The PAM00380 is one of the watches announced by Panerai at the recent S.I.H.H. 2011 conference. This Radiomir Black Seal watch is part of their Historic Collection.

This new watch can be compared to the current PAM00183, but there are several major differences that sets this model apart. The most visible design change is the dial. The PAM00380 does not have the sandwich dial like the PAM00183 but instead features a painted dial. It also sports the Panerai logo on the dial.

The other difference is the choice of movement inside the watch. The PAM00380 is fitted with the Panerai OPII calibre, while the PAM00183 is contains the Panerai OPXI calibre. Both movements are very similar, but the following differences distinguish them: The OPII does not have the swan's neck regulator, and lacks the higher quality finish of the OPXI. Because of these differences, the PAM00380 has been fitted with a solid case back.

Basic specifications
Functions: hours, minutes and seconds (sub-dial at 9 o'clock)
Case: 316L stainless steel, 45 mm diameter
Crystal: sapphire
Water resistant: 10 ATM

For more information:
http://2011.panerai.com/en/PAM00380-Radiomir-Black-Seal-Logo-45mm.php

The BR01 Airborne II was launched in the recent Basel watch fair.. It is the same watch as the old BR 01 Airborne model, but this watch will have an aged steel case that's much like a rifle barrel finish. This is achieved by repeated random rubbings, making each of the 999 pieces unique. Additionally the watch will be fitted with a brown/black leather strap that has been tanned to look like old leather with tone-on-tone stitching.

Basic Specifications
Movement: ETA automatic 2892
Functions: hours and minutes
Case: stainless steel, PVD Black, 46 mm square
Crystal: sapphire
Water resistant: 10 ATM
Price: $8,000 USD

Casio has announced a brand new PROTREK watch at BASELWORLD 2011. The PRW-2500 is an ABC watch with solar charging and atomic time sync. This model seems well-suited for outdoor adventurers it has all the features you can ask for in a rugged package. It comes on a rubber strap. Look for some other variations of this model to come out in the next year.

Casio PROTREK PRW-2500

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Casio has announced a new Oceanus watch model number OCW-T1000D. It features solar charging, wireless atomic clock synchronization and a new “Smart Access” system for controls. This watch has a a contactless electronic crown switch driven by a magnetic sensor. It's a chronograph with the Tough MVT movement inside. And the Multiband-6 technology allos easy syncing worldwide. No word yet on price or release date.

Casio Oceanus OCW-T1000D

Continue reading Oceanus OCW-T1000D with Casio's “Smart Access” System >>

Panerai has launched a special edition watch for Chinese watch enthusiasts. This follows the earlier Panerai PAM00366. The new watch, a Luminor Marina (44 mm) will have the reference number PAM00367. The watch will feature the Arabic '6' at the 6 o'clock position. 

As with the PAM00366, this new watch will not be of the sandwich dial design. It will however have the 'faux patina' that we are seeing in a number of new Panerai watches. It will not have a display back and it has the normal standard Panerai case back. It will be available with a black leather strap and a standard box, with no extra strap and screwdriver. It is a limited edition run of only 500 pieces.

Basic specifications:
• Functions: hours, minutes and seconds (sub-dial at 9 o'clock)
• Case: 316L stainless steel, 44 mm diameter
• Movement: Panerai OP II
• Crystal: sapphire
• Water resistant: 30 ATM

The watch is available from Panerai boutiques in Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Macau. The watch retails for about $4,600 USD.

LACO is releasing a limited edition Pilot watch in line with its 85th Anniversary. This watch is limited to 85 pieces. The watch is a 'replica' of the Aviator Observation Watch FL 23883. 

The watch will be powered by a LACO modified ETA A07.111 movement. The movement, modified to be a hand-wound movement, features hacking and a high level of finish. 

Continue reading LACO Aviator Observation Watch FL >>

Ikepod has released two 60-minute hourglass timers in the HGS20 and the HGS80. Mark Newson is the designer of these new creations.

The HGS20 and HGS80 are made of Borosilicate glass and measure 300 x 250 mm. They weigh in at a hefty 9.6 kg. The 'sand' inside the hourglass is no ordinary sand. In the HGS20, the 'sand' is made of stainless steel nickel-plated nanoballs, while in the HGS80 the ‘sand’ is made of stainless steel yellow gold plated nanoballs.

The hourglass is expected to sell for around $18,000 USD.

For more information: http://www.ikepod.com/

The HGS20.

The HGS80.