Pisa 1940. I don’t know if you’ve ever noticed, but the best memories are often tied to a specific time of year. There are many reasons that make these moments special. For students, it usually coincides with the long-awaited holidays, a time to take a break from books. It’s a period to recharge, to enjoy the company of family and close friends, and in some instances, an opportunity to meet new people and create new friendships or life experiences.
Summer Is More Than Just a Season
In summary, to suggest that summer is merely a season is to oversimplify it. It can be portrayed as an emotional state, intensified by the presence of the sea, which adds a thrilling and vibrant touch. Weather, summer, and the sea—a perfect trifecta. The latter is the critical element that transforms everything, providing us with a sense of freedom that we may not experience otherwise. Its presence amplifies our emotions, marking every moment, hour, and day with significance.
Time seems to stretch, and we wish it wouldn’t end. While we acknowledge its presence, capturing its physical form remains elusive. However, a solution is at our fingertips—quite literally, on our wrists. The sea continues to be an extraordinary source of inspiration for the watch industry. Sometimes it’s the materials, other times the colors, or occasionally the techniques. The remarkable part is that each Maison offers its own interpretation, leading to a creative surge that has resulted in extraordinary collections recognized as benchmarks among watch enthusiasts.
The Pisa 1940 Selection
Moreover, navigating the vast array of offers has become easier thanks to Pisa 1940. A simple click is all it takes to quench your thirst for knowledge or to arrange a visit directly to the flagship store at 7 Via Verri in Milan. This is a safe haven for those who appreciate exquisite timepieces and a reliable guide for discovering the finest options closely tied to the sixth continent. Below is a selection of 10 models showcased by Pisa 1940 for a summer to cherish and, above all, to experience on your wrist.
Hublot: Big Bang Integrated Time Only
Blue like the sea. This is the color defining one of the most sought-after novelties introduced by Hublot this year. The 38mm case is crafted from ceramic, and its compact dimensions make it the ideal piece for a feminine wrist. Another feature is the integrated bracelet, also in ceramic and in the same blue shade, enhanced by soleil finishes that define the dial, where the hour, minute, and second hands, along with the date window, stand out prominently.
The movement regulating the functions of this Big Bang Integrated Time Only is the calibre MHUB1115 self-winding movement. Completing the watch’s attributes is water resistance up to 100 meters. (Find more on Pisa 1940)
Pisa 1940: Baume & Mercier Riviera GMT
What defines a classic in watchmaking? Certainly its history. In this case, the Riviera collection has many stories to tell, starting with its name that evokes the beauty of the Côte d’Azur, one of the Mediterranean’s most glamorous seaside destinations. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, this watch collection includes one of its most popular models: the GMT version.
A 12-sided dodecagonal bezel with four screws, a 42 mm steel case, and a Swiss-made automatic movement are the key characteristics of this timepiece. As a travel watch, it allows instant reading of the time in a second time zone, thanks to a fourth hand that circles the dial in 24 hours, indicating the local time at the travel destination via a smaller peripheral scale marking the hours.
The dial features an elegant blue color, which is mirrored on the rubber strap. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal is anti-reflective on both sides, and the octagonal crown showcases the embossed Phi logo with a red line. A final detail is the guaranteed water resistance to 100 meters. (Find more on Pisa 1940)
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique
A watch that has achieved legendary status. The Fifty Fathoms is celebrated as the first authentic diving watch of the modern era. Launched in 1953, it initially captivated diving enthusiasts and later caught the attention of an ever-expanding audience of watch aficionados.
Today, a year after celebrating its 70th anniversary, the collection introduces a new version with a 42mm case made of grade 23 titanium. This material distinguishes the Fifty Fathoms Automatique, known for its lightness and high resistance to scratches and corrosion, along with its hypoallergenic properties. The characteristic sapphire-finished bezel features excellent legibility. The functions of this timepiece are regulated by the calibre 1315, a resilient and precise automatic movement offering a constant five-day power reserve due to its three barrels arranged in series.
The architecture of the movement, adorned with the red gold oscillating weight, can be viewed through the sapphire glass back. Water resistance is assured up to 30 bar (300 meters). The grade 23 titanium bracelet completes this reference beautifully. (Find more on Pisa 1940)
Pisa 1940: Bulgari Aluminium White Automatic
No summer is complete without Bulgari. For 2024, the maison has once again amazed by introducing a new, unprecedented version of one of its flagship collections, the Bulgari Aluminium line, launched 26 years ago, which transformed the watch industry with its unique and distinctive aesthetics. This family of timepieces now presents a new monochrome all-white version, showcasing its bold and electrifying character.
The bezel, adorned with the iconic 14 letters of Bulgari Bulgari, pays homage to the daring act undertaken by the Maison in 1977 when the brand’s name was creatively integrated as a signature aesthetic element, reflecting ancient Roman coins that featured the emperor’s name. Limited to just 1,000 pieces, it showcases a 40mm aluminum case, perfectly fitting male and female wrists alike. The aluminum dial is paired with rhodium-plated indexes and hands featuring Super-LumiNova® inserts for added luminosity, while the date window at 3 o’clock merges functionality with aesthetic balance. (Find more on Pisa 1940)
Cartier Santos de Cartier ref. WSSA0064
It has been dubbed the year of the Santos. There’s truth to this, particularly given the new models unveiled by Cartier at the recent Watches and Wonders event, where a spotlight shined on the introduction of a new and unique version of the Santos de Cartier. This model stands out for its shaded brown hue that enhances the dial’s satin-brushed soleil finish.
The aesthetic is further accentuated by the contrast between the steel used for the 39.8 mm case and the steel bracelet, which features the innovative “SmartLink” size-adjustment system. Regulating the functions is the self-winding mechanical movement, Calibre 1847 MC, which manages the seconds, minutes, and hours. The indicators for the latter two are represented by sword-shaped hands in polished rhodium-plated steel, filled with luminescent material. Water resistance is confirmed to a depth of 100 meters. (Find more on Pisa 1940)
Pisa 1940: Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman ref. H77825330
This timepiece is steeped in history, with its name echoing the legacy of “frogmen,” referring to the courageous US Navy Special Forces soldiers who wore the original during World War II on their daring missions.
The robust 46 mm steel case is equipped with a crown-protecting bridge. The black dial features Super-LumiNova® for visibility in reduced light conditions, while orange accents on the minute hand and the tip of the seconds hand ensure clarity at a glance. The H-10 automatic movement ensures the operational reliability of the Khaki Navy Frogman, offering precise timing, an extended power reserve of 80 hours, and optimized performance due to the Nivachron™ balance spring.
This watch is crafted from cutting-edge materials that ensure its resistance to shocks, temperature fluctuations, and magnetic fields, thus promising optimal performance, making it built for extreme conditions. (Find more on Pisa 1940)
IWC Ingenieur Automatic 40 Ref. IW328903
This new version was designed to honor one of the true icons in watchmaking. First introduced in 1955, the Ingenieur gained its definitive fame in the 1970s, largely attributed to Gérald Genta, who designed the Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, which has now become a sought-after collector’s piece for many watch enthusiasts. The new Ingenieur Automatic 40 draws inspiration from this iteration.
Also available in an Aqua version, the latest reference has been completely re-engineered in numerous aspects. The overall dimensions of the case have been meticulously adjusted, ensuring ergonomic comfort even for the slimmest wrists, with a 45.7mm lug-to-lug width. While the Ingenieur SL from the 1970s featured pronounced lugs, the Ingenieur Automatic 40 sports a newly developed center link attachment. One of the most notable updates is the introduction of functional polygonal screws on the bezel.
In the Ingenieur SL, a five-recessed bezel was fixed onto a recessed ring, resulting in variable positions of the recesses between each watch. The Ingenieur Automatic 40 features a bezel affixed to the case via five screws, which serve a technical function, ensuring their positions remain constant. The dial also sports a distinctive ‘Tapisserie’ pattern, harmonizing with the technical, sculptural case design. The Aqua version showcases a deep aqua-green hue reminiscent of the sea. Water resistant up to 100 meters, the 40mm steel case houses the calibre 3211, a self-winding movement managing hours, minutes, seconds, and date functions. (Find more on Pisa 1940)
Pisa 1940: Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Carbotech Abyss Blue
Panerai certainly belongs in this selection. The history of this Florentine brand is intrinsically linked to the sea, which continues to inspire it today, serving as an extraordinary source of innovation, especially in developing high-performance materials.
Submersible QuarantaQuattro Carbotech™
For this model, the Submersible QuarantaQuattro Carbotech Blu Abisso, Panerai utilizes Carbotech, a composite material made from carbon fiber. This material is lighter than titanium while providing excellent resistance to corrosion and scratches. Its marbled black coloration ensures that each case is unique. Despite its 44mm size, the watch’s Carbotech properties provide a comfortable fit, making it suitable for both sea adventures and everyday wear. Water resistant up to 300 meters, this timepiece also proves to be a dependable companion during diving excursions, with dial graphics designed for quick readability, particularly in poor visibility conditions.
Submersible QuarantaQuattro Carbotech™
The movement that controls the hours, minutes, small seconds, and date functions is the reliable P.900 with a three-day power reserve. (Find more on Pisa 1940)
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 1000 Superdiver
The lengthy, powerful name truly reflects this timepiece’s ambitious goals. One pivotal figure stands out: 1,000 meters, which is the maximum depth the Superdiver can achieve. This is a timepiece that elevates performance standards, reaffirming the Maison’s technical and design prowess.
HyperFocal: 0
This is not the first instance of achieving such a depth. In 1982, TAG Heuer reached the 1,000-meter mark with the 1000m Diver, designed for professional usage. Following were models like the Super Professional 1000, and in 2003, the Aquagraph, which made significant impacts in this market segment. Today, history has repeated itself. The Superdiver introduces various features that set a new standard for those in pursuit of something truly unique.
The materials chosen for this piece include grade 5 titanium, utilized for both the 45 mm case and bracelet. The guiding principles were performance and functionality while maintaining high readability. The hour hand is oversized compared to the one on the Aquaracer 300 collection, with orange minute and second indicators improving visibility.
Orange highlights also adorn the ceramic bezel to indicate the first quarter of an hour, the most commonly used interval for timing decompression stops. The readability of information is enhanced further in low light through the use of SLN Grade X1, the highest grade of Super-LumiNova®. The helium release valve, shaped rectangularly and finished with a black DLC coating, complements the finish of the crown. It’s engraved with the letters “He,” which symbolize helium in the periodic table.
Additionally, this timepiece has acquired ISO 6425:2018 certification for saturation diving watches. The movement is also notable: COSC-certified (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) and manufactured by Kenissi Manufacture SA to the specifications of TAG Heuer, the Calibre TH30-00 boasts a 70-hour power reserve. (Find more on Pisa 1940)
Pisa 1940: Tudor Pelagos FXD Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition
Transitioning from the motorsports of engines to the sailing world is an effortless leap. Tudor is commemorating two significant milestones in 2024. It’s a remarkable year for the Swiss watchmaker as it partners with the Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team on the racetrack, and in sailing, particularly in the America’s Cup, the brand will support the AC75 Alinghi Red Bull Racing. This nautical adventure is highlighted by the newly designed Pelagos FXD Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition ref. M25707KN-0001—a true showcase of innovation. Starting with the materials, featuring a high-tech carbon composite for the 42mm case and bezel disc.
For the bezel, crown, and pushers, titanium was chosen. Initially developed in collaboration with the French Navy’s divers and combat swimmers, this model’s case offers water resistance down to 200 meters and features the distinctive “FXD” design, where “fixed” refers to the robust fixed bars for attaching the strap. The piece is also equipped with a bi-directional rotating bezel featuring 120 notches and coated with Swiss Super-LumiNova® Grade X1, a luminescent material that provides up to 60% better performance after two hours compared to standard grades.
To monitor the countdown smoothly, a critical moment before each race, the bezels are graduated from 60 to 0. Dominating the dial is the subtle inscription “Alinghi Red Bull Racing” between the 10 and 2 o’clock positions on the 45° flange. This connection with the Swiss team in the America’s Cup is further emphasized by the blue hue of the dial, the official color of the challenge. The “Snowflake” hands and square hour markers—signature features of TUDOR since the 1960s—are engineered to provide a larger luminous surface, crafted from a luminescent ceramic composite to guarantee optimal readability in even the most challenging conditions.
NP23-Alinghi-Alinghi Red Bull Racing_PelagosFXD-Pelagos
This timepiece is powered by the manufacture calibre MT5602 mechanical movement, which comes with COSC-certified automatic winding. The Pelagos FXD Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition is paired with a “Team Blue” jacquard fabric strap accented with red elements, secured by a titanium “D” buckle. (Find more on Pisa 1940)