Even though pretty much all watch lovers know the name Breguet, the brand of today is a bit mysterious when it comes to understanding what they are all about. Their watches are spread into a range of very different collections, and while they do a fantastic job of keeping their heritage alive, there isnt a single element or factor that ties the brand together aside from their mostly classic styling and adherence to maintaining the traditions of the brand. Nevertheless, today I look at what might [...]
While most press attention at SIHH is grabbed by the flashiest, largest, and most complicated pieces, some of the more simple pieces are going entirely unnoticed. And thats a shame. In a market full of massive grand complications, minute repeaters, tourbillons, equation-of-times, and the like, it is refreshing to see the exact opposite being given the same level of attention by some manufactures. Several brands have unveiled new svelte, ultra-thin, simply designed pieces for 2015 (Piaget and Jae [...]
Designing a dressy timepiece is an exercise in nuance. Within the compact and usually minimalist confines afforded by these watches, the smallest adjustments-be they changes in proportion, visual balance, or small decorative touches-can have a massive impact on the character of the overall design. Over its nearly 190 year history, Longines has proven this concept time and again, and affords enthusiasts a window into the evolving language of these designs through the brands broad and eclectic Her [...]
For 2012 Omega returns to its tradition of offering very cool high-tech quartz pilot watches. The Z-33 is of course offered in honor of the famed Speedmaster X-33 from several years ago. Limited in production, the X-33 is now a highly lusted after collectors item. While a new watch, the Spacemaster Z-33 is produced in honor of some very important historic Omega watches.More images will come soon, but for now you can see that the most iconic aspect of the Z-33 is the case. This is the same case d [...]
Every year, as the tsunami of major new releases of BaselWorld approaches, we also encounter a larger number of updates to existing?models.?One?C well, two-of the more notable ones that were released just today are from Glashutte Original?who announced?two?new-for-2015 versions of both their?PanoReserve and PanoMaticLunar pieces.Both models?see two new versions added to their respective lines of watches, including red gold cased pieces with a matte black dial and a stainless steel cased option w [...]
Hitting pretty close to home (for me) IWC announces its first new watch of 2012 with a piece titled after the location of a US Marine Corps base in San Diego. Miramar is the location of the Naval Air Station and where TOPGUN pilots are trained. For a while now IWC has been proud of its Top Gun labeled aviator watches and 2012 sees the continuation and extension of that collection.According to IWC 2012 is going to be the year of the pilot watch for the brand. It seems as though their new strategy [...]
Indulge in a venerable orgy of carbon fiber as it caresses your wrist and arouses your eyes. I just made myself laugh with that last comment. But really, for carbon fiber watch lovers, youll be happy to know Bell Ross is there for you. In more ways one? case, strap, and dial. New in this BR01 limited edition watch collection are two all carbon fiber watch. The BR01-92 (three hand) and BR01-94 (chronograph). Youll further notice that the watches pick up the Pro styling that was first seen in th [...]
With the widespread recognition Panerai enjoys in the current watch market, it can be easy to forget that the historic brand spent many decades in relative obscurity with few enthusiasts to spread its story outside of its native Italy. One of the first driving forces behind Panerais growth following its 1990s revival was the burgeoning online watch community, particularly the dedicated Paneristi fan group. 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of the online Paneristi community, and to commemorate the [...]
As a chronograph, the omega Daytona has few equals. It is made to an extremely high standard with sturdy 904L Oystersteel, a Cerachrom bezel that is super wear-resistant and never fades, and of course that highly reliable caliber 4130 movement within. But you know whats the problem with it? Its own success has made it all too familiar. It might have a long waiting list at the boutiques, but you can always spot a couple in big cities and major airports. How can one satisfy his desire for the Dayt [...]
The Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph GMT 140th Anniversary SBGC240 debuts as the latest rendition of Grand Seikos mighty impressive Spring Drive Chronograph GMT. Having owned the predecessor of this watch, I have written an extensive review, a long-term review, and a comprehensive look at the amazing history and functionality of Spring Drive. Together, they are longer than two dozen news articles, so I invite you to read those, as I shall refrain from lifting too many bits and pieces. Long s [...]
The enduring popularity of the omega Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is an interesting phenomenon in the watch industry. Very few timepiece designs have been so versatile and popular for a range of style, people, occasions, and even budgets (luxury budgets, that is). Not that many people actually use omegas popular chronograph watch as a stopwatch anymore, but the dial-within-dial design of this classic sports watch has made it an icon of luxury and success for decades, and for 2021, omega r [...]
For 2019, Omega is following up last years refreshed Seamaster Diver 300M with a Chronograph collection. There are six new Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial Master Chronometer Chronograph watches, all done in 44mm-wide cases in material ranging from steel to solid Sedna Gold case on a rubber strap. Unlike the Seamaster 300M Chronographs of the past, these new models have seriously cut down on clutter from ubiquitous older versions and the use of only two chronograph sub-dials breathes fresh ne [...]
The Patek Philippe Nautilus 40th Anniversary 5711/1P, this somewhat more modestly sized three-hander joins the massive 49.25mm wide Nautilus chronograph?reference 5976/1G?to commemorate the Nautilus?40th anniversary. When Patek launched the Nautilus back in 1976 with the 3700/1A, its 42mm wide case quickly earned it its Jumbo nickname. Now, some four decades later, Patek had to one-up those figures and launch the?5711/1P in a 44.05 millimeter-wide, all-platinum case. Heres all you need to know a [...]
SIHH 2018 saw Jaeger-LeCoultre launch its Polaris collection with four models of varying complexity, functionality, and design, and though all were far from perfect, we werent at all impressed by the timid, derivative Automatic version-read our critical hands-on take on this base model here. So, the question is, can this latest addition, the?Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Geographic WT stir up the lukewarm, quasi-vintage mood of the Polaris line?Being a Geographic WT (i.e. World Time), this Polaris co [...]
Icons and watches go together like coffee and cream. Nowadays, with the cult of celebrity so firmly ingrained in western society, it seems obvious that having a leading star flash their wrist candy at their adoring audience would see a brands sales go through the roof. But when Elvis Presley wore the Hamilton Ventura in the 1961 film Blue Hawaii, the then American brand couldnt have imagined the enduring effect of Presleys contribution. To celebrate what would have been the Kings 80th birthday, [...]
This very cool watch from Hublot has a movement made by Mathias Buttets department. Buttet runs the Hublot Confrerie Horlogere (formerly of BNB Concept) I discussed this more here. The gorgeous movement is incredibly traditional in style compared to the forward looking designs of Hublot watches. The piece is called the Big Bang Minute Repeater Tourbillon and is limited to just 10 pieces. Functions include the time, a flying tourbillon, and a great sounding minute repeater. Listen to it in the v [...]
October 18, 2015 marks the beginning of the inaugural Dubai Watch Week, and is going to be there to cover it. There are going to be showings from?A.Lange Sohne, Audemars Piguet, Breitling, Bulgari, Chopard, De Grisogono, F.P. Journe, Hublot, HYT, IWC, Louis Moinet, Montblanc, Panerai, Richard Mille, TAG Heuer, Tiffany Co., and Vacheron Constantin.Check out our coverage here at , but also be sure to follow our social media channels like?YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Google+, and Twitter?for ou [...]
New for 2019 is this Rado Captain Cook limited-edition watch that has a dial painted to achieve the bronze patina from a vintage Captain Cook that Rado pulled from its archives. Not as immediately obvious to the eye is the fact that the ubiquitous red anchor used to designate an automatic Rado watch is now done in an actual Ruby background. Rado did this in the 1960s but hasnt, for some time now, specifically in ruby, but only in a painted red, I believe. Finally, this limited-edition piece of 1 [...]
Navigating the watch segment of 500 to 1,200 is like sailing in stormy seas. To get to safe harbour at the end of the year as one of the best-selling brands is a veritable feat, especially if there is a perfect storm brewing in the form of low sales, cut-throat competition, and the emergence of smartwatches. Ive known Sylvain Dolla, Hamiltons CEO, for some years now, and he has always been extremely agreeable and open. I managed to talk to him just before Baselworld to find out his thoughts on H [...]
Think perpetual calendar chronograph watches and you are probably also thinking about Patek Philippe. No other complication is more synonymous with the brand than the perpetual calendar chronograph. The latest perpetual calendar chronograph watch, the Reference 5270, was introduced by Patek Philippe in 2011. Since its launch, we have seen a number of different variations. However, the latest one might just be the most desirable yet. Why? Because it comes with a salmon dial. This is the new Patek [...]