Bell & Ross BR-X1 Skeleton Chronograph
Bell & Ross celebrated a century of excellence with the new BR-X1 Skeleton Chronograph, an “Extreme†version (denoted by the X) of their iconic BR 01. Given the brand’s historic association with military aviation, it should come as no surprise that the BR-X1 Skeleton Chronograph looks as if it has been pulled straight out of a pilot’s cockpit. Unlike Bell & Ross’s earlier vintage-styled models, the BR-X1 Skeleton Chronograph looks distinctively more futuristic and high-tech as it draws its likeness from the flight decks of 21st century fighter jets. To ensure that this timepiece lives up to the rigorous standards demanded by the pilots who wear them, Bell & Ross has fitted the BR-X1 Skeleton Chronograph with a tactical multi-material 45mm case made of ultra-resistant carbone forgé, Grade 5 titanium and ceramic.
Breguet Tradition Chronographe Indépendant 7077
Breguet’s new Tradition Chronographe Indépendant 7077 continues its proud legacy of making the impossible reality. With this timepiece, you’re actually getting two movements, one for timekeeping and another for the chronograph, under one roof. Beating within the 44mm 18K white gold case are two independent gear trains that allow the chronograph to be activated without adversely affecting the timekeeper’s chronometric performance. The chronograph also comes armed with a flexed blade spring that winds it to its maximum energy levels each time the chronograph is reset. Viewed upon the dial are two regulating silicon balance springs at 6 o’clock, the hours and minutes on the guilloché-finished sub-dial at 12 o’clock, the 50-hour power reserve indicator at 2 o’clock and the chronograph’s 20-minute counter at 10 o’clock.
Bulgari Roma Finissimo Tourbillon
Bulgari continues to prove that it is a force to be reckoned with in the world of high horology with the new Bulgari Roma Finissimo Tourbillon, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the iconic Bulgari Roma collection. Executed in a classically styled 41mm 18K pink gold case, the Finissimo Tourbillon marks itself as another milestone for Bulgari as it takes the mantle of housing the world’s thinnest in-house tourbillon movement to date, which has a thickness of just 1.95mm.
Concord C1 Tourbillon
Concord raises the tempo this year with the C1 Tourbillon, a timepiece that brings together the best of classical horological craftsmanship with sleek 21st century design. Viewed upon its sleek black 47mm PVD-finished titanium case fashioned in the C1’s signature eight-block construction is a dial featuring a unique brick pattern meant to symbolise the building blocks of Concord’s horological expertise that have slowly but steadily been established over the centuries.
Corum Heritage Bubble
After a hiatus of 15 years, Corum’s Heritage Bubble is back and it’s crazier than ever. Playful in nature yet packing serious horological prowess, the Heritage Bubble is bigger than its predecessor with a case size of 47mm, compared to 44mm, and offers its iconic bubble-shaped sapphire crystal inspired by experimental deep-sea diving watches of the 1960s. The bubble is one of the largest sapphire crystals known to horology as it clocks in with a height of 8mm and serves to distort the dial in such a cartoonishly fun manner that we’ll just have to forgive it for making time reading extremely impractical under most circumstances. The Heritage Bubble is available in three versions – a skeletonised model, a black DLC variant, and a third with a bronze-tone PVD coating that happens to be our favourite.
Chronoswiss Sirius Artist Régulateur Jumping Hour
Harkening back to a time when mechanical timepieces were used as scientific timing instruments, the new Sirius Artist Régulateur Jumping Hour by Chronoswiss offers the hours and minutes on separate sub dials. This timepiece ensures the hands will never be “hidden†behind one another for optimum chronometric clarity. As a nod to its vintage heritage, the Sirius Artist Régulateur Jumping Hour is presented in a classically-sized 40mm case with an oversized onion-style crown fitted with a semi-fluted bezel. Viewed on the dial is a rich blue enamel coating hand-finished with a guilloché pattern.
Glashütte Original PanoMaticLunar
There are few horological entities that can execute dials as well as Glashütte Original, thanks to the brand’s own dial manufactory in Pforzheim, and no timepiece shows off the Saxon watchmaker’s mastery of this fine art better than the new PanoMaticLunar.  Presented in a 40mm stainless steel case, the PanoMaticLunar certainly sets itself apart with its deep midnight blue dial that has been laid out according to the ‘Golden Ratio’, a law that defines perfect aesthetic harmony.
Fendi Limited Edition Selleria
Initially designed to be paired with Fendi’s iconic Selleria bags, this collection has since developed into a poignant tribute to the Roman fashion house’s passion for traditional crafting techniques. The latest editions feature a more streamlined stainless steel case and new geometric design on the dial – inspired by a 1971 sketch by Karl Lagerfeld – crafted with mother-of-pearl and diamonds. They can be paired with a variety of bi-coloured interchangeable straps made from luxurious Cuoio leather – the very same materials used for the bags. Feminine and timeless, they are a perfect choice for the modern, multi-faceted woman who relishes in making bold fashion statements.
Chopard Happy Fish
Inspired by the ethereal wonders that lie beneath the sea, this charming addition to the Happy Sport collection – launched in 1993 by Caroline Scheufele – features a glittering 18K rose gold case paired with a shimmering white alligator strap. The highlight of this timepiece would be the surreal tropical fish design on dial, which illuminates under UV light. To achieve this captivating effect, the artisans at Chopard painstakingly applied mother-of-pearl and gold leaf to the body of the fish before topping it off with a single red jasper eye. In keeping with the collection’s signature trademark, seven setting-free diamonds representing bubbles float about against the turquoise background, which was created using different shades of blue sapphires.
Maurice Lacroix No. 2 Gravity 40th Anniversary Limited Edition
Released in conjunction with the Swiss watchmaker’s 40th anniversary, the No. 2 Gravity 40th Anniversary Limited Edition is one of three new models to be added to Maurice Lacroix’s coveted Masterpiece Gravity collection. Powering the timepiece is an in-house ML230 Automatic Calibre movement, which is observable via the sapphire crystal located on the caseback. The 43mm case is crafted from Powerlite, a trademark alloy that is lighter yet tougher than steel. Highly susceptible to anodisation, the alloy displays an interesting anthracite colouring on the watch face and contrasts well against the dark blue, off-centre hour and minutes dial. Available in a limited run of 40 pieces, this timepiece will make a beautiful addition to any collection.
Tudor North Flag
There’s a good reason Tudor’s emblem is that of a shield. Its timepieces are rugged, functional, and essentially bullet-proof. Not content with such qualities, Tudor took the opportunity at Baselworld 2015 to take things to the next level with the new North Flag, a timepiece that upholds the brand’s indomitable heritage and features, for the first time, an in-house calibre in the form of the MT5621. Simple, classical and immensely hardy, the North Flag offers itself in a 40mm stainless steel case with a gadget-styled dial inspired by the British North Greenland Expedition of the 1950s, where members of the team were equipped with 1952 Tudor Oyster Prince timepieces. The COSC-certified movement, visible through the caseback, is minimalist and industrial in design in keeping with its purpose as an “explorer’s watchâ€, but doesn’t lack in functionality as it offers an impressive 70-hour power reserve in addition to a silicon balance spring to better withstand physical shocks.
Girard-Perregaux Minute Repeater Tourbillon With Gold Bridges
Half-musical instrument, half-kinetic sculpture, Girard Perregaux’s latest timepiece beautifully highlights the various intricate details that go into creating the charming chime of a minute repeater. Housed inside the 45mm pink gold case is an orchestra of components that have been thoughtfully reassembled to produce a clearer, stronger chime. Instead of the usual caseback placement, the hammer and gongs of the minute repeater mechanism have now been transported to face the inner side of the hour circle on the dial. This seemingly minute detail actually allows for the acoustic waves to reverberate without being confined by the proximity of the wearer’s skin, resulting in a delightful timepiece that entertains both the ears and eyes.
Hautlence Invictus 01
The daring independent Hautlence, also affectionately known as the “gentlemen rebelsâ€, continues its fine tradition of defying conformity with the new Invictus 01. Elegant yet sporty, the Invictus 01 sees the return of the independent’s signature 1970s television screen-inspired case forged of 18K red gold, which houses a skeletonised chronograph movement within. Also sharing this space on the dial is Hautlence’s emblematic honeycomb motif and 3D indexes that are set in such a way that they appear to be suspended in thin air.
Tiffany & Co East West
Inspired by “purse watches†from the 1940s, the East West presents an interesting twist to how time is meant to be displayed on the wrist. Housed within its slim, curved case is a quartz movement, while a quick glance at the eye-catching dial reveals it to be parallel to the wearer’s arm for easier reading. Available in three colours, the dial also showcases rectangular lines, pencil-shaped hands and large numerals printed using a lacquer impregnated with gold powder, finished off with a classic Tiffany logo towards 12 o’clock, which completes its vintage appeal.
Louis Vuitton Escale Worldtime Minute Repeater
Bold yet beautiful, this latest incredible watchmaking effort from the La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton Manufacture combines two complications – a minute repeater and time-zone function – into a single timepiece. Similar to its predecessor, the dial of the 44mm case showcases a colourful array of hand-painted motifs, which represent time zones in 24 major cities. An arrow located on the winding crown is used to set the time zone, while a bolt placed near the lower-left lug of the watch causes the mechanism to chime when pushed. The lovely sound is further enhanced by using titanium for the central portion of the timepiece as it offers a higher degree of resonance and clarity than denser metals such as gold or steel.
Oris Force Recon GMT
The US Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance doesn’t mess around, and neither does the Oris Force Recon GMT, a timepiece created in partnership with this deadly Special Forces unit. Designed to endure the rigours faced by soldiers trained to operate independently deep behind enemy lines, the Oris Force Recon GMT doesn’t just look like a tactical watch, it is the tactical watch. As such, this timepiece comes armed to the teeth with a beastly 49mm titanium case fitted with a matt black unidirectional ceramic bezel and is treated with a hardened DLC finishing. In keeping with its military-inspired theme, the case may be mounted on either a black NATO strap or a camouflaged tactical watch cover for stealth operations.
OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra “James Bondâ€
Even as James Bond prepares to do battle with the forces of evil for Queen and country in the upcoming Spectre, Omega is doing its part to ensure the superspy is suitably prepared for whatever dangers may befall him with an aptly named Seamaster Aqua Terra “James Bondâ€. Proudly displayed upon the 41.5mm stainless steel case is the Bond family’s coat of arms presented in an interlocking pattern across the blue dial. To ensure this timepiece will overcome whatever dastardly schemes Agent 007’s nemeses have in store, Omega has outfitted the Seamaster Aqua Terra “James Bond†with the new Master Co-Axial Calibre 8507, a movement that is not only resistant to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss but also features a silicon balance spring for improved chronometric performance and resilience to physical shocks.
Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent
Designed in collaboration with Italia Independent, the newest iteration of the iconic Big Bang Unico model features a new exclusive alloy known as Texalium. Despite the formidable heft of the 45mm case, the timepiece remains both light and durable. Another benefit of this aluminium-coated carbon fibre material is its ability to display colours with remarkable brilliance. Currently available in gray and blue with a matching studded strap, each timepiece will also include a stylish customised display case and a matching pair of sunglasses crafted using the same alloy.
Patek Philippe Ref. 5524 Calatrava Pilot Travel Time
The horological world has irrevocably been split into two camps following the revelation of this surprising pilot’s watch. This masculine timepiece was inspired by old aviation instruments made in the past by Patek Philippe. Powering the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time is the Calibre 324 SC FUS, a self-winding mechanical movement that includes a date function and fully adjustable GMT hand for tracking a second time zone. This is easily adjusted using the pushers located on the left side of the 42mm case made in white gold and paired with a hand-stitched alligator strap. This travel complication might appear an odd model for Patek Philippe, but it certainly showcases the 175-year-old brand’s ability to continually keep its competitors on their toes.
Rado HyperChrome Automatic Diamonds Limited Edition
Diamonds have never looked so delectable. Inspired by the master chocolatiers who made Switzerland synonymous with delicious chocolate, the newest additions to Rado’s HyperChrome family present a dazzling display of timepieces in rich brown ceramic. The decision to combine the brown hue with the ceramic material also results in an interesting effect that consistently changes throughout the day depending on lighting conditions. As for the highlight of this sweet collection, it would have to be the automatic chronograph model paired with classic rose gold detailing and topped off with 56 Top Wesselton diamonds.
Hermès Slim d’Hermès Perpetual Calendar
Simplicity has never look so sleek. Considered the highlight of the new Slim d’Hermès collection, the Slim d’ Hermès Perpetual Calendar attempts to portray the art of telling time in its purest form. At the heart of its 39.5mm case beats the Manufacture Hermès H1950, an ultra-thin mechanical self-winding movement that measures at an almost unbelievable 2.6mm. Despite the multitude of complications on display – which includes a perpetual calendar, a moon phase and dual-time display – the overall look remains clean, further emphasised by the unique, original typeface created by graphic designer Philippe Apeloig.
TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01
TAG Heuer made waves at Baselworld 2015 with the announcement of a new line-up of young social-media savvy ambassadors, its own smartwatch, and the new Carrera Heuer 01, a rare beast of a timepiece that features an in-house chronograph movement all for a competitive price tag of less than CHF5,000 (around MYR19,000). One of TAG Heuer’s more complex-looking pieces, the motorsports inspired Carrera Heuer 01 has already earned the moniker “Hublot-Lite†for its resemblance to the Big Bang models (no doubt influenced by its CEO’s time at Hublot), and presents itself in a masculine 45mm stainless steel case with a skeletonised dial that shows off the column-wheel chronograph movement in all its mechanical glory.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master
There’s a bit of a running joke that Rolex never changes, because why change what isn’t broken? However, it turns out that 2015 is the year that Rolex is shaking things up a little with its sporty new Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master. This latest addition to the Rolex family is the first ever Yacht-Master to feature a black dial and ceramic bezel, which strikes that perfect sense of contrast with the warm hues of the 18K Everose gold case and bezel. The dial is treated with Chromalight appliqués for low-lighting illumination befitting its status as a sporty diving piece. Another new feature is the Oysterflex bracelet, which may look like a rubber strap but isn’t, because Rolex “doesn’t do rubber strapsâ€. Rather, it’s a new patented design comprising an ultra-strong thin metal blade over-moulded with high performance, flexible black elastomer that is more durable and resistant than rubber strap. This model comes in either 37mm or 40mm variants and is waterproof up to 100m.
Ulysse Nardin Hannibal Minute Repeater
A limited edition of 30 pieces, the Hannibal Minute Repeater pays tribute to the crossing of the Alps by the great Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca in his attempt to crush the Roman Republic once and for all. This brutal expedition is portrayed by a four jaquemarts amidst a mountainous backdrop, which were meticulously hand-carved from 18K white gold before being mounted on granite sourced from the Alps. When the repeater is activated, four gongs linked to the jacquemarts bring the battlefield to life, depicting Roman legionnaires fighting for their lives against Hannibal’s war elephants. At the heart of the watch lies a calibre UN-78 one-minute tourbillon located at 6 o’clock.
