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Results for Swiss vs Japanese Watchmaking

5,031 articles · 36 videos found · page 79 of 169

Vaer Watches Review: American-Assembled with GADA Specs Teddy Baldassarre
Rolex Sub Feb 24, 2026

Vaer Watches Review: American-Assembled with GADA Specs

Most people think that getting into "real" watches requires a heavy-duty investment or a deep knowledge of Swiss history. In reality, enjoying horology shouldn't require a trust fund or a PhD in movement calibers. But for a long time, the market felt split between cheap, disposable plastic watches and unattainable luxury pieces. There was simply no middle ground for a high-spec timepiece that you weren't afraid to use. It was exactly this dilemma that became the driving force behind California-based watchmaker, Vaer. The two ends of the watch-collecting scope left a huge gap for anyone who just wanted an affordable daily beater that could hold up during a weekend hike or a daily commute. So, Vaer pledged to fill that gap.  [toc-section heading="The Gamble – Why Vaer Exists"] VAER founders Ryan Torres and Reagan Cook Watch collecting can be an expensive hobby. In the world of horology, $10,000 is the type of money that secures a stainless steel Rolex Sub and a lifetime of brand prestige. For most young professionals with a passion for watches, saving up that first ten grand is a rite of passage. But for Ryan Torres and Reagan Cook, founders of Vaer watches, that money represented a fork in the road. When the two entrepreneurs looked at their savings, they could have gone one of two ways: walk into a boutique and leave with a trophy on their wrist, or bet every cent on a dream to build the "perfect" everyday watch that didn't yet exist. They chose the latter. C5 Field Bla...

First Look - New and Vibrant Dial Colours for the Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Series Monochrome
Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Series Feb 24, 2026

First Look - New and Vibrant Dial Colours for the Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Series

The Jazzmaster collection by Hamilton is where classical watchmaking meets contemporary design, offering mechanical substance without unnecessary ornament. With the latest Jazzmaster Open Heart models, not to be confused with the skeleton versions, Hamilton expands the series with a wide range of dial colours across three sizes, to please as many clients as possible.  The […]

Introducing - A Classic Rejuvenated, Chronoswiss Releases the Lunar Chronograph Aurora Monochrome
Breguet inspired features was modernised Feb 24, 2026

Introducing - A Classic Rejuvenated, Chronoswiss Releases the Lunar Chronograph Aurora

Chronoswiss was founded in 1983 by German watchmaker Gerd Rüdiger Lang and was sold in early 2012 to Swiss entrepreneurs Oliver and Eva Ebstein, who transferred operations to Lucerne, Switzerland. Known for reviving the regulator layout, Lang’s neoclassical design language, characterised by oversized onion crowns, knurled bezels, guilloché dials and Breguet-inspired features, was modernised by […]

Cutting Through The Noise With The Quiet Side Of High Horology Fratello
Feb 21, 2026

Cutting Through The Noise With The Quiet Side Of High Horology

High horology in 2026 often comes wrapped in noise - big launches, dramatic case shapes, exposed mechanics, and a constant push to be the most talked-about watch of the week. Yes, I do enjoy that world. Modern, design-led independence is where much of the creativity happens. But there’s another tier of luxury independent watchmaking running […] Visit Cutting Through The Noise With The Quiet Side Of High Horology to read the full article.

Hands-On With The Citizen × Seconde/Seconde/ Tsuyosa Limited Edition Fratello
Citizen × Seconde/Seconde/ Tsuyosa Limited Feb 20, 2026

Hands-On With The Citizen × Seconde/Seconde/ Tsuyosa Limited Edition

Whenever Citizen announces a new Tsuyosa, I am all ears. The brand’s hit watch has been a fan favorite ever since it debuted in 2022. I have had the pleasure of reviewing multiple Tsuyosa models and was impressed every single time. For its latest release, the Japanese brand collaborated with Romaric André, aka seconde/seconde/, for […] Visit Hands-On With The Citizen × Seconde/Seconde/ Tsuyosa Limited Edition to read the full article.

Introducing - The Orient Star 75th Anniversary M42 Diver 1964 1st Edition F6 Date 200m Monochrome
Grand Seiko Feb 19, 2026

Introducing - The Orient Star 75th Anniversary M42 Diver 1964 1st Edition F6 Date 200m

Using the analogy of Grand Seiko and Seiko, Orient Star is the premium division of Orient watches (both part of Seiko Epson since 2017). Established in 1951, Orient Star produces more refined watches featuring complications and a characteristic Japanese balance of quality and value. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Orient Star reimagines the design of its […]

Introducing - The Time Sonar-Inspired Seiko 5 Sports HUF Limited Edition SRPM09 Monochrome
Seiko 5 Sports HUF Limited Feb 19, 2026

Introducing - The Time Sonar-Inspired Seiko 5 Sports HUF Limited Edition SRPM09

In the ever-growing Seiko 5 Sports collection, there are classic models and then some pretty cool limited editions, either inspired by the past or produced in collaboration with brands or franchises that have not much to do with watchmaking (at least at first sight). That can be anything from Pepsi bezel watches actually made together […]

In-Depth: Understanding Resonance in Watches SJX Watches
F.P. Journe s Chronomètre à Résonance Feb 19, 2026

In-Depth: Understanding Resonance in Watches

Resonance watches are among the most elusive machines in modern watchmaking. Creations such as F.P. Journe’s Chronomètre à Résonance perform well at auctions, commanding high prices. While their rarity and appeal are undeniable, watches that purport to harness resonance tend to be viewed with a degree of skepticism. A measure of skepticism is understandable - the concept of sprung balances becoming almost magically coupled is anything but straightforward and requires a profound understanding of oscillators in general.   This story seeks to shed some light on the concept of coupled oscillators by explaining the two models of coupling and explore the nuances of each system. Before exploring resonance, the reader is encouraged to review the basics of sprung oscillators and isochronism in order to become more familiar with the hairspring and balance wheel model.  The F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance Souscription No. 2 sold for more than CHF3 million in November 2025. A confusion of terms First, the term resonance itself requires definition. In classical physics (mechanics, electrical engineering, signal processing, etc.) resonance is a phenomenon where a system vibrates under the influence of an external driving force that matches the system’s eigenfrequency (natural frequency). This is to say that a system at rest, which includes mass and spring elements, can be excited into a state of resonance by an external force when particular conditions are met. An imp...

SJX Podcast: Louis Vuitton & De Bethune Travel in Style SJX Watches
Louis Vuitton & De Bethune Travel Feb 19, 2026

SJX Podcast: Louis Vuitton & De Bethune Travel in Style

SJX has just returned from the Tokyo launch of Louis Vuitton’s third independent watchmaking collaboration, this time with De Bethune. Episode 29 of the SJX Podcast covers what it means for both brands, and unpacks the details of both the GMT Louis Varius wristwatch and the monumental sympathique clock that it can be paired with. Brandon and SJX also provide hands-on analysis of the Escale Worldtime and Daniel Roth Extra Plat Skeleton that debuted during LVMH Watch Week in January. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.  

Interview - Selective Normalisation in 2026 - Overview of the Watch Industry with Jean-Philippe Bertschy, Head of Vontobel Equity Research Monochrome
Feb 18, 2026

Interview - Selective Normalisation in 2026 - Overview of the Watch Industry with Jean-Philippe Bertschy, Head of Vontobel Equity Research

Each year, this report is eagerly awaited as one of the leading guides (alongside LuxeConsult and Morgan Stanley) for the watchmaking and luxury industry, helping it navigate what can currently be described as choppy waters. Luxury Goods, the annual report by Vontobel Equity Research, has just been published. An extremely detailed analytical compendium covering the past year, […]

Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso Collectibles Capsule: How the Brand Is Redefining Vintage Watch Curation Worn & Wound
Jaeger-LeCoultre s Reverso Collectibles Capsule Feb 17, 2026

Inside Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso Collectibles Capsule: How the Brand Is Redefining Vintage Watch Curation

The official role of Heritage Director seems to be growing in prominence across watch brands. It makes sense – a reverence for history has always been at the heart of the art of watchmaking. With that in mind, it is likely there have long been resident historians at established maisons or perhaps even those holding the title Heritage Director working behind the scenes. But more and more, we are seeing these individuals at the forefront, and there seems to be a direct correlation with what is happening in the industry at large within the vintage and pre-owned spaces.  For more than five years now, we have seen the vintage and pre-owned market grow in new ways with both a greater emphasis and prevalence of reputable dealers and marketplaces and a greater interest and demand from collectors. In turn, more and more brands seem to be getting invested in the acquisition, preservation, and in some cases redistribution of their own vintage pieces. While the role of Heritage Director was perhaps once limited to elements like museum curation and historically contextualizing modern collections, the position seems to be expanding into new realms.  Heritage Director Matthieu Sauret Jaeger-LeCoultre is the perfect case study. Matthieu Sauret stepped from the role of Director of Product to the maison’s Heritage Director 2013 after starting his career at Yves Saint Laurent, another historic brand whose legacy spans more than six decades. “In 2019, Catherine Rénier, our CEO called...

A Closer Look At COSC’s New Excellence Chronometer Certification Fratello
Feb 17, 2026

A Closer Look At COSC’s New Excellence Chronometer Certification

Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC) is the largest Swiss independent testing facility for watch movements. Founded in 1973, this non-profit foundation aims to guarantee the precision of Swiss watches through a neutral, independent, and rigorous method. Watches with movements that passed the tests can be called “COSC-certified chronometers,” accurate to within -4/+6 seconds per […] Visit A Closer Look At COSC’s New Excellence Chronometer Certification to read the full article.

Introducing - Orient Presents its First No-Date Bambino and Fresh New Colours for the Date Models Monochrome
Orient Feb 16, 2026

Introducing - Orient Presents its First No-Date Bambino and Fresh New Colours for the Date Models

If you want an affordable mechanical classic, offered at an almost disruptive price point, few watches represent the concept as convincingly as the Orient Bambino. For more than a decade and for many people, the collection has been a gateway into traditional watchmaking, defined by domed crystals, restrained proportions and in-house movements. Over the years, […]

Orient Star Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary With The M34 F8 Date Meteorite Fratello
Orient Feb 14, 2026

Orient Star Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary With The M34 F8 Date Meteorite

This year marks a significant milestone for Orient Star. The Japanese watch brand turns 75 and plans to celebrate with several limited‑edition releases. Each model will highlight Orient Star’s heritage, craftsmanship, innovation, or a mix of all three. The brand also seems ready to introduce several firsts. Among the five models set to launch in […] Visit Orient Star Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary With The M34 F8 Date Meteorite to read the full article.

COSC Upgrades Standards to Certify More Than Timekeeping SJX Watches
Rolex Feb 13, 2026

COSC Upgrades Standards to Certify More Than Timekeeping

Interesting news just out of Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC), the venerable Swiss chronometer testing body, which has just announced a major revamp to its testing to honour the COSC’s standard’s 50th anniversary. Excellence Chronometer, COSC’s new and improved certification program, goes beyond the ISO 3159 norm that has defined its tests for decades. Instead of just testing movements, Excellence Chronometer will require completed, cased watches to run within -2/+4 seconds a day, as well as pass wear simulation and magnetism tests. Initial thoughts While COSC remains the primary chronometer testing body in Switzerland, thanks largely to Rolex, its protocols have been due for an update for some time now. With the rise of alternative and in-house precision testing programs, the standard chronometer certification can sometimes feel left behind. Rolex’s own Superlative Chronometer certification first requires a COSC certificate, but then makes sure the watches run at -2/+2 seconds per day after further in-house testing. The METAS Chronometer program also requires the standard COSC certificate, but guarantees a regulation of 0/+5 seconds per day and a great resistance to magnetic fields. Seeing that COSC slowly updates and imposes more stringent criteria is a good sign, but it may still not be good enough. With the rise of advanced internal certification programs, it looks like some brands submit their models to COSC testing just to make sure they can...

The COSC Introduces the New Excellence Chronometer Certification Worn & Wound
Tudor as well as other Feb 12, 2026

The COSC Introduces the New Excellence Chronometer Certification

The Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC, the body responsible for certifying watch movements as Swiss chronometers) has just announced a new chronometry standard that will be rolled out over the course of 2026. The news comes at a time when the COSC has some competition for timekeeping certifications, most notably the METAS certification (which first requires a watch movement to be COSC certified) used by Omega and Tudor, as well as other certifications provided by the brands themselves.  The new COSC certification is being framed as an additional level of certification that will accompany the familiar “Certified Chronometer” tag that is seen on the dials and paperwork of millions (literally) of watches that have been put through the COSC paces over the years. The new “Excellence Chronomenter” certification provides an additional layer of guarantee of reliability that goes beyond simple accuracy. As a refresher, COSC certification certifies the movement is working at an optimal level, not a fully cased watch. To achieve a Certified Chronometer certification, a movement must show average accuracy of -4 to +6 seconds per day over a 15 day period, tested across 5 positions and 3 temperatures.  The Excellence Chronometer certification tightens the accuracy threshold from a spread of 10 seconds in total to 6 (-2 to +4 seconds per day). It also adds metrics for magnetic resistance and power reserve verification in fully cased watches. According to the COS...

Introducing: The Rado True Round × Les Couleurs Le Corbusier Special Editions Fratello
Rado True Round × Les Feb 12, 2026

Introducing: The Rado True Round × Les Couleurs Le Corbusier Special Editions

Rado has a long-standing collaborative relationship with Les Couleurs Suisse. Until now, this has led to 12 releases that used Le Corbusier’s 63-shade color system, which he described in his book Polychromie Architecturale. For its latest collaborative effort, Rado took it a step beyond just using the Swiss-French architect’s color system. While these watches each […] Visit Introducing: The Rado True Round × Les Couleurs Le Corbusier Special Editions to read the full article.

In-Depth - L’Atelier Bernard, the Extraordinary Story of Two Young Belgian Watchmakers in Fleurier and their “Owl” Watch Monochrome
Feb 11, 2026

In-Depth - L’Atelier Bernard, the Extraordinary Story of Two Young Belgian Watchmakers in Fleurier and their “Owl” Watch

Hitting the road to Fleurier, the discovery of L’Atelier Bernard was not what I expected. Bernard is a rather dated first name – one you rarely hear anymore for young people in Europe’s French-speaking countries. So, when I pushed open the door of their workshop in Fleurier, I was expecting to meet two old Swiss […]

An Openworked Wonder by Molnar Fabry SJX Watches
Feb 11, 2026

An Openworked Wonder by Molnar Fabry

The Classic Tech Art is the latest, bespoke time-only piece from independent watchmaking duo Molnar Fabry, and a fine example of the pair’s modus operandi. Starting off from a Vaucher cal. 5401 ébauche, the watchmakers applied extensive finishing to both seen and unseen surfaces within the movement. While this exact configuration is unique, similar designs can be commissioned from the Slovakia-based creators. Initial thoughts Molnar Fabry’s calling card is open-worked movements and the Class Tech Art doesn’t disappoint in that respect. While the case back side of the movement is richly engraved but structurally unaltered, the tastefully open-worked dial reveals the usually hidden assemblies that make the Vaucher calibre tick. The duo behind Molnar Fabry operates outside the influence of many Swiss watchmaking traditions. As a result, the brand’s house style of finishing is somewhat unorthodox. Mixes of metals are on show, along with a rich blend of textures and shapes.  The style might not be to everyone’s tastes, but Molnar Fabry’s work feels refreshingly original in today’s market. The two watchmakers shift the focus from proprietary movements and high-tech specs to true hand finishing.  That said, the Classic Tech Art exemplifies a more streamlined vision of the brand’s design language, opting away from the excessively ornate cases the brand has produced in the past. This may point towards them going more mainstream - at least to the extent that a b...

Hands On: Louis Vuitton Escale Worldtime SJX Watches
Patek Philippe World Time ref 5330G Feb 10, 2026

Hands On: Louis Vuitton Escale Worldtime

One of Louis Vuitton’s most distinctive complications, the Escale Worldtime was recently revised and upgraded, giving it improved legibility and an in-house movement. The nips and tucks have given the watch a sleeker, more refined aesthetic, while making the technicolour dial more readable. It’s still far from a “tool” watch, but the second-generation Escale Worldtime has all of the charm of the original that’s now grounded in solid, credible watchmaking. Initial thoughts I’m biased because I am a fan of the original Worldtime, right from when it was launched in 2014. The original was decidedly impractical, way too expensive, but an imaginatively different take on the classic Louis Cottier world time. The new model has all of the appeal of the original, but with a superior execution in substance and form. The new version has smoothed out all of the rough edges of the original, quite literally in some respects. The case is now finer, with more refined lines and a gently domed crystal, for instance. Functionality has improved substantially with a hand for the minutes and a jumping hours display. And the movement is now a latest-generation calibre, part of a family of industrial-haute horlogerie movements developed by LFT that is an achievement on its own. The LFT VO12.01 movement features a 22k pink gold rotor with a guilloche rim The Escale Worldtime costs over US$90,000, or about 10% more than the Patek Philippe World Time ref. 5330G in white gold. The Escale, ...