This Week in Watches: May 16, 2020 — News Edition

Welcome to This Week in Watches for May 16, 2020, the news edition. We’ve got a surprising amount of it today, so let’s get after it!

Union Glashütte Noramis Datum

Union Glashütte sent us news of their newest Noramis Datum. The 40mm watch is already available in typical dial colors, but there’s now an attractive British racing green model with cordovan strap. The stainless model has a domed sapphire crystal and sapphire case back. The UNG 7.01 (ETA 2892) powers the Noramis. This newest model isn’t on the Union site yet, but keep checking. Pricing checks in at €1,860.

Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown

Next up is news of a new Frederique Constant Yacht Timer. The 42mm stainless watch features an anthracite grey textured dial and will come on a stainless bracelet or rubber strap. The FC-380 automatic (based on the Sellita SW-500) features a countdown complication. The five “portholes” on the dial count down in one minute increments for regatta usage. When I first saw this watch, I was bit arrested by how simple it looks. That’s neither good nor bad, but the longer I look at it, this is a really sharp and clean looking watch. This addition to the Yacht Timer collection is on the official FC site and retails for €3,495.

Orient Star Basic Date

News arrived from Orient Star in the form a of a new Basic Date model. I must say that the brand needs a helping hand in the branding department as this name won’t wow anyone on paper. Thankfully, the watches look pretty nice. These 42mm stainless pieces come with the option of a blue, black or grey dial. Two tone models sport a green or silver dial. All are on bracelets and contain the in-house F6N43 automatic with 50 hours of power reserve. Sadly, there’s nothing to be found on the Orient Star website on these pieces and pricing has not been announced. The only news we have is that they should be available now at stores in Europe.

Oak & Oscar Nylon Straps

Oak & Oscar sent us news that their well-liked nylon straps are available to purchase separately. Previously, you needed to buy a watch to land one of these high quality, lightweight “NATO-style” nylon straps. There are eight different 20mm straps on sale now for $35 each. If you happen to pick up 4, the team will throw a 5th strap in for free. Head to the Oak & Oscar site for more information.

Geckota W-02 Vintage Racing Chronograph

Here’s some fun news from England-based Geckota. Their W-02 line of hand wound chronographs — using the Seagull ST-19 — receives both a panda and reverse panda option with styling cues reminiscent of 1960s racing watches. in fact, they remind me of Hamilton or Breitling watches from the period. These watches come in at an appropriate 37mm in diameter and sit on rally style leather straps. An acrylic crystal helps complete the retro look. Best of all, the watches come with a two year warranty and sell for a reasonable €334. Head here for more information.

Laco Frankfurt GMT wins Red Dot Design Award

Finally, for some real “news”, the Laco Frankfurt GMT has won a prestigious Red Dot Award for Good Design. Gerard reviewed this watch a few months back and came away impressed by the 43mm watch. The design is fresh and the watches start at a highly attractive €1,650. Congratulations on Laco for their award win. If you’d like to learn more about the Frankfurt GMT, check out Gerard’s insightful article along with the official Laco site.

Folks, that’s all the news for this week – enjoy your weekend!