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Atlantic is offering a new limited edition of its Worldmaster collection! All new features and my opinion about it in this Atlantic Worldmaster 1888 Review!
The Atlantic Worldmaster collection is the undisputed driving force of the Swiss brand, which has been producing high-quality timepieces in a classic and functional design for over 130 years. Atlantics Worldmaster watches are in the price range starting at 500 Euro. The 1888 series is considered to be a timeless classic. Now, by the end of the year, the watch manufacturer is launching a new flagship on the market.
The automatic model is available in two different dial colors: anthracite and salmon. Both color variants are available 188 times each, an allusion to the name of the collection and the year Atlantic was founded. An ETA Valjoux 7750 chronograph automatic movement serves as the basis. In addition to the three totalizers, the special model in vintage look also has a date and weekday display and a tachymeter. What else the Atlantic Worldmaster 1888 can do and if it is worth buying, I found out for you in the review.
The first impression
Atlantic knows how to maximize the special feeling of “unboxing”. Therefore, the presentation of the limited special model does not rely on any kind of packaging. The chronograph comes in a luxurious wooden case, which everybody would like to exhibit. The standards are high. When I unpack it, the first thing that catches my eye is the classic design of the new automatic chronograph. The two Worldmaster 1888 with anthracite and salmon-colored dial are immediately recognizable as Atlantic watches. You can see clearly that the Swiss have put functionality first. The dial, no matter what color, appears tidy and structured, in addition very stylish. Small details such as the original Atlantic logo on the upper right-hand side of the dial successfully round off the design.
In my hand the new special model feels very valuable. The high-quality material selection as well as the good workmanship are worth a real praise. Those who already own watches from Atlantic should be used to and appreciate this. But in general you can expect this at a price of 1995 Euro. Thus the new Atlantic Worldmaster 1888 is indeed one of the most expensive models that the Swiss watch manufacturer currently has in its range.
An interesting comparison to former Atlantic watches
The Worldmaster Chronograph cuts a fine figure on my wrist. Like my Atlantic Worldmaster The Original, the case has a diameter of 42 millimeters. These proportions create a harmonious impression and match the restrained and classic design.
By the way, I found the comparison with my Atlantic The Original (580 Euros) particularly exciting. Similarities in the design of the case shape, for example, are quite obvious. Watch lovers, however, should notice the price difference quite quickly. Apart from the better movement, the Worldmaster 1888 has a bit more high-quality workmanship. So Atlantic has added another one!
The Worldmaster 1888 Automatic Chronograph in detail – a lot to review
The case has a classic round shape. Atlantic uses polished stainless steel as material here. This speaks for a certain resistance against scratches and thus for longevity. With a case diameter of 42 millimeters, the Worldmaster 1888 is 15.5 millimeters high. However, as long as ultra-flat cases are not considered essential, the case height should not be a problem.
For a chronograph in this price segment, sapphire crystal, which is also highly scratch-resistant, is the obvious choice. The watch crystal of the Worldmaster 1888 has a double curvature and therefore it looks very stylish.
Matching the case, the crown is made of stainless steel. It also has a ribbed surface, which makes it much easier to operate and set the time. Typical for Atlantic the Worldmaster 1888 has a quick correction of the date. To adjust the time and date separately, the crown can be pulled out of the case twice. We really have Atlantic itself to thank for this convenience. The Swiss company first introduced the quick correction as a technical innovation in 1960. Today, however, we take the mechanism for granted. The pushers also stand out due to their good haptics. These are the small details and meticulousness that distinguish the Worldmaster 1888 from a much cheaper chronograph.
Even though the Worldmaster 1888 is not a diver’s watch, the case offers a water resistance of 5 bar. With this, you could theoretically dive 50 meters deep. But I would not take that chance. But splashes for example when washing your hands are no problem.
The chronograph movement par excellence – with transparent case back
I find the case back very successful, because it has a window with a view of the Swiss movement beating inside. Since I have been wearing the watch, I take it off more often to admire the movement with its fine gears and the oscillating weight. The Swiss made movement is an ETA Valjoux 7750 chronograph automatic, which is the most popular and well known movement for chronographs in a price range between 1000 and 10000 Euros. Because the movement stands for a special robustness and accuracy, this popularity can be quickly explained. The power reserve is a very strong 54 hours. So theoretically it is sufficient to wear the watch only every three days. The oscillating weight has loving details such as the printing of the manufacturer’s logo.
Two dials to choose from
Anyone thinking of purchasing the new special Worldmaster 1888 in a limited edition is inevitably spoilt for choice: should it be the salmon-colored dial with the special retro charm or the darker version in coal-anthracite look? I took a closer look at both dial colors of the Atlantic Worldmaster 1888 in the review. Each dial design could be described as a negative of the other. The carbon dial has salmon-colored totalizers, the salmon-colored dial has carbon ones. The unequal twins are available 188 times each. And yes, there is definitely the attraction of having both variants. So you should be quick.
What both dials have in common are the red hands on the small counters, which provide interesting accents. Together with the high-contrast color combination, which has a high recognition value, I really like the vintage design of the Worldmaster 1888. The watch simply stands out.
As mentioned above, there is a date and weekday display at 3 o’clock. The white numbers are hand applied. In total there are three totalizers on the dial, which help reading the time during a stop. Below 12 o’clock there is a 30 minute display, above 6 o’clock a 12 hour display and at 9 o’clock a second display.
In addition to the normal hour display, a tachymeter is printed on the outer edge. This is used to estimate the speed at which you are moving for a known distance. Furthermore the hands are illuminated.
A bracelet that rounds off a successful watch
Atlantic has chosen a black calfskin strap for its chronograph, which completes the classic design. It has both a butterfly safety clasp and a quick-release pin. These intelligent mechanisms ensure optimum wearing comfort that leaves nothing to be desired. While I have worn the Atlantic Worldmaster 1888 constantly on my wrist during the last few days as a daily rocker fort he review, I had nothing to complain about. The calfskin is soft and the closure is very practical and simple.
Conclusion of my Review – Atlantic Worldmaster 1888
The Atlantic Worldmaster 1888 convinced in the test. The Swiss manufacturer has once again launched a successful special model at the end of 2020. Particularly noteworthy are the design and quality, which are absolutely worthy of the price of just under 2000 euros.
The chronograph is not a watch that shines through its eccentricity or various innovations. Instead of that the Worldmaster 1888 knows how to bring the traditional history of the manufacturer, founded in 1888, carefully and successfully into the year 2020. The new timepiece is therefore interesting for all those who want to buy a very high-quality automatic chronograph and appreciate classic design.
Experience has shown that the limited edition will not be available for long. If you want to buy one of the 188 models per dial version, you should be quick. The collection is now available online and through authorized dealers worldwide!
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Atlantic Worldmaster 1888 The Original review by me