Results for The Royal Oak Launch Story

Visit to a Rolex Retailer - Satire

"Good morning, sir. Welcome to Rolex! And it goes downhill from there.

Zach Weiss Launches OraOrea with the Coriolis Pointer Date

With the debut of Zach Starr Weiss’s OraOrea comes the introduction of the Coriolis Pointer Date. Having founded Worn & Wound in 2011 and the Windup Watch Fair in 2015, Mr Weiss brings an enthusiast’s eye and and insider’s perspective to his own brand. Initial thoughts An industrial designer before founding Worn & Wound, Brooklyn-based Zach Starr Weiss has put his experience to work with the launch of his own brand, OraOrea, which translates loosely as ‘golden hour.’ The debut model, the Coriolis Pointer Date, features its namesake complication alongside several clever and expensive details, including solid 18k gold hemispheres on the dial, and curved seconds and minutes hands. I got to see the watch ahead of its debut and the quality of the dial finishing is evident. The design is arguably a bit crowded - a time-only variant would help with that - but the three-dimensionality of the design helps keep things interesting. The case checks all the boxes for a go-anywhere, do-anything-style watch, with a 38.5 mm stainless steel case rated to 100 m, despite a standard push/pull crown. The robustness of the case may seem like overkill, but Mr Weiss rightly understands that there’s a segment of passionate collectors for whom 100 m is the bare minimum for a watch intended for daily wear. Intricate dial The dial is notable for its massive laser-cut and hand-polished index, which encircles the dial. This so-called ‘oscillating index’ features alternately spaced R...

First Look - The Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph in Black Ceramic

Introduced in 2022, the Defy Skyline series quickly evolved into one of Zenith’s core collections, to include time-only, skeletonised, and tourbillon-regulated models, all distinguished by their faceted geometry and star-patterned dials. The launch of the Defy Skyline Chronograph in 2024 finally united the brand’s most iconic complication with the collection’s distinctive angular aesthetic. Now, following […]

Straum and The Real Time Show Podcast Collaborate on the Jan Mayen Titanium “Stormy Seas”

Straum has teamed up with The Real Time Show, the watch podcast founded by Alon Ben Joseph and Rob Nudds back in 2022, on a new limited edition version of the brand’s popular Jan Mayen sports watch. The new Straum x TRTS Jan Mayen Titanium Stormy Seas complements other editions of the watch well in that it fits in nicely with Straum’s dedication to exploration and adventure, something the brand founders spoke about at length on our own podcast last year. The new dial variant seen here was inspired directly by an experience Rob had during the 2022 Straum Explorers Club expedition to Jan Mayen, a Norwegian volcanic island that is key to the brand’s story and the genesis for much of its design direction. The dark blue tone is meant to evoke, as the name suggests, a stormy sea. Using blue to represent the ocean on a sports watch is of course not a new concept. If anything, it’s been done to the point where it’s tough to see a blue dial and think of anything but the ocean. Usually, however, it’s done in the service of aspiration. This is an intimidating, ominous blue that would have most level headed people backing away from the ocean and heading to the shore. It communicates something about the brand that Straum would choose to embrace this particular vision of adventure.  The deeply textured dial is complemented by a bright orange seconds hand, a color taken from immersion survival suits used in emergencies at sea. Applied and lume filled hour markers circle the ...

Introducing - The New De Bethune DB28xs Kind of Blue Tourbillon

Following the recent release of the DB25xs Starry Varius, De Bethune continues to refine its icons with the launch of the DB28xs Kind of Blue Tourbillon, another watch that distils the brand´s design language and technical savoir-faire into a more compact format. Drawing on the thin profile of last year’s DB28XP Kind of Blue (43mm […]

New: Leica BE@RBRICK by Royal Selangor 400%

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Leica’s first mass-produced 35mm camera and the opening of its flagship store at ION Orchard, Singapore, the Wetzlar-based camera manufacturer has partnered with Royal Selangor and MEDICOM TOY to unveil a special edition Leica BE@RBRICK 400%. Press Release information with commentary in italics. New: Leica BE@RBRICK by Royal Selangor 400% TheRead More

Introducing: The Breguet Classique Souscription 2025 - Initiating The Brand’s 250th-Anniversary Celebrations

Abraham-Louis Breguet was probably the first watchmaker to launch a watch with the help of a Kickstarter campaign. Okay, well, not exactly, but in 1797, he made his 61mm Souscription pocket watch available for order with a 25% down payment. That way, the relatively simple watch with only one hand and a white enamel dial […] Visit Introducing: The Breguet Classique Souscription 2025 - Initiating The Brand’s 250th-Anniversary Celebrations to read the full article.

First Look - The New Czapek & Cie. Antarctique Purple Storm with a Hand-Varnished Dial

Time and space are deeply intertwined, so it’s no surprise that images of the cosmos continue to inspire watchmakers. Since introducing its Antarctique collection of sports watches with integrated bracelets in 2020, Czapek has explored celestial themes with creations like the Antarctique Orion Nebula and the Antarctique Celestial-no longer in the brand’s current lineup. Other […]

Fratello’s Top 5 Recently Released Audemars Piguet Watches - More Than Just Royal Oaks

Another Friday, another Top 5! This week, we look at some of the best Audemars Piguet releases of 2024. With a new CEO Ilaria Resta now leading the brand, it will be interesting to see what the future has in store. In her first six months on the job, we have seen quite a few […] Visit Fratello’s Top 5 Recently Released Audemars Piguet Watches - More Than Just Royal Oaks to read the full article.

The Grand Seiko Kodo Saga: Daybreak

The Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon was such a hit that they decided to make a sequel. Okay, that’s not totally accurate. 2022’s unexpected breakout watch did get a new version just two years later, but rather than a sequel, it’s more of a redux-a different take on the same story. A director’s cut? For those who need a recap, however, the Grand Seiko Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon was nothing short of complete and utter shock when first unveiled, even though there had already been a teaser trailer (I’m going to try to keep this movie thing up) in the form the T0 concept movement. While known for its finishing, spring drive, and high-beat movements, Grand Seiko was not considered a manufacturer of high-end complications. As such, even though it was a concept movement, the T0, which unveiled a novel constant-force tourbillon, took everyone by surprise. When Grand Seiko then unveiled the Kodo just a short while later, which included a refined and manufacturable version (if on a small scale) of the same complication within a skeletonized and highly finished movement on par with any haute Swiss brand, it announced that Grand Seiko was ready to play on a different level. A few years later, the Kodo, though sold out, is still being assembled via a team of three specialized watchmakers within Grand Seiko Atelier Ginza studio. Back to the present. Light and shadow are pervasive themes in Grand Seiko’s design. Alongside nature, they are at the core of their ...

The Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch Moonshine FAQ is not a joke. Here’s proof

Ok. So we just published a story on the new Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch Moonshine, honing in on the reactions we compiled upon its unveiling. In the story, Zach touched upon a cheeky FAQ list we shared on Instagram. Interestingly, while we disclosed this was genuinely a Swatch-supplied frequently asked questions list, its rather playful … ContinuedThe post The Swatch x Omega MoonSwatch Moonshine FAQ is not a joke. Here’s proof appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Watches, Stories, & Gear: Boots with Commando Soul, In-Depth Leica Lens Guide, Steven Soderbergh’s Annual EOY List, & More

“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. Share your story ideas or interesting finds with us by emailing tcalara@wornandwound.com Header Image Via: Robb Report / Grenson Boots With Commando Soul Via Robb Report / Grenson Boots are very much a part of our everyday gear around the office. We’re no strangers to throwing on and lacing up rugged works of art from brands like Red Wing, Grant Stone, and Blundstone, even if the closest outdoorsy thing we do on a regular basis is to climb the set of stairs that lead into the office. Turns out, the rubber soles on some of these boots actually have a purpose and history that dates back to WWII. Via Robb Report / Grenson Are you wearing a pair of boots right now? Stop reading and check out the soles of your boots. If you see chunky rubber blocks framing several star-shaped medallions lined down the middle, then you my friend are rocking a boot with a commando sole. Developed for the military, this specific rubber soul served its purpose by giving soldiers more traction, cushion, and stability out in the battlefield. When the war finally ended, British shoemakers translated this style into casual boots providing practical features to regular folks who want to get about ...

We can’t believe that Andrew said this about watches in the New York Times

EDITOR’S NOTE: Generally when people are interviewed by an august publication like the New York Times they tend to play things fairly safe. Luckily, when Robin Swithinbank rang Andrew for a quote for this story he was just returning from a long lunch. Hence the rather colourful quotes he came out with at the end … ContinuedThe post We can’t believe that Andrew said this about watches in the New York Times appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Crazy week: the calm before the storm of Watches & Wonders 2022

A calm today, before the storm of Watches & Wonders 2022 and associated watch fairs being held in Geneva. Here a quick rundown on what is coming this week.

EDITOR’S PICK: This is the Grand Seiko that changed everything for me…   

EDITOR’S NOTE: Ok, we admit we ran this story quite recently, but there’s a reason why it’s back in rotation already. This week, Grand Seiko announced that their 4 Seasons collection, that was previously only available in the US, is now being opened up to the rest of the world. These aren’t any watches either. … ContinuedThe post EDITOR’S PICK: This is the Grand Seiko that changed everything for me…    appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

IWC Revives the Fliegerchronograph Ceramic 3705

Perhaps the most widely leaked recent launch, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Tribute to 3705” is a remake of the uncommon, ceramic-case Fliegerchronograph of 1994. Available only online via IWC’s web store, the Tribute to 3705 reproduces the look of the original, but in a larger case made of Ceratanium, essentially a titanium-ceramic composite. And the movement is the in-house cal. 69380. Initial thoughts Possessing the clear, functional style of IWC’s first-generation pilot’s watches, the original 3705 was a good looking watch. Being a pretty faithful remake, the Tribute to 3705 is almost as attractive. A little of the original’s proportions have been lost – the hour hand on the remake looks a bit short – but the Tribute to 3705 is appealing. And it’s also an upgrade with the new case material as well as the in-house movement, which enhances the appeal. It is, however, expensive at US$11,900. That’s 20% more pricey than the Top Gun “SFTI” chronograph, which has a ceramic case and the same movement. No doubt conceived to capitalise on desirability of the original 3705 – an example once owned by former IWC chief executive Gunter Blumlein sold for a little under US$54,000 in 2018 – the Tribute to 3705 will be sold exclusively online via IWC.com. That makes the project feel a little opportunistic, since it means IWC will retain almost all of the margin on the watch, instead of having to split it with a third-party retailer or even a...

HANDS-ON: The DOXA SUB 300 Carbon Aqua Lung US Divers limited edition, a bold statement already creating buzz

It was a Friday afternoon last November when I met Jan Edöcs, the CEO of Doxa S.A. He was here for the launch of the brand in Australia, and not only brought the full collection of watches from 2019, but he was also generous enough to share what they had in store for 2020, including … ContinuedThe post HANDS-ON: The DOXA SUB 300 Carbon Aqua Lung US Divers limited edition, a bold statement already creating buzz appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

In the Eye of the Storm - A Letter From Geneva

Switzerland has declared a state of emergency as a result of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Almost everything is closed, including schools, shops, and restaurants, with only businesses offering the basic necessities, like banks and supermarkets, being allowed to open. There is bad news from Switzerland’s neighbours as well; the virus has spread fast in Italy. A recent poll showed that only 8% of the Swiss population feel they are in great danger. I can assure you that 100% of watch brands are feeling the pressure. Many watch factories, particularly the privately-held brands, have shut down completely or are about to. That includes Rolex, which just closed all its facilities for two weeks starting March 17. Watch sales are falling all around the world, with some brands suffering drops of 30-40% in February, and duty-free sales – which are substantial for the watch industry – falling by up to 90% in major airports. We have seen many crises, but this is unprecedented. But the biggest blow to the industry so far – the cancellation of the major watch fairs, Watches & Wonders (W&W;) and Baselworld. Even though very little is actually sold at the fairs, they were universal events that brought everyone together, almost like an annual reunion of old friends (and competitors). The fairs were a major, major part of the larger imagination, so the cancellations feel like a massive blow for everyone in the industry. The accelerating fallout First, the timeline of the virus’ i...

INTERVIEW: Why people love working for Bremont (and how their watches won the London Boutique Manager over)

Editor’s Note: We’ve done over 1400 posts at Time+Tide, but I reckon I could count on one hand the number of stories that have featured employees whose title doesn’t start with Chief, Head, President or Vice. After speaking to Paul Gray, Boutique Manager of Bremont’s flagship store in Royal Exchange London, for a lazy afternoon at our HQ, I … ContinuedThe post INTERVIEW: Why people love working for Bremont (and how their watches won the London Boutique Manager over) appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

SIHH 2014: The Grand Lange 1 Moonphase

Lange novelties are always interesting…and last week, I attended the launch event of the latest Lange novelty to hit the press, pre-SIHH. To be sure, there will be more interesting, perhaps more complicated timepieces which will be in store in SIHH. But on December 5 in Glashutte, in the yet uncompleted new factory building atRead More

Book Launch in Japan: Tokyo Oct 13

On the occassion for the launch of my book in Tokyo, Lange hosted a Press Conference in the beautiful restaurant right in the middle of town, just a stone’s throw from Nihombashi. The restaurant, San Pau is the branch of the famed 3 Star Michelin restaurant in Spain, and in Japan it too garnered twoRead More

Oris at Watches and Wonders 2026: The Star is Reborn and the Artelier Complication returns

Introducing: The OraOrea Corliolis Pointer Date From Worn & Wound's Zach Starr Weiss

Pointer dates are under-represented in today's market, so leave it to an industry insider to shine a new light on them with an eye-catching release.

NFL Star Saquon Barkley Joins H. Moser & Cie. As A 'Friend Of The Brand'

American football's presence in Swiss watchmaking continues to grow in 2025 as Barkley signs with Moser.

Traveling to Spain & Reviewing the NEW Mido Ocean Star Tribute

Teddy Baldassarre is an authorized luxury watch retailer of brands like TUDOR, OMEGA, IWC, Grand Seiko, Breitling, Blancpain, Glashütte Original, Zenith, Longines, ORIS, MIDO, Tissot, Hamilton, NOMOS Glashütte, Baume & Mercier, and more.

One Of The Best Attainable True GMT Sports Watches - MIDO Ocean Star G

Teddy Baldassarre is an authorized luxury watch retailer of brands like TUDOR, OMEGA, IWC, Grand Seiko, Breitling, Blancpain, Glashütte Original, Zenith, Longines, ORIS, MIDO, Tissot, Hamilton, NOMOS Glashütte, Baume & Mercier, and more.

IWC’s Watches (And CEO) Star In “F1: The Movie”, Alongside Brad Pitt And Lewis Hamilton

Watch Spotting: NBA Star Jayson Tatum Wearing A Richard Mille RM 67-02 At The Boston Celtics 2024 Championship Parade

Banner 18, banner watch.

In-Depth: The Rolex 6062 Triple Calendar Moonphase, And Why It Remains The Biggest Star In All Of Vintage Rolex

With five examples appearing at auction this fall, it's never been a better time to take a deep dive on my favorite Rolex reference ever.

Introducing: Seiko Announces A Limited Edition Prospex Diver Collab With MLB Star Shohei Ohtani: The SBDC191

We don't often get excited about athlete-watch LEs – but like Ohtani, this one is different.