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New Kids On The Block
by Keef Wong
09 Jul 2019
09 Jul 2019
Revitalizing tried and tested timepiece ranges opens them up to a new following
In the world of watches evergreen models can get a new lease of life with updates and facelifts, sometimes even a complete redesign, while still retaining the core essence of what made them lovable in the first place. Here are three models from 2019 that have been refreshed, and ready for at least another 20 years at the top of the charts.
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Â- ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL YACHT-MASTER 42
- PATEK PHILIPPE LADIES AUTOMATIC NAUTILUS
- CHOPARD L.U.C CHRONO ONE FLYBACK
Not only does the Yacht-Master in 2019 get a complete rethink esthetically, Rolex is also extending the range with a new 42 mm model. Instantly recognizable for its distinctive bidirectional rotatable bezel with raised 60-minute graduations, the Yacht-Master 42 is also tted with a Cerachrom bezel insert in matt black ceramic that perfectly complements its black lacquer dial.
Created from 18 ct white gold, this new watch heralds the arrival of this precious metal on a Yacht-Master model. The case is a magnificent piece of art, masterfully polished to allow light reflections on the case sides and lugs to highlight the pro le of the Oyster case.
The watch is fitted with Rolex’s groundbreaking Oyster ex bracelet, which singularly combines the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the flexibility, comfort and aesthetics of an elastomer strap. This particular bracelet also features the Rolex Glidelock extension system that is integrated beneath the clasp and allows ne adjustment of the bracelet length without the use of tools, ensuring optimal comfort.
More than just aesthetics, the new Yacht-Master 42 is equipped with caliber 3235, a new generation movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Caliber 3235 incorporates the Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, and is fitted with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring, the combination of which contribute to high-energy efficiency, great dependability and increased shock resistance.
- ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL YACHT-MASTER 42
- PATEK PHILIPPE LADIES AUTOMATIC NAUTILUS
- CHOPARD L.U.C CHRONO ONE FLYBACK
Patek Philippe Ladies Automatic Nautilus
A mainstay and highly desirable model from Patek Philippe, the Nautilus holds a special place in any collection. There’s even a line of Nautilus watches dedicated to women. For 2019, Patek Philippe has emphasized the Nautilus’ sporty elegance by enlarging the diameter slightly, from 33.6mm to 35.2mm, across the entire line of Ladies Automatic Nautilus models.
Patek Philippe has also revised the range of dial colors to complement the dial’s hallmark horizontal embossed pattern, which recall an image of gentle waves. Blue, silver or gray opaline dials are available, all of which take naturally to the silky sheen of steel and the re of 56 Top Wesselton Pure diamonds masterfully set into the bezel.
Each dial features white-gold applied numerals and hour markers with matching white-gold hands. The date appears subtly in an aperture at 6 o’clock in a white-gold applied frame. The case is water-resistant to 60m and aunts the famous Nautilus design, with the timeless porthole construction and octagonal bezel with softened angles and beveled flanks.
Powering each watch is the Caliber 324 S C self-winding movement that can be viewed through the sapphire-crystal exhibition case back. The steel bracelet features a fold-over clasp with a new adjustment system that allows from 2mm to 4mm of extra length for increased comfort. All that is required is a gentle pull on one or both halves of the bracelet when the clasp is closed, even while the watch is on the wrist.
- ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL YACHT-MASTER 42
- PATEK PHILIPPE LADIES AUTOMATIC NAUTILUS
- CHOPARD L.U.C CHRONO ONE FLYBACK
Chopard L.U.C Chrono One Flyback
The L.U.C Chrono One chronographs have previously been presented in several editions, featuring precious metals such as rose gold and white gold for its 44mm diameter case. For this year, Chopard is taking its chronograph expertise to a new level and style, featuring a more modern design and utilizing modern materials. Two limited-edition versions of the L.U.C Chrono One Flyback have been released, the first in stainless steel and the second in Titalyt, a material widely used in the aerospace, aeronautical and medical fields.
The stainless-steel version features vertically satin-brushed sides, while the bezel and lugs are polished to a high sheen. The dial is a cool gray with a fine satin-brushed motif, resulting in a tone-on- tone, relaxed and understated delivery. Limited to 250 pieces, this modern classic is complemented by a slate-gray alligator leather strap.
The Titalyt version features a dial in military green punctuated by steel-gray hour markers, hands and counter rims. The case is dark and matt with a green tone that exudes a masculine appearance. Titalyt benefits from the natural lightness of titanium, whose hardness and abrasion resistance are reinforced by electro-plasma treatment. Fitted with a double-sided brown calfskin strap, this version is limited to only 100 watches worldwide.
Within each L.U.C Chrono One Flyback beats the L.U.C Caliber 03.03-L self-winding movement that premiered in 2007 with the first L.U.C Chrono One. Featured across the range of high-end variants, this high performance caliber is the perfect t for both the stainless steel and Titalyt variations, ensuring elite, accurate and dependable performance.
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