OPINION: An open letter to those that I’ve wrist stalked

To all the strangers on the streets, in the cafes, and just generally going about your own business … I have no shame in admitting that I am a wrist stalker. If you’re a regular reader, then chances are you’re one, too. We all do it. Some of us are just better than others and can pick a watch from across the room with only the hint of a bezel or a clasp. I’m not one to normally blow my own trumpet, but call me Louis Armstrong, because that’s me. Others, though, tend to get themselves into trouble, going for a peek at the most inopportune times – you know who you are. As a self-confessed (or maybe it’s crowned?) “pro” wrist stalker, I feel compelled to first apologise on behalf of those less-skilled individuals (they really need to read our handy guide on watch spotting). And then to say that I’m sorry. I’m sorry to everyone I’ve ever made feel uncomfortable while waiting for their morning coffee, or while innocently tapping away at their mobile phones. I’m sorry to anyone I’ve ever made a victim with my glaringly hot stare, as they politely walked past and my eyes tracked…

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6 years ago

Hands-on – Louis Moinet SpaceWalker & Skylink – Celebrating Russian Cosmonaut Alexei Leonov

Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Yuri Gagarin. Three men we pretty much all know, cemented in history due to their endeavours in outer space. But, besides these legends among men, there are more pioneers that deserve credit for their adventures but simply appear less top-of-mind for most of us, or not known at all. Well, Louis Moinet, the inventors of the chronograph, bring us two watches celebrating Russian cosmonaut Alexei Leonov; the Louis Moinet SpaceWalker & Skylink.

6 years ago

EDITOR’S PICK: Many ways to Black Bay – a video overview of Tudor’s heritage hero

Editor’s note: The latest crop of Tudor Black Bays are beginning to hit our shores, from the hot new GMT to the svelte Fifty-Eight. The perfect time then to look back on a line that fuelled Tudor’s ascendancy to the powerhouse it is today, and was a major influencer in the whole heritage trend. But it wasn’t always the profusion of colours and cases that we have today. Back in the day, the first three Black Bays were real markers of identity, a call to arms for the tribe of Tudor. This video review from last year shows us the many faces of this versatile diver.   

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6 years ago

Hands-on – Chronoswiss Flying Grand Regulator Skeleton Limited Edition

There are certain watch brands that are unmistakable at first sight. Panerai and Richard Mille come to mind. Chronoswiss is another such brand with its signature regulator displays, side knurled cases and large onion crowns. Since 1987, Chronoswiss has celebrated this regulator design and built a brand identity around it. Following up on recent regulator models, such as the Flying Regulator Open Gear and Flying Regulator Night and Day, the relatively young brand of 35 years has introduced a limited edition Flying Grand Regulator Skeleton in steel. The dial has been scaled back to the bare essentials and provides an almost unfettered view of the skeletonized movement. It’s a bold and modern addition to the series.

6 years ago

Introducing – Hamilton Khaki Field Day-Date 42mm “Camouflage” Automatic

Following up on the affordable Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm, Hamilton is introducing the Khaki Field Camouflage collection with larger cases and automatic movements. Back in the 1940’s, Hamilton (then an American brand) received the US Army-Navy ‘E’ Award for their ability to deliver one million reliable, accurate watches to the US military. Although Hamilton is now a Swiss brand, the company is proud of its US military roots and continues to produce models that are faithful to that era and the American spirit. The new Khaki Field Day-Date Camouflage watches are more contemporary than their hand-wound 38mm counterparts but still fall within this military aesthetic.

6 years ago

VIDEO: Solid sports style from Zenith – the Defy Classic

In recent times, Zenith have made a marked change of tack — away from the oversized heritage pieces that have been their main focus. The Pilot watches are still there, of course, but now the Defy shares top billing as a contemporary alternative. And while the Defy is dominated by the aggressively skeletonised look that we know and love, this solid-dialled Defy Classic is perhaps my number one pick. The dial does a great job of toning down the statement aspect of the Defy, and letting the excellent case and bracelet shine. To my mind this is a really interesting option for a daily watch; it’s a fairly novel design from an interesting brand, it’s comfortable, practical and lightweight. It also looks great on the wrist. The case shape and titanium construction make it a slightly less conventional offering, but that’s not a bad thing. If you still want to run with the pack, but at the outskirts, this sporty, sleek Defy Classic could be just what you’re after. Zenith Defy Classic Australian pricing Zenith Defy Classic, titanium on bracelet, $9600

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6 years ago

ANNOUNCING: If you’re thinking about buying an Autavia, now is the time to move – our Collector’s Packs are on sale today

Our Autavia plus Collector’s Packs go on sale today. Last week, we announced that we’ve put together a Collector’s Pack to include with our limited sale of 10 TAG Heuer Autavia Calibre Heuer 02 watches. Today, the sale is live — you can check it out right now in the shop. The sale is for a few reasons, not least because we’re big fans of the watch and the movement – at its price, a manufacture chronograph with on-point panda looks is a solid proposition. It’s also because we wanted to throw a bit of a bash to celebrate co-founder of Time+Tide and the man behind Calibre 11, David Chalmers’ big win with the ‘Jo Siffert Collector’s Edition’. The real drawcard for buyers who can get to Melbourne in August is the lunch where David, one of the world’s leading Heuer experts, will do a Q&A about the experience of launching a Limited Edition with a brand as big as TAG Heuer. We have loads of questions, as we’re sure you will too. It’s going to be a big day. All buyers are invited, with a plus one for that special other watch lover, or tolerant better half, who will, at…

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6 years ago