VintageVDB 2013 Military GREEN

By TLex Vintage-VDB have released a special series of the VDB 2013, known as VDB 2013 Military Green. They have been produced in a series of just 40 watches. Special features include; a military green dial with a prominent orange seconds indicator and a white vintage frogman silhouette.



The frogan motif is repeated again as an engraving on the caseback along with the watch's number / 40. Included with the watch are two handmade VDB handmade, a rubber VDB divers strap plus a handmade VDB key-chain.



Price: 1790�. More information can be found about the watch on the new VDB FORUM.

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VISCONTI Scuba Abyssus 3000M [continuation of a Florentine dive watch legacy]

By TLex What happens when an Italian maker of fine writing instruments turns their hand to extreme diving watches? Something extraordinary, that's what; and this is the result, the Scuba Abyssus 3000M from Visconti.

The Florentine brand are best known for creating beautifully crafted high-end; ballpoint, roller and fountain pens. Not only are Visconti�s writing instruments exquisite, they have been used for the signing of some important documentation over the years.



One such document was for the 2010 centenary of the Mus�e Oc�anographique de Monaco, which incidentally was where HUBLOT first unveiled their extreme diver, the Oceanographic 4000M. Suffice to say, this could have been where the first seeds of the Scuba Abyssus were planted!?? I digress! ;)

The exact details of the watch�s conception are unknown to me (at this stage), but what I do know, is that when Visconti�s Florentine neighbor, ANONIMO were sadly taken over, some of the engineers went to work with Visconti, subsequently working on the Scuba Abyssus. They also continued to work closely (as they did when they were at Anonimo) with the CNS, Italy's National Diver Centre; only this time, it was for the development of a Visconti diver; hence the �CNS International� logo at 6 o�clock on its dial in recognition of their cooperation.



The Scuba Abyssus features what is known as a monobloc-case, which means that it doesn�t have a removable caseback, so that the movement, dial and the rest of the watch�s inner-workings are loaded through the top of the case. One main advantage of a monobloc-case, is that it eliminates one of the watch�s most venerable entry point, thus increasing the possibility for a higher level of water-resistance.



The Scuba Abyssus� monobloc case, which measures 45mm x 17.5mm is fitted with a 5mm thick Sapphire crystal, a Helium escape valve and a saw-tooth edged ratcheting, rotational divers bezel (the top of which is a little too reminiscent of Clerc's Hydroscaph for me) � as well two new divers watch safety features: a locking mechanism for its divers bezel (switch at 4 o�clock) and a second locking system for the crown. Patents are pending for both innovations.



The case will be available in three materials, each available in Limited Editions of 399 pieces: Bronze ref. W108-01-131-00, Stainless steel ref. W108-00-123-00 and Titanium ref. W108-02-132-00.

Further features of the Scuba Abyssus 3000M include: Visconti�s signature skeleton-ized lugs and a bronze 'Abyssus' name plate. The lug design is said to echo that of a famous Florentine bridge - it should save a little weight, too. Power comes by way of a Soprod A10-2 Swiss made automatic movement. Its features include a power-reserve indicator, seen at 12 o�clock on the dial.



So what are we to make of the Scuba Abyssus? For those of you that have been craving something new and original � voil�! For those of us that have been left hanging after Anonimo were taken over � there is still hope in Visconti, who are set to take on the mantle. Yes, there's a hell of a lot going on design-wise, it�s unrestrained to say the least, but it is an incredibly technical looking device, which in many ways epitomizes a diving instrument.

And what it does bring, is a much needed sense of drama that is sadly lacking in world of homogenized divers. I for one love it, but am sure that many will find it an acquired taste. Finally, there is no question that its build is going to be of an exceptional quality and that its price-tag is going to be equally exceptional. 

So far the Scuba Abyss hasn't finished production and nothing official has been released yet, so stay tuned for more soon . . .

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MAURICE LACROIX Pontos S FC Barcelona SE

By TLex Any Bar�a fans out there?! Swiss watchmaker, Maurice Lacroix, who are an official club sponsor of FC Barcelona (one of the world's biggest football clubs and most famous global footballing brands) have released a series of watches with the FC Bar�a logo and blue and red club colors.



With its three year partnership and the football season already underway, an exclusively designed FC Barcelona Special Edition of the Pontos S will be available from FC Barcelona shops and official Maurice Lacroix retailers from October. It will come on either; a striking NATO strap in FC Bar�a colors or with a Stainless steel divers bracelet.



Specifications of the watch are as the original PONTOS S: a 43mm Stainless steel case with an anti-reflective coated Sapphire crystal, an internal timing bezel, and a water-resistance to 200 meters. The watch is powered by a Swiss made, automatic ML caliber 112 (base ETA Valjoux 7750) with 25 jewels, beating at 28,800 vph, and with a power reserve of 46 hours.

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EXPENDABLES 3 The WATCHES

By TLex The third installment of 'The Expendables' has already hit the big screen; so what's on everyone's wrist?



The first two films saw members of the Expendables mercenary team equipped with Panerai's.



For Expendables 2, the cast were once again sporting PAMs, only these were BRONZOs.



This time round the Expendables cast mixes it up a little with models from Brietling, Panerai, Richard Mille and U-BOAT.



As we discovered HERE, Sylvester Stallone wore his 140,000USD RM32 in Ti by Richard Mille.



Arnold Schwarzenegger went for his wabi sabi style, UNICUM U-42 from U-BOAT.



Arnie wore his U-1942 for the premier; however his most recent acquisition is his bespoke VintageVDB AS - THE ONE.



Kelsey Grammer also went for a U-Boat, and looks like he's wearing a Classico in 18k Gold.



Expendables' 3 Paneristi included: Dolph Lundgren, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Randy Couture and Terry Crews � who all were models such as the PAM 389.



UFC fighter, Ronda Rousey can be seen wearing the Snyper One Grey PVD.



Mel Gibson wore what looks like a first generation Breitling Super Avenger. Here's the new SUPER Avenger II. 



Nothing has been spotted on the wrist's of Antonio Banderas, Harrison Ford or Wesley Snipes.



I haven't actually seen the film yet, so am only going by posters and screenshots. If you have any more info, feel free to drop me a line ;)

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BREITLING Colt LADY 2014

By TLex Breitling has redesigned its Colt collection for 2014. The new Colt�s design harks back to 80s Colt that was purpose-built for the military and so is, once again a more simple and understated watch.



The new Colt comes in a range of four models; two sizes � 3 x 44mm or 1 x 33mm. There are four movements - a C.O.S.C certified automatic mechanical movement or one of three C.O.S.C certified, thermocompensated SuperQuartz calibers, which are said to be ten times more accurate than a standard quartz!



This is the Colt Lady, which is powered by the Breitling Caliber 77, a C.O.S.C certified, thermocompensated SuperQuartz with a battery end-of-life indicator and a calendar. Its 33mm case is in steel and is water-resistant to 200m (660 ft).



It features: a large screwdown crown with side reinforcements, a unidirectional ratcheted rotational divers bezel (option for gem-setting) and a Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides.The dial with its fine circular raised motif is available in either: Volcano black, Mariner blue or Stratus silver. Straps include: a steel bracelet, a leather band, a rubber Ocean Racer or a rubber Diver Pro/Professional.

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BREITLING Colt QUARTZ 2014

By TLex Breitling has redesigned its Colt collection for 2014. The new Colt�s design harks back to 80s Colt that was purpose-built for the military and so is, once again a more simple and understated watch.



The new Colt comes in a range of four models; two sizes � 3 x 44mm or 1 x 33mm. There are four movements - a C.O.S.C certified automatic mechanical movement or one of three C.O.S.C certified, thermocompensated SuperQuartz calibers, which are said to be ten times more accurate than a standard quartz!



This is the Colt Quartz which is powered by the three hands Breitling Caliber 74, a C.O.S.C certified, thermocompensated SuperQuartz with a battery end-of-life indicator and a calendar.



Its 44mm case is in steel and is water-resistant to 200m (660 ft). It features: a large screwdown crown with side reinforcements, a unidirectional ratcheted rotational divers bezel and a Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides.



The dial with its fine circular raised motif is available in either: Volcano black, Mariner blue or Stratus silver. Straps include: a steel bracelet, a leather band, a rubber Ocean Racer or a rubber Diver Pro/Professional.

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BREITLING Colt CHRONO 2014

By TLex Breitling has redesigned its Colt collection for 2014. The new Colt�s design harks back to 80s Colt that was purpose-built for the military and so is, once again a more simple and understated watch.



The new Colt comes in a range of four models; two sizes � 3 x 44mm or 1 x 33mm. There are four movements - a C.O.S.C certified automatic mechanical movement or one of three C.O.S.C certified, thermocompensated SuperQuartz calibers, which are said to be ten times more accurate than a standard quartz!



This is the Colt Chronograph, which is powered by the Breitling Caliber 73, a C.O.S.C certified, thermocompensated SuperQuartz with a fast time-zone adjustment, a 1/10th of a second chronograph, 60-minute and 12-hour totalizers with split times (split-second hand) and a calendar.



Its 44mm case is in steel and is water-resistant to 200m (660 ft). It features: a large screwdown crown with side reinforcements, a unidirectional ratcheted rotational divers bezel and a Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides.



The dial with its fine circular raised motif is available in either: Volcano black, Mariner blue or Stratus silver. Straps include: a steel bracelet, a leather band, a rubber Ocean Racer or a rubber Diver Pro/Professional.

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BREITLING Colt AUTO 2014

By TLex Breitling has redesigned its Colt collection for 2014. The new Colt�s design harks back to 80s Colt that was purpose-built for the military and so is, once again a more simple and understated watch, but is it any better?

The new Colt comes in a range of four models; two sizes � 3 x 44mm or 1 x 33mm. There are four movements - a C.O.S.C certified automatic mechanical movement or one of three C.O.S.C certified, thermocompensated SuperQuartz calibers, which are said to be ten times more accurate than a standard quartz!



The most noticeable change comes from its new bezel, which features engraved hour-markers and Breitling�s signature four rider tabs, so that it looks just like any other bezel from Breitling�s aeronautic collections. The ergonomically designed 2011 bezel was always a bit of an oddball. So there�s an improvement there.



However, the Colt�s water-resistance has been slashed from a very respectable 500 meters / 300 meters (chrono) to 200 meters across the new 2014 Colt�s entire range � why?! I thought updated collections were supposed to be upgraded not downgraded.



This is the Colt Automatic, which is powered by the Breitling Caliber 17, a C.O.S.C certified automatic mechanical movement with a high-frequency of w28,800 vph, 25 jewels and a calendar.



Its 44mm case is in steel and is water-resistant to 200m (660 ft). It features: a large screwdown crown with side reinforcements, a unidirectional ratcheted rotational divers bezel and a Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides.



The dial with its fine circular raised motif is available in either: Volcano black, Mariner blue or Stratus silver. Straps include: a steel bracelet, a leather band, a rubber Ocean Racer or a rubber Diver Pro/Professional.

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MIDO Multifort Chronograph CALIBER 60

By TLex This is the new Multifort Chronograph Caliber 60, housing a Swatch Group exclusive caliber (ETA A05H31 base) that boasts up to 60 hours of power reserve. It has been made in celebration of the 80th year of Multifort production, drawing inspiration from the Sydney Harbor Bridge that was completed in 1934, the same year that the first Multifort was produced.



The watch features a satin-finished and polished 316L Stainless steel case, measuring 44mm in diameter. Additionally there is a black PVD steel case, with a black dial and touches of blue on its bezel and hands. The case is fitted with a Sapphire crystal exhibition caseback affording a view of the Caliber 60 automatic movement, decorated with blued screws and Geneva stripes. The case is fitted with no less than 5 crowns and pushers!



The crown at 3 o�clock is for time-setting and winding while the one at 8 o�clock is for adjustment of the internal divers bezel. The two chrono-pushers at 2 o�clock and 4 o�clock activate the chronograph functions, while the pushers at 10 o�clock enable quick-setting of the date. These five crowns and pushers are all screwed down.




The dial is available in either; anthracite, black or silver. It is decorated with vertical Geneva stripes and dots recalling the suspension cables and rivets of the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge. It is fitted vertical satinated and nickel-plated hands applied with white and orange SuperLumiNova. Two counters are positioned at 9 o�clock and 3 o�clock. A date window is at 6 o�clock.



Divers features of the watch include: an inner rotating divers bezel with an elapsed dive-time scale marked out in SuperLumiNova, an anti-reflective Sapphire crystal, treated on both sides and and a water-resistance up to a pressure of 20 bars (200 m / 660 ft). It is also equipped with a Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp and a divers extension.

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Titoni SEASCOPER

By TLex Here's something new from Titioni (it's been a while). The Seascoper, Titoni say is based on the company�s historic diver from the 70s and is a revival of its �diver heritage�. Really?!



Sure they�ve retained the cool Seascoper name (I like that), but that�s about it. The 70s Seascoper that is referred to on Titoni�s news page has this really cool case. There�s one on eBay (check it out); � where�s that?!



None of the 70s design elements are recalled on the new dial, either. Basically it has none of the charm and character of the original and looks like a hundred other dive watches. If you�re gonna use words like, heritage and revival � at least back them up with something!



Okay, rant over, so what does the new Seascoper offer? The dial is offered in either black or white. It is decorated with 12 framed luminous hours markers, luminous hour and minute hands, and an arrowhead seconds pointer. A date indicator can be seen at 3 o�clock.



It�s 41.5mm case is in Stainless steel. Divers features include: a scratch resistant anti-reflective Sapphire crystal, a unidirectional divers bezel (blue or red) and a screwdown crown with either a red or blue crown stem to match the bezel.



Water resistance is 200m / 20atm. It is presented on either a solid steel bracelet or a black �Seascoper� embossed rubber divers strap with a single fold over buckle with pushers. And that's about it. It's nowhere near as interesting as the 70s model that is was supposedly based on!

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