Accessible Excellence: Claude Meylan’s Automatic Tortue
Independent watchmaking often feels out of reach, but Claude Meylan changes that. Known for its bold Tortue collection, the brand offers standout design and technical creativity at CHF 5,500—far below the usual six-figure mark. This Tortue introduces an automatic movement to its 40mm rounded-rectangle case—a first. Previously manual-only, the collection pays homage to Vallée de Joux traditions while adding modern convenience. Famous for skeletonized movements, Claude Meylan cleverly conceals part of the automatic rotor behind a solid frame, keeping the center visually open. The rotor’s color matches the rest of the gray ETA 2892, preserving the aesthetic while delivering a 42-hour power reserve. This isn’t just a minor update—it’s a smart evolution that redefines accessible Swiss watchmaking with character and craft.
Breguet’s Golden Innovation: A Legacy Reimagined
For its 250th anniversary, Breguet introduces a proprietary alloy—Breguet gold. Created under new CEO Gregory Kissling, it blends gold, silver, copper, and palladium for a soft, luminous blond tone inspired by 18th-century watchmaking. Still 75% gold, the addition of palladium enhances hardness and color stability. The alloy supports intricate techniques like guilloché, engraving, and enameling, and is used throughout the watch—from case to movement. Kissling’s vision bridges heritage and modern metallurgy. By analyzing antique alloys, Breguet achieved a refined tone—neither too yellow nor red. The result is showcased in the Classique Souscription 2025, where Breguet gold gilds even the movement. Beyond looks, this new alloy reinforces Breguet’s pursuit of innovation rooted in history.
H. Moser & Cie. and Alpine: Redefining Collaboration
H. Moser & Cie. and Alpine go beyond surface branding with a true fusion of engineering in two standout pieces: the Streamliner Alpine Drivers Edition and Mechanics Edition. The Drivers Edition uses a skeletonized AgenGraphe movement from AGENHOR. Design cues—like V-shaped bridges and a rotor echoing an Alpine wheel—highlight racing inspiration. A flyback chronograph and anthracite finish round out this performance-focused watch. The Mechanics Edition takes a leap: a connected watch developed with Alpine F1 engineers. It displays GMT, split-seconds, a perpetual calendar, and F1-mode syncs key race data. With a blue fumé dial and discreet screen, it offers a year of battery life in time-only mode and coverage for six Grand Prix in connected mode. Sold together in a 200-piece limited set, these watches blend horology and performance like never before.
Precision by Design: Hublot Big Bang MECA-10 Concrete Jungle
The Big Bang MECA-10 Concrete Jungle captures New York’s raw energy through refined watchmaking. Inspired by Hublot’s Fifth Avenue boutique, the 44mm case is made of matte concrete—elevated with titanium accents and rubber details. Inside, the HUB1201 skeleton movement offers a 10-day power reserve with twin barrels and a rack-and-pinion indicator. Its architecture mirrors the city’s Brutalist aesthetic, visible through its open-worked design. Two interchangeable straps—a grey fabric and Hublot’s rubber—add versatility. Packaged in a box featuring NYC’s skyline, this third Concrete Jungle edition celebrates Hublot’s connection to the city and marks its new boutique opening in bold style.
Omega Railmaster Returns: An Unsung Hero Reimagined
Often in the shadow of its siblings, Omega’s Railmaster returns with four new editions honoring its 1957 roots. Designed for railway workers, the original featured anti-magnetic tech and rugged construction. The 2025 editions include grey or brown gradient dials, each with a leather strap or steel bracelet. At 38mm, they echo the original’s proportions, with luminescent hands and a classic look. Instead of a Faraday cage, modern Railmasters use Omega’s anti-magnetic Calibre 8806 with a silicon balance spring. Priced at CHF 5,200, it’s the most affordable entry into Omega’s iconic trilogy—marrying heritage and modern utility.
