This Week in Watches: October 12, 2019
It’s This Week in Watches for October 12, 2019 and there’s loads of news to share.
Hi there, watch lovers and welcome to This Week in Watches. We’ve got quite a bit of news this week so let’s quit the chit-chat and get into it.
Seiko Prospex LX Line Limited Edition
Seiko brought us two new LX divers that will come out in November. Fitted with calibre 5R65 Spring Drive movements, each of the watches will be made in limited editions of just 200 pieces each. First up is the reference SNR041J1 with what Seiko is calling a “violet gold” Ceramet bezel and brown dial. The watch features a titanium bracelet. Next up is the reference SNR043J1 which contains a “platinum” Ceramet bezel and black dial. The case is also coated in black and comes on a black silicone strap. At 44.8mm in diameter, these aren’t small watches, but they feature characteristics that collectors love such as Zaratsu polishing. Seiko didn’t indicate price, but with LX’s coming in around the 6,100 Euro level, I’d guess that these won’t be too far off the mark. For more information, visit the official Seiko site.
Oris Movember Edition 2019
Oris introduced its 2019 Movember Edition just in time for the annual event that benefits men’s mental health and we’re happy to feature it on This Week in Watches. This year, they chose the Chronoris as the basis for the watch and I think it’s a gorgeous piece. With gold and orange highlights on a black dial, it’s a little dressier than the normal Chronoris. The 39mm stainless watch is available on leather strap with the Movember logo between the stitches for 1,900 CHF or stainless steel bracelet for 2,100 Euros. Both will come with a striped NATO and pouch. More on the watches can be found on the official Oris site.
Grand Seiko Heritage Collection L.E.
Next up on This Week in Watches… Grand Seiko followed its Seiko counterparts by releasing a limited edition model of its own. With an ode to Autumn and a lovely dial that is meant to evoke thoughts of traditional Japanese wooden floors reflecting the leaves. The 39.5mm stainless reference SBGH269 contains the hi-beat automatic calibre 9S85. Grand Seiko will make 900 of these and they should be available now. Pricing will be 6800 and you can take a much closer look on the official Grand Seiko site.
Grand Seiko Elegance Collection
Grand Seiko also showed us two new “normal” additions to its Elegance Collection and, hot diggity, these are lovely. We took a look at this collection back in February when it debuted and came away impressed with the 39mm case, slim 11.6mm height and new hand wound 9S63 movement. The collection debuted with limited models and a regular model in gold.
Now, Grand Seiko brings us two serial production pieces – one in black (SBGK009) on bracelet and one in white (SBGK007) on a black crocodile strap. These are gorgeous…there’s just not much else to add. Regarding pricing, we didn’t receive word, but the limited stainless piece with an exotic dialretails for 7,400 Euros so use that as a relative guide.
Zenith El Primero Limited Editions
Well, This Week in Watches for…this week…seems to be all about limited editions. Zenith showed us two limited edition pieces. One is a Bamford tie-in called the Radar that looks back on the brand’s A3818 model from the 70’s that was notable for its pyramid shaped seconds hashes between the minute markers. The 42mm stainless piece is made as a boutique-only edition of 50 and contains the El Primero 400 B chronograph movement. Zenith has information on its official site.
Next up is a limited edition of 24 pieces for The Fine Watch Club in Geneva based on the A386 re-editions that were shown this year in celebration of the El Primero’s 50th Anniversary. The stainless steel watch appears to be sold out already, but it’s definitely a different play on the normal Zenith colors. With a tobacco colored dial and turquoise accents, it’s striking and kind of a cool take. More can be found here.
RJ Watches x Joker
And finally on This Week in Watches, we close with quite a different watch: the RJ Watches x Joker Limited Edition. The 45mm titanium-cased watch comes with an automatic chronograph and is water resistant to 100 meters. But that’s not why you’re looking at this 15,200 Euro flight of fancy is it? No, you’re checking out the bezel with little Jokers all over it, the Batman logo quick-release buttons on the sides of the lugs to switch from either green or purple alligator to rubber, or the dial that’s meant to remind one of the character’s face.
The watch even comes with a special set of playing cards! It’s wild, but if you’re going to go, go with a smile! More information can be found on the official RJ Watches site.
Folks, that’s all for This Week in Watches – enjoy your weekend!
