As we draw ever closer to the end of the year, it seems a fitting time to look back on 2015 and all it has brought us. It’s been an exciting year, with many new timepieces released which seem set to be future classics. It’s also a year which has brought some challenges to practitioners of traditional watchmaking crafts.
The Smart Watch Revolution
In April, the technology giant Apple released their Apple Watch to much acclaim. It quickly became the best-selling wearable device on the market, and raised questions as to whether the smart watch would take over from more traditional timekeeping devices.
In response, many of the Swiss watchmaking brands have turned their attention to combining their craft with the new technology that consumers are looking for. The Alpina Horological Smart Watch was the first notable entry into this part of the market, whilst the very impressive TAG Heuer Connected Watch, announced in November, sold out its first run on pre-orders. More recently, Breitling have entered the fray with the Exospace B55 Connected watch – a timepiece we’ll be taking a closer look at in the New Year.
The Big-Screen Connection
Luxury watches have always had a connection with the silver screen, and it was particularly noticeable this year. At the very beginning of 2015, British watchmakers Bremont unveiled a range of watches to tie in with the new movie Kingsman: The Secret Service. The watches were not only made for consumers, but also worn within the film itself – which also featured a cameo appearance from Bremont co-founder Nick English.
This was not the only silver-screen spy watch connection of 2015 of course; James Bond’s latest outing in Spectre was accompanied by two limited edition timepieces from Omega; the Omega Seamaster 300 “Spectre” watch (now sold out) and the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra James Bond Spectre Watch.
Pushing New Boundaries
Exploration and adventure have always been important to mankind – and as many adventurers will tell you, a good watch is a vital companion.
Omega have been supporting a groundbreaking around-the-world attempt by the Solar Impulse team; not simply a flight around the world, but one powered only by solar energy. The team took off for their first leg from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates to Muscat in Oman on the 9th of March, and have to date successfully completed eight of their thirteen planned flights – including an extraordinary flight lasting five days and five nights – before delaying completion to 2016 due to needed repairs. We look forward to seeing their progress when they resume in the spring.
Meanwhile, Alpina have been working with the Ice Legacy project, as adventurers Børge Ousland and Vincent Colliard aim to cross the 20 largest glaciers in the world. The project is aimed at increasing awareness of the importance of the glaciers, and the need to ensure their environmental protection. This is a long-term project, which began in 2014 and is expected to last until 2023 with the team crossing two glaciers per year.
At Banks Lyon, we are naturally excited to see what 2016 may bring to the horological world – but we haven’t yet finished with 2015. Join us tomorrow for part two of our year in review.
In the meantime, our extensive range of timepieces from this year and previous years is available to view both online and in our Lancaster store. Whether you are a fan of Swiss-made Omega watches or prefer to buy British with Bremont watches, we look forward to helping you find the perfect timepiece for you – contact us on 01524 38 10 20 or keep up to date with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.