In part-one, we stopped by some of the major watch brands of BaselWorld. This time around we will also include some brands that are lesser known by the public, but perhaps that the regular Wednesday Watch reader will recognize some of them anyway.
Sinn EZM-10 and 140
Sinn is a brand that we’ve covered in the past a couple of times. They are affordable, purely functional German watches that keep amazing us every time we see them. This year, Sinn introduced the EZM-10 – a professional pilot watch that features a mission timer, using a 60-minute stop function. This has been accomplished by putting a minute counter hand on the center of the watch. The SINN EZM-10 has a diameter of 46.5mm, which we still consider big, even in 2012. Like we are used to from Sinn, this watch has a lot of innovative features that we’ve seen in a number of their other watches as well. What to think of the Diapal system, a lubricant free anchor escapement or the Ar-Dehumidifying feature that ensures 100% readability because of the freedom from fogging. The titanium case has been tegimented, making it as scratch resistant as possible.
Frederique Constant Moon Timer
We have a weak spot for watches with a moon phase complication. Geneva based brand, Frederique Constant, introduced their new Moon Timer; a wonderful classic timepiece on a leather strap that has a beautiful aperture on the dial at 6 o’clock showing us the moon phases (it takes 29.5 days for a full round). The date hand has a small red arrow at the end to indicate the date of the month.
This 43mm Frederique Constant Moon Timer is also available on a stainless steel bracelet, but we slightly prefer a leather strap on a classic looking timepiece like this. The black dial has a nice white minute track as well has applied white Arabic numerals – a superb combination and very readable. Inside, FC’s caliber 330 happily ticks away time and has a power reserve of 42 hours.
TAG Heuer Carrera Jack Heuer 80th Anniversary
We know that you know TAG Heuer. Heck, you might even have heard about Jack Heuer. This is the guy that designed a lot of TAG Heuer’s (back in those days the brand was simply called ‘Heuer’) iconic timepieces such as the Carrera. He designed it in 1963 and Heuer introduced it in 1964. Based on the racing track he came up with this chronograph watch that it is one of the most sought-after vintage Heuer pieces.
This year, Jack Heuer will turn 80 years old and that’s why TAG Heuer enabled him to design his own birthday watch. There will be only 3,000 of them and Jack Heuer will take no.1 and reserved 2 – 4 for his sons and son-in-law.
The Tag Heuer Carrera 80th Anniversary limited edtion has this wonderful grey dial and red chronograph second hand and matched red ‘HEUER’ logo. We love it that TAG Heuer decided to use ‘Heuer’-only on the dials of their classic timepieces. The watch comes on a racing leather strap (perforated) with red lining. On the back side you will find Jack Heuer’s signature.
Zenith Espada
We end our trip this week with Zenith. Although Zenith had some rough times in the past, since last year’s BaselWorld they are definitely back on the right track. They seem to know what collectors and watch aficionados are looking for and they showed it once more with this new Espada timepiece.
Inside, the Zenith Espada has the famous El Primero movement. A high-beat (36,000 bph) movement that we all know from their chronograph movements. This time, Zenith decided to embed the El Primero movement into a hh:mm:ss timepiece as well. Being car nuts and therefor having a preference for chronographs, we can live with the idea of having a three handed movement. With the El Primero movement inside, it will still feel a bit like having that chronograph movement ‘soul’. Or something. We just like the watch and applaud Zenith for daring to put their movement with ‘cult status’ into it.
Zenith Espada has a very modest diameter of 40mm, just the way we like it for a nice classic sports watch. It comes in stainless steel, gold and a combination of these materials. At least the models that include gold will also be available on a leather strap. For now, we prefer the stainless steel model.
What was your favorite timepiece from Baselworld 2012? Leave a comment and let us know!
