Oris Artelier Art Blakey Limited Edition

Inspired by US drummer and bandleader Art Blakey, each of the 1,000 pieces catches the eye with its elegant simplicity. With its white center and eight claws, the dial of the 38-millimeter slim dresswatch, which is powered by the 733 automatic movement, is reminiscent of Blakey’s indispensable bass drum. The caseback of the Oris Artelier Art Blakey also references the music legend by mimicking the look of a bronze hi-hat cymbal. Under domed sapphire crystal, the luminous coated hands follow a clean, minimalist style that is continued in the distinguished leather strap. The latter is attached to an extremely valuable folding clasp.

Junghans Form A Edition 160 Limited Edition

Two limited edition watches of 600 pieces each create an impressive symbiosis of tradition and modernity: while the color design of the 160th anniversary models is inspired by Junghans’ Black Forest homeland (which is reminiscent of either the red and gray capercaillie or the brown Black Forest fir), the Bauhaus-inspired clarity of the dial and the black PVD coating of the 39.3-millimeter stainless steel case bear witness to modern influences. In addition to the slim line of the Junghans Form A Edition, a special feature is the cupped curvature of the dial. We are also thrilled by the creativity of the men’s models: leather straps with tree bark texture or woolly loden fabric straps are not found every day.

Scalfaro LM917 Hans Mezger

An exotic for people with gasoline in their blood: Inspired by the Porsche 917 race car of the century and its engine developer Hans Mezger, the luxury watches are built – you guessed it – only 917 times and inspire with an almost endless love of detail. A fan wheel as the second hand is just the beginning: real metal from the Porsche 917 has been incorporated into the 43-millimeter steel case, and you’ll find the original signature of Hans Mezger, who died in 2020, on the sapphire crystal of the limited edition watches. These men’s watches are monuments to a motorsport era that has fascinated generations. 100 meters of water resistance and a Swiss automatic movement are included with the Scalfaro Limited Edition.

MIDO Commander Chronograph Limited Edition

Prefer a picture-perfect chronograph with architectural inspiration? The 999-watch MIDO Commander small series offers the full package: a masculine 42 millimeters in size and powered by the legendary Valjoux 7750 automatic movement, they elegantly stand out from the crowd with their panda dial. Our favorite detail is the orange accents that add a zesty nuance to the Limited Edition. From a functional point of view, no wishes are left unfulfilled with a Day-Date complication, sapphire crystal, a robust stainless steel bracelet and a fine luminous coating. Incidentally, the design of the Mido Commander is inspired by the Eiffel Tower, as its sharp-edged details demonstrate.

Frederique Constant Highlife Automatic Skeleton Limited Edition

These elegant watches from Geneva demonstrate how timeless complexity can be packaged: at 41 millimeters in diameter, the Highlife combines a beautiful, integrated case design with midnight blue magic and spectacular insights in the dial. Its center opens up a clear view of the mechanics of the self-winding caliber FC-310 under domed sapphire crystal, as does the glass case back. The absence of additional functions gives the watches a perfect symmetry with twelve rectilinear, luminous-coated indices. The aesthetic appeal of the Frederique Constant Highlife is enhanced by the alternating polished and satin-finished components of the stainless steel case. Only 888 pieces will be produced, which is why it’s worth grabbing quickly.

Hamilton American Classic Chrono-Matic 50 Auto Chrono

Anyone with weak nerves should skip this watch. With a whopping 48 millimeters of case diameter, the 1,972 examples of this monstrous Hamilton catapult us back to the Seventies. In addition to the brawny shape of the stainless steel colossus, numerous bright red accents and the fastening of the leather strap underneath the case cause a stir. These limited edition watches do not have classic lugs. An exciting mix of functionality and exoticism prevails on the dial: the tachymeter scale, the chronograph’s clear bicompax layout and a date display at six o’clock harmoniously share the generous space. 100-meter water resistance and 60-hour power reserve of the H-31 automatic movement round out the overall package of the Hamilton American Classic Chrono-Matic 50 Auto Chrono.

Maurice Lacroix Pontos Jours/Date Limited Edition

A powerful appearance that combines noble facets with aesthetic dominance, this Maurice Lacroix is dedicated to the combination of black and khaki, as demonstrated in particular by the captivating sunburst dial. Paired with a symmetrical Day-Date complication, the 1,000 pieces of the 41-millimeter ML Pontos make for a confident unisex look. There’s no shortage of ruggedness with 100-meter water resistance and the black DLC coating on the stainless steel case. The look of the automatic watches is rounded off by a matching nylon strap in green.

Chopard L.U.C XP II Sarto Kiton

Ultra-thin, ultra-luxurious: in partnership with prominent bespoke tailor Kiton, Chopard is creating just 100 examples of this high-flyer, which houses a lavishly decorated manufacture movement including a darkened see-through caseback at 7.2 millimeters in case height. The dial is dominated by golden indices and dauphine hands, as well as the red Kiton logo on an exciting houndstooth pattern with a lacquered surface. A particular highlight of the Limited Edition watches from the Chopard L.U.C XP series is their fastening of the 40-millimeter slim DLC-coated stainless steel case on the arm: a handmade strap of Mongolian cashmere, wool and flannel, to which a pinch of spandex has been added for increased comfort.

U-Boat Classico 47 1001 SS BLU Limited Edition

A monster without limits: With the 300 Limited Edition watches of this 47-millimeter Goliath, U-Boat impressively demonstrates its extravagant brand essence. In addition to the engraved bezel of the titanium case, the left-hand crown including the special crown protector is particularly eye-catching. If you can stand the 16.6-millimeter case height and are receptive to the special sympathy of the blue-and-white mixed indices, you’ll be putting a statement of robustness on your wrist: the Italian masterpiece U-Boat Classico, a limited edition by star designer Italo Fontana, can easily withstand a water depth of 1,000 meters.

Grand Seiko Heritage Kollektion Mechanik Hi-Beat 36.000 GMT 44GS 55th Anniversary

Long name, short sense: absolute perfection. To mark the brand’s 55th anniversary, Japan’s ultimate luxury forge is launching two limited editions of 550 pieces each, their 40-millimeter cases boasting a majestic shine thanks to the in-house “Ever-Brilliant Steel.” The Ref. SLGH009 from the Grand Seiko Heritage Collection shown here attracts our gaze almost magnetically with its blue surface reminiscent of the orbit of the planets in the night sky. Inside, craftsmanship at its finest slumbers: the Hi-Beat 36000 caliber 9SA5, which was only introduced in 2020, ticks ten times per second, is extremely precise, and has an 80-hour power reserve.

Der Beitrag Limited Edition Watches: Our top 10 for men erschien zuerst auf Uhrinstinkt Magazine.

4.999 pieces: Tissot T-Trend Glam Sport Danica Patrick Limited Edition

Female power par excellence: In 2008, U.S. car racer Danica Patrick stunned her male opponents by becoming the first woman ever to win an IndyCar Series race. The driver with a penchant for Swiss-made Tissot timepieces also proved herself in the ultra-tough races of the NASCAR Series until 2018. In her honor, the prominent manufacturer from Le Locle launched a limited watch series of 4,999 that combines the ornate character of a ladies’ watch with powerful facial features.

A wide bezel, robust stainless steel case and sapphire crystal form the hard base of the Tissot Glam Sport, while fine lines with brilliant-cut diamonds and a delicate mother-of-pearl dial form the soft facet of this ergonomic masterpiece. Slightly curved, the 32-millimeter slim work of art with its solid bracelet fits around the wrist as if cast in one piece. Exclusivity reigns on the case back: many limited edition watches are content with a simple indication of the number of pieces, but this Tissot shows us exactly which of the 4,999 pieces we are wearing on our wrist, in addition to a racy “Danica” lettering.

1.959 Exemplare: Seiko Prospex 1959 Alpinist Limited Edition

In 1959, Seiko ventured into the sports watch segment for the first time: the traditional Japanese brand created the Alpinist especially for mountaineers and recreational athletes, whose name comes from the mountain-shaped, pointed markings in the dial at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock. So if you’re looking for limited edition watches for ladies with real outdoor talents, you’ve come to the right place. The current generation has a unisex-suitable diameter of 36.6 millimeters and offers its in-house automatic 6L35 movement a reasonable level of protection against external influences with 100-meter water resistance. Over 50 hours of power reserve brings a full winding of the Seiko Prospex.

As in those days, perfect legibility is at the forefront of the time display, which is generously equipped with in-house luminous material (“LumiBrite”). Probably the most striking feature, however, is not the stainless steel watch itself, but its calfskin strap, which comes with an additional leather backing to protect the case. Standing out in style without showing off? It’s never worked better. We particularly like the domed sapphire crystal, which gives the mountaineering icon, built 1,959 times, a sculptural character and covers an additional, functional highlight with the date window.

1.200 pieces: Junghans Form A Edition 160 Limited Edition

If you love German industrial design, a bit of down-to-earthness and a love of nature, you’ll be right at home with our next candidates: two limited-edition watches of 600 pieces each from the Junghans Form A series to mark the company’s 160th anniversary. To celebrate the round birthday, the company reflected on its Black Forest homeland in 2021, which is written all over the face of the unisex models, which are still 39.3 millimeters tall. Ornithologists may recognize the first variant (Ref. 27/4131.00), which, with its bright red accents on the dial and gray strap, is based on the look of the species-protected capercaillie. The material of the bracelet is particularly exciting, a leather and loden combination (loden is robust wool).

The second version (Ref. 027/4132.00) is dedicated to the Black Forest fir, whose bark structure is immortalized in the leather strap of the timepiece and its annual rings in the case back. Admittedly, typical limited edition watches for ladies look different. But we fell in love with the Form A models’ own confident character. The hard facts of both editions: A matte black PVD-coated stainless steel case that houses the trusty J800.2 automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve, paired with a slim 9.5-millimeter height, flat sapphire crystal from the front and mineral crystal in the case back. For all ladies who don’t like typical ladies watches, the Junghans Form A is probably the measure of all things!

1.000 pieces: Maurice Lacroix Pontos Jours/Date Limited Edition

Our next recommendation also proves that limited edition watches for women don’t have to be pink, dainty and diamond-studded. Quite the opposite: with its color mix of khaki and black, the Maurice Lacroix Pontos Jours/Date as a cool Limited Edition (Ref. PT6358-DLB04-630-5) pursues an urban design that is coherent in every detail and is rounded off by a dark green nylon strap. Strong, in addition to the 41 millimeters in diameter, which we can only recommend for ladies due to the ergonomic optimization of the case, is the water resistance of 100 meters. The absolute highlight and eye-catcher number one, however, lies in the dial of the Pontos, whose combination of brushed sunburst finish and concentric graduation is just as eye-catching as the trapezoidal framing of the date window at six o’clock.

Directly opposite, below the twelve, the day of the week can be read. Symmetrical lines, striking squares – this timepiece is just as self-confident as its female target group and reinforces its sportiness with a complete black DLC coating on the case and double-folding clasp. The aesthetic powerhouse draws its energy from the automatic ML143 movement with a 38-hour power reserve. Those who prefer limited-edition watches for ladies away from the pink glittering mainstream should secure one of the 1,000 pieces.

888 pieces: Frederique Constant Highlife Ladies Automatic Sparkling

If it were a matter of pure beauty, the last and rarest of our five recommendations would probably win the race: The 34-millimeter slender Frederique Constant Highlife comes as the Ladies Automatic Sparkling Limited Edition model (Ref. FC-303NSD2NHD6B) and wraps itself around the wrist in beguiling harmony. And it does not skimp on precious raw materials. Sparkling brilliant-cut diamonds are enthroned on the entire bezel as well as in the dial, where they perfect the magical dark blue dial in night sky design. An additional highlight is the integrated case: flowing transitions from the watch body to the stainless steel bracelet, whose center links bring a shiny touch to the otherwise satin-finished surface finish, give the Geneva luxury watch an insanely refined look.

In addition to the eye, the wrist is especially pleased, because the ergonomics of the majestic limited edition plays in a league of its own and is ensured on request by the included rubber strap – a perfect alternative for outdoor and leisure use. The 888 pieces of the Highlife are powered by the FC-303 automatic movement, which provides a practical date function in addition to a 38-hour power reserve. The bottom line is that we are fascinated by the slightly enchanted beauty of the Highlife and recommend it to any lady who wants to combine rarity with a romantic touch of the starry night.

Der Beitrag Limited edition watches for ladies: 5 recommendations erschien zuerst auf Uhrinstinkt Magazine.

They make the headlines, sometimes demand considerable waiting times, and are the talk of the town among enthusiasts: hype watches. The celebrities of the horological universe do not enjoy their popularity by chance, but have many highlights to offer, from historical significance to impressive technology. We show you the top 10 luxury models that have triggered watch hype in recent years and decades.

Rolex Datejust

Oyster case, cyclops loupe, fluted bezel: since its introduction in 1945, the Rolex Datejust has been regarded not only as the definition of a classic Rolex, but also of a timelessly elegant wristwatch in general. Since the turn of the millennium, watch hype surrounding the Datejust has been on a steady rise – the functional all-rounder is the dream watch of many enthusiasts and new designs are regularly added. Especially the new models from 2021 with palm tree or fluted patterns on the dial are currently highly trendy.

Omega Speedmaster

Moonwatch with unrivaled fame: Since the Omega Speedmaster accompanied the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, it has been one of the greatest legends in the watch world and regularly triggers watch hype when new editions of the icon are launched. 2021 was a big year for the Speedmaster, in which it was comprehensively modernized technically but left largely unchanged visually. Tachymeter scale, domed glass and white hands on a black background – the appearance of the Professional Moonwatch has an almost mythical status in the watch world. The compact Speedmaster 38 and the imposing ceramic editions of the “Dark Side of the Moon” also triggered hype in their respective classes.

Breitling Chronomat

Comeback in style: When Breitling brings back the Chronomat in 2020, the sporty pilot’s watch bristles with striking details. While the easy-grip rouleaux bracelet and the four horsemen on the bezel have been adopted from its historic ancestors, the renowned B01 chronograph movement is a new addition to the powerful collection. If you want to take the retro charm to the extreme, order a bicolor model in stainless steel and 18-karat rose gold. Also affected by the watch hype is the Super Chronomat, which brings 44 instead of 42 millimeters of diameter to the wrist and even has a four-year calendar if desired.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

Eight corners, tapisserie dial, and hype matched only by Patek Philippe’s Nautilus in the high-end class: The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has been playing in its own league for over 40 years. Immediate euphoria may not have spread when the world’s first luxury-class stainless steel watch was unveiled in 1972, but just a few years later, the Royal Oak was enjoying international fame. Ask enthusiasts about their absolute dream watch in the five-figure price range, and the name of the handcrafted work of art comes up more often than any other. With its large offshore variants, prestigious complications and numerous designs, the watch hype surrounding the Royal Oak will continue in the future.

Rolex Submariner

Supply and demand regulate the price: no watch model demonstrates the most important law of free markets more obviously than the Rolex Submariner. The world’s most famous diving watch transfers the timeless simplicity of the Datejust to the Diver format, causes a sensation with legendary color combinations such as “Pepsi” or “Hulk,” and demands years of waiting time from its owners. Those who don’t want to wait pay hefty surcharges at retailers. We are curious to see whether the biggest hype of the last decade will ever reach its end.

TAG Heuer Carrera

Hype watches with racing DNA: For many enthusiasts, the TAG Heuer Carrera is the flagship of the Swiss luxury brand and offers everything the horological heart desires, from the timeless sports watch to the technical gem with tourbillon and manufacture movement. In particular, the models with in-house automatic caliber HEUER 02 are a great success, which is due to 80 hours of power reserve and comprehensive skeletonization as well as the enhanced image that the manufacturer experiences due to its independent drives. In the summer of 2022, the hype watches will be expanded to include the Red Dial Limited Edition, which brings fiery temperament to the racing collection.

Nomos Tangente

When the young NOMOS Glashütte brand presented its first collections in 1992, one model in particular stood out: the Tangente. Despite all the additions to the product portfolio that the manufacturer has made over the past 30 years, it is still considered the epitome of the purist Bauhaus style for which Nomos is appreciated by all age groups. Clean lines, blued hands, and five numerals with unmistakable typography characterize the look of this all-rounder, while the manufacture Alpha movement ensures superior power. In the meantime, the NOMOS Tangente has grown into a proud family that includes neomatik editions and compact ladies’ watches with a diameter of 33 millimeters in addition to the classic hand-wound models.

Breitling Navitimer 8

The Breitling Navitimer undergoes a true revolution in 2018, when the iconic pilot’s watch collection is expanded in a striking way. This is because the Breitling Navitimer 8 does not feature a slide rule bezel, which has been the most striking visual detail of the pilot’s watch since its first introduction in 1952. The sporty, clean look of the newcomer appears in five variants, ranging from the noble Unitime with world time complication to the Navitimer 8 B01 with superior manufacture power. Later, the watch hype continues under the Aviator 8 designation, which remains part of the Breitling model family to this day and celebrates legendary aircraft such as the Curtiss Warhawk, P-51 Mustang or F4U Corsair with special editions.

Grand Seiko Heritage Collection

Perfect craftsmanship and technical super performance: Anyone who loves luxurious timepieces is either fascinated by Grand Seiko or at least pays their well-deserved respect to the Japanese high-end brand. Especially the Heritage Collection with legendary models like the SBGA211 “Snowflake” or the SBGJ201 “Mt. Iwate” is gaining increasing recognition on the German market, coupled with the uniqueness of its spring-drive system and the special shine of its Zaratsu polish. Quartz precision with mechanical winding – Grand Seiko’s decades-old drive system arouses the curiosity of both experienced and new enthusiasts, and meets good value for money in the face of sophisticated craftsmanship.

Tissot T-Classic PRX

If the case and bracelet form a unit, special watch shapes are guaranteed. Especially in the 1970s, the eye-catching tonneau cases broke with prevailing design ideas and transported icons like the Tissot PRX to the wrist. Since the modern form of the classic exists, there has been a real run on the affordable design piece. Quartz and automatic versions are available, all equipped with a whopping 100 meters of water resistance. The option to order an 18-karat gold bezel on the retro icon also marks a highlight of the price segment. We are big fans of the automatic variants, whose 80-hour power reserve provides an additional reason for the watch hype surrounding the Tissot PRX.

Der Beitrag Watch hype about hype watches erschien zuerst auf Uhrinstinkt Magazine.

Since its debut, the Breitling AVI (Ref. 765 1953) Re-Edition has been celebrated by brand enthusiasts: Conceived as a tribute to the legendary “Co-Pilot” of 1953, the re-edition inspires with its amazing closeness to the historic original and combines great tradition with modern mechanics. From 2022, additional emotions will be created by five brand-new Classic AVI watches, which will keep the pilot’s watch company with its XXL diameter and fighter plane DNA.

Comeback of an icon

Outside the world of watches, there are only a handful of timepieces with universal recognition. The Rolex Datejust or the Omega Seamaster featured in the James Bond movies are such examples. And certainly the Breitling Navitimer, often dubbed the most famous pilot’s watch of all time, is one of them. In the unprecedented fame of the classic watch with its distinctive slide rule, introduced in 1952, another icon of post-war history is almost forgotten: The Breitling AVI Ref. 765, which was launched a year after the Navitimer and quickly earned the nickname “co-pilot.” Like the second man in the cockpit, the model is an important complement to the Navitimer at the time.

Not everyone likes the complex appearance of the slide rule and is all the more pleased with the simple, robust design. In appearance, the Breitling AVI is a tribute to the Swiss manufacturer’s functional on-board watches from the 1930s and 40s, not necessarily known for their beauty. Few contemporaries would have expected that these watches would receive a tribute almost 70 years later. In 2020, the moment of glory arrives: with the Breitling AVI Ref. 765 1953 Re-Edition (Ref. AB0920131B1X1), the Co-Pilot returns to the limelight and, with a limited edition of 1,953 pieces, finds its way onto the wrists of aviation enthusiasts and brand fans.

Only the technology is modern – plus two small details

The exclusivity begins on the case back, where the lettering “ONE OF 1953” reveals: this pilot’s watch is not ready-made. But one thing at a time. The stainless steel case of the Re-Edition measures 41.1 millimeters, which not coincidentally corresponds to the exact diameter of the historical prototype – the complete new edition is modeled on the historical prototype down to the smallest detail.

The journey through time continues with the all-black dial, whose Superluminova coating is applied by hand and is identical in color to the luminous color of the 1950s model. The shape of the dial has also been precisely adapted to the first Breitling AVI.

Like the original, the totalizers appear in the same color as the rest of the dial. Even the syringe shape of the central hands is unchanged from the original. Inside the pilot’s watch, modernity reigns supreme. The watches from 2020 are fueled by Breitling’s manufacture caliber B09, which is largely identical to the B01, but replaces its automatic movement with a traditional hand-wound one. The 21st century benefits include COSC certification and 70 hours of power reserve.

Even more strictly limited: Breitling AVI in noble metals

Those who want to celebrate the ticking tradition with an additional prestigious case material can replace the stainless steel case with an 18-karat rose gold version (Ref. RB0920131B1X1). Limited to 253 pieces, it swaps the black leather strap of the regular Classic AVI watches for a vintage-style brown variant. The pinnacle of luxury is a platinum version limited to 153 pieces (Ref. LB0920131C1X1) with a blue dial and gold leather strap.

Both noble metal editions have an exclusive engraving with their respective number of pieces on the case back, are water-resistant to 30 meters and are powered by the same hand-wound movement as the stainless steel model.

Relatives with style: The Aviator 8 editions

All three new versions are grouped under the umbrella of the new Classic AVI collection, whose members have a close historical connection to the early history of the Swiss company. An established family member is the Aviator 8 Chronograph 43, whose name comes from the legendary Huit (French “huit” for “eight”) Aviation Department. Founded in 1938 by Willy Breitling, the special department was responsible for the production of the company’s highest-quality pilot’s watches in its time and established the myth surrounding Breitling’s on-board watches.

Fueled by non-manufacture movements, the Aviator 8 Chronograph 43 scores higher on affordability and exists in several special edition models – the most popular being the military green Curtiss Warhawk (Ref. A133161A1L1X1) and the black, red and white Mosquito (Ref. AB01194A1B1X1). Those who prefer simple elegance over elaborate chronographs will also find what they are looking for in the Classic AVI watches: The Automatic Day & Date 41 (Ref. A45330101B1X1) compresses the date, time and day of the week in a timelessly distinguished design.

Next Generation: New Super Aviator in Goliath format

From spring 2022, the Classic AVI watches are complemented by five newcomers that measure a whopping 46 instead of 41 millimeters in diameter and are therefore entitled to bear the name “Super Aviator”. Each model in the new collection pays homage to one of the most important fighter planes of the 1940s, with the legendary North American P-51 Mustang receiving two editions.

Firstly, a stainless steel version with a black dial (Ref. AB04453A1B1X1), secondly, an 18-karat red gold version with an anthracite front (Ref. RB04451A1B1X1). It is the only model made of noble metal.

Back in the steel world, we encounter the elegant Tribute to Vought F4U Corsair (Ref. AB04451A1C1X1) honoring the U.S. fighter plane with gull wings, as well as the military-looking Curtiss Warhawk (Ref. AB04452A1L1X1) in green design.

The most striking is the Super AVI B04 Chronograph GMT 46 Mosquito (Ref. YB04451A1B1X1) with black ceramic bezel, white contrasting totalizers and red accents. This pays tribute to the legendary De Havilland DH.98 “Wooden Wonder” which, despite being made of wood, was one of the fastest aircrafts of the 1940s.

All five Super Aviator editions are powered by Breitling’s in-house manufacture B04 movement, which adopts the technology of the better-known B01 with its ratchet wheel control and vertical clutch – 70-hour power reserve and COSC certificate included. An added bonus: 100 meters of water resistance, which sets the Super AVI noticeably apart from the 30 meters of the AVI 1953.

Der Beitrag Breitling AVI erschien zuerst auf Uhrinstinkt Magazine.