Latest watch news · Page 154

Blancpain has just unveiled its most complex modern-day watch, the Grande Double Sonnerie, to mark its 190th anniversary. This CHF1.7 million grand complication signals Blancpain’s return to the highest tier of haute horlogerie. One of the most technically ambitious chiming wristwatches ever made, the Grande Double Sonnerie incorporates traditional complications: grande and petite sonnerie, minute repeater, flying tourbillon, and retrograde perpetual calendar, but also offers an unexpected twist with two distinct chiming melodies, a Westminster chime plus a a bespoke sequence composed for Blancpain by Eric Singer of rock band Kiss. Initial thoughts It has been some time since Blancpain unveiled a truly headline-grabbing complication. The manufacture made its name in this arena with the 1735 of 1991, but in the decades since, its output has leaned toward more conventional high-end offerings - perpetual calendars, tourbillons, carrousels, and chiming watches - while its commercial momentum has come largely from the Fifty Fathoms and Villeret triple calendar. The unexpected Grande Double Sonnerie is therefore a reminder of what Blancpain can do at the very top level of watchmaking. The Le Brassus-based manufacture tends to be overlooked when speaking of high horology today, but the Grande Double Sonnerie should remind enthusiasts how sure-footed Blancpain is in this regard. Even before considering the many complexities of the timepiece, the watch impresses from the fir...

Sometimes, all you need to know is right there in the name. AVI-8, pronounced “Aviate,” leaves little question about the brand’s mission and inspiration. You might know the company for its highly affordable and highly specced pilot’s watches inspired by specific combat airplanes, such as the Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, or Bell X1. Today, though, I […] Visit Hands-On With The Brand-New AVI-8 CVRT 3775A Automatic to read the full article.

There's much more to watch materials than just steel and gold. Here, we break down some of the most common materials used in watchmaking.The post Everything you need to know about the most common watch materials appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

The uniform of high complications almost invariably includes a leather strap; a metal bracelet remains an uncommon pairing with, say, a grande sonnerie. Christie’s upcoming Hong Kong auction, however, brings an unexpected abundance of complicated watches on bracelets for collectors who prefer metal, including notable examples from Patek Philippe and A. Lange & Söhne. This season’s sale is anchored by two major private collections, most prominently the second part of The Chronicle Collection, the first half of which was dispersed earlier in the spring. The consignor began collecting in the 1990s, a fact reflected in the depth of neo-vintage highlights throughout the catalogue. Lot 2442 - Patek Philippe ref. 3448⁄8 with Possibly Unique Ruby Dial The Patek Philippe ref. 3448 was the first self-winding perpetual calendar produced in series. According to movement numbers, it is likely 586 were made in total - this lug-less example was one of the first made. Beyond its historical interest, the ref. 3448 is underpinned by one of – if not the – most beautiful automatic movements ever made: the cal. 27-460 Q. Looks aside, it was one of the most technically competent automatics of its era, with an overcoil hairspring, free-sprung balance, and bi-directional winding using a cam and pawl system. Atop this worthy base calibre, the ref. 3448 adds the iconic windows perpetual calendar by none other than Victorin Piguet. The ‘/8’ in ref. 3448/8 suffix denotes the style ...

Atelier Wen has spent the last few years building a very different picture of Chinese watchmaking. After the recent launch of its flagship Inflection collection, the brand has shifted attention back to the Ancestra line, which was always meant to serve as the more artisanal counterpoint. That timing feels deliberate. The Inflection models reintroduced Atelier […] Visit Introducing: The New Atelier Wen × Revolution Ancestra Yáo to read the full article.

One of Tudor’s most affordable models equipped with an in-house movement (the base model costs under CHF3,000), the Ranger is functional watch with a design based on the 1960s model of the same name. Originally available only with a 39 mm case and black dial, the Ranger is now also available in a 36 mm that’s truer to the vintage original. Also new is the unusual “dune white” dial. The pale dial with black markings is a subtle reference to historical sports models with similar dials often nicknamed “albino” by collectors. Initial thoughts The larger Ranger was facelifted in 2022, and though good value, it was a little chunky for the style. And the black dial was traditional, but also a bit plain. The smaller size and beige dial add a bit more vintage flair to the model, which should resonate in particular for those who appreciate such things. The tweaks to the model won’t likely make it a watch with mainstream appeal like the Black Bay, but the Ranger remains a strong proposition at its price. An explorer’s watch The vintage Ranger was Tudor’s equivalent of the Rolex Explorer, and hence shares a similar design. This style has been ported over onto the modern remake. The new “dune white” retains the same style, but with adjustments for the colour. So the hour markers are printed in black, with the luminous markers being dots on the edge of the dial instead. The rest of the watch remains unchanged, except for the size. The steel case is entirely brushed...

It might be 11 years old at this point, but this rounded square chronograph continues to be distinctive in a crowded market. The post Why the Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date continues to stand out from the crowd appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

We caught up with Serge Michel and Claude Greisler of Armin Strom and chatted on the new Tribute 1 in Green and the new Mirrored Force Resonance in gold.

Founded in 2015 by Ahmed Seddiqi, Dubai Watch Week started as a local event targeting mostly collectors and aficionados, with a strong emphasis on education. But in 10 years, this biennial event has become one of the main moments in our horological calendars, transforming into a proper watch fair, in particular this year, as DWW was […]

Circula, known for its collection of high-quality mechanical tool watches, recently presented its fourth diver. We put it through its paces on dry land and weren’t disappointed. Inspired by the brand’s ProTrail and ProFlight models, the ProSea combines conventional diving watch design with modern elements and techniques. Hands-on with the new Circula ProSea Automatic For […] Visit Hands-On With The New Circula ProSea to read the full article.

GP masterfully combines its signature movement design with its integrated sports watch for the latter's 50th anniversary.The post Girard-Perregaux goes multifaceted with the new Laureato Three Gold Bridges appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Welcome to another installment of Sunday Morning Showdown. This week, we put the new Omega Planet Ocean 600M to work. We’re not giving it an easy start to life, pitting it against the mighty Rolex Submariner “No-Date” ref. 124060. Jorg has the honor of defending the new Omega, while Thomas sides with the Rolex. Now, […] Visit Sunday Morning Showdown: Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Vs. Rolex Submariner Ref. 124060 to read the full article.

The lightest Monaco ever made, its unusually-shaped case is formed by a cutting-edge, "laser-melting" 3D printing process.The post TAG Heuer’s Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph Air 1 is a lightweight, cutting-edge take on an icon appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

The post Staff Picks for Black Friday appeared first on Worn & Wound.

Independent watchmaking loves a good origin story, and Vanguart has got one. Founded in 2017 by APRP alumni Axel Leuenberger and Jérémy Freléchox, designer Thierry Fischer and F1-insider Mehmet Korutürk, the brand debuted with the Black Hole Tourbillon in 2021. That first watch featured a levitating flying tourbillon, concentric automaton discs that warp time around […]

“Watches, Stories, and Gear” is a roundup of our favorite content, watch or otherwise, from around the internet. Here, we support other creators, explore interesting content that inspires us, and put a spotlight on causes we believe in. Oh, and any gear we happen to be digging on this week. We love gear. Belhamel Doubles Down on Character with New Contra A39 Polar White and Forest Green Editions Belhamel is back with two fresh takes on its cult-favorite Contra A39 - and they hit that sweet spot between heritage and modern tool-watch sensibility. The new Polar White and Forest Green editions keep the sharp 39mm proportions and no-nonsense specs (300m water resistance, Miyota 9039 inside, double-domed sapphire up top), but shift the tone entirely through color and texture. The Polar White channels vintage motorsport cool-bright, high-contrast, and a little daring-while the Forest Green goes the other way: matte, earthy, quietly confident. Both are limited to 500 pieces, individually numbered, with the same clever push-button clasp and engraved caseback that’s become part of Belhamel’s design DNA. It’s another reminder that this young London outfit knows how to make a watch feel both considered and alive. Pre-orders open later this year at belhamel.com, with early access for newsletter subscribers. A Record Setting Comic What’s the most valuable thing you’ve ever found stashed away in an attic? This is a common fantasy, fueled by viral “Antiques Roadshow...

With over 90 brands at Dubai Watch Week this year, there were plenty of hot new releases, with soft gold tones leading the way.The post Dubai Watch Week 2025 Special: new releases from Laurent Ferrier, Biver, MB&F; and more appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud marks a significant moment in its modern history, with the release of the Chronomètre FB 3SPC Seddiqi 75th Anniversary. A three-piece platinum edition created for the 75th anniversary of Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the influential Dubai retailer and one of the manufacture’s first partners when the brand was revived in 2015. The […]

At Dubai Watch Week 2025, De Bethune unveiled the DB25 Perpetual Sky and the DB Kind of Two Jumping GMT, a striking showcase of the brand’s dual identity.

Explore how the Seamaster 2254’s understated utility compares to the 300M’s refined luxury. Discover whether the new model truly earns its higher price.

Talk about releases you didn’t see coming! When Zenith released the third model of the much-praised Lupin the Third series in early 2022, it looked like the remarkable trilogy was complete and the series had concluded. But more than three years later, Zenith surprises us with a fourth model! The new Zenith Chronomaster Revival Daisuke […] Visit Zenith Continues Its Lupin The 3rd Series With The Chronomaster Revival Daisuke Jigen Edition to read the full article.

Atelier Wen has spent the past few years rewriting what “Made in China” can mean in watchmaking. Founded in 2018 by Robin Tallendier and Wilfried Buiron, the brand builds its pieces around Chinese crafts and culture (grand feu enamelling, guilloché, and case finishing) while partnering with serious movement makers. With the Ancestra line, introduced with […]

Jaeger-LeCoultre has a reputation for revered watchmaking, all within a single facility in Le Sentier, in the Vallée de Joux. For 2025, La Grande Maison unveils two new Master Ultra Thin timepieces. Both feature a soft, almost terracotta-like shade of copper. The grainy texture also lends the aesthetic a touch of ruggedness. Yet, the playful […] Visit Introducing: Two New Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Watches In Distinctive Copper Hues to read the full article.

Now a key event on the global watch calendar, Dubai Watch Week celebrates its seventh edition this year with over 90 brands. Like some of the participating brands, Perrelet has created a special edition for the event that reflects the UAE’s culture. Collaborating with renowned Emirati calligrapher and performer Diaa Allam, Perrelet unveils a limited […]

After 15 years of watch collecting and a trip to Japan, Andrew O'Connor finally bought the watch that got him obsessed with watches.The post A watch collecting full circle moment: finally buying the watch that got me obsessed with watches appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Seemingly out of nowhere, Tudor surprised us with a new series of Ranger models this week. The brand introduced a smaller 36mm version of its explorer-style watch alongside the existing 39mm model. Additionally, the brand introduces a new Dune White dial that completely changes the look of this popular watch. Let’s take a closer look […] Visit Tudor Unveils The 36mm Ranger And Adds A Dune White Dial To The Lineup to read the full article.

How Guest Editor Eddie Huang found peace with a Vacheron QP while the menu for his new restaurant forced an existential crisis.