Results for Vallée de Joux

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Norqain Gets Wild & Two Jan 17, 2023

On-Wrist Reaction: Norqain Gets Wild, & Two Takes On The GMT

In this episode of On-Wrist Reaction, we take a look at three watches that bring three distinct flavors to the table, and all manage to make a compelling case in their own way. We start with something entirely new and slightly unexpected from a brand called Lorca, who have designed an elegant take on the GMT that would feel as at home in a cocktail bar as it would in the field. Next is a new GMT from Nodus, offering plenty of style and function for the money, it’s the Sector GMT. Finally, we have the Norqain Wild One, featuring Norqain’s new material, Norteq. We have a deeper look at all three watches coming soon, but until then you can see our initial reactions in the video below. You can see Zach Kazan’s introduction of the Norqain Wild One, including thoughts from Jean-Claude Biver, live from Switzerland right here. If you have any questions or thoughts on these watches that you’d like to see addressed in our reviews, be sure to let us know in the comments. Furthermore, if you have a watch or a piece of gear you’d like to see us react to, please reach out to us at info@wornandwound.com. The post On-Wrist Reaction: Norqain Gets Wild, & Two Takes On The GMT appeared first on Worn & Wound.

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Jan 13, 2023

The Three Watch Collection for $5,000: Reader Edition - Vincent Deschamps

Editor’s note: In our first Three Watch Collection for $5,000 of 2023, reader and fellow watch writer, Vincent Deschamps of Mainspring.Watch brings us a trio of classics from some of our favorite small independent brands. There’s a lovely and unique balance to these three watches and it’s one of the most creative we’ve come across yet.  You can make your submission to the Three Watch Collection – Reader Edition by filling out the form right here. It wasn’t until I thought of submitting my ideas for a three-watch collection for $5,000 that I imagined myself as someone who could have a three-watch collection. While I tend to only wear the same watch everyday (the Lorier Falcon III,) I do see the massive benefit of having other watches for different purposes. As an enthusiastic support of independent watchmaking, below you will find my selection for a three-watch collection below. Each watch fulfills a particular need and use case and I believe each one does it quite well. Lorier Falcon Mark III – $499 At the top of my list is the Lorier Falcon Mark III released in late 2022, the archetype everyday sports watch. I’m a sucker for watches that can do 100% of what I need 95% of the time, and that’s what the Falcon is to me. It comes with a solid build, good specs, and an elegant figure that makes it work in most situations I find myself in. And it’s quite affordable coming in at $499. There are two things about this watch that make it work so well for me: it...

Read article

S SJX Watches

SJX Watches

Audemars Piguet Jan 12, 2023

Hands-On: Hublot Classic Fusion Original

One of the “it” watches of the 1980s, Hublot’s porthole-inspired watch on a rubber strap has been revived. Forty-two years since the brand made its debut with the iconoclastic hublot watch – it was the first watch to combine a gold case and rubber strap – the brand is paying tribute to its founder Carlo Crocco with a new range modelled on the original design. Taking after the original in look and feel, the Classic Fusion Original collection comprises three sizes, each available in three material configurations. Initial thoughts Almost minimalist in its design, the Classic Fusion Original is simpler and sleeker than the typical Hublot. It is relatively compact and thin in all three sizes – the largest model is 10 mm high – giving it a surprisingly elegant profile on the wrist. The no-frills design is strongly appealing, except for the date window, which isn’t too prominent but still unnecessary. And I would have gone even further in the minimalist direction by doing away with the seconds hand. That said, both the date and seconds are part of the original 1980 design. Despite the clean styling, the watch is instantly recognisable as a Hublot. In fact, the Classic Fusion Original is arguably more distinctively Hublot than the some of the brand’s other models, which occasionally resemble offerings from Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille. Starting at around US$8,000 in titanium with an automatic movement (the smallest, 33 mm versions are all quartz), the Cl...

Read article

R Revolution

Revolution

Zenith Jan 11, 2023

First Look: Zenith at LVMH Watch Week 2023 with Julien Tornare

We kick off 2023 with the first fair of the year, LVMH Watch Week, its fourth edition being held in Singapore at the luxurious and scenic Capella Hotel. Wei visits the Zenith villa and speaks to CEO Julien Tornare, to take a first look at the new novelties for the Defy Skyline Collection, the brand’s […]

Read article

T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Rolex watch from evidence room Jan 10, 2023

Vermont state trooper allegedly stole a Rolex watch from evidence room

Trying to get a new Rolex watch can be frustrating, but is it frustrating enough to steal one? Jokes aside, watch theft in any form is, of course, immoral, and you would think a supposed man of the law would know better. Sure, police corruption is a very real and unfortunate reality. But it was … ContinuedThe post Vermont state trooper allegedly stole a Rolex watch from evidence room appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Read article

W WatchAdvice

WatchAdvice

Zenith Defy Skyline What we Jan 9, 2023

The Owner’s Perspective: Reviewing The Zenith Defy Skyline

What we like: Comfort factor on either steel or rubberUnique 1/10th Second sub-dialbeautiful blue dial What we don’t like: No micro-adjust system on the braceletThe bracelet can catch arm hairs occasionallyInability to accurately set the time with the 1/10th second sub-dial Overall rating: 8.25/10 Value for money: 8/10 Wearability: 8/ 10 Design: 9/10 Build quality: 8/10 When Zenith released the Defy Skyline towards the start of 2022 at LVMH Watch Week, I was immediately drawn to it. Not only had Zenith completely re-imagined the original Defy from the late 60s, but had designed a modern steel sports watch with today’s watch consumer in mind. A great blend of modern lines, a bold design and styling harking back to the original Defy that was released in 1969. With many integrated sports watches on the market these days, it is good to see that a brand like Zenith is taking inspiration from some of its earlier model lines and bringing this to today’s consumer. Now, full disclosure, this isn’t a loan watch for this review; I did order it back in April 2022 and, after a 6-month wait, finally had it on my wrist in October. So this is my hands-on review of the Zenith Defy Skyline now I’ve owned and worn for the past couple of months. And in that time, I’ve really put it through its paces – office work, beach, snorkelling, surfing, trap shooting, and overseas trips, to name a few!  How it wears: The Defy Skyline has been designed for wearability. With a diameter of 4...

Read article

T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Jan 9, 2023

MICRO MONDAYS: The Canopy Wake One is an affordable luxury diver with Goldilocks dimensions

As business ventures, microbrands can sometimes seem a little bit soulless. All it takes is one person with some starting capital and a catalogue of parts to put together an attractive watch that offers good value for money, but that formula is becoming harder and harder to replicate for watch enthusiasts whose collections are beginning … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: The Canopy Wake One is an affordable luxury diver with Goldilocks dimensions appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Read article

T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Omega teases tiny yet massive Jan 6, 2023

FRIDAY WIND DOWN: Portnoy trolls Crash, Omega teases tiny yet massive update

Davey boy, oh Davey boy. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has already found himself in hot water with, what he refers to, as “watch geeks”. The launch of his watch brand Brick Watch Company was absolutely ridiculed by watch enthusiasts online, the recurring theme being that his designs were unimaginative, generic, ugly and overpriced. In … ContinuedThe post FRIDAY WIND DOWN: Portnoy trolls Crash, Omega teases tiny yet massive update appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Read article

R Revolution

Revolution

Unimatic Dec 28, 2022

Up Close With the Unimatic x Revolution & The Rake Modello Uno GMT “Arctic Fox”

Take a closer look at the U1 GMT in an all-white Cerakote coating with stonewashed finishing. Every single watch is unique and slightly different from other pieces due to the random wear patterns created during the hand-finished process, giving it a distinctive feel. For maximum legibility, the watch features a 24-hour matte aluminum bezel, black-tipped […]

Read article

T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Dec 25, 2022

Our favourite Micro Mondays from 2022: Part 1

It’s that time of year where we can look back and be astounded at the sheer quality and quantity of microbrand releases yet again, with our weekly Micro Mondays segment seemingly full to bursting with fantastic options. I have personally written at least 24 of this year’s Micro Mondays reviews, and even among those it’s … ContinuedThe post Our favourite Micro Mondays from 2022: Part 1 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Read article

Q Quill & Pad

Quill & Pad

Akrivia Dec 24, 2022

A Collector’s View: Is Akrivia Bound For Glory? (Spoiler Alert - Yes!) - Reprise

If you follow the world of independent watchmaking, by now you’ve almost certainly heard of watchmaker Rexhep Rexhepi and his Akrivia watches. Since arriving on the scene in 2012 with its first tourbillon-based watch, Akrivia has continued to delight. But is this independent bound for glory? GaryG predicts the future.

Read article

S SJX Watches

SJX Watches

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin ref Dec 23, 2022

Best of 2022: Establishment Favourites

Having covered the year’s best from independent watchmaking, we now turn to the big names (but leaving out the value buys below US$5,000 that we cover in a subsequent story). The notable launches from establishment marques were predominantly evolutionary, either new-and-improved versions of existing models or vintage remakes. Nothing was a landmark achievement – except for the monumental Rolex Deepsea Challenge that is less of a watch than a statement of technical prowess. While not strikingly novel, many of the year’s best watches are executed very, very well. One of the best is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin ref. 16202. Practically unchanged from the 1972 original in terms of design, it doesn’t do anything new in terms of design. The the new “Jumbo” nonetheless is a superior watch, mainly thanks to a brand-new movement as well as subtle improvements to the case. As we detailed in our in-depth review, the “Jumbo” retains the look of the original, right down to the colour of the dial, which is reproduced with PVD treatment. But it is the new cal. 7121 that’s the star. Amongst the things, it boasts an efficient, bi-directional winding system, as well as a higher beat rate for the balance wheel, resulting in more stable timekeeping. But perhaps most important is the addition of a quick-set date. While getting this watch at the retail price is a Sisyphean task, it is one of the year’s top watches simply because it makes a classic much better....

Read article

T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Dec 23, 2022

FRIDAY WIND DOWN: ‘Tis the season for Christmas Gin

As a boy, Cam Mackenzie remembers it as the smell of Christmas. There was the rich sweetness of raisins and dates pepped up with cinnamon and infused with the deep tang of brandy. That was the smell that would fill Cam’s family home every Derby Day – the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup – when his late … ContinuedThe post FRIDAY WIND DOWN: ‘Tis the season for Christmas Gin appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Read article

T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Dec 18, 2022

The Independedit: Habring² Doppel 38

In this intermittent new series, we’ll be looking to highlight the most interesting new independent pieces that we come across, and that we feel don’t get as much love as they deserve. Before we discuss the watch itself, we’ll dive into a brief history of the brand, hopefully bringing some more attention to fantastic independent … ContinuedThe post The Independedit: Habring² Doppel 38 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Read article

R Revolution

Revolution

Dec 15, 2022

A Dive Watch with a Jellyfish Glow: Jacques Bianchi x Revolution Limited Edition JB200 “Méduse”

Wei takes us through our latest collaboration with Montres Jacques Bianchi - our take on the contemporary reissue of the JB200, a “destro” dive watch originally commissioned by the French Navy and created by legendary Marseille watchmaker, Jacques Bianchi. Limited to 150 pieces, the JB200 “Méduse” features the silhouette of a scuba diver, now fully […]

Read article

T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Hublot final ChaosMaster Save Us Dec 9, 2022

FRIDAY WIND DOWN: At the World Cup with Hublot, final ChaosMaster Save Us Koala Edition available for purchase

By the pool at Villa Hublot, a palatial mansion on the Persian Gulf coast, the French World Cup winner Marcel Desailly is sitting at the corner of the bar drinking a glass of red wine. As a DJ spins upbeat house tunes to usher in the sunset, a waiter circulates among the guests with a … ContinuedThe post FRIDAY WIND DOWN: At the World Cup with Hublot, final ChaosMaster Save Us Koala Edition available for purchase appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Read article

T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Zenith closes out Extreme E’s Dec 6, 2022

INTRODUCING: Zenith closes out Extreme E’s sophomore season with new purple Defy Extreme E “Energy X Prix” Edition

The future is electric. And nowhere is this more apparent than in the world of motorsport. As we begin to leave fossil fuels in the dust, Formula 1 has now made the move to hybrid powertrains, and fully electric racing is already a thing. That includes the fast-paced world of Formula E, and the thrilling … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: Zenith closes out Extreme E’s sophomore season with new purple Defy Extreme E “Energy X Prix” Edition appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Read article

T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Dec 5, 2022

MICRO MONDAYS: The Funder Måne delivers a modular moonphase collection in a single watch

What is great about the independent watch market is that there is more room to do things differently. By offering more value for less money or by making unique watches. Or by making both things available at the same time. And it seems that some of the best watches come from single-owner brands that are backed by the … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: The Funder Måne delivers a modular moonphase collection in a single watch appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Read article

R Revolution

Revolution

Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster ‘No Barracuda’ Nov 23, 2022

Talking with Guillaume Laidet about the Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster ‘No Barracuda’

On a trip to Paris, Wei met with Guillaume Laidet, the architect of recently revived vintage darling, Nivada Grenchen to talk about our first collaboration – a fully black Depthmaster with unique dial markers that resemble the video game character Pac-Man. The original Depthmaster was incredibly well made and depth-rated to 1,000m and our watch […]

Read article

S SJX Watches

SJX Watches

Sarpaneva Nov 16, 2022

Sarpaneva Introduces the Valtteri Bottas “Kilpisjärvi”

Inspired by the northern lights, the Sarpaneva x Valtteri Bottas “Kilpisjärvi” continues the Finnish’s brands tradition of artfully applied Super-Luminova. This 17-piece limited edition Stepan Sarpaneva’s third model dedicated to Valteri Bottas, a fellow Finn who competes for the Alfa Romeo Formula 1 team. Unlike the first pair of Bottas editions that made by Mr Sarpaneva’s more affordable S.U.F. brand, the Kilpisjärvi is a full-fledged Sarpaneva watch so it has an elaborately open-worked dial, unusually shaped case, and in a first for the brand, the Chronode P1003 automatic movement inside. Initial thoughts Born into a family of designers and artists, Stepan Sarpenava unsurprisingly has a strikingly distinct aesthetic. This comes through in all of his work, despite the diversity of his offerings. With its open-worked dial and multi-coloured lume, the Kilpisjärvi might seem similar to his recent releases, but it is notably different. In contrast to the earlier editions that were heavily figurative, the Kilpisjärvi is abstract, especially during the day. In fact, the dial pattern is almost graceful, though the aggressive Sarpaneva styling is still obvious in the hands and case. Only at night when the Super-Luminova glows is the northern lights motif easily apparent. For anyone who enjoys Mr Sarpaneva’s unusual aesthetic, the Kilpisjärvi is easily appealing – with two caveats. One is the size, which at 46 mm is large and places it amongst the biggest Sarp...

Read article

T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Hamilton Ventura L 14K Gold Nov 10, 2022

INTRODUCING: The Hamilton Ventura L 14K Gold Limited Edition

If we’re being honest, most watch brands wouldn’t get away with releasing a watch like the Ventura today. It’s unashamedly weird, full of retro-futuristic quirks that wouldn’t look out of place on the wrist of George Jetson, and most of the references carry a taboo quartz movement. But Hamilton are not most brands. Although the … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Hamilton Ventura L 14K Gold Limited Edition appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Read article

T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Grand Seiko Nov 10, 2022

INTRODUCING: The Minase 7 Windows Hakose Urushi collection

For me, Minase are one of the few brands who can beat Grand Seiko in their level of artful dials, finishing quality and ingenuity. In addition, their originality extends to their case design as well. Add in their reasonably low prices, and this Japanese brand is probably one of the best value options out there … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Minase 7 Windows Hakose Urushi collection appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Read article

T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Nov 4, 2022

The CODE41 Mecascape is like a sci-fi take on a pocket watch from another astral dimension

We’ve all been guilty of it plenty of times. You head out wearing your favourite watch, feel the urge to check the time, and before you know it you’re staring at your phone screen. Checking your phone can be a tough habit to break, even if you do have a perfectly adequate watch on your … ContinuedThe post The CODE41 Mecascape is like a sci-fi take on a pocket watch from another astral dimension appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Read article

T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Rado s new Captain Cook Nov 3, 2022

HANDS-ON: Rado’s new Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic is a statement piece and material flex

On the long list of watch brands known to excel with ceramic, Rado easily finds its place in the top five. Going beyond just a shiny bezel insert, the brand makes full use of the material in a large percentage of their watches from ceramic cases to ceramic bracelets. They’ve been doing it for years, … ContinuedThe post HANDS-ON: Rado’s new Captain Cook High-Tech Ceramic is a statement piece and material flex appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Read article

W WatchAdvice

WatchAdvice

Rado Captain Cook Automatic Chronograph Nov 1, 2022

Rado Captain Cook Automatic Chronograph Bronze Hands-on Review

Pros: Bold rugged designContrasting golden bronze case with the deep blue dial and bezelNumerous strap options as standard to interchange the look  Cons: The Nato strap makes it wear higher on the wrist, as not as flush as we would likeIt’s a larger watch so not for the faint of wrist Date wheel in white, not blue to blend in with the dial Overall Rating: 8.125/10 Value for money: 8/10 Wearability: 7.5/10 Design: 9.0/10 Build quality: 8.0/10 Rado is one of those brands that does fly a little under the radar, in this writer’s opinion. They have always had good watches, and when it comes to different design materials, like ceramic, they’re up there with the best. I bought my wife a white Rado True Thinline in full ceramic about ten years ago, and it still looks as new as the day I bought it. She loves it and wears it all the time, and is quartz and keeps perfect time (until the battery goes dead, that is!) Which makes me think, why then do guys not think about Rado as they do other mainstream Swiss brands? Maybe it’s because they don’t put giant amounts into marketing with celebrities. Or maybe we’re all too caught up on the hype watches to look elsewhere? In any case, I’ve had the good fortune to try on a few Captain Cook variants this year, and I think Rado is a winner with this model line.   A Watch Line Named After An Adventurer For those that don’t know, the Captain Cook line goes back to 1962 and was aimed at doctors, engineers, athletes, deep sea di...

Read article

H Hodinkee

Hodinkee

Oct 31, 2022

Auctions: Our Favorite Independent Watches Up For Grabs At Next Week's Auctions In Geneva

F.P. Journe unique pieces, De Bethune prototypes, and so much more.

Read article

H Hodinkee

Hodinkee

Jaeger-LeCoultre Oct 27, 2022

Steal Vs. Splurge: Jaeger-LeCoultre Or Longines: Which Ultra Thin Gets The Win?

It feels good to have a whisper-thin watch on the wrist. Does it feel six times better when it costs $8,600 instead of $1,275? Today, the JLC Master Ultra Thin Date takes on the La Grande Classique de Longines.

Read article

T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Speake-Marin Oct 20, 2022

VIDEO: The Speake-Marin One & Two Openworked Tourbillons

Homogenous design. In a marketplace where it seems consumers have tunnel vision towards particular design segments, watch manufacturers have often bent to the trend of the moment rather than forge their own path. While many watch geeks love innovation and fresh aesthetics, brands do not always see the incentive from the broader marketplace. Speake-Marin, however, … ContinuedThe post VIDEO: The Speake-Marin One & Two Openworked Tourbillons appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Read article

T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Longines Record Heritage reaffirms Oct 15, 2022

INTRODUCING: The new Longines Record Heritage reaffirms the brand’s strength in modern meets vintage

The vintage reissue or heritage trend has been in full force for years now. But one of the first brands to really zero in on recreating vintage aesthetics in modern timepieces was Longines. With their vast and rich archives of historic watches, there is so much for Longines to draw upon. So, I cannot fault … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The new Longines Record Heritage reaffirms the brand’s strength in modern meets vintage appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Read article

T Teddy Baldassarre

Teddy Baldassarre

Tissot Oct 14, 2022

Tissot Telemeter 1938 Review

The Tissot Telemeter 1938, which joined the Swiss brand's vintage-influenced Heritage collection in summer 2022, has garnered enthusiasts' attention with its charmingly retro design, optimized chronograph movement, and enticing price-to-value ratio. We had a chance to go hands-on with both versions of the Tissot Telemeter 1938; read on for the results from our in-depth review. Overview and History By just about any historical standard, 1938 was generally a pretty dark year, marked by the lingering economic woes of the Great Depression, the violence of Kristallnacht, and the slow march to war in Europe, with Germany annexing Austria and partitioning Czechoslovakia in the ill-fated Munich pact. One of the few areas in which forward-thinking creativity and energetic optimism still prevailed in that pre-war era was the world of art and design, which was still showing the influence of the Art Deco movement that had taken root in the 1920s. Wristwatches, which had largely supplanted pocket watches as the go-to portable timekeepers for both civilian and military use, displayed this enduring design ethos while also often incorporating a useful array of functions geared toward the timing of the era’s popular sporting events, many of which involved racing - on horseback, in automobiles, and on skis. Tissot, founded in 1853 in the Swiss Jura, was one of the watchmakers that specialized in making these sport-timing instruments. One of the company’s earliest forays as an offic...

Read article