New releases from Minase, Bremont, Konstantin Chaykin × Behrens and more

Pietro Pilla

It’s been almost a full selection of independent releases in this edition! Emerging brands are working hard to be present in these slow weeks when most of the industry is on vacation. But they are not (and we are not), so have a look at what the past seven days have to offer: an ice blue Japanese watch with complex finishing (that’s not a Grand Seiko!), the return of a British classic and the unveiling of a black and red carbon model as part of a joint venture. Discover them all and enjoy the reading!

Minase Uruga Ice Blue Edition

• Who said the research for the best summer watch was over? These frosty Urugas are worthy contenders, too.
• Japanese brand Minase introduces a wavy ice blue dial in both 31mm and 42mm sizes.
• The complex construction of the case allows for different finishes, with alternating polished and brushed areas.
• Price: US$7,100.

Learn more about the Minase Uruga Ice Blue Edition here.

Bremont MB Meteor Orange Barrel

• Bremont announces the reintroduction of the MB Meteor model with the very recognisable orange mid case.
• This release marks the celebration of Bremont’s 16-year partnership with Martin-Baker, the British ejection seat manufacturer.
• The colourful barrel is constructed from grade 2 titanium, and it’s then coated with a ceramic finish developed by Cerakote.
• Price: from £4,600.

Learn more about the Bremont MB Meteor Orange Barrel here.

Konstantin Chaykin × Behrens Kremlin Edition

• The successful partnership between Behrens and Chaykin gets another addition in the new Kremlin Edition.
• While the hour and minute are the typical Wristmon execution, the case is crafted from grey-black carbon with crimson flecks.
• This is a limited edition of 99 pieces and is available exclusively at the flagship Konstantin Chaykin boutique in GUM, Moscow.
• Price: to be confirmed.

Learn more about the Konstantin Chaykin × Behrens Kremlin Edition here.

Atelier Wen Ancestra Jiāo

• Atelier Wen combines complex case construction, enamelling, and gem setting in its latest collection.
• The French-Chinese brand goes all out, with a grand feu-enamelled dial made by Kong Lingjun’s workshops, where first the 925 silver blank is hand-hammered and then topped with a vignette of hard enamel.
• Case construction and hands are pretty complex as well, with rounded, brushed sides on the case and scalloped edges and a hammered top on the feuille-shaped hands.
• Price: CHF 4,800.

Learn more about the Atelier Wen Ancestra Jiāo here.

Swatch Destination Art Australia Tirrike

• Swatch’s latest Destination Art watch sees the brand team up with Merindah-Gunya (Bayley Mifsud), a Melbourne-based Aboriginal artist.
• Called Tirrike (meaning “place”), the watch pays tribute to the natural beauty of Melbourne, resplendent in Merindah-Gunya’s characteristically colourful patterns.
• Like previous Destination Art models, which are all market exclusives, it’s only available in Australian Swatch boutiques or online.
• Price: AU$175.

Learn more about the Swatch Destination Art Australia Tirrike here.

Glashütte Original Seventies ‘X’ Chronograph

• Glashütte Original has unveiled their first-ever North America exclusive watch, a special edition of the ultra-cool Seventies Chronograph.
• Limited to just 100 pieces, the Seventies “X” Chronograph takes inspiration from the renowned architecture, fashion and culture of the US in the 1970s.
• Presented in the retro TV-style shape, the muted panda dial references watches of the past, with a subtle detail celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Seventies Chronograph range.
• Price: US$17,900.

Learn more about the Glashütte Original Seventies ‘X’ Chronograph here.

Hanhart Aquasphere Ocean Fade

• Hanhart expands the Aquasphere collection with the new Ocean Fade, bringing a gradient blue dial and new straps.
• The brawny 42mm case is water-resistant to 300 metres, certified by the ISO-equivalent DIN 8310 standard.
• Available with a choice of three different straps, the Aquasphere Ocean Fade starts at €1,490, powered by a Soprod automatic.
• Price: from €1,490.

Learn more about the Hanhart Aquasphere Ocean Fade here.

ArtyA Purity Curvy HMS Mirror Titanium

• Artya reaches an almost architectural level in the case of their latest Purity project in titanium.
• The “Stairway to Heaven” escapement designed for the Curvy case now becomes hand-wound.
• The watch beats at 4 Hz, and regulation is carried out traditionally to ensure optimal precision, with the balance’s inertia finely tuned using peripheral weights.
• Price: from CHF 27,900.

Learn more about the ArtyA Purity Curvy HMS Mirror Titanium here.

Breitling Navitimer Automatic 36 UK Special Edition

• Breitling unveils its latest iteration of the iconic Navitimer in a refined 36mm diameter for a UK-only special edition.
• The stainless steel case and bracelet are paired with warm 18k red gold accents on the hands, logo and stone setting.
• To complete the overall look, the dial is crafted from mother-of-pearl and responsibly sourced lab-grown diamonds.
• Price: £5,450.

Learn more about the Breitling Navitimer Automatic 36 UK Special Edition here.

Cuervo Y Sobrinos Espléndidos Heritage

• Cuervo Y Sobrinos presents the Espléndidos, a design that first appeared during the 1930s, perfectly celebrating the vibrant elegance of Havana.
• The rectangular case, alternating straight and curved lines, is available either with a cream and gold dial limited to 82 pieces or a black dial as part of the regular production.
• While the design language is inherently Cuban, its beating heart is Swiss with the La Joux-Perret G120 powering the watch.
• Price: from £3,200.

Learn more about the Cuervo Y Sobrinos Espléndidos Heritage here.

Venezianico x IFL Watches Arsenale Venus

• Venezianico and IFL watches join forces to release a timepiece that elevates the integrated bracelet model from the Italian house.
• Developed on the 9.95mm thick Arsenale platform, it features a hand-painted interpretation of the Birth of Venus by Botticelli on a blue sunburst dial.
• This will be a limited edition, not by numbers, but by time, as it will only be available to order in a 72-hour window.
• Price: £1,190.

Learn more about the Venezianico x IFL Watches Arsenale Venus here.

Áigi Gruvebus

• Áigi continues with the local inspiration with their latest collection, paying tribute to Longyearbyen’s iconic miner statue and Svalbard’s coal mining legacy.
• The Norwegian microbrand releases this 4-watch lineup as Store Norske prepares to close the gates of Mine 7 for the final time.
• The 40 x 12.3mm case features a combination of brushed and polished surfaces, which didn’t require much work thanks to the use of Svalbard coal during the tooling.
• Price: US$745.

Learn more about the Áigi Gruvebus here.