Dive Watches · Page 106

Best Diver 2022: TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 1000 Superdiver

VIDEO: The Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQuest II Ceramic is a beast of a dive watch - and that’s a good thing

Ball may not be the most recognisable name in Swiss watchmaking, but their heritage goes all the way back to 1891, and the heyday of railroad timers. In fact, due to an Ohio railroad collision (the Great Kipton Train Wreck), founder Webb C. Ball, a well-known jeweler, instituted a railroad timekeeping standard to prevent future … ContinuedThe post VIDEO: The Ball Engineer Hydrocarbon DeepQuest II Ceramic is a beast of a dive watch – and that’s a good thing appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Review: the new Peren Nera Rogue BW

Comprehensive hands-on review of the new Peren Nera Rogue BW dive watch. An affordable, dive watch with Swiss mechanical movement for daily wear.

HANDS-ON: The Seiko SPB333 Save The Ocean Limited Edition

The Seiko SPB333 Save The Ocean Limited Edition is a price-approachable totally in-house dive watch, rooted in rich heritage and history.The post HANDS-ON: The Seiko SPB333 Save The Ocean Limited Edition appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

New: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe in the colours of love

Blancpain releases a new Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe in their ladies collection for Valentine's Day 2023 in white with very feminine pink accents.

Best of 2022: Value Propositions

We’ve gone through the year’s best watches from independent watchmakers and establishment brands, as well as the most notable complications. Nearly all of the watches on those lists, however, are pricey. So now we round up the best affordable watches of the year, namely those under US$5,000. Put another way, these are the best value proposition of 2022, both in nominal and relative terms. As has become the norm, Tudor is shoo-in when it comes to value propositions. A streamlined version of its deep-sea dive watch, the Pelagos 39 is compact, lightweight, and minimalist. The case is 39 mm and all titanium, while the dial does away with the date but includes a line of red text in a nod to vintaged dive watches.  While much about the watch has been simplified, the details of the Pelagos 39 are fancier than usual. Both the dial and bezel insert are radially brushed – a matte metallic finish for the dial and brushed ceramic for the bezel – giving the Pelagos 39 a more reflective finish than its peers. When it comes to dress watches, the Longines Master Collection “190th Anniversary” is amongst the best, particularly at its US$2,000-ish price. It features a dial that appears to be highly elaborate with Breguet hour numerals that appear to be hand engraved. Naturally the dial is made by machine, but it is done convincingly enough that has a strikingly appealing aesthetic. Thanks to the dial, the watch certainly punches above its price segment. And like many Longin...

The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Night Diver recreates a cruelly overlooked Bond watch

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for all things 007. The action, the intrigue, the charm, the gadgets… and most of all, the watches. The Rolex Submariner, the Breitling Top Time, the Omega Seamaster, the Seiko Golden Tuna, and even the Gruen Precision dress watch from Dr No, they’ve all shaken my martini. … ContinuedThe post The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Night Diver recreates a cruelly overlooked Bond watch appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Vintage Watches: A 1972 Rolex 'Red' Submariner, A 2000s A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1, And A 1970s Patek Philippe

Last chance to add an expertly curated vintage watch to your collection before the year is over!

How the Tudor Black Bay struck gold as a modern tool watch with real vintage heritage

Upon its release in 2012, the Tudor Black Bay set the watch world ablaze with a blockbuster reception, a pretty clear result of pent-up demand for a retro-inspired diver. At its debut during the Baselworld show, it represented a sort of “greatest hits” collection of design cues from some of the brand’s best-loved historical references, … ContinuedThe post How the Tudor Black Bay struck gold as a modern tool watch with real vintage heritage appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Seiko Introduces the Prospex SPB333, “White Birch” for Less

As is its habit, Seiko is marking the 110th anniversary of its first-ever wristwatch with a series of limited editions starting with the recent Presage SBP359. Now the Japanese watchmaker unveils the Prospex Save the Ocean “Seiko Watchmaking 110th Anniversary” based on its “turtle” dive watch but featuring a patterned dial reminiscent of the popular Grand Seiko “White Birch”. Initial thoughts When Seiko first announced limited editions for the 110th anniversary, I was expecting a reissue of the original Laurel wristwatch, which turned out to be spot on. But as a longtime fan of Seiko dive watches, I was hoping for something based on the “Turtle” for the occasion. Well, I am happy to say that the SPB333 does not disappoint. Though it is easily recognisable as a “Turtle”, it is clear that thought went into the styling. Its designers used the classic diver as a template for gentle experimentation and the result certainly delivers. The dial is beautiful and certainly fancier than that on the average Seiko diver. Though ostensibly inspired by glaciers, the textured dial certainly brings to mind the popular “White Birch” pattern found on several Grand Seiko models. This level of dial decoration on a “tool” watch places the SPB333 on my Christmas wish list. Pattern aside, I do have some bones to pick with the dial design, specifically the date window between four and five o’clock. I find date windows on Seiko divers are far better in the cust...

The HYT Hastroid Cosmic Hunter combines avant-garde tech with materials of old

The HYT brand is experiencing an encouraging renaissance. It came back with a big bang with the help of Kairos Technology and a certain Davide Cerrato at the helm. For reference, Davide is just the guy who launched the initial Tudor Black Bay in 2012 and oversaw Montblanc’s purchase of Minerva. Good CV, then. The … ContinuedThe post The HYT Hastroid Cosmic Hunter combines avant-garde tech with materials of old appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

MICRO MONDAYS: The Peren Nera Rogue BW is a keenly priced dive watch with a stealth-driven look

Peren can be a confusing brand for people who are new to their concept, but despite a rather baffling backstory including a ransomed prototype, the new limited edition of the Peren Nera Rogue is perhaps the brand’s most versatile watch yet. If you’re looking for a traditional dive watch with a stealth-driven look, the Peren … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: The Peren Nera Rogue BW is a keenly priced dive watch with a stealth-driven look appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Up Close: Blancpain Villeret Tourbillon Heure Sautante Minutes Rétrograde

While Blancpain is best known for its retro dive watches and triple calendars, the brand’s catalogue includes a surprisingly broad range of complications, especially for a brand of its scale (but the fact that the brand is part of Swatch Group clearly helps). One of its most interesting recent complications is the Villeret Tourbillon Heure Sautante Minutes Rétrograde, the first Blancpain watch with either a jumping hours or retrograde display. Despite the lengthy name, the Tourbillon Heure Sautante Minutes Rétrograde, from now on simply THSMR, is a simple watch on its face, but one executed in an elaborate manner with details that speak to its quality. The dial is champlevé enamel with a symmetrical time display and “floating” flying tourbillon, while the movement has a six-day power reserve and bridges finished with guilloche. Initial thoughts Unlike most of Blancpain’s complications that formal and busy, the THSMR is an elegant watch with an almost minimalist design. The fired enamel dial has a figure-of-eight display that gives it almost perfect symmetry, except for the charmingly quirky hour window that is off-centre but just right. And up close the tourbillon appears to be “floating” thanks to a clear sapphire lower bridge. It is a fairly large watch as most Blancpain watches now are, though it’s not too thick at just over 11 mm high. But the size is grounded in its mechanics: the cal. 260MR is a sizeable movement with an impressive six-day power r...

A Dive Watch with a Jellyfish Glow: Jacques Bianchi x Revolution Limited Edition JB200 “Méduse”

Wei takes us through our latest collaboration with Montres Jacques Bianchi - our take on the contemporary reissue of the JB200, a “destro” dive watch originally commissioned by the French Navy and created by legendary Marseille watchmaker, Jacques Bianchi. Limited to 150 pieces, the JB200 “Méduse” features the silhouette of a scuba diver, now fully […]

The Spec Sheet: One Minute With One Of Our Favorite Releases Of The Year, The Tudor Black Bay Pro

With a flyer GMT and 39mm case, Tudor finally gave many collectors the Black Bay they'd been asking for.

Video surfaces proving Tudor BB58 is compatible with Ranger T-Fit bracelet

As someone who once owned the original Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight and BB58 Navy Blue, I can say they were both constant wears within my collection when I owned them. Now, to be clear, I did not “flip” the two watches. Both were lost as a result of the necessary “one in, one out” philosophy … ContinuedThe post Video surfaces proving Tudor BB58 is compatible with Ranger T-Fit bracelet appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Up Close: Patek Philippe Ref. 5935A World Time Flyback Chronograph

While much of the buzz around Patek Philippe’s recent launches has been centred on the Nautilus ref. 5811/1G in white gold, the year has been mostly about other than the Nautilus and Aquanaut. Amongst the most notable new launches for 2022 is the World Time Flyback Chronograph ref. 5935A-001. Continuing with Patek Philippe’s development of steel watches beyond its traditional sports models, the ref. 5935A is a striking new take on a model that made its debut in 2016. Previously available only in precious metals (namely white gold or platinum), the ref. 5935A is the first of the model in stainless steel – and one of the brand’s few complicated watches in the metal. And the ref. 5935A is larger in diameter than its predecessor, but its most eye-catching feature is the dial in “rose-gilt opaline” (or “salmon” if you wish). Initial thoughts A World Time in steel is a big deal because the world time is arguably an iconic watch for Patek Philippe. Select vintage examples are amongst the handful of Patek Philippe references that can sell for high-seven or even eight figures. Granted the ref. 5935A adds a chronograph into the mix, but it is still modern take on a signature complication. The ref. 5935A retains the familiar Louis Cottier-type world time display that’s almost synonymous with Patek Philippe, but with contemporary materials and colours. And at 41 mm it is also larger than usual for a Patek Philippe complication, giving it something of a sporty feel...

Watching Movies: Daniel Craig Returns As Benoit Blanc, Solving Crimes While Wearing A Special Omega Seamaster In 'Glass Onion'

Our watch-related movie of the week proves that we don't need James Bond in order to get Mr. Craig in an Omega.

News: Blancpain celebrates 70th anniversary of the first diving watch

Over the next 12 months, from January 2023, Blancpain will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of the first modern diving watch - their Fifty Fathoms.

Kudoke Makes a Hollywood Debut in ‘Last Looks’

Seeing an Omega Seamaster in the latest James Bond is hardly a surprise. Independent watchmakers, however, rarely get the same Hollywood opportunities that deep-pocketed brands like Omega do. But tiny German watchmaker Kudoke managed to make it to the big screen without a well-funded marketing campaign. This story starts with American novelist Howard Michael Gould, who released Last Looks in 2018. A mystery novel centred on a disgraced detective, Last Looks was on its way to the silver screen shortly after publication with Charlie Hunnam and Mel Gibson in starring roles. Dominic Monaghan’s character wearing the Kudoke Real Skeleton A crucial Kudoke skeleton While the filming Last Looks, the producers reached out to the husband-and-wife team behind Kudoke, Ev and Stefan, for a watch to be worn in a movie without providing much details. According to Ev, the email from the producers initially seemed to be a random piece of spam. After all, most watches with prominent placements in films are the result of hefty advertising budgets. But then Kudoke received another email with the same request from another sender. This piqued their interest but left Ev and Stefan wondering why any producer would choose a watch most of the audience would never recognise? Soon enough, the Kudokes were sent excerpts of the script. To their surprise, the watch was not merely an accessory, but it was a central part of the plot, a crucial clue for solving the mystery in fact. The Kudokes natural...

Hands-On: We Took This Zodiac Skin Diver Swimming In A Frigid Lake

Can the right timepiece provide cold comfort in icy waters? Our former Complete Newbie columnist – now a real, professional watch writer – strapped on the Super Sea Wolf Compression Whitecap to find out.

HANDS-ON: The Titoni Seascoper range delivers classic dive watches with a clean-cut, modern look

When it comes to dive watches, to say there is a lot of competition is a huge understatement. With over a century of watchmaking experience, Titoni has put forward their latest entries into this heavily contested field with the Seascoper 300 and 600. The watches hone in on a definitive look that can be adapted … ContinuedThe post HANDS-ON: The Titoni Seascoper range delivers classic dive watches with a clean-cut, modern look appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

Pre-Owned Picks: Turkey? Football? Family? Better Yet - Dive Watches

Six dive watches that are sweet as pecan pie.

The Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster ‘No Barracuda’ is the Dive Watch to Wear Incognito Under the Sea

Wei and Jeremiah talk about Nivada Grenchen, a brand that has been recently resurrected by Guillaume Laidet and Remi Chabrat, and some of its incredibly well-made historical models that were field-tested and found to be superb tool watches. The Depthmaster is one of those models and we are honored to collaborate with Nivada to present […]