Another week down, another round-up of all the latest watch-related news and stories in our regular Wind Up series. This week, there has been no shortage of new releases on our radar, with a number of avant-garde specials bursting onto the scene. Michael Jordan’s favourite watchmaker, Roger Dubuis, arrived in Sydney to drop two stunning new flyback chronographs, while Girard-Perregaux updated the classic Laureto line with a string of new colourways and precious metals. Elsewhere, Tudor set its sights on the track and Glashútte Original reminded us all why it’s a force to be reckoned with in the world of high-end dress watches. Happy reading gents.
Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition on NATO
- Case: 37mm/41mm
- Thickness: 10.45mm/11.5mm
- Lug width: 20mm
- Hands: Nickeled hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova, nickeled second hands with Super-LumiNova tip
- Movement: H-10 automatic movement with 80-hours power reserve and Nivachron balance spring
- Bracelet: Green or brown leather strap with pin buckle, Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp, NATO strap
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 10 bar (100 m)
After dazzling us upon release last year, the Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition has undergone another transformation. The recently introduced line of tool watches now comes with fresh colours and, most fittingly, NATO straps.
As we noted in our review last year, the Khaki Field Expedition is a true adventurer’s timepiece. The rugged watch, which is essentially an enhanced take on the classic Khaki model, features a more robust design and a unique bi-directional rotating compass bezel marked with the cardinal points of north, south, east and west. Available in both 37mm and 41mm stunning stainless steel cases, the watch is Hamilton to its core, but the new bracelet upgrade dials things up a notch.
The white dial models are now being offered with a khaki NATO strap while the deep black dial models are matched with a sleek grey NATO strap for a stealth effect. “Pairing a black dial with a khaki NATO strap offers a subtle nod to Hamilton’s historical roots crafting service watches,” Hamilton said. “A navy dial alongside a navy NATO rounds out the new colour offerings.”
Rado’s Ceramic Skeletons Cop a Late-Night-Hue
Fresh off debuting a stunning Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeleton, Swiss watchmaker Rado has given us a case of the blues. The brand has unveiled two updated models, the first being the aforementioned Captain Cook while the second is the True Square Skeleton, in a luxurious late-night blue.
The navy blue colour extends across the entirety of the case material, including, for the first time, the application of navy-blue PVD on the case back of the Captain Cook. Inside the iconic 43mm chronograph, the beating heart remains the same. The watch is powered by the R808 movement, which comes equipped with a Nivachron hairspring for resistance to shocks, thermal variations and magnetic fields. The blue Captain Cook Skeleton arrives on a sports-oriented rubber strap in a matching blue colour.
Elsewhere, the True Square edition includes a navy rubber strap with a High-Tech-Ceramic clasp, while the case and crown feature polished navy blue High-Tech Ceramic instead. This timepiece is also backed by the Rado calibre R808, which dishes up 80 hours of power reserve.
Both models appear to perfectly suit the new shade, giving Rado’s new lineup a decidedly more vibrant touch. The Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Skeletonnin late-night-blue is priced at AUD$7,350, while the True Square High-Tech Ceramic in late-night-blue is available for AUD$4,150.
Rado Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Late-Night-Blue
- Brand: Rado
- Model: Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic Late-Night-Blue
- Reference: Ref. R32153209
- Diameter: 43mm
- Movement: Rado calibre R808
- Water-Resistance: 300m
- Power Reserve: 80 Hours
- Price: AUD$7,350
Rado True Square High-Tech Ceramic Late-Night-Blue
- Brand: Rado
- Model: True Square Automatic Skeleton Late-Night-Blue
- Reference: Ref. R27178205
- Diameter: 38mm
- Movement: Rado calibre R808
- Water-Resistance: 50m
- Power Reserve: 80 Hours
- Price: AUD$4,150
Glashütte Original Senator Observer
- Brand: Glashütte Original
- Model: Senator Observer
- Reference: 100-14-07-02-30
- Diameter: 44mm
- Movement: Calibre 100-14
- Water-Resistance: 50m
- Power Reserve: 55 hours
- Price: AUD$16,600
The Glashütte Original Senator Observer is a timepiece renowned for its precision and classic design. With a stainless steel case measuring 44mm in diameter, the timepiece is far from small, but in my opinion, the larger case diameter works firmly in its favour, presenting a substantial yet elegant presence on the wrist. Its black dial features Arabic numerals and luminous hands, ensuring legibility even in low-light conditions. Equipped with the Calibre 100-14 automatic movement, this watch boasts a power reserve of up to 55 hours and a water resistance of 50 meters, making it suitable for daily wear. The watch’s distinctive aesthetic and robust functionality make it a favourite among enthusiasts of fine horology.
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Glashütte Original Senator Observer embodies the brand’s commitment to traditional watchmaking excellence. Its sapphire crystal case back reveals the intricate workings of the movement, adorned with classic Glashütte finishing such as ribbing and the iconic double-G logo.
The watch’s signature feature is its prominent oversized date display at 3 o’clock, adding a unique touch of sophistication to its design. Paired with a black Louisiana alligator leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet, the Senator Observer offers versatility to suit various occasions, from formal events to everyday wear. With its blend of timeless elegance and precision engineering, it stands as a testament to Glashütte Original’s heritage of craftsmanship.
Roger Dubuis’ New Chronographs Land in Sydney
Roger Dubuis recently unveiled two new chronographs to the Australian market by hosting an exclusive event at the Sydney boutique. Here, guests were able to see and handle the two new hyper horology chronographs, while experiencing the finest champagne and caviar, along with an epic presentation from artist JessB.
On show was the Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph and the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph, both premier masterpieces of the maison. These pieces were brought to life by a bespoke Maison Hologram, along with a theatrical cocktail experience crafted by renowned mixologist Tom Bulmer and the Keel.
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph
- Brand: Roger Dubuis
- Model: Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph
- Reference: Ref. DBEX1046
- Diameter: 45mm
- Calibre: RD780 Calibre
- Power Reserve: 72 Hours
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph
- Brand: Roger Dubuis
- Model: Excalibur Spider Revuelto Flyback Chronograph
- Reference: Ref. RDDBEX1045
- Diameter: 45mm
- Water-Resistance: 100m
- Calibre: RD780 Calibre
- Power Reserve: 72 Hours
Girard-Perregaux Unveils New Gold Laureato Models
- Brand: Girard-Perregau
- Model: Brand: Girard-Perregau
- Reference: Ref. 81010-52-3333-1CM (sage green w/ gold bracelet), Ref. 81010-52-436-52A (blue w/ gold bracelet), Ref. 81010-52-436-BB4A (blue w/ leather strap)
- Movement: Calibre GP1800
- Diameter: 42mm
- Power Reserve: 54 hours
Girard-Perregaux has unveiled two new all-gold Laureato models, each with its own unique look and visceral characteristics. There is a Sage Green model, with a distinct yet subtle green dial. And then there is an Ultramarine Blue model, with a beautiful blue dial that pairs perfectly with its pink gold case. Both models measure 42mm across and boast the ability to offer differing contrasts of colours depending on how the light hits the dial.
Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono ‘Cycling Edition’
- Brand: Tudor
- Model: Pelagos FXD Chrono
- Reference: M25827KN-0001
- Diameter: 43mm
- Movement: MT5813
- Water-Resistance: 100m
- Power Reserve: 70 hours
- Price: AUD$7,840
The Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono is a robust and versatile timepiece designed for professional divers and enthusiasts alike. Encased in lightweight titanium with a 43mm diameter, it offers exceptional durability while remaining comfortable on the wrist during extended wear. Equipped with the Tudor Calibre MT5813 automatic movement, the Pelagos FXD Chrono ensures reliable timekeeping even in the harshest conditions, with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.
Featuring a sleek and functional design, the Pelagos FXD Chrono boasts a clean black dial with bold luminous hour markers and hands, ensuring excellent legibility in low-light environments. Its chronograph function includes a 45-minute totaliser at 9 o’clock and a small seconds sub-dial at 3 o’clock, providing convenient timing capabilities for both diving and everyday use. With its combination of cutting-edge technology and classic design elements, the Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono stands as a reliable companion for adventurers both above and below the surface.
