ANNOUNCING: New in the shop, the handsome AF Tissot Heritage Petite Seconde and why we rate it
This morning we are announcing a new addition to the Time+Tide shop — the Tissot Heritage Petite Seconde, see the listing here. Tissot’s heritage game has been unimpeachable the last few years, with the Heritage 1948 causing quite a stir last year, and the solid, tidy and classic Petite Seconde making 2018 a one-two punch. Perhaps the central argument for these pieces, which reflect the depth of the brand’s 165-odd year archive, is the value proposition. They have style, they have movements found in more expensive brands’ watches — so there’s a big tick there in bang for buck — and they have the all-important Swiss-made provenance. Like most people in watchland, we rate them. Always have. Here are a few reasons why we’ve chosen to offer the Heritage Petite Seconde in the Time+Tide shop, with highlights of the watch from our main man Felix Scholz’s review last week: 1. It’s a flat out looker, and the case size at 42mm is right The case is refined and dressy, full of pleasing curves, giving it a warm, pebble-like feeling. The crystal is a nicely domed sapphire, held in place by a narrow, polished bezel that proves some contrast to the case middle and…
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Story in a second: The much-loved diver just got a serious makeover. Omega’s Seamaster Professional 300M is a true legend of the watch world, a watch that will be eternally associated with Bond – specifically Pierce Brosnan, the Bond who brought the franchise out of the wilderness, and once again into the spotlight. Like I said – legendary. And, as everyone knows, you don’t mess with legends. So I can only imagine that the pressure must have been high in the Omega product department in the lead up to the 25th anniversary makeover of the line, released earlier this year. And, broadly speaking, the refresh is restrained and balanced, providing upgrades where needed, but otherwise keeping the key elements right where they are. The case One of the most heated reactions to the ‘new’ Seamaster Professional was the size increase. Though really, it’s pretty marginal: 42mm, up from 41. Personally, I think the difference is minor and subtle, in keeping with what people who are after a contemporary daily dive watch want. However, while the cut-and-dry specs increase is the most obvious change to the case, it’s far from the only one. The helium release valve (that extra crown at 10…
There are all kinds of forces at work when you’re under pressure to come up with your ‘best of the year’ lists. There’s end of year fatigue. There’s the hype around new releases, late in the piece. There’s bias of every possible variety. It’s much more clear-eyed in September of the year after. So here goes. What I said in December 2017, or Jan 2018 versus all of the settling and objectivity that comes with nine months distance. Audemars Piguet Extra-Thin ‘Jumbo’ Royal Oak (Ref 15202) Then: “Yellow gold combined with navy dials always catch my eye, but the fascination I have for this ‘Golden Oak’ 40th Anniversary edition, released at SIHH in January, endured the year.” Now: No. Not one of the watches of the year. Yes, still a classic. Yes, arguably the best combination of materials and colourway for the AP ET J RO. But one of the best 10 releases? I was letting my envy of a local guy, who has the watch and still walks past me most days on the way to the office, get in the way. Cartier Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat Then: “At first, the Cartier Drive was mostly masculine, but now — care of the svelte…
Since their dramatic reboot in 2012, Tudor has continually upped the game. From the original Black Bay, to the development of in-house movements, new case materials, and complications like the chronograph, every year brings a new surprise. Based on this track record, I’m always excited to see what Tudor will do next with the Black Bay, not least because of the element of brinkmanship at play. Well, this year Tudor outdid themselves once again with the Heritage Black Bay GMT. It’s a hot watch. Not just because of its obvious good looks — I mean, just look at that bezel — it’s also an extremely high-quality offering, which can be said for all Tudor’s pieces, and it’s also technically impressive, with its brand new ‘true’ GMT. Really, it’s the complete package. Classic style, quality build and a compelling price. What’s not to like? Tudor Heritage Black Bay GMT Australian pricing Tudor Heritage Black Bay GMT, on bracelet, $4670
Now, it may shock you to learn that not everyone wants a watch bedecked with bezels, chronographs, and other functionality to complicate the equation. Some people are just after a nice watch that tells the time, simple as that. If that’s something that resonates with you, the Tudor Black Bay 41 is a watch you should definitely look into. Introduced a few years ago as a 36mm case with a black dial, the collection has since grown to include 32 and 41mm versions, and most recently blue dial options. Today we’re looking at the BB 41, with a blue dial. Before we get to the main talking point — the new dial — it’s worth recapping the numerous charms of the 41. While the case strongly references the ‘other’ Black Bays — those tall, straight sides, the ‘big’ crown and proud, bevelled lugs — the most notable difference is the bezel. Gone is the tool-like unidirectional dive bezel of the diver, the 24-hour scale of the GMT or the tachymeter of the Chrono. Instead, there’s a fixed bezel in polished steel. On paper it’s a minor change, but one that radically alters the look and feel of the watch. It’s still…
Last year’s release of the Black Bay S&G was something of a slow burn. In the heat of the initial announcements, all eyes were on the impressive Black Bay Chrono. As time passed, people seemed to realise what a looker the steel and gold was — no doubt helped by the fact that it was prominently featured on the wrist of none other than David Beckham. Well, this year Tudor released another S&G, with a radiant, golden-hued dial, officially called ‘champagne’ by the brand. We might not have been as surprised by the bi-metal watch as we were last year, but we were still pretty stunned by its beauty. And even though, dial aside, it’s fundamentally the same watch as the previous S&G, we were surprised by just how strongly the champagne S&G was its own watch, going its own way, and doing its own thing. Before we get to the dial, let’s do a quick flyover of the vital statistics. The watch bears the typical 41mm Black Bay case, with a solid golden bezel (with aluminium insert) and a gold cap crown. It’s offered on an olive green fabric strap, distressed leather and this rivet-style bracelet with gold cap centre…
What a way to start a Monday. We are so proud and privileged to announce that we have the full Australian allocation – just two watches of 200 ever produced – of a very special watch to offer in the Time+Tide shop. It is a Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic with blue nuances that we have taken to calling ‘Electric Blue’. The price is AUD$19,750. The purchase price of the watch also includes a year of watch insurance, which protects you at home and on the road, in Australia and abroad. As of this morning, after a pre-sale for subscribers over the weekend (if you’re not in our newsletter squad, sign up here to avoid missing out next time, which will be very soon) there is just one watch remaining. This watch is electric by name and electric by nature – taking what many are rushing to call a modern classic, the Octo Finissimo with titanium bracelet – to sky-blue heights care of hand-applied blue highlights to indices, hands, marque and oversized numerals at 12 and 6. We opted to represent this watch as a movie star, because in our circles that’s precisely what it is. “A home run,” says one journalist, “Stealth luxury,” says another. “A serious competitor…
Since its introduction in 2014, Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang collection has quietly been gaining momentum. The tonneau-shaped case sacrifices none of the immediate impact that Hublot is famous for, but shapes it into a more wrist-hugging form. And while the line is — as you’d expect from Hublot — full of options, this smaller, 42mm Spirit of Big Bang King Gold Blue is a real standout. The case is stunning, with the blue details providing a perfect foil to the richness of the red gold, while the smaller size makes for a watch that you could legitimately wear in more formal settings. It’s attention-seeking, but not in the same way as the Sapphire Rainbow, or one of their bright ceramic pieces, like the Red Magic. If you like the Hublot aesthetic, and are looking for a gold power watch that won’t overwhelm, this is a very solid option. Hublot Spirit of Big Bang King Gold Blue Australian pricing Hublot Spirit of Big Bang King Gold Blue, $52,700
This week we’re looking at Hublot watches that aren’t the Big Bang. Yep, you read that right. For all that the brand is virtually synonymous with their iconic (or is that iconoclastic?) sports watch, it turns out Hublot isn’t afraid to show their softer side on occasion. You know what else Hublot has never been afraid of? Colour. Both these characteristics are very much in evidence with this stylish Classic Fusion Chronograph in green. First of all, a quick primer on the Classic Fusion line — the collection, introduced in 2010, is intended as a slightly more subtle (dare we say dressier?) offering than the traditional Big Bang, while still possessing some of those indisputable Hublot hallmarks — the ‘H’ screws on the bezel, the solid end links on the strap, and those contrasting ‘ears’ on the case at three and six. It’s a softer Hublot, sure, but it’s still a Hublot. It’s also an incredibly stylish watch. The green they’ve opted for is a rich olive, dark, and far from garish. The satin-finished green sunray dial is a wonder to behold, throwing light all over the place thanks to the polished, faceted markers and hands, not to mention the…
One of the real hits from Rolex’s 2015 collection was the Oyster Perpetual 39 (ref. 114300), a bare bones, simple steel timepiece that was still pure Rolex. Initially offered in a range of youthful, colourful dials, this year the Oyster Perpetual family expanded to include white and black dial variants, and they are, just quietly, awesome. While the case and bracelet are unchanged, it’s worth revisiting them. Of course, the Oyster Perpetual is offered in a wide range of sizes, all the way up to this, the 39mm model, which really will suit a lot of wrists. But if you like your watches smaller, the 36mm is a solid choice, too. The case is Rolex’s classic Oyster case, which hasn’t changed too much over the decades. Made from Oystersteel, it uses Rolex’s Twinlock crown and is rated for 100m. While it might not have the same levels of deep diving capability as the professional line, it’s more than enough for everyday life. The bracelet is excellent — like all Rolex bracelets. It’s an Oyster bracelet, with brushed links. The clasp is a regular Oysterclasp, a superb (and deceptively simple) piece of mechanical engineering. While the case and bracelet are unchanged,…