Watch-News Briefing: Mechanical Timepieces with a Sophisticated, Minimalist Design
No, this isn’t about the so-called “dress watch” that everyone keeps talking about. It’s actually about simple design with that certain something.
We simply set aside the size requirements typically associated with a dress watch—after all, both men and women can and want to look simply elegant even without a shirt, blouse, suit, or business attire.
Edifice: EFK-200
Casio is expanding its EFK-100 mechanical watch collection, which was introduced a year ago. Following the Seiko (TMI) NH35 automatic movement, the EFK-200 now features a Miyota automatic movement that ensures the precise operation of the hour, minute, and second hands, as well as the date display. It is visible through the glass case back. The case size has also been reduced from 40 or 39 to 38 millimeters. Variants are available in stainless steel, stainless steel with an IP gold coating, and forged carbon. The latter is also used for two dials, while three others feature color gradients. casio.com
Model: EFK-200
Movement: Miyota 5766, automatic, 42-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date
Case: Stainless steel, stainless steel with IP gold plating, or forged carbon, 38 x 11.9 mm, water-resistant to 10 bar
Bracelet: Stainless steel or resin with a folding clasp
MSRP: €299, €369, or €449
Raymond Weil: A.R.T.
With the A.R.T., the Swiss brand Raymond Weil presents its first watch with an integrated bracelet. The 38-millimeter model is available in various versions: The dials in sage gray, metallic blue, and graphite are paired with steel bracelets or two-tone bracelets. raymond-weil.com
Model: A.R.T.
Movement: RW4200, automatic, 41-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date
Case: Stainless steel, 38 x 9.95 mm, water-resistant to 10 bar
Bracelet: Stainless steel with a folding clasp
MSRP: €1,995 or €2,095
IWC Schaffhausen: Ingenieur Automatic 35
In 1976, the legendary Geneva-based artist and watch designer Gérald Genta created the “Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832,” featuring a purist design language and a striking presence. Even half a century later, it has lost none of its appeal. IWC Schaffhausen is now presenting a new version of the “Ingenieur Automatic 35” with a dial in the new aquatic shade “Pool” and a grid pattern of fine lines and squares. iwc.com
Model: Ingenieur Automatic 35
Movement: 47110, automatic, 42-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date
Case: Stainless steel, 35 x 9.4 mm, water-resistant to 10 bar
Bracelet: Stainless steel with a butterfly clasp
MSRP: €11,300
Junghans: Meister S Automatic
The sporty and versatile Meister S is always a perfect fit—whether at work, at the gym, or at a restaurant. Available in two sizes—36 and 40.5 millimeters—and featuring two dial options in ice blue and polished silver, this duo offers the perfect fit for wrists of all sizes and complements any outfit. junghans.de
Model: Meister S Automatic
Movement: J800.4 or J800.1, automatic, 38-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, day of the week and date, or date
Case: Stainless steel, 40.5 x 13 or 36 x 11.3 mm, water-resistant to 20 or 10 bar
Bracelet: Stainless steel with a safety folding clasp
MSRP: €1,990 or €1,590
Presage: Cocktail Time
As is well known, the models in Seiko’s Presage line are inspired by sophisticated cocktails. The new timepieces on the Presage collection capture a familiar moment: a drink in the spotlight at the bar, ice in the glass, light streaming down from above. It is precisely this interplay that is now reflected on the dials of the new Emerald Mist, Mint Mist, and Whiskey Mist models. The finishes are inspired by crushed ice and make the dials appear different depending on the viewing angle. This effect is enhanced by the color gradient in the upper section of the dials. seikowatches.com
Model: Cocktail Time
Movement: 4R35, automatic, 41-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date
Case: Stainless steel, 38.5 x 11.8 mm, water-resistant to 5 bar
Strap: Stainless steel or leather with a folding clasp and quick-release system
MSRP: 490 €
Sternglas: Naos Automatic
With the new “Piano Black” color variant, the Hamburg-based watch brand Sternglas adds a new dimension of depth to the “Naos Automatic.” It is the perfect counterpart to the white version and a natural complement to the colored models. The deep black, glossy dial is reminiscent of the elegant look of piano lacquer. sternglas.de
Model: Naos Automatic
Movement: Miyota 8215, automatic, 42-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date
Case: Stainless steel, 38 x 12 mm, water-resistant to 5 bar
Strap: Leather with quick-release system
MSRP: €399
Louis Erard: 2340
The Swiss brand has introduced two new dial variations for its first model with an integrated bracelet: “Mauve,” featuring a softly glowing, elongated pill pattern, and “Forest,” with a graphic, horizontal line pattern. louiserard.com
Model: 2340
Movement: Sellita SW300-1, automatic, 56-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Central Second Hand
Case: Titanium/stainless steel, 41.5 x 8.95 mm, water-resistant to 5 bar
Bracelet: Stainless steel with a folding clasp
MSRP: 3,250 CHF (excl. VAT)
Blancpain: Villeret Ultraplate
With a new diameter of 38 millimeters, the new “Villeret Ultraplate” is designed to fit a wide range of wrist sizes. These watches can be adorned with the equally new salmon-colored sunburst dial. blancpain.com
Model: Villeret Ultraplate
Movement: 1150, automatic, 56-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date
Case: Stainless steel, 38 x 8.35 mm, water-resistant to 3 bar
Strap: Nubuck leather with a folding clasp and interchangeable strap system
MSRP: €11,200
