This Week in Watches: July 11, 2020 – Summer Edition

It’s Summer and what better way to celebrate than to check out some new watches? This Week in Watches for July 11, 2020 is here so let’s cannonball into the local lake and take a look.

Frederique Constant Runabout RHS Chronograph Automatic

Summer and boating make perfect sense and Frederique Constant is bringing the two together with its new Runabout RHS Chronograph. Since 2009, Constant has worked with the Riva Historical Society (RHS) in order to preserve these magical wooden speedboats. These new chronographs commemorate that partnership. Available with either a dark grey or silver guilloché dial, each 42mm chronograph will be made in an edition of 2,888 pieces. A small wooden boat will come with each within a special case. The FC-392 (ETA 7750) automatic is at the heart of these watches and provides 46 hours of power reserve. Pricing, via the Frederique Constant site, is set for €2,695.

Urwerk EMC Time Hunter Desert Sage

You know where it’s normally hot like Summer? The desert. Speaking of such arid environments, Urwerk has created the EMC Time Hunter in a Desert Sage edition. This beast features a case coated in ceramic lacquer. Yeah, that’s pretty wild. The 43mm x 51mm steel and titanium watch has an in-house UR-EMC2 hand wound movement. But it also has a hand-wound electronic generator that uses an optical sensor to measure the amplitude and rate deviation of the mechanical movement. These results are displayed on the dial and the user can actually adjust the movement on the go. I have to say that after reading Rob’s recent review on the UR-100, I’m becoming a bigger fan of this brand. Yes, they’re crazy and expensive — this one costs CHF 115,000 in an edition of five — but they are creative. Visit the Urwerk site for more info.

Parmigiani Tonda GT Collection

Taking out a classic sports car for a nice drive during the Summer is also one of life’s great activities. If you’re going to do so, why not sport a stylish watch? Perhaps a model from the new limited edition Parmigiani Tonda GT collection would fit the bill. These new pieces come in chronograph form — called the Tondagraph GT — and time only with all at 42mm. The watches hit the mark with their integrated bracelet or rubber strap designs and I really like the coin edge bezels. The Tondagraph uses the PF043 automatic, which is Vaucher-produced (same ownership as Parmigiani) and has 45 hours of power reserve. Only 200 will be made and the pricing is somewhat refreshing (from this brand at least) at $18,500 on rubber of $19,500 on bracelet.

The time only watches are available in steel with a black dial or a gorgeous rose gold on blue dial. These are powered by the PF043 automatic and also have 45 hours of power reserve.  Just 250 of the steel watches will be produced and will cost $13,500 on rubber and $14,500 on bracelet. 150 pieces of the gold model are on offer and are priced at $24,900 on rubber and $49,500 on bracelet — I’ll take mine on rubber please! The watches will begin shipping in August. More information can be found on the Parmigiani site.

Folks, we hope your Summer is going well despite these different times. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!