Hodinkee
Interview: Chopard's Co-President On A Quarter-Century Of The L.U.C Collection
Karl-Friederich Scheufele weighs in on innovative complications, sapphire striking mechanisms, and the current Rolex CEO's first job in watchmaking.
Results for Swiss vs Japanese Watchmaking
4,409 articles · 673 videos found · page 137 of 170
Hodinkee
Time+Tide
VIDEO: Head to head – what’s the best Patek Philippe release of Watches & Wonders?
“We’re here at the pinnacle of watchmaking – the top tier of the holy trinity!” That’s how Zach introduces Patek Philippe in this video with Ricardo that mulls over the brand’s best release of Watches & Wonders. And as you can quickly tell from his liberal use of superlatives – he’s pretty excited. But when it … ContinuedThe post VIDEO: Head to head – what’s the best Patek Philippe release of Watches & Wonders? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Revolution
Louis Moinet
Louis Moinet presents a new tale of imaginative watchmaking in its latest launch, the Astronef that is powered by the caliber LM105 that drove its iconic Space Revolution watch.
Time+Tide
MICRO MONDAYS: The Galvin Watch Company Loimu is a funky-dialled sporty watch at a great price
Galvin Watch Company, a notable Kickstarter success, present their newest creation: the Loimu collection. Affordably priced and with a high-beat Japanese automatic movement, the release shapes up as a left-field choice for a great everyday watch. Behind the brand After gaining noteworthy industry experience working for TAG Heuer and Omega, Finnish watchmaker Susan Galvin who’s now based … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: The Galvin Watch Company Loimu is a funky-dialled sporty watch at a great price appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
SJX Watches
SevenFriday Introduces the Peculiar and Alien Free-D
A maker of affordable watches with unconventional styling, SevenFriday is now a decade old. To commemorate the milestone, the brand has unveiled the Free-D. To put it mildly, the Free-B adds three-dimensionality to the brand’s trademark time display comprised of rotating discs. And in a first for the brand, which has historically relied on Miyota, the Free-D is powered by a Swiss-made movement, Sellita to be exact. Initial thoughts While SevenFriday has increasingly felt like a “fashion” brand with its endless iterations of the same design, the brand has produced timepieces that are genuinely compelling. The Free-D is certainly one of the more interesting examples of its unorthodox design, though the over-the-top style is an acquired taste to say the least. Bold, extra large, and definitely peculiar, the Free-D is actually based on the brand’s signature “squircle” case but dressed up with a 3D-printed external shell and lugs. The added parts do exactly what they are meant to, which is to elaborate on the brand’s traditional case style to distinguish it for the anniversary. And they give the watch a decidedly alien aesthetic – it looks like a prop from a sci-fi film. At the same time, the external cladding on the case is essentially plastic. Granted, plastic of various types is widely used in high-end watchmaking – Richard Mille and Hublot are proponents of its use – but it is certainly not for everyone. In contrast, the time display is simple but easy...
Hodinkee
Weekend Edition: The Most Popular Watches Of 2022, So Far
As determined by the most discriminating audience in watchmaking – you.
Hodinkee
Introducing: We're Ready To Talk About The Omega x Swatch MoonSwatch
The quintessential space watch meets the respected affordable Swiss brand in the hands-down most exciting collaboration of this young year.
Hodinkee
Hands-On: Exploring New Brand Territory With The Leica L2 Watch
Out-of-focus brand service or tack-sharp watchmaking?
Hodinkee
A Week On The Wrist: The Urban Jürgensen Reference Big 8 In Stainless Steel
The Urban Jürgensen Reference Big 8 is a stunning example of old-school luxury watchmaking.
Revolution
Double Freak: Heavy Metal Maestro & Master Watchmaker
Dan Spitz is well known in the music world for his contributions to ’80s anthem rock as a founding member of the band Anthrax. For over a decade he watched this dream become a reality, then turned his attention to the world of watchmaking to produce a complete watch that is born in the USA.
SJX Watches
Tissot Introduces the PRX Chronograph Valjoux
Originally a late seventies model that was relaunched in 2021, the Tissot PRX was unsurprisingly a smash hit, largely because it is one of the most accessible Swiss-made watches with an integrated bracelet. And now Tissot has elaborated upon the design with the PRX Chronograph Valjoux. Initial thoughts The PRX Chronograph is a logical but attractive iteration of the original idea. The angular case and bracelet that characterise the PRX are perfect in a larger size with a sporty, contrast-register dial. More notably, Tissot made the smart choice of moving away from the typical (and sometimes boring) black and white for the “panda” and “reverse panda” dials, instead opting for more striking combinations – particularly the silver dial with gold markers. While the construction of the base-model PRX is simple, the chronograph gets more interesting as there is more real estate for details. The stepped, rectangular pushers, for instance, are especially attractive because they echo the case shape, while also having slight bevelling along the edges that add a bit of visual refinement. While the design appealing, it’s weighed down by the case thickness, which is almost 15 mm. That said, given the case is wide at 42 mm in diameter, it has good-enough proportions. Another nit to pick is the awkward position of the date, but that can only be fixed with a much smaller case (or much larger movement), both of which are not viable at this price point. The PRX Chronograph are pr...
Time+Tide
VIDEO: The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 delivers a leaner and meaner smartwatch than its predecessor
A front-runner in the world of luxury smartwatches, TAG Heuer pushes the envelope of innovation further with the new TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45mm. With the Connected E3 a resounding success, the Swiss powerhouse brings all-round improvements to the E4. New hardware and software combine to provide the user with a watch that’s not … ContinuedThe post VIDEO: The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 delivers a leaner and meaner smartwatch than its predecessor appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
The Ming 22.01 GMT may be your best shot at getting your hands on this hot independent
I’m going to be honest with you. The appeal of independent watch brands has grown in my day-to-day involvement with this hobby. The chance of owning something unique, with a recognizable design language and quality construction gets harder and harder to say no to. Yet, with these brands currently at the forefront of watchmaking, the … ContinuedThe post The Ming 22.01 GMT may be your best shot at getting your hands on this hot independent appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Quill & Pad
The First Wristwatches From Breguet, Hermès And Patek Philippe Were Made For Women – Reprise
Early American historian and Harvard professor Laurel Thatcher Ulrich titled her 2008 book 'Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History.' Ulrich would probably be very interested to know about three famous Swiss and French brands whose very first wristwatches were made for – and in a way by – women. Their watches have made history as some of the first examples of wristwatches in history, too.
SJX Watches
Yosuke Sekiguchi Debuts with the Primevère Wristwatch
The latest watchmaker to strike out on his own as a one-man operation is Yosuke Sekiguchi, a Japanese watchmaker who has spent his entire career in Switzerland. Based in Le Locle, Mr Sekiguchi spent several years at well-known complications specialists before starting on his namesake brand. His debut watch is the Primevère, a wristwatch that is uncompromising in its adherence to tradition, both in style and substance. Powered by a finely finished movement, the Primevère was inspired by the 19th century “Le Locle” style ebauche that LeCoultre supplied to several brands, most notably Jules Jurgensen. In fact, Mr Sekiguchi modelled the Primevère on an 1871 Jurgensen pocket watch that he restored and then re-cased into a wristwatch. Initial thoughts Mr Sekiguchi is one of several Japanese watchmakers working in Switzerland. Like a few of his compatriots, Mr Sekiguchi’s background is in complications and restoration. His reverence for high-quality Vallee de Joux movements of the 19th century is equally obvious in the eminently traditional layout of the movement. Mr Sekiguchi has done such a good job of recreating the original that the movement is difficult to distinguish from a 19th century calibre in both aesthetics and finishing at a distance. But up close the Mr Sekiguchi’s movement reveals a higher level of finishing and decorative extras than a 19th century original, which were often robust and workmanlike – the very qualities that drew Mr Sekiguchi to the...
SJX Watches
Kross Studio Introduces the Batman Tourbillon
A start-up that focuses on design and watchmaking, Kross Studio was founded in 2020 but has already rolled out several pop culture-themed watches, including a desk clock in the form of the Batmobile from 1989’s Batman as well as a tourbillon wristwatch modelled the Death Star from Star Wars. Timed to debut just before the premiere of the latest Batman movie, the Batman Tourbillon once again relies on the central tourbillon movement that Kross has used in its past editions, but restyles the tourbillon cage to resemble the “Bat Signal” searchlight. Initial thoughts As was the case with Kross’ earlier watches, the Batman Tourbillon excels in terms of design. Though the brand has launched different editions with the same case and movement, the Batman watch is unique in style and theme. The tourbillon cage, for instance, has been transformed into a distress signal made famous by the “Caped Crusader”. And while the earlier Death Star Tourbillon was equipped with conventional hands, the Batman watch does away with traditional hands, rendering the it much more futuristic. That said, the Batman theme gets in the way of the movement. The Bat Signal frame that sits over the tourbillon obscures an otherwise interesting, oversized central tourbillon. This compromise would be more acceptable if the cage was more figurative and decorative as on the Death Star Tourbillon – where the cage is shaped like the titular planetary laser – which would have made the dial more aes...
Time+Tide
Disillusioned with the prices at auctions? Check out this full set of Seiko “Monaco” chronographs on this novel auction site
Editor’s note: Brendan Cunningham is a Professor of Economics at Eastern Connecticut State University in the US and the man behind Horolonomics, a blog that explores the economic issues in watchmaking. Over the last five years or so, the luxury watch auction market seems to have grown more and more inaccessible for many collectors. Economist Stephen … ContinuedThe post Disillusioned with the prices at auctions? Check out this full set of Seiko “Monaco” chronographs on this novel auction site appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Deployant
Six unique watches that feature interesting concepts and innovations
In the world of traditional watchmaking, any innovation is greatly welcome. For this week's article, we will be exploring unique watches with interesting concepts.
Quill & Pad
For The Sake Of Sake: A Primer With Tasting Notes – Reprise
Basically, sake comprises rice, water, and the fermenting agent called koji, resulting in an alcoholic level that usually sits between 13 and 16 percent. And you might be interested to know that the rice used is different from the standard table rice so popular with Japanese food. Ken Gargett takes a deep dive into what sake is, what types of sake are available, and whether you should drink it warm (like James Bond) or cold. Kampai!
Time+Tide
Has Baume & Mercier dropped the most interesting dial of the year so far?
Watchmaking is an art. This is part of the appeal that mechanical timepieces have for buyers around the world, persuading them to forego more accurate or logical options such as a smartwatch or smartphone. Hardcore watch enthusiasts, when asked about the art of watchmaking, will likely steer the conversation towards movement design – their level … ContinuedThe post Has Baume & Mercier dropped the most interesting dial of the year so far? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
INTRODUCING: The Hublot Big Bang Unico Ledger is inspired by cryptocurrency
The future. It’s always here before you know it. And in an industry based on the anachronistic idea of the mechanical timepiece, Swiss watchmakers Hublot have always looked forward. From their striking, sometimes polarising designs, their forays into the connected watch world with the Big Bang E, and their use of cutting-edge materials like ceramic, … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Hublot Big Bang Unico Ledger is inspired by cryptocurrency appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Quill & Pad
Raul Pagès Régulateur à Détente RP1: Innovating Tradition
Independent Swiss watchmaker Raul Pagès has released his new Régulateur à Détente RP1. A clean and minimal design with superlative finishing, the Régulateur à Détente RP1 is Pagès’ take on the detent escapement, proving that evolution is still possible.
Quill & Pad
Oris Aquis Sun Wukong Artist Edition: Creating An Uproar (In Heaven)
Fantasy, high artistry, and solid watchmaking whimsically coalesce in Oris’s limited edition Sun Wukong Artist Edition, the just-introduced timepiece inspired by the Chinese animated film 'The Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven.' And in a novel twist for this usually affordably priced brand, the dial presents hand-rendered cloisonné enamel, an art form used by Oris for the first time.
Hodinkee
Recommended Reading: Jean-Claude Biver To Launch New Watch Brand Under His Own Name
He dropped the unexpected bombshell during a Friday morning segment on Swiss public radio.
Time+Tide
INTRODUCING: The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 is smaller, sleeker in 42mm, and better optioned again
While some watch collectors may ‘pooh pooh’ smartwatches in general, ultimately it is the largest category of watches in the marketplace today. Sure, they may not possess the traditional glamour of mechanical watchmaking but their modern functionalities are extremely compelling to watch wearers around the world. The USP of the TAG Heuer Connected lineup has … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 is smaller, sleeker in 42mm, and better optioned again appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Revolution
Introducing the Piaget Polo Skeleton
Piaget claims its place in high watchmaking and high jewellery with the Piaget Polo Skeleton carpeted in diamonds.
Deployant
New: Hermès Cape Cod crépuscule
Hermès releases an interesting dial variation to their iconic Cape Cod collection in collaboration with Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology.
Time+Tide
A Professor of Economics unpacks the true meaning of the Rolex price rises for 2022
Editor’s note: Brendan Cunningham is a Professor of Economics at Eastern Connecticut State University in the US and the man behind Horolonomics, a blog that explores the economic issues in watchmaking. A riff on Nina Simone’s classic song Feeling Good is a nice accompaniment in these opening days of 2022, particularly when it comes to the … ContinuedThe post A Professor of Economics unpacks the true meaning of the Rolex price rises for 2022 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Quill & Pad
All 4 Greubel Forsey Art Pieces: Hidden Time With Breathtaking Micro Sculptures And Awe-Inspiring Micro Mechanics – Reprise
Greubel Forsey's Art Pieces are among the world’s most notable art-related timepieces and not just because they tackle the subject of art for art’s sake but also because the Art Pieces highlight the relationship horology has with art. Elizabeth Doerr doesn't think that there is any denying that the modern art of watchmaking has a synergy with art as a whole. And that is abundantly visible in these watches.
Hodinkee
Interview: Timex Design Director Giorgio Galli Chats About His Time At Swatch, His Creative Process, And Gérald Genta
The design powerhouse has spent the last 30 years improving the aesthetics of entry-level watchmaking.