Read about Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph here.

Longines ($2,950), Magrette ($575), Maurice de Mauriac ($5,500)

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Originally released in 2009, the Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph has been updated for 2011. It still features the same Longines exclusive (ETA built column-wheel chronograph movement) calibre L688.2. The design is even almost identical, however, there are a few key differences between the 2009 and 2011 models. Previously the hands were gold-plated, and now they are made of polished steel. The case diameter was reduced from 40 mm to 39 mm. And an 18K solid rose gold case is now an option. Plus, there are two new limited edition pieces - Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Record.

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I. Breitling Montbrillant Navitimer

The Breitling Montbrillant Navitimer Caliber 01 is a vintage inspired timepiece that looks like a chronograph from the 1940s or 1950s. The case is downsized 40 mm case, for a more vintage feel. It has the old Breilting "B" logo on the dial. Breitling has fitted this special timepiece with their in-house column-wheel chronograph movement, the Caliber 01.

Retail from $8,540, Breitling

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Longines unveiled the 1960's inspired Column-Wheel Chronograph Record at Baselworld 2011. It features a Swiss automatic in-house movement that was exclusively designed by ETA for Longines (both owned by the Swatch Group). The caliber L688.2 has 27 jewels, runs at 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of 54 hours. The chronograph function is controlled by a column-wheel, so starting, stopping and resetting it is smooth and effortless. The chronograph center seconds hand is equipped with a vernier scale at its tip, that allows the wearer to record times with one eighth of a second precision.

The classic 41 mm stainless steel case is fully polished, along with a fully polished crown and push-pieces. The strap is black alligator with a classic pin and buckle. Water-resistance is 30 meters. The dial has a great sporty vintage look and is available in either cream or black.

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In the 1950's, Longines supplied watches to Switzerland's national airline, Swissair. The company is now re-issuing its aviator watch, the Longines Twenty-Four Hours, with its distinctive 24-hour dial. This feature met the needs of navigators who, at the time, had to determine the position of the aircraft and set up a flight plan. Both historical and functional, it has preserved the original's strong aesthetic character.

The movement is automatic calibre L704.2, runs at 28,800 vph, has 24-jewels and a power-reserve of 48-hours. Functions are hours, minutes, date and 24-hour scale. The stainless steel case measures 47.5 mm in diameter. The dial and caseback are protected by sapphire crystals. The dial is matte black with Superluminova on the hour hand, minute hand and 24 Arabic numerals.

The strap is black alligator with a buckle closure. Water-resistance is 30 meters.

Retail $3,000-$4,999

Source: Longines

Longines has announced that they will re-issue the Lindbergh Atlantic Voyage watch. Paying homage to the Lindberghs' and the watch that was originally used for their record breaking flight around the world, a beautiful 47 mm stainless steel, two dial chronograph has been created. Like the original, this one features a 30-minute counter, a 500 kph capable tachymeter and a fifth of a second chronograph accuracy.

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The Column-Wheel Chronograph was a important introduction for Longines at Baselworld this year. It features the new L688.2 calibre movement, developed in-house (by ETA). The new movement is housed in a traditional 40 mm stainless case. It features a small seconds subdial (at 9 o'clock), a 30-minute continuous action counter (at 3 o'clock) and a 12-hour continuous action counter (at 6 o'clock). A date indicator sits in between the 4 and 5 o'clock indexes. The dial is silvered with gold-plated Dauphine-style hands and gold-plated hour markers.

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