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There is an enormous amount of attention paid every year at watch events like SIHH and Baselworld to movements and their tiny, fantastically geared complications. The fact is, of course, that movements matter. But lost in the sea of calibre numbers is another essential piece of watch technology and engineering: material design. This year’s SIHH was full of it.
Yes, the difference between an ETA 2824-2 and an in-house Rolex caliber makes a difference in value and performance. But have you tried holding a stainless steel watch and then a different version whose case is made entirely out of carbon fiber? How about an enamel dial and a meteorite one? Those things, my friends, differentiate.
Interesting material design has been happening more and more in high watchmaking in recent years, too, because watchmaking continues to be pushed toward innovation and halo products. That means more carbon fiber, more ceramic, more titanium, and more metals and composites you’ve never heard of before — the vibraniu and adamantium of horology. Here are watches that stand out first and foremost for their unique materials from SIHH 2019 so far.
The Submersible is Panerai’s most sporty, tough watch, which makes it the perfect proving ground for the brand’s tough material, Carbotech. Panerai first introduced the stuff in 2015; it’s a reinforced carbon fiber material that’s extremely tough and run through with a very sexy looking grain. Add a titanium case back and it should be pretty unbeatable.
Titanium meets ceramic in IWC’s new material with a cool name. The titanium alloy combines the lightness and strength of titanium with the scratch-resistance of ceramic; it’s not just a coating, like DLC, but an actual bonding between the two materials. IWC first made Ceratanium in 2017, and released it in a 50th anniversary Aquatimer. Its blacked-out look is just as good on IWC’s new Double Chronograph Top Gun pilot’s watch — and builds the brand’s tool watch cred, to boot.
The new Ultra-Thin models have drawn some heat from certain sectors who wonder whether the Perpetual Enamel, for exmaple, is truly “ultra thin” at nearly 10.55mm. But open your eyes! Nobody cares about thickness when they’re mesmerized by absolutely pristine hand-engraved guilloché, especially when it’s made using a special enamel that scintillates in the light. JLC has had in-house master artisans doing hand-guilloche enamel work since 1996, and it shows.
Carbon glass: You haven’t heard of it before because it’s never really been a thing in watches. Now it is, thanks to GP’s Laureato Absolute Chronograph, which looks like it was mined from a deep space asteroid. Girard-Perregaux stresses its extreme stiffness — apparently it’s stiffer than steel by a factor of 100 — impermeability, and a very low density that the brand says allows it to nearly float in water. (We need to test that one out.) Its crazy looks come from blue glass fibers incorporated during its high-temperature injection.
Good morning, and welcome to the latest edition of This Week in Gear — your single-shot serving of an entire week’s worth of the best new gear pulled from our weekday editions of Today in Gear. Bookmark it to peruse over a cup of coffee or before you soak up the last of your weekend freedom, then start your Monday completely up to speed. Here’s to another fantastic week.
Nixon’s Durable New Watch Is the Go-To of Pro Surfers
With tide information from over 500 beaches around the world, it’s time to hang ten.
This Is the Only Utility Knife You’ll Ever Need
If anyone is going to update a classic utility tool, it better be the lauded creator himself.
This Might Be the Most Badass Dog Leash Ever Made
The Lifetime Leash from Atlas Pet Company ensures you and your dog go on longer, better and safer walks – whether those walks take place in the neighborhood or climbing a mountain.
Breathe New Life Into Your Watch With These High-End Leather Straps
Made from calfskin sourced from the best French and Italian tanneries.
The All-New Ford Ranger Raptor Looks Insanely Good Off-Road
As of now, a US-bound Ranger Raptor is still undecided. But if the excitement over this promo video is anything to go by, Ford would be insane to hold back from the American market.
Designing the Perfect Engagement Ring Online Is Easy (and Cheaper Than Going to a Store)
Buying online is actually 50-percent cheaper than going to a traditional store.
Why Hibiki’s New Blend Is a Bad Omen for Japanese Whisky
Japanese whisky may have gotten too hot.
The Most Versatile Home Security Camera You Can Buy?
It comes integrated with Alexa so you can ask it questions and stream music the same way you would with an Amazon Echo.
The Most Iconic Triumph of All Time Is Coming Out of Hiding
You have the rare chance to see one of the actual 1962 Triumph 650cc TR6Rs from The Great Escape.
This Beautiful Pocket Knife Is Invisibly Innovative
Grovemade’s new Titanium Minimalist Knife is inspired by traditional Japanese blades. At its core is a unique and innovative feature that will go unseen by the untrained eye, and that’s by design.
This Super Pretty Headphone Amp Is Perfect for Audiophiles
The 3ES is compatible with high-end electrostatic headphones, by the likes of HiFiMan, Stax and MrSpeakers.
Toyota’s Alternative to Rolls-Royce Has the Best Seats In the Industry. Here’s Why
Unfortunately, you can’t get in the US, but we’ve got a solution.
This Titanium Chronograph Celebrates 70 Years of an Iconic Carmaker
It’ll be super limited, though, with just 70 pieces coming to the US.
The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Is Hyper-Aggressive, Will Scare Supercars and Take Their Lunch Money
The 5.5-liter unit conjures 715 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, which is capable of sending the DBS Superleggera maxes out at a somewhat nutty 211 mph. It’ll hit 62 mph/100 kmh in 3.4 seconds.
Oris Completely Over-Engineered Its Biggest, Baddest Dive Watch
This titanium beast can tell time in two different time zones all the way down to 1,000 meters.
One of the Year’s Best New Pocket Knives Is Finally Available
If you’re looking for a new high-end EDC folding knife, this is the one to get.
Interested in Fly Fishing? This Is the Rod to Get You Started
Getting into a new hobby can be daunting – especially one like fly fishing, which requires an exhaustive list of specific gear. A new company, Reyr Gear, is simplifying the process with its super-packable and…
Todd Snyder Teams Up With New Balance to Make a Cocktail-Inspired Summer Sneaker
Made in the United States from high-end materials like Horween leather.
This Japanese Pocket Knife is Tiny, Tough and Beautiful
Seiichi Nakamura does away with Japanese minimalism with his newest, lightest pocket folder.
The New Chevy Blazer Is an Embarrassment Compared to This Stunning 1972 Example
To put Chevy’s recent announcement into perspective, imagine if GM decided to slap the Camaro name on a high-riding, jelly bean-shaped misguided hatchback.
This App Is Basically the Ultimate Productivity Tool
Gear Patrol readers get an exclusive discount to try it out.
These American-Made Whiskey Glasses Are Molded from Actual Oak
They call back to how whiskey is made.
This $35 Accessory Lets You Turn Your Tablet Into a $160 Smart Speaker
The Amazon Echo Show used to cost $230, and now this charging dock can make your tablet function just like it.
Designed with the Military in Mind, This Cooler Can Take on Pretty Much Anything
A rotomolded cooler that actually has a feature to accommodate a parachute landing.
Why This New Parka Makes Good Summer Outerwear
Parkas are a cold weather apparel staple, but do they make sense to wear during the summer too? Outlier just released a new one that has us questioning the matter.
Panerai’s Iconic Dive Watch Uses a Cutting-Edge Case Material
Called Carbotech, it’s extremely strong — yet lighter than ceramic or titanium.
This App Helps Photographers Take the Perfect Landscape Photo
The app factors in things like weather, time, elevation, the moon and sun cycle, and then helps the photographer plan for the perfect photo.
MasterCraft’s New Boat Will Let You Surf Anywhere
The newest boat from MasterCraft is the perfect way to hone in on your surfing skills, even if the lake is flat.
Adventure E-Bikes Are Here, and This One Looks Awesome
E-bikes are gaining in popularity, and Swiss bike maker BMC is capitalizing on the trend and combining it with one other movement: adventure riding. Meet the Alpenchallenge AMP Cross.
Sony’s Super-Telephoto Lens Is the Ultimate Weapon for Wildlife Photographers
It’s also the world’s lightest 400mm f/2.8 prime lens.
4 Grill Upgrades You Need for the Fourth of July, All Under $50
Upgrading your grilling setup just in very easy and very cheap.
The 12 Best Cigars to Smoke in 2018
To novices, smoking a cigar can be more intimidating than fun. We’re here to help.
The 9 Backyard Games You’ll Find Us Playing This Summer
Here at Gear Patrol, we take summer seriously — from barbeques to yard games. Here are our top ways to get competitive with anyone who’s down to play.
The 16 Best Running Shorts of 2018 for Every Type of Runner
Whether you’re looking for split shorts, 5″ or longer than 7″, we have you covered.
4 Grill Upgrades You Need for the Fourth of July, All Under $50
Upgrading your grilling setup just in very easy and very cheap.
The Best Outdoor Furniture for Your Patio, Balcony or Backyard
From Ikea to Herman Miller, this is your survey of the best outdoor and patio furniture at every price point.
The Cars We Love — Even Though Everyone Else Hates Them
When the whole world is hurling hate at the terrible car you love, stand your ground.
These Are the Best Board Shorts Money Can Buy
Designed by 11-time surfing world champion Kelly Slater.
The Best Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers for Any Budget
Looking for a portable speaker to take to the beach, park or backyard barbecue?
The 5 Best Sandals for Men, According to Style Experts
We asked five of menswear’s best to name their favorite pairs of sandals.
15 of the Worst Used Cars to Buy From 2007-2017
If you’re currently shopping for a used car, this is a good place to find the cars you don’t want.
The 6 Most Stylish Cycling Socks of 2018
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a die hard road cyclist, these six socks are sure to make you stand out from the crowd.
8 White Sneakers to Wear All Summer Long
Temperatures are rising, leisure levels are increasing. If there was ever a time for some great summer sneakers, it’s now.
Review: You’ve Never Listened to Headphones Like These Before
The Audeara A-01 headphones give you a hearing test and then custom-tune the audio so that it sounds perfect for you.
The 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio Offer Ferrari Performance for Audi Money
In some small ways new for 2019, the high-performance versions of Alfa Romeo’s Giulia and Stelvio are wicked fun. If you haven’t considered buying one — or even driving one — you should.
Sonos Beam Review: The Perfect Entry-Level Soundbar, for Most People
It combines a smart speaker with TV control, plus the terrific multiroom sound that Sonos is revered for.
Dyson Pure Cool Review: Can Dyson’s Newest Fan Solve Your Allergy Problems?
Dyson’s Pure Cool fan and filter is like many Dyson products — expensive, badass and possibly superlative.
