Watch and wonder: Six timepieces to round-up your summer ensembles

From sporty timepieces for casual outings to rugged watches for ardent explorers, these novelties from Breitling, Grand Seiko, Reservoir, Bulgari, Hermès and Montblanc are among the top picks for today

RESERVOIR Black Sparrow

The Black Sparrow collection from Reservoir is inspired by the simple-looking yet complex instruments in the cockpits of early generation fghter aircraft and pays tribute to the heroic journey of Eugene Bullard, who was the first African American combat pilot enlisted during WWI in the Aéronautique Militaire o r French air force at the time. The timepiece is housed in a new steel or black PVD case with black or sand dial with Art Nouveau-inspired luminescent numerals and is further equipped with a black or brown Barenia leather strap. Inside, the retrograde minute and jumping hour are powered by the new Reservoir RSV-240 caliber.

BREITLING Premier B01 Chronograph 42

Not too long ago, Breitling unveiled six new Premier models, all driven by the self-winding Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 movement. To create the design of the new Premier, Breitling preserved the distinctive vintage-Premier design details like the twin-register dial and streamlined rectangular pushers. Among the six new Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42 timepieces that are joining the line-up, the one that arguably stole the spotlight is the green dial version featuring the stainless-steel seven-row bracelet with a butterfly clasp. It can be said with confidence that watch collectors and enthusiasts will covet this timepiece for years to come.

GRAND SEIKO Tentagraph SLGC001

Grand Seiko’s meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail continue to push the limits of haute horologie. Accordingly, the novelties exhibited by the Japanese brand at this year’s Watches and Wonders Geneva have proven to be nothing short of spectacular. In particular, Grand Seiko has enhanced its Evolution 9 sports watch lineup with its first mechanical chronograph, the Grand Seiko Tentagraph SLGC001, marking a new milestone for the company. It’s interesting to note that the name of the Tentagraph refers to its high-beat rate (ten beats per second), long power reserve (three days) and function (automatic chronograph).

MONTBLANC 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen The 8000

The new Montblanc 1858 Geosphere 0 Oxygen The 8000 is inspired by Montblanc’s Mark Maker Reinhold Messer, who was the first mountaineer to climb all 14 of the planet’s highest peaks and is considered among the greatest alpinists and explorers of our time. Housed in a 42mm titanium case with a fluted bi-directional black ceramic bezel with the cardinal points, the watch is powered by the MB 29.25 automatic movement with the Manufacture’s famed world-time complication, which includes turning Northern and Southern Hemisphere globes, a 24- hour scale, Day & Night indications, dual time display and a date display. As a final special touch, the  caseback for this model features the K2, the world’s second-highest mountain which was chosen by Reinhold Messner himself.

HERMÈS H08

The latest iteration of the Hermès H08 watch features vibrant color variations in shades of yellow, green, blue or orange that emphasize the clarity of this display. These touches are clearly visible on the minutes’ track, the varnished second hand and the watch-glass seal. These watches are powered by the Hermès H1837 mechanical self-winding movement and completed with a rubber strap with a structured “woven” look that matches the colors of each model below the deep shades and colorful accents. With its sporty spirit and urban allure, the Hermès H08 watch becomes the perfect representative of the m aison’s masculine universe.

BULGARI Octo Roma Chronograph

The latest Octo Roma collection from Bvlgari presents a contemporary style that makes a lasting impression, showcasing the brand’s rich Roman roots while paying tribute to the ancient city’s architectural heritage and the brand’s world-renowned craftsmanship. Of particular note, the Octo Roma Chronograph, which is making a noteworthy debut within the collection, is distinguished by a sleek dial in blue or black, with a clear and legible display. Powered by the Calibre BVL 399 Swiss-made in-house mechanical movement with automatic winding, this 42mm watch undoubtedly appeals to the aesthete who appreciates a blend of traditional craftsmanship and bold, contemporary design, making it the perfect choice for the discerning individual.

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