Dear All,
Invited by AD to attend preview of 2022 novelties and saw this two new calatrava in metal today.
My impressions/ observations are as follows:
1. The construction of lugs is new and hasn’t appeared in other references before. The lugs are connected to the bottom plate only, and not attached to the middle case or bezel. As shown by the brown arrows, there’s a fine gap between lug and bezel. As a result, the rows of hobnails run continuously around the whole circumference of middle case without disruption.
2. The granular vulcanite like dial has a rich texture and also colour gradient with a darker periphery. Being a Leica fans as well, I like this dial very much!
3. The dessert brown/ creamy fluorescent hands and applied numeral indices give the watch a rugged and sporty look.
4. Though we all don’t quite like date window, the dark background/ brown numbers date wheel on 5226G certainly helps maintain the homogeneity of dial.
5. 5226G wears thin on wrist. Even the 5326G isn’t too thick and should have no problem in sliding it under the sleeve.
6. The 260 caliber of 5326G is the same as 5236P and GORGEOUS!!!!! Although it doesn't have inward angle bevels, the three bridges construction is traditional and beautiful. The solid platinum micro rotor is also one of a kind.
Regrettably the watches for preview have their movements locked and I can’t try the new complication combo of travel time plus annual calendar of 5326G.
The ambient lighting casted shadow easily, hence couldn’t take good end on view photos 😅.
Cheers, Henry