Looks like it’s been a busy month of releases for the world of fine horology. Of course, as a brace of the featured watches reveal, “new” can also mean an effective rework of an existing timepiece.
Arnold & Son’s Nebula 40 Steel edition.
Arnold & Son Nebula 40 Steel – Golden & Black editions
Arnold & Son’s release of its latest Nebula 40 Steel editions at the WatchTime New York event in Manhattan last October certainly demonstrated a refined update to this line.
These new models feature either a 40mm case in black or gold-accented design, and showcase the visually striking A&S5201 skeletonised calibre. The calibre layout evokes a stellar-inspired symmetry through seven meticulously arranged and polished bridges that contribute to an open architectural sensibility for the watches. Both Nebula 40 Steel editions maintain the signature “Rayons de la Gloire” motif and offer options in either steel, leather or rubber bracelets.
Collectors will definitely be drawn to the Nebula’s blend of historical craftsmanship and modern design, particularly with its 90-hour power reserve, considered uncommon in skeleton watches. The release is limited to just 88 pieces worldwide.
Bell & Ross X5 Blue Lum in daylight.
Bell & Ross BR-X5 Blue Lum
Launched last year, the BR-X5 has quickly gained prominence in Bell & Ross’ stable, with a dozen current models embracing high-tech materials, including carbon fibre and titanium. Taking full advantage of the watch’s avant-garde multi-part case, the watchmaker has incorporated components crafted from an innovative composite material – LM3D – to light up its bold design.
One will quickly discover why this key change has created a world of difference, especially in daylight. This is when the watch shows an attractive pastel shade of blue, and by night, it emits a vibrant blue glow that makes it look just that much cooler! The photoluminescent composite material has been artfully integrated into the 41mm case. Meanwhile, the bezel insert, as well as the upper and lower sections, are also in LM3D, while the middle case container, fixed bezel, crown, and crown guards are crafted from titanium that is micro-blasted and coated with black diamond-like carbon.
To match the new colour scheme, its matt black dial is updated with blue Super-LumiNova-coated indexes and hands filled with black lacquer, boosting readability. The indications are also crisp and legible, with a date window at the 3 o’clock position (that recalls analogue flight instruments) and a three-day power reserve counter at 9 o’clock.
Norqain Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm Steel.
Norqain Independence Skeleton Chronograph
Norqain’s new Independence Skeleton Chronograph expands on the design language first seen in the brand’s Wild One timepiece back in 2020, and introduces a new, skeletonised flyback chronograph mechanism.
It’s also been conceived as something of a statement piece, highlighting what the brand feels illustrates its independent spirit clearly. Premiering in two variants – the Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm Titanium DLC and the Independence Skeleton Chrono 42mm Steel, both feature a prominent central chronograph seconds hand and a twin-counter layout with a 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock and a running seconds counter at 6 o’clock.
The movement at the centre of this release has been dubbed the 8K Manufacture Calibre, and features flyback functionality, a tool that was first developed for chronographs used by pilots to time flight-related intervals. This functionality allows a running chronograph to be reset to zero instantaneously without first stopping it, so it’s a useful tool for anyone needing to time multiple intervals in rapid succession like in sports.
There’s also a power reserve stretching to 62 hours.
Raymond Weil Millesime Largo Winch Special Edition.
Raymond Weil Millesime Largo Winch Special Edition
This combines classic Swiss elegance with a playful sense of adventure, as this new chronograph is also a tribute to Largo Winch – a very popular Belgian comic book series written by Jean Van Hamme and illustrated by Philippe Francq.
Francq worked with the brand in the watch’s production. Everything from hand-drawn sketches on paper to digital blueprints, each step was executed with great precision by the artist, before work proceeded at Raymond Weil’s studio in Geneva.
On the caseback, there is a Francq’s drawing of the Belle Epoque paddle steamers from Lake Geneva, with the flags of Switzerland and the city of Geneva fluttering in the wind.
The chronograph is powered by a tri-compax mechanical movement with a 62-hour power reserve, embodying the intense rhythm of Largo Winch’s adventures.
The classic and sporty elegance of the automatic chronograph and its neo-vintage look that’s enhanced by a sapphire glass box perfectly aligns with the lifestyle and charm of the elegant gentleman-adventurer figure that is Largo Winch.
Comic illustrator Francq worked with Raymond Weil for its Millesime Largo Winch Special Edition watch.
