24 September

The day in brief

Nivada Grenchen marks its centenary with a new F77 MKII generation featuring natural-stone dials and a La Joux-Perret movement. Panerai reduces its 1990s Luminor architecture to 42mm without giving up 500 metres of water resistance. Canadian brand Héron introduces the Continental, a compact alpine-inspired sports watch.

These are three launches at very different scales: a historic Swiss name upgrading the mechanics of one of its most recognisable models, a major Italian maison making an icon more versatile, and a Montreal microbrand consolidating its own design language.

For Europe, Nivada starts at about €1,660 on straps and €1,870 on bracelet, while the new Panerai models begin at €6,500. Héron lists the Continental at US$630.

Nivada Grenchen marks 100 years with natural stone

Nivada Grenchen opens the new F77 MKII 100 Years chapter on 24 September. The collection pairs a 38mm 316L steel integrated case with natural-stone dials and replaces the previous Soprod movement with the automatic La Joux-Perret G101.

The G101 runs at 4Hz, uses 24 jewels and delivers a 68-hour power reserve, visible through a sapphire display back. The case is 11.5mm thick and retains 10 ATM water resistance. Dial stones include jade, azurite, black shungite, smoky quartz, black opal, labradorite and Ice Agate; the latter is limited to 100 numbered pieces.

The Jade version is US$1,790 on bracelet and US$1,590 on rubber or Velcro. Shipping is scheduled for early November. European launch communication indicates approximately €1,870 and €1,660 respectively.

Panerai brings the 1990s Luminor to 42mm

Panerai has introduced three new 42mm Luminor references — PAM01710, PAM01711 and PAM01714 — reinterpreting the case that defined the brand’s civilian debut in 1993. The first two use steel with black and green dials; PAM01714 combines black DLC-coated steel with a blue dial.

All three use the automatic P.980 calibre with 23 jewels, a 28,800vph frequency and a three-day power reserve. The case is 13.8mm thick and, despite the reduced diameter, retains a stated 50-bar, approximately 500-metre water-resistance rating. Panerai says each watch is pressure-tested beyond its guaranteed rating.

In Europe, PAM01710 and PAM01711 are priced at €6,500, while the DLC PAM01714 is €7,500. All three use new 22/20mm canvas straps with leather reinforcement around the holes.

Héron heads for the mountains with the Continental

Héron has launched the Continental, inspired by mid-century alpine resorts and watches worn during the great age of exploration. The debut comes in Black, Cream and Blue versions at a listed price of US$630.

The hardened-steel case keeps compact proportions and a sports-chic profile, with a boxed sapphire crystal, sandwich dial and multi-link bracelet. An exhibition back reveals a custom snowflake rotor, a reference to the brand’s Canadian roots.

The Continental is an interesting step for the young Montreal brand: rather than returning to the Marinor dive-watch world or the Mirabel GMT, it moves into more versatile territory between an expedition watch and an everyday sports watch.

What deserves attention

The common thread is wearability without loss of identity. Panerai does it explicitly by downsizing the Luminor; Nivada combines 38mm proportions with a longer-running movement; and Héron uses a compact case to establish a new family. Different routes point to the same trend: mechanical watches with presence that rely less on sheer size to express character.