Sports Watches: 2011

Most 25- to 45-year-old men try to stay away from the conservative watches that remind them too much of their father’s (or even grandfather’s) watch. Although it doesn’t hurt to have a classic-looking timepiece to pair with a suit for a formal occasion, it’s the sports watches that get the most attention.

So, what will become the trend for sports watches in 2011? The Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) 2011 exhibition in Geneva tells us that the black PVD and DLC watches are still going strong in the coming year(s). Also, the ever-growing diameter of watchcases does not end in 2011. Large watches are certainly no fad, but are here to stay. A nice example of these ongoing trends is represented by Montblanc with its Time Walker TwinFly Chronograph. Richard Mille introduced another tourbillon sports watch: the RM017 Tourbillon Extra Flat in rose gold combined with titanium.

AskMen is showing you some of the important releases of sports watches that have been introduced at the SIHH 2011. We also included three watch manufacturers who aren’t present during SIHH 2011 but introduced (or will be doing so) sports watches for 2011, which carries a certain importance among watch aficionados.

Panerai

Rediscovered by the Italian stallion in 1995, Panerai is still one of the most popular manufacturers of large watches. Not only amongst Paneristi, but it also has the support of many other watch aficionados.

In 2011, Panerai introduces a new Luminor Marina model, the PAM00386. This watch seems to be Panerai’s answer to the huge demand for vintage-looking timepieces. The tobacco dial and vintage-looking leather strap refer to its military background while the 44mm diameter composite case (and its in-house caliber P.9000 movement with a three-day power reserve) breathes modern technology into it. Panerai is ready for 2011.

Breitling

The Navitimer, in the Breitling collection since 1952, is probably its most favored model among watch aficionados. The Navi, as in Navitimer, stands for navigator or navigation and refers to the slide rule bezel that can be used by pilots to do some math.

Finally, Breitling decided to have its iconic watch fitted with an in-house movement. The Breitling Navitimer Caliber 01 is a column wheel chronograph with a 70-hour power reserve. The tri-compax layout (subdials on 9, 3 and 6 o’clock) resembles the original design of 1952. Only 2,000 pieces will be made in stainless steel and 200 in 18ct red gold. With a case diameter of 43mm, it is still wearable by any tough pilot.

Linde Werdelin

This Danish brand has been on the sports watch market since 2006 and is already recognized by a lot of watch enthusiasts. Its uniquely shaped watchcases can be identified as a Linde Werdelin watch from miles away, even though you could say there have been some influences by the likes of Gerald Genta (Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Patek Philippe Nautilus). The brand is also the manufacturer of professional instruments for diving and climbing (or skiing) purposes, which can be snapped on to its watches. Currently, the company has watches for divers, travelers and rock climbers.

Linde Werdelin’s next step will be a timepiece featuring a chronograph. On January 20, 2011, during the GTE exhibition, it will be introducing its chronograph watch. The only thing that it wants to reveal before the official introduction is that it has something to do with a spider. According to our information, this watch definitely has something to do with Linde Werdelin’s successful Spidolite model.

Richard Mille

After the Roland Garros 2010, all media suddenly knew about watch manufacturer Richard Mille. Richard Mille created a tourbillon sports watch (RM027) for tennis player Raphael Nadal. Only weighing 20 grams, it is an excellent choice for every sportsman. For SIHH 2011, Richard Mille planned the introduction of the RM017 Tourbillon Extra Flat timepiece. The rose gold and titanium watchcase is only 8.70mm thick, and is attached to a comfortable rubber strap. The RM017 will be limited to 50 pieces only. Although it has partly been crafted from rose gold and has a tourbillon complication, Richard Mille considers this to be an elegant sports watch.

Montblanc

Enthusiasts of this Hamburg fountain pen manufacturer are probably pleased that its watches are becoming more serious haute horlogerie every year. The Montblanc Time Walker TwinFly Chronograph has a lot of elements that will remind you of its Star Walker writing instruments. Small details like the hobnail ring in the dial, the lugs and the crown of the watch reveal its pen connection.

This 43mm diameter DLC case houses a Montblanc LL 100 movement (made by Richemont’s ValFleurier) that has a power reserve of three days and a flyback chronograph. Instead of stopping the chronograph first, you can use the pusher at 4 o’clock to instantly restart the chronograph.

Rolex

Although there is no one outside of Rolex that knows exactly what it is up to each year, last year it accidentally distributed a bit too much information to the outside world. AskMen is not too sure whether this was truly a mistake or that this was done on purpose. We are talking about the upgrade of the current Rolex Explorer II model. Rolex updated most of its other sports watches in the last few years, with the exception of the Daytona, Yacht-Master and the Explorer II. Just before BaselWorld opened its doors in 2010, pictures and a video were spread of the new Explorer II with its large orange 24-hour hand. Of course, Rolex did not (and will not) confirm anything like this before BaselWorld 2011. If you are looking for a nice investment, get the current Explorer II while you can and keep it safely boxed and stickered.