Hodinkee
Hands-On: The Solar Speedtimer Is The Seiko We Should All Be Talking About
A story about quartz movements, electric bikes, and industry disruption.
Results for Mechanical vs Quartz
2,233 articles · 19 videos found · page 62 of 76
Hodinkee
SJX Watches
Citizen Remakes Lost-at-Sea Diver’s Watch
One of Citizen’s earlier dive watches, the Challenge Diver of 1977 is rated to 150 m – but it evidently can withstand more than pressure under water. In 1983, a long-submerged example was discovered at Long Reef Beach in Sydney, Australia. And despite being encrusted with barnacles, it was in working condition according to Citizen. Now Citizen revisits the Challenge Diver – and memorialises the barnacle-covered watch – with the Promaster Mechanical Diver 200m “Fujitsubo”. The new watch retains the retro design and dimensions but has been thoroughly upgraded with modern materials and mechanics, including a titanium case and movement resistant to magnetic fields of up to 16,000 A/m (or about 200 Gauss). Initial thoughts While the new launch is headlined by an interesting story, the watch itself is appealing, especially for its slim proportions and affordability. At 41 mm wide and 12.3 mm tall, the Fujitsubo is one of the thinnest dive watches in this price segment. In fact, it’s even thinner than the vintage original. And it’s also slimmer than its most obvious rival, the Seiko 1965 Diver’s Modern Re-Interpretations “62MAS”, which is about 1 mm taller. And it will also be lightweight. As is convention for most of Citizen’s mid-range dive watches, the case is Super Titanium, the brand’s proprietary alloy that has undergone surface hardening, leaving it five times more scratch resistant than steel. Visually, the Fujitsubo is simple and almost gene...
Revolution
Bulgari’s Eighth Record-Breaker: The Octo Finissimo Ultra
At an incredible, mind-blowing 1.8mm thick, Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo Ultra breaks the world record for the thinnest mechanical watch of all time.
Time+Tide
The vintage Seiko offering crazy accuracy that’s still flying under the radar
Whilst many will argue as to what exactly constitutes a vintage watch, more and more collectors are looking to include quartz, from analogue to classic LED and LCD models. For myself the pinnacle, and one that remains constantly on my watch list, is the Seiko Twin Quartz. These watches offer outstanding accuracy, far surpassing most quartz … ContinuedThe post The vintage Seiko offering crazy accuracy that’s still flying under the radar appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
The Collector’s Crossroads: Omega upended my chronograph search with the new Speedmaster ’57
For months now, I’ve been looking for a mechanical chronograph to add to my small collection. It’s a complication I’ve always loved. And after weeks of research, and multiple list comparing watches, I set my sights on the Breitling Chronomat B01 42 in blue. I even recently visited the Breitling boutique in NYC to try … ContinuedThe post The Collector’s Crossroads: Omega upended my chronograph search with the new Speedmaster ’57 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
A Week On The Wrist: The Breitling Navitimer 8 B01 Chronograph
We put an old-school watch in a cutting-edge jet – find out how this mechanical pilot's watch holds up in the cockpit.
Time+Tide
Things are about to get crazy. The Tissot PRX now comes in a Valjoux-powered 42mm panda chronograph, and Australians can order it here today
The PRX Automatic Chronograph was always going to be a big deal. In its essence, it stands to be a hot chronograph line extension that, knowing Tissot, won’t come with an exorbitant price tag. And, with all of our collective fingers crossed, we hoped it would be mechanical. Someone pushing their luck might have had … ContinuedThe post Things are about to get crazy. The Tissot PRX now comes in a Valjoux-powered 42mm panda chronograph, and Australians can order it here today appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
EDITOR’S PICK: 5 things that separate fine from very fine watchmaking (apart from the price tags)
Editor’s note: They’re the questions we all ask ourselves when contemplating a new mechanical watch: is it worth it? Is that price-tag truly justified? Here’s Justin’s excellent piece offers some pointers on what to look for and what separates fine from very fine watchmaking. It’s a question many of us in the industry get on a … ContinuedThe post EDITOR’S PICK: 5 things that separate fine from very fine watchmaking (apart from the price tags) appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
SJX Watches
Girard-Perregaux Revives the Retro-Digital Casquette of 1976
Very much a genre that took off in the 1970s, the digital-display quartz watch was invented by American watch company Hamilton in 1970 – and positioned as a high-end watch at the time – and over the following decades various watchmakers from Europe and Asia have presented their own takes on the digital watch, though it is the latter that has come to dominate the market. One of the more memorable was the Girard-Perregaux ref. 9931 “Casquette” of 1976 that was especially sci-fi with its aerodynamic design. But after a brief production run it vanished from the brand’s catalogue until a surprising comeback last year with a unique, modernised version made for charity auction Only Watch 2021. And now Girard-Perregaux (GP) has finally taken the covers off the Casquette 2.0, which replicates the style of the original but with updated tech and materials, namely a ceramic and titanium case along with a new movement. Initial thoughts The Casquette 2.0 is a remake done well. It retains the appealing design of the vintage original, which was a good looking but dinky watch, and instead channels resources to improving the construction and functions. The new scratch-resistant ceramic case and bracelet demonstrates GP’s effort in a thoughtfully improved remake, especially since similarly priced watches tend to rely on black-coated steel. At the same time, the watch has improved in its function. It gains a chronograph and a second time zone, both of which are rudimentary but n...
Time+Tide
Has Baume & Mercier dropped the most interesting dial of the year so far?
Watchmaking is an art. This is part of the appeal that mechanical timepieces have for buyers around the world, persuading them to forego more accurate or logical options such as a smartwatch or smartphone. Hardcore watch enthusiasts, when asked about the art of watchmaking, will likely steer the conversation towards movement design – their level … ContinuedThe post Has Baume & Mercier dropped the most interesting dial of the year so far? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
INTRODUCING: The Hublot Big Bang Unico Ledger is inspired by cryptocurrency
The future. It’s always here before you know it. And in an industry based on the anachronistic idea of the mechanical timepiece, Swiss watchmakers Hublot have always looked forward. From their striking, sometimes polarising designs, their forays into the connected watch world with the Big Bang E, and their use of cutting-edge materials like ceramic, … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Hublot Big Bang Unico Ledger is inspired by cryptocurrency appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
Entry Level: The Chronomètre Souverain Havana Is A Solid-Gold Starting Point Into The World Of F.P. Journe
We're headed down to Havana to navigate price hikes and quartz qualifiers.
Hodinkee
Introducing: The Latest Q Timex Reissue Is A 43mm Gold-Tone Beast
Fifty years ago Timex unveiled its first quartz watch. Now it's back.
SJX Watches
Grand Seiko Introduces 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition
Launched in 2020 inside the all-new Evolution 9 collection, Grand Seiko’s top-of-the-line mechanical and Spring Drive movements have now found their way into the distinctive 44GS case, which happens to turn 55 this year. With its wide, flat lugs, the 44GS case is a familiar, quintessential Grand Seiko (GS) design, but the Heritage Collection 44GS 55th Anniversary Limited Edition pair bring along relatively new features: the case is machined from brand’s proprietary Ever Brilliant Steel for the first time, while the dial now sports an unusually pronounced woodgrain pattern. Initial thoughts The 44GS 55th Anniversary is typical of the brand’s recent launches with its iteration on familiar elements but made different with minor tweaks. It’s a subtlety that appeals to enthusiasts who cherish variations on a theme, though casual observers will find it difficult to distinguish between the models. But the fundamental appeal of GS remains, which is a top notch execution within its price segment. That said, the latest pair are arguably a bit more special. One factor in their favour is the patterned dial. It’s a newish addition to the GS line up and also exclusive to date, having been used only in two models, both of which are expensive watches in precious metals. The new 44GS is, of course, in steel and hence more affordable. But the case is no ordinary steel, but instead Ever Brilliant Steel – the corrosion-resistant alloy is being applied to GS cases for the first ...
Time+Tide
Grand Seiko’s family tree grows with their new SLGH011 “Green Birch”
When the original Grand Seiko SLGH005 “White Birch” was first unveiled, I was overjoyed that their 9SA5 hi-beat caliber had made its way into the standard production caliber. It is a personal goal of mine to own a watch powered by this movement, which represents the pinnacle of their mechanical movement technology. But, as I … ContinuedThe post Grand Seiko’s family tree grows with their new SLGH011 “Green Birch” appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
INTRODUCING: The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 is smaller, sleeker in 42mm, and better optioned again
While some watch collectors may ‘pooh pooh’ smartwatches in general, ultimately it is the largest category of watches in the marketplace today. Sure, they may not possess the traditional glamour of mechanical watchmaking but their modern functionalities are extremely compelling to watch wearers around the world. The USP of the TAG Heuer Connected lineup has … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 is smaller, sleeker in 42mm, and better optioned again appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
SJX Watches
Retro Dive Watch Specialist Squale Unveils the 1521 Montredo
Derived from Italian for “shark”, Squale was a maker of dive watches – as well as a supplier of dive watch cases to many notable brands – that had its heyday in the 1960s and 1970s. Like most of its peers, Squale went under during the Quartz Crisis, lying dormant until 2005 when it was revived by its onetime distributor in Italy. The reborn Squale is focused once again on dive watches, with its current lineup modelled on the brand’s historical products. The flagship is the 1521, an affordable, no-frills dive watch that’s been pared back even further with the limited-edition Montredo x Squale 1521. Initial thoughts Retro dive watches are common today, especially in Squale’s price segment of under US$2,000. But Squale manages to set it apart by having historical legitimacy unlike startup brands. The Montredo edition stands out for its minimalism. The outline of the watch has been retained, but the details have been reduced to the essentials, like the bezel with only five-minute markers. The result brings to mind the military-issue dive watches of the 1970s and 1980s, most notably the Fifty Fathoms “Bund” that Blancpain supplied to the German navy – which coincidentally had a case made by Squale. In fact, the Fifty Fathoms “Bund” relied on the very “50 Atmos” case Squale used for its ref. 1521 diver, making the Montredo edition a tidy historical throwback. Ref. 1521 The 50-piece run is a collaboration between Squale and Montredo, a Berlin-based ...
SJX Watches
Bulgari Debuts the Smallest Movement of 21st Century
Bulgari is starting the year big with something impressively tiny – the hand-wind BVL 100 Piccolissimo that’s the smallest mechanical movement of the 21st century at just 12.3 mm wide and 2.5 mm tall. The minuscule movement makes it debut in the latest version of Bulgari’s iconic snake-bangle wristwatch – it is one o the most iconic jewellery watches of all time in fact – the Serpenti Misteriosi High Jewellery Secret Watch. While many versions of the Serpenti bracelet have been equipped with quartz movements in recent years, the BVL 100 means the watch within the snake’s head is once again mechanical, just like the originals of the 1950s. The tiny barrel bridge of the BVL 100 Initial thoughts While the Serpenti Misteriosi is a high-jewellery watch that has little practical appeal for most watch collectors, it’s difficult to easy to appreciate watch for its combination of design, craft, and of course the technical achievement of the BVL100. Amusingly enough, the Serpenti Misteriosi is, technically speaking, an integrated-bracelet watch with a reversible dial – two features highly coveted in the watch world – though the lavish jewels and lacquer disguises most of its horological qualities, which also illustrates the power of the iconic design. The forked tongue is a trigger to open the snake’s head, revealing the time below But over-the-top style is only useful for a specific audience – and specific occasions – so for the rest of us, there’s the ...
Revolution
Introducing Jacob & Co Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Blue Sapphire Crystal Unique Piece
A one of a kind tribute to the Bugatti Chiron complete with a fully mechanical working ‘engine’, inclined tourbillon, and stunning blue sapphire crystal hood.
SJX Watches
Chanel Introduces the Boy.Friend Skeleton Red Edition
While Chanel watches were all about the Electro “Rainbow” last year, its 2022 high horology timepieces form the Red Edition Collection. Including in the line up are the Boy.Friend Skeleton Red Editions, both ladies watches powered by the same notably interesting in-house movement, the hand-wind Caliber 3. Initial thoughts Chanel puts out fine mechanical movements – the Caliber 1 of the Monsieur exemplifies that – but typically with the bold, varied, and tasteful style that only a fashion house can achieve. The new pair of Boy.Friend Skeleton watches are exactly that. The clean, distinctive shape is inspired by a perfume bottle, but it has a strong form that is appealing. More appealing is the Caliber 3 inside, an in-house movement with a strong geometric aesthetic that suits the case perfectly. It is clear the movement’s developers wanted it to look good, and they succeeded. The Caliber 3 inside the Boy.Friend Skeleton X-Ray Red Edition with a clear sapphire case Though both watches are certainly large enough to be men’s watches – the case dimensions are similar to a men’s Cartier Tank – they are unquestionably ladies’ watches (and Chanel markets them as such). Given the compelling movement, the Boy.Friend Skeleton one of the most interesting time-only watches for ladies on the market. The Boy.Friend Skeleton Red Edition in Beige Gold set with rubies Bottle shaped The rectangular case of the Boy.Friend is modelled on the bottle cap of Chanel’s No. 9...
SJX Watches
Grand Seiko Introduces the Spring Drive SLGA009 “White Birch”
Though it was two years ago as the Grand Seiko’s flagship Spring Drive movement, the 9RA5 still feels new, simply because the latest-generation movement hasn’t found its way into many watches, save for a pair of limited editions. Now it finally makes it into a regular-production model, the Grand Seiko Spring Drive SLGA009 “White Birch”. The latest Spring Drive, like the mechanical SLGH005, is inspired by the tree of the same name that’s native to the area around Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi. Initial thoughts The SLGH009 “White Birch” clearly becomes the Grand Seiko’s showcase Spring Drive – it resembles the previous generation’s bestseller, the famous “Snowflake”, but is substantially upgraded in terms of features and finish. The combination of familiar styling and improved quality makes it attractive. Part of the appeal lies in the 9RA5 movement, which on the surface seems like a mere upgrade over the predecessor 9R65. But it is more than just the power reserve being increased to five days, and the new calibre boasts an entirely new architecture, including both a new gear train and integrated circuit for the Spring Drive regulator, as well as a better finishing. The other aspect of its appeal lies in the design, which has dubbed “Evolution 9”. As always is the case with Grand Seiko, Evolution 9 is inspired by vintage Grand Seiko models, but brings with it a sense of solidity and refinement, thanks to the flatter case, heftier bracelet, a...
Time+Tide
THE TOP WATCH REVIEWS OF 2021 - The Cartier Tank Must Collection (#11)
Editor’s note: The Time+Tide team reviewed hundreds of watches in 2021. Here we count down the Top 30 reviews of the year that you liked best judging by the online traffic. At number 11, it’s the Cartier Tank Must Collection… The quartz crisis is often spoken about with abject horror, and for good reason. Japanese … ContinuedThe post THE TOP WATCH REVIEWS OF 2021 – The Cartier Tank Must Collection (#11) appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Deployant
New: Orient Star 70th Anniversary Skeleton
Orient Star releases two new skeleton mechanical watches to celebrate their 70th Anniversary in their Classic Collection. Details here.
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Two Silver Foil Lacquer Dials From Citizen: The “Mayuiro” (NB3020-08A) and “Nibiiro” (NB3020-16W)
What do you get when one of the largest watch brands on earth collaborates with a 120 year old Japanese lacquerware crafter? Apparently you get these two new mechanical timepieces from Citizen.
Hodinkee
Entry Level: The Least Expensive AP Is The Rarest Of Things: A Royal Oak That's A Value Proposition
Audemars Piguet's most affordable mechanical watch is a Royal Oak.
SJX Watches
Up Close: Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
Originally launched with a quartz movement in early 2021, the Tissot PRX really caught on when it got an automatic movement a few months later. Equipped with a cost-efficient yet high tech ETA calibre, the PRX Powermatic 80 costs just US$650 – making it an easily affordable iteration of the integrated-bracelet sports watch. Initial thoughts Modelled on the Seastar ref. 40205 launched in 1978 – it’s practically a remake in fact – the PRX Powermatic 80 doesn’t try to do too much. Instead it focuses on doing just a few things right, just enough to look good while maintaining its affordability. Its modest price tag is evident up close, but the PRX still looks good enough on the wrist. The PRX Powermatic 80 successfully reproduces the feel of the 1978 original. It’s a little bit bigger, but still compact by modern standards. More importantly, the PRX retains the right proportions in terms of case, bracelet, and dial. One of its best features is its size. At 40 mm wide and 10.9 mm high, the PRX is just right. The case middle is fairly thin and matched with an equally thin bracelet – that has a solid double-fold clasp – giving it a refined feel on the wrist. As for the design, it’s a good look – and certainly a popular one today – but derivative. That’s because the 1978 original itself was fairly generic. The 1978 Seastar was just one of many watches that shared a style that was popular in the late 1970s and well into the 1980s. One of the most obvio...
Quill & Pad
The Schmidt List: 5 Extraordinary Balance Wheels - Reprise
The balance wheel, the critical regulatory organ of a mechanical watch, is expected to deliver a consistent frequency with a tolerance of as little as 0.001 percent. With so much at stake, why complicate things by altering a pure and simple geometric shape? Why reinvent the wheel? Well, here are five balances that definitely did reinvent the wheel.
Revolution
Introducing the Baltic Bicompax Pulso for Revolution & The Rake
More than just selling watches, Etienne Malec wants to create well-designed, high-quality mechanical watches with price points that appeal to a new generation. Here, we cast the spotlight on his brand, Baltic Watches, and present our collaboration with them - a pulsometer chronograph that is a fantastic value proposition.
Time+Tide
The CODE41 NB24 Edition 2 Chronograph offers complex Swiss watchmaking at an accessible price
If you’ve always found yourself attracted to the highly technical mechanical movements produced by the upper echelons of Swiss horology, but have been put off by the sometimes staggering cost of entry, CODE41 would like to talk to you. The focus of the conversation would be the CODE41 NB24 Edition 2 Chronograph, further pushing the … ContinuedThe post The CODE41 NB24 Edition 2 Chronograph offers complex Swiss watchmaking at an accessible price appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
SJX Watches
The Patek Philippe Museum Celebrates 20 Years
Situated behind Geneva’s Old Town and a 20-minute walk from the watchmaker’s Salon facing the lake, the Patek Philippe Museum is one of the world’s greatest collection of timepieces and mechanical objects. Made up of over 2,500 items, the museum is almost singular in the breadth and depth of its collection. Started in 1980 by Philippe Stern, then the President of Patek Philippe and father of Thierry, the collection is now overseen by curator Dr Peter Friess. The museum’s collection can falls into two broad categories: the history of mechanical timekeeping in Europe until 1839, and Patek Philippe timepieces from its founding in 1839. One of the prized items in the former category is a 400-year old, enamelled timekeeper by Jehan Cremsdorff, one of the oldest and most perfectly preserved pocket watches known. The entrance to the museum, which on a recent Saturday had a line outside across two blocks Sedate in dark wood and green carpeted floors, the galleries of the museum occupy two floors, with the third floor being an 8,000-book library and a small exhibit dedicated to the Patek Philippe company that includes a reconstruction of the office once occupied by Henri Stern, grandfather of Thierry and father of Philippe. Guided tours are offered, as is an audio guide. Interestingly, the central section of the library is a display of miniature enamel objects – but not incorporating watches – made in Geneva in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors start on the thir...