Hodinkee
Introducing: Grand Seiko Is At It Again With A Pair Of Limited Releases To Celebrate The 25th Anniversary Of The Caliber 9S
Dial in the clouds and not a care in the world.
Results for Mother of Pearl Dial
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Hodinkee
Worn & Wound
Grand Seiko’s First Limited Editions of 2023 Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the 9S Caliber
It’s an often repeated mantra around here: every year is an anniversary year. And if a watch brand is going to be successful in today’s hyper competitive market where, frankly, a lot of brands are offering products that are remarkably similar to one another, they need to differentiate themselves. And looking at a calendar, and figuring out how many years it’s been since “X” accomplishment or “Y” watch was first released is (usually) a decent runway for explaining what makes you special. To that end, Grand Seiko is embarking on what will apparently be a year of celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Caliber 9S, a movement which has become foundational to Grand Seiko in the decades since its debut. The Caliber 9S has become a broad family of movements over the years, as Grand Seiko has continuously refined the caliber, including adding GMT functionality. Grand Seiko has used the 9S movements as a platform for their MEMS engineering techniques, which allow for insanely tight tolerances in movement making for certain key components, and you could probably argue that 9S movements represent the most traditional watchmaking currently practiced by the brand. Today, 9S movements are universally known to be reliable and rock solid high frequency calibers that often perform even better than the specs would indicate. Most recently, the 9S served as the springboard for the creation of Grand Seiko’s next generation Hi-Beat movement, the 9SA5. While it might not be t...
Worn & Wound
Hublot Asks: Why Settle for Steel When You Could Have SAXEM? Also, a Ceramic Big Bang with a Rhino on the Dial
Yesterday, Blake took you through all the details of Hublot’s latest reinterpretation of their Classic Fusion with the updated Classic Fusion Original. For the Hublot historians out there (are you out there?), this was surely a welcome sight, as it calls back to the earliest days of the brand when a luxury watch on a rubber strap was a truly transgressive idea. We’ve come a long way since then, and so has Hublot. The brand has had ups and downs with the watch community (to the say the least), but in recent years they’ve leaned into experimentation with materials (especially colored ceramics and sapphire) that have gotten the attention of open minded and adventurous collectors and enthusiasts, while making watches like the Classic Fusion Original feel almost sleepy by comparison (sorry, Classic Fusion Original). Hublot’s latest envelope pushing novelties are insane in the way only modern Hublot can pull off, and while they likely won’t find a home in the watch box of any Worn & Wound staffers anytime soon, they’re too crazy not to share. First up, a watch in the same vein as my beloved Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Purple Sapphire, the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Yellow Neon SAXEM. This tennis ball colored, translucent tourbillon uses the same HUB6035 automatic tourbillon movement as the purple version released last year, and fills out the same enormous 44mm Big Bang form factor, but uses a slightly different synthetic sapphire material in the case construct...
Hodinkee
Introducing: Zenith's Newest Time-Only El Primero Proves Less Dial Is A Whole Lot More
While companies often focus on their most iconic watches and let old models flounder, Zenith has built the Defy line back into a strong pillar of the brand.
Time+Tide
LVMH Watch Week: TAG Heuer unleashes a flurry of releases
TAG Heuer gives us another helping of the Monza, now in a carbon case and bold colours. New Sport, Golf and Titanium Connected watches mark the brand’s continued evolution of their smart watch collection. The Aquaracer Solargraph line continues, now with a Grade 2 Titanium bead-blasted case. The Carrera celebrates its 60th with a 600-piece, … ContinuedThe post LVMH Watch Week: TAG Heuer unleashes a flurry of releases appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
Introducing: TAG Heuer's Trio Of New Connected Watches Have Something For Everyone
One for golf, one for extreme sports, and one for those of us who sign up to the gym without fail every single January.
Time+Tide
Skiing is believing: Why a growing number of watch brands are hitting the slopes
Whether it’s golf, sailing, motor-racing or tennis, luxury watch brands love associating themselves with “premium sports” that reinforce their lofty image. And by “premium sports”, we’re talking about those traditionally reserved for people with deep pockets and country club memberships. That’s why it’s no surprise – particularly given their mountainous country of origin – that … ContinuedThe post Skiing is believing: Why a growing number of watch brands are hitting the slopes appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
Happenings: Joshua Shapiro Returns To Lecture At The Horological Society Of New York
The famous engine turner will discuss the history of American watchmaking.
Time+Tide
The top three Frederique Constant releases of 2022
Last year saw many brands reinvent themselves, create completely new collections, or try to grab hold of the latest hype train for dear life. Yet some brands doubled down on their sensibilities and reminded us what it is they stand for. One of those being Frederique Constant, who continue to grow as a company on … ContinuedThe post The top three Frederique Constant releases of 2022 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
The Bremont MBIII is a pilot’s watch with one hell of a backstory
Stories. All my favourite watches in my collection have one. More than how much you paid for something, or who you know at an authorised dealer, they’re the most interesting part of watch collecting. The one from your significant other. Your grandfather’s. The one that never left your wrist on that cross-country trip, even when … ContinuedThe post The Bremont MBIII is a pilot’s watch with one hell of a backstory appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Quill & Pad
Christiaan van der Klaauw Planetarium Dunes of Mars: The Red Planet on your Wrist
Mars is a planet with a lot of mystery, its red sand surface occupying the dreams of those who ache to set foot on its surface. For watch enthusiasts who want to make waiting until that happens a bit more bearable, Christiaan van der Klaauw introduces the Planetarium Dunes of Mars.
Time+Tide
The Hublot Big Bang Sapphire sits at the bleeding edge of technology and opulence
Swiss luxury powerhouse Hublot has long been known for their outsize watches for outsize personalities. The man responsible for the brand’s rise to fame, Jean-Claude Biver, always had a knack for making a big splash, none bigger than Hublot’s Big Bang line. Since its introduction in 2005, the Big Bang has been produced in a … ContinuedThe post The Hublot Big Bang Sapphire sits at the bleeding edge of technology and opulence appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Revolution
Legends of Independent Watchmaking: Felix Baumgartner
Wei speaks one-on-one with Felix Baumgartner, a panelist from our Legends of Independent Watchmaking Horological Symposium at Geneva Watch Days 2022, to look back at the highs and the lows of the last 25 years of URWERK. Felix, a master watchmaker, co-founded URWERK with designer Martin Frei in 1997 and the duo have been upending […]
Time+Tide
What will be the watch colour of the year in 2023?
A couple of years ago, the watch world became flooded with a sea of green. Dials were awash with the colour in multiple shades – from the Patek Phillippe Nautilus in a metallic shade of olive to the mossy hue of the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18k. Green was the undisputed colour of the year. The … ContinuedThe post What will be the watch colour of the year in 2023? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Quill & Pad
Ian’s Top 7 Watches of 2022: Featuring Tourbillons, Chronographs, A Fun Watch, Exceptional Mechanics, And Even A (Relatively) Affordable Watch
After a couple of years of COVID chaos, 2022 was a fine vintage year for excellent wristwatches. Here Ian Skellern shares his Top 6 watches that caught his eye over the last 12 months.
Quill & Pad
GaryG’s Favorite Watch Photos of 2022
It’s that time again! As in prior years, GaryG is in the process of moving his 2022 photos into backup storage, and before they go into the vault he has scanned through them and picked out his personal favorites from the past 12 months to share with us here. Enjoy!
Hodinkee
Culture Of Time: The Hidden Horological History Of The Times Square Ball Drop
Happy New Year's Eve! Our final story of 2022 is all about what happens when the clock strikes midnight.
Quill & Pad
Breguet Classique Tourbillon Extra Plat Anniversaire 5365: Celebrating 220 Years Since The Invention Of The Tourbillon With Easter Eggs - Reprise
The Breguet Classique Tourbillon Extra Plat Anniversaire 5365 marks the 220th anniversary of the invention of the tourbillon by Abraham-Louis Breguet, and it approaches the milestone with restraint and an 'Easter egg' nod to those in the know.
Quill & Pad
The Future Of Watchmaking Is Young, Audacious, And Independent! Watches TV Dinner With Young Independent Watchmakers
Santa came early for Ian this year with this fun casual dinner that Watches TV founder Marc André Deschoux hosted for young independent watchmakers. It was one of the most pleasurable short clips he's seen all year: you feel you are at the table with them and can smell the raclette.
Time+Tide
FRIDAY WIND DOWN: And our favourite T+T moment of the year was…
This past year was full of excitement. It was the year of the MoonSwatch, About Effing Time seasons one and two, and oh so much more. I could assemble a top 10 list of highlights from the past year, but one moment reigns supreme for all of us here at Time+Tide. With the … ContinuedThe post FRIDAY WIND DOWN: And our favourite T+T moment of the year was… appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Revolution
In Conversation With Jean-Claude Biver and His Son, Pierre on the Imminent Launch of JC Biver
Revolution Asia’s Editor-in-Chief, Andre Frois sat down with watch industry legend, Jean-Claude Biver and his son Pierre, to talk about the news everyone is waiting for, the launch of the first collection of their new brand, JC Biver. Details remain scant but we learnt some new facts about the upcoming watches. The dynamic father and […]
Hodinkee
A Week On The Wrist: The Definitive Story Of MoonSwatch
We look back at the launch – and forward to the future – of the biggest watch release in decades.
Time+Tide
VIDEO: The Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQuest II Ceramic is a beast of a dive watch - and that’s a good thing
Ball may not be the most recognisable name in Swiss watchmaking, but their heritage goes all the way back to 1891, and the heyday of railroad timers. In fact, due to an Ohio railroad collision (the Great Kipton Train Wreck), founder Webb C. Ball, a well-known jeweler, instituted a railroad timekeeping standard to prevent future … ContinuedThe post VIDEO: The Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQuest II Ceramic is a beast of a dive watch – and that’s a good thing appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
At $179, the Timex Q is a watch for the Budget Baller Hall of Fame
If you’re looking for Rolex GMT-Master vibes on a shoestring, the retrolicious reissue of the Timex Q is just the ticket.The post At $179, the Timex Q is a watch for the Budget Baller Hall of Fame appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
SJX Watches
Interview: Jeremy Lim of Cortina Watch on the Family Business and Longevity
With 2022 revenue of S$716.9 million (equivalent to US$532 million), Cortina Watch is one of the world’s biggest watch retailers. It was founded in 1972 as a single store but has grown into a regional giant with stores across Southeast Asia as well as outposts in Taiwan and Australia. Cortina marked its 50th anniversary this year with a slew of limited editions that reflect its importance, including the Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 5057 made specifically for it. Though publicly listed, the company remains controlled by the founding Lim family, with the third generation having recently joined the business. A crucial member of management is Jeremy Lim, the younger son of Cortina founder Anthony Lim. Jeremy helms the business alongside his siblings Raymond and Sharon. I spoke with Jeremy recently to uncover the factors behind the longevity and success of Cortina. Three generations of the Lim family, with Jeremy Lim second from left. Image – Cortina Watch SJX: When Cortina was founded 50 years ago by your father, it was one of many watch stores in Singapore. But now Cortina is one of the few left, in fact it’s one of the biggest in the region. What is the secret to the longevity and success? Jeremy Lim (JL): We were lucky that we had a lot of help from the family when my dad started the business with my mom. [My brother] Raymond started early in the business, then my sister got interested in the business as well, and subsequently I was reeled in. The old school method o...
Quill & Pad
Top 10 Most Popular Articles Of 2022 On Quill & Pad As Read by You: Patek Philippe, Rolex, Tudor, Grand Seiko, (Relatively) Affordable Watches, And More!
As read by you, here are the top ten most viewed articles (plus a bonus one) on Quill & Pad this past year. There are a few favorites and a few surprises. Drum roll, please: in no particular order, our top ten most viewed articles of 2022 were . . .
Time+Tide
Making the case: The Rolex Yacht-Master is the most versatile collection of all their ‘Professional’ models
For most, the day after Christmas is Boxing Day. But, for some professional sailors, December 26 marks the beginning of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. Organised by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, the race, which was first held in 1945, and has been sponsored by Rolex since 2002, consists of yachts ranging from 30 … ContinuedThe post Making the case: The Rolex Yacht-Master is the most versatile collection of all their ‘Professional’ models appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
SJX Watches
Best of 2022: Value Propositions
We’ve gone through the year’s best watches from independent watchmakers and establishment brands, as well as the most notable complications. Nearly all of the watches on those lists, however, are pricey. So now we round up the best affordable watches of the year, namely those under US$5,000. Put another way, these are the best value proposition of 2022, both in nominal and relative terms. As has become the norm, Tudor is shoo-in when it comes to value propositions. A streamlined version of its deep-sea dive watch, the Pelagos 39 is compact, lightweight, and minimalist. The case is 39 mm and all titanium, while the dial does away with the date but includes a line of red text in a nod to vintaged dive watches. While much about the watch has been simplified, the details of the Pelagos 39 are fancier than usual. Both the dial and bezel insert are radially brushed – a matte metallic finish for the dial and brushed ceramic for the bezel – giving the Pelagos 39 a more reflective finish than its peers. When it comes to dress watches, the Longines Master Collection “190th Anniversary” is amongst the best, particularly at its US$2,000-ish price. It features a dial that appears to be highly elaborate with Breguet hour numerals that appear to be hand engraved. Naturally the dial is made by machine, but it is done convincingly enough that has a strikingly appealing aesthetic. Thanks to the dial, the watch certainly punches above its price segment. And like many Longin...
SJX Watches
Best of 2022: Compelling Complications
Most brands, especially the establishment names, stuck to the evolutionary rather than revolutionary in 2022, which also held true for the latest complications for the year. Nearly all of the year’s most notable complications were derived from past concepts. But the result can still be impressive, as demonstrated by the Ulysse Nardin Freak S. The latest version of a watch that was revolutionary when it was introduced in 2001, the Freak S embodies the ideas that made the original Freak a milestone, including the unorthodox movement construction and the liberal use of intricately-shaped silicon components. But above all it boasts a far more complex regulator that takes the form of twin oscillators connected by a differential. As outlined in our in-depth review, the twin-balance setup was mostly found on classical (and expensive) chronometers from the likes of Greubel Forsey and Philippe Dufour, making the Freak S an outlier with its hyper-modern design. And at US$137,000, it is also more affordable than similar complications from other makers. Standing in stark contrast to the aggressively contemporary styling of the Freak S is the Cartier Masse Mystérieuse. Typical of Cartier with its Roman numerals and ruby cabochon in the crown, the Masse Mystérieuse is inspired by the mystery clocks made by the jeweller in the first half of the 20th century. The result of over eight years of research and development, the Masse Mystérieuse was the final complication devised by C...
Hodinkee
Watch Of The Week: I Work With Fire. But My Watch Is Made For Water.
How a life of adventure made me look to the funky past via a vintage Aquadive Time-Depth Electronic.