Worn & Wound · Page 54

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Aug 26, 2024

Hands-On: The Cincinnati Watch Co Desk Diver

“Sold Out,” the words marking what was previously an “add to cart” button, reminding me that I missed out on the original drop. Just a few months ago, a small unassuming brand just 4 hours south of me in Cincinnati, Ohio teased a few images of an eye-catching dive-style watch sporting the tongue-in-cheek dial text of “0 ft = 0m, No Submersion, Superlative Desk Diver, Unofficially Certified”. While it is true that a lot of brands release watches on the more playful side of things, it is rare that the actual watch appears well executed throughout but instead leans into the whimsical, forgetting about tradition and practicality. So as further details and images were revealed of the 75-piece limited edition, it began to paint a picture of a well-made everyday watch utilizing new old stock Swiss-made cases poking fun at the seriousness plaguing the watch community. I loaded up the website, then swung and missed. So, when I learned that a non limited Desk Diver was in production with an upcoming release, I jumped at the opportunity to get the model on my wrist and give it a proper go.  Being that the original was limited simply due to the number of cases found after 50 years of hiding, Cincinnati Watch Co. set out to recreate a faithful case design made to a modern specification. The vintage-inspired cushion case measures a stout 43.3 mm in diameter. Despite its large measurements on paper, the Desk Diver Professional makes use of its clever geometry to disappear on...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Aug 25, 2024

16 Of The Best Pilot And Aviation Style Watches For Under $1,000

In our most recent shop video, Devin looks at 16 of the best pilot and aviation-style watches on the market for under $1,000. One of the more popular and distinct watch types out there, pilot and aviation watches have a rich history with a broad selection of options. What other watches would you have liked to see make the list? In our most recent shop video, Devin looks at 16 of the best pilot and aviation-style watches on the market for under $1,000. One of the more popular and distinct watch types out there, pilot and aviation watches have a rich history with a broad selection of options. What other watches would you have liked to see make the list? The post 16 Of The Best Pilot And Aviation Style Watches For Under $1,000 appeared first on Worn & Wound.

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Aug 24, 2024

Watches, Stories, & Gear: Diving in NYC, Steampunk Clocks, and the New David Chase Documentary

“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 info@wornandwound.com. Diving NYC The New York Times has a great story this week on the vibrant diving culture in the city. Many might not realize it, but the waters surrounding the city present many opportunities for recreational diving experiences. According to some estimates there are roughly 5,000 shipwrecks to explore, a number that doesn’t seem possible but would keep divers busy for years. The culture has changed over the years, but recently area dive clubs have seen an influx of interest, with new divers donning masks and wetsuits for the first time. This is a good reminder that you don’t need a stereotypically tropical environment to start diving. A Brooklyn Metal Bar Closes  Image courtesy Gothamist Gothamist reports this week that Saint Vitus, the renowned Brooklyn metal bar, has closed for good. This is a major blow to music fans – Saint Vitus has carved out a reputation over the last several years as a key stop for up and coming as well as more established artists as they pass through the area. The Greenpoint venue hosted many legendary shows, including a 2014 gig (successfully kept a s...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Tissot connect Aug 23, 2024

Collector Profile: Finding a Community of Independents with Niels Pedersen

How does a vintage Tissot connect to Felipe Pikullik and some of the watch world’s most exciting and dynamic young independent watchmakers and brands? If you said through Dutch collector Niels Pedersen, you’d be very much on the right track. Take a quick look over at Niels’s Instagram (@nielsmpe) and you’ll be greeted by a genuinely envy-inducing assortment of watches. Even more remarkable? That each and every watch feels totally at home in Niels’s feed, whether he’s posting a one-of-a-kind piece from an under-the-radar indie, or his latest pickup from Seiko. So what does a collector like Niels look for in a watch? Well, it turns out it’s a pretty simple recipe. “Basically, I’m design-driven, so it has to be aesthetically pleasing. So that’s the first… and I want something that’s simple, fixable, and reliable because I’ve been sending watches back and forth to the manufacturer so many times,” he told me. “Design-driven and something that’s reliable, I’d say.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Niels Pedersen (@nielsmpe) Just because it’s easy to express doesn’t mean this simple philosophy wasn’t a lesson learned over time. The path that transformed Niels into the collector he is today started at a young age, with a little help from his mother. “When I was a kid, my mom used to travel to Asia all the time for work, and every time she would come home, she would have some kind of knockoff watch, either with Porsche o...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Fortis Novonaut Chronograph Aug 23, 2024

Just A Minute With The Fortis Novonaut Chronograph

The post Just A Minute With The Fortis Novonaut Chronograph appeared first on Worn & Wound.

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Aug 23, 2024

G-SHOCK Introduces their Fourth Collaboration with Rui Hachimura

G-SHOCK has a long history of collaborations with athletes and the brand has worked its way into the culture of professional sports in a meaningful way over the years. It makes a lot of sense that G-SHOCK, a watch that is virtually indestructible, would be embraced by athletes performing at the highest level (and, to be fair, athletes who decidedly do not perform at the highest level). One of the brand’s most interesting relationships is with Rui Hachimura, the Japanese professional basketball player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. His collaborative watches with G-SHOCK tend to offer something a little more personal than the typical timepieces that athlete brand ambassadors help to sell. In other words, this isn’t just a G-SHOCK in a colorway that matches a jersey.  The new watch, a G-STEEL carrying reference GBM2100RH-1A, is inspired by both basketball and Hachimura’s personal history. The prominent colors here are gold (the dial), black (the case and strap), and red (the most prominent dial accents). The dial is meant to evoke the wooden floor of a basketball with red markings at each hour and also on each hand (G-SHOCK calls them “paint” markings, as in “in the paint”). We also find Hachimura’s signature “Black Samurai” logo on the caseback, a symbol combining the Japanese “Hachi” symbol (for his name and jersey number) along with a samurai sword motif. The symbol is based on a sketch by Hachimura’s mother and has followed him ...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Seiko 7559-5010 Admiring Aug 22, 2024

The Seiko 7559-5010: Admiring the Brand’s First Backlit Analog Movement in its Most Unique Form

In this hobby of ours, there constantly exists the urge to dive down new rabbit holes and subgenres of watch collecting, awaiting the next reason for us to open our wallets and find a reason to justify purchasing another piece. While this typically takes the form of a unique color combination or bezel insert, what about a function like backlights? Sure, Timex’s Indiglo has most certainly found mainstay within the watch industry––as has Casio’s Electro Luminesce technology and of course lume––but what others are out there? For those who haven’t had the pleasure, I now have the honor of introducing you to the fairly forgotten Seiko 7559 movement, utilized here in its most unique application: the 5010 model.  A Brief History of the Cal. 7559 and its Applications As is the story with most watches I tend to develop an interest in, little is known about the design process behind this movement or model outside of repair manuals, blog posts, and owner photographs. The information included here is based on my own research, and I invite anyone interested in this model or movement to include any additional material they may know in the comments section below. Though I’ve attempted to collect as much information on the subject as possible, I would be delighted to hear that more pictures or materials of any kind exist elsewhere.  Production of the cal. 7559 began somewhere in the summer months of 1978 and continued until the late 1980s. The quartz movement itself is a...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Chanel Invests Aug 22, 2024

Industry News: Chanel Invests in MB&F;

News broke this morning that Chanel has invested a 25% stake in MB&F;, one of our favorite independent brands. The investment comes on the eve of MB&F;’s 20th anniversary year, and is being framed by the brand as future-proofing the company. “It was our responsibility,” according to a statement from founder Max Büsser, “in today’s very favourable context and with our management team in its prime, to take this major step to ensure our long-term future.” MB&F; founder Max Büsser Büsser retains a majority stake in the company (60%) while his partner and Head of R&D; & Production Serge Kriknoff owns 15%. According to the statement released by MB&F;, the brand will continue to be run independently by the current leadership team, which also includes Charris Yadigaroglou (Head of Marketing Communications) and Thibault Verdonckt (Head of Sales). Brands taking on investment is of course nothing new, and the decision of a niche independent that has displayed over multiple decades that it’s capable of not only sustaining itself but growing feels like a smart business decision. It plays directly into a topic that comes up a lot in the world of independent watchmaking: What happens when a founder moves on? While there is no indication that Büsser is stepping aside anytime soon, longevity is something always on the mind of watch collectors. This is an industry, after all, where some brands can trace their roots to the 18th century. We covered this very topic in a Q&A; podcas...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Frederique Constant were also well represented Aug 22, 2024

Worn & Wound Teams Up with Bulova for a Night Out in Boston

Earlier this month, Worn & Wound hit the road, traveling just a few hours up the interstate to Boston, MA, where we were joined by our friends at Bulova for a friendly neighborhood watch meetup at Democracy Brewing in the city’s Downtown Crossing neighborhood.  Bulova brought a ton of great watches for everyone to check out, including the newest edition of the Lunar Pilot in a bold red colorway, as well as the latest versions of the Surveyor, Jet Star, and Super Seville. The Super Seville in particular was a big hit, with a classic integrated bracelet look and Bulova’s state-of-the-art Precisionist movement. In addition to Bulova, Accutron, Alpina, and Frederique Constant were also well represented at the event.  Boston has a fantastic watch enthusiast culture, and attendees were pulled from no less than three are collecting groups: Boston’s RedBar Chapter, Booze & Bezels (based in southern New Hampshire), and the Boston Watch Shots group. Everyone came with an interesting watch on their wrist and enthusiasm for the growing community in greater Boston.  At the end of the night, a Bulova A-11 Hack was raffled off to a lucky winner, as well as several items from our new collection of Worn & Wound merch. Thanks to everyone for coming out, and thanks to Bulova for being our partners in this event. Stay tuned to these pages, the Worn & Wound+ Slack channel, and social media for information on future events. Images from this post: The post Worn & Wound Teams Up with Bul...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Louis Erard Aug 22, 2024

Louis Erard and the Horophile Team Up Again for Collaboration #2

It should come as no surprise to regular readers of Worn & Wound that we are big fans of Louis Erard. Their irreverent and original approach to watchmaking sets them apart in a crowded market and rarely fails to bring a smile (sometimes literally). But for as good as the brand can be on their own, they are at their best when they aren’t going alone.  Collaboration has been the name of the game for Louis Erard in recent years, and this year’s Louis Erard x The Horophile La Petite Seconde Metropolis is an excellent reminder of why. First introduced around this time last year, the first collaboration between Louis Erard and The Horophile (aka Amr Sindi) was a masterclass in updated Art Deco design, and offered collectors a wonderfully understated and modern dress watch. This latest iteration of La Petite Seconde Metropolis builds on last year’s releases, reimagining the detailed watch with a vibrant green dial. If last year’s trio of Metropoli was Louis Erard reflecting back on 1920’s New York, they would tell you that this year’s release is a more contemporary take on the concept. Nowhere is this more evident than in Louis Erard’s use of color. Where last year’s trio of salmon, slate, and tobacco dials punctuated by rose gold accents were unapologetically old school, the green and silver colorway feels decidedly more modern. Of course, look to the remaining Art Deco icons of New York or Paris, and you’ll see plenty of green - from the stained glass windo...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Urwerk s Legendary EMC Aug 21, 2024

Urwerk’s Legendary EMC is Back in a Limited Edition Inspired by the SR-71 Blackbird

Ahead of Geneva Watch Days next week, Urwerk has unveiled what will surely be in the running for “Watch of the Year” talk when 2024 comes to a close. The EMC SR-71 is a new variation of one of the independent brand’s most discussed and honored timepieces. The original EMC, introduced ten years ago, is a former winner of the GPHG prizes in both the “Mechanical Exception” and “Innovation” categories. Even within the strange world of Urwerk, the EMC is an oddity, so it’s always exciting to see them return to this platform with a new variant.  EMC stands for Electronic Mechanical Control, a term that seems to contradict itself but actually does a fantastic job of describing exactly what this watch does. What you need to know about how this watch operates is that the traditional time telling functions (hours, minutes, seconds, and power reserve) all operate mechanically. But integrated into the movement is an optical sensor linked to the balance that, on demand, can record the rate at which it is oscillating. Using light and an integrated circuit, the movement will tell you the delta between the timing rate of the mechanical movement and a reference oscillator (a 16,000,000 Hz mega-quartz oscillator in this case). Pressing a button on the side of the case activates a meter at roughly 10:00, telling you how fast or slow your watch is running. What’s more, the watch is equipped with a timing adjustment screw on the caseback that can be accessed by the owner wit...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Aug 21, 2024

Hands-On: the Zealandic Iceborne

Maybe it’s just me but I find the micro and independent watch world to be utterly fascinating. And it is so for many reasons, one being the sheer variety of options we have for all genres of watches which are available at a wide variety of prices. From GMTs and elegant dressy models to divers and field watches. And there are indeed many options to choose from in all of these categories. One of my favorite things about watch writing is bringing readers stories on the little guys, so I’m therefore pleased to be writing this article to tell you about the just released Zealandic Iceborne. A new brand founded in New Zealand by Derek Chuan whose project I’ve been following for the past two years now, so it’s nice to be able to get my hands on the prototypes.  Derek has been working on this project for longer than I have known him. And his idea of creating a watch which represents New Zealand has been on par with the recent trends of endowing watches with textured and nature-inspired dials. Between you and me, Derek has been working on this long before many other brands probably have. And this is just to say that the Iceborne has been a long time in the making and I believe it shows. Both from a visual perspective as well as from a spec sheet one. The Iceborne has a look of its own and it is made of the right stuff to be a proper field and adventure watch. It will be made available via a Kickstarter campaign at the introductory price of $441 USD.  $483 Hands-On: the Zea...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Aug 21, 2024

The Difference Between Type A and Type B Pilot Watch Dials

The post The Difference Between Type A and Type B Pilot Watch Dials appeared first on Worn & Wound.

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Ming Aug 20, 2024

Ming Introduces the Latest Watch from their Special Projects Cave, the Solid Gold 20.01 Series 3

Ming is a brand that tends to elicit strong reactions from enthusiasts. They are certainly not to everyone’s taste, but those who love the brand really love the brand and are among the most enthusiastic collectors I’ve encountered in the watch world. I’ll be honest, Ming’s house aesthetic is typically not for me, personally, but I’ve gained a tremendous amount of respect for the brand as I’ve had a chance to talk to more owners about they find these watches so interesting. A big part of it, as it always seems to be, is the community built around that ownership experience. That community reveals itself in a public way via Ming’s Special Project’s Cave, a kind of skunk-works segment of the brand that is free to experiment as the brand develops new technologies. As Ming always points out when they release a watch from the Cave, the process always involves input from their customers, so you could think of the watches in this series as a real reflection of the brand’s owners. If that’s the case, their latest creation, the 20.01 Series 3, kind of proves my point about the vibrancy of the Ming community.  At a high level, the 20.01 Series 3 is a precious metal chronograph utilizing the excellent AgenGraphe movement by Agenhor. But when you get closer (and closer) you realize that the 20.03 is perhaps the brand’s most avant-garde creation yet, which is saying something considering some of the projects that have come out of the Special Projects Cave to this p...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Aug 20, 2024

Our Favorite Pilot And Aviation Style Watches Under For $5,000

Pilot-style watches represent one of the most popular segments within the industry. Introduced at the dawn of aviation in the early twentieth century, pilot’s watches are the original tool watches. They range from simple, time-only designs to complication-filled behemoths with altimeters and slide rules. From heritage-inspired reissues to cutting-edge technology, there’s a pilot watch to suit every style and budget. They inspire a sense of adventure into the unknown, their function-over-form nature, and often rugged good looks, making them ideal for daily wear. Without further ado, here are fifteen of our favorite pilot-style watches under $5,000. The post Our Favorite Pilot And Aviation Style Watches Under For $5,000 appeared first on Worn & Wound.

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Aug 20, 2024

A New Chronograph From Xeric Celebrates the Upcoming NASA Artemis Missions

Xeric is a watch brand with a cult following based on a reputation for creating some of the most ingenious and affordable statement watches in the microbrand world. Their pieces are often conversation starters, featuring unusual time telling displays and lots of color. If you’re familiar with some of their avant-garde designs, it’s perhaps not a surprise that they have an entire sub-collection of NASA branded watches. It just kind of makes sense that watches with a decidedly futuristic, sci-fi inspired look would connect to the space agency. Their latest NASA piece, however, is almost subdued in comparison to prior efforts, and if you’re interested in jumping into Xeric but not ready for a watch with complex satellite time telling mechanism, the new Artemis Chrono might be your speed.  The Artemis Chrono is named for the NASA program that will bring human beings to the lunar surface for the first time since the Apollo missions over 50 years ago. Returning to the moon is an important space travel milestone so it’s no surprise that Xeric would celebrate it with a limited edition release. The basis for the design, according to Xeric, is an updated take on the tachymeter equipped chronograph, which of course is exactly the type of watch that has become famous as the space watch over the last five decades.  For the new Artemis Chrono, the bezel has become a focal point and is highlighted with bold colors and has been glass coated to aid in legibility and make the whol...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Aug 19, 2024

Tool/Kit: Cycling in Style with Evan Perrone and the Forstner Pilot Ref. F-6B/346

Cycling and watches have more in common than just gears. These enthusiast hobbies also share a mindset and a style that seem to go hand in hand. In this edition of Tool/Kit, our pal Evan Perrone, a professional in the cycling industry, takes Forstner’s new Pilot Ref. F-6B/346 for a spin and talks to us about cycling and traveling on time and in style. Hey Evan! Thanks for being the subject of a Tool/Kit for us. Can you tell us and our audience a little bit about yourself? Where are you based? What do you do for a living? What are your hobbies? Hi I’m Evan Perrone, so glad to be chatting with you today. I’m a native Pittsburgher, born and raised, and that’s where I reside now. My current title is Senior Account Manager and Special Projects. I oversee account business in four states as well as sit on several category committees. These committees help shape future Cannondale’s bicycles and how they come to market. I’ve been with Cannonade for over 4 years now. I love it. I’ve been in the cycling industry in some semblance or another since 2003 and would consider myself an industry veteran. My hobbies do, of course, include cycling, but Worn & Wound has been instrumental in discovering my passion for and interest in watches. I also like anything with wheels, so that includes cars and motorcycles, including vintage varieties… I’m all about it. The post Tool/Kit: Cycling in Style with Evan Perrone and the Forstner Pilot Ref. F-6B/346 appeared first on Worn & Wo...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Glashütte Original Unveils Aug 19, 2024

A Late Summer Tradition: Glashütte Original Unveils this Year’s Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date Limited Editions

Once again, Glashütte Original is using this relatively slow late summer period in the watch industry to bring us some 1970s inspired funk by way of their extremely underrated Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date. You might recall that each of the last three years saw new references for the chronograph in colors that are seasonally appropriate, and also harken back to a period of watch design when brands were less afraid to experiment. That’s a fitting way to introduce this particular watch to new audiences, since the design itself is very much an ode to 70s sports watches. But it’s also a pretty unique watch in its functionality, and we’ll take any excuse we can find to make sure more people know about it.  First things first: the colors. The “Swimming Pool” dial is a vibrant turquoise color inspired by a location where you’re hopefully still spending a lot of time as August draws to a close. “Watermelon” is a shade of coral that’s a bit less intense than the bright red that probably normally associate with the fruit. If you look back at previous summertime editions of the Seventies Chronograph, these colors might look somewhat familiar (Glashütte Original previously released dials in similar tones that they classified as blue and orange). But it appears that these dials have a more uniform finish than the sunburst treatment seen in earlier editions, and they also add a black ring around each subdial adding what I think is some welcome contrast.  That...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Grand Seiko US exclusives Aug 18, 2024

A Week in Watches Ep. 87 - TAG Heuer Actually Made a Cool Watch and More!

On episode 87 of A Week in Watches, we take a look at a couple of new releases and then talk a bit about the state of the watch industry. First up are some sexy new Grand Seiko US exclusives with Kirazuri dials. After, we have the newest offering from TAG Heuer x Hodinkee, which revives a very cool old complication. Lastly, Zach Weiss gives his two cents on all of the gloomy news about the watch industry and whether or not it should matter to enthusiasts. Next week, the Windup Watch Shop is celebrating National Aviation Week with a focus on pilot watches of all types. From traditional fliegers to modern ana-digis, very affordable quartz to aspirational chronos, simple designs to complex functions, there’s something for everyone. So head over to Windupwatchshop.com starting August 19th and embrace your inner aviator! The post A Week in Watches Ep. 87 – TAG Heuer Actually Made a Cool Watch and More! appeared first on Worn & Wound.

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Aug 17, 2024

Watches, Stories, & Gear: Seinfeld Night, A Complete Guide to Xenomorphs, and the Best Field Recorders

“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 info@wornandwound.com. An Unusual Honda S2000 Watch  Watches and cars get mixed up together in all kinds of ways. Of all the enthusiast pursuits that are tangentially related to watches, car enthusiasm is probably the one with the most overlap on the Venn Diagram. Automobile inspired watches are nothing new, but the Honda S2000 watch seen here on The Drive’s IG feed is a particularly fun take on the genre. Rather than take design cues from a gauge (all too common, in our opinion) this one is actually shaped like a little Honda S2000. The small roadster might be the perfect vehicle for a watch in this format. I mean, could you imagine strapping a G Wagon to your wrist? No thanks,    View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The Drive (@thedrive) A Complete Guide to Xenomorphs  Yes, this is the second week in a row where we’re bringing you Alien content in this column. We can’t help ourselves, it’s simply one of our favorite sci-fi franchises, and with a new entry in the saga arriving in theaters this weekend, the internet is full of Alien related clickbait. Well, we’re clicking so you do...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Citizen Lōcī Aug 17, 2024

You’re Invited to The Worn & Wound West Coast Summer Pop-Up and After-Party hosted by The James Brand!

Hey Southern California, here we come. Any of you long time Worn & Wound readers will know that The James Brand is a company that’s been near and dear to our hearts for quite some time. They’re known for crafting some of the best everyday tools for modern explorers including utility knives and tools made with premium materials. We’re excited to share that The James Brand has opened a new location in Oceanside, CA! This space features a public retail area that showcases their signature modern, minimal everyday carry products. Join us in celebrating this occasion with an all-day West Coast Summer Pop-up and experience our unique offerings firsthand. The Worn & Wound West Coast Summer Pop-up hosted by The James Brand Saturday, August 17, 2024 12PM – 6PM Pacific The James Brand HQ 425 S Coast Hwy Oceanside, CA 92054 Free and open to the public. In addition to The James Brand and the Windup Watch Shop, several of our favorite watch brands will be there too, including Artefkt, Belmont Watch Co., Brew Watch Co., Citizen, Lōcī, and Zodiac, showcasing their latest and greatest releases available for viewing and purchase. This includes the very last 10 units of TJB’s latest collaboration with Timex: the Limited Edition Automatic GMT in Titanium. On behalf of The James Brand and our other brand partners joining us for this pop-up, we can’t wait to see you all, grab a drink, check out some cool gear, and talk watches. Since this event is free and open to the public, no R...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Piaget Chronograph eBay Finds Aug 16, 2024

eBay Finds: A Classic Omega, a Fun Timex with a Familiar Beagle on the Dial, and a Gorgeous and Rare Piaget Chronograph

eBay Finds is back! This bi-monthly installment will feature a selection of watches currently listed on eBay that have caught the eye of editor Christoph McNeil (@vintagediver). If you come across any hidden gems on the ‘Bay drop us a note at info@wornandwound.com for potential inclusion! Vintage Timex Snoopy Tennis Watch  Starting off this week with a fun one, a vintage Timex Snoopy Tennis watch with the original box! Remember these from when we were kids? I sure do! The watch is gold tone with a blue denim-pattern dial and of course Snoopy on the dial. His arm holding the racket along with the tennis ball are printed on a clear disc that rotates as the second hand. It has the original blue denim strap as well as the super cool Snoopy doghouse original plastic box. I mean, this nifty watch isn’t going to pass COSC testing, but just look how cool the whole package is! View auction here Vintage Seiko Sea Lion M88 This vintage Seiko Sea Lion M88 has a unique look that really stands out. The case is square(ish) but contrasted with the white round dial. The case looks unpolished with nice sharp edges and the original brushed finish. The dial is wild, with horizontal lines connecting the raised square steel hour markers. It has a date only window at 3 o’clock along with the classic Seiko dauphine hands. The caseback has a nifty sea lion logo engraved on it too. This is a cool one that should be easy on the watch budget but still be a fun one to wear with plenty of vintag...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Seiko Prospex SPB451 Aug 16, 2024

[Video] Review: the Seiko Prospex SPB451 And SPB453 Divers

There are a few different ways to approach reviewing the newest dive watches from Seiko. The SPB453, SPB451, and SPB455 were announced earlier this year and were immediately dissected across Instagram, watch forums, and private group chats throughout the watch spectrum. That’s what you’d expect, right? These follow ups to the incredibly popular SPB143 and its many, many siblings represent the core version of the core watch within Seiko’s core collection. At least to enthusiasts, these watches are quintessential, like a white cotton t-shirt, a Bic pen, or even an iPhone. They’re staples, they’re for everyone, but there’s also a deep interest in them as aesthetic objects, tools, collectibles, and everything else that drives our hobby.  Writing about these watches poses a challenge. One tactic is to compare and contrast with the prior version, something Zach Weiss does a great job of in the video linked below. Another option is to attempt to evaluate these new watches as if they exist in a vacuum, without taking into account how they relate to the many versions that came before it. This includes, don’t forget, not only the SPB143 (and, as we’ll always point out, the many derivatives that came out of that release) but also, if you’re so inclined, the entire breadth of the 62MAS family tree. This extends all the way back to 1966 and includes a great many re-issues and re-interpretations. Even massive Seiko fans, I think (I expect), must feel fatigue in consid...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Longines Debuts Aug 15, 2024

Longines Debuts the First Non-Limited Spirit Zulu Time in Titanium

Longines has been experiencing significant success in the enthusiast space since their pilot-style Spirit line of watches launched. Over the last few years, they have introduced 39mm variants and a GMT version called the Spirit Zulu Time. Zulu time is a military term that refers to Universal Time Coordinated (UTC). These timepieces, also known as GMT watches, can show a second time zone using a third hand and a 24-hour scale on the dial. In December 2023, Longines partnered with Hodinkee to produce a special version of the Zulu Time in grade 5 titanium, featuring a 39mm case and limited to only 500 pieces worldwide. This special edition bore a striking resemblance to another brand’s popular GMT watch but was significantly thinner and much less slab-sided, which appealed to many collectors. As successful as that model was, Longines did step away from the original charm of the Spirit collection, leaving enthusiasts wanting a grade 5 Titanium GMT watch that was not a limited edition. They have heard the call and have just announced a new 39mm Spirit Zulu Time in this material, which fits right in with all the others in the lineup. Why are we explicitly mentioning the titanium grade used in these watches? In wristwatches, there are generally two types of titanium used. Grade 2 and grade 5, and while they both have the key qualities that make the material special (they are both very light), there is a tangible difference. Grade 2 titanium is commercially pure titanium, which ...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Fortis Aug 15, 2024

[VIDEO] Fun with Fortis at Windup Watch Fair Chicago

Known for their deep expertise in making precision tool watches for pilots, professionals, and enthusiasts, Fortis has been a key fixture at the last several Windup Watch Fairs. Our media team was fortunate to capture some of the buzz surrounding the Fortis booth at the recent Windup Watch Fair in Chicago, along with some close-ups of some of their latest releases. Be sure to join Fortis at Center415 right on 5th Avenue in Manhattan on October 18th-20th as a Lead Sponsor of 2024’s Windup Watch Fair NYC! We can’t wait to see you there. The post [VIDEO] Fun with Fortis at Windup Watch Fair Chicago appeared first on Worn & Wound.

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Nivada Grenchen has just released their Aug 15, 2024

Nivada and Exquisite Timepieces Team Up for a Purple Toned Limited Edition Depthmaster

In its latest iteration of the Depthmaster, Swiss watch manufacturer Nivada Grenchen has just released their Purple Ghost limited edition. You may remember this model from last year’s review, but the new Purple Ghost has reimagined the classic diver of the past in a new colorway that’s as interesting as it is, frankly, cool. To begin with, we should mention that the Purple Ghost is a collaborative effort with Naples, Florida-based authorized retailer of some of the world’s most famous brands, Exquisite Timepieces. With its long relationship with Nivada Grenchen, this partnership highlights not only the best of both brands, but also the strengths of each – both separately and together. With Exquisite’s history in the luxury watch space and Nivada Grenchen’s 145 years in business, I’m sure each brand was able to compare notes and bring to market something that’s totally unique in the market today. So, enter the Purple Ghost. As with its previous iteration, you are going to get a lot of distinct personality from this watch. Before we get too far into what makes the Purple Ghost unique, we should take notes of the case. Ostensibly a cushion case, the oversized bezel adds a proportionality to this watch that belies its 39mm size. Like last year’s release of the Depthmaster, this LE comes with some funky Pac-Man-style numerical markings (don’t they kind of remind you of The Rugrats logo – in the best way possible?). Couple that with the vibrant purple Swiss...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Omega Aug 14, 2024

Opinion: Daniel Craig, the Olympics, and that Mystery Seamaster

Did you watch the Olympic Games over the past two weeks? There’s a good chance you did: it’s been widely reported that ratings for the Paris Games were up across the board, with upwards of 30 million people tuning in to NBC’s coverage each night across all platforms, including the Peacock streaming app, which seemed to finally find its groove this year after a clunky experience in Tokyo three years ago. Even if you didn’t catch the big events night to night, just an occasional glance at coverage would have made it crystal clear who the timing sponsor for the Olympics was. While no one doubts that the Olympics are all about the athletes, it’s an enormous event for Omega (and a slew of other Olympic corporate partners). Omega branding is everywhere, and why wouldn’t it be? Their contributions to the Olympic experience are genuinely important and factor into every timed competition.  But rather than Omega’s timing prowess, another story dominated the brand’s Paris Olympic story. Last week, Daniel Craig, formerly the actor who played James Bond, currently the actor who plays Benoit Blanc, was spotted taking in the games wearing a watch that was both familiar and…not. As has been covered widely across the watch internet, Craig was photographed wearing an Omega Seamaster Professional that doesn’t currently exist in the brand’s catalog. It would appear to have a black dial and no date, a configuration that many enthusiasts would certainly be interested in. ...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Zenith Defy Extreme Diver When Aug 14, 2024

[Video] Review: the Zenith Defy Extreme Diver

When I write reviews, I find myself bucketing watches into two distinct categories. The first of these is home to watches that feel like they’re meant for a different version of me, if not a different collector altogether. These are the watches that, whether I love them or not, I’d be hard-pressed to really see as part of my day-to-day life - at least as my life exists now. The other bucket is where watches like the Zenith Defy Extreme Diver live. This is the bucket for the watches that seem to hit right in my wheelhouse - the watches that seem like they were purpose-built to appeal to me (and possibly to my wallet). The minute I saw the press release for the Defy Extreme Diver, I knew it sat in this second bucket, and I knew I needed to spend some time with it, if not for a review, then certainly to consider whether this watch was one I needed in my life. Fortunately, I didn’t have to wait all too long, and after a couple of weeks with the Defy Extreme Diver on my wrist I can easily confirm what at first I only suspected - it is very, very good. There’s an inherent irony that comes along with the very concept of a luxury tool watch. The tension between building a rugged tool watch ready to tackle the world’s most demanding environments and building a high-end luxury product is palpable. To make a watch that straddles those two worlds without looking too much like a Submariner is even harder.  With the Defy Extreme Diver, Zenith has managed to make somethi...

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Aug 14, 2024

Unorthodox Chronos, a field watch everyone should consider, pouches to carry them, and a notepad

A pair of Unorthodox Chronos, a field watch everyone should own, some pouches to carry them in, and a notepad to jot down where you stored them.  The Roundup is the Windup Watch Shop’s weekly rundown of the latest and greatest watches, accessories, EDC, and other gear. We’ve curated a selection to fit everyone’s style and budget. Hit the links below to learn more and pick something up. As always, the Windup Watch Team is available via consultation to answer any questions you have. In addition, all of these products are eligible for free domestic shipping across the US. A pair of Unorthodox Chronos, a field watch everyone should own, some pouches to carry them in, and a notepad to jot down where you stored them.  The Roundup is the Windup Watch Shop’s weekly rundown of the latest and greatest watches, accessories, EDC, and other gear. We’ve curated a selection to fit everyone’s style and budget. Hit the links below to learn more and pick something up. As always, the Windup Watch Team is available via consultation to answer any questions you have. In addition, all of these products are eligible for free domestic shipping across the US. The post Unorthodox Chronos, a field watch everyone should consider, pouches to carry them, and a notepad appeared first on Worn & Wound.

Read article

W Worn & Wound

Worn & Wound

Tissot Event Aug 13, 2024

You’re Invited to a Stellar Worn & Wound x Tissot Event in NYC!

Greetings, New Yorkers! We’re very excited to invite you to a special event at the Tissot boutique on 5th Avenue. Join the Tissot and Worn & Wound teams to celebrate the launch of a new watch that blends enthusiasm from two unique spaces – watch collecting and space exploration. So, while we can’t share many details of the release, it’s safe to say that it will be…out of this world. Refreshments will be served and there will be plenty of awesome watches to check out. Everyone who attends will be entered to win the new watch at the event, but make sure you stick around through the whole event as you must be present to win. Even if the win isn’t written in the stars, everyone who attends the event will get to leave with a special gift from our friends at Tissot. RSVP HERE The Worn & Wound x Tissot Launch Thursday, August 22, 2024 6:30PM – 8:30PM EST Tissot Boutique | FIFTH AVENUE 666 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10037 For the latest updates and future interstellar adventures, make sure to stay connected through our Weekly Newsletter and follow us on Instagram. The post You’re Invited to a Stellar Worn & Wound x Tissot Event in NYC! appeared first on Worn & Wound.

Read article