Welcome to The Flyback: Our New Biweekly Exploration of Watch Releases
We’re thrilled to unveil the first edition of our biweekly series, The Flyback.
This series will shine a light on recent watch launches that may have slipped under the radar in our previous discussions over the last two weeks.
For this debut edition, we’re diving a bit deeper into the past, highlighting some noteworthy timepieces that made their entrance in late 2024.
This week, we’re featuring an impressive GMT model from Oak & Oscar, eye-catching sapphire pieces from Richard Mille, a fresh color option from Breitling, a striking blue IWC Ingenieur, and a stunning creation from Grand Seiko.
Oak & Oscar Humboldt GMT SAR Edition
In collaboration with the St. Louis County Rescue Squad, Oak & Oscar has introduced a unique version of its Humboldt GMT, specifically designed for Search and Rescue operations.
This limited edition consists of just 50 pieces, maintaining the distinctive blue-dial aesthetic of the original model but substituting the steel 24-hour bezel with an innovative luminous ceramic compass bezel.
The upgraded sandwich dial now boasts enhanced luminescent features illuminated by the inner ring.
Powered by the Sellita SW330 movement, this timepiece retains its bold orange accents and comes with a matching orange rubber strap.
Priced at $2,350 USD, the Oak & Oscar Humboldt GMT SAR Edition is a rare find.
For further details, head over to the Oak & Oscar website.
Richard Mille RM 07-02 Sapphire Collection
December saw Richard Mille unveiling four new models in the RM 07-02 Sapphire Collection, featuring bold pink and green options, some adorned with diamond accents.
Crafting these exquisite pieces involves a whopping 1,000 hours of meticulous machining, with 350 of those hours dedicated solely to polishing the case.
While there’s certainly a market for such luxurious items among collectors, questions arise regarding the choice of materials, particularly why the wristbands aren’t made from sapphire as well.
Each of the RM 07-02 sapphire pieces is extremely limited, with only seven units available per design, and while specific pricing is offered upon request, they typically range in the mid to high six figures.
For more information, check out the Richard Mille website.
Breitling Super Chronomat 44 and Chronomat Automatic 36 Caribbean Editions
Breitling has rolled out two new watches, known as the Caribbean Editions, both boasting gorgeous light blue dials.
Whether these releases are aimed at winter snowbirds or are meant to usher in the Spring/Summer 2025 season remains to be seen.
As part of Breitling’s 140th anniversary celebration, these timepieces are striking, but their limited edition status may seem unnecessary since only 100 units of the 36mm version and 150 units of the chronograph are available.
Equipped with COSC-certified movements, each piece features intricate maps of Caribbean islands etched onto their casebacks.
The standout among these models is the black-registered chronograph with a black bezel, especially when paired with the rubber Rouleaux strap.
The pricing for the Breitling Super Chronomat 44 Caribbean Edition sits at $9,950 USD, while the Chronomat Automatic 36 Caribbean Edition can be yours for $5,400 USD, exclusively found in Caribbean boutiques and select cruise ships.
For more insights, visit the Breitling website.
IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 in Blue
IWC has added a striking blue dial to its Ingenieur collection—a release that feels like a natural progression after reviving this line in 2023.
With its deep blue textured dial, this version offers a more subtle finish compared to its teal and silver siblings.
Sporting a 40mm case, this watch offers water resistance rated to 100 meters and boasts an impressive power reserve of 120 hours.
You can snag the IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 in blue for $11,700 USD.
More details are available on the IWC website.
Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 3600 SBGH349
Designing a dial for Grand Seiko must be an exhilarating yet daunting task, balancing endless external inspirations with the ever-present worry of creativity burnout.
The newly released 40mm SBGH349, crafted from titanium, draws its essence from “the mesmerizing frozen cascades of Mount Iwate,” and it proudly showcases the brand’s hi-beat automatic 9S85 movement, complete with a 55-hour power reserve.
Clearly, the shimmering beauty of Mount Iwate fuels their creativity.
Priced at $7,400 USD, further details on the Grand Seiko Hi-Beast 3600 SBGH349 await you at the Grand Seiko website.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments about any recent watch releases that have caught your eye!
Source: ABlogtowatch.com