Another week down, another round-up of all the latest watch drops in our regular series, The Wind Up. This week saw a plethora of new and exciting watch releases, including unveilings from Zenith, Glashütte Original and Breguet. However, the biggest news out of Switzerland, or in this case Germany, was the unveiling of A. Lange & Söhne’s esteemed Lange 1—released to commemorate 30 years since the original model’s inception. With that in mind, it’s time to take a deep dive into the watch world’s most promising new releases. Have a great week ahead.
Breguet’s New Platinum And Enamel Classique Models
Breguet unveiled two new platinum-clad and black enamel-dialled additions to its Classique family of watches. Somewhat unsurprisingly, they are absolutely exquisite. Both the Classique 5177 and the Classique 7787 are distinct yet wholly subdued timepieces that pay tribute to the maison’s innate ability to create timeless classics. The rich ‘Grand feu’ enamel dial faithfully reflects the techniques and watchmaking art that Breguet is renowned for, providing a rich contrast against the polished and shined finish of the case material.
With the Classique 5177 comes a sophisticated and understated dress watch with the finest of details apparent throughout. At 38mm in diameter, the piece perfectly lands in the sweet spot, with the slim design language carried throughout the piece, from the bezel and slender lugs to the knurled crown. Inside, this piece is powered by the 777 Q calibre, a movement that features a rhodium-plated 18-carat gold oscillating weight decorated with a hand-engraved “starry mosaic” motif and an exclusive design that echoes the words “Breguet special edition” engraved on the weight.
Conversely, the Classique 7787 provides some added complexity in the form of a moon phase and power reserve indicator, however both are indicative of each other. The moon phase is located at 12 o’clock, while the power reserve is fixed at 3 o’clock and can be read thanks to a particularly long and elegant hand.
Breguet Classique 5177
- Brand: Breguet
- Model: Classique 5177
- Reference: Ref. 5177PT/2N/9V601
- Diameter: 38mm
- Thickness: 8.8mm
- Calibre: Calibre 777 Q
- Power Reserve: 55 hours
- Water-Resistance: 30 metres
- Price: AUD$63,800
Breguet Classique 7787
- Brand: Breguet
- Model: Classique 7787
- Reference: Ref. 7787PT/2N/9VU
- Diameter: 39mm
- Thickness: 10.3mm
- Calibre: Calibre 591 DRL
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Water-Resistance: 30 metres
- Price: AUD$76,000
Zenith Defy Skyline Big Date Flyback Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition
- Brand: Zenith
- Model: Defy Skyline Big Date Flyback Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition
- Reference Number: 97.9500.3652/01.I001
- Diameter: 42mm
- Water Resistance: 100m
- Calibre: El Primero 3652
- Power Reserve: 60 hours
- Price: 22,200SGD (Limited to 70 pieces)
New from Zenith is the Defy Skyline Big Date Flyback Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition. Created to mark the 70th anniversary of the Singapore-based retailer, the Zenith Defy Skyline Big Date Flyback Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition boasts a big date and a flyback chronograph, a first for the collection.
At 42mm, the new Zenith release is on the larger side, however, the 47.4mm lug-to-lug distance does make it wear smaller, which is a big plus for heritage fans. The titanium case and bracelet extend to a metallic grey dial stamped with the star pattern that Zenith has become known for. Inside, you’ll also find the self-winding cal. 3652, a second-generation El Primero movement. It offers 60 hours of power reserve and beats at 36,000 beats per hour (5 Hz).
While the monochromatic look of the Defy Skyline Big Date Flyback Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition might not be for everyone, it really resonates with me, and with the added bonus of a big date, I can’t fault it.
A. Lange & Söhne Celebrates The Lange 1’s 30th Anniversary
The Lange 1 has turned the big three-oh. Which means celebratory pieces, no? Lange has released four beautiful new references to commemorate the occasion in two distinct models. The first is the Lange 1 30th Anniversary model, available in either a platinum or pink gold case (with a black onyx or navy blue dial, respectively), while the second is the Little Lange 1 30 Anniversary, which is offered in the same configuration.
The 38.5mm Lange 1 is perhaps the industry’s most coveted timepiece. Elegant in its design and backed by Lange’s unwavering commitment to fine horology movements, the watch is a fitting example of the German master’s success. The pink gold case undoubtedly stands out among the new releases, perfectly capturing the old-world charm that A. Lange & Söhne is revered for; however, I must say that Little Lange has really caught my eye.
At just 36.8mm in diameter, the tiny addition to the Lange 1 lineup feels like a fitting nod to the heritage design inspiration behind the collection. It is sharp and sleek but still bold enough to stand out on the wrist, particularly when you consider the ludicrously high-end finishing of the case.
All four references are powered by the same Calibre L121.1, which is a manually wound movement that powers the brand’s classic time display, power reserve and the much-talked-about ‘outsize date’ function. It boasts 72 hours of power reserve and is adorned with a stunning hand-engraved balance cock that isn’t unusual for Lange models, but it’s still worthy of note. The Lange 1 celebratory models will be released in a limited run of 300 pieces in each metal, while the Little Lange 1 will be released in a limited run of only 150 pieces, also in each metal.
A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1
- Brand: A. Lange & Söhne
- Model: Lange 1
- Reference: Ref. 191.062 (platinum, onyx) / Ref. 191.063 (pink gold, blue)
- Diameter: 38.5mm
- Thickness: 10mm / 9.8mm
- Movement: Lange L121.1
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Price: On request
A. Lange & Söhne Little Lange
- Brand: A. Lange & Söhne
- Model: Little Lange
- Reference: Ref. 181.062 (platinum, onyx, little) / Ref. 181.063 (pink gold, blue, little)
- Diameter: 36.8mm
- Thickness: 9.98mm / 9.5mm
- Movement: Lange L121.1
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Price: On request
