Based in beautiful Auckland, New Zealand, Magrette makes affordable nautical inspired mechanical timepieces. Their newest wristwatch is the Magrette Regattare 2011. At Magrette, minimalist dials and Panerai-like cases are typical, and the Regattare 2011 is no exception.

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

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New Zealand based Magrette, has recently released a new internal bezel diver watch. The Magrette Regattare 2011 features a Panerai-esque design, Japanese automatic movement, 500 meter water-resistance, two straps (leather and rubber) and an internal dive time bezel - all for $575 (including shipping anywhere in the world). Full review coming soon.

(Click image for gallery - 3 photos)

This is the forthcoming Magrette Regattare, a new internal bezel diver timepiece that will be available in February 2011. Magrette is a young New Zealand based watch brand that offers highly affordable timepieces with minimalist dials and Panerai style watch cases. Their wristwatches come with two sets of straps, in this case, a black leather strap with contrasting red backing and stitching that is 24 mm wide, and a 24 mm wide black rubber strap. Powering this model is a Japanese Miyota 8215 caliber, a robust, yet affordable self-winding mechanical movement. It runs at 21,600 vph, has 21 jewels, and a power reserve of 40-hours (non-hacking).

Some other features include a thick domed sapphire crystal, date at 4 o'clock, brushed and polished case, C3 SuperLuminova hands and dial, and water-resistance to 500 meters (1650 ft).

The most notable new feature is an internal rotating bezel that allows you to calculate remaining dive time, or any other 60-minute event you care to time. Adjusting the bezel is easy, you just unscrew its respective locking crown (one locking crown sets the time and the other controls the internal bezel) and turn it until the internal arrow aligns with the minutes hand and then screw the crown down, which ensures that the bezel cannot be accidentally changed.

This should be a very popular timepiece, especially considering the price and limited production. Expect a full photo review very soon.

Retail $545

Source: Magrette

(Click image for gallery - 15 photos.)

(This article was previously published but has now been upgraded with a more advanced photo gallery technology that works with any web browser as well as most mobile devices, such as the iPad.)

New Zealand based boutique watchmaker, Magrette, recently released a new limited edition dive watch, the Moana Pacific Diver. It is capable of an impressive water resistance of 500 meters (1,650 feet) deep. For keeping track of dive time, it features a 120-click unidirectional rotating bezel. The case is stainless steel and comes in a comfortable 44 mm diameter, and features a polished top, bezel and crown, and brushed sides. It is powered by a reliable Miyota 8215 automatic mechanical movement, with 21 jewels.

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Magrette is an interesting new watchmaker, based in New Zealand. They offer all of their watch collections in limited editions of 500 or less. This particular wristwatch is actually limited to only 10 pieces worldwide. Prices range from under $500 for watches with a Miyota 8215 movement, to over $4,500 with an ETA 2824-2 movement. The Magrette "Tane" (pictured) is powered by a swiss made ETA 2824-2 and features beautiful hand engraved artwork on the case, caseback , buckle and rotor. The box is even cool, it is handcrafted from timber milled from the Kauri tree, a protected New Zealand native.

(Note: I am currently testing one of the new $485 mechanical dive watches from Magrette. It will be online, with original images, before Baselworld 2010.)

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Magrette timepieces is based in Auckland (City of Sails), New Zealand. It is a young brand founded by Dion Wynyard McAsey. Not unlike many start-ups, they use the internet to sell to clients around the world, eliminating the middle man and passing much of the savings on to the consumer. This approach appears to be working, as one collection is already sold out and the collection mentioned in this article, the Regattare Moana Pacific, is close to being sold out as well.

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