Hodinkee
Introducing: Is The New J.N. Shapiro ‘Resurgence’ The First Truly American-Made Watch In Decades?
It's a bold watch and a bold claim not made lightly, but it’s an important step in bringing back American watchmaking.
Hodinkee
It's a bold watch and a bold claim not made lightly, but it’s an important step in bringing back American watchmaking.
Hodinkee
The latest evolution of the DB28 follows the trend towards smaller watches.
The understated tool-watch look of the Super AVI lands in a 42mm size inspired by iconic airplanes – but that's not all.
Worn & Wound
The latest from Kurono Tokyo is a new version of their Calendrier Type I, a reference that was a finalist in the 2022 GPHG awards. A triple calendar is an old school complication, so it makes sense for a brand like Kurono to experiment on this platform, with their design language so deeply rooted in Art Deco principles and mid 20th century ideas around size and style. The new Calendrier is a Kurono anniversary model, thus it will be sold as a “time limited” edition, meaning prospective owners will have specific windows during which they can make a purchase, and Kurono will fill every order placed in these windows. Kurono has also announced that this will be the final version of the Calendrier Type I, so if this is a reference you’ve been hunting, we’re approaching your last chance to snag one directly from the brand. Kurono has dubbed this model the Anniversary Calendrier “Azuki,” a name derived from the maroon color of the dial. Azuki means “red bean” in Japanese, and in Japan is a color commonly associated with cars. Maroon was once a common standard vehicle color, so this watch is subtly auto inspired and a throwback in more ways than one. According to the brand, achieving this particular tone of maroon was a significant challenge. To get the color right, Kurono used phosphor-bronze rather than the typical brass for the dial material, which allows them to get the proper shade of red during the finishing process. Kurono notes that phosphor-bronze is m...
SJX Watches
Accomplished but relatively low key, Andreas Strehler is launching a new brand known simply as Strehler, which aims to reach a wider audience with more accessible prices. Mr. Strehler’s stated aim of the Sirna is to offer collectors a simple daily wearer that embodies the technical mastery he has become known for. The brand’s opening act is the Sirna, named after the town of Sirnach in northeastern Switzerland where the manufacture is based. Strehler marks a departure from Mr. Strehler’s previous work in terms of aesthetics. While his earlier (and pricier) creations emphasised his distinctive papillon, or “butterfly”, movement architecture and resulting cushion-shaped case, the Sirna is more traditional in form. It is a strong debut for the new brand and a sign of good things to come. Initial thoughts I’ve always admired Mr Strehler’s watches from an intellectual standpoint, but his cushion-cased designs have never resonated with me on an aesthetic level. Naturally, I am thrilled to see Mr. Strehler’s work arrive in a more traditionally-styled package. The Sirna appears to exudes quality – unsurprising given Mr Strehler’s reputation for good work. It’s enough of a reputation that other independent watchmakers turn to him for components and movements (more on that below). Even obscure details like the engravings on the case back look to be satisfyingly crisp and precise. And the patterned titanium dial is the star, though deceptively simple in style, i...
SJX Watches
The latest version of De Bethune’s signature watch shrinks the case and ups the level of dial decoration. The DB28xs Starry Seas has a compact case of just 38.7 mm and an eye-catching dial finished a wave pattern and inlaid white gold stars in typical De Bethune style. Initial thoughts Originally a large watch with a case of 43 mm, the DB28 nonetheless became the brand’s trademark watch thanks to its distinctive styling and hinged lugs. So a more wearable version of the DB28 will certainly have is audience. In fact, the case of 38.7 mm is more than manageable, it is almost small by the standards of highly contemporary independent watchmaking. With the reduced case, however, the DB28xs might have lost some of the presence that made the original DB28 interesting, although that will have to be judged in the metal. Besides the case, the other novel feature of the watch is the wave pattern on the dial that’s complemented by inlaid gold stars, which is meant to evoke the night sky reflected on water. The wave pattern is new for De Bethune, adding some originality to this variant of the DB28. While the dial is beautiful – De Bethune’s blued titanium dials usually are – and the case remains appealing even on a smaller scale, I would have hoped that the brand did something more inventive, rather than create variants of existing designs and movements. Apart from the dial and case, the DB28xs is largely identical to its larger siblings, including utilising the same...
Revolution
Deployant
De Bethune releases their smallest case that they ever made in a new DB28XS Starry Seas. Press Release information with commentary in italics. New: De Bethune DB28XS Starry Seas The new De Bethune DB28XS Starry Seas will have a retail price of CHF 77,000 / USD 90,000 excluding VAT. Commentary De Bethune has always beenRead More
Time+Tide
Watch auctions are typically associated with record-breaking prices and incredible amounts of money spent on coveted collectables. During my visit to Sotheby’s Upper East Side headquarters, I saw plenty of lots primed to go for six, seven, dare I say eight figures – such as the two Paul Newman-owned Rolex Daytonas that the auction house … ContinuedThe post 5 sleeper picks from the upcoming Sotheby’s Fine Watches auction starting next week appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Revolution
Quill & Pad
Faber-Castell introduced its first Pen of the Year in 2003 and has annually introduced a limited edition pen with a very specific theme ever since. Each tells the tale of a person, a place, or an era that helped “shape the development of humanity,” according to the company. The Pen of the Year 2022 is inspired by the influential Aztec civilization.
Revolution
Revolution
Time+Tide
Some people think you need to wait for Watches & Wonders to see new watches, but this June in New York, there are dozens of pieces seeing the light of day for the first time in decades. Over at Sotheby’s New York, two auctions are bringing out some heavy-hitting heroes. In the Important Watches Sale … ContinuedThe post Two Rolex Daytonas owned by Paul Newman and a full-set Comex Sea-Dweller headline Sotheby’s Important Watches auction on June 9 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
If you’re into cars, you’ll be familiar with the old adage that every petrolhead needs to own an Alfa Romeo at some point in their life. The same can be said for watch enthusiasts and G-Shocks – though for vastly different reasons. Where Alfas are known to be the automobile equivalent of passionate flings – … ContinuedThe post The Casio G-Shock G-Squad is the perfect remake of a 40-year-old legend appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
Celebrating G-SHOCK's history and evolutionary advances toward absolute toughnes
Worn & Wound
The beauty of collecting is that it can totally be specific to you. There isn’t a right or wrong way of doing it. Just pick your lane, whether that be enjoying your collective interests from a thirty thousand foot view above or really getting into the niche weeds, and stick with it. Or not! Again, that’s the beauty of it all – you can zig and zag. Porsche enthusiasts know this all too well. One Porsche enthusiast can enjoy the brand for what it is; a powerful piece of German engineering known for its precise-handling, longevity and entertaining driving experience. You can also meet another Porsche enthusiast that can be hyper focused into one little definitive area of the brand whose interest can oftentimes spark a spirited debate with another fellow Porsche compatriot with a conflicting keenness. Vintage versus Modern. Air-Cooled versus Water-Cooled. 959 versus 964 (insert any other Porsche model debate here). Stock versus Mod. So on and so forth. However despite the differences, it’s the deep enthusiasm that binds everyone together. Top. Down. A couple of weekends ago, Rally Point East hosted their third annual Porscheast event, bringing together all sorts of enthusiasts and radical Porsches alike. Situated in Westhampton Beach, Rally Point East is an automotive club that provides a space for like-minded individuals to gather and talk about all things cars and other adjacent interests. The club offers a suite of perks to its members not limited to vehicle storage...
Hodinkee
The sport watch collection gets its first complication, a well-executed chronograph.
Worn & Wound
At the time of this writing, we are less than a week out from Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer. So you’ll forgive us if we’ve got summer watches on the brain. Looking ahead to the warmer months, vacations, travel, and relaxing purely for the sake of it is a good opportunity to consider watches that fit the bill. There’s something about the ultra formal that doesn’t exactly have us thinking about the beach, and cocktails with little umbrellas in them. Luckily for all of us, watch brands understand this, and we’ve seen an influx of cheerful and seasonally appropriate watches hit the landscape just in the last few weeks. One release from the Bulgari, a multi-watch update to their Aluminum collection, feels particularly ready for a tropical disposition. The Aluminum is a throwback to a Bulgari style that was at its peak in the 90s. Longtime podcast listeners will remember that I have a particular fascination with the Diagono line that these watches are clearly meant to evoke. Being made from aluminum, they are ultra lightweight, and have unique integrated rubber bracelets that are not really exactly like anything else out there. But the feature that truly divides people with these watches is the bezel, made from rubber that matches that bracelet and stamped twice with the Bulgari wordmark, just in case you forget what brand you’re wearing, or have an inclination to see what the brand name looks like upside down. It’s a strange design choice,...
Hodinkee
It's been a hard road from Japan to establishing himself in Switzerland, but Sekiguchi is ready to make his mark under his own name.
Worn & Wound
A few years off of their successful revamp of the brand, Fortis has refreshed their lineup of modern pilot’s watches with colorful new dials, and we’re thrilled to offer them in the Windup Watch Shop. The traditional flieger DNA is strong within the lineup, but modern construction and design choices make these watches an excellent option for those who want a fresh take on the pilot’s watch with the conveniences of modern construction. Meant to accommodate a wide range of wrist sizes and preferences, the Flieger is offered in both 39mm and 41mm. A few years off of their successful revamp of the brand, Fortis has refreshed their lineup of modern pilot’s watches with colorful new dials, and we’re thrilled to offer them in the Windup Watch Shop. The traditional flieger DNA is strong within the lineup, but modern construction and design choices make these watches an excellent option for those who want a fresh take on the pilot’s watch with the conveniences of modern construction. Meant to accommodate a wide range of wrist sizes and preferences, the Flieger is offered in both 39mm and 41mm. The post The F-39 and F-41 Flieger Collection From Fortis – Now In The Windup Watch Shop appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Time+Tide
In March this year, Premier League footballer Rico Henry was in a London hotel when he somehow managed to lose his Rolex. The watch had apparently fallen out of his pocket. When Henry discovered that his Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 126715CHMR was missing, the Brentford left-back was understandably distraught. But when he checked with the … ContinuedThe post Had a watch stolen? Use this Premier League footballer’s tactic to get it back… appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
The watch industry veteran's first interview since joining Bremont.
Worn & Wound
At the end of last year, Massena LAB had an unexpected hit with a pair of limited edition Type XX chronographs signed by Mathey-Tissot. Those watches were inspired by a watch in Massena LAB founder William Massena’s personal collection, and that’s also the genesis of his latest project bearing the Mathy-Tissot name. This time, the watch in question is the Mergulhador Skin Diver, a watch that you’d be forgiven for being enamored with based on name alone. “Mergulhador” means “diver” in Portuguese, and as you’d probably guess, the original version of the watch was marketed to the Portuguese market in the 1970s, and was aimed at both military and civilian customers. It’s a bit obscure, but that’s what’s fun about it, and why it makes sense for someone with Massena’s knowledge and background to bring it to a larger audience. The main attraction here is the dial, which is a rich amber fumé that gives the appearance of being weatherbeaten for decades. The amber color is complemented by bright orange hour markers and an orange minute track against a black background that feels right out of the 1970s central watch casting. The dial also features oversized white lume plots at each hour, the size of which is certainly in keeping with the general 1970s aesthetic. I think Massena LAB deserves credit here for resisting the urge to use a “faux-tina” tone for the lume. That might have been the obvious way to go for such a vintage influenced watch, but the to...
Deployant
The Ba111od Chapter 4.1 has had a great success with many requests for a smaller case. This is now introduced as Chapter 4.5 in a 40mm case.
Hodinkee
Rexhepi has carefully picked the lucky few to get his watches, but the auction will be the first data point for the watchmaker's potential wider market.
SJX Watches
One of the most anticipated watches by an independent watchmaker to go under the hammer this season has set a record: the Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain I (RRCCI) in pink gold sold at Phillips’ Hong Kong auction for HK$7.24 million including fees, equivalent to US$924,000. Notable for being in an ordinary, as opposed to charity, auction, the result of almost US$1.0 million puts its maker, the founder of Akrivia, in rarefied company alongside the likes of F.P. Journe, the only other independent watchmakers whose time-only watches can sell for such sums. The RRCCI that just sold was the first example of the model to emerge at auction, with only one other example having sold on the secondary market but privately. With the watch already sold out and a long waiting list for its successor, the RRCCII, there were high expectations for the watch at Phillips, which originally retailed for under US$70,000. Everyone’s on it The excitement as the lot came up was palpable. Auctioneer Aurel Bacs commented that so many bidders were phoning in that every Phillips employee on the phone bank was on the line. Although there were at least a half dozen bidders to start with – all on the phone save for one room bidder – the contenders thinned out at the HK$4.00 million mark. Remaining were just three bidders: Alex Ghotbi and Tiffany To of Phillips on the phones with clients, and the gentleman at the back of the room. Both based in Geneva, Mr Ghotbi and Ms To were presumably re...
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