With the year having come to a close, one thing we all had to look forward to was the crowning of the best watch products of 2020. Though difficult, the past year has not been without happy moments and successes for many, including watch brands and retailers. A big success in 2020 was Michel Herbelin’s Carbon Newport Regatta. This limited edition watch has been named amongst the racy chronograph watches of the year by WatchPro magazine.
Michel Herbelin’s Carbon Newport Regatta was created in support of Aurélien Ducroz, who is an ambassador for the brand. As the watch was made for the 2-time freeskiing world champion and sailor, the brand understands the need to durability and the highest level of performance. The watch is designed to withstand both the harsh winds and saltwater as we well as the cold of the snow and mountains.
The sleek sporty design and lightweight construction of Michel Herbelin’s Carbon Newport Regatta make it obvious why the watch was a clear choice to be amongst the year’s best timepieces.
Design
A bold powerful design supports the intricate functionality of this watch. Every detail, down to the materials is meticulously chosen with the watch’s purpose and wearer in mind. A forged carbon case with a DLC coated stainless steel container ensures comfort and durability. The construction of the case adds little weight to the wrist preventing any inhibition to the wearer’s movements.
It measures 46.5 mm in diameter allowing for easier readability of the dial. The material makes the watch more resistant to both temperature and shock. The dial is also made of forged black carbon and has a marble-like design. A blue flange and subdials ties in the design together. The strap is in Newport Blue in high-performance FKM elastomer. A carbon bezel adds to the overall subtle nautical design. Inspired by a ship’s porthole, the bezel features screw detailing. The black plated hour-markers are influenced by a boat’s hull. Both the hands and hour-markers have a white luminescent coating. A ship’s wheel is stamped into the crown. The smoked transparent case back allows a look into the exclusive for Michel Herbelin movement.
Functions
The watch has two subdials: a 15-minute regatta counter and a 12 hour counter. Placed at the 12 o’clock position is the regatta counter. The counter’s hand is a red plated compass shaped hand with a luminescent white coating. It has three 5 minute zones, with the third featuring a red line in order to be more easily distinguished. The subdial at 6 o’clock is the 12 hour counter which also has a compass hand however in white. A double day/date aperture is placed at the 3 o’clock window. The day is marked in white against a black background and the date is in white against a red background.
The calibre of the watch, Sellita SW501, was designed for Michel Herbelin. It has 25 jewels and a power reserve of 48 hours.
There are only 300 pieces available of this stunning luxurious model. If you’re interested in purchasing this exclusive high-end chronograph model follow the link here.
What do you think of Michel Herbelin’s Carbon Newport Regatta? What is your favourite watch of the year?
