Zenith, Chopard and Omega lead the way with new product launches in today’s news on the men’s luxury watches front. Each of these pieces are quite distinct from one another. And they are sure to grab the attention of a wide array of collectors.
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One of my favourite new watches for 2022 is from Zenith. The Swiss watchmaker has been manufacturing luxury timepieces since 1865. Its watches have been worn by the likes of Louis Bleriot. Who was he? Bleriot made history flying across the English Channel. Zenith watches have also been worn by Felix Baumgartner, who set new records in stratospheric free-fall jump.
New men’s luxury watches: Zenith Chronomaster Revival Lupin The Third
The watches are made to inspire dreamers to achieve their visions. This limited edition Chronomaster Revival Lupin The Third – Final Edition is limited to 250 pieces and is eye candy. The watch’s inception comes from a depiction in Japanese manga and anime series, Lupin The Third. One of the characters is portrayed wearing a watch based on the A384 with a black, grey and gilt dial that had never actually existed.
In the final episode of the first series, the character, Jigen, is once again portrayed wearing another Zenith chronograph. However this time with a “panda” dial that also never existed … until today.
Zenith
The Chronomaster Revival Lupin The Third – Final Edition fuses two dials into one with incredible precision. This one features two unique asymmetrical halves combining all elements from the watches in the Lupin series. Zenith has created a remarkable timepiece with a semi-glossy black dial with deep grey counters and golden applied markers and hands. On the other half, the second edition’s creamy-white dial with contrasting black hands in a “panda” style with beige SuperLumiNova.
A delicate process is undertaken whereby the blank dial is first finished entirely in a silvery-white colour on the right half. Then the black chronograph counters are milled while the rest of the dial is protected with a layer of transparent and colourless lacquer. Its contrasting duality of day and night makes it a horological spectacle. This is one that watch enthusiasts are sure to hold in high esteem. For the modest price of only $12,500 CAD, one might predict that the value will increase quite quickly.
New men’s luxury watches: Omega Speedmaster
Now moving on to the Omega Speedmaster. Did you say you like gold? Well we do too. And the Speedmaster Calibre 321 is fitted with those nostalgic vintage details. It comes in a case that has been designed in 18K Canopus Gold, Omega’s own exclusive white gold alloy material set apart by its radiance, purity and longevity. The watch has a deep black onyx dial with an applied vintage Omega logo. Typography features an oval ‘O’, also a detail typical of the first CK2915 models.
The hands are also in 18k white gold and indices with a Canopus Gold PVD treatment. So are the subdials – the 30-minute recorder, 12-hour recorder and central chronograph function.
Celebrating Omega Speedmaster’s 65th Anniversary
The Speedmaster is known for having its tachymeter scale on the bezel. On this release it has been filled with black “Grand Feu” enamel. Pay close attention and you’ll see the famous dot over ninety and a dot diagonal to seventy. These are details collectors often make note of. This Speedmaster is powered by the Calibre 321. The same movement worn during the Apollo missions. Adding to the brilliance of this watch is a sparkling blue sapphire caseback that has been engraved with the Omega Seahorse. And that’s a brand icon used on the Speedmaster since 1957.
The watch is set on an 18K Canopus Gold bracelet with a comfort release adjustment system. One of my favourite details about this watch release has to do with Omega’s presentation. The watch comes in a special wooden box in honour of the collection’s 65th anniversary. It is shaped and designed like the original Speedmaster boxes that customers would have received in 1957. Travel back in time for $110,300 CAD.
Omega
New men’s luxury watches: Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Tiger
Lastly, we have the Chopard L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Tiger. It is limited to 88 pieces in an ethical 18-carat rose gold. A sign of earth and a recurrent emblem in Chinese artistic depictions, the tiger has long been associated with the figure of the emperor and state dignitaries.
Chopard
It symbolises fortune, wisdom, intelligence and creativity. Chopard is meticulous about its craft. And it truly strives to deliver luxury timepieces that are magnificent works of art. Staying true to its roots, Chopard works with the finest Japanese lacquer craftsmen who produce dials using the ancestral Urushi lacquer technique.
The 88 dials are produced in the workshop of century-old company Yamada Heiando. Using the Maki-e technique, gold flakes are placed between layers of lacquer made from the sap of the Toxicodendron vernicifluum tree.
Fine craftsmanship
These flakes light up the background featuring a tiger perched above a bay surrounded by cliffs, against a starlit background. The case of this timepiece is carved from an 18-carat rose gold source from an ethical supply chain. This work of craftsmanship is also ultra thin measuring at 6.80 mm thick.
It is powered by an in-house L.U.C 96. 17- L movement providing a comfortable 65-hour power reserve. (Price available upon request)
Recommendation
In looking at our three watches, I would recommend the Chopard to a tenured collector. It is a piece of fine art, certainly something not for everyday wear. It’s for those looking for something for more formal occasions. Or perhaps you are looking to expand your watch portfolio for investment purposes. If that’s the case, the Chopard would be a nice addition.
The Zenith, in considering its modest retail price, may be a good pickup for those looking to expand their collection while staying within a reasonable budget. With Omega, you get practicality, durability and a luxurious design. But it’s certainly an upper-tier price.
Daron Halajian received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Ryerson University. He has worked for American Express as a Travel and Lifestyle Consultant servicing elite clientele. He writes in both English and Armenian and his works have appeared in publications in Beirut, Los Angeles, Montreal and Toronto.
