Zenith’s parent company recently held a watch exhibition called LVMH Watch Week Dubai 2020, and many of the company’s 2020 timepieces debuted there, instead of Baselworld. The Pilot Type 20 Rescue Chronograph (pictured top) was one of the most visually interesting announcements. The new Pilot watch comes in a 45 mm diameter brushed steel case, with a caseback engraved with the Zenith Flying Instruments logo. The dial has a slate-gray toned sunray finish and large highly legible Arabic numerals and hands, along with a large crown and pushers designed to be operated with gloves on. Completed by an aged black calfskin leather pilot strap with rivets, a titanium pin buckle, and a tab inspired by vintage pilot helmets, the retail price is CHF 7,900.
Omega partnered with Marcolin Eyewear in Italy to create a luxury line of sunglasses made for men and women. Like on their wristwatches, Omega Eyewear features logos/emblems are emblazoned all over each product — including on the lenses, the arms, the temple inserts, and the nose pads. The high-quality eyewear collection retails for $575 to $1,045 and is available now online via Omega, at Omega boutiques, and at select Omega authorized retailers.
Over the weekend, Yema, which has a history of astronauts wearing their watches in space, debuted the Spacegraf Zero G timepiece. The watch comes in three versions and measures 39 mm in diameter with a stainless steel or black PVD steel case. A fixed tachymeter bezel and chapter ring on the dial allow for easing reading of G periods during parabolic flights (which create weightlessness using an airplane). Crucially, the watch strap is designed to fit over a flight suit. The Spacegraf Zero G is powered by an Epson YM90 quartz movement. Retail starts at $399 during the pre-order period.
To start out the year, and the decade, H. Moser & Cie, who has full in-house capabilities to design and produce movements from scratch under their ownership, actually chose to outsource the main mechanical development of their new Streamliner Flyback Chronograph to Agenhor which also manufactures a similar movement for Singer timepieces. The reason Moser chose to outsource part of the development relates to the difficulty and cost of creating a chronograph caliber from scratch, and the overall complexity of manufacturing a chronograph that has a world-first: an automatic chronograph with a central display to feature a flyback function for the minutes and seconds. Presented with an integrated bracelet, the stainless steel cushion-shaped case of the Streamliner measures 42.3 mm x 14.2 mm. Limited edition of 100 pieces. Retail is $39,900.
Jacob & Co. created a 180 piece limited edition that’s available exclusively at Watches of Switzerland US and Mayors for January and February. The Epic X Chrono Sky Blue comes in a 47 mm x 14 mm grade 5 titanium and 18K rose gold case. It’s powered by an outsourced semi-skeletonized column-wheel equipped automatic chronograph movement which features 260 components and a 48-hour power reserve. The sky blue color scheme (targeted towards men and women) is seen on the pushers, crown, rubber strap, on the 60-second scale on the flange, and even on the tinted blue transparent crystal dial. Retail is $48,000.
The Watches of Switzerland flagship at Hudson Yards will also showcase the Epic X Chrono Bugatti and Epic X Chrono Messi Limited Edition timepieces. In addition, visitors to the boutique will have an opportunity to experience an exceptional collection of ultra-rare Jacob & Co. haute horology models, including the Astronomia Dragon, Astronomia Solar Baguette, Twin Turbo Furious, Fleurs de Jardin, and the Brilliant Arlequino Pastel.
Photography by Liam O’Donnell (bottom image)
