182 Timepieces For 6,000 Miles

The 2009 Dakar Rally takes place in South America, January 3rd. A 6,000 mile grueling route (see the route) who’s winner won’t be determined until the finish. That means two things: we’re bound to see some incredible moments from the rally and we’re presented with an official watch. A fine watch it is.

Limited to 182 pieces, the Wyler Genève chronograph uses a unique shock-absorbing case with a movement sealed in a titanium container held in place within a carbon-fibre resin frame on sprung titanium screws. This results in a completely suspended movement, no easy feat. It also uses tantalum (a material rarer than gold) giving the blue-gray sheen you’re unlikely to find anywhere else

Diamond-like carbon coating, sand-colored detailing, Arabic numerals, black rubber strap, and PVD-treated foldover clasp all lend to its dessert ruggedness. [As seen on Professional Watches]

Submarine Grade Steel On Your Wrist

Swiss and Japanese brands tend to dominate the conversation when it comes to watches. However there are other brands out there that deserve praise. Take for instance Sinn, a German watch company known for its many exclusive technologies, unique designs, and expert craftsmanship.

One of their most popular models is the Sinn U1 - a 44mm diving watch you can truly appreciate. You get many of the typical features found in other high-end dive watches three to four times the price: a uni-directional ratcheting bezel, sapphire crystal, automatic movement and, of course, superb water resistance.

So what else makes the Sinn U1 great? Submarine steel. It’s made from the same special steel used to construct submarines, making the watch both anti-magnetic and also resistant to salt water corrosion. Things you want in a diving watch.

Cost: $1,760 @ Watch Buys

Also See: Eterna KonTiki Diver Watch ($7,360)

As many of you have come to realize, the guys here at Gear Patrol are big fans of Panerai watches. New models get released all the time, but few make as bold a statement as this watch here, the Panerai Luminor 1950 Ceramic 8 days Chrono Monopulsante. Otherwise referred to as PAM 317, this watch was recently released at Basel 2008 and has been generating considerable buzz ever since the announcement.

Although this isn’t the first ceramic Panerai to be released (that honor belongs to the ceramic Radiomir), it is the brand’s first Luminor case to be made in ceramic. For those of you that don’t know, ceramic hardened watches are significantly tougher than their steel counterparts. The specs on this watch are impressive to say the least, featuring an 8 day manual wound in-house manufacture movement with a horizontal power reserve indicator, second time zone GMT function, exhibition case back to view that amazing movement, 24 hr indicator, and of course the single button chronograph function.

Cost: ~$27,000 @ Panerai

My love for Panerai timepieces knows no bounds. So I knew I’d be smitten with Magrette’s very (very) Panerai-esque timepiece, the new Regattare Valencia.

The 44mm Regattare Valencia is an hommage to the New Zealand team participating in the America’s Cup. It’s a 21 jewel automatic timepiece with a 45 hour reserve and ‘Parashock’ shock resistance enclosure. The timepiece will be limited to 500 numbered pieces worldwide and sold with a gorgeous vintage leather roll case. Images of the roll case and Kauri Wood box after the jump.

Cost: $369 @ Magrette + $30 Shipping

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You need a watch that matches your spirit of adventure, and we’ve found the perfect one for you. The new Tissot T-Touch Expert Titanium.

If you’re not already familiar with the T-Touch, it’s a watch featuring a touch sensitive screen that activates numerous functions, including alarm, chronograph, altimeter, thermometer, compass, and more. What makes this particular model stand out from the rest of the line is the robust XL size titanium case and increased water resistance to 100m. It’s a hefty watch, and the presence is undeniable. If you’re sporting this bad boy on your wrist, we know you mean business, and not to mention, we know you’re part gadget freak as well.

Cost: $1100 @ Tissot

Also See: EP Martin Sahara RTS Limited Edition | $1295

Digital watches aren’t what you remember from the 80’s. Not so long as there are watches like the Michael Young PXR-6 digital watch, a classic piece with a hint of post-modern design and ruggedness.

You’ll find the digital read out crisp and easy to read with it’s bright time and date readout on dark background and a blue illumination backlight. The, otherwise European only, watch is now back and sold at Charles & Marie. The Michael Young PXR-6 is available in a variety of combinations but stick with steel, gold or our favorite, an all black ultranoir version [first on the left]

Editor’s Tip: Perfect for those weekend trips by the water where your Bell & Ross is anything but appropriate.

Cost: $130-$150 @ Charles & Marie