Concord RE-Launches the Mariner

Baselworld 2014 marks an  historic milestone for Concord - the reintroduction of the Mariner.  Historic - since it seems Concord has a serious change of heart in regard to its older collections.  When Concord recently relaunched the Saratoga, I thought this sudden nostalgia was a once off deal, but a second relaunch proves Concord has renewed faith in its past.  Although the C1's , 2s  and Clabs are still quite hot, a brand of this size comprised entirely of one idea has limitations. The C hype has faded.  Its been five years ago since the Baselworld 2009 release of the QuantumGravity Tourbillon. An entire company - HYT - started by former Concord CEO Vincent Perriard - was built on its hydro mechanical concept.  

 Even though I blogged quite a bit about the C models - I could not fathom how a company could throw away all its previous and well loved collections.  I was terribly sad to see the production of Deliriums and La Scalas stopped.  La Scala is actually one of my favorite Ladies Watch.  The Delirium's and La Scala's ,still available on Ebay and on quite a few watch sites, have not lost their place in the watch world.  I personally think there is a definite market for new models of  old collections.
It seems Movado Group. owned Concord has finally realized that the C collections ,no matter how cutting edge and cool, is not enough for Concord.

 Of course the newer models of old collections are modernized.  In the words of Concord..
"This Iconic Collection has been updated to reflect a modern and beautiful sense of style"

The Mariner Collection is supposed to evoke an "ahoy there" feel; even engraved with the wind-rose logo on the case back. However, I think the watch collection can stand on its own as a really elegant  sporty timepiece without the Nautical nuances.
The mens 41mm models  have a really great automatic Sellita movement, beneath an engaging anthracite dial and housed in a stainless steel case.  A ETA quartz movement lies beneath a silver-toned dial. The watches are only water resistant to 50 meters which is not really ideal for waterways. The indices and hands are Rhodium plated and treated with Superluminova. 

The white mother of pearl dial upon the  30mm ladies timepiece is punctuated by 12 diamonds. A stainless steel case houses an ETA quartz movement.  An Anti-reflective treatment is applied to the scratch resistant sapphire crystal enabling read-out at high noon.

One collection I am eager to welcome is the Concord Delirium.
I suppose we will just have to wait and see.

Concord Releases Two new C2 Models

Movado Group's Concord is really starting to gain ground since its complete collection overhaul a couple years back.  Originally, I had a few misgivings about the new collection wanting desperately for the company to hold onto their Delirium's. Saratoga's and La Scala's, but time is a changing and die hard Concord fans are automatically associating Concord with their C1 collection - launched in 2007.  Thus with the C1 collection firmly cemented in the horological world, and a stamp of approval for the new C2 Collection - unveiled  in September - Concord is full steam ahead adding 2 new chronograph models to its latest collection.
The newest all-white model has crisp clean lines and a cutting edge 43mm stainless steel case.  The multi-layered silver and white dial is accentuated with gray directing the gaze to hand indicators and sub dials.  The date aperture at the 6 'o'clock is nestled at the bottom of the 12 hour chronograph counter. At the 9'o'clock ,demanding attention by its much darker hue, is the 30 minute chronograph counter.  Concord's signature seconds disc takes residence and recognition at the 3'o'clock position. Tubular attachments on the case attach directly to the strap without the need for lugs -creating a more streamlines look. Truthfully I would purchase this watch in an instant because it makes sense.  The sub dials are large enough to be read, but small enough so as not to crowd the dial.. The strap is vulcanized rubber, which is very comfortable and easy to clean. Partially skeletonized hands sweep across the dial without concealing the smaller sub dial hands.  A 2mm scratch resistant sapphire crystal ensures optimum protection to the dial and extra dial clarity.  The 43mm case is large but not over bearing. Noticed for its perfection.
  The C2 is also available in black with electric blue accents adding a techno iridescent charm to the dial. Contrasting white dial hands, Concord's white signature seconds disc and hour markers ensure nothing will go unnoticed.
Both models are automatic with a 42 hour power reserve run by a highly efficient ETA movement. 
A stainless steel folding clasp ensures the watch will remain securely on the wrist.

Concord C2 Chronograph. Concord's Coolest Collection Yet.

Concord, owned by Movado Group, has finally found the balance between over-the-top futuristic watches and plain boring outdated watches with its brand new new C2 collection.  Don't get me wrong, I think Concord Delirium's, Saratoga's and La Scala's  definitely had a place in the 20th century, but style's change and the world moves on.  On the flip side I think the C1 models ,such as the highly publicized Concord C1 QuantumGravity Tourbillon Watch (see inset left below), born from the new improved Concord Company was a daring adventurous leap from the super slim seriously elegant Deliriums and such. The C1's are bold rugged powerful timepieces built to impress; however, due to the large merging sub dials, the dial seems a bit cluttered and difficult to read.

C1 QuantumGravity Tourbillon

  However looking at the C2, I feel the C2 is definitely a leap in the right direction. Concord has softened the C2 making the lines slightly more fluid and shrinking the sub dials, thus increasing the readability of the dial while maintaining the bold presence of the timepiece without being too overbearing.  The use of a matt black finish adds an elegant simplicity while exuding a sense of powerful resilience.  The entire look of the 43 mm black PVD-treated stainless steel watch whispers unhindered speed and powerful precision.  An ETA 2894-2 automatic mechanical movement powers the watch.  An alluring  red-accented black vulcanized rubber strap promises extreme comfort as it is attached directly to the watch case without the use of lugs or pins.  A folding clasp crafted from black PVD-treated stainless steel securely fastens the Concord C2 to the wrist.  In addition C2 is proudly emblazoned on the case back in no uncertain terms.

Concord has balanced this watch very well. I have a feeling the C2 Chronograph will do very well. Looking forward to see this watch on the market costing $6,500 for the black PVD case and a bit under $6,000 for the stainless steel case. This watch is less expensive than its forerunner - the C1 Collection.