Christmas Swiss Watches - Part Three

Some of the finest Swiss brands have eventually released their end-of-the-year models. Please enjoy below a selection from the most representative brands.

ORIS Oris Challenge International de Tourisme 1932

From August 12th to 28th 1932, Berlin throbbed to the distinctive sounds of the aircraft taking part in the daunting race organised by the FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale or World Air Sports Federation): the International Tourist Plane Challenge. Pilots vied with each other in three types of competition – technical, rally-type and speed tests – in an overall contest won by Franciszek Zwirko of Poland. Oris now pays tribute to this legendary team by offering the Oris Challenge International de Tourisme 1932. The knurled bezel vividly recalls its connection with the Big Crown collection of models dedicated to aviation. In a nod to the aircraft starting number in the race, the counterweight of the central seconds hand carries a small 08, and the caseback features the silhouette of the RWD-6 as well as an engine-turned decorative motif. Its understated vintage look evokes a glorious past in which performances were as much due to mechanical engineer as to the heroism of the protagonists. The presentation book also features a certificate and a Zipp cigarette-lighter that will bring back plenty of memories for those who feel nostalgic for this wonderful era. 1,923-piece limited edition.

Movement Automatic, Calibre SW 200, 26 jewels, 28,800 vib/h, 38-hour power reserve Functions Hours, minutes, seconds and date Case Steel, 44 mm Screw-lock crown and knurled bezel Cambered sapphire crystal, front and back with anti-reflective coating on the inside Caseback engraved with the limited-edition number and the outline of the RWD-6 plane, engine-turned décor Water-resistant to 100 m / 10 ATM Dial Black Polished applied numerals Superluminova-coated hands and hourmarkers Seconds hand with counterweight adorned with a 06 Date at 3 o’clock Bracelet/Strap Dark brown leather with steel buckle

CUERVO Y SOBRINOS Historiador Retrogrado

Swiss-Made but Latin through and through! The Historiador Retrogrado is the quintessential Cuervo y Sobrinos timepiece, when 1940s Havana meets centuries of watchmaking expertise. Each model becomes an expression of this uniquely individual and eclectic style. The form of the Historiador Retrogrado case takes us back to a watch which the brand made early in its history, while the name is inspired by its functions of day indicator and retrograde date. The pink gold-plated case houses an automatic movement while the traditional "Clous de Paris" decoration of the dial makes an elegant counterpoint to the blued "Breguet" style hands. This is a statement watch for a gentleman of character and sophistication who will never compromise on style or performance. Available from February 2013.

Movement Automatic, calibre CyS 240, 30 jewels, 11½ lines, 42-hour power reserve, CyS logo engraved on the rotor Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, day, retrograde date and power-reserve indicator Case 5N pink gold, 40 mm Double curved sapphire crystal, anti-reflective on both sides Water-resistant to 30 m / 3 ATM Dial Silvered, "Clous de Paris" guilloché centre inside a circular satin finish surround Applied CyS logo at 12 o'clock Retrograde date at 3 o'clock Power-reserve indicator at 6 o'clock Bracelet/Strap Brown alligator with 5N pink gold-plated steel buckle

Source: www.swisstime.ch