Stowa And Sustainability: Democratizing Watch Repair
Stowa is the sort of brand that has been around for a while but remains conservatively low-key. “Conservative” may be the keyword, as the description applies to the brand’s design, execution, pricing, and marketing (or lack thereof). Stowa is a German company that makes watches, full stop. For those chasing the hype high, Stowa may forever remain off the radar. But the brand is radical in its own low-key way. Stowa has committed to full transparency and post-sale access to parts and repair, perhaps a first in the industry. Where many other companies are going digital with exclusive NFTs, Stowa digitally marches in the opposite direction towards “open source”. St...
Parmigiani Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante (2022)
It was foreseeable that Parmigiani would extend its Tonda PF line this year. After its launch in September 2021, this new watch family garnered a remarkable amount of attention. Through the Tonda PF, Parmigiani finally has earned the appreciation it deserves. Now, the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante shall take the same path. Accordingly, the expectations are high. And you know what? You won’t be disappointed!Let me clarify one thing right from the start - this rattrapante is not a chronograph. While this information might dampen the enthusiasm of those who expected an extended version of Parmigiani’s awesome split-second chronograph from last year, it is excellent news for almost all of...
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Perpetual Calendar And More For 2022
Nope, no Reverso to be seen at Watches & Wonders this year. Jaeger-LeCoultre made things complicated for 2022 by presenting a variety of round-cased watches. At the top of the list, there's the Master Grande Tradition Calibre 948. Just below it, you will find the Master Hybris Artistica Calibre 945 Galaxia in pink gold and the Atomium version in white gold. And last, but certainly not least, the brand from Le Sentier introduces a complicated athlete with endless stamina. It’s the sporty 42mm Polaris Perpetual Calendar, which comes in either rugged steel or sophisticated pink gold.At first, I thought I was missing something. That I overlooked something. That I didn't see the full pi...
Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon
Welcome to an entirely different side of Grand Seiko. We’ve seen some rather exotic limited edition models over the past several years, but the Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon has to be the most audacious. This watch is really something, but sadly it is for those with incredibly deep pockets. Still, it’s fun to dream!The Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-force Tourbillon comes to us at Watches & Wonders 2022. It is not the only limited-edition model from Grand Seiko, but it is the most exclusive. Only 20 of these amazing watches will be produced and they will cost - wait for it - $370,000! So, park your Bugatti, and let’s see what all the fuss is about…The Grand Seiko Kodo...
Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Gets A Dark Mode
Tell me, are you an avid user of dark mode on your electronic devices? Personally, I set my devices so that they change from light to dark mode automatically based on the sunrise and sunset. And you're just like me, you must be very happy that Piaget has just given you the option to do the same with your Altiplano Ultimate Concept (AUC). Whereas the previous two versions were both light-silver-colored, Piaget has now introduced a dark mode to the thinnest watch in its collection.At 2.0mm thin, you're probably aware that the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept is not the thinnest mechanical watch around anymore. That award will now go to the recently introduced Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Ultra at 1...
New Tissot PRX Novelties In 35mm And Gold
Since its rebirth last year, the PRX Collection has been the pinnacle of the Tissot catalog. And quite rightly so. The PRX was a breath of fresh air for Tissot and brought a whole host of new enthusiasts into the Tissot fold as a result. Now, in order to further explore the possibilities of the PRX’s potential, the brand has introduced two new novelties into the family - two versions of the successful PRX Automatic with an 18k gold bezel and five new 35mm versions of the quartz PRX. Let’s take a closer look.Over the last year, Tissot has proven that the PRX blueprint is hugely versatile. It effortlessly molds into every guise you can possibly throw at it. With these new releases,...
Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT Watch Hands-On Review
Every now and then, it feels like the stars align for a brand. A recent model becomes hugely popular due to its brilliant design, and the brand follows up with a confident next step. Everything comes together and results in perfection. This is exactly how the new Longines Spirit Zulu Time GMT feels. The watch represents a maturation of the brand's Spirit line and an exciting step in the right direction. It maintains all the design elements that made the Spirit models so popular and builds on the solid foundation established in 2020. Though the Spirit chronograph was already a stunning riff on the time-only model, this latest take brings a whole new level of potential to the Spirit. It also t...
Angelus Expands Chronodate Collection For 2023
For Watches and Wonders 2023, Angelus presented new additions to the Chronodate collection. Currently, the brand offers four model lines - the Flying Tourbillon, Urban Collection, LA Fabrique, and the Chronodate. With these recent additions, the last line now has eight different variations for you to choose from.The Chronodate is not an entirely new release. That would be the Chronographe Medical Massena Lab that Tomas covered here not too long ago. These releases, however, bring some new looks to the brand’s most “accessible” modern timepiece. Angelus also gave us an entirely new and uberfabulous titanium bracelet to match these watches.The Angelus ChronodateOne of the mos...
Breitling Premier: A Legacy Of Beautiful Chronographs
The Breitling Premier debuted 80?years ago as the flagship line for the brand. A fascinating variety of models were produced over several decades. In 2018, the Premier line returned with top-of-the-line models, and Breitling continues to introduce beautiful new variants each year. In this article, we take a look at the history of the Premier along with some of the most enchanting models.As a junior watch collector, I first met Fred Mandelbaum roughly a decade ago. I had the opportunity to learn from him about some of the greatest watches, especially chronographs, produced. During my education, which continues to this day, it was hard not to become infected by Fred’s love for Breitling....
Hot Take: The 31mm Panerai Luminor Tre
It's a good thing we stuck around after the Panerai touch-and-feel session at Watches and Wonders! While we were packing our stuff, we couldn't help but notice frantic activity behind a curtain at the back of the booth. We couldn't curb our curiosity and took a peek. We got rewarded with a photo shoot in progress and a watch we didn't get to see during the presentation. What we saw was not the Luminor Due. It was something even smaller but bolder as well. The printed-out briefing lying next to the photographer revealed the name of the watch. What we were looking at was the Panerai Luminor Tre, a 31mm (!) version of the brand's most iconic model. And there was one word in the papers that got ...
Hands-On: Mido Ocean Star GMT Special Edition
Last week, I introduced the new Mido Ocean Star GMT Special Edition to you. It’s a relatively affordable vintage-inspired watch with a blue dial and flyer GMT movement inside. I also told you that I was quite excited about it because of its attractive design, modest proportions, and price. However, my opinion was entirely based on press images and a sugar-coated cover story that was provided with those pictures. Since then, I’ve been able to go hands-on with the new Ocean Star GMT, wear it a little, and form a more proper opinion of it. And without spoiling the contents of this article too much, I’m still excited because there’s a whole lot to like about this watch.In...
Fratello Wrist Butter: New In Our Shop
The rigors of everyday life can wreak havoc on your skin. Your hands and wrists in particular have to withstand multiple sessions in which you wash and sanitize them. Most often, the result is irritated and cracked skin that can become extremely dry. And it shows - in your Instagram posts, for instance. Independent research shows us that 89% percent of watch fans who post wrist shots on Instagram feel disappointed with the result because of bad-looking wrists and hands. And that's why we've searched long and hard to find the ultimate solution to this nagging problem. We found it in the form of Fratello Wrist Butter, a luscious cream that nourishes, rejuvenates, softens, and revitalizes your ...
Robot Watches: A Brand Introduction And History
Introducing a brand that has existed for six years might make us seem a bit late to the party. Then again, talking about a brand’s history while it has only existed for six years might seem premature. Nevertheless, having written about several Robot models since 2021, we thought it was time to shine some light on the brand and company itself rather than on the watches. So I sat down with Bohematic’s CEO Josef Zaj?ek, and this article is about what we discussed.From Bohematic to RobotBut before penning down my interview with Josef, let me start by explaining the differences between the two names I have dropped so far - Robot and Bohematic. For now, the latter, Bohematic s.r.o., i...
The Best Watches Under $1,000: Mike's Picks
The reality is that there are loads of choices for watches under the magic $1,000 threshold. Choosing the so-called “best” watches, however, is a challenge. It all depends on whether the watch will supplement a collection as a daily beater or perhaps be the first nicer watch for the buyer. I’ve chosen three very different models with unique use cases, but all are well-designed watches and are anything but dull.We frequently bemoan the never-ending announcements of price increases from watch brands. But despite this supposed inflationary environment, the more affordable sector of the watch market has never been so rich. It may have taken 20 years, but we are finally seeing t...
Introducing: The Nomos Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer
Since 2021, Nomos has been steadily expanding its Club Sport Neomatik collection. The first reference was the 42mm Date, which came on a new three-row bracelet. Each year since then, a new size has joined the brand’s sportier collection. You can now choose between the Nomos Club Sport Neomatik in 34, 37, 39, and 42mm sizes. Each model comes with a distinctive sunburst dial in a size-specific color. However, apart from the date window on the 42mm version, there weren’t any additional complications available for the Club Sport. Until now, that is, because it’s time to unveil the new 40mm Nomos Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer in silver and blue.Nomos already has a terrific worl...
New: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" Models
Audemars Piguet is famous for using ceramics in its Royal Oak line. Some of the many highlights include the ceramic Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar and Double Balance Wheel Openworked models. When it comes to specific colors, the first two that come to mind are the black and electric-blue shades that most of you will know. But you will soon add another color to that list. With the introduction of a trio of Royal Oak “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” models, Audemars Piguet celebrates the night sky above the Vallee de Joux, which also inspired Gerald Genta for the dark blue color of the first Royal Oak ref. 5402. Let’s find out more!Audemars Piguet is celebrating its 150th anniversary this...
Introducing: The Zenith G.F.J. Celebrating 160 Years Of Zenith
For a long time, Zenith kept us guessing about what its celebratory 160th-anniversary release would be. But if you know something about Zenith, the social media posts hinted at something special related to the brand’s rich history in observatory chronometer competitions. With the release of the Zenith G.F.J., the watchmaker from Le Locle brings its legendary caliber 135 back to life. Zenith created a modern version of the most awarded movement from the golden age of observatory chronometer competitions. It powers the G.F.J. that proudly carries the initials of Zenith’s founder, Georges Favre-Jacot, and does so in style.Before we get into the details of the new Zenith G.F.J., it w...
IWC Launches Seven New Ingenieur Watches For 2025
Two years ago, IWC introduced the new iteration of the Ingenieur as a capsule collection. Three steel and one Grade 5 titanium creation debuted, resembling the 1976 Ingenieur SL ref. 1832, an original Gerald Genta design. A blue-dial version was missing from the original lineup, but it came eventually. For this year's Watches and Wonders, IWC presents a plethora of new Ingenieur watches. Get ready to discover a black ceramic model, a luxurious take in 5N gold, a complicated perpetual calendar, a 40mm steel reference with a dark green dial, plus two 35mm variations in steel and one in gold.With these seven new Ingenieur models, the total now comes to 12. It’s safe to say this is not a c...
Tudor Adds The Black Bay 68 To Its Extensive Black Bay Lineup
In a surprise twist, Tudor goes bigger and bolder in 2025. A completely new introduction at this year’s Watches and Wonders is the 43mm Tudor Black Bay 68. This addition to the brand’s extensive Black Bay lineup gets its name from the year that Tudor came up with the famous Snowflake hand. The brand introduces two different versions in “Tudor blue” and silver, each with a matte black aluminum bezel insert. Additionally, the two models are powered by Master Chronometer calibers, further extending the number of METAS-certified offerings. Let’s take a closer look at these new bigger and bolder Black Bay models.Honestly, I didn’t see this one coming. Whereas T...
Introducing: The TAG Heuer Carrera Day-Date
For Watches and Wonders 2025, TAG Heuer announces a new lineup of Carrera Day-Date watches. Six references complete the collection with a variety of dials, case materials, and functions. Also, a new beads-of-rice bracelet is now an option for all Carrera Chronograph Glassbox models.For enthusiasts, the Carrera Day-Date may not be as exciting as a new chronograph, but these watches are the heart and soul of the collection. The reality is that these are what most potential buyers will consider for everyday wear. Thankfully, TAG Heuer has brought several attractive choices.The Carrera Day-DateThe new Carrera Day-Date models are 41mm stainless steel watches with a 47.5mm lug-to-lug. Each offers ...