For the past few years, looking back at a brand’s design history for inspiration has been the in-thing to do in the watchmaking world. In this issue, we took at three re-issues of classics that really caught our fancy.
ZENITH CHRONOMASTER ‘HODINKEE’
When it comes to chronographs, Zenith has been a master for decades, after all, the brand invented the first automatic chronograph movement way back in 1969. And truth be told, I’ve always had a soft spot for the brand’s El Primero – which literally means ‘the first’ – range, with their elegant sub-dials, often finished in three contrasting colours. In their latest collaboration with the go-to website for watch nerds – Hodinkee – Zenith has raised the game further. Featuring a salmon dial in a perfectly sized 38mm case and adorned with a trio of sub-dials in three different colours, the Chronomaster looks absolutely stunning with its contrast of salmon dial, steel case and contrasting greys of the sub-dials. Powering the El Primero is the brand’s avant-garde Caliber 3600 movement with its cutting-edge technology. For instance, the chronograph seconds hand traverses the dial once every ten seconds or six times per minute rather than once a minute. Unfortunately, though, this special edition is also limited in production to 600 units and already seems to have been sold out worldwide.
TAG HEUER CARRERA
The Carrera range of chronographs has been one of the mainstays of the Tag Heuer brand for nearly six decades. And over the years, the Carrera has been offered in many variations to its dial. This latest limited-edition release, though, really caught my eye – red is my favourite colour, after all – with its vibrant dial, offered in a scarlet hue that’s rare to see in the watchmaking world. Of course, Tag Heuer has a long history with the colour red – the brand’s logo itself features the colour – and many of its watches over the years have used the colour strategically. In this latest Carrera, the dial has a sunburst effect to it, and features three sub-dials in the classic 3-6-9 formation. Powering the Carrera is Tag Heuer’s Caliber 02, with its impressive 80 hours of power reserve, and the case back of the watch is also a delight to look at with the judicious use of red detailing highlighting the visual appeal of the movement. Limited to 600 units worldwide, the Carrera is now available in India with a price of ₹5.61 lakh.
CASIO B2100 ‘CasiOAK’
That octagonal case seems rather familiar, doesn’t it? Well, of course, it does, especially if you’re a fan of the almost-unobtainable Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Well, I’m not saying it’s a complete copy, but you can see where the inspiration for the ‘CasiOAK’ comes from. Having said that, I have no issues in admitting that I would happily own the Casio GMB2100, not only because I think it looks great with its detailed bracelet, handsome case, and all-steel construction. Yes, this is a G-Shock without a plastic strap or a case made out of resin. Available in three different finishes – steel, black and gold – the GMB2100 is powered by a trusted quartz movement and offers a myriad of functions. And at a price point of just under rupees fifty thousand (current prices in the USA), looks like a great watch for the price.
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