Category: BaselWorld

HANDS-ON: Barely there brilliance – the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic

Some of the most important, exciting watches are those made by watchmakers who push the barriers of what’s possible. The deepest, the most complicated, or in the case of this Bulgari, the thinnest. Bulgari has a proven record when it comes to high-end, ultra thin horology. They hold the record for the thinnest tourbillon and the thinnest minute repeater. Now they can add the thinnest automatic movement to the list. The movement in the new Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic is a mere 2.23mm thick, 0.7mm thinner than Piaget’s legendary 12P. On top of that the whole watch comes in at a mere 5.15mm thick. This extremely slight movement, paired with the lightweight titanium case means that the Octo really is a feather on the wrist. The real trick to making a thin movement is to make one that is robust enough to stand up to regular daily wear, and on that front the Octo certainly delivers. Beating at 3hz, and with a platinum micro-rotor that’s able to generate an impressive 60 hours of power reserve, the Finissimo is no delicate dress-only piece. On top of that the Caliber BVL 138 has been designed to very tight tolerances, with many elements…

The post HANDS-ON: Barely there brilliance – the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.

8 years ago

Baselworld 2017 – Recreating The First Grand Seiko (SBGW251 – SBGW252 – SBGW253) Plus A Modern Reissue (SBGR305)

Seiko, for a long time, has been away from the trend of vintage and reissues. This was simply not their thing, the brand simply emphasized on evolution and modern designs. Yet, since a few years now, and mainly with the arrival of the Presage collection, the Japanese brand now looks at its rich history. For Baselworld 2017, the focus will be on the recreation of the first Grand Seiko, launched for Japan only in 1960 (while the international launch of Grand Seiko took place in 2010), with three limited editions (SBGW251 – SBGW252 – SBGW253). And for those who prefer present days, there will also be a modern reissue, the SBGR305.

8 years ago

Baselworld 2017 – The New Bell & Ross Vintage Collection, Smaller, Slimmer, More Elegant

Since now over a decade, Bell & Ross have had in their collection “another” watch, rather different at first from the sporty or military-oriented pieces, such as the iconic square BR01. This watch is the Vintage, a watch made to be more classic, more elegant and cleverly using 1960s elements. Don’t think that it is not 100% Bell & Ross though, as it has taken its inspiration from the history of aviation. For Baselworld 2017, the Bell & Ross Vintage Collection is slightly revamped and now comes in a smaller, slimmer and more elegant design.

8 years ago

Baselworld 2017 – RJ Romain Jérôme Unveils Limited Editions with Hand-Engraved Cases

RJ Romain Jérôme unveils two limited editions boasting hand-engraved cases – an invitation to travel across the brand’s universe whilst exploring artistic territories. Here are the RJ Romain Jérôme Steampunk Black Auto Engraved & Skylab 48 Red Engraved. RJ Romain Jérôme introduces two limited editions (both limited to 9 pieces) transporting you to a blend of …

8 years ago

LIST: The 5 watches we’re arguing most about at Baselworld 2017

Baselworld is a pressure cooker. It’s an intense week full of back-to-back appointments, cramped accommodation and more watches than – if we’re being really honest – is healthy to try and process at once. So it’s only to be expected that Andrew and I have our own instincts about what are the hotties and notties. In fact, sometimes it can get downright frosty in Chez Time+Tide. It’s Saturday evening here, and instead of chilling out we’re getting fired up over a few Feldschlössen and five watches we just can’t see eye to eye on. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller ANDREW: I’m rapt they’ve onboarded the new Sea-Dweller with the 3235 movement, but I’m not as into the larger 43mm size. One of the best things about Rolex is the sheer ergonomic perfection of the OP case in its purest expression, which is 40mm with that svelte case profile you can spot a mile away. And that’s the thing, a Rolex doesn’t need to be big to be noticed. FELIX: I think you’re missing the point. People want big Rolexes – the Sea-Dweller is one of the models that looks good at a bigger size. The cyclops is classic Rolex, and who doesn’t like red text? Sure,…

The post LIST: The 5 watches we’re arguing most about at Baselworld 2017 appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.

8 years ago

Baselworld 2017 – The Urban Jurgensen 1140 now in Platinum with Blue Guilloche Dial

Urban Jurgensen is doing its bit to contribute to global warming this year, with this super–hot, blue dialled limited edition in platinum – Designing an elegant three-hander, stripped of all frills and superfluous details, is not an easy task, which makes the Urban Jurgensen reference 1140 all the more remarkable. Testament to the brand’s uncompromising craftsmanship and horological credentials, it is now produced in a magnificent blue-dialled version, paired with a platinum case. For the Monochrome team, it was love at first sight! A good reason to have a closer look at this quintessential dress watch born from a unique perception of elegance.

8 years ago

Baselworld 2017 – Manufacture Royale ADN, Bold & Architectural

Manufacture Royale goes back to its roots to reinvent itself whilst presenting its 9th caliber. Regulated by a flying tourbillon, the MR09 caliber lets users track two time-zones at once, right down to the minute – the local time uses an original jump-hour display. Inspired by the Androgyne, the first model unveiled following the revival of the brand a few years ago, the ‘ADN’ (the French Acronym for DNA) case houses a spectacular skeleton movement, allowing for a detailed view of its inner workings and three-dimensional architecture.

8 years ago

Baselworld 2017 – Seiko Also Revamps the 62Mas in a Modern Way – Ref. SPB051 – SPB053

A few days ago, at the opening of Baselworld 2017, we’ve been introducing to you the star of the show for Seiko collectors, the super-vintage, super-faithful and super-cool reedition of the Seiko Diver 62Mas, under the reference SLA017. This watch is superb, but it has two issues: a rather hefty price and a limited production. So, for those with a smaller budget or those who won’t be able to get the limited edition, Seiko will also have a more accessible and more modern interpretation of the iconic 62Mas, the Seiko Prospex Diver SPB051 and SPB053.

8 years ago

Baselworld 2017 – Shine a Light – The Bulgari Octo Tourbillon Sapphire

In early 2017, Bulgari unveiled a new addition to its emblematic Octo collection. True to the designs codes of the collection, (in particular a circle framed by an octagon), the lines of Roma have been smoothed featuring only 58 facets instead of the traditional 110 of the regular models. The Roma captures the traditional chic of the collection with urban, universal appeal. Inspired by a bold and nonconformist vision of watchmaking, the Roma is now enhanced with a luminescent tourbillon movement, revealing its inner workings in complete transparency. Meet the Bulgari Octo Tourbillon Sapphire.

8 years ago