Welcome to the first roundup of the new year. In this month, we take a look at two new chronographs. The first is Zenith’s new Chronomaster Sport, which is the brand’s answer to the popular Rolex Daytona. The second is Omega’s all-new Moonwatch. Aside from chronographs, we also have a unique dive watch called the Sadko from Russian brand Slava.
From around the Web, we take a close look at Patek Philippe’s latest masterpiece, the Grand Sonnerie Ref. 6301P-001P, which features not just a grand sonnerie but also a petite sonnerie and minute repeater. Next, we revisit Patek’s history with a tour of eight very special limited-edition watches that were released in 1989 to celebrate the brand’s 150th anniversary. Finally, we look at the reason some scientists are saying we should reduce a minute to 59 seconds.
1. HANDS-ON DEBUT: ZENITH CHRONOMASTER SPORT WITH NEW EL PRIMERO 3600 CALIBRE MEASURING 1/10TH SECOND
January seems to be the month of the chronograph. Not long after Omega unveiled the new Moonwatch, Zenith also unveiled its new chronograph, the Chronomaster Sport. It’s a logical new addition to Zenith’s line — especially when you consider the immense popularity of the Rolex Daytona. Speaking of which, there’s no getting around it, the Chronomaster Sport looks eerily like Rolex’s Daytona. I’ll leave it to you to make up your mind as to whether that’s a good or bad thing. However, its movement is ace and, arguably, technically superior to the Daytona’s. It beats at a higher rate of 5Hz and has numerous enhancements to improve reliability and chronometric performance. Oh, it also has a date complication. But is that enough to dissuade collectors from putting their names on a Daytona waitlist?
Source: aBlogtoWatch
2. THE NEXT GENERATION OMEGA SPEEDMASTER PROFESSIONAL MOONWATCH IS HERE
It has finally happened. Omega has finally released a new version of its venerable Moonwatch. It looks just like the old one, which isn’t a bad thing at all considering the design of the Moonwatch is as close to perfection as one can get in watchmaking. There are, however, numerous enhancements. The biggest is the movement. Inside is the new caliber 3861, which has a co-axial escapement and is Master Chronometer-certified. The bezel has been updated, too, to feature a dot over 90 on the scale. The dials are stepped, and the bracelet thoroughly revised. Learn more about the latest Moonwatch in the link below.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
3. HANDS-ON: SLAVA SADKO RUSSIAN DIVER’S WATCH
Here’s a watch that you’ll likely not see on any other mainstream watch publication. This is the Slava Sadko, and it’s a faithful homage to the original Sadko, which was a dive watch that made in the 1980s. As is often the case with Russian divers, the design of the Sadko is unlike anything else. It has a bullhead-style case with a large crown at 2 o’clock and a dial that is distinctive and charming. The Russian text on the dial and for the day wheel only adds to its exotic flavor. It also has one of the most intricate casebacks I’ve ever seen. If you like quirky, eccentric watches, this one is for you.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
4. WATCH REVIEW: SEIKO PROSPEX SNR033 SPRING DRIVE GMT
As the prices of Grand Seiko watches move higher, Seiko has filled the void with fancier Seiko models. This has caused consternation for many Seiko fans. One of these high-end luxe Seiko models is the Prospex SNR033. If you fail to look past the Seiko logo on the dial, you’ll be missing out. This watch is unquestionably high-end. It has a titanium case and bracelet, a sapphire bezel, and a Spring Drive movement that features the GMT complication and is accurate to +/- 15 seconds per month. Furthermore, it’s finished to the quality that one has come to expect from the best that Seiko has to offer. But is it worth its $5,500 price tag? That’s for you to decide.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
5. HOW THE TAG HEUER CARRERA SPORT CHRONOGRAPH FINALLY FOUND ITS MOMENT
The Carrera is one of the most storied chronographs around but it hasn’t enjoyed the kind of broad appeal and popularity one might expect. Outside of diehard Heuer fans, few would probably ever consider the Carrera as their first chronograph. Tag Heuer wants that to change, and it introduced the new Carrera Sport Chronograph last year. Unlike some other recent Carrera models that were inspired by the past, the Carrera Sport Chronograph has its eye on the future. The sizing and design are both more contemporary. And it has the company’s Heuer 02 in-house chronograph movement that features a column wheel, 4Hz beat rate, and an 80-hour power reserve.
Source: aBlogtoWatch