HERBELIN Newport Automatic Carbon Titanium Is A New Dimension In Maritime Elegance
Combining forged carbon, black DLC-coated titanium and Swiss automatic mechanics, HERBELIN gives its celebrated Newport collection a distinctly contemporary interpretation.
There is something particularly appealing about a watch that manages to combine a strong sporting identity with understated sophistication. HERBELIN’s latest Newport Automatic Carbon Titanium achieves precisely that, bringing together advanced materials, distinctive nautical design and traditional watchmaking expertise in a timepiece that feels equally at home on deck or in the city.
First introduced in 1988, the Newport has become one of the defining collections within the French Maison’s portfolio. Over the years, its recognisable maritime-inspired design has evolved while retaining the distinctive characteristics that have made it such an enduring part of the brand’s identity. For 2026, HERBELIN takes that familiar formula in a more contemporary direction.
A Different Approach To Materials
The most striking feature of the new Newport is undoubtedly its combination of forged carbon and black DLC-coated titanium.
Measuring 43mm in diameter, the case brings together two materials selected for their lightweight properties, durability and visual appeal. Forged carbon is particularly interesting, with its randomly patterned structure ensuring that no two cases are quite alike. The resulting surface creates a subtle interplay of textures, giving each watch an individual character.
Complementing the carbon is titanium treated with a deep black Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating. The finish lends the watch a purposeful, contemporary appearance without becoming overly aggressive. Rather than presenting itself as a conventional tool watch, the Newport has a more considered aesthetic, where technical performance is balanced by elegant proportions and carefully judged detailing.
The black sunray-finished dial continues this restrained approach, providing a legible backdrop for the essential indications of hours, minutes, seconds and date.
Recognisably Newport
Despite its modern materials, this latest interpretation remains unmistakably part of the Newport family. The signature bezel, complete with exposed screws, is retained, as are the characteristic central lugs that give the collection its distinctive silhouette. These familiar details provide continuity with the original design language, while the monochromatic treatment gives the watch a considerably more contemporary personality.
Its nautical heritage is never far from the surface, although the overall impression is more refined than overtly utilitarian. It is a design that acknowledges the collection’s maritime origins without restricting its appeal to sporting environments.
The 12.45mm case thickness also contributes to its balanced appearance, while a sapphire crystal protects the dial. A screw-down crown and water resistance to 200 metres ensure that the Newport remains true to its practical foundations.
Swiss Mechanics, French Watchmaking
Powering the Newport Automatic Carbon Titanium is the Swiss-made Sellita SW220-1 automatic movement. Offering a 41-hour power reserve, the movement provides the mechanical heart of a watch that places considerable emphasis on reliability and everyday usability. The transparent case back offers an opportunity to appreciate the movement at work, adding a traditional mechanical dimension to an otherwise distinctly modern design.
As with every HERBELIN timepiece, the final stages of production remain firmly rooted in the Maison’s French watchmaking heritage. Design, assembly, adjustment and quality control take place at HERBELIN’s workshops in Charquemont, in the Haut-Doubs region of France. Founded in 1947, the independent, family-owned company continues to combine carefully selected Swiss movements with French craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The finishing touches are equally considered. A leather strap is secured by a black DLC-coated titanium folding clasp, maintaining the coherent dark aesthetic of the case and ensuring that the watch feels like a complete design rather than simply an exercise in material innovation.
Contemporary Character, Enduring Heritage
What makes this Newport particularly interesting is the way HERBELIN has approached modernisation. Rather than radically changing an established design, the Maison has concentrated on materials and finishes to create something that feels fresh while remaining faithful to the collection’s original identity. The combination of forged carbon and black titanium gives the watch a contemporary edge, but its underlying proportions, nautical references and mechanical credentials remain reassuringly familiar.
At a recommended retail price of £1,620, the Newport Automatic Carbon Titanium offers an intriguing proposition for enthusiasts looking for a distinctive Swiss-powered, French-assembled automatic watch with genuine material character.
It is a confident evolution of an established collection, demonstrating that maritime-inspired watchmaking need not rely on nostalgia to remain relevant. Sometimes, the most interesting progress comes from knowing exactly which details to preserve, and which to reinvent.
Technical Specifications
HERBELIN Newport Automatic Carbon Titanium
- Reference: 1788CTN143SA / 1788CTN153
- Case: 43mm forged carbon and black DLC-coated titanium
- Case thickness: 12.45mm
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Dial: Black sunray finish
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and date
- Movement: Swiss-made Sellita SW220-1 automatic
- Power reserve: 41 hours
- Water resistance: 200 metres
- Crown: Screw-down
- Case back: Transparent
- Strap: Leather with black DLC-coated titanium folding clasp
- Assembly and quality control: HERBELIN workshops, Charquemont, France
- Price: £1,620
For further information, visit HERBELIN