Two Broke Watch Snobs
Comparing 3 Elastic Watch Straps: Budget Choices or Budget Be Damned?
Detailed comparison of Elastic Watch Straps from Erika's Originals, The Watch Steward, and Nick Mankey Designs - is it worth spending the extra money?
806 articles · 54 videos found · page 15 of 29
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Detailed comparison of Elastic Watch Straps from Erika's Originals, The Watch Steward, and Nick Mankey Designs - is it worth spending the extra money?
SJX Watches
Since its introduction in 2007, the popularity of the Aquanaut 5167A has followed on the coattails of the Nautilus Ref 5711/1A. And now for the occasion of the Watch Art Grand Exhibition in Singapore, Patek Philippe has unveiled a special-edition Aquanaut ref. 5167A-012 with red accents and a red strap. The dial features the Aquanaut’s traditional chequerboard motif, but with red minute markers and a red central hand. The addition of colour is a nod to Singapore’s flag, which is red and white. Though the cosmetic changes are minimal, the overall effect of which is nonetheless striking and appealing. Depth rated to 120m, the case remains 40mm in diameter and is paired with a red composite strap. It houses the cal. 324 S C, which is visible through a sapphire case back that has been printed with the inscription “Patek Philippe Singapore 2019”. The cal. 324 S C is the brand’s central-rotor automatic movement that is fairly ordinary but attractively finished. It offers a short 35- to 45-hour power reserve, and as with all of Patek Philippe’s current movements, it is fitted with a Gyromax balance wheel, which is essentially a free-sprung, adjustable mass balance, as well as a silicon Spiromax hairspring. Key facts Diameter: 40mm Height: 8.1mm Material: Stainless steel Water-resistance: 120m Movement: cal. 324 S C Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds; date Winding: Self-winding Frequency: 28,800bph, or 4Hz Power reserve: 35 to 45 hours Strap: Red composite Pr...
Time+Tide
A lot of new watches are released every year. Big brands will often release 100 or more new unique variants (and fair enough, different dial/strap/material, etc take up a lot of this space), but even so, it’s fair to say that not every new watch gets its time in the sun. Sometimes that’s OK, as … ContinuedThe post You might have missed these 6 excellent new watches – these are the sleeper hits of 2019 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Editor’s note: The Tudor Black Bay had an extraordinary beginning when it was released in 2012, with the Black Bay red finally giving the brand its flagship model. I remember seeing it in the window of the booth and basically attaching myself to the glass like an abalone. A distressed leather strap with boss-looking deployant. A rich … ContinuedThe post Everybody wants a Tudor Black Bay. But what about the chrono? Anyone? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Revolution
To celebrate its 282nd anniversary today, Favre-Leuba is introducing a brand new black version of its standout Raider Bivouac 9000 timepiece, complete with a RECCO® reflector strap.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Mike and Kaz talk about various watch straps and swapping them out seasonally. The discussion gets slightly derailed (classic TBWS fashion) and the guys revisit the idea of consolidating, cutting down on collections, and being happier with less.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
he Archimede Outdoor Protect will not cost you a wheelbarrow full of cash and, while it’s not cheap ($890. on bracelet, $850. on rubber strap), it does offer surprising value. That's especially true when held against its case-hardened, Teutonic peers at Sinn and Damasko.
Time+Tide
Editor’s note: What is it about an all-black watch that really gets the heart racing? I mean, it’s a neutral colour, like white, silver, or grey, yet just by adding a heavy dose of toner, an entire watch can be transformed. Case (and dial, and strap) in point, the black ceramic Girard-Perregaux Laureato 42mm. A luxury … ContinuedThe post EDITOR’S PICK: This Laureato is the reason why you should always bet on black appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Editor’s note: Speculation that Big Idris Elba might be the next man to don the Tom Ford tux and strap on the Walther and take over from Daniel Craig as the next Bond has once again reared its head, and honestly this is something we can all get behind (side note, Esquire’s suggestion of Thandie Newton … ContinuedThe post EDITOR’S PICK: As speculation rises about Idris Elba as Bond, we speculate about 007’s next watch appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
The heart of Panerai’s line-up has to be the entry-level Luminor. A 44mm watch with the classic crown guard-equipped Luminor case and not much in the way of frills. White or black dial, white logo or blue, small seconds or not, and a range of strap options. That’s pretty much it. But you know what? … ContinuedThe post VIDEO: The heart of Panerai – the new Luminor Marina Logo 3 Days in steel appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
We’re very proud to announce that the Time+Tide shop is officially open for business. The decision to launch a shop isn’t one we made lightly, or quickly. But it was made, and today we launch with a capsule collection of handmade straps and premium accessories, as well as the frankly stunning Seiko Presage SPB069 Moonlit Night. The … ContinuedThe post ANNOUNCING: The Time+Tide Shop, launching with the Ltd Edn Seiko Presage SPB069 ‘Moonlit Night’, premium straps and more appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
This week Mike and Kaz have the first (of most likely many) discussions about the oddly polarizing topic of watch straps in horology. Some folks love swapping out straps/bracelets and some others think it's a sin - what's your stance?
Time+Tide
In the market for a watch strap that doesn’t exist yet? It’s time to dial into the feed of Drew Boen, watch collector and custom strap maker. We hear he’s in such high demand that you may need to exercise a little patience while you wait, but while you do, enjoy some of the best wristshots … ContinuedThe post WHO TO FOLLOW: @_aboen appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Revolution
Suzanne’s note to Santa isn’t just a list of watches, but a list of watches in very specific case/strap/dial combinations. Rudolph had better be good at helping take quick notes; just ONE day to Christmas now!
Time+Tide
Next up in our festive lineup is one of this year’s crowd favourites – the IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII. This modestly-sized, understated watch goes to show that when you’ve got good design and an enviable pedigree, you don’t need bell and whistles (though that Santoni strap certainly adds to the lustre of the piece). Who … ContinuedThe post ADVENT CALENDAR 2016: December 6 – The IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Revolution
After the successful launch of the Tank Francaise in 1995, an occasion that was hard to beat, La Maison presented quietly a completely new Tank model in 2002; the Tank Divan. – Steel version with automatic movement and Python strap – It was a watch that was designed from scratch and not a modernised version […]
Revolution
The Rolex Submariner, the Omega Seamaster Professional and the Cartier Santos Galbee are classics that are more often than not worn on a bracelet. You’d wonder sometimes if these watches would have been the successes they are now if they had only been offered on a strap. Even more so for watches like the Audemars […]
SJX Watches
Hublot has just unveiled the Classic Fusion Balloon Dog by Jeff Koons, its latest — and arguably most striking — collaboration with a contemporary artist. Crafted from anodised aluminium, the case of the watch is delicately machined to almost perfectly replicate the creased, metallic look of a mylar balloon. The plump inflated look extends to the dial and strap, and the watch can be had in three different colours — red, blue, and silver — each of which is limited to 200 pieces. The Balloon Dog is powered by the HUB1710, an upmarket execution of the in-group Zenith Elite platform. Initial thoughts Jeff Koons is likely one of the few contemporary artists with mainstream name recognition outside the world of fine art. While he is arguably best known for his large-scale sculptures, including the Balloon Dog referenced by his collaboration with Hublot, he has had a prolific career and worked in numerous mediums. But it is his ability to replicate the tight, creased look of inflated latex and mylar in materials like stainless steel and aluminium that have cemented his status in the world of contemporary art. The Classic Fusion Balloon Dog taps exactly this expertise, crafted in anodised aluminium with a rounded, puffy form that transforms the sharp, angular Hublot style into something more soft and playful. The result is immediately recognisable thanks to the thoughtfulness of the execution. The familiar Hublot details are present, but have been carefully machined to loo...
Time+Tide
Echo/Neutra updates its 1956 Chrono GMT with two new colourways With a brown-and-taupe Cappuccino model and a deep-wine-toned Purple model, both inject colour into a highly functional watch with chronograph and GMT functions. Available now, the Echo/Neutra 1956 Chrono GMT in both Cappuccino and Purple start at US$2,400 on a strap. Echo/neutra has gotten a lot … Continued
SJX Watches
One of the most striking watches to debut at Geneva Watch Days is a new variant of Gérald Genta’s Minute Repeater featuring a dial made of Golden Obsidian. In variation from last year’s debut, it’s forgone the glossy black onyx dial in favour of naturally formed volcanic glass. Initial thoughts Beyond the dial the only change is the strap, still with its signature centre-lug though now in a brown calfskin which nicely dresses down the overall package. It’s a perfect example of the brand’s ethos as they expand the collection: methodical, deliberate and measured. Small changes that stack up and give buyers more choice, and the addition of the Golden Obsidian alongside the Onyx shows how one small change can take a watch from classical and serious to relaxed and charming — having both options in the lineup should help satisfy still-healthy demand for stone dials perfectly compliment each other and goes far to round out a healthily expanding lineup for Gérald Genta. Obsidian dial Golden obsidian is a variant of the jet-black volcanic obsidian you’re likely familiar with. It forms naturally when lava cools rapidly and traps microscopic pockets of iron, air and gas bubbles forming organic striations and graining through the glass. These imperfections give golden obsidian its warmth and shimmer, changing dramatically as light hits it from different angles. What it does share with stone is its unique formation, so no two Golden Obsidian dials will be alike. Like wi...
Hodinkee
What We Know Tudor's North Flag has always been something of an outlier. It was originally launched in 2015 at Baselworld and was the first Tudor to feature one of the brand's in-house movements. Only ever available in two specs, on a bracelet or on a leather strap, the North Flag (91210N) was discontinued in 2021. Today, the Northflag (now one word) returns, evolving the 2015 offering with a single reference that sports a 24-hour hand for a second time zone. The new Northflag, ref. 9140G1A0U, uses 316L stainless steel for its 40mm case and integrated bracelet. The case is 12.7mm thick and 48.8mm lug-to-lug. Compared with the 40 x 13.3 x 50mm of the original North Flag, this new model should be more compatible with smaller wrists thanks to its more compact dimensions. The water resistance is 100 meters, and it has a domed sapphire crystal up front and a display caseback. Inside, and viewable via that display caseback, is Tudor's MT5652-U automatic movement. It's a 4Hz METAS-certified Master Chronometer with a stated accuracy of -0 to +5 seconds/day. For those keeping track, this is the same second time zone-equipped movement found in the Pelagos FXD GMT. Both the date and the GMT function are set via the crown, and adjusting the second time zone is done by jumping the local hour hand to a new time zone (such as when you land at your destination) in standard "flyer" GMT functionality. Like its predecessor, the second-gen Northflag's dial is black, with minimal text an...
On another edition of our popular Watch Shopping series, comedian Mark Normand is in store looking for his next watch. He's relatively new to the world of luxury watches and looking for something he can wear regularly. He's used to wearing a digital Timex, but the strap broke and Mark figured it's as good a time as any
Quill & Pad
You can surf the web all you want, but there is nothing like actually seeing a watch in the metal, feeling its weight on your wrist, the firm yet gentle grip of the strap, and gazing into the depth of its dial and realizing: "This is The One." And a fair is one of the best places to find a match.
WatchAdvice
Piaget’s released a new iteration of their Polo Signature Date, but does it truly embody the brand’s modern creative vision? Let’s find out! What We Love: Shapely, wearable case More distinct dial & identity The rubber strap – still comfortable! What We Don’t: Crown feels slightly small Dead zone when changing times Is it finally recognisable? Overall Rating: 9.25/10 Value for Money: 9/10 Wearability: 9.5/10 Design: 10/10 Build Quality: 8.5/10 For as much as I love watches for their design, technology, or daring in either field, recognition must be recognised as one of the most important elements of a watch brand’s arsenal. When a watch brand goes ‘mainstream’ within the enthusiast community, it brings with it a significant amount of power within the watch world. But it’s usually easier said than done; scant few brands have managed to capture the attention of both hardcore enthusiasts and luxury lovers at the same time. Piaget is a brand that has perennially clung to the fringes of that audience. In the past, they hadn’t been able to tap into the enthusiast crowd with the same level of magnitude as some of their peers in Richemont. While one can easily point the finger towards characteristics like ultra-luxury and exclusivity, it hasn’t stopped other brands of a similar calibre from breaking through. So if not that, then what? Perhaps it’s due to a lack of distinctive visual identity, which in recent years has begun to change. While fans of the ...
WristBuzz
Longines refreshes one of its most quietly interesting re-editions with a light blue opaline dial. Still 38mm, still the same central power-reserve rotating disc, still the silicon-hairspring L896.5. €3,950 on strap, €4,050 on bracelet.
Fratello
Fast-track evolution. In just one year, Casio launched its first automatic mechanical watch, the Edifice EFK-100, and rapidly improved it. Now, the third generation of the Casio Edifice automatic is here. The EFK-200, a sporty-chic yet affordable watch with an integrated bracelet/strap, comes in five variations and looks to be a very mature watch. There […] Visit They Grow Up So Fast! Meet The Casio Edifice Automatic EFK-200 to read the full article.
WatchRider
TAG Heuer is sending the Dutch Grand Prix off with a pair of bright orange Formula 1 Solargraph limited editions. The rubber-strap reference WBY111H.FT8128 and steel-bracelet reference WBY111L.BA0042 share the same compact case, solar movement and colour scheme, but they offer two very different ways to remember Zandvoort. The timing is important. The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix will be the last Formula 1 race at Circuit Zandvoort under the current agreement. TAG Heuer has therefore created a farewell watch that looks straight into the orange grandstands rather than simply placing a race logo on an existing model. The last Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort The Dutch Grand Prix returned in 2021 after being absent from the calendar since 1985. The narrow circuit between the dunes quickly became one of the most recognisable weekends on the calendar, helped by steeply banked corners and grandstands filled with Dutch fans wearing orange. The final race weekend runs from 21 to 23 August 2026. It will also include the first Formula 1 Sprint held at Zandvoort. Tickets for the weekend are already sold out, which says plenty about the event even as it prepares to leave the calendar. TAG Heuer returned as Formula 1’s official timekeeper in 2025. A special watch for the last Zandvoort race therefore makes sense, especially when the Formula 1 collection already has a long history of bold colours and racing references. The new orange Solargraph follows a colourful Formula 1 design story that be...
WatchAdvice
I take the new TAG Heuer Monaco Chronographs in blue and green for a hands-on review to see how this watchmaking icon has evolved for a new generation! What We Love: Improved ergonomics for slimmer wrists Distinctive dial colours with different personalities Substantially upgraded TH20-11 movement What We Don’t: Limited strap options Square case still wears large 13.9mm thickness remains noticeable Overall Rating: 8.7/10 Value for Money: 8.8/10 Wearability: 8.5/10 Design: 8.7/10 Build Quality: 8.7/10 Few watches in the world of horology are as instantly recognisable as the TAG Heuer Monaco. Even more than five decades after its introduction, the iconic timepiece’s square silhouette remains one of its most distinctive features. If you aren’t familiar with the story of the Monaco, it was first introduced in 1969—and it has quite the story behind it. The Monaco arrived during one of watchmaking’s most defining technical contests: the development of the first automatic chronograph. The birth of the Monaco was closely linked to the Calibre 11 movement, which was developed through a collaborative effort between Heuer, Breitling, Hamilton-Büren and chronograph specialist Dubois-Dépraz. The Calibre 11 was essentially part of a movement “race” against Zenith’s El Primero Calibre 3019 PHC and Seiko’s Calibre 6139. The new generation of TAG Heuer Monaco Chronographs presented in blue and green dials. Jack Heuer, who was one of the driving forces behind the Cal...
Fratello
An oversized white-gold case inspired by space modules, paired with a seamlessly integrated X-patterned composite strap and a dial depicting the sky as seen from Geneva on a sapphire-crystal dial. The Patek Philippe 6105G-001 Celestial Sunrise and Sunset is a contemporary take on the eternal celestial theme. Inside the oversized case beats the caliber 240 […] Visit A Touch Of Watch Heaven: Patek Philippe 6105G-001 Celestial Sunrise And Sunset to read the full article.
WatchRider
Seiko has turned one of Honda’s strangest ideas into a watch. The new Seiko 5 Sports Honda Motocompo Limited Edition HDB010 takes the colours and small details of the folding 1980s scooter then places them inside a compact automatic field watch. This is more than a yellow dial with two famous logos. The crown copies a label from the scooter’s fuel control, the strap borrows its loading instructions and the box looks like the carton used to ship the Motocompo. Even the caseback has been turned into a bright red display for the 4R36 movement. A 45-year-old scooter becomes a watch Honda introduced the Motocompo in 1981 alongside the first Honda City. It was a 49cc two-stroke motorcycle created to fit inside the City’s luggage area. The handlebars and footrests folded into its rectangular body, while special systems helped prevent fuel, oil or battery fluid from leaking inside the car. Honda described the idea as a new six-wheel lifestyle, combining a small car with a motorcycle that could be carried in its trunk. The scooter weighed 42kg dry, produced 2.5 horsepower and measured only 1.185 metres long. Its small wheels and box-like panels made it instantly recognisable. Production lasted from 1981 until 1983, yet the Motocompo continued to gain fans long after it disappeared from showrooms. The HDB010 arrives for its 45th anniversary and uses the yellow version of the scooter as its main source of inspiration. A compact Field Series case in Motocompo colours The HDB010 ...
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