Two Broke Watch Snobs
The Military Watch Icon: Are CWC Watches Good? What These Picks Reveal
CWC watches are rugged, legible, and tied to real military history, but they are not for everyone. Here’s our hands-on take across 5 CWC models.
19,252 articles · 163 videos found · page 22 of 648
Two Broke Watch Snobs
CWC watches are rugged, legible, and tied to real military history, but they are not for everyone. Here’s our hands-on take across 5 CWC models.
Hodinkee
In two recent conversations, I repeated my frequently used adage: "I can't collect the watches, so I collect the knowledge." This was said when talking to two world-class collectors; one has one of the most complete collections of Patek Philippe split-second wristwatches, and the other has probably the most important collection of Lange, F.P. Journe, and historical watches in the world. Both of them said the same thing, which I'll paraphrase. "I didn't have the money to collect these watches until X years ago, but before that, I was learning." That's why I own a lot of books—even if I probably will never reach those heights—and I'm always looking for more. Knowledge means a lot. Watch books often fall into two categories: either overly esoteric, with a ton of information, or overly broad, without a ton of information but with a lot of nice pictures. I have a bit of each, but I find myself returning to the former most often. You can glean a lot of information from books like AP's "20th Century Complicated Watches" or Patek Philippe's two-volume museum collection tomes, but you only need them once or twice a year. My books on Rolex Day-Dates or Khanjar Daytonas are awesome, but a bit less visited after the first pass. Dr. Helmut Crott's "The Dial" is maybe the most important book on my shelf, but sometimes more information than I want to sit and mindlessly digest. Taschen's new two-volume offering, "Ultimate Collectors Watches" by Charlotte and Peter Fiell, bridges the g...
Two Broke Watch Snobs
We tested the best everyday watches under $1,000, focusing on affordable daily wearers that stay comfortable, useful, and worth reaching for after the honeymoon phase.
Worn & Wound
From the imposing astronomical clocks of Tudor England to the exquisite pendant watches of Victorian Britain, timekeeping has long been a symbol of power, prestige, and technological marvel within Europe’s royal courts. This new series explores the fascinating evolution of clocks and watches crafted specifically for royalty, tracing how these intricate masterpieces reflected the tastes, ambitions, and innovations of monarchs. Through the lens of craftsmanship, artistry, and historical significance, we reveal how these royal timepieces marked the passage of dynasties and empires. King Philip II (1527–1598) inherited a globe-spanning empire from his father Charles V and, after 1580, also ruled Portugal. A devout champion of the Counter-Reformation, he centralised government, built the vast monastery-palace of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, and presided over Spain’s political zenith. His court prized scientific instruments and clocks as emblems of order and piety. Philip was part of the great Habsburg dynasty and the son of the Holy Roman emperor Charles V. From time to time, the emperor wrote Philip secret letters, impressing on him the high duties to which God had called him and warning him against trusting any of his advisers too much. Philip, a very dutiful son, took this advice to heart. During his reign the Spanish empire attained its greatest power, extent, and influence, though he failed to suppress the revolt of the Netherlands and lost the ‘Invincible Armada’...
Worn & Wound
“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. Atelier Wen Perception V3 A lot of the attention around Atelier Wen’s Perception has gone to the dial, and for good reason. The hand-turned fish-scale guilloché comes from Cheng Yucai’s workshop in Henan, which gives each watch a level of craft that has helped separate it from the larger field of integrated-bracelet sports watches. With V3, Atelier Wen brings that same level of focus to the movement, adding a customized Pequignet EPM03 with a 65-hour power reserve, hacking seconds, and finishing developed around the brand’s Sino-French identity. Through the exhibition caseback, you see wind-shaped bridges and blue aventurine lacquer, a marriage of form and function. The familiar Piāo ice-blue and Xiá salmon versions return, joined by Yún, a new bamboo green reference featuring a micro-frosted case and bracelet – the first addition to the Perception lineup in four years. Piāo and Xiá retain the brushed and polished finishing. The Perception V3 is priced at $4,850, with first deliveries expected to begin in September 2026. Leica Cine Compact 1 Of course, we know (and love!) Leica for its range of cameras, but did you know the German brand has also dabbled i...
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ARD/NDR TV Documentary and Article about me and my workshop:
Fratello
Another Friday, another list. Last week, we picked our five favorite iconic watches from the 1980s. This week, we move on to the 1990s. If the ’80s were the decade of bad, extravagant taste, the ’90s toned it down significantly. Having said that, we saw plenty of remarkable watch designs in the 1990s. Some of […] Visit Fratello’s Top 5 Iconic Watches From The 1990s to read the full article.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Five standout dive watches from the first half of 2026, from a $649 French-assembled diver to Longines' 42mm heritage reissue.
Fratello
For years, the assumption was that the world would only become more digital — more connected, more automated, more dependent on screens. And yet, in recent years, there seems to have been a subtle shift in the opposite direction. Vinyl records are thriving, physical books remain popular, wired headphones and MP3 players are back, and […] Visit Fratello Talks: Could A Desire For Disconnection Spell A Bright Future For Mechanical Watches? to read the full article.
Hodinkee
This week on The Business of Watches, we're talking to the man behind one of the more successful new watch brands in recent years, Studio Underd0g. Richard Benc is just 33, and since 2020, he's built his irreverent, approachable-priced, design-driven brand to a significant size, producing about 14,000 watches last year. Richard Benc (Photo Courtesy Studio Underd0g). And he's done it all, not from Switzerland or Hong Kong, but from the U.K. Benc has grown his business with intent, making strategic investments in his supply chain, including buying full control of the assembly and after-sales service company that builds Studio Underd0g's distinct timepieces. Studio Underd0g is now the biggest assembler of mechanical watches in the U.K. and isn't only selling watches with drops and collabs, but is building up stock to make more watches available on its website. Next up for Benc and his brand is a new physical, public, and retail location. The 'D0ghouse' will open in Maidenhead this month and serve as a public showcase for the upstart brand and its operations. It's another big step for the company that comes with its own set of fresh opportunities and challenges. And Benc gives us a tease on what may be coming next - there will be a new 04Series of watches that will take the brand to a place it hasn't been (mechanically) before. But first, some watch industry business news headlines, including secondary market price rises, executive moves at the big auction houses, an...
Hodinkee
It's become a Watches & Wonders tradition: Ben Clymer sits down with A. Lange & Söhne CEO Wilhelm Schmidt to walk through the brand's latest releases from this year's show. This year, that means the two new 36mm Saxonia Annual Calendars and the Lange 1 Perpetual Tourbillon Lumen. Schmidt walks through each, and the conversation touches on a broader thread running through Lange's recent work—a push toward smaller, more wearable proportions, following last year's 1815 in 34mm. On the 36mm Saxonias, Schmidt explains the thinking: "The intention was always to go as small as possible, but there were two elements that we wouldn't sacrifice to get smaller or thinner. One is legibility, and the other is robustness." 36mm Saxonia Annual Calendar The Lange 1 updates are subtle but deliberate—"small changes, but important changes," as Schmidt puts it. The two discuss what those differences actually are and how they add up, with Schmidt drawing on the brand's long view: "We've learned a lot in the last 20 years about case sizes and how to make watches sit comfortably on the wrist." Schmidt also shares some insight into the biggest challenge the team faced on the dial. For the full video, click here.
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On this channel, we review watches that are available for purchase on TeddyBaldassarre.com
Hodinkee
It's become a Watches & Wonders tradition: Ben Clymer sits down with A. Lange & Söhne CEO Wilhelm Schmid to walk through the brand's latest releases from this year's show. This year, that means the two new 36mm Saxonia Annual Calendars and the Lange 1 Perpetual Tourbillon Lumen. Schmid walks through each, and the conversation touches on a broader thread running through Lange's recent work—a push toward smaller, more wearable proportions, following last year's 1815 in 34mm. On the 36mm Saxonias, Schmid explains the thinking: "The intention was always to go as small as possible, but there were two elements that we wouldn't sacrifice to get smaller or thinner. One is legibility, and the other is robustness." 36mm Saxonia Annual Calendar The Lange 1 updates are subtle but deliberate—"small changes, but important changes," as Schmid puts it. The two discuss what those differences actually are and how they add up, with Schmid drawing on the brand's long view: "We've learned a lot in the last 20 years about case sizes and how to make watches sit comfortably on the wrist." Schmid also shares some insight into the biggest challenge the team faced on the dial. For the full video, click here.
Teddy Baldassarre Videos
If you have ever spent a brief amount of time looking at watches online, you will have come across Grand Seiko. The brand has rightfully developed one of the most passionate followings of any name in the industry through their unbelievable demonstration of the craft in every detail. Despite this, if you were ever in th
Fratello
The market for dive watches below €2,000 has never been stronger. A decade ago, this price category was filled mostly with entry-level Swiss divers and oversized tool watches with questionable finishing. In 2026, however, the segment has evolved into the enthusiast sweet spot. This is where you’ll find some of the most interesting designs, the […] Visit What Are 10 Of The Best Dive Watches Under €2,000? to read the full article.
Fratello
Another Friday, another list. After finding alternatives to some of the industry’s biggest icons over the past few months, we decided to switch things up. In the past week, some of the Fratello team members had a nice discussion about forgotten watches from the 1980s, so we thought, “Why not make that into a nice […] Visit Fratello’s Top 5 Iconic Watches From The 1980s to read the full article.
Monochrome
For years, Formex has been associated with robust, technically minded watches focused on ergonomics, innovative materials and practical engineering. The Essence, Reef, and Stratos collections built the Biel-based independent brand’s reputation as a maker of high-value sports watches with distinctive technical solutions, including the patented Case Suspension System and advanced clasp mechanisms. With the new […]
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The Christopher Ward C63 Sealander Automatic might be one of the best everyday watches under £2,000. In this review, I take a closer look at the 36mm Sky Blue C63 Sealander on the Consort bracelet to find out whether...
Fratello
As a small brand, Formex has consistently pushed the boundaries of affordable watchmaking. By using new materials, integrating innovations, and simply creating a great, varied collection of watches, the young Swiss brand has stood out in recent years. With the new Aria Manufacture Chronometer, Formex unveils a new milestone for the company. It marks a […] Visit Formex Enters The Arena Of Integrated-Bracelet Watches With Its Aria Manufacture Chronometer to read the full article.
Teddy Baldassarre
Rounding up 10+ Bauhaus watches from entry-level to luxury, along with one wild-card pick. More
Fratello
Every watch collector has wondered about this at some point. If you could go back to the beginning, armed with everything you know now, what would you do differently? Would you buy fewer watches, take bigger risks, or even skip certain phases altogether? In this episode of Fratello Talks, Nacho is joined by RJ and […] Visit Fratello Talks: The Watches We’d Buy If We Started Collecting Today to read the full article.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Seiko adds two limited edition Prospex dive watches to its 145th anniversary lineup: the heritage-inspired HBC005 and the Samurai-based HBB001.
Hodinkee
This week on The Business of Watches, we're in La Chaux-de-Fonds to speak to Pascal Béchu, who heads not one, but two Swiss watchmaking brands, Angelus and Arnold & Son. Pascal Béchu, the CEO of Angelus and Arnold & Son They're both specialized, low-production, high-horology watchmakers, with very different back stories. While Angelus is a historic Swiss brand known for its repeaters, chronographs, and long power reserve movements, Arnold & Son celebrates the work and innovation of one of history's most important (British) watchmakers, John Arnold. While quite different in their product and strategies, the two brands share the same parent company in Japan's Citizen Group, and both work closely with movement maker La Joux-Perret, with whom they share manufacturing and office space in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Pascal Béchu is in charge of both marques. He talks about the history and the future for both brands, some recent successes in the form of celebrity clients for Arnold & Son, and a GPHG prize for Angelus. He also discusses prices and the impact the strong Swiss franc and the soaring price of precious metals are having on corporate strategy and planning. And a quick bit of housekeeping, this conversation was recorded just before Watches & Wonders and the new novelties launched by both brands, including the Angelus 'Tinkler' quarter repeater, so these new watches are not discussed on the podcast. But first, we round up the latest business news with the most recent ...
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ruin it. Most don't survive. This one did. The O&Hora Pictor Yellow Track is a young brand from Hong Kong making bold claims about affordable enamel. I spent time with it to find out if the craft lives up to the story...
Fratello
It is easy to get lost in the intricacies of extremely complicated watches when exploring the creations of our beloved Haute Horlogers. Sometimes, though, you just want that level of quality and refinement applied to simpler things. Maybe you have a taste for uncomplicated base models, but you appreciate the rarity and craft of Haute […] Visit Uncomplicated Haute Horlogerie: Some Of Our Favorite High-End Time-Only Watches to read the full article.
Monochrome
Whether you’re new to the watchmaking game or have been collecting watches for years, finding a great deal is always a joy. But buying an affordable watch doesn’t mean you have to make concessions to style or practicality. On the contrary, even, as for years the affordable watch scene has been booming with exciting and […]
Worn & Wound
“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. Panasonic’s L10 camera honors 25 years of Lumix This year, Japanese brand Panasonic celebrates their 25th anniversary of their brand of digital cameras, Lumix, with the release of the L10. In the past quarter of a century, the brand has done the remarkable job of positioning itself as one of the premier camera brands on the block – and it shouldn’t go unnoticed how tough this is with competitors like Leica, Sony, and other household names. And now that Lumix can legally rent a car, their L10 is a bit grown-up, and a bit back-to-basics (in the best way possible). This compact camera leans into a more tactile shooting experience, with a clean body design, physical controls, and a hybrid setup that works for both stills and video. It features Panasonic’s latest autofocus system, built-in stabilization, and high-resolution video recording, giving it enough technical specs without becoming unwieldy in features – or, for that matter, design. The Lumix L10 is slated to launch in June with a price tag of $1,499 in black or silver, with a special edition gold titanium model also available in limited quantities for $1,599. FieldMade Blackout Stealth Kits for Leica ...
Two Broke Watch Snobs
We reviewed four overlooked dive watches across very different price tiers to see what each one gets right, where it compromises, and who it makes sense for.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
We tested affordable GMT watches under $1,000 to find the best picks that combine real-world utility, everyday comfort, and personality.
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The best GADA (Go Anywhere, Do Anything) watch from each of the top 15 Swiss watch brands, ranked by Morgan Stanley revenue. From Blancpain at #15 to Rolex at #1 — which brand makes the ultimate one-watch-collection...
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