Breitling Navitimer 125e Anniversaire
Breitling is celebrating its 125th anniversary with the release of a limited special edition version of its iconic Navitimer chronograph.
The Navitimer 125e Anniversaire is a highly distinctive and specially designed chronograph, and this limited edition of 2009 pieces is distinguished by a particularly understated and dynamic aesthetic.
The steel case featuring alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces is teamed with a highly original new bracelet called Air Racer – a rigid, perforated wristband that pays tribute to a 1960s modern design icon.
The Navitimer 125e Anniversaire is equipped with an exclusive Breitling Caliber 26 movement.
This self-winding, 38-jewel chronograph, chronometer-certified by the COSC, is distinguished by its 60-minute totaliser, positioned in the dial center for optimal readability.
The watch is also available in a red gold version, also fitted with the Air Racer bracelet.
Breitling Navitimer 125e Anniversaire - $9380.
Available from www.breitling.com.
Breitling Raven Special Edition
Breitling has recently designed and released a special series of its Airwolf and Skyracer chronographs.
The two instruments, instantly identifiable by their rubber-molded pushpieces and bezel, are evocatively code-named ‘Raven’ and feature a resolutely high-tech black and steel look.
Both models boast peerless functionality.
The electronic Airwolf makes the most of the performances of its exclusive SuperQuartz movement, driving this ultra-accurate instrument while providing the full range of functions required by professional pilots: 1/100th of a second chronograph, alarm, countdown, second timezone, and UTC.
An NVG-compatible display backlighting system enables night-time read-off, while a turbine-shaped construction on the caseback serves as a resonance chamber for the alarm and other audible indications.
Meanwhile, the more classic mechanical Skyracer is designed to be the most efficient self-winding chronograph in its category.
To this end, Breitling has equipped it with Caliber 27, an exclusive mechanism enabling dual visualisation of measured times.
The 60-minute counter with central hand guarantees peerless readability of any measurement under one hour.
For longer durations, a single two-hand counter shows both the hours and minutes.
Elapsed time is read off just as one would read off the time, instantly and without any possible confusion.
The rack-and-pinion mounted slide rule underscores the aviation-oriented applications of both models.
Raven Airwolf – steel & ocean racer rubber strap $6360.
Raven Skyracer – ocean racer rubber strap $4200.
Available from www.breitling.com.
IWC Schaffhausen’s Big Pilot’s Watch
Swiss company International Watch Co Schaffhausen has been producing professional timepieces for pilots since the mid-1930s.
In 1940 IWC introduced its flagship chronograph, the Big Pilot’s Watch, which is built to military specifications with an original pocket watch movement and a large centre seconds – a certified observer’s and navigator’s watch for military pilots.
IWC’s new Classic collection includes a limited-edition platinum variant of the Big Pilot’s Watch.
The Big Pilot’s Watch currently boasts the world’s largest automatic movement.
It builds up the necessary energy for an 8.5-day power reserve in the shortest possible time via the patented pawl winding mechanism (Pellaton system), but only operates for precisely 168 hours or seven days before the ingenious power reserve train stops the movement mechanically.
The less suitable end torque of the mainspring, which can cause a drop in the amplitude of the balance resulting in variations in the accuracy of the escapement, is thereby excluded.
It features a distinctive timepiece in steel with a diameter of 46.2mm, a height of 15.8mm and weighs in at 150 grams.
The Big Pilot’s Watch combines the intricate and proven worth of the long history of IWC’s mechanical watch range together in the manufactory 51110 calibre.
The Big Pilot’s Watch is fitted with a scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coated sapphire glass, which guarantees optimal readability and a soft iron inner case for screening against magnetic fields.
The limited-edition platinum variant is supplemented with a white gold model, and the buffalo leather strap is joined by crocodile leather strap versions in black and brown.
IWC Schaffhausen’s Big Pilot’s Watch $19,000.
Avialable from Gregory Jewellers (Bondi Junction store only).
Archimede Pilot Chronograph
This pilot chronograph features the rugged and reliable Swiss-made ETA 7750 automatic movement embedded in a robust three-piece 42mm case with sapphire crystal front glass and screw down clear display back.
The oversized pilot’s crown and prominent pushers ensure optimum usability and the luminous hands and markers ensure hours of night-time readability.
A date indicator is carefully positioned at the 6 O’clock position. Available in brushed Stainless Steel or black PVD coated cases.
Archimede Pilot Chronograph $1699.
Available from www.justpilotwatches.com.au.
Archimede Pilot
This standard issue pilot’s watch offers classic WW2 German design heritage.
The large, clear dial with luminous numerals and hands allow simple and precise readability.
The fine satin stainless steel case has a scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass top and the super-smooth ETA 2824-2 automatic movement is visible through the display back option in a 42mm case. Available in brushed Stainless Steel or black PVD coated cases.
Archimede Pilot 42mm $595. Soon to be available is an over-size 45mm case version – price TBA.
Available from www.justpilotwatches.com.au.
SMW Commander
The Swiss-Military-Watch (SMW) Commander is a classic and classy military inspired watch featuring the reliable Swiss-made Ronda quartz movement and bullet-proof construction.
The handy thing about these SMW watches is the constant light indicators on the dial and hands – great for night circuits as they will remain visible for at least 30 or 40 years.
40mm OD case, date indicator, and 100m water resistant. Stainless Steel or black PVD case options available. SMW Commander $499.
Available from www.justpilotwatches.com.au.
Tawatec Titan
The Tactical Watch Technologies (Tawatec) Titan is a serious piece that can be used for a variety of tasks that any weekend warrior or professional can throw at it.
With a huge 45mm OD case, 300m water resistant and Swiss-made Ronda quartz movement, this watch is built to take on any mission.
The constant light indicators on the hands and dial are colour-coded for quick recognition and will last all night long for the next 30 years. A consummate package, given its pricing.
Stainless Steel or black PVD case options available.
Tawatec Titan $799. Available from www.justpilotwatches.com.au.
Citizen Titanium Blue Angels Skyhawk
The Blue Angels, the legendary US Navy precision flying team, is honoured by the Citizen Eco-Drive Blue Angels Skyhawk.
This special edition timepiece features the official blue and yellow Blue Angels colors, with the team logo on the case back.
Features of the Blue Angels Skyhawk include:
• Four year power reserve;
• Time and calendar in 22 time zones (30 cities);
• Three world time alarms;
• 1/100th second chronograph measuring up to 24 hours;
• 99-minute countdown timer;
• One-touch interchangeable analog/digital times;
• Rotating slide rule bezel;
• Screw back case;
• Push-button safety clasp;
• Time reset advisory;
• Low charge indicator window;
• Power saver function;
• 100-metre water-resistance; and
• Five-year warranty.
Citizen Titanium Blue Angels Skyhawk available from both www.skyshop.com.au
and www.downunderpilotshop.com.au.
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