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Announced as a “The Breitling seal of confidence”, Breitling has announced that they will be introducing a 5 Year warranty exclusive to their Manufacture Movements, which at this time include the 01, 04 and 05 movements.

This is a very impressive move by Breitling to provide such a long warranty. Given that they are in fact only providing it on their own manufacture movements says a lot about their confidence and pride in their own work. I’m curious when this new warranty will kick in and whether or not it will be retroactive to B01′s purchased before the announcement. At any rate, a nice move from Breitling.

From:The Breitling Watch Blog

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Girard-Perregaux has been making watches for 221 years, but this year marks a big period of transition for the makers of both the beautififul and the bold.  GP was bought by luxury conglomerate PPR last summer, and just recently, GP North America was handed over to Mike Margolis (a fan favorite and regular Timezone contributor) who will be leading the brand’s relaunch into the US.

Along with a refocused image in North America, GP has an entirely new website, blog (Mechanics of Style – A Digital Journal For The Modern Gentleman) with a few familiar faces contributing, and has announced it will offer a special owners portal called Your GP World that will allows GP owners exclusive inside access to the brand, including the opportunity for all tourbillon owners to meet the watchmaker who built their watch! It is expected to launch in May.  These are just some of the new projects you can expect to see from the new Girard-Perregaux.

Click through for more details:

From:HODINKEE

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The Swiss aren’t the only ones launching new watches right now, Japanese super brand Seiko has announced a new GPS enabled watch called The Astron. Seiko devotees will note that the Astron is the same name given by Seiko to the first quartz watch ever made, circa 1969. The new Astron is definitely a technological flagship for Seiko as it features both GPS and solar charging. The Astron’s 7×52 quartz caliber will connect to no less than four GPS satellites and will both sync the time AND correct the timezone for your current location. Seiko says the Astron knows all 39 of the world’s timezones and can, at the press of a button, sync the time (takes ~6 seconds) and the current timezone based on location data from the Astron’s GPS connection (this takes ~30 seconds). There is no delicate way to put this, the Astron looks freaking amazing – see for yourself:

• 47 x 16.5 mm case
• High intensity titanium or stainless steel options
• Titanium model weighs only 135g
• Solar powered, no battery changes
• Perpetual calendar (accurate to February 2100)
• Dual time sub-dial
• Ceramic bezels (standard on all models)
• Sapphire crystal with Seiko’s own AR coating
• Non-synced accuracy of +/- 15s per month
• Titanium bracelet or silicone strap
• 100m Water resistant (330 ft, 10 bar)
• Priced from  ¥152 250 –  ¥210 000 (~$ 1880 – 2600 USD)

That is a complete feature set for Seiko’s first step into the GPS ring and pricing and practicality seem to be greatly improved over the Citizen Satellite Wave (990 unit limited edition, $ 3800 USD). The Astron looks good too, like an upgraded Casio Oceanus and we really like that the styling is relatively reserved and still offers a second timezone display (essential feature on a travelers watch). With four models offering high intensity titanium or stainless steel, “hard black” coatings (dlc?) and ceramic bezels, Seiko has designed a watch that will be bought and worn. See their press release here.

The convenience to a frequent traveler cannot be overstated, get off of the plane anywhere in the world and press a button and the time updates to reflect your current location and synchronizes with a correct time source for split-second accuracy. Given enough time, it’s not unrealistic to think that satellite calibration will be the next Eco-drive, a practical and everyday feature found in $ 50 department store watches. Until that time comes, we can all drool over the very appealing Seiko Astron (video below) and wait for its release in autumn of this year.

From:WatchReport.com

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Here is an announcement we can really get excited about. Canada’s Momentum Watches has announced a very cool looking titanium aviator that features both GMT and alarm complications. This new model is called the Vortech GMT and, given its feature set, should make for a very practical and easy-to-wear watch. This new model will be available soon and sports a 44mm titanium case with a lug to lug distance of 53mm and is powered by a Swiss ISA8176/1990 quartz movement.

We love the Vortech GMT’s simple aviator style, the subdued case design, and the additional contrast provided by the red and yellow hands for the Alarm and GMT settings, respectively. Momentum is claiming the alarm is quite loud and that pricing will start at a very reasonable $ 285 with a yet-to-be-priced option for a sapphire crystal (the base model uses mineral glass). Even among other quartz competition, that is a strong feature set, clean styling and a wearable size, all for under $ 300! We are going to do the right thing and kindly beg to get one in for review, because after all, if you’re going to go quartz, it should have an alarm (and a GMT).

Check out our past Momentum reviews here.

From:WatchReport.com

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Seiko recently announced a new model in the SAR line of mid-range dress watches. The new SARX range is powered by the Seiko 6R15 automatic movement and comes with a domed sapphire crystal up front and a display case back. The 6R15 is Seiko’s answer to the ETA 2824 and offers the hacking and hand winding ability not seen in their 7Sxx models. Measuring 40 mm across and 13 mm thick, the SARX series should suit any wrist but its styling may prove to be polarizing.

Precursor SAR lines features reserved styling and subtle details while the new SARX  features massive markers and roman numerals at twelve and six. These new SARX models are nice looking watches, but we wonder how much more elegant the design might have been if the markers were 50% smaller. Available with your choice of a white (SARX001), black (SARX003) or blue dial (SARX005), this new range from Seiko appears to be available only in Japan with a list price of 68250 JPy (~$ 890 at time of publication) but grey market dealers will ship worldwide and their pricing is closer to $ 680 USD. This new design adds a considerable amount of depth and texture to the dial but the over sized markers may prove to be too flashy for an otherwise conservative design. Additional models after the jump.

From:WatchReport.com

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Seiko recently announced a new model in the SAR line of mid-range dress watches. The new SARX range is powered by the Seiko 6R15 automatic movement and comes with a domed sapphire crystal up front and a display case back. The 6R15 is Seiko’s answer to the ETA 2824 and offers the hacking and hand winding ability not seen in their 7Sxx models. Measuring 40 mm across and 13 mm thick, the SARX series should suit any wrist but its styling may prove to be polarizing.

Precursor SAR lines features reserved styling and subtle details while the new SARX  features massive markers and roman numerals at twelve and six. These new SARX models are nice looking watches, but we wonder how much more elegant the design might have been if the markers were 50% smaller. Available with your choice of a white (SARX001), black (SARX003) or blue dial (SARX005), this new range from Seiko appears to be available only in Japan with a list price of 68250 JPy (~$ 890 at time of publication) but grey market dealers will ship worldwide and their pricing is closer to $ 680 USD. This new design adds a considerable amount of depth and texture to the dial but the over sized markers may prove to be too flashy for an otherwise conservative design. Additional models after the jump.

From:WatchReport.com

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OCEAN7 has officially announced the LM-PC Pilot Chronograph with immediate availability. A watch that likely needs a nickname, the LM-PC Pilot Chronograph is a 44 x 15 mm automatic chronograph powered by the Swiss ETA 7750. The sandblasted stainless steel case is available in only one finish, a DLC treatment which gives you the look of PVD without all the scratching common to a PVD finish.

This new model will retail for $ 799 which an excellent value for an ETA 7750 powered and DLC treated chronograph. At this price point the LM-PC  will have little to no competition in the automatic chronograph market. For example, an Archimede Pilot Chronograph, which uses the same movement, costs $ 1375 and does not feature a DLC case treatment. Similarly, the Damasko DC56 Black, a pilots watch powered by the ETA 7750 and featuring a scratch resistant coating, costs some $ 2100. If you’re willing to forgo the pilot aesthetic and DLC coating, you can get a Christopher Ward C40 Speedhawk for $ 895 USD, which is great value as a standalone product, but is still $ 100 more that the LM-PC.

This is very aggressive pricing from OCEAN7 but they don’t appear to have cut any corners in the LM-PC’s build and features. The LM-PC model uses a sapphire crystal on the front and in the display case back and all dial markings are covered in orange Super Luminova paint. Unlike most of the OCEAN7 family, the LM-PC is not a dive watch and is only water resistant to 50m. The LM-PC comes fitted with a black rubber strap (with matching buckle) or buyers can choose from leather options at an additional cost. We will post more photos as they become available but this is definitely a great deal if you have been considering adding an automatic chronograph to your collection.

From:WatchReport.com

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Written by: Lisa Pearson

Since 1884, Swiss watchmaker Breitling has been making high-end time instruments for professionals. Breitling watches are frequently branded by their polished cases and bracelets with large watch faces which are designed to increase the readability of the watch in a variety of environments. They have a worldwide reputation for creating luxurious, versatile, and durable timepieces. Their brand maxim of performance, precision, and sturdiness has made them the brand of choice for experts in the diving and aviation spheres as well as those who live high-end lifestyles.

The Breitling Flying Fish Chronograph inspired by Herbert Nitsch

The dependability combined with the attractive design has made Breitling the official watch supplier of world aviation. Breitling is also one of the rare companies to produce its own mechanical chronograph movement, which is entirely developed and manufactured in their own workshops and is also one of the last remaining independent Swiss watch brands. As Breitling keeps its finger on the pulse of all things extreme; they sponsor an event called the Breitling Extreme 800 which is an 800 foot free dive in the ocean. Free diving involves diving underwater without the use of any external breathing devices or scuba gear. It is an extremely deep dive on a single breath of air and who better to attempt this amazing feat than the Breitling sponsored Herbert Nitsch?

Herbert Nitsch is an Austrian airline pilot and free-diver who is the current world record champion in free diving. Known as the “deepest man on earth,” he has achieved thirty two official world records to date. Nitsch who has been nicknamed “The Flying Fish,” has been a Breitling representative for years and has a watch named after him called the Chronomat 44 Flying Fish. Nitsch recently announced that he is preparing for the Breitling Extreme 800 in Greece which is an 800 foot free drive off of the isle of Santorini in the Aegean Sea. Nitsch plans on utilizing a “no-limit” sled to aid him in his ultra-deep dive.

Herbert Nitsch, Austrian pilot and free diver

He has documented his training efforts and videos of his progress can be seen online where he can be seen wearing Breitling watches. This is truly a testament to just how durable and dependable these premium timepieces are. Breitling reports that Nitsch’s highly successful trials have provided the opportunity to check the performance of the “torpedo sled” facilitating the champion’s descent and ascent, complete with its underfoot ballast system, as well as the overhead inflatable buoy for bringing the diver back to the surface – all on a single breath.

Nitsch states that he plans on attempting a 900 then his ultimate goal of a 1000 foot dive after the Breitling Extreme 800 which is to take place in the summer of 2012.

From:Luxury Watches That Impress Review BlogLuxury Watches That Impress Review Blog – Men’s And Women’s Luxury Watch Review

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Today, January 3rd, in 1957, those crazy guys from Lancaster, PA (otherwise known as Hamilton), unveiled the very first electric watch movement.  Called the 500, this watch used a battery to drive a complex gear train, which in turn pushed the hands.  This required constant battery changes, and all but nullified the theoretic benefits of an electric watch that you wouldn’t have to wind.  The watch was not a commercial success and a decade later, the quartz cyrstal technology put the Hamilton 500 out of action for good.  The 500 was used in a few different cases, the most popular of which was the asymmetrical Hamilton Ventura. 

For more information on electric Hamiltons, including a few for sale, click here.

Did You Know? The Hamilton Ventura, complete with electric caliber 500, was a favorite of one Mr. Elvis Presley

(story via WIRED)

From:HODINKEE

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IWC has released a new chronograph into their now-solidified TOP GUN line up. As unnecessary as the Top Gun marketing is, the new Miramar Chronograph looks very interesting. Featuring a 48 mm ceramic case and anthracite dial, this flyback chronograph will fit well into the IWC Big Pilot family but may not fit on many wrists. The Miramar is powered by the in-house IWC 89365 chronograph movement which boasts a very respectable 168 hour power reserve. The crown, chronograph pushers and case back are made from titanium and the Miramar comes fitted to a textile strap (what kind of textile is still unclear).

The Miramar name is a further connection with Top Gun lore. Miramar, a Marine Corps Air Station located just outside San Diego, was once the home of the Naval Fighter Weapons School aka Top Gun (the training academy immortalized in the 1986 film). Pricing has not been announced but don’t expect to pay anything short of a premium for this high tech and in-house powered chronograph. Ultimately, as excellent as the Miramar looks, 48 mm is too large for our tastes and the IWC 89365 is likely too large of a movement to see a smaller (40-44 mm) version come to market with the same power reserve. More details should be released once SIHH (Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie) begins on January 16th.

From:WatchReport.com

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