Results for Le Sentier

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Ming Oct 3, 2026

Watches, Stories, & Gear: An Unusual Apple Watch Strap, A Colorful Storage Box, and A New Huckberry x Marathon Watch

Matty Extension-C Cables I am currently writing this week’s column from the comfort of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. As it stands, I’ll end 2026 with about two-month’s worth of hotel stays under my belt. And while the idea of room service and having someone else make the bed does have its perks, there is one constant I am noticing more and more the longer I’m on the road: my phone charger is either ineffectually short, or the outlet is too far away from the bed.  This can absolutely be chalked up as a minor inconvenience, but one that is annoying. But, lucky for me, one that can easily be fixed with the help of the Matty Extension-C Cable. Modeled after those classic chunky extension cords that populate parents’ garages and Christmas light bins alike, these ten-foot USB-C cables offer two very important things to me – style and functionality. Coming in three colors and starting at $25 (but cheaper if you bundle!), I think they’re perfect for anyone who travels and gets a little tired of the same ol’ same ol’ white cable from Apple.  Oh, and speaking of Christmas, they’d make a great stocking stuffer, if you ask me. Type 6 Strongbox Keeping with the vintage-utility theme in retro colors, the Type 6 Strongbox would go swimmingly on your desk set-up with one of the extension-c cables above. These compact boxes (measuring in at just 6.25”w x 4.25”d x 2”h) are the perfect size to store all that random junk that accumulates around the office.  Once you...

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H Hodinkee

Hodinkee

Hamilton American Classic Cushion Mechanical Oct 2, 2026

Introducing: Hamilton American Classic Cushion Mechanical

What We Know This week, Hamilton dropped the latest in their series of vintage-inspired watches. But where most brands lean hard on their mid-century offerings for their re-editions, here Hamilton takes a different tack, reaching deep into their archive to resurrect watches so old, they'd be better described as antique rather than vintage. So, it is with the Hamilton American Classic Cushion, which breathes new life into a century-old design. And before you ask, these aren't quartz fashion watches dressed up in vintage clothing; these are tried-and-true hand-wound mechanical watches. The new collection — and it really is a collection, with six models split across two case sizes — is directly inspired by cushion-case watches made by Hamilton in the 1920s. If they seem eerily familiar for watches designed 100 years ago, it may be because Cillian Murphy wore an antique Hamilton cushion watch in Oppenheimer. Here, those watches have been quite respectfully updated for 2026, and though absolute fidelity was not the goal here, these remain easily among the most faithful-feeling reissues we've seen from Hamilton recently. As I mentioned earlier, a big part of the appeal of these watches comes down to the choice to use a hand-winding mechanical movement in these watches, rather than the quartz movements so often used in these small-size vintage reissues. Here, Hamilton is using the H-42, a manual-wind caliber that is, in essence, Hamilton's branded version of the ETA 7001. It'...

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F Fratello

Fratello

Oct 2, 2026

Steve McQueen Finally Gets A Dedicated Hanhart 417 ES

At some point, everyone into vintage watches comes across certain iconic photos. They’ll see Paul Newman wearing cool Carrera-style sunglasses and his Daytona, Nina Rindt holding a “Großer Preis von Österreich” (Austrian Grand Prix) pamphlet with the UG chrono on her wrist, and Steve McQueen sitting on his couch, playing with his revolver, and wearing […] Visit Steve McQueen Finally Gets A Dedicated Hanhart 417 ES to read the full article.

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Norqain introduces titanium Oct 1, 2026

Norqain introduces titanium to its Wild One collection with three new models

Norqain releases three new Wild One models with a top plate, centre container, and optional pin-buckle in grade 5 titanium. The three models include two skeletonised models in 39mm and 42mm and a meteorite dial model in 42mm. The Wild One 42mm Titanium Meteorite is a special edition model and starts at GBP 5,825. The … Continued

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H Hodinkee

Hodinkee

Baltic Sep 30, 2026

Photo Report: Toronto Timepiece Show 2026

Walking through the halls of the Meridian Arts Center in Toronto, through the 90-ish brands assembled for the event by Jason Hutton and his team, it's hard to believe the Toronto Timepiece Show is only in its third edition. The show feels far more established than you'd expect from what is still a relatively nascent endeavor. It's an impressive feat, made all the more impressive by the explosion of Hutton's Timepiece Shows across Canada. Besides Toronto, this year's Timepiece Show made stops in Vancouver and — for the first time — Montréal. But Toronto is the original, and so I'm glad to have finally made it up to the Great White North to see what it's all about. This is what these shows are all about — finding moments to connect with other enthusiasts. Although, checking out the watches — like the latest offerings from Baltic — is important too. If you're not familiar with the concept, the Toronto Timepiece Show is one of several open-to-the-public watch fairs that have become core gathering points for enthusiasts around the world in recent years. Having now seen the Toronto Timepiece Show in person, I'm also convinced it's not one to miss. So, without further interruption, below is a look at just some of the watches, people, and moments I saw at 2026's edition of the Toronto Timepiece Show (and if you want to check out some of last year's show, you can see James's coverage here) Tudor Black Bay 54 The iconic Seiko Alpinist. Early Seamaster Professional 300M wi...

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Q Quill & Pad

Quill & Pad

Konstantin Chaykin ThinKing Mystery Sep 29, 2026

Konstantin Chaykin ThinKing Mystery: The Weightless Joker

Historically, gentlemen of a certain class never wanted to be reminded of their watch. Think back to the roaring 20s or the sharp style of mid-century evening wear

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W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Sep 26, 2026

Watches, Stories, & Gear: A New Chuck Klosterman Book, A Gorilla-Shaped Pencil Sharpener, and the Dumb Phone Argument Continues

Rock* by Chuck Klosterman I was first acquainted with Klosterman’s work when I was in high school, doing absolutely everything I could to seem cooler than everyone around me. I figured a book called Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto gave me the street cred I was looking for among my Pitchfork-reading, Urban Outfitters-wearing peers. And you know what, dear Reader? It absolutely did. I haven’t thought much about Klosterman since around 2009, but his new book, Rock*: A Mainstream Alternative History of Alternative Mainstream Music, sounds intriguing. The premise begins in 1967, imagining a world where The Velvet Underground & Nico becomes a massive hit and the Velvet Underground supplants the Beatles as the defining band of the era. The book runs roughly from 1967 through 2002 and is narrated by a fictional version of Lester Bangs who survives into the 21st century and becomes a successful older rock editor. Klosterman tells GQ writing it required him to first work out a conventional history of rock over that period and then “reverse engineer” it around the Velvet Underground’s altered success, accounting for how one change would affect everything that followed. Though I do have a mental allergy to most modern books (this is another pretension of mine, of course), I have to admit the premise is pretty intriguing. And anywhere that Nico is preferred over Yoko is a universe I want to live in. GorillaSharpener I have to be honest with you, I have mi...

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M Monochrome

Monochrome

Sep 26, 2026

The ABCs of Time - A Guide and History of Sector Dials

Sector dials as we know them today are a 20th-century development, although the concept has been seen throughout history to separate dial elements into “sectors” for astronomy and science. The aesthetic is often viewed as form following function, but they were popular for scientific and high-accuracy applications in the early 1900s, where separated hours, minutes and seconds […]

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H Hodinkee

Hodinkee

Patek Philippe Celestial Ref 6105G Plus Sep 25, 2026

Hands-On: The Patek Philippe Celestial Ref. 6105G (Plus Technical In-Depth)

We're on the eve of one of Patek Philippe's biggest events every few years: the October 2nd to the 18th presentation of the brand's Watch Art Grand Exhibition in Milan. On Monday, I'll be flying there for a preview of the exhibition, so stay tuned for stories from that trip coming in the near future. Another story, which has been waiting in the wings and in progress for some time now, was a hands-on look at two of the most surprising (and potentially divisive) releases from Patek this year: the Cubitus perpetual calendar and the Celestial ref. 6105G. While all eyes were on the Nautilus's 50th anniversary, I thought Patek Philippe had a very interesting Watches & Wonders, at least from the perspective of bold releases and brand strategy. Truthfully, they could have done just about anything with the Nautilus, and those lucky enough to get a watch would have been happy. The Celestial alone was a wristwatch with a complication only four other brands have created. But just take a look at the two watches above and the two below. While I didn't get to see the ref. 7047G in person, it raised eyebrows for the very unusual blue tire tread-style dial (à la ref. 6007G) and remarkably strong orange accents and luminous hands and dial placed on a minute repeater that retails north of $570,000. It was perhaps so aesthetically surprising that it distracted people from the fact that Patek was honoring its past with a Calatrava-cased minute repeater reminiscent of the unique ref. 3652 and ...

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F Fratello

Fratello

Glashütte Original 70s Series Immediately after Sep 24, 2026

A Personal Trip Down Memory Lane With The New Glashütte Original 70s Series

Immediately after I saw the images of the new Glashütte Original 70s series, I was intrigued. With the square case shape and textured dials, these new watches instantly reminded me of a classic Citizen watch my father wore in the 1980s, which I still have at home. As you’ll understand, a connection like that is […] Visit A Personal Trip Down Memory Lane With The New Glashütte Original 70s Series to read the full article.

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M Monochrome

Monochrome

Sep 23, 2026

Introducing - The Girard-Perragaux Laureato Chronograph and Laureato 42mm Williams Editions

Girard-Perragaux‘s involvement in the world of sports cars and Formula 1 isn’t new. Back in the 1990s, the brand conceived multiple watches in partnership with Ferrari and, more recently, sponsored the Aston Martin F1 Team (from 2021 to 2025). For the 2026 season, the watchmaker from La Chaux-de-Fonds is back on the starting grid. This […]

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F Fratello

Fratello

Panerai Luminor PAM01710 PAM01711 Sep 22, 2026

Exploring New Territory With The 42mm Panerai Luminor PAM01710, PAM01711, And PAM01714

Ask watch fans about typical Panerai characteristics, and one of the first things they’ll mention is size. The watches’ large cases have become synonymous with the brand, along with Panerai’s iconic design style, sandwich dials, and the signature crown-protection bridge. But what if you like the Luminor but can’t pull off a 44mm or 47mm […] Visit Exploring New Territory With The 42mm Panerai Luminor PAM01710, PAM01711, And PAM01714 to read the full article.

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M Monochrome

Monochrome

Sep 19, 2026

The ABCs of Time - The History of American Watchmaking

Pocket watches were born in the early 16th century in Germany (Nuremberg eggs) but were very expensive, handmade curiosities that kept horrible time and were composed of components unique to each piece. Replacement parts had to be custom-made, and manufacturing times were long – it could take a year to produce a single watch. This dynamic […]

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Furlan Marri favourites available Sep 19, 2026

Five Furlan Marri favourites available in the Time+Tide Shop

When it comes to vintage-inspired modern timepieces, especially the dressier ones, Furlan Marri has made a name for itself as a purveyor of great timepieces inspired by the best vintage references of the 20th century. It could be easy to lean into various watch tropes, but Furlan Marri balances a mix of influences while injecting … Continued

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S SJX Watches

SJX Watches

F.P. Journe Supports Paris Brain Institute Sep 18, 2026

F.P. Journe Supports Paris Brain Institute with Unique Chronomètre Furtif

Having recently unveiled a unique burgundy chronograph to benefit the Fondation Prince Albert II De Monaco, F.P. Journe is back with the unique Chronomètre Furtif ICM that will be auctioned later this month to support the work of the Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinièhe (ICM), better known internationally as the Paris Brain Institute. The black enamel dial of the CF ICM. Image – F.P. Journe Initial thoughts F.P. Journe is a watchmaker at the height of its market influence, so its nice to see the brand use its considerable power to continue its longstanding practice of contributing to worthwhile causes. ICM was founded by former FIA president Jean Todt, a longtime friend of François-Paul Journe who also informed the concept behind the Centigraphe. The unique Centigraphe from 2016 featured a blue mother-of-pearl dial with the ICM logo at 12 o’clock. Image – F.P. Journe The Geneva-based watchmaker was the ICM’s first private donor, and has contributed significantly over the past two decades. The brand’s first contributions arrived in 2004 by way of a trio of unique Vagabondage watches auctioned by Antiquorum. The three lots hammered for between CHF63,250 and CHF80,500, with all proceeds going to ICM. A unique Centigraphe was produced for the charity in 2016, when it hammered for the equivalent of about US$136,000 at the time. An impressive sum for that era, but a number that highlights just how much demand for independent watchmaking — and F.P. Journe ...

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S SJX Watches

SJX Watches

F.P. Journe Supports Brain Research Sep 18, 2026

F.P. Journe Supports Brain Research with Unique Chronomètre Furtif

Having recently unveiled a unique burgundy chronograph to benefit the Fondation Prince Albert II De Monaco, F.P. Journe is back with the unique Chronomètre Furtif ICM that will be auctioned later this month to support the work of the Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinièhe (ICM), better known internationally as the Paris Brain Institute. The black enamel dial of the CF ICM. Image – F.P. Journe Initial thoughts F.P. Journe is a watchmaker at the height of its market influence, so its nice to see the brand use its considerable power to continue its longstanding practice of contributing to worthwhile causes. ICM was founded by former FIA president Jean Todt, a longtime friend of François-Paul Journe who also informed the concept behind the Centigraphe. The unique Centigraphe from 2016 featured a blue mother-of-pearl dial with the ICM logo at 12 o’clock. Image – F.P. Journe The Geneva-based watchmaker was the ICM’s first private donor, and has contributed significantly over the past two decades. The brand’s first contributions arrived in 2004 by way of a trio of unique Vagabondage watches auctioned by Antiquorum. The three lots hammered for between CHF63,250 and CHF80,500, with all proceeds going to ICM. A unique Centigraphe was produced for the charity in 2016, when it hammered for the equivalent of about US$136,000 at the time. An impressive sum for that era, but a number that highlights just how much demand for independent watchmaking — and F.P. Journe ...

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M Monochrome

Monochrome

RGM Sep 18, 2026

Introducing - Pennsylvania-Based RGM Revives the E.F. Bowman Name with the Model 501-EFB

For RGM Watch Co., the return of the E.F. Bowman name reconnects the Lancaster-based independent with a local watchmaking legacy that goes back to the 19th century, and one that has a direct connection to RGM founder Roland G. Murphy. RGM, based in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, is reviving the name from within the same regional […]

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F Fratello

Fratello

Sep 18, 2026

The Top 5 Titanium Watches Released in 2026

Another Friday, another list. Last week, we picked five watches that never should have been discontinued. You had a lot to say about it, making it one of this year’s most-commented-on Top 5 articles. It made us think of creating a second part with five more watches, but we’ll save that for later. This week, […] Visit The Top 5 Titanium Watches Released in 2026 to read the full article.

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S SJX Watches

SJX Watches

Daniel Roth Extra Plat Rose Gold Sep 18, 2026

Hands On: Daniel Roth Extra Plat Rose Gold Gilt

Daniel Roth’s svelte time-only watch remains compact but gains presence with the Extra Plat Rose Gold Gilt. While it is just a cosmetic update, the black dial with “gilt” markings create a high contrast look that is unusual for ultra-thin dress watches. The formal aesthetic on the front is matched by the DR002 on the reverse. Made by La Fabrique du Temps (LFT), the DR002 is a constructed and finished to a high level, continuing the philosophy of the revived Daniel Roth brand, which has been to recreate historical models, but enhanced superior, proprietary movements. Initial thoughts Style wise the Extra Plat is essentially a remake, albeit with nips and tucks to the design. The tweaks to the design are thoughtful but minimal, and preserve the original design. This is not a groundbreaking creation, but it is handsome and intrinsically appealing. This specific iteration is the best looking of the Extra Plat collection to date. The gold-on-black livery is striking. Unlike earlier versions of the model that are more conventional in colours, this is a more powerful combination, but still remains a formal dress watch. Moreover, the “gilt” dial itself is more complex than it appears: the gold markings are not print but instead the solid gold dial base below showing through the black coating. This illustrates the impressive manufacturing quality of Daniel Roth in general, or more specifically LFT. The Extra Plat retails for CHF55,000, which is competitive in today’s hi...

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Sep 17, 2026

The Ultimate FounderFest Flex is the Entire Collection in One Box

Unless you’ve been living under a horological rock over recent weeks, you’ll know by now that our biggest event ever, FounderFest, is almost upon us. This weekend, each of our Watch Discovery Studios across London, Melbourne and New York City will host a gathering of collectors, watch enthusiasts and, importantly, brand founders for an action-packed, … Continued

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T Time+Tide

Time+Tide

Nivada Grenchen rocks Sep 17, 2026

Nivada Grenchen rocks the F77 with seven stone dials for its 100th birthday

Nivada Grenchen celebrates 100 years with the F77 MKII 100 Years Collection, featuring seven stone dials and a new La Joux-Perret movement.

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M Monochrome

Monochrome

Blancpain Lady B Sep 17, 2026

First Look - The Blancpain Lady B, a Small, Spherical and yet Mechanical Wrist-Worn Jewel

With its motto of never producing quartz watches, its manufacturing capabilities and its rich heritage in dive watches, Blancpain is often spontaneously associated with technical, masculine watchmaking. But this overlooks an important chapter in the brand’s history. In the middle of the 20th century, its development was driven by Betty Fiechter, a remarkable figure at […]

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H Hodinkee

Hodinkee

Ming Sep 17, 2026

Business News: FHH Teams With GIA's School Of Gemology And Jewelry Arts

The Fondation Haute Horlogerie (FHH) struck a strategic academic collaboration agreement with the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and its School of Gemology and Jewelry Arts, aiming to bring more watch industry knowledge, training, and certification to a wider audience. The agreement will have the two non-profit organizations collaborate on educational initiatives, certification, and instruction, using the GIA's international physical and online infrastructure. Founded in 1931 with campus, laboratory, and research center locations ranging from the U.S. and the U.K. to Africa and Asia, from Bangkok to India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, the GIA has trained more than 200,000 professionals in jewelry and gems.   Johanna Levy, (left) Vice President, Communications & Corporate Affairs, Gemological Institute of America, Aurélie Streit, Vice President of the FHH.Image Courtesy FHH The collaboration could significantly expand the FHH mandate to provide watchmaking, culture, and industry knowledge to more industry professionals, collectors, and consumers, while broadening the GIA's educational scope for professionals in this closely linked sector. "For GIA students and alumni, it's such a great opportunity to be able to access a completely new set of knowledge with watchmaking," Johanna Levy, vice-president of the ESG Programs at the GIA, said in an interview. "There is a desire to learn more, to learn more craft, to learn more in person. So it's really not only to equip our st...

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F Fratello

Fratello

Rolex Models When it comes Sep 17, 2026

Fratello Talks: Our Favorite Vintage Rolex Models

When it comes to vintage watches, few brands have as much depth as Rolex. Over more than a century, the company has produced an enormous range of models, references, and variations that have become firmly established among collectors. From tool watches built for specific purposes to understated everyday models, there’s plenty to explore beyond the […] Visit Fratello Talks: Our Favorite Vintage Rolex Models to read the full article.

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H Hodinkee

Hodinkee

Daniel Roth Girard Perregaux MB&F; Sep 16, 2026

Photo Report: Geneva Watch Days 2026

I'll admit it, Geneva Watch Days is one of my favourite times in the city. It's when our industry reunites after a long, heatwave-themed summer to meet friends from all corners of the watch world and get hands-on with the latest pieces from some of the hottest and most interesting brands. And that's the thing about this summer show: while Watches & Wonders draws our attention to the larger players, Geneva Watch Days lets us take a breather, slow this rapidly moving industry right down, and spend time with watches and brands of all sizes. Don't get me wrong, Bvlgari, Zenith, Daniel Roth, Girard Perregaux, MB&F;, and Breitling attend, but its city-centered format and later date on the calendar mean there's much more time to see smaller names and discover new ones. The 2026 edition set a new record with 71 participating brands, unveiling nearly 400 new releases. More than 2,500 private clients, collectors, and watch enthusiasts attended, alongside more than 500 international media and content creators. However, this year's edition drew 15,000 people in total, down from last year's peak of 17,000. News from the brands exhibiting was certainly plentiful and felt increasingly significant compared to previous iterations of the show (Breitling's House of Brands used the show to unveil Gallet to the world, and MAD Editions by MB&F; announced the MAD 3 - more on those in a moment). Yet on more than one occasion, conversations centered around how the show felt a little quieter than pre...

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W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Bremont Terra Nova 35mm Jumping Sep 15, 2026

Hands-On Impressions of the New Bremont Terra Nova 35mm Jumping Hour Watches

Maybe this would be better saved for a Hot Takes episode of the podcast, but I’ll go ahead and spill it here instead: the new Bremont Terra Nova 35mm Jumping Hour watches are the best they’ve made since the big rebrand a few years ago. The fact that they are part of the Terra Nova collection is itself interesting, as this collection in particular was met with so much skepticism (including by us) when they were launched. But now, over two years removed from the drama of the brand’s big shift, there is a real sense that they’ve settled in, and the watches, when laid out on a table together in the way you experience them at a Geneva Watch Days meeting, feel more coherent.  I’ve always felt that these Terra Nova Jumping Hour watches were charming, but there was something a little ungainly about the size. The smaller montre à guichet style jump hour pieces at 38mm in diameter, wear every bit of that dimension and a little more simply because most of what you see when you look down to check the time is bare metal. The larger 40.5mm Jumping Hour pieces with an aperture arrangement running right to left across the dial felt similarly oversized for a complication that historically is characterized as something kind of delicate.  But when I picked up the new 35mm pieces, particularly the montre à guichet on a bracelet, the size felt really dialed in. I’ve been thinking a lot about the “correct” size for certain watches after reviewing smaller versions of Moser’...

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T Teddy Baldassarre

Teddy Baldassarre

Rolex Perpetual Padellone Review Sep 15, 2026

Rolex Perpetual Padellone Review: An All-New Annual Calendar Moonphase

Modeled after the famed 1950s Padellone ref. 8171, this complete instantaneous annual calendar brings that design into the 21st century. More

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W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Ming Sep 11, 2026

The Apple Watch Gets its Annual Update

It’s that time of year again: time for Apple to unveil its new slate of products, and for you to consider whether you really need to upgrade your iPhone, or resort to one more year of jiggling chargers and waning battery life. I’ll admit, this year’s crop is cooler than usual, with the iPhone Duo finally coming to fruition and giving us one more foldable phone option. But this is a watch website, so naturally our focus was on the reveal of the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, the latest in Apple’s now long-running collection of smartwatches. They weren’t first to the market with the original Apple Watch—now ten years old, if you can believe it—but like Kleenex and Band-Aid before it, the Watch has now become synonymous with the smartwatch category, and every new model brings massive hype and speculation.  So, what are the facts? First, let’s look at the Series 12. Starting at $499 with GPS and cellular ($399 with just GPS), the Series 12 brings back most of the beloved features of its predecessors, with a shiny new S11 chip inside. According to Apple, it carries up to 24 hours of battery life, Siri AI and Audio Intelligence, advanced health tracking, and more, all upgrades over prior versions. The heart rate, sleep apnea, and hypertension sensor and notifications are a big draw with the health crowd and those who need health monitoring, making the Apple Watch a one-stop-shop solution for most people. And while I am not the intended audience for a smartwa...

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F Fratello

Fratello

A. Lange & Sohne Sep 11, 2026

The Chronograph That Rules Them All Is Back: Bow To The A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split In Platinum

There are 567 reasons to fall in love with the A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split in platinum. The only watch in the world capable of measuring intermediate and comparative times with an aggregate duration of up to 12 hours houses the 567-part hand-winding triple-rattrapante caliber L132.1, which has a hypnotizing effect on watch connoisseurs. […] Visit The Chronograph That Rules Them All Is Back: Bow To The A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split In Platinum to read the full article.

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W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Citizen Group who Sep 10, 2026

Alpina Expands their Solar Quartz Offerings with New Startimer Pilot Solarmetre References

As part of their Geneva Watch Days presentation, Alpina unveiled several new solar quartz references in their Solarmetre line, which effectively places solar quartz movements made by La Joux-Perret in familiar Alpina references. It’s about the most natural move possible from a business perspective. Alpina and La Joux-Perret are both owned by the Citizen Group, who of course make Citizen watches and have been leaning heavily into solar quartz technology for years. The Alpina watches sit at a higher price point than the average Citizen, so the expansion of solar quartz across Alpina’s collection naturally begins an interesting conversation about value for enthusiasts who might have an interest in both brands.  The core of the release last week would have to be a trio of new Startimer Pilot Solarmetre watches. These are solar quartz powered versions of the still new Alpina pilot watch introduced earlier this year at Watches & Wonders. I think the value here is in the particular way these watches take advantage of the smaller La Joux-Perret quartz movement compared to their mechanical counterparts. The mechanical versions of these watches measure 40mm in diameter and a hair over 10mm tall, while the Solarmetre watches come in at 38mm wide and 9.3mm thick. That’s a meaningful difference in size, with the added grab and go benefits of solar quartz (Alpina says the AL-140 movements here will run for 10 months in total darkness, and of course it doesn’t take much light to...

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