FRANC VILA – FV EVOS 8Ch “Cobra” Chronographe Grand Dateur Automatique
This Cobra bites hard. But unlike its reptilian counterpart, its hold on you is more invigorating than fatal. Beginning with the marque’s signature elliptical “Espirit Unique” case which, apart from being fortified in diehard extreme steel, red gold or titanium, is now galvanised with carbon fibre inserts on its bezel.
This new sports-inspired Chronographe Grand Dateur Automatique is also endowed with 300m water resistance. Complete with an integrated rubber strap, this cool dive-friendly Cobra is made to withstand even the most intense of water sports, heralding Franc Vila’s foray into the sports timekeeping realm.
Elsewhere, the marque’s iconic dial that recalls an inverted figure of ’8′ continues to hog the limelight. Made of carbon fibre, it even sports a guilloche centre that keeps the traditional and avant-garde camps elated without over tipping each side of the scale.
Fitted with the automatic FV8Ch chronograph movement with date indication and 42- hour power reserve, the Cobra’s limited run of 88 pieces should put you at ease as chances of running into a mate with similar wrist candy are slim to none.
DANIEL ROTH – Endurer
Joining the likes of ‘classical‘ brands like Piaget and Breguet, Daniel Roth has turned to the sports realm this year to cast a wider net. Like its moniker, Daniel Roth‘s new sports line spells tenacity and strength from its design to its mechanical innards. Inspired by the ancient Japanese martial art Kendo, the oval dial’s grid pattern evokes the lines of a Kendoka’s mask. And just as the martial art form strives for unity of mind and body, the Endurer unites all of the brand’s signatures including the double elliptical case, concave bezel with six top-screws, and an underlying technical triumph that underscores its laudable mechanics.
Befitting the intrinsic dynamism of this new sports offering is the exclusive automatic DR1306 calibre. Endowed with what the marque terms as a “Chrono Sprint” function, its chronograph display is scaled down to a single counter (as opposed to the more common double or triple counters) that features two numeral tracks, one for the hours and another for the minutes for easy readability. Upping the ante is a single pusher at ’7′ that controls the chronograph‘s start, stop and reset modes. Elsewhere, with a 41 x 44mm case crafted out of steel and coated with a proprietary Black Tich titanium carbide compound that enhances the watch’s corrosion resistance, the Endurer certainly lives up to its name. Available with black rubber strap and water resistant to 100m.
