Author: Constantin Reusberg

Dive into the Darkness: URWERK Unveils UR-230 ‘Black Star’

URWERK has done it again, ending the year with an astronomical twist by revealing their latest creation, the UR-230 ‘Black Star.’ This watch is not here to light up your life; instead, it’s a master of shadows, embracing the darkness and letting glimpses of light shine through. After dabbling with the rawness of Carbon CTP and the milky hue of ceramic in previous models, the ‘Black Star’ wraps up the 230 collection with a cosmic bang, or perhaps more appropriately, a cosmic absorb.

Let’s dive deeper into the mechanics of this dark beauty. At its heart lies the Calibre UR-7.30, snugly fitted into a titanium vault that offers top-notch protection. Encasing this heart is a shell made of a ceramic composite developed specifically for URWERK. This high-tech composite interweaves layers of ceramic, fiberglass, and carbon fiber, creating a glossy and vibrant black that sparkles with specks of light. Imagine a black hole on your wrist, but better because it tells time.

Felix Baumgartner, URWERK’s master watchmaker, explains the intrigue with ceramic’s beauty and fragility, and how they engineered a solution that allows its shine without the risk of shattering. The ‘Black Star’ isn’t just a watch; it’s a physics lesson about light and darkness rolled into 44.81 mm of wrist candy.

As if having a black hole on your wrist wasn’t enough, URWERK wows us further with a satellite complication and a retrograde 3D hand. The minute hand embarks on an orbit of its own, only to whip back to the starting point at breakneck speed. What’s not to love about a watch that’s part time-teller, part thrill ride?

Powering this cosmic contraption is the dual turbine system, engineered to withstand shocks and regulate airflow, lending the automatic winding mechanism some serious heft. Can’t decide between automatic or manual winding? Fret not – the UR-230 offers both, with settings thoughtfully displayed on the watch face to help you choose your adventure.

December 10, 2025
U-BOAT Dives Deep with New Chimera Damasco Bronze Limited Edition

U-BOAT is back at it again and making waves in the watch world with its latest creation – the Chimera Damasco Bronze. This isn’t just any watch. It’s a limited edition, with only 300 pieces available, making it a true collector’s item. A blend of bold bronze and sturdy steel, this new version is a nod to the brand’s roots with founder Italo Fontana behind its creation.

If you thought the Chimera 25° in gold and titanium was the pinnacle, you’re in for a surprise. The new Damasco Bronze keeps the expressive allure of its predecessor but with a unique twist – bronze, one of Fontana’s favorites. The watch boasts a hefty 46 mm case crafted from 316L stainless steel, complemented by a striking damascus-steel bezel that’s as unique as a fingerprint. And trust me, when we say unique, we mean it – the pattern can’t be replicated.

The dial, with its two-level design and Clous de Paris pattern, offers a visual treat. It packs a punch with blued hands and a 24-hour counter, surrounded by bronze touches that catch the light just right. At the heart of the Chimera Damasco Bronze lies a Swiss ETA 2824 Top Soigné automatic movement, tweaked to perfection by U-BOAT for top-notch precision and reliability.

Of course, no U-BOAT is complete without its patented left-side crown protection. And this model features a second patented button for easy crown release – because why not have a little extra flair? Flip it over, and the sapphire-crystal caseback reveals the meticulously crafted movement inside.

With water resistance up to 100 meters – thanks to the meticulous use of through-screws – this watch isn’t just about good looks. It’s built to endure. Finally, the hand-treated Tuscan leather strap ties it all together, each strap numeral engraved individually to remind you that your watch is one of a kind.

So why is the Chimera Damasco Bronze such a standout? It’s a combination of visionary design and a nod to the adventurous spirit that has always driven Italo Fontana. If you’re ready to embrace the bold and the daring, this watch might just be your new best wrist-wearing friend.

December 10, 2025
Alpina Partners With Freeride World Tour for the Alpiner Extreme Automatic Special Edition

If you love mountains, adventure, and watches that can handle both, Alpina has teamed up with the Freeride World Tour to bring you the Alpiner Extreme Automatic Freeride World Tour Special Edition. Celebrating the ninth year of their partnership, this watch embodies the daring spirit of athletes who conquer alpine summits – and it looks pretty cool doing it!

Sporting an engraved FWT logo on a case colored like alpine rocks, this watch is all business and style. It features the robust Swiss Made AL-525 calibre with a 38-hour power reserve, and it boasts a comfortable black rubber strap that’s ready for any outdoor activity. Functional and not-too-fussy, even the dial gets in on the action with a logo that says, ‘I might just go freeriding after this,’ with its sleek, triangle-and-curve design.

To make it even more special (and practical for the mountains), the Alpiner Extreme features a size that fits snugly under jackets and gloves, measuring 39×40.5mm. Its grey livery echoes the tough terrain that extreme athletes thrive on and makes it a stylish unisex piece.

Think you need a fridge to stay cool? Wrong! Just check off the dates on its handy date window as races approach. The rubber grip on the crown ensures you won’t lose your handle on it even when the temperature drops. Plus, with a water resistance of up to 200 meters, it’s ready for snowy slopes and summertime water sports alike.

Alpina remains committed to quality as it celebrates its 140th anniversary with this collaboration, blending adventure with irresistible watch design. The watch isn’t limited in quantity, so anyone sharing in the freeriding spirit (or just in need of a dependable sports watch) can claim theirs. Keep an eye on this one; it’s a keeper!

December 9, 2025
Roam and Reverie: NOMOS Glashütte’s Scenic Journey with Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer

If you’re a globetrotter who believes in journeys rather than just destinations, then NOMOS Glashütte‘s latest watches might just be what your wrist desires. Presenting the Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer Roam and Reverie – two limited-edition marvels, with only 175 pieces each, to take you on a horological scenic route.

These watches are more than just timekeepers; they’re your passport to the artistic exploration of time itself. With champagne-colored dials accented by sunburst finishes and fine Horween Genuine Shell Cordovan leather straps, both Roam and Reverie invite you to enjoy the winding roads and detours of life.

Crafted for those who prefer the road less traveled, Roam offers an open-minded palette of blue, green, and orange accents, while Reverie tempts with its charismatic combination of sand, ocher, burgundy, and yellow. And when night falls, the recessed hour numerals, generously inlaid with Superluminova, ensure you never miss the magic after sunset.

Under the hood – or, should I say, beneath the case back – the heart of these timepieces is the DUW 3202 movement: an in-house caliber marvelously thin at a mere 4.8 millimeters. Its worldtime functionality is ingeniously woven right into the gear train. And, for an added touch of nautical fancy, a globe in gold decorates the rotor, drawing eyes through the sapphire caseback.

For those uninitiated in the NOMOS Glashütte brilliance, these watches serve as a proper introduction to the brand’s dedication since 1845 to precision, modern design, and fair pricing. With these models, settling down to traditional paths isn’t an option.

December 9, 2025
ID Genève Unveils World’s First Watches Crafted From Solar-Melted Steel

Brace yourselves, watch aficionados, because ID Genève is redefining the watchmaking game with its latest Circular S collection. Picture this – Switzerland’s first-ever solar furnace, and it’s melting steel with concentrated sunlight, not fossil fuels! The result? A carbon footprint so small it’s practically wearing invisibility shoes – 165 times smaller than standard steel, to be precise. Cool, right?

Enter the Circular S “Eclipse” Edition. This beauty is crafted from solar-melted steel, marking a green milestone for the industry. The new edition is crafted from steel melted in a solar furnace in Mont-Louis, France. If solar melting sounds like sci-fi, that’s because it kind of is! And who better to witness this eco-innovation magic than Leonardo DiCaprio himself? The actor and environmental advocate checked it out in La Chaux-de-Fonds, solidifying his support of the brand’s earth-friendly aspirations.

So, what’s the secret to this environmental wizardry? Panatere has cooked up a solar furnace that reaches temperatures over 1,500°C, letting ID Genève melt and regenerate metals without harming our beloved planet. This partnership is all about decarbonizing fine watchmaking and ensuring every bit of material can be traced back to its sunny beginnings.

But it’s not just about the sunlight-fueled steel. ID Genève is spinning a new tale of luxury, with materials like mycelium, seaweed, and hemp. No longer are we just talking Rolex and Omega – eco-conscious ID Genève is strutting its stuff with a sustainable swagger.

Founded in 2020, ID Genève is strapping on its legendary timepieces under the ethos of the circular economy. It’s even won Leonardo DiCaprio’s backing, showing that green isn’t just a color – it’s a way of life. Step over, traditionalists; ID Genève is setting a trendy green path for the future of fine watches!

December 8, 2025
Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès Celebrate 30 Years of TimeZone with TZ30

Massena LAB is turning the big 3-0 for TimeZone.com into a horological fiesta with their new release: the TZ30. Partnering with Raúl Pagès, an award-winning independent watchmaker, they’ve crafted a limited edition of only 30 pieces that marry classic design with modern elegance.

The star feature of the TZ30 is its stunning blue dial, which seems to have a personality of its own. Depending on the angle, it shifts from a deep indigo to a vibrant cobalt, thanks to its vertically brushed texture. This texture isn’t just for show; it plays with the light, offering a visual feast for those who appreciate the subtler nuances of watch design.

Now, let’s talk about the brains behind the beauty. The TZ30 houses the custom M690 movement, a creation born from the collaboration between Massena LAB and Raúl Pagès. This manual-winding gem is a testament to Swiss craftsmanship, boasting a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a generous power reserve of 60 hours. And under the hood, it’s as beautiful as it is functional, with hand-finished touches and a tortoise-engraved plate peeking through the sapphire caseback.

The inspiration doesn’t stop with the movement. With a wink to Patek Philippe’s storied past and a nod to collectors, its dial layout pays homage to an iconic timepiece from 1952. And while we’re cushioned in the luxury of history, it’s hard not to appreciate the watch’s 38.5mm stainless steel case, elegantly engraved to commemorate TimeZone’s milestone.

William Massena, no stranger to celebrating TimeZone’s anniversaries with superb timepieces, continues the tradition with this stylish yet historically rich edition. With only 30 pieces available, each priced at $9,900, the TZ30 is set to excite collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. It launches on December 4, a date I’d mark with a big circle on the calendar – if you’re in the market for a true conversational piece for the wrist.

December 4, 2025
Two Design Stars Unite: Introducing the Ressence TYPE 3 Marc Newson

The TYPE 3 Marc Newson by Ressence is no ordinary watch. It’s a testament to what happens when two brilliant minds come together to reimagine timekeeping. Marc Newson and Benoît Mintiens have crafted a masterpiece of design and functionality, delivering a timepiece that is both a visual delight and a technical marvel.

With this new release, the TYPE 3 MN, Ressence has once again stepped up its game. The watch merges Newson’s industrial design talents with Mintiens’ innovative vision, resulting in a watch that just oozes style and sophistication. It’s not just about looks either; this baby is filled with oil! No, not the car kind – the type that makes the hands appear to float on the dial.

Under the hood, the watch is powered by Ressence’s ROCS 3.6 – a system that displays everything you need, and even some things you didn’t know you needed. We’re talking hours, minutes, a runner, day of the week, date, and even the oil temperature, all housed in a sleek 45mm titanium case.

One can say this watch is like a futuristic romance between beauty and brains. The design features a double-domed sapphire crystal, a synthetic rubber strap, and luminous indications for those late-night time checks. Priced at CHF 46,000, it ensures that only the truly discerning collectors can snag this piece of horological art.

So if you’re in the market for something that combines high design with high function – and you happen to have a bit of cash to splash – the TYPE 3 MN might just be your perfect match. After all, it’s not often two design legends get together to make something special – let alone something you can wear on your wrist.

December 4, 2025
H. Moser & Cie: A Genesis of Watchmaking Evolution with Streamliner Genesis 2

The world of watchmaking just got a fresh breath of intrigue. H. Moser & Cie. has unveiled its latest marvel, the Streamliner Genesis 2 – an unprecedented blend of the tangible and the innovative. This watch is the second chapter of Moser’s Genesis trilogy, turning heads and making wrists around the world a tad heavier with style.

Back in 2022, Moser announced its presence in the digital arena with the Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis, a timepiece that clicked with Web3 fans and watch enthusiasts alike. It wasn’t just about telling time – it told the tale of blending horology with the ethereal world of NFTs and blockchain.

Fast forward to today, Streamliner Genesis 2 has been launched and it trades digital allure for raw, honest craftsmanship. Nestled in its steel, cushion-shaped case, it makes a robust statement with its signature integrated bracelet. Also, the dial is a striking Vantablack®, absorbing 99.965% of light and giving the hands – gleaming with Globolight® inserts – a stage to perform on.

Creating a mirror-link to its predecessor, the Streamliner Genesis 2 features a 3D-printed pixelated titanium crown that’s nothing if not a conversation starter. H. Moser & Cie continues this unique dialogue between the real and the virtual, grounding imagination in metal.

Moser doesn’t just manufacture watches; it crafts narratives. This trilogy, originating with the Endeavour Centre Seconds Genesis and continuing with the Streamliner Genesis 2, promises to culminate in another chapter that closes the circle of this epoch-defining triptych.

But if you’re hoping to slide one of these beauties on your wrist, there’s a catch – scarcity. Only available to the intriguing fifty owners of the first Genesis who now hold the power to extend an invitation to join this exclusive club. It’s a story you can’t tell time with unless you’re in the circle.

December 3, 2025
Exaequo Launches High-Jewellery Line, Melting Jewel, with a Surreal Twist

After captivating watch enthusiasts with their surrealist-inspired timepieces, Exaequo is expanding its aesthetic vision into the world of high jewelry with the launch of the Melting Jewel line. The newly unveiled collection continues to explore the brand’s roots in Surrealism, blending a dreamy and fluid design ethos with precious metals. Imagine Dalí on your wrist or adorning your fingers – it’s art that you can wear.

The mastermind behind Melting Jewel, Loretta Baiocchi, renowned for her work with top jewelry houses like Van Cleef & Arpels and Bulgari, adds her distinctive touch to Exaequo’s catalog. Baiocchi gives form to Exaequo’s surreal aesthetic, crafting pieces that are as much about movement as they are about introspection and poetic narratives. It’s like wearing a story, one filled with unexpected twists and turns.

The collection includes various lines, each offering a unique take on the concept of time and identity. First up is the Intemporelle Collection, paying homage to its iconic flattened oval watch case with rings and pendants. Each piece is a little universe of its own – complete with stars, thanks to varied diamond sizes that mimic a constellation in the night sky.

For those seeking a minimalist statement, the T-Bar Collection features large, circular links connected by suspending bars – an embodiment of time suspended in its tracks. It’s like a philosophical statement on your neck or wrist, crafted in gold or silver and dotted with diamonds.

Then, there’s the Infinity Collection, drawing inspiration from the Möbius strip. These pieces have no beginning and no end, much like a Mobius strip itself. These rings and their multiple forms are all about the continuation of motion – they’re practically perpetual in spirit.

If casual elegance is more your speed, Exaequo offers unisex Crochet Bracelets with braided leather, accented with the brand’s signature flattened oval elements. It’s simplicity mixed with a sprinkling of surrealist charm.

Exaequo CEO Chris Zocchi notes that extending the Melting brand into jewelry was a logical step for a company deeply entwined with surrealist vision. “We felt the need to shape our identity into a broad jewelry collection for both women and men,” Zocchi shares, proving that time and style are indeed on Exaequo’s side.

December 3, 2025
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Control Classic: A Vintage-Inspired Gem

Jaeger-LeCoultre has turned its magical watchmaking wand towards the past and unveiled the Master Control Classic. It’s a tick-tock homage to the 1995 Master Control, bringing you elegance and simplicity, all wrapped up in a limited package of just 500 pieces.

At first glance, you’ll notice the watch’s cool 36mm steel case, which holds on to its roots by being only two millimeters larger than its ancestor. With a silvery-white color palette and a minimalist design, this watch practically whispers ‘vintage charm’ into your ear. The sunray dial with silver tones, elongated triangles for indexes, and those pesky luminescent dots ensure you don’t lose track of time amidst all this nostalgia.

Of course, they couldn’t resist sneaking in some color – enter the blued central seconds hand. It’s like a little pop of color to spice things up. And all of this goodness is strapped snugly onto your wrist with an elegant brown ostrich strap that has lighter stitching for that extra vintage allure.

Now, don’t let those vintage vibes fool you: under the hood, the Master Control Classic runs on the modern marvel that is the latest version of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s self-winding Calibre 899. It’s the watch equivalent of having an old-timey exterior with a sports car engine inside – offering a beefy 70-hour power reserve.

Flip the watch over, and you’ll find the caseback with its emblem and a certification of ‘1000-hour Control’. It’s like a superhero badge showing off its history – a protocol that ensures the watch, in all its cased glory, meets the highest standards.

So, there you have it – a delightful dance between timeless design and modern technology, wrapped in a limited-edition bow. Dare we say it’s both a wrist necessity and a collector’s dream?

December 1, 2025