Welcome to This Week in Watches for July 4, 2020 the Independence Edition. Today, the USA celebrates its independence from the UK. And the UK? Today, the pubs reopen! Who knows which will cause bigger fireworks, but we wish you all well. Now, let’s get into some news.

Yema Flygraf Pilot 2

Yema Flygraf Pilot

Speaking of independence, Yema is a company on its own that’s doing some great things. We’ve got an early scoop on a new release from them called the Flygraf Pilot. Firstly, the 39mm three-hander has a 24 hour inner ring and boasts 990 feet of water resistance. Then, Yema equips the watch with its in-house MBP1000 automatic under either a black or grey matte dial.

Yema Flygraf Pilot 1

I really like the dial details and the fact that the 24 hour portion looks like it’s on a separate piece. Also, the vertical brushing looks dramatic and a bit different than a lot of pilot style watches. Best of all, the Flygraf Pilot will be priced at $690. Visit the Yema site this coming week for more details.  Well done!

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 1

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph

During independence week, Audemars Piguet sent us word of three new additions to its Royal Oak Offshore line. These are 44mm ceramic chronographs with the exception of one piece with rose gold additions. One comes in blue, one in green and the gold piece is combined with grey.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 2

All come on a rubber strap and use the AP Calibre 3126 / 3840 Manufacture. Essentially, that’s an in-house movement with a Dubois-Depraz chronograph module. The gold model comes in at €44,700 and the full ceramics price at €36,300. Head to AP for more information.

Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor Squelette Manufacture-Only Carbonium Edition

Romain Gauthier Insight Micro-Rotor Squelette

I guess there’s no better way to proclaim 15 years of independence than to release an amazing new watch. Romain Gauthier sent info on its new Insight Micro-Rotor Squelette and it’s a stunner. This is essentially a stripped down automatic with over 250 hours of hand finishing to the in-house movement. The titanium bridges and mainplate contrast well with blue hands and details. Gauthier will offer this watch in a 39.5mm edition in titanium or precious metals. The watch you see here, though, is a 42mm version made of Carbonium — a lightweight carbon composite. Pricing comes in at CHF 155,000. Head to Romain Gauthier for more information.

That’s all for this week — enjoy your weekend whether you’re celebrating or not!