Introducing A New Book About Chanel's Signature Watch

Rarely can a fashion house transition into watchmaking. The timepieces typically lack the design rigor and aesthetic beauty of the clothes, not to mention the technical sophistication to be considered a true watch lover's watch. But as with so much in the world, Chanel is an exception.

The brand has been making watches for almost 30 years now and has heavily invested in its manufacturing capabilities. It made clear that it means business when it launched Monsieur back in 2017 — this was Chanel's first dedicated mens watch, with a jumping hour no less. But the real cornerstone of Chanel's watch collection is the yachting-inspired J12. Watch Replicas 

The J12 celebrated its 20th birthday last year, and the maison continues to celebrate its importance with its latest book – Chanel J12 Eternal Instant, by Nicholas Foulkes. You may know Foulkes from his many contributions in the menswear and watch category, most notably for his incredible book on Patek Philippe (a must-own for anyone who cares about Patek). He strikes again with this beautiful editorial on Chanel and its iconic sportswatch through hundreds of gorgeous black-and-white photographs. Breitling Replica Watches 

While this isn't as in-depth as you might come to expect from Foulkes, it briefly reviews the history and the creation of Chanel's timepieces starting with the Premier in 1987 and ending with the most recent J12 releases. The book is beautiful, and so are the people inside it (lots of models). Page through it and you'll bear witness to the ideal integration of fashion and horology.

Introducing The IWC Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Edition 'Le Petit Prince'

Quick Take
The story of The Little Prince was dreamed up by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a national hero to the French, a beloved author to children, and a pioneering pilot to aviation enthusiasts. It turns out he'd have an impact on horology as well. IWC has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the Antoine de Saint Exupéry Youth Foundation, and today, the partnership has produced The Pilot's Watch Timezoner Edition "Le Petit Prince." Like many Le Petit Prince limited editions before it, the new watch is characterized by a sunray brushed midnight blue dial. It's cased in 46mm of stainless steel and features a ceramic bezel marked with cities in graduated time zones around the globe. Replica swiss watches

The IWC manufacture caliber 82760 is coupled to the bezel, so all one has to do to cycle through time zones is depress the bezel, and turn it to the desired city; the hour hand advances with it. Crossing the date line, the date cycles as well. This functionality occurs without stopping the movement. The caliber also features a 60-hour power reserve, and what IWC calls a "Pellaton winding system," a technology that's designed to reduce friction and wear by incorporating zirconium oxide ceramic components. The watch is limited to 1,500 examples.

Initial Thoughts

It's become a bit of a tradition for IWC to make a Le Petit Prince limited edition version of their popular pilot watch models. All feature a midnight blue dial and an engraving on the caseback of the little prince himself. In the case of the Timezoner, look through the display caseback to see a caricature of the little prince. The watch fits in nicely with IWC's other Le Petit Prince limited edition watches, and has the potential to strike a chord with enthusiasts in the same way The Big Pilot "Le Petit Prince" edition has. Replica Panerai 

My Watch Story A High School Bulova Accutron, A Father's Prized Pocket Watch, A 1969 Omega Chronostop, And More

Welcome to another installment of "My Watch Story," a video series starring HODINKEE readers and their most prized watches. The submissions continue to stream in, and we couldn't be happier to share them with the watch community. Today, we have five new stories submitted by Marc Cohn, John Cote, Rich Howe, Ben Parkhurst, and Steve Polevoi.

Feeling inspired, or just discovering this project? Please scroll down to the bottom of the page to learn how to submit your own video. But first, we hope you enjoy this installment of My Watch Story.

Marc Cohn And His Hamilton Khaki

Napa, CA-native Marc found this Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic early in his watch-collecting days – and at a price he couldn't refuse. He loves its big crown and display caseback, and says it's been a great companion that he can wear anywhere.swiss replica watches 

@MCUSA

John Cote And His Le Phare Pocket Watch

John, from Indianapolis, IN, is the son of a watch-collecting father – primarily pocket watches. In the late '80s, his father called him to say he'd found the watch he'd been looking for all his life – an 18k Le Phare minute repeater, but that the price was too steep. John managed to convince him otherwise.

@JohnC

Rich Howe And His Bulova Accutron

Rich, from Naperville, IL, received this Bulova Accutron for his high school graduation. It was hidden in storage for decades, but his wife recently found it, and he had it serviced and brought back to life. He says it now keeps great time, and that wearing it brings back memories from long ago.

Ben Parkhurst And His Omega Chronostop

U.K.-native Ben bought this 1969 Omega Chronostop from its original owner, a fellow space nut. Not only does Ben love it, but it also sparked a passion for horology in his girlfriend, who wears it often. He sold it at one point, but a week before he planned to propose to his girlfriend, the buyer asked if he wanted to buy it back – and Ben did just that.

@Mycasioforyoursub

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Steve Polevoi And His Seiko Lord Matic

Steve, from Campbell, CA, is the proud owner of a family heirloom – this Seiko Lord Matic. In 1972, during a trip to Japan, his parents bought this watch for Steve's grandfather. After his grandfather passed away, Steve inherited it – and wore it every day for a couple of decades. He plans on gifting it to his grandson.

@kamkiriad

Ready To Submit Your Own Watch Story? Here's How It Works
1. Pick one watch that is very special to you, and get your camera phone ready.

2. Record a video telling us your most interesting or meaningful story about your watch. Let's say 2-3 minutes is the sweet spot – if you go longer, that's okay. (And please remember to introduce yourself: your name and where you are from.)

3. Get creative, keep it clean, and have fun! Patek Philippe Replica

4. Take some photos on the wrist and a few shots of the watch so that we can proudly display them on our site. Horizontal, please.

5. To share your video and photos, you can either A) upload here; or B) upload to your preferred large file transfer service and send a link to

Introducing The Bulgari Octo Finissimo S Chronograph GMT

Quick Take
More big news from Bulgari as the brand has announced a new version of its well-received Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT. Eagle-eyed readers will have already caught the "S" found in this new model's name, and that's a major hint as the new Octo Finissimo S Chronograph GMT features a steel case and bracelet surrounding a new sunray blue dial with striking silver sub-dials.

Previously available in titanium (and given the Week On The Wrist treatment here), the original model was the thinnest mechanical chronograph in the world when it came out in March of 2019. As of today, there is a new brushed bad boy on the block and a few more changes to discover.

Initial Thoughts
This new model, which is reference 103467 for those who need it, is actually more different from the titanium ref. 103068 than you might expect. Sure, we have the satin-finished steel construction and a rather lovely blue dial, but that's not all.

While the original record-setting Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT is 42mm wide and just 6.9mm thick, this new steel example measures 43mm across and is 8.75mm thick. Alongside this increase in physical dimensions, we also find that the water resistance has grown from an acceptable 30 meters to a welcome 100 meters, and the steel model has lume on the markers and the hour and minute hand, which further establishes that the "S" might be for "sport" and not "steel."Swiss Replica Watch

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Thankfully, the movement is unchanged as the Octo Finissimo S Chronograph GMT will hit the market running with Bulgari's gorgeous and decidedly thin BVL 318. For those who didn't follow the original release, this movement is a huge piece of what allowed Bulgari to create such a remarkably thin chronograph. Despite supporting time, a 30-minute chronograph, and a 24-hour GMT display (with independent controls in the left case flank), the BVL 318 is just 3.3mm thick and boasts a peripheral winding rotor and 55 hours of power reserve.

While the original model established a starkly industrial feel (sandblasted titanium, monochromatic colorway), the S Chronograph GMT takes its own path with a slightly larger footprint, the sporty texture of brushed steel, and a more conventional dial design that is both familiar and distinct. Likewise, pricing is similar but also not identical, with the S Chronograph GMT hitting retailers in June of 2021 for $16,500 (vs. $17,600 for the established titanium version).Buy fake Rolex 

As the original model was a hit for Bulgari, it's of little surprise that they would continue to iterate upon the format. That said, only time will tell if the large sizing, increased water resistance, and more middle-of-the-road styling will help the Chronograph GMT find new wrists. Those pining for a somewhat more sporty take on the Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT have a few months to get their affairs in order.

Introducing The Hublot Classic Fusion Orlinski 40mm

Quick Take
Hublot occupies the space between street art and horology. The brand takes abstract concepts created by important modern artists and translates them into something that can be strapped on the wrist. Just have a look at the Cruz-Diez watch, or the Sang Bleu II to see how Hublot transmogrifies art into watches. The latest watch following this pattern comes from the mind of Richard Orlinski, a French sculptor who also dabbles in producing pop music. best replica watches 

The 40mm Classic Fusion is reimagined in an Orlinski-esque fashion, with a dial that reflects the faceted style found throughout his work. The specific tones of black and blue nod to colors he's been known to work with. The entire watch, aside from the movement, the crown, and the strap, is ceramic – it almost looks like it could have been sculpted as opposed to manufactured.

Initial Thought
The Classic Fusion came to define Hublot's unorthodox approach to what we now call "high-low" back in the '80s, when Carlo Crocco paired precious metal with a rubber strap. But the new Orlinski watch takes advantage of the Classic Fusion's clean design and adds just enough of his artistic touch in the form of a playful texture that it doesn't feel too on the nose or overbearing. This is Hublot, after all, and it's not known for making subtle watches, but the Orlinski has a stealthiness that adds to the appeal. The watch isn't a limited edition, either, which is typical for collaborations between Hublot and popular artists.

Inside is the HUB1100, a caliber that Hublot has used in watches produced in conjunction with Italian fashion house Berluti. It's based on the SW300-1 and finished by Hublot with an open rotor to take in views of the Swiss lever escapement. The indices and hands are highly polished and pop against the matte texture of the faceted ceramic. There's no luminous material present on the dial. Also absent is a date window, which appears on many other models of the Classic Fusion.Replica Cartier Watches 

This allows you to focus solely on the dial's fantastic facets.

Introducing The Zenith Chronomaster A385 Revival

Quick Take
Today, we've got something new for you. But I'll bet it looks familiar. It's the Zenith A385 Revival, a watch that follows in a steady stream of models paying homage to the first generation of Zenith El Primeros.Fake Watches

These revival pieces are nearly identical to the watches that Zenith used to launch its iconic movement, a caliber that remains, 52 years later, its most famous asset. But if looking at these Revival watches has reinforced anything in my mind, it's that even if Zenith is best known for one very special automatic chronograph movement, the company was doing some really fantastic watch design when El Primero launched.

With the A385, we have the same angular tonneau case shape as the A384 Revival, which you may remember from 2019. Where the A385 takes a turn is with its smoked out dial – the A384 has a more sober silver one with black sub-dials. Fumé dials like this one would go on to gain lots of traction in the Swiss watch industry and become a calling card of watches in the 1970s.

The new Chronomaster A385 Revival also marks the return of a beautiful ladder bracelet that we saw on the A384 Revival of two years ago. "Ladder," because of the gaps between the bracelet's central links. The original ladder bracelets of '69 were of course made by Gay Frères for Zenith, and have gone on, as with so much that the famed bracelet supplier did from this period, to have a cult following. If the bracelet isn't a must for you, you can save a bit of dough and instead buy the A385 Revival on a swell calfskin strap. It's nice and all, but if you're buying this watch, why not get the killer bracelet?

Initial Thoughts
Over the past two years, Zenith has revived the watches associated with its 1969 launch of the El Primero. Lest we forget, when the El Primero originally dropped, it came in a couple of case shapes – a conventional round one in the form of the famous A386 and an angular tonneau like what you see here – as well as with a handful of dial designs. More options followed, including a hulking "TV-style" square and the A781, A782 and A783, which to me are the ultimate 1970s El Primeros. They came on massive "lobster-style" bracelets.Panerai Replica Watches 

A Zenith document showing the original lineup of steel El Primeros.

But it's the angular tonneau of the original A384 and A385 that prefigured the Defy and the decade to come. The A385 also had the aforementioned smoke-out dial that would typify 1970s watchmaking in Switzerland. To my mind, the original A385 was a late-'60s watch with its eyes trained on the next decade. Another 1969 development, Seiko's quartz Astron, set in motion a series of events that would make the 1970s an incredibly difficult decade for Swiss mechanical watchmaking, but from a design standpoint, there was a lot of cool stuff going on.

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The A385 Revival is a period piece that transports me back to a time in watchmaking before I was born, but that must have been incredible to witness. The El Primero was one of three automatic chronographs launched in 1969 along with the cal. 11 and Seiko's 6139, though the only of them to have an integrated chronograph mechanism and a high-beat rate of 36,000 vph. It's also the only one you can still purchase new today, and with this new Revival, in a watch pretty much as it was originally conceived.

That's right. The watch we have here is substantively the same as the one that it honors. Sure, the movement has some technical enhancements, and there is an open caseback and a sapphire crystal, as well as modern non-radioactive lume. But squint and you'll see a late-'60s original looking right back at you.

Introducing The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Silver

Quick Take
Pilot watches from early last century have a very specific aesthetic that's difficult to stray from without breaking the link to early aviation. But Zenith's latest creation manages to sneak in a sterling silver case and dial – a first for Zenith.Cheap Replica Watches

Silver as a case material is quite rare, and when it is used in watchmaking, it's typically what's referred to as "fine silver," or 99.9% silver. Sterling silver rings in at 92.5% silver, and the remainder is another metal like copper or nickel. It's important to note, however, that sterling silver was commonly used in jewelry and even silverware in the early 1900s, so thematically, it's the perfect choice for a watch that's meant to evoke the era of Louis Blériot, who famously flew across the English Channel for the first time ever in 1909 with a Zenith watch strapped to his wrist.

Initial Thoughts

The aluminum panels of vintage aircraft are held together using rivets, which are excellent at not only fastening two pieces of metal together, but also at absorbing shear on the body of the airplane. The dial of this watch borrows the look of rivets dotting a classic aircraft's lustrous aluminum panels. While it might be on the nose for a watch named "Pilot," it certainly lends an interesting visual element and a bit of unexpected character. At 45mm, this is a large watch – and it takes a certain character to pull it off.

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Inside the sterling silver case is the El Primero caliber 4069, a movement that's infrequently used, but that fits the application perfectly. Why? Well the lack of a date, of course (watches didn't have date complications until later than 1909). On the caseback, there's an engraving honoring Zenith's tight-knit relationship with aviation – after all, this is the brand that holds the trademark on the name "Pilot" for a watch. Hublot Replica Watches