Four new entrants in the world of fine horology make the news this month: two updated in new materials, one a reiteration of an iconic timepiece, and the last one a fling with the cosmos.
The Seamaster Diver 300M, one of Omega’s most celebrated timepieces, has been unveiled in a new series of models in Bronze Gold.
Inspired by the Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition launched for the 2020 James Bond film, No Time to Die, the new watch bears similar features such as the mesh bracelet, oxalic anodised aluminium bezel ring and dial, and domed sapphire crystal.
Bronze Gold is Omega’s one-of-a-kind alloy, enriched with elements such as 37.5% gold, hallmarked as 9K, as well as palladium and silver.
The material is corrosion-resistant without verdigris-oxidation, ages slowly, and retains its natural and beautiful patina over a longer period.
Two new models are available, both with a 42mm case crafted in Bronze Gold, and each mounted with an oxalic anodised aluminium bezel ring in burgundy.
This rich contrasting shade beautifully stands out on the wrist and reveals a diving scale in vintage Super-LumiNova.
The matte black tone of the sandblasted aluminium dial is enhanced by PVD 18K Bronze Gold hands and blackened indexes, all filled with vintage Super-LumiNova, whereas the other markings, including the Omega logo and name, are transferred in light brown.
The difference in the models lies in the strap: a brushed Bronze Gold mesh bracelet on a foldover clasp, and an integrated black rubber strap with a Bronze Gold buckle.
Each watch is driven by the Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806, visible through the caseback’s sapphire crystal.
Excellence in precision, performance and magnetic-resistance is guaranteed by the Master Chronometer certification, with tests certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (Metas).
Titanium, a robust metal known for its high strength and exceptional lightness, is used in its Grade 2 version of the U-Boat Classico Chrono, combined with the indestructibility of tungsten to breathe new life into the watch designed by Italo Fontana.
Three versions with a 45mm case feature a high-quality sapphire crystal protecting a three-level dial.
The top layer showcases an attractive waffle pattern in black, grey or blue, framed by a matte tungsten bezel that makes the watch virtually scratch-proof.
Indestructibility and lightness harmonise with the matte finish of the case and bezel, giving the new chronographs a certain sobriety and classicism.
The intriguing dial motif is interrupted by three sub-dials for the chronograph function, plus an additional 24-hour counter with a red hand.
These counters are designed in contrasting colours: black for the grey-and-blue versions, and grey for the black-dial version.
Produced in limited, numbered editions of 299 pieces per colour, the signature oversized crown of all U-Boat watches is positioned on the left side of the case.
It features a trademark large crown cover secured to the case with a protective latch.
Accompanying this is a patented discreet pusher for easy crown extraction (located at 8.30) and two additional pushers for chronograph activation and reset, positioned at 8 o’clock and 10 o’clock respectively.
The caseback is precision- sealed with seven screws to ensure water-resistance up to 100m.
It also offers a captivating view of the Swiss Sellita SW500 movement and its personalised rotor through a sapphire crystal window laser-cut in the shape of a U.
Completing the range of new chronographs is a strap crafted in Alcantara rubber with leather lining and a titanium buckle.
The Zenith A3818 was introduced in 1971, produced for a brief period in limited quantities as a specific iteration of the tonneau-shaped reference A385.
It was worn on an integrated ladder-style bracelet crafted by the legendary bracelet maker Gay Frères.
It earned the nickname “Cover Girl” among vintage watch collectors after appearing on the cover of Manfred Rössler’s book Zenith – Swiss Watchmaking Since 1865.
In 2020 and 2022, Zenith teamed up with Revolution to revive this elusive model, first in steel and later in titanium.
In celebration of Revolution’s 20th anniversary, the original design has been reimagined in lightweight carbon composite.
Known for its remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, carbon composite offers a high-tech appearance with its characteristic weave pattern.
While the steel version weighs 110.6g and the titanium version 78.3g, the completely carbon Zenith Chronomaster Revival A3818 CoverGirl Carbon (case and bracelet) weighs a mere 60g.
The carbon composite dial features the A3818’s distinctive “shark tooth” second track, paired with both tachymeter and pulsometer scales.
The pulsometer scale spans the first 15 seconds, while the tachymeter indications are read over the remaining 45 seconds.
Additionally, the dynamic black-and-white sub-dials create a striking contrast.
The black PVD titanium case-back with sapphire crystal reveals the El Primero 400 calibre.
As a direct descendant of the original 1969 El Primero – the first automatic high-frequency integrated chronograph movement – it beats at a rate of 5 Hz (36,000 vph), enabling tenth-of-a-second precision. Comprising 326 parts, it boasts a 50-hour power reserve.
Three versions are available. Firstly, a limited edition of 150 pieces featuring baton hour markers on its black carbon dial, and a limited 50 units that showcases Hindu-Arabic numerals.
Both editions come with two strap options: a black “carbon-effect” Velcro strap and a black embossed “ladder-effect” calfskin strap.
These straps can be swapped in seconds without tools, thanks to quick-release spring bars.
The most exclusive version is limited to just 10 pieces.
It combines a baton-hour-marker dial with the iconic “Gay Frères” ladder bracelet, crafted for the very first time in carbon composite.
Bell & Ross soars beyond the stratosphere with its new BR-03 Astro, a watch inspired by the cosmos.
By placing Earth at the centre surrounded by the Moon and planet Mars, the brand pays tribute to our Blue Planet.
Measuring 41mm in diameter and 11.5mm in height, its case is entirely crafted from black ceramic.
Water-resistant to 100m, it features an anti-reflective sapphire glass with a carved spherical cap at its centre to showcase Earth in relief.
Powered by the Swiss automatic mechanical movement BR.CAL-327, the watch is both robust and high-performing.
Its black rubber strap, secured by a black PVD-coated steel pin buckle, reflects its professional heritage.
The glass of the dial is carved into a spherical cap, allowing Earth to be rendered realistically in both volume and decal.
A journey through the solar system, the BR-03 Astro emphasises the expressive magic of space, with Earth as the central figure in this cosmic scene.
Its “hands” are unconventional: Mars indicates the hours, the Moon the minutes, and the small satellite functions as the second hand.
In just one minute, a small satellite orbits Earth, precisely marking the passage of seconds.
Each of its movements advances the Moon by one minute. And every hour, Mars shifts position.
With this captive orbital system displayed on a blue aventurine dial, the BR-03 Astro offers a reimagined way to read traditional time indicators.
The quartzite aventurine – traditionally symbolic of prosperity, healing and creativity – is distinguished for its “aventurescence” resulting from the shimmering inclusions of hematite, conjuring an impression of depth.
Produced in a limited edition of 999 pieces, Bell & Ross embraces a more narrative and playful approach to its new time instrument.
