The Roundup: the “Happy Birthday” Edition

Each week, EWC will be gathering horological industry news, cultural conversations and moments surrounding our favorite topic: timepieces. Happy Friday; here’s what’s on our watch.

Just Landed in June

Summer is so close we can taste it, and the new releases are heating up.

Laurent Ferrier revealed its latest addition to its Sport Auto line. The watch comes in the brand’s 15^th anniversary year and pays homage to the founder’s history with the legendary Le Mans race. The model is fittingly named the Sport Auto 79 in honor of the year 1979, in which Mr. Ferrier and his teammates took third place at the historic race.

IWC introduced not one but two new models to its catalog this week. First up, the brand added a new colorway to its popular Top Gun line with a Mojave Desert edition. IWC also released the Portofino Automatic Pointer Date Laureus in support of Laureus Sport for Good and Figure Skating in Harlem, the only organization in the world to combine academic support, leadership development, and the sport of figure skating.

Hublot is certainly in the summer spirit with the new Hublot Big Bang Unico Summer. The model launched at a swanky soiree in Mykonos with ambassador Usain Bolt and Friend of the Brand, DJ Mattia Vitale. It features bright and bold pops of blue and orange that are perfectly beach ready.

Like IWC, Zenith released a new duo this week: the Defy Extreme Diver & Defy Revival Diver “Shadow” Editions. The pair also screams summer with the combination electric neon yellow accents and lightweight titanium for the scorching hot days. Of course, both watches boast 600 meters of water resistance, so they’re equally robust too.

Last but not least, Ulysse Nardin expanded its accessible Freak X line with an enamel beauty. The model applies the metiers d’art technique to the signature hour disc, which presented a bigger challenge than when enamel is applied to a traditional dial. The limited edition joins the brand’s catalog in just 120 pieces.

A Fifth Avenue Boutique fit for a 250^th Birthday Celebration

It was a big week for Breguet as the brand unveiled its newly redesigned boutique on Fifth Avenue in the heart of Manhattan. Here, the Maison hosted the launch of the new Type XX Chronograph 2075. In attendance were the brand’s new CEO Gregory Kissling who took the helm of Breguet last fall as well as Emmanuel Breguet himself, who was signing copies of his new book, Breguet 250 Years.

House of Wonders Hits the Road

Speaking of birthdays, as Audemars Piguet rings in its 150^th, its House of Wonders exhibition hits the road. The immersive tribute kicked off in the brand’s home in Le Brassus, Switzerland, and now, it’s making its way to the Shanghai Exhibition Center. Here, enthusiasts can take a journey through more than a century of history and the people and watches that have shaped the brand.

On the Auction Block This Weekend

If you’re in New York City this weekend, get your paddles read to bid at Phillips The New York Watch Auction: XII. In typical fashion, Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Omega will lead the sale. The top lot is an exceptional Patek Philippe Reference 1518, appearing at auction for the first time in nearly four decades. In addition, there’s a historic Rolex “Die to Drive” “Big Red” Daytona of Formula One legend Jean-Pierre Jabouille and a Space-Flown Omega Speedmaster up for grabs.

What Happens in Vegas

This week, Couture and the Vegas Antique Show kicked off in Sin City. While jewelry is the focus of couture and vintage watches abound at the antique show, a few watch brands have also been unveiling new models. Frederique Constant debuted a slew of new models in the Classics collection, and Norqain released a quintessential summer watch: the Freedom 60 Chrono “Enjoy Life” Special Edition.

For Your Watch List