Introducing: The Batavi Geograaf Wereldtimer Pamukkale
In the southwestern Turkish province of Denizli lies the town of Pamukkale. Famous for its mineral-rich thermal springs, it’s the home to one of Turkey’s beloved natural tourist attractions and quite a sight to behold. Volcanic activity in the earth’s crust warms the water deep below the town of Pamukkale. This water is naturally calcium-rich, and as it finds its way to the surface, it spills out over a hillside, creating an otherworldy white rock formation. As the water evaporates, the calcium is deposited on the surface. The process has occurred for millennia and has created the famous hillside, where white travertine formations make small, clear blue pools of hot water.T...
Hands-On: The Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Ceramic
Zodiac has been on a hot streak lately, primarily thanks to its Super Sea Wolf line. Fun releases with bold colors are part of Zodiac's heritage, but lately, words like Watermelon and Aquamarine Dream come to mind. While there is certainly a current colorway for everyone under the Super Sea Wolf umbrella, pushing the boundaries on materials is something altogether different. The Super Sea Wolf Ceramic uses color (or lack thereof) to its advantage, creating a stylish and fun experience on the wrist that is a different vibe from its more colorful brethren.Setting an exciting precedent for the brand, this first ceramic model came to the market around the time when Zodiac introduced a limited ed...
Hands-On: Grand Seiko Heritage SBGY011 "Asaborake"
In Japanese, “asaborake (ܤ餱) is the light of dawn. And guess what? The dial of the Grand Seiko Heritage SBGY011 is inspired by the special light at daybreak. Some of the Fratelli start rolling their eyes when they read about Grand Seiko's sources of inspiration. I don't. See, I don't care where the GS designers find their inspiration when the result is, almost without exception, stunning. And the hand-wound Spring Drive Asaborake in its 44GS case is a combination of the brand's most famous case design, a high-tech movement that also pleases purists, and a delicate dial design.Just when I thought the Evolution 9 GMT SBGE285 Mist Flake was my favorite Grand Seiko release of 2022, the b...
Three Electrifying Dial Designs Of Early Electric Watches
I am not that excited to talk about electric technology in watches. Well, at least not today. Rather, I want to draw your attention to some dial designs with so much life and energy that few others can compare. I am fascinated by symbols, and you will hardly find a better symbol than the one you can see on some vintage electric watches.We’ve all seen hundreds of examples of typical applied indexes. A single bar, double bars, sometimes combined with another short bar, even triangles… They are basic geometric shapes, decent and neutral. Indeed, they are generic, almost “default.” They do not attract too much attention, and they do not disturb. Designers gave them height...
New: Girard-Perregaux Neo Bridges Aston Martin Edition
Back in 2021, when Aston Martin and Girard-Perregaux announced their partnership, many people expected them to work on a series of Laureato models. Surprisingly, though, the first watch that came out was the Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges - Aston Martin Edition. But for those disappointed fans, the next three joint efforts were indeed the much-anticipated Laureatos. Now both brands return to a design with the iconic bridges for their fifth collaborative project. The newest effort is the Girard-Perregaux Neo Bridges Aston Martin Edition.I am a big fan of Aston Martin. The British automaker has created some of the most beautiful sports cars in history. The DB5 is among t...
Introducing: The Oris ProPilot X Calibre 400 Laser
One of the things I enjoy the most about my watches is how they play with the light. A domed crystal, applied hour markers, and even a stepped dial can all bring about fascinating reflections and shadows. With the new ProPilot X Calibre 400 Laser, Oris adds another dynamic element to this list. The watch’s titanium laser-treated dial makes use of optical interference and, therefore, only reflects blue, green, and violet hues. It almost looks like a kind of unicorn dial.The all-titanium ProPilot X Calibre 400 was introduced about a year and a half ago. More wearable than the 44mm ProPilot X Calibre 115, this 39mm version first appeared with gray, blue, and salmon dial options. This year...
Chopard L.U.C Strike One And Alpine Eagle Summit Gemset
Today, we have news from Chopard, and it couldn’t be more different. The L.U.C Strike One is an innovative beauty that should delight admirers of serious watchmaking. The Alpine Eagle Summit Gemset models are sparkling variations of the popular dress-sport pieces. Both will be on display in Dubai, and we’re happy to cover them.The L.U.C Strike One is a very different watch from the gem-set Alpine Eagle models we will preview today. I like to think of the disparity as a great showing of how Chopard brings a wide breadth of offerings to the market. Whether one is looking for high-end watchmaking, exquisite stonework, or both, the brand has your number. I’m certainly more at h...
New: Seiko Marinemaster SJE097, SJE099, SJE101
The Seiko Marinemaster is something of a legend within the Japanese brand's impressive back catalog. It represents the high end of Seiko dive watches and has, as a result, become a fan favorite. We have, however, been waiting for something new under the Marinermaster moniker for a while. Also, many of you were hoping for slightly smaller and thinner Seiko divers. Well, my dear Fratelli, consider yourself heard!This is the brand-new Seiko Marinemaster for 2023, and it comes in three colors. There is a 1,000-piece limited edition in silvery white, the SJE097. Additionally, there are two regular-production models, the black SJE101 and the blue SJE099.Seiko Marinemaster History 101Seiko has feat...
Hands-On: The New Nivada Grenchen Antarctic GMT
As a fan of GMTs, I will take every opportunity to check out watches that feature my favorite complication. When the Nivada Grenchen Antarctic GMT landed on my desk, I was intrigued. This remake of a rare 1970s watch combines a Super Compressor-styled case with a rotating internal 24-hour GMT bezel. Combined with the charming ’70s style, this new Nivada Grenchen Antarctic model is an interesting retro take on a classic GMT. It’s time to find out more.Leave it up to Nivada Grenchen to release a modern watch that respects the looks and dimensions of its vintage inspiration. The brand has garnered much praise from watch fans who love their vintage-inspired reissues. I am one of them...
Hands-On With The Praesidus Type H-75 Chronograph
Praesidus is one of those brands I have quickly come to love. It focuses on introducing vintage-inspired military watches with unique stories. The brand has a knack for finding remarkable military stories and using them as inspiration for its timepieces. The latest addition to the growing lineup is the Praesidus Type H-75 Chronograph. This watch’s historical inspiration was a Leonidas chronograph that was originally issued to Italian military helicopter pilots in the 1960s and ’70s. Praesidus presents a modern interpretation of that classic military chronograph with updated specs and a meca-quartz caliber. It’s time to take it for a test flight.A first glance at the new Pra...
Some guys...
..seem to have all the luck, like Edwin at the Lange & Soehne forum @ TimeZone.comClick here for his posting...
Parmigiani's Latest The Tonda 1950
The trend of ultra thin watches continues! After we’ve seen Vacheron Constantin, Piaget and Audemars Piguet introducing thin timepieces (again), next in line is Parmigiani Fleurier. The Tonda 1950 is the subject of my weekly watch article over at Motoring Exposure. Parmigiani has developed a brand new in-house movement for the Tonda 1950, being only 2.6mm in height. I don’t have pictures of the caliber PF700 movement yet, but I am very curious about the platinum micro-rotor and level of finish on its bridges and wheels.Parmigiani will introduce this watch during the upcoming SIHH in January 2011.Click on this link to go my article on Parmigiani’s thinnest timepiece....
Hands-On With The Linde Werdelin Oktopus BluMoon
We recently introduced you to the Linde Werdelin Oktopus BluMoon watch with a photo realistic moon phases disc. This Oktopus BluMoon, made of grade 5 titanium, is limited to 59 pieces only. Recently, when we were visiting London, we had the opportunity to see and try the Linde Werdelin Oktopus BluMoon in the flesh.Linde Werdelin Oktopus BluMoonOne of the first things that I noticed about the Oktopus BluMoon was the color of the case. Although I’ve seen polished and brushed grade 5 titanium more often, the polished parts had this white-ish look. I don’t know how they managed in getting it in that particular tone, but it might have something to do with the level of polishing or per...
New Seiko Prospex...the Return of the "6309"
Seiko is a paradox. On the one hand, they're on the leading edge of innovation with models such as their Astron, but they're also well aware of their history and frequently bring back reissue models such as the Grand Seiko SBGW047 we reviewed and, more recently, the 7A28 Ripley seen in the movie Aliens. They're also a company that behaves a bit unconventionally on the global stage. If you walk into any of the recently opened boutiques outside of Japan, you'll see that some carry more JDM models than others while some struggle to obtain them all. Honestly, it confuses me slightly as to what exactly is available in which market. So, it's with great surprise, but not really, that we stumbled up...
Speedy Tuesday Part II of A Closer Look At Christie's Omega Speedmaster 50 Auction (Live Photos)
On last week’s Speedy Tuesday I showed you 13 watches from the Christie’s Omega Speedmaster 50 auction that will take place on December 15th. This week, I will continue our “Closer Look At Christie’s Omega Speedmaster 50 Auction” with a couple of pre-Moon Speedmasters.Christie’s is current traveling around with the lots of this auction, showing some of the Speedmaster watches to collectors, enthusiasts and – hopefully – some bidders. As you’ve noticed in our report of last week (click here for Part I of this Christie’s Omega Speedmaster 50 auction overview), we saw some limited editions, gold Moonwatch models, prototype Speedmasters...
#TBT The Legendary Doxa Sub 300T Sharkhunter
I'd bet that it was ten years ago that I found myself looking at pictures of a vintage Doxa Sub 300T and the brand's newest offerings on the company's website. There was something so cool about this watch that hadn't really changed since its mid-1960's introduction.Perhaps it was the then rudimentary website that hasn't really changed so much that made the watches seem so legitimate kind of like an anti-establishment, middle finger wave. Or, maybe it was that the brand has always shown real divers wearing their watches. It's hard to put one's finger on what makes the Doxa Sub 300T so irresistible, but I finally picked one up and in this week's #TBT, I'll attempt to explain why folks such as ...
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time Pre-SIHH 2018 Release
I have to admit I am not a fan of doing pre-SIHH or pre-BaselWorld releases. However, I also understand that during some of the other shows, like SalonQP, or in this case the Dubai Watch Week, you need to have something to tease the customers with. Some pre-SIHH or pre-BaselWorld novelties are shown in a smaller group, mainly press only, I assume also to monitor their responses. While that is a good thing, it does take away a bit of the ooh and aah effect during the official launch dates.Whatever the reason is for a brand to come up with a pre-SIHH/BaselWorld release, Vacheron Constantin decided now is the time to show us this new Overseas Dual Time.Let’s have a closer look.Vacheron Co...
Steltman x Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Mondriaan Edition
Watch brands collaborating with jewelers isn’t something new and often it is not really worth giving it much coverage. Not wanting to sound negative here, but in a lot of cases, it is just ‘limited’ to the name of the retailer on the dial or in the case back of an existing watch model. For Steltman jewelers, one of the most prestigious retailers in The Netherlands for watches and jewelry, I am happy to make an exception because of their collaboration watch with Jaeger-LeCoultre.MondriaanThis year marks the 100th anniversary of both Steltman as well as the art movement ‘De Stijl’ (the style). One of the members of this art movement, was Piet Mondriaan (1872 ̵...
Omega Museum Collection Milestone 1941 Officer's Chronograph Watch
The Omega Museum Collection is an interesting assembly of timepieces. The idea is simple and something other brands also implement; let's take some of the most iconic designs of the company's past and rerelease them, updated to modern standards. You can look at these watches as simple reeditions. But they’re more than that, I think. This watch, the Omega Museum Collection Milestone 1941 Officer's Chronograph, is a perfect example of that…For instance, its design, rooted in the 1930s, is not as popular as the first Speedmaster’s or Seamaster 300’s from 1957. The Milestone 1941 has a distinct look. It is something you don’t see anymore. However, a lot of modern wa...
The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonphase
When Omega introduced its Speedmaster Professional Moonphase in 2003, it wasn’t an entirely new model. Already back in 1985, Omega introduced the SpeedyMoon 385.0809 and two additional references. The 2003 model, reference 3876.50 for the leather strap version and 3576.50 for the one on the bracelet, is based on the 1980s SpeedyMoon.In this article, I will have a closer look at the now discontinued Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonphase 3876.50 and try to explain why it is underrated, in my opinion. It has been discontinued since 2018, so you will have to search the pre-owned market for one or try to reach out to some authorized dealers who still might have one in stock. This Speedma...