Many new watch models were introduced last monday on 18th January at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. I am sure many watch enthusiasts were following closely. However my focus is more on the vintage watches I do get excited for the to Baselwold and SIHH watch shows. Speacially the consumer showing more interest to the vintage design qualifications lately and accordingly the increase of the ’’vintage looking’’ new models as well as re-issues, sparked my interest for the modern watch market.
So what was out this year at SIHH? Many new models - enough to make many watch enthusiasts and followers of certain brands happy. Then i ask myself ’’What is your favorite’’ ? The answer is;
Galet Square Boreal a.k.a. ’’The Pebble’’
The French word ’’Galet’’ means pebble. It is the name of the first manufactured collection which was introduced in 2010. In this 6 years period it took its final shape, just like the metaphor on the press relase of the brand; ’’Gentle and gradual evolution, like the waves polishing the curves of the minerals’’.
The first thing that gets the attention is the beige color superluminova ’’chapter ring’’ or the ’’sector dial’’. It has a very plain design without numerals. The beige color also follows on the hour and minute hands as well as a matching camel color leather strap.
A ’’small second’’ feature is located in the lower center part. Every other detail, including the signature is applied in dark grey colors which is supporting the minimal theme. The square shaped case is in 41X41mm diameter. Same model is also featured with a green superluminova chapter ring and black leather strap with green stitchs.
Another model ’’Galet Traveller Boreal’’ measures 41mm but this one featuring a rounder case is released on stainless steel version this year. All the exiciting desing features of the dial in Galet Square Boreal is also applied to this one. Additionally it has a ’’dual time’’ and ’’date’’ functions which makes the dial less minimal.
The window appears at 9 o’clock has a 24-hour display which helps to read the second time zone and the window at 3 o’clock is showing the date. Both the Traveller Boreal and Square Boreal has a vertical satin brush finish on the dials which i think the ’’matte dial’’ lovers will appreciate.
In addition to all the impressive details there is also a sapphire display case back. You can easily see the Calibre FBN 229.01 with 72 hours power reserve on the Square Boreal or the 18K solid gold micro-rotor of the Calibre LF230.01 on the Traveller Boreal if you wish.
Both the Square & Traveller ’’pebbles’’ with beige detailed dials, finishing with camel colored straps appear to be my favorite combinations. Still, i find the black strap and green detailed dial versions also successful. Let’s take a close look at the other models of the brand that were at SIHH this year.
