Frederique Constant Releases New Smartwatch Vitality

Since pioneering its first Horological Smartwatch concept in 2015, Frederique Constant has innovated heavily in this unique blend of smartwatch functionality and traditional aesthetics. For its latest generation, the brand has unveiled the Frederique Constant Smartwatch Vitality, an evolutionary new generation that keeps the same classical look but adds a heart rate monitor module developed by electronics giant Philips for a wealth of added utility. The 42mm case of the Smartwatch Vitality, available in both stainless steel and rose gold tone, keeps the polished, streamlined profile of a traditional dress watch while upsizing slightly for the sake of functionality. The dial cleaves close to Frederique Constant’s dress watch styles as well, with elegant leaf hands paired with a mix of applied baton indices and Roman numerals, with the illusion heightened by the fact that the digital display beneath the semi-transparent dial disappears when not in active use. Once activated, though, the combination quartz movement and connected module inside the Smartwatch Vitality offer an impressive array of functions, including all new workout tracking features, a new chronograph, breathing exercise guidance, heart rate tracking, and notifications, alongside returning functions such as activity tracking, activity alerts, dynamic fitness coaching, sleep monitoring, smart sleep alarms, call and message notifications, and a world timer. Frederique Constant pairs the Smartwatch Vitality with a choice of either textured black rubber strap or streamlined five link bracelet. As a middle ground between a classic dress watch and a tech-heavy smartwatch, the Frederique Constant Smartwatch Vitality strikes an ideal balance that might help to convince traditional luxury watch buyers to dip their toes in the growing smartwatch field. The Frederique Constant Smartwatch Vitality is available now from authorized dealers at a starting MSRP of $995. For more information, please visit the brand’s website. Porsche Design Debuts Limited Edition Chronograph 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition

German sports car giant Porsche is taking 2020 as a year to reflect on decades of the brand’s heritage, releasing a series of four special 911 Heritage Design models designed to reflect the automaker’s legacy through the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. To commemorate these limited cars, Porsche Design has released the Porsche Design Chronograph 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, a limited edition take on its 1919 Chronotimer Flyback that takes in cues from the classic Porsche 356 models of the ’50s. The 42mm case takes its unique skeletonized form from the standard 1919 Chronotimer Flyback, rendered in a stunning blasted rose gold tone titanium. The ultramodern minimalist dial takes most of its form from the recent 911 Chronograph Timeless Machine Limited Edition, with a distinctive set of semi-skeleton hands, radially brushed sunburst black dial, and a 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock chronograph subdial arrangement. In order to call back to the iconic VDO gauges of the original ’50s 356, the Chronograph 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition adds minty “VDO green” touches around the dial, including a vibrant green and red ring just inboard of the minutes track. It’s an interesting blend of old and new cues, one that manages to balance design inspirations from 70 years apart with surprising deftness. Porsche Design powers the Chronograph 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition with the in-house WERK 01.100 automatic flyback chronograph movement, offering COSC-certified chronometer accuracy and a 48 hour power reserve. The finishing touch is a tapering embossed leather strap in either black or a very ’50s Bordeaux red. The Porsche Design Chronograph 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition will be limited to 992 examples, and will only be available to buyers of the Porsche 911 Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition through Porsche dealerships at an MSRP of $14,000. For more information, visit Porsche Design online. Luminox Partners With Icelandic Search And Rescue On New ICE-SAR Arctic 1000 Series

With a rugged landscape of glaciers, earthquakes, treacherous seas, and active volcanoes to cover, the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue, or ICE-SAR, have to be ready for nearly any possibility. Luminox has stepped up to the task of providing these search and rescue professionals with a suitably tough timepiece, creating the new Luminox ICE-SAR Arctic 1000 Series. The 46mm case sets the tone for this ultra-durable piece, with a craggy design featuring clawlike cutout lugs and an overall construction from the brand’s proprietary lightweight Carbonox material. The 200 meters of water resistance ensures this watch can also endure some major submersion. The dial of the Luminox ICE-SAR Arctic 1000 Series features a heavily textured navy blue surface, inspired by the rough terrain of Icelandic lava fields, while also incorporation the blue, white, and red of the Icelandic flag. Of course, Luminox’s signature tritium tubes appear here, augmenting clean Arabic numerals and curiously shaped skeleton hands. The Luminox ICE-SAR Arctic 1000 Series uses the venerable Ronda 515 quartz movement, trading the mystique of a mechanical powerplant for added durability, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. The ICE-SAR Arctic 1000 Series is finished off with a rubber-lined fabric strap in a deep navy blue. While the ultra-tactical design approach may not be to everyone’s tastes, the single-minded toughness of this watch cannot be ignored. The Luminox ICE-SAR Arctic 1000 Series is available now from authorized dealers, at an MSRP of $495. Please visit the brand’s website for more information.