A mechanical movement has three enemies: moisture, dust and shocks. The first two have hardly been an issue since the introduction of water-resistant and water-proof cases starting in the 1930's, and systems like Incabloc and the more recent Nivachoc have made movements much more shock-resistant. Many watchmakers  however add a fourth category to this list: magnetic fields. While magnetized movements were previously a problem of professionals who encounter high magnetic fields on the job -like doctors, railroad personnel and engineers-, with our ever increasing exposure to electronic devices, magnetism has become a very real danger for others as well.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra >15'000 Gauss

The traditional solution to this problem is to encapsulate the movement in a Faraday's cage, as Omega did with the 1957 Railmaster, which was resistant to more than 900 gauss and developed especially for railway staff. For the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 15'000 Gauss however, Omega decided to spice things up and do it differently. This time the movement is not protected by an extra shield, but it is rather the movement itself which is made invulnerable to magnetic fields. Omega achieved this through the use of selected non-ferrous materials, which resulted in a resistance to magnetic fields of over 15'000 Gauss! In the words of the manufacturer:

'Even after exposure to a magnetic field greater than 15’000 gauss, the movement still performs at a chronometric level as defined by COSC.'

Since the movement is not protected by an additional container, it can be admired in full view through a see-through caseback.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra >15'000 Gauss

While this special Aqua Terra was already shown a few months ago, BaselWorld 2013 was the first opportunity for many of us to behold and admire this watch. And a beauty it is! The dial has the vertical stripes we have seen before, but the black is slightly yellowed to match the unique seconds hand and yellow writing. While the overall appearance is still classic, it has a certain cool and twist to it that really makes this one pop. The Aqua Terra 15'000 Gauss is available on either a stainless steel bracelet or brown leather strap.

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra >15'000 Gauss

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra >15'000 Gauss

Case: Stainless steel

Strap: Stainless steel bracelet or leather strap

Diameter: 41.5mm

Movement: Caliber 8508, automatic, co-axial, resistant to magnetic fields greater than 1.5 tesla

Reference number: 23110422101002 (O231.10.42.221.01.002) (bracelet) / 23112422101001 (O231.12.42.21.01.001) (leather strap)

Price: to be added soon

BaselWorld 2012 marked the introduction of the Tissot Luxury Powermatic. At Ace, we were rather pleased with this model - classic & timeless styling, coupled with a nice movement (80h power reserve!) and an affordable pricetag.

Tissot Luxury Powermatic

At this years BaselWorld 2013 Tissot introduced quite a few new Powermatic models and amongst them was this ladies model with two-tone dial, reminiscent of watches of the 1940's and 50's. Great stuff.

Tissot Powermatic

Case: stainless steel

Strap: leather strap

Diameter: 33mm

Movement: automatic, 80h power reserve

Reference number: T086.207.16.261.00

Price: To be added soon

Longines Heritage Military 1938 Date

In the past, Longines has produced iconic watches like the Greenlander and Nonius Chronograph and legendary movements like the 13ZN and 30CH. A few years ago Longines introduced the Heritage line of watches as a tribute to this rich and long history, with the Legend Diver being one of the most notable and successful examples.

Longines Military Heritage 24H

Longines Military Heritage 1938 Chronograph

At BaselWorld 2013 Longines introduced three new additions to the Heritage series: the Military 1938 in Time+Date, 24H and Chronograph version. A very legible and clear military design, classic but timeless. The union crown is a great touch - it gives this watch a very distinct vintage look.

Longines Heritage Military 1938

Case: stainless steel

Strap: leather strap

Diameter: 41mm

Movement: automatic date, automatic 24h, automatic chronograph

Reference number: L27884 (time+date), others to be added soon

Price: To be added soon

Yes, you are right: the Spacemaster Z-33 is not a new release for BaselWorld 2013. However, a cool fact is that this watch is now available through Authorized Dealers, instead of Boutiques only!

Omega Spacemaster Z-33

The Spacemaster can be seen as the spiritual successor of both the vintage Flightmaster as well as the (neo-vintage?) Speedmaster X-33. The design of the case is clearly based on the former, while the functionality is reminiscent of the latter - the Mars watch. If I'm correct, the titanium bracelet is a new option for 2013.

Omega Spacemaster Z-33

Omega Spacemaster Z-33

Case: titanium

Strap: titanium bracelet, leather strap, rubber strap

Diameter: 43mm

Movement: thermo-compensated quartz multifunction

Reference number: 32592437901001 (rubber strap) (O325.92.43.79.01.001), 32592437901002 (leather strap) (O325.92.43.79.01.002) (bracelet version to be added soon)

Price: To be added soon

In the last few years, we have seen quite a few mechanical timepieces featuring a depth gauge. Brands such as IWC, Panerai and Jaeger-LeCoultre all made such instruments. While the tech behind the depth gauge differed from band to brand, they all had one thing in common: a rather high price tag. But there's good news for lovers of high-mech gadgets, since Oris released the exceedingly awesome Aquis Depth Gauge at BaselWorld 2013!

Oris Aquis Depth Gauge

Surprisingly, Oris used a hole in the glass to allow water to enter the case in order to measure the depth. How cool is that? I must admit I have not yet figured it out completely.. So allow me to quote from their press release:

Oris Aquis Depth Gauge

"Revolutionising the world of professional diving, where safety and protection are paramount, Oris' engineers have applied the Boyle Mariotte Law to the patented Oris Aquis Depth Gauge.

The special sapphire crystal, 50% thicker than an average top glass, features a channel milled into the side which runs anticlockwise round the dial, stopping between one and two o'clock. At 12 o'clock, a inlet leads to this channel. Expertly crafted, the join between the crystal and the case is sealed by a rubber gasket.
On descent, the air inside the channel is compressed by the surrounding water pressure, allowing water to enter through the inlet at 12 o’clock. The edge, in light grey and dark grey, differentiates between water and compressed air on the scale around the outside of the  dial, indicating depth while descending or ascending."

Again; how cool is that?

Oris Aquis Depth Gauge

Case: stainless steel, ceramic inlay

Strap: stainless steel bracelet

Diameter: 46mm

Movement: Oris 733, automatic

Reference number: 733 7675 4154 Set

Price: To be added soon

Yes, that's right - the Tissot T-Complication Squelette found below is not the only Tissot BaselWorld 2013 release that got us all excited. It is with great pleasure that we would like to introduce another stunner: the Tissot Heritage Navigator!

Tissot Heritage Navigator 160th Anniversary

Tissot was founded back in 1853 and they created their first worldtimer in 1953, to celebrate their centenary. To mark their 160-year anniversary, Tissot decided to bring back this classic at BaselWorld 2013.

Original Tissot Worldtimer by Brocantique

Okay. While yours truly shall remain nameless for now (take a guess at which Acer is blogging..), I will go out on a limp and post my personal thoughts about this timepiece. Bear with me;

Tissot Heritage Navigator 160th Anniversary

Worldtimers to me always have a kind of magical charm to them. It makes me think of 1950's globetrotters, traveling in style with Louis Vuitton hardcases and tailored suits, to destinations like the French Riviera, Rio and Acapulco.

While quite a few other Worldtimers are on the market today, very few have the vintage-appeal that this Tissot has.. The charm of days gone by. The design is a rather faithful reproduction of the original, though adapted to today's standards - the case for example measures a healthy 43mm.

It won't come as a surprise that I have placed my order for this one.. I can't wait!

The Tissot Heritage Navigator 160th Anniversary is available with either black or silver dial. A gold version was also shown during BaselWorld 2013, although that one seems to be lacking from the press-kit.

Tissot Heritage Navigator 160th Anniversary

Case: stainless steel

Strap: leather strap

Diameter: 43mm

Movement: Automatic worldtimer, COSC

Reference number: To be added soon

Price: To be added soon

While you can read about the Hamilton American Classic Jazzmaster Viewmatic Skeleton below, there was yet another brand that presented an affordable skeleton watch during BaselWorld 2013: Tissot!

Tissot T-Complication Squelette

Tissot T-Complication Squelette

Whereas Hamilton choose for a more romantic skeleton-look, Tissot took another route with their brand new Tissot T-Complication Squelette. The design is industrial, almost agressive - and we absolutely LOVE it!

In their own words:

"Modernity meets meticulous craftsmanship via a wheel-inspired design and specially developed movement, presenting a fascinating 3D experience without the need for any special eyewear."

Tissot T-Complication Squelette

Case: stainless steel

Strap: leather strap

Diameter: 43mm

Movement: Handwound skeleton

Reference number: To be added soon

Price: To be added soon

Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic Skeleton

This is why we love Hamilton!

Hamilton is one of the best as far as value-for-money is concerned. And they introduced another stunner to their already impressive collection: the Viewmatic Skeleton.

The Viewmatic Skeleton is available in either ladies or gents version, both powered by an automatic movement.

Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic Skeleton

Hamilton American Classic Jazzmaster Viewmatic Skeleton

Case: stainless steel

Strap: stainless steel bracelet, leather strap

Diameter: 40mm (gents), 36mm (ladies)

Movement: Caliber H-20-S, automatic skeleton

Reference number: H42555151, H42555751 (gents), H32405111, H32405811 (ladies)

Price: to be added soon

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887 Jack Heuer

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887 Jack Heuer

Alright. The TAG Heuer Mikrogirder is of course a stunning and ultra-awesome watch. However, it might be a bit hefty in price for most of us.. Luckily TAG Heuer released this stunning Jack Heuer Carrera at BaselWorld - the design being inspired on said Mikrogirder.

One of the most distinct features of the 1887 Jack Heuer is the fact that it uses the so-called Bullhead lay-out - the movement is twisted 90 degrees, causing the pushers and crown to be located at the top side of the watch, resembling mechanical stopwatches of days gone by. As demonstrated by the pictures, the case is quite work of art..

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887 Jack Heuer

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887 Jack Heuer

Case: stainless steel / titanium

Strap: leather strap

Diameter: 45mm

Movement: Caliber 1887, automatic chronograph

Reference number: CAR2C11.FC6327

Price: EUR 5.800 inc VAT

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 36 Flyback-Chronograph

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 36 Flyback-Chronograph

A great new addition to the Carrera line-up is this Calibre 36 Flyback Chronograph. The design of the dial seems to be inspired by vintage chronographs and makes for a very sporty look. The case measures a healthy 43mm. There are two dial versions available - anthracite with either black or silver external part. The bracelet is of the Grand Carrera type.

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 36 Flyback-Chronograph

Case: stainless steel

Strap: stainless steel bracelet, leather strap

Diameter: 43

Movement: Caliber 36, automatic flyback chronograph

Reference number: CAR2B10.BA0799, CAR2B10.FC6235, CAR2B11.FC6235

Price: EUR 6.250 inc VAT