Xavier Dietlin, The Man Behind The Most Innovative and Spectacular Display Cases - Interview
If you are into watches and happen to visit sales points or watch fairs, there are chances you have seen some of Xavier Dietlin's creations, without even knowing about his small company (watch the following demo video). Dietlin Swiss Showcases is a 12-person business specializing in creating exceptional display cases and windows. As the company celebrates its 165th anniversary in the metal work industry, we caught up with Xavier Dietlin to talk about how he envisions watch presentation in sales points.What is the story of your company?The company was born in 1854, first with metal work, then metallic construction work. I took over the family business but crafting windows and doors was not exciting for me. I happened to take part in a tender organized by Cartier and found the creative process really fascinating. I become hooked on watches and from there decided to take advantage of the company's know-how to create displays. Very soon it became our exclusive activity - 90% of our clients

Breitling Navitimer Blue Sky 60th Anniversary Limited Edition - Monochrome Watches
For the sixtieth anniversary of the Navitimer, Breitling releases the Blue Sky. This limited production of five hundred pieces celebrates what might be from the standpoint of versatility, THE pilot watch. The Navitimer is a timeless classic, and the Blue Sky upholds the tradition.It is impossible to think of the aviation chronograph's history without Breitling's iconic Navitimer, whose name is a contraction of navigation and timer. With the Navitimer, Breitling bred the ultimate in aviation functionality. Not only did Breitling work with its partners to develop the first automatic chronograph in 1969, but Breitling engineered the look and function of the modern chronograph: first with the side one-button in 1915, refined in 1923, and then with the side two-button in 1934, which separated start/stop and reset functions. Ad - Scroll to continue with article Their

IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Retrograde Chronograph IW394005 Review
During the 2020 online edition of Watches & Wonders, IWC unveiled this complicated Portugieser flying tourbillon, retrograde date and flyback chronograph model. Marking the top-end releases in the new Portugieser collection, along with an equally impressive Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon, the tourbillon chronograph watch was presented in precious metal cases of gold or platinum. If you think this combination of complications already existed, you'd be right since they made their debut in the IWC Da Vinci Tourbillon Retrograde Chronograph of 2017 and later that year in the one-off Portugieser Tourbillon Retrograde Chronograph for Laureus Charity Night 2017. The gold model with blue dial ref. IW394005, which is also a Boutique Edition, was our candidate for today's hands-on session. Boutique editions refer to IWC models that combine gold cases and blue dials, very fitting given the maritime theme of the Portugieser.Portugieser lineageThe Portugieser is one of IWC's oldest a

Hands-On With The Seiko 5 Sports SKX Series 38mm Collection
A few weeks ago, Seiko announced the introduction of a new size within the classic 5 Sports SKX Series – understand by that dive-inspired models bringing back the flair of the emblematic SKX007 watch. And we were offered a so-called mid-size case, in line with the current downsizing trend. No need to say, we were pretty excited by this new launch. Recently, Seiko has done a great job within its accessible 5 Sports line. So now, we have the 4 editions of the new 38mm SKX series with us and it’s time to find out if it has everything to become a fan’s favourite. ?As said, the brand has been working hard recently to create attractive watches within the Seiko 5 Sports collection. Don’t look at this line as just an entry-level option, it has a lot to offer. Think, for instance, about the great GMT models. Or the attractively compact 36mm Field models. And design-wise, Seiko treats us with oddly satisfying vintage-inspired models, reviving past icons such as the Time S

The New Patek Philippe ref. 5200G - Gondolo 8 Days with Day & Date Indication - Monochrome Watches
Patek Philippe just introduced a new reference in their collection, which might easily become a future classic. The new ref. 5200G (the G refers to its white gold case) is part of the Gondolo collection and features an 8-Days manually wound movement with a day and date indicator. Albeit ref. 5200G is an entirely new model, it shares some similarities with two other Gondolo models, both the ref.5124 and the legendary ref.?5100 10-Day Power Reserve?Millennium Edition, nicknamed?“Manta Ray.”The Gondolo collection finds its inspiration in Art Deco and offers less common case shapes, like tonneau, rectangular, square and cushion shaped cases. Launched in 1993, this collection was named after the “Chronometro Gondolo” watches that Patek Philippe designed for the renowned Brazilian retailer Gondolo & Labouriau in the early 1900’s. Just look at the side of the new 5200G’s case and you’ll immediately recognize the Art Deco influences. Ad