Bell & Ross celebrates French aviation with the launch of the BR-05 Chrono Limited Edition
Bell & Ross takes to the skies once again with the latest BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France, a limited edition watch created to celebrate its enduring partnership with the iconic French aerobatic team. Renowned for its precision and artistry, the Patrouille de France represents the pinnacle of aeronautical excellence, and this latest chronograph embodies the same spirit.
Bell & Ross has long been synonymous with aviation-inspired timepieces, with designs that borrow heavily from cockpit instrumentation. Since launching its partnership with Patrouille de France in 2021, the brand has further solidified its ties to the world of aviation. Carlos Rosillo, CEO and co-founder of Bell & Ross, highlights the alignment between the two companies: “Patrouille de France and Bell & Ross share common values: precision, discipline and teamwork.”
This launch is the fourth watch designed specifically for the French Patrouille de France, paying deep respect to the squadron’s heritage.
Bell & Ross designs always put the needs of professionals first, and the BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France is no exception. The development process included consultations with the pilots themselves, ensuring the watches reflected their unique needs. While not an operational tool, the BR-05 Chrono is a “piece of honour” in the military, symbolising the elegance and harmony of the Patrouille de France aerial performances.
Launched in 2019, the BR-05 collection embodies an urban chic aesthetic while adhering to Bell & Ross’s fundamental principles of legibility, reliability and precision. Its signature design – a square case with a round dial – is inspired by aviation instruments and features an integrated bracelet for a seamless, modern look. This special edition features a blue leather strap for an added touch of luxury, echoing the Patrouille de France’s signature colour.
The dial of the BR-05 Chrono Patrouille de France pays homage to the aerobatic team. The light blue sunburst finish reflects the flight suits worn by the pilots, while the dark blue mimics the sleek fuselage of the aircraft. For an added touch of symbolism, the seconds hand features a counterweight shaped like the squadron’s iconic aircraft, the Alphajet. The Patrouille de France crest is prominently displayed on the dial and case back, depicting the “diamond” maneuver, underscoring the watch’s tribute to this elite team.
The 42mm steel case houses the BR-CAL.326 automatic chronograph movement, renowned for its power. With a 60-hour power reserve and 28,800 vibrations per hour, the movement allows for quick setting of the date, chronograph minutes and small seconds. The sapphire crystal case back offers a clear view of the movement, further enhancing the watch’s appeal.
Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Urushi GMT Introduces Second Time Zone to the Collection
Pursuing the launch of the Prospex GPS Solar Chronograph, Seiko carries on its exploration of adding fresh complications to existing choices. Granted, this new launch was not as extreme as ramming Astron into the Prospex variety with the force of the Huge Hadron Collider. Instead, they will added a GMT side to the Presage Craftsmanship selection for the first time. The end result is the Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Urushi GMT Perfect replica reviews .
Should you be not familiar with the Craftsmanship series, it’s Seiko’s high-end Presage watch line that features calls crafted using traditional Japoneses craftsmanship techniques. Previous types have featured dials made out of materials like porcelain, yet this one features Urushi ename. This is a traditional lacquer manufactured from the sap of the urushi tree, and is often used in dark dials. It brings an extraordinary smoothness to the dark-colored dial.
It may be paired with understated baton hour or so markers and spade-shaped palms, adding a classic touch. The particular seconds hand and GMT 24-hour hand are in glistening gold, matching the 24-hour scale on the edge in the dial for a luxurious feel. The GMT function lets you track two time zones concurrently, with the main hour give tracking one time zone as well as the GMT tracking the other. Generally, this is the local time and the property time, making it the ultimate traveling companion. Jacob & Co. epic x chrono MANCHESTER CITY
Powering this watch is the 6R54 movement, certainly one of Seiko's top movements, that has a 72-hour power reserve and a everyday error of -15/+25 moments. In addition to the hours, minutes, just a few seconds, and GMT functions, this specific watch also features a particular date window at 3 o'clock. It is housed in a 40. 2mm x 12. thirty-five mm stainless steel case with a see-thorugh caseback.
The purchase price seems appropriate considering the standard craftsmanship on display about the dial and the good requirements of the movement. A few years before, this price might have been for the high side for Seiko, but nowadays it is mare like a mid-range price. It's good to see the Craftmanship collection increase its horizons beyond the particular time-and-date model, making it any standalone sub-collection rather than a technique improvement on the edge of Seiko's offerings. audemars piguet concept price
Model: Seiko Presage Craftmanship 'Urushi' GMT
Reference: SPB447
Circumstance: Ø 40. 2mm x 12. 35mm thick, stainless steel
Dial: Black
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Seiko 6R54 automatic, 24 jewels
Frequency: 21, 600 vph (3 Hz)
Reserve of power: 72 hours
Capabilities: Hours, minutes, seconds, night out, GMT
Blancpain Villeret Chinese Traditional Calendar, Green Enamel Dial 2024 To welcome the return of the Year of the Dragon after 12 years, Blancpain has launched a spectacular combination of red gold case and green enamel dial for its Grand Complication Date watch.
In 2012, Blancpain launched the Villeret Lunar Perpetual Calendar watch, an extremely complex watch that combines the lunar and Gregorian calendars and is also equipped with a moon phase complication that coincides with the Year of the Dragon. Twelve years later, Long is once again in the spotlight. To commemorate this twelve-year cycle, Blancpain’s latest interpretation of its complex calendar watch is available in red gold for the first time with a charming green enamel dial.
Blancpain’s Villeret collection is the birthplace of many complex date and complication watches, such as the Quantième Perpétuel and Quantième Complet. However, traditional Chinese calendar watches upped the ante by combining two different calendars in one watch, a task that took Blancpain five years of research and development to perfect. The reason for merging the two calendars is that in China, the lunisolar calendar is used to determine the dates of festivals such as the Lunar New Year, based on precise astronomical observations of the sun's longitude and moon phases, while the Gregorian calendar is used for civil purposes. The challenge posed by the Chinese calendar is the difference between the number of days in a solar year (365.2) and a lunar year, which can vary between 353, 354 or 355 days. To make up for the difference between the lunar year and the solar year, an extra "leap" month was added to the calendar.
When Blancpain launched its traditional Chinese calendar in 2012, it was the Year of the Dragon. According to legend, the Jade Emperor summoned twelve different animals to his palace door, and the order in which each animal arrived was recorded in the zodiac. In this order, each animal rules the calendar every twelve years, meaning 2024 marks the return of the dragon. Following several versions of the watch with white dials in platinum and red gold, the latest Chinese Annual Calendar combines a warm red gold case with a rich green enamel dial.
Featuring Grand Feu enamel, the rich green hue offsets the functionality and is more legible than the white dial version. Despite the complexity and richness of the information conveyed on the dial, it still maintains a pleasing symmetry. The date is located on the periphery and indicated by a serpentine gold hand. The hours are indicated by elegant skeletonized sage hands and are represented by appliquéd red gold Roman numerals and dots at 12, 3 and 9 o’clock. There is a moon phase window at 6 o'clock, with a smiling golden moon and stars on it.
The three small dials are engraved with silver enamel Mandarin inscriptions to convey Chinese calendar information. Another novelty is the portrait of the golden dragon (along with the other eleven zodiac animals) that takes on a new look in the aperture at noon. Below the dragon is a small dial engraved with double hour numbers and symbols. The small dial at 9 o'clock specifically displays the lunar month and date. When there is the 13th leap month in the year, the small round hole will turn red. There is a yin and yang symbol in the center of the third small dial at 3 o'clock, representing the five elements of wood, earth, fire, water, gold and the ten heavenly stems. By the way, this is the Year of the Wood Dragon, so the golden pointer should point to the correct symbol. Like the previous version, the polished 45.20mm case has a height of 15.10mm and conceals five patented correctors beneath the lugs for adjusting the calendar.
The watch is powered by Blancpain’s extremely complex caliber 3638. The automatic movement consists of 464 components, provides a power reserve of up to 7 days via three series-connected barrels, beats at 4 Hz and is equipped with a silicon balance spring. The movement has traditional finishes, with a red gold oscillating weight engraved with a delicate wooden dragon pattern and a ruby set on either side.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – BLANCPAIN VILLERET TRADITIONAL CALENDAR Case: Diameter 45.2 mm x Height 15.1 mm - 18k red gold, polished - 30 m water-resistant - Sapphire case back - 5 patented under-lug correctors Dial: Green grand feu enamel - Chinese zodiac, lunar date and month, five elements, celestial stems and leap months - Pointer date calendar - Moon phases - Applied red gold Roman numerals and dots - Silver enamel painted indicators Movement: Blancpain Automatic Caliber 3638 - 32 mm x 8.3 mm - 168 hours (7 days) power reserve - 464 components - 39 rubies - 4 Hz frequency - Silicon hairspring - 18 red gold engraved with dragon and rubies pendulum Strap: Brown alligator - red gold folding clasp Reference number: 00888-3632C-55B
The lineage from the Ulysse Nardin Freak X can be traced back to typically the groundbreaking Freak in i b?rjan p? tv?tusentalet. However , this new model, presented at SIHH 2019, forgoes some of the expensive elements of their avant-garde predecessor. This hottest release offers the most affordable click Freak ownership.
In 2001, Ulysse Nardin Watch launched a revolutionary view " Freak". Its name comes with a clue that it does not in accordance the specification. This avant-garde timepiece does away with traditional event, crown, dial and hands and fingers.
The gear educate and escapement are equipped with any " tourbillon carrousel", which will spans the " face area", rotates 360° just about every 60 minutes, and acts as a large minute hand. The main menu doubles as the dial in addition to hour hand, making just one revolution every 12 hours. Simply, this watch broke the laws when it was launched and remains to be a novelty to this day.
The watch has a hoagie construction, with the barrel inserted above the case back and occupying the entire width of the enjoy. The mainspring is motorized by rotating the periphery of the caseback. The mainplate sits above the barrel as well as, as mentioned, acts like a watch dial on which many of the movement's factors sit.
To get the hands, the latch located between the lugs is definitely lifted, unlocking the viser, which can then be spun in either direction regarding easy adjustment.
Ulysse Nardin has always been within the forefront of innovation, as well as the first Freak watch unveiled in 2001 was no difference. The watch is equipped with the Ulysse Nardin patented system having double direct impulses about the balance wheel, which has two escape wheels. Equally the escape wheel and the equilibrium spring are made of silicon (French for " silicon" ). This nonmagnetic, lightweight content is widely used today, nevertheless , Ulysse Nardin is the initially company to use this type of wine glass material.
older continues
In the past, the Ulysse Nardin Nut has evolved and spawned a range of styles. For example , the Kink Blue Phantom (2008) attributes blue-toned movement components. The particular Freak Diavolo (2010) is the first member of the Bug series to feature a just a few seconds display. The Freak Cruiser motorbike (2013) respectfully pays respect to the brand's naval story, incorporating marine-themed bridges and also hands.
Mantra of sophisticated using lightweight materials including forged carbon, or introducing additional indicators such as night out displays, Ulysse Nardin Observe has never flinched. In fact , the overriding urge to enhance seems to be at the heart of the brand's culture.
Even though I've always admired often the ingenuity displayed in the i b?rjan p? tv?tusentalet Freak, I've never aspired to own one. Somehow, the idea always felt too tricky for everyday use. Currently, however , the Swiss corporation has launched the Ulysse Nardin Freak X, some sort of model full of welcome electricity. Plus, this new watch is a very affordable incarnation of the Fanatic yet, and in my opinion, the item represents excellent value for money. Well then, i'll elaborate further.
dial
Typically the Ulysse Nardin Freak A comes in four versions, several of which feature a black " dial" (motherboard). However , Now i am intrigued by the Freak By Ti Blue. The gradation of blue used are eye-catching to the eye.
Each hour is manifested by a white luminous index chart. The scale spans the main area, connecting the minute track while using centrally located ring gear. Title and logo of the Switzerland company were unveiled on noon, elegantly in gradation of blue and white.
Even though the Ulysse Nardin Freak X is the most approachable version of the iconic see, it doesn't show any symptoms of stinginess. The watch retains the actual Carrousel from its 'predecessor'. The " rectangular movement" is combined with the luminous second hand, which rotates 360° every hour.
A small wheel engages these ring gear, following a sale paper trajectory. On the opposite edge of the small wheel is a hour hand, which in addition uses Super-LumiNova luminous part.
Compared with it has the predecessor, the rectangular movements appears simpler, which elevates readability.
scenario
Historically, the particular Freak has been a large observe, measuring 45mm in height. The Ulysse Nardin Nut X has been washed along with downsized and now measures 43mm, which in my opinion is a significantly better size.
In my opinion, I found the Freak Back button to be very comfortable to wear. This timepiece head sits flush together with the wrist without any annoying rotate on the arm.
Ulysse Nardin surprised prospective leads with its choice of titanium, rose gold colored and carbon alloy conditions. The latter material is rather lightweight and is widely used inside aerospace industry. The brand's penchant for innovation isn't going to appear to be abating. Still, in the event I'm spending my hard-earned cash, I'll always purchase blue-dial, titanium-cased version.
Unlike other Kink models, the Ulysse Nardin Freak X features a regular crown, eschewing the popular front and rear turning bezels. This obviously preserves costs, allowing the Europe company to offer the Freak Times at a lower price. In my opinion, the traditional prized is easier to operate and has a new cleaner look.
The original Freak had typically the latch between the lugs, now my favorite model has a great titanium base rendered with blue PVD technology. This kind of " less is more" approach has led to clear developments.
The sky-blue crystal on the front in the dial is a box-shaped goblet that allows light to pack the plane of the dial. Predicament back features a sapphire crystal clear framed by a blue PVD-treated titanium ring.
sports
Grade UN-230 is a new activity that utilizes some skills from Caliber UN-118 in addition to Freak Vision movement Quality UN-250. The new movement forgoes the " Grinder" process, the Ulysse Nardin single point constant escapement, and the si gear trains common for the expensive Freak Vision.
Viewing the UN-230 movement from the back, the patient will notice the blue skeletonized rotor, heat-blued screws, as well as partial views of the a variety of wheels.
The total amount wheel is made of silicon. That lightweight material does not oxidation and is not affected by magnetism. In addition , the diameter on the balance wheel is particularly substantial. Generally, a large diameter harmony wheel will impart a wider moment of inertia therefore improve precision. Ulysse Nardin does not say if this is the true reason for using the oversized balance tire, but I suspect it can be. The downside of a larger sense of balance wheel is that its added in mass generally increases strength consumption. However , through the use of si, the latter problem is unsurprisingly less of an issue, seeing that evidenced by the impressive 72-hour power reserve.
Homeostasis wheel is also equipped with " nickel flyweights and sturdy microblades". In addition , the consistency of the balance is 21 years of age, 600 VpH (3Hz), plus the movement contains 21 jewelry.
Of course , often the 2001 Freak was very complex and a model of invention. The use of silicon was definitely groundbreaking at the time. In fact , many 18 years later, these days there are many companies that are just needs to adopt this expertise.
The innovative small hand incorporates the gear exercise and the balance wheel, to pick it was inspired. In addition , the actual ingenious upper and lower crowns intended for setting the hands and also winding the mainspring correspondingly are a work of wizard.
Whenever a technique is simplified, as in the case with the Freak X, there are allegations that it has been " simplified" and lost the exclusive essence of the original solution. In this case, however , I would make opposite point.
I applaud Ulysse Nardin for showing its awesome expertise by making the i b?rjan p? tv?tusentalet Freak and its various after that descendants, however , I have a tendency want to own many of them. Nevertheless , Freak X is different.
The Freak X is more compact and satisfies ergonomically on the wrist. Often the dial is less cluttered, allowing for the hour and tiny hands to stand out along with improving readability. The lack of a rotating top board lends to a cleaner functional. The self-winding movement the actual watch perfect for everyday have on. Finally, and most pertinently, the particular Freak X is still located around its balance controls, fulfilling the wishes of the mechanical enthusiasts.
I could easily succumb to typically the glamor of Freak A in Ulysse Nardin in addition to spend my own hard-earned income. I believe readers who preferred the original " Freak" can have a different opinion. To that end, Ulysse Nardin deserves congratulations to get offering potential buyers their recent selection of Freak X, Bug Vision and Freak Out wristwatches.
Whether you cherish the Freak X as well as one of its siblings, agree to that it's different and applaud often the Swiss brand for not contouring. It pays to be different, along with the arrival of the Freak X makes that even easier.
technical specifications
Model: Ulysse Nardin Freak X
Referrals: 2303-270/03 //2303-270. 1/03
Case: Titanium/PVD-coated titanium; length 43 mm; water resistance 5 various ATM (50 meters); the front sapphire crystal and blue case back
Performs: hours; minutes
Mobility: Caliber UN-230; automatic mobility; frequency 21, 600 VpH (3Hz); 21 jewels; reserve of power ve = 72 a long time
Angus Davies reviews the Richard Mille RM038, a watch built for recent Augusta Masters winner Bubba Watson.
Bubba Watson wins the Augusta Masters.
At 6-foot-3, he's a colossus in size and hits the ball with prodigious power, leading the PGA Tour in driving distance with an average of 313.1 yards.
Bubba was a refreshing change from the average golfer on the PGA Tour. He is self-taught and has developed his own very personal style.
Many golfers spend years training with coaches, holding the club in a certain way and honing their swing through video analysis, but not Bubba.
Wearing an all-white outfit with pink detailing, he used a pink driver to support the charity. On his website, Bubba states that "helping these charities, and more importantly, the families involved, means more than winning a golf tournament". I suspect this is a mantra embraced by many sports coaches.
Bubba is approachable and recounts his humble origins and growing up in Baghdad, Florida. He opened up about his emotions, tearing up and hugging his mother affectionately as he celebrated his victory at the Masters.
Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Type 20 GMT watch hands-on In the Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Type 20 watch (this title is so long that I'm already afraid of having to type it multiple times in this article) is GMT. Luckily, you'll never forget the watch's name because Zenith kindly put it under their name on the dial - they thought of it. The GMT already has at least two limited editions, including the Red Baron and 1903, but more on that later, and is probably one of the clearest and most accessible dual time zone watches around.
We first discussed the Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Type 20 GMT watch here in 2013 when it was first introduced. It was one of two "smaller" 48mm wide Zenith Pilot watches introduced that year. The other is the Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Type 20 Annual Calendar (hands on here), another great piece. When I say smaller, I mean the "original" Hyundai Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Type 20 watch from 2012 (hands-on here) is a whopping 57.5mm wide. You can now see why the 2013 Pilot watch is "smaller" at 48mm wide. In fact, Zenith also launched a 40mm wide version (simple three-pin).
While I really like the annual calendar model, with the El Primero chronograph movement and very simple mechanics (a good thing), Ludwig Oeschlin designed the annual calendar system, I think this GMT model is a purer pilot's watch. On the one hand, the dial is much simpler - it doesn't even have a date display. Second, the GMT complication is arguably more like a traditional "pilot complication". So for me, the Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Type 20 GMT was the obvious choice for this bold collection of pilot timepieces.
The base GMT model has a 48mm-wide steel case, which is, in a sense, really heavy. It has a mix of brushed and polished finishes and is water resistant to 100 meters. Even a large crown is a thing of beauty and feels comfortable in your fingers. Being so large makes operating and reading the watch so easy. I've said it before and will comment again - the Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Type 20 series thing is so big it's almost cartoonish. That's not necessarily a bad thing, although a piece like this is likely to typify the hatred of collectors who don't particularly like "big watches." On the other hand, if you like big watches, this will most likely be on your wish list.
Honestly, for a big watch, it wears just fine. The 48mm width and around 16mm thickness can't be disguised, but the watch fits well, and the short lugs are curved for maximum comfort. Even though I have smaller wrists, I'd happily pull off something like this on a regular basis. Maybe not as everyday wear, but a timepiece like this is a case in itself that combines style and utility. The dial is perhaps the Pilot Montre d'Aeronef Type 20 GMT's forte. Excellent contrast and easy-to-read numerals and hands make reading a breeze. Zenith – consistently a producer of high-quality hands – uses a brushed polish for the right-sized hands and fills them with luminous. So not only do you have a dial with ideal proportions, but you also have a dial that does not reflect light due to the lack of reflective surfaces. Allow me to implore watchmakers again; please stop putting inappropriately reflective surfaces on watch dials.
French manufacturer BRM has unveiled an "all black" version of its iconic DDF watch, with a design inspired by racing brake discs. It benefits from a technical finish that offers a unique perspective on the engine of Swiss watchmaking.
We no longer need to introduce BRM, an independent French manufacturer inspired by mechanical movements. Next year it will celebrate its 20th anniversary thanks to the passion and determination of its owner and founder, Bernard Richards, as well as its success with the public, riders and paddocks. For example, it was the first watch brand to offer an online configurator, allowing customers to personalize their watches, as some well-known sports car makers have done. Other manufacturers have since adopted this approach.
The DDF (read here) is one of BRM's flagship models, and its Brake Disc Bezel ("DDF") gives it character...and a success! The collection is available in several colour versions (read here): orange, blue, green, yellow, red…
Today, the manufacturer offers us the DDF6-46-N-SQ-AN, a more discreet, even sneaky, watch with an "all black" design. Nonetheless, it retains several details that make up the DNA of the BRM watch, as well as the connection to mechanical movement cherished by Bernard Richards: the hour numerals in the form of racing numerals, inspired by areas with red The tachometer's chronograph, the lightweight hands like the spokes of a racing wheel, the removable horn and the lightweight crown. The only concession: the sporty feel of the red second hand.
The 46 mm diameter stainless steel case (water-resistant to 100 meters) is machined from titanium, an ultra-light and durable material widely used in motorsport. Therefore, it compensates for its huge size. It has a black PVD finish that complements the perforated bezel and brake caliper-shaped crown holder. The handcrafted black Alcantara strap maintains the theme with tonal stitching and a black pin buckle.
Protected by anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the dial opens wide in the center of the watch's engine, allowing you to observe its operation and the movement of the various gears and cogs. The other side can also be seen through the sapphire crystal on the case back.
This is a "Swiss Made" ETA 2824/2 self-winding movement. It is hollowed out by hand to distinguish each component in detail. Vibrating at 28,800 vibrations per hour, it provides a compact power reserve of 38 hours. It's a powerful and precise movement that won't cause any problems. Also, like the spectacular FF39-40 introduced at the beginning of the year (read here), it is protected from shocks by a shock absorber system, here the Fortal HR shell is suspended by three springs.
With the DDF6-46-N-SQ-AN watch, BRM offers us a beautiful "all black" version in its iconic collection, reminiscent of racing brake discs. Preserving the famous "racing spirit" cherished by the French manufacturer, its openworked finish adds a technical and original side that will appeal to watchmaking mechanics. It is the subject of all the know-how of the manufacturer and its excellent quality has been recognized by the label "Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant" issued in 2021.
Technical characteristics – Case: Black PVD titanium, diameter 46 mm, water-resistant to 100 m, anti-reflection sapphire crystal, black PVD stainless steel bezel, black PVD 316L stainless steel crown and crown protector , 316L stainless steel lugs with black PVD treatment and sapphire crystal on the back; – Dial: Skeleton, ultralight black hour and minute hands with luminous tips, red central seconds; – Movement: ETA 2824/2 self-winding movement, 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), 25 jewels, 38-hour power reserve; – Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph; – Strap: Black Alcantara, black stitching, black PVD-treated stainless steel pin buckle; – Reference: DDF6-46-N-SQ-AN;
Out of the gate, Patek Philippe has released two of its biggest shows for Watches & Wonders in 2022. The first is the all-new Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Travel Time Reference. 5326G-001. This watch perfectly showcases retro style and technical ingenuity. It combines an almanac and a travel time complication that displays two time zones. It comes with automatic Calatrava Ref. The 5226G-001 also has a stunning overall new style. This is a watch that introduces explorer fashion. Let's find out more.
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona means many different things to many different people, but one of the most common reactions to a watch is frustration, at least if you're talking about the steel-to-steel reference 116500LN. It’s a story that goes back decades, all the way back to 1963, when the first Cosmograph chronograph was introduced. The first cosmometer, ref. The 6239, wasn't an instant hit for Rolex - in fact, it didn't sell well at first. While chronographs had become an increasingly important watch category for the company in its portfolio in the 1960s, the Cosmograph certainly wasn't the ball beauty it is today, if not the ugly duckling among the swans.