How About a Flyback

Following Tudor’s repatriation to the United States means we are showing off new watches headed our way. Specifically we will have the opportunity to purchase their newest line of watches designed for the motorsport enthusiast.

Shortly after the introduction of Tudor Heritage Chrono, Tudor has done it again with their newest racing inspired collection: the Grantour, where one watch even comes with a flyback feature. This watch collection was produced in association of their sponsorship for the FIA World Endurance Championship, which includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Grantour collection brings three new watches that share race-inspired features, but the one that has caught our eye is what Tudor calls the “two-register” automatic chronograph, representative of the two smaller dials at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions. This chronograph provides the wearer a true flyback feature, not found on the other Grantour watches. What this means is when the 4 o’clock pusher is pressed the second hand will whip back to the 12 o’clock position to start another timing interval. The flyback feature acts like a true stopwatch, where the user does not need to stop and reset the second hand for each additional measure through a series of pushes; it can all be achieved in a single push.  This is especially useful for those wanting to measure individual sector times, during a single lap. It is this feature alone that truly makes a chronograph worth owning.

Other accents for this piece include the date function located at the 6 o’clock position. The fixed outer bezel has fairly large arabic numerals ensuring time does not get misread in the split second glances at this face. Other special features include the ability to lock the pushers to prevent the accidental starting of the chronograph when the user is driving or reaching into their pockets. Locking of the pushers is achieved with a simple quarter turn.

The 42mm chronograph flyback comes in three distinct colors: black face, white face or two-tone black face with 18k rose gold. The watch can be configured with a black leather band, steel bracelet or two-tone steel and 18k gold bracelet. The automatic movement is handled nicely with an ETA 2892 while a sapphire crystal protects the hands and face from the elements. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but the steel bracelet is estimated to be priced around $4,725 to under $5,000 USD. If there is one watch worth considering we would say this is it.

Photo credit: Tudor

A RAID Suisse-Paris Wrist Watch

To commorate the relationship with a one of a kind rally, Oris produced a special edition Chronograph to help drivers achieve their times. To mark the occasion of the 21st RAID Suisse-Paris Oris has created the Oris RAID 2011 Chronograph Edition, limited to 500 pieces. This beautiful timepiece features innovative design functions which are instrumental in assisting the co-pilot to time the rallye legs.

This watch is the second in a series of RAID chronograph watches that started in 2010. For those not familiar with the race, the watch is named after the RAID Suisse-Paris which originated in 1991 and involves pre- 1975 classic cars in a 600-mile contest that begins in Basel, Switzerland and ends in Paris, France. Last year’s 2010 Raid watch was inspired by a 1952 Jaguar XK 120, while this years watch is inspired by the prestigious 1953 Austin Healey 100M. In fact, the 2011 Chronograph watch is paying homage to the honorable winner of the RAID 2010.

The intricate dials of the Oris RAID 2011 Chronograph Edition have been inspired by the characteristic dashboard design of the 1953 Austin Healey 100M (named after the car’s ability to exceed 100mph). This version of the watch dial come in a simple black and silver color and is held to the wrist by a black leather strap with a stainless steel folding clasp. Every detail was carefully examined when this watch was conceived as the top red painted minute hand is instrumental in aiding the copilot easily identify the seconds as they tick. Enhancing the resilience of each model, the chronograph movement is housed within a stainless steel case with double curved sapphire crystal and a non reflective coating on the inside, whilst the RAID Suisse-Paris logo is exclusively displayed on the case back. The number 21 of the date disc is printed in red, in respect to the 21st RAID Suisse-Paris.

Each piece is presented in a luxury wooden box to further notify the owner that his/her Oris RAID 2011 timepiece is elegant in design which is perfect for classic car and watch lovers alike.

Image Source: Oris and Topper Jewelers

A Watch That Causes Others to Stare

IWC Portofino Chronograph – It is all you have to say to make yourself the center of attention. This watch is the quintessential accessory for any individual who enjoys fine cars and the greatest lifestyle. This must have been what IWC had in mind when they created it. It’s the ideal gift for the car lover, the detailer, the attention giver, and the man who enjoys the finest mechanical quality and still knows how to use it. The Portofino represents the easy-going Mediterranean lifestyle, and we certainly know that means: beaches, scenic drives, and of course delicious cafes. The 60′s style Milanese mesh band is making a strong comeback, as most watches have run out of designs for the steel bracelet. So why not give something new a try and treat yourself. We’re sure the chronograph version will really strike your fancy as the three dials replicate those that are only found in the finest Italian sports cars. This subtle watch will have you craving people to ask you for the time. As you tease your heart’s desire why not add this to the top of the wish list? The watch below is the IWC Portofino Chronograph Automatic.

To find out more and see other styles please visit: IWC.com