Welcome to this month’s watchmaking news, where we’re rounding up a few of our favourite new watches that celebrate craft, colour… and cars!
February 28, 2023
The Watchmaking News: February
by AHMED SEDDIQI & SONS
Say hello to the new TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche Orange Racing
Porsche and Tag Heuer enjoy a long-standing partnership, utilising the Carrera model as the foundation for many of their collaborative designs. As far back as the 1970s, the Heuer logo appeared in the film Le Mans and on Formula One cars – the pedigree is impeccable. The latest is based on a Carrera Sport Chronograph first introduced in 2020 and celebrates speed. In honour of the mutual love for racing shared by TAG Heuer and Porsche, the TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche Orange Racing is resplendent in bright orange inspired by, according to TAG: “the colour of the heat sparks made by the car on the asphalt.” The striking burnt orange colour accents on the dial and calfskin strap add a vibrant pop, and the newly introduced vertical brushing on the dial (inspired by speed marks) enhances the motorsport aesthetic. And just as you would expect from a watch that draws its inspiration from the world’s most impressive cars, this timepiece is faultless inside and out. The fully integrated Calibre Heuer 02, automatic movement will race on your wrist for 80 hours.
Luck at the end of the rainbow?
Hublot presents 13 unique timepieces featuring Japanese artist Takashi Murakami’s iconic smiling flower. But you’ll need to follow an NFT trail to get one. The flower-shaped designs feature 12 petals boasting coloured gemstones, including rubies, sapphires, amethysts, tsavorites, and topaz. Hublot's engineers have developed an ingenious ball-bearing system that allows the petals to rotate on an axis, creating a breath-taking display of colours that mesmerises with each movement. This kinetic effect creates a striking contrast against the 45mm black ceramic case, resulting in a truly captivating sight. To further enhance the design's visual impact, the centre of the flower is positioned on top of the sapphire glass, generating an impressive three-dimensional effect. Each watch can only be acquired if you have an NFT linked to one of two previous Murakami x Hublot watches – there are 12 to collect, and if you then acquire all 12 of the latest NFTs, you can buy the 13th watch. Gotta catch ‘em all!
Frederique Constant Presents Two New Highlife Worldtimer Models For Its 35th Anniversary
As Frederique Constant celebrates its thirty-fifth anniversary in 2023, the company has unveiled two stunning Highlife Worldtimer Manufacture watches to honour its enduring legacy. The first is a limited edition of only 35, featuring a luxurious 18-carat rose gold case, while the second is an unlimited edition in steel with a captivating chocolate-coloured dial. Both models boast a 41mm diameter and come with one or two interchangeable straps, allowing for versatile styling options. These exquisite timepieces are a fitting tribute to the brand's rich history and commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.
NORQAIN Independence Wild ONE NHLPA Limited Edition
The limited edition timepiece was made with the company's proprietary NORTEQ carbon fibre material and could be considered the ultimate high-performance sports watch. Six times lighter than steel and 3.5 times lighter than titanium with water resistance to a depth of 200 metres, it is robust enough to be your companion during your adventure on land or sea.