph function is now marked by "Speed" on the dial. One other feature that was added for 2010 is a backlight on the digital portion of the watch. Sometimes it really is the small things, fans of the T-Touch line truly appreciate Tissot increasing water resistance and adding that backlight.


The look of the Sailing Touch is one of a refined sport sailing watch, with a well rounded case and colorful bezel that is marked to work with the regatta countdown timer. As with past versions the Sailing Touch is available on a rubber strap in black or white, with a folding clasp. The case is a solid 316L steel with a sapphire crystal, so you can touch away without any fears of scratching it.

The Sailing Touch will be available this year and sell for between $500.00 - 900.00, depending on the version. I bet you can't wait to get your hands on it....Well at least your finger.
Specs:

Movement	Quartz
Functions	Hours, minutes, weather (relative pressure), regatta (countdown), speed (chronograph with tachymeter), compass, 2 alarms, tide calculator, 2 time-zones, perpetual calendar and back-lighting
Case	316L stainless steel Scratch-resistant, anti-reflective tactile sapphire crystal Red, silvered or navy blue bezel with or without setting of 19 Top Wesselton VS/SI diamonds (0.8 to 0.85 ct) Water-resistant to 100 m
Dial	Black, silvered, navy blue or white lacquered
Bracelet/Strap	Black or white rubber, or rubber with 316L stainless steel, safety folding clasp

BaselWorld 2010 Preview Pt. VI

Continuing with today's sport watch mood; BaselWorld preview number six.

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DOXA

SUB 800 Ti Professional

Using a unique technology for the hourmarkers and hands, the SUB 800Ti guarantees extraordinary luminosity in conditions of the poorest visibility. Constructed in titanium, it is both highly resistant and light and meets the most exacting demands of deep-sea diving.

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PIERRE DEROCHE

GrandCliff TNT Penta

Both technical and entertaining, the GrandCliff TNT Penta chronograph reveals a composition of five resolutely high-tech disks. The two date discs come together at 12 o’clock, while the three others, made of eloxided aluminium, indicate the 60 minutes and 12 hours of the flyback chronograph, as well as the permanent seconds. Limited edition of 201 pieces.

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LUMINOX

Deep Dive

Luminox’s Deep Dive has been used for 20 years by the Navy Seal, America’s coast-guards, and by the legendary diver Stan Waterman. The brand’s new version is even more impressive, with water-resistance to 50 bar (500 m/1500 ft). Certified for professional use, it meets the stringent ISO 6425 norms for diving watches. A patent-pending blocking system for the bezel and crown protector, an automatic helium valve, and a case with special water-resistant gaskets are just some of its many characteristics. And if those weren’t enough, there is its unique Luminox Light Technology (LLT) system providing continuous illumination for 25 years thanks to the micro gas tubes that emit a blue glow, the last colour that the human eye is capable of distinguishing at great depths.

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GUCCI

Classic Watch

The most impressive model in the Gucci Classic collection, this chronograph embodies the quintessential Gucci style, inspired by a passion for sailing and nautical sports. Very sophisticated in its steel case and bracelet version, it becomes powerful and distinguished when presented in black PVD and a black or green rubber strap. No matter which of the two versions one chooses, one certainty remains: that of wearing a timepiece that is faithful to the brand’s codes, with the emblematic G in shiny filigree on the dial and the iconic green-red-green band. An inimitable signature, which makes each one of Gucci’s creations instantly recognisable.

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CATENA

Horseshoe Chronograph

Surprising and unique, the emblematic horseshoe by Catena is enhanced with black PVD and pink gold finishing, creating some very elegant contrasts between the case and dial. The chronograph, measuring time to 1/10 of a second, will satisfy the highest expectations of the man in search of contemporary elegance.

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CONCORD

C1 Code

Logical, methodical and highly efficient, the new C1 Code chronograph is making a statement. The algebraic formula above the dial expresses the structural complexity of the case and partially covers the impressive sapphire crystal. The equations are fitted around the various counters, an unequivocal assertion that Concord watches are supreme pieces of engineering.

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ALFEX

Black Light

Winner of the prestigious Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Award 2009, the Black Light attracts immediate attention. The world’s first three-dimensional wristwatch, it is very easy to read in the dark thanks to its Superluminova-coated sapphire crystal hourmarkers, with the hands turning underneath. Thanks to the skilful use of the day/night contrasts, its black dial reflects intense luminosity. By exceeding the parameters laid down by design and opening up new dimensions, Alfex confirms that it has always been – and always will be – a “design addict”.

BaselWorld 2010 Preview Pt. V

I decided that I would focus on a few sport watches for this preview. Enjoy!

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JOVIAL

Limited Edition 80 years

Growing younger by the year, Jovial has decided to extend the festivities of its 80th anniversary with a commemorative piece, the Limited Edition 80 years. The apotheosis of what has been a very emotional year for the brand, this piece embodies to perfection the sense of revival which has characterised the anniversary collection: a supremely innovative high-tech case of delicious chocolate-brown colour, contemporary materials and a skilfully orchestrated interplay of structures and volumes with the most meticulous finishing to create a perfect balance.

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WENGER

Led Nomad

A little treasure of sophistication, the Wenger LED Nomad is subtle and discreet despite its numerous digital and analogue functions. There are four pushpieces: one to display the central LED digital compass bearing and the arrow which appears under the Wenger cross logo, a second for the day of the week, a third for the date and month, and a fourth for the digital time in hours, minutes and seconds. Little doubt that today’s nomad will be attracted by this “1 pushpiece – 1 function” principle. The avant-garde design of this redoubtable multi-functional tool gives it plenty of punch.

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EMILE CHOURIET

Traveller

The models in the Traveller collection have an in-laid sailing boat on the dial to symbolise travelling and, thanks to a second time zone and large date, are transformed into very useful companions. Echoing the emblematic shape of the “wings of time”, the titanium case is both light and comfortable to wear.

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EBERHARD & Co

Tazio Nuvolari Edition Limitée Grand Prix en Or

Unfailing source of admiration for the Eberhard brand, the legendary racing driver Tazio Nuvolari has inspired a very exclusive red-gold series, reminiscent of vintage dashboards. While Eberhard has fully met the requirements of these instruments – clarity, legibility, precision and resistance – it has paid no less care and attention to the aesthetic aspect: a black gold-plated black dial for extra brilliance, a circular-grained flange, a ceramic bezel with tachometer scale, large counters, and striking contrasts between the black and red gold, sublimated by numerous red touches. Limited series of 123 pieces.

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ERNEST BOREL

Série Rocky II

Masculine, resolute and distinguished. A sporty design – a yellow dial for the punch and a bi-coloured strap for originality – combined with useful complications – large date, retrograde days and small seconds – make the Rocky II Series a must for men who want to express their individuality.

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ALTANUS

Elite Sport

A sporty model guaranteed to make an impact has now been added to Altanus’ emblematic Elite collection. The generously-sized case features a very contemporary bezel and pushpieces, offering a perfect setting for the animated dial. An extremely dynamic ensemble that is given impressive depth by the slide rule on the flange.

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ALPINA

12 Hours of Sebring

Alpina is the official timekeeper of the “12 hours of Sebring”, the race that opens the American Le Mans Series, and is celebrating the 58th edition of this legendary event with a limited series of 158 pieces. This chronograph has been built to meet the tough requirements of the celebrated Florida circuit, regarded as one of the main meets on the international agenda. The 12 Hours of Sebring watch offers drivers everything they need: precision, legibility, shock-resistance and reliability. And let’s not forget the opportunity to follow the 12 hours of Sebring on the chronograph’s 12-hour counter, or the GMT which enables the spectators, who have come from afar, to remain on their starting-blocks in two time zones! Limited and numbered edition sold in a special Sebring box.

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More previews to come!

Into the Abyss: Breitling Avenger Seawolf Chrono Blacksteel

Breitling has unveiled their newest limited edition version of the Avenger line. The Avenger Seawolf Chrono Blacksteel will have a limited run of 2,000 pieces worldwide. One of its more impressive features is the ability to operate the chronograph at a depth of 1,000 meters [3,300 feet]. Unlike other Avenger models in Breitling's line up this utilizes Breitling's own "SuperQuartz" movement rather than a mechanical.


From Breitling:

A special version of the Avenger Seawolf Chrono – the only chronograph that is watertight and fully operational at a depth of 1,000 meters (3,300 ft) – the new Blacksteel limited edition is distinguished by its unconventional look matching its exceptional performances.


Black is the keynote here, variously interpreted in the steel case subjected to an ultra-resistant carbon-based treatment; the unidirectional rotating bezel; the large screw-locked crown and non-slip pushpieces; and on the dial base creating a striking backdrop for the white luminescent hands, hour markers and red-rimmed counters. Its original, technical and powerful appearance makes the Avenger Seawolf Chrono Blacksteel limited edition an unmistakable standout model among diver's watches. But its greatest feat is hidden inside its case, thanks to its magnetic pushpiece system. This exclusive Breitling patented device serves to activate the controls through the metal of the case, without any direct mechanical contact. This means that whereas most chronographs cannot be used when diving, the Avenger Seawolf Chrono is the only instrument of this type to be watertight and fully operational at a record depth of 1,000 meters (3,300 ft). To accompany professionals to great depths in complete security, this extreme chronograph has been equipped with a decompression valve and an AR coated sapphire crystal guaranteeing optimal readability in all circumstances.


Its SuperQuartz™ caliber – also exclusive to Breitling – ensures a level of accuracy ten times superior to that of standard quartz movements, enabling it to measure times to within 1/10th of a second complete with split-time indications. The Avenger Seawolf Chrono Blacksteel, issued in a 2,000-piece worldwide limited edition, is available on a – naturally black – Diver Pro rubber strap or on a perforated Ocean Racer strap. In a nod to Breitling's special ties with aviation, its inner bezel ring is adorned with a windrose serving to memorize a course – both underwater or in the air.

Personally, I am a big fan of Breitling's offerings and think this is one fantastic looking watch, since their release of the original Avenger Skyland in Blacksteel a couple years back I have always found that particular look to be very appealing.

BaselWorld 2010 Preview Pt. IV

The hits just keep on comin'! Click on each respective brand name for links to their official websites.

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BALL WATCH

Engineer Hydrocarbon Spacemaster
A quintessential Ball Watch timepiece, the new Engineer Hydrocarbon has undergone numerous developments, like the unidirectional rotating bezel with an H3 micro gas light inserted into a container at 12 o’clock. Its graduation from 0 to 14, as well as the numbers 15, 30 and 45, are coated with a very powerful luminescent paint producing blue reflections. Another innovation is the patented triple folding clasp that the brand has machined from a single block of steel, with the folding elements under the buckle cap equally divided so that the bracelet can be extended by 22mm and the watch worn over sports equipment. American navy pilot Brian Binnie took this extraordinary timepiece with him into space, an expedition that Ball Watch has celebrated by equipping the Spacemaster dial with tubes of blue luminescent gas, in the style of a spaceship’s instrument panel.

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RADO

r5.5 Automatic
Already the winner of a prestigious prize, the r5.5 collection has been enlarged with a new automatic model, a natural development of the collaboration between Rado and the British designer Jasper Morrison based on their shared passion for high-tech ceramics. With the characteristic square shape of its dial, the r5.5 is an immediate eye-catcher. The collection’s name comes from the radius of the dial, whose matte black colour offers striking contrasts with the white luminescent hands and hourmarkers. Not forgetting the perfect synthesis between the ceramic case and the bracelet with its different-sized links that makes the watch fit so snugly round the wrist.

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LOUIS ERARD

1931 Régulateur Réserve de Marche
Almost 400 years after the appearance of the regulator in the field of chronometry, Louis Erard pays tribute to this veritable symbol of precision. For the occasion, it has introduced an exclusive complication thanks to a new module developed in partnership with Soprod. A world-first and exclusive to the brand! Offering both ancestral craftsmanship and modernity, Louis Erard has pulled off a master stroke in a spirit of haute horlogerie at affordable prices.

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CHRISTIAN JACQUES

EOS
A blend of pink gold and chocolate tones, this limited edition of 100 Eos watches from Christian Jacques has been designed with refinement in mind. The combination of an automatic chronograph movement, noble materials – pink gold case and crocodile strap – and highly worked finishing creates a timepiece that is as classic as it is elegant in the purest Swiss tradition.

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ATLANTIC

Worldmaster Original 1888
Defying time with grace and elegance, the Worldmaster Original 1888 honours the past by paying tribute to the present. Or maybe it is the contrary. Both sober and refined, its delicately cambered case opens onto a sunray guilloché dial that enhances the sophistication of the piece, while the hand-applied hourmakers and Arabic numerals are ennobled with nickel or pink gold. Both vintage and contemporary, the Worldmaster Original 1888 encapsulates the powerful innovations introduced by the watchmaker from Lengnau for 122 years.

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REVUE THOMMEN

Heritage Collection
Revue Thommen, one of Switzerland’s oldest watch companies, has reproduced its mythical Square model, launched in 1953 to celebrate the company’s centenary. While it appears more contemporary with its pink gold-plated Arabic numerals, transparent back and finely guilloched small seconds, the 2010 model nevertheless remains faithful to the brand’s identifying features: a manufactory-made manual-wound movement, refined lines and unostentatious elegance. Not forgetting those precious materials –18K pink gold for the case and the alligator strap – that add the final touch of perfection to this historically-inspired timepiece.

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ALTANUS

Master T
With its stylish tonneau case, sober dial and the most elegant of steel bracelets, the Master T has an array of useful functions – chronograph, date and moon phase – that will thrill lovers of sport-chic looking for a watch which is both contemporary and classic.

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Keep up with The Escapement for more Basel previews, and more in depth looks.

BaselWorld 2010 Preview Pt. III

More goodies slated to appear this year in Basel.

I should mention if you see something in these previews that you would like me to explore a little bit more, just let me know I'd be happy to. Take a look at the latest Frederique Constant tailored to boys from the ages of 12-16; that's one way to try to pass along the watch bug. Click on each respective brand name for links to their official websites.

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FREDERIQUE CONSTANT

Junior AutomaticDesigned for young men aged 12 to 16, the Junior Collection was created by Frédérique Constant to provide fathers who love beautiful Swiss watches with the opportunity to commemorate an important stage in their son’s life. Housing an automatic movement, the Junior has a back specially designed for the engraving of a personal message, which can be submitted on-line.

Maxime Manufacture LadyWith its FC-700 calibre – a Frédérique Constant creation from A to Z – the Maxime Manufacture Lady is as technical as it is elegant. A combination of horological mastery and aesthetic refinement, it will surpass the expectations of the modern woman wishing to return to real values.

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CLERC

Hydroscaph Big Date Power Reserve

Gérald Clerc, representing the brand’s fourth generation, is the creative force behind the Hydroscaph, a timepiece that embodies a new type of construction by incorporating the most advanced technologies. Comprising more than 75 components, the patented 18K red gold and black titanium case is equipped with a helium escape-valve guaranteeing water-resistance to a depth of 1,000 metres. Manufactured in Switzerland. Three-year international guarantee.

Odyssey Lady Skeleton

The Clerc brand has created a precedent and opened a new era by combining futuristic aesthetics and case construction in an haute joaillerie timepiece. Individually numbered and manufactured in Switzerland, this vibrant tribute to beauty and femininity is an exquisite example of high contemporary watchmaking art.

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BADOLLET

Observatoire 1872 Minute RepeaterIn 1872, Badollet pocket-watches took the first three places of the Concours de l’Observatoire. The brand is now proud to present this magnificent model equipped with a minute repeater and flying tourbillon and housed in a case designed to recall the style of the fob-watch. This little horological masterpiece is adorned with an opaline skeleton dial set with 72 diamonds and 12 sapphires, through which the hammers, gongs and flying tourbillon can be admired on the bridge side.

Crystalball Chronograph

Taking personalisation to its very limits thanks to a remarkable choice of materials for the dial and case, the Crystalball Chrongraph encapsulates the mastery of the watchmakers of Badollet. The most stunning example is the manufactory-made column-wheel mono-pushpiece chronograph movement combined with a regulator tourbillon and a 120-hour power reserve.

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CUERVO Y SOBRINOS

Historiador SemanalTrue to its origins, Cuervo y Sobrinos has reinterpreted a model it brought out in the 1940’s. At that time, the movement made by the brand was patented. Nostalgic for this period when Havana was at the height of its splendour, the brand has devoted two years of research to develop a new in-house movement that is an improvement on the original. Introducing the indication of the week in the form of numbers – hence the word “semanal” (weekly) – and indicating the days, date and month in a circle all the way round the dial are dramatic proof of how valuable all that patient work was!

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ARMAND NICOLET

S05

The objective was to create a truly elegant sporty watch, one that offered as much style as wearer comfort. The case has been worked in titanium to make it more resistant to corrosion and to lessen the weight. A contemporary mechanical piece of true distinction, the new S05 from Armand Nicolet has surpassed all the expectations of its creator!

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More to come...very soon!

Hublot Just Can't Get Enough

Not so long ago I posted an article regarding Hublot partnering with the popular electronic music group Depeche Mode. The idea was to produce a one time run of 12 special edition Hublot Big Bang watches each of which would have cover art from Depeche Mode's 12 albums. The pieces were to be put up for auction online, and all of the proceeds were to be donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Hublot unveiled the watches today, and announced the website where you can bid on the watches beginning February the 8th, all the way through February 24th.

Below are the 12 watches [in no particular order]:

Click on each photo for a more detailed view

In addition to winning one of the most popular sport automatic luxury chronographs around, the piece comes in a special presentation box which includes:

• A deluxe vinyl version of the album
• A USB flash drive containing a digital copy of the album and a documentary about the process of making it.
• Original album artwork print and a framed gold CD
• Each album will also include a signed photograph of everyone who contributed to that particular release [including: Alan Wilder & Vince Clarke]

For more information or to place a bid visit www.hublot.com/depechemode. Good luck and happy bidding!

Perpetuelle Articles

Over the past few days Kyle over at the Perpetuelle blog has been keeping me pretty busy writing some new content for him. Both articles are regarding two new movements that will be unveiled at BaselWorld next month. Click on each photo to be directed to the articles. As always, thank you for reading!

The first is for the public debut of Sellita's first automatic chronograph the SW500:


Armin Strom is also introducing an 8 day power reserve hand wound calibre the ARM09: