Hvilina’s latest creation is the Nomro Hybrid, a collection of six watches that are all powered by Seiko Epson caliber PX85A. This is an interesting movement as it is a so-called hybrid or kinetic, meaning that the motion of an oscillating weight is converted into electricity, which is used to power the quartz movement. Such a movement combined the precision and dependability of a battery-powered quartz movement with the heart and soul of a mechanical one. Hvilina most certainly doesn’t hide such an interesting movement behind a closed caseback but shows it in all its glory behind a colored yet transparent insert in the caseback.

According to Hvilina, the inspiration for this collection came from the world of cyberpunk, which represents nighttime skyscrapers and artificial neon lights. This translates to some more expressive pieces, like the Synthwave, which combines rather bold colors, and the more traditional Post Industrial, which mixes silver and black on the dial. The Seiko Epson Hybrid movement features not only a date function but also a GMT. Hvilina took advantage of that by creating a subtle yet expressive GMT hand that gives an extra dash of color to the dial. The date wheel is also not the standard type but suits the theme Hvilina set for this collection.

The case with an integrated bracelet resonates with current trends. It is well constructed, and while it lacks the option for micro-adjustment, it does feature links that are small enough to make the bracelet fit comfortably. Hvilina gave each of the six models a name of its own, of which two have a pink gold IP coating, and limited them to 350 pieces per model. The Nombro Hybrid is priced at €399,-, but now open to pre-order at €299,- with delivery in December.

For more info, visit Hvilina, here.

The complex case, which is pressure-tested to ten bar, frames an equally fascinating dial that is artfully guilloched by hand in the Swiss brand’s Lucerne workshop using old rose-engine machines. The filigree pattern, which creates an almost hypnotizing play of light, serves as a stage for two literally dynamic complications: the jumping hour in a window at twelve and the retrograde minute, where the hand runs over a circular segment and jumps back to its starting point as soon as the hour is full. Chronoswiss founder Gerd-Rüdiger Lang (1943 – 2003) brought this varied combination to the wrist in the 1990s.

This pioneer of the mechanical renaissance in Germany was also a strong advocate of showing the fascinating microcosm of the movement through a sapphire crystal case back from the very beginning. In the Delphis Sub Zero, the automatic manufacture caliber C.6004 is on display in all its beauty. It offers a power reserve of 55 hours and is characterized by a ball-bearing, partially skeletonized rotor made of tungsten, ruthenium-coated bridges decorated with Côtes de Genève.

The Delphis Sub Zero retails for CHF 16,800 – approximately $19,000 when converted to USD – and can be preordered on the brand’s website.

To learn more, visit Chronoswiss, here.

In typical Union Glashütte style, the Noramis Chronograph Sachsen Classic 2024 combines tasteful retro design with a first-class automatic movement, beautifully finished in the brand’s workshops in Germany’s famous watchmaking town. Equipped with an anti-magnetic silicon balance-spring, a second stop and a comfortable power reserve of 65 hours, the UNG-27.S2 is beautifully finished with blued screws, perlage and a personalized rotor decorated with Geneva waves.

While most Noramis models evoke the classic elegance of the 50s and 60s, this model is inspired by the 70s and 80s. As such, it is presented in a rather bold color scheme with touches of orange, light blue and white. The chronograph hands and the tachymeter scale, which is positioned next to the minute scale, are in orange, while the small seconds subdial and the minute counter are in blue. The same rings true for the second scale. A nice detail is the date window in a rather unusual position at 9 o’clock. All in all, the look and feel is the familiar Noramis style, but with a cool twist.

The dial is protected by a slightly domed sapphire crystal, which further enhances its appearance. The polished 316L stainless steel case, water-resistant to 100 meters, has a diameter of 42 mm and is mounted on a blue leather strap with racing perforations and light-blue stitching. The chronograph pushers display the typical mushroom style of the Noramis collection.

The Noramis Chronograph Sachsen Classic 2024 retails for approximately $3,900 when converted to USD.

To learn more, visit Union Glashütte, here.

By opting for a mechanical movement, the ProTek universe further expands into regions that will make them appealing to a broader group of watch enthusiasts. As ProTek didn’t want to make any concessions to how robust their watches are, they opted for a precise and dependable Seiko movement, featuring automatic winding and 24 jewels.

The fact that these new ProTek models are purpose-built and able to take a beating without showing a scratch doesn’t mean that they are blunt instruments. In fact, one couldn’t deny that they even have a sense of elegance within their robust looks. This starts with the carbon composite case, which is cleverly faceted. It not only makes the watch attractive to look at, but it also ensures that it doesn’t snag on clothing. It also encapsulates the screw-down crown, protecting it against any blows.

This attention to detail extends to the unidirectional bezel, where the faceted segments not only enhance the watch’s aesthetics but also make it easy to use. This is a perfect example of form and function working in harmony. The natural texture of the carbon composite adds a unique character to the watch. All four models boast a 30 ATM/300 meter water resistance and come with a remarkably comfortable strap. ProTek has chosen natural rubber for the strap, not only for its durability but also for the enhanced comfort it provides, especially during extended wear.

Legibility was obviously at the forefront of the design of these new USMC models, but ProTek doesn’t let this get in the way of style. They offer the carbon composite watch with four different dials, and each has its own character. With a black dial, the ProTek is all business, playing with the contrasts of this monochrome theme. Quite different is the version with the red dial. Here its unique pattern becomes more evident, which is reminiscent of an intricately designed lacrimal plate. The versions with a forest-green and khaki-colored dial are more subdued than the red version, offering a pleasant balance between function and good looks. All the versions have a colored segment in the crown that matches the dial, elevating the design even further.

Of course, these watches wouldn’t be a ProTek without the brand’s signature self-powered ProGlo illumination, which is 100X brighter than conventional lume. Another benefit is that it glows continuously for 25 years without the need for an external light source to charge it. They also add something to the design, as the ProGlo illumination is contained in small tubes that ProTek attached not only around the dial as hour markers, but also on the hands, adding even more depth to this part of the watch.

All four automatic models of the USMC collection are fitted with sapphire crystals. Dedicated to delivering the best and most dependable quality possible, ProTek assembles its watches in a clean room environment. It also tests the water resistance of its watches in both air and water. This sounds obvious, but there are manufacturers that prefer to test only with air pressure because when it fails, nothing happens. When testing in water, the liquid will enter the case and do its damage. At ProTek, they start testing the water resistance with air pressure and then test it again with water, as to them, the only way to guarantee the water resistance of a timepiece is to test it with water.

The new automatic USMC watches are available of now and priced at $695,-

For more info, visit ProTek, here.

Three colors dominate the design: salmon, black, and white, and at first this seems like an unlikely combination. Nivada makes it work by blending them to perfection. The black aluminum diving bezel sets the stage for the salmon dial to shine. With the dial’s sunray finish, it has no problem doing so, especially when light hits it at the right angle. The applied indexes, whose luminous material really gives back in dark environments and white hands for the subdials, offer perfect legibility. It is all brought together by the centrally mounted hands, which are black for the hour and minute, with luminous material at the center. The hand for the chronograph seconds is also black at the center but only for about 1/3, as the rest is white. This gives a pleasantly sporty blend that goes surprisingly well with the orange-pink-toned dial.

The legibility is superb, except for the tachymeter scale on the perimeter of the dial. Not only is the font rather small, but it is often also directly under the curve of the double-domed sapphire crystal, and even its anti-reflective coating doesn’t help much. Personally, I still like that it is there, as it visually frames the center of the dial in a subtle way in a way that is fitting for a chronograph with a nod to the past. Do also get out your loupe for this Nivada because, despite its modest price tag, there is more than enough to enjoy. There, you will see that the perimeter of the dial is actually raised with the numerals and markings lying on top.

Other brands might also want to take note that this Chronoking is water resistant up to 10 ATM/100 meters, which is quite something for a chronograph that lacks a screw-down crown and is offered at this price point. Of course, the TMI VK63 Mecaquartz movement plays an important role in keeping this watch so affordable, but it brings quite some qualities to the table. Next to the chronograph function, with smooth running seconds hand, it has a 24-hour indicator and runs for about three years on a battery. When you operate the chronograph, it feels as if you are using a mechanical one, so the only telltale that you are dealing here with a battery-powered one is the second hand at six o’clock. Some die-hard purists might not be able to live with that, but even they must realize that even the watchmaker of watchmakers, Jaeger-LeCoultre, has developed mecaquartz movements in the past and utilized them in its collection.

In terms of proportion, the Chronoking hasn’t changed. With its diameter of 38 mm it offers vintage charm, but still has enough wrist presence, and the thickness of 12.95 mm gives it substance without being overweight. The screwed-down caseback looks like it comes from a much more expensive watch, given its fit and finish, including a nice and deep engraving of the company logo.

As Nivada is accustomed to doing, they also offer the Chronoking Mecaquartz Salmon with a wide variety of different straps and bracelets. It looks equally good on black and brown leather, making it that probably many of its buyers will opt at some point for a second strap. In this configuration, Nivada is asking $479 for the watch, which can only be ordered for a limited time. When you opt for the flat link or beads of rice bracelet, you pay $675, but get in return a very well-made bracelet that looks exceptionally good on the Chronoking. Delivery is scheduled for September this year.

For more info, visit Nivada, here.