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Watch Out: New Spring Timepieces that would be Welcome on any Wrist

As the weather changes, it’s time to freshen up your wardrobe for the warmer months ahead – including your preferred wristwear. We’ve scoured the men’s market for five of the best new watches that are either already available or set for release in the next couple of months.

Timex Expedition Scout Chronograph: $93

Timex Expedition Scout Chronograph
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Expedition line prides itself on no-frills outdoor style wrapped into an affordable package. This latest chronograph gets a striking blue dial upgrade with a 100m water resistant rating. We’re fans of the date feature, neatly slotted at an angle just north of 4 o’clock.

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AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane “Bader Edition”: Price TBA

AVI-8 Hawker Hurricane “Bader Edition”
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This updated collection was named after one of the often overlooked, yet more reliable aircraft in the Royal Air Force–and the more modest design seems apt. A 38mm stainless steel case encloses a minimalist three-hand dial with nato and leather strap options. The slotted day layout is a nice touch too. The Bader Edition goes on sale May 25.

Ackurat M38: $140

Ackurat M38
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We’re always fans of great Kickstarter watches and this minimalist design is another addition to our list. The no-lug case houses a Swiss Ronda movement and it’s all covered by scratch-resistant double-domed sapphire. Italian nappa leather straps in several colorways round out the European design. The campaign runs through April 13.

TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45: $1650-$6750

TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45
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The second iteration of the TAG/Intel partnership takes shape with this high-tech, water resistant smart watch (see above and featured image). The Connected is fully integrated with the Android operating system to run multiple apps simultaneously and buyers can choose from 30(!) different dial options. It has 4GB of storage and can run a variety of functions on Wi-Fi even if your synchronized phone is off. Talk about the power of computing on your wrist.

Baltic Chronograph BiCompax 101 & HMS 001 Automatic: Price TBA

Baltic Chronograph BiCompax 101
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Two sleek styles are the core of this French brand. Complete details will be announced when their Kickstarter launches April 12, but we like the vintage inspiration with just enough flexibility to be worn with business attire or as an evening wear timepiece.

Geoff Nudelman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Geoff is a former contributor to The Manual. He's a native Oregonian who’s always up for a good challenge and a great hike…
Topics
From Maine with heritage: Rancourt & Co debuts bison leather camp loafer
Rancourt & Co bring heritage to a new hybrid style
pair of rancourt and co camp laofers

Known for their family-owned business and quality craftsmanship, Rancourt & Co continues to keep alive the heritage of timeless and sophisticated construction. Based in Maine, Rancourt & Co. has made a name for itself with elevated styles that last despite time and trends. Between casual shoes and formal options, Rancourt & Co. has a vast lineup that has it all. In their newest launch, the American company takes on two of its best-known silhouettes, camp mocs and loafers, for a hybrid style that is as durable as it is sophisticated. With holiday events and more just around the corner, the newly released Belgrade Camp Loafer provides the versatility of a shoe that can be dressed up or down. Arriving in a new cognac shade, this multi-use camp loafer is the perfect addition to any autumn wardrobe. 

Rancourt & Co. brings heritage to a modern hybrid shoe  

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Graphpaper and PUMA elevate the Speedcat Plus in a monochrome triple-leather
PUMA's Speedcat sneaker gets a minimalist upgrade
puma speedcat sneaker

In the last couple of seasons, PUMA’s Speedcat silhouette has slowly become the brand’s answer to Adidas’ Samba and Nike’s Cortez revival. As the other brands continue to reinvent and reimagine some of their iconic sneakers, PUMA has taken to designs like the Speedcat for another pass through the spotlight. As the sneaker continues to reach a new audience with playful prints and textures, the brand hasn’t slowed down on releasing new iterations of the classic sneaker. In their latest collaboration on the Speedcat, PUMA has joined forces with Japanese label Graphpaper for a pared-down and subtle take on the sneaker that’s equally as retro as it is elevated. While this partnership takes on the Speedcat Plus, the silhouette’s more statement version, the iconic shape and style of the original Speedcat remains, with remnants of its racing past still visible.

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Zenith’s space-forged chronograph goes worldwide
Zenith's Space-Forged Chronograph Expands
CHRONOMASTER SPORT METEORITE

Zenith has expanded global availability for its Chronomaster Sport Meteorite, a timepiece featuring authentic space fragments integrated into the dial.
Previously exclusive to Japan, the 41mm chronograph now reaches international markets through Zenith boutiques and authorized retailers at $17,500. Each watch incorporates a dial crafted from genuine meteorite that traveled through space for millions of years before reaching Earth and Zenith's Le Locle facilities.
The meteorite dials showcase the Widmanstätten pattern, a geometric formation created when molten iron cools gradually in space's vacuum. Hand-finishing reveals these cosmic crystalline structures, ensuring each dial remains unique. Against this extraterrestrial backdrop, Zenith's signature tri-color chronograph counters in silver, light grey, and anthracite create visual contrast with circular azuré finishing.
The stainless steel case preserves the design language of Zenith's 1969 A386 chronograph while incorporating contemporary elements like a black ceramic bezel marked with 10-second graduations. Pump-style pushers and modern proportions blend heritage aesthetics with current styling, while 10 ATM water resistance ensures daily practicality.
The timepiece houses Zenith's El Primero 3600 movement, the latest iteration of the brand's high-frequency chronograph caliber that earned the 2021 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève "Chronograph" award. Operating at 5 Hz with a silicon escape wheel, the movement achieves 1/10th second precision with the chronograph hand completing full rotations every 10 seconds.
The caliber provides 60 hours of power reserve and displays refined decoration through the sapphire caseback, including a blue column wheel, horizontal clutch, and openworked rotor featuring the Zenith star emblem.
The package includes both an integrated steel bracelet and black rubber strap for wearing versatility.

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