This Week in Watches: September 21, 2019
Welcome back to This Week in Watches – we have some exciting news this week, so let’s get right down to it!
Hamilton Chrono-Matic 50
First up on This Week in Watches is a new Hamilton. We received word a little over a week ago that Hamilton was celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Caliber 11 with a limited edition release based upon its highly collectible vintage “Chronograph E” from 1972, which is otherwise known as the Count-down GMT Chrono-Matic. Hamilton was one of the original partners in the Caliber 11 automatic that debuted in 1969 along others such as Breitling, Buren, and Heuer, so it’s fitting that they decided to take part in the celebrations. Admittedly, Hamilton chose a very obscure reference as a basis for this commemorative, but I actually think it makes sense. Caliber 11’s were well-known for having their pushers on the opposite side of the case from the crown, but we know that the Swatch Group makes no such movement today. The fact that the original Chronograph E had so many different buttons at least allows this new Hamilton to carry off a similar aesthetic.
On the new piece, simply called the Chrono-matic 50, we get the H-31 automatic chronograph movement (7750-based) and this means that the pushers are on the right hand side. I believe the lower left pusher controls a rotating inner bezel which can be used as a count-down ring – something that’s rathe practical. I do not understand the use of the upper left pusher unless it is being used as a quick change date pusher. For certain, this is a great looking watch on its perforated black leather strap. Size-wise, it also seems quite similar to the original with a 48.5mm brushed stainless case that reaches to 51.5mm lug to lug. Other notes are a water resistance of 100 meters, a power reserve of 60 hours and a sapphire crystal. Hamilton will make 1,972 of these pieces and they will retail for 2,295 Euros. Curiously, they’re not on the official Hamilton site as of yet, but I do see it listed at an online jeweler here in Germany. I must say that I really like this release. Despite the omission of the original’s GMT function, the Chrono-matic 50 has great colors and at this price, it’s at least 1/3 of the cost of a well-sorted original.
Aquadive Poseidon GMT
Aquadive has been going through a bit of a resurgence and we thought you’d want to see something new from them on this Week in Watches. They have a new site and now we have a new collaboration with Swedish dive gear company, Poseidon. You’ll recall Poseidon from a 2018 Doxa SUB limited edition that sold out quite quickly. This time, we have a Bathyscape-cased GMT diver sporting yellow accents. For those who pre-order one of the 300 pieces, both yellow and black ISOfrane straps will be included. At 43mm in diameter and with a lug to lug of 50mm, these Bathyscapes wear well due to short lugs. At 12.5mm, they’re not overly tall for a 1000 meter water resitant diver either. Inside, we have the ETA 2893-2 automatic with date and GMT function. All told, it’s a really sharp looking watch that should appeal to those who enjoy vintage looks combined with modern tech. The Aquadive Poseidon GMT will retail for $1,890, but can be pre-ordered here for the price of $1,395. Watches will begin shipping in November 2019.
Nomos Metro Gold 33
Next up on This Week in Watches is a really sharp ladies watch, the new Nomos Metro Rose Gold 33. Firstly, I love the Nomos Metro’s looks and spent time with a 38mm version, but this one stands out as I believe it’s the first downsized model aimed at ladies’ market.
And because it’s Nomos, we don’t get a watered-down quartz variant, but an in-house hand-winding Alpha movement that hacks and is visible via a display back. At 5,600 Euros, this isn’t an inexpensive piece, but it is fully gold and beautifully crafted. Head to the official Nomos site for more information.
Union Glashütte Belisar Chronograph Moon Phase
Next up on This Week in Watches is a new Union Glashütte Belisar Chronograph Moon Phase colorway. We spent time with a bi-color version of this watch with a white dial and now we have a version in black. Everything remains similar here including the 44mm case and use of the 7750-based UNG 25.01 automatic. The models come with rose gold colored hands and there is an all-stainless version as well as a bi-color variant. The stainless model comes on black rubber while the bi-color version on black calfskin. Pricing for the stainless is 2,980 Euros and the bi-color is 5,200. For more information, head to the official Union site.
Timex Celestial Automatic 38mm
Last but not least on This Week in Watches, we have a trio of pieces from Timex that I’d not seen before: the Timex Celestial Automatic in 38mm. Whether in black, blue or silver, the watches come on matching textile straps and with either yellow or rose gold coated cases. I’d say that these are being targeted towards the ladies’ market, but they also remind me heavily of “mystery” dress watches from the 1950’s and these were men’s pieces. So, let’s say that they could go either way. A 21-jewel automatic sits inside and is viewable via a display back. Swarovski crystals are used for the indices, which is a cool feature. At 224 Euros, this is a neat watch…check them out on the official Timex site.
Folks, that’s all for This Week in Watches – enjoy your weekend!
