LIST: Fergus’ 3 favourite watches of 2020
Editor’s note: Despite the challenges that we have all faced in 2020, the watch manufacturers of the world have still managed to turn out a very decent crop of new releases this year. For Fergus, though, there were three standout pieces that we’ll take a closer look at here. Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer There aren’t many words to describe this watch that fit better than plain old ‘fun’. It’s a diver, with all the specifications you could ask for from such a weekend warrior, making it beg for adventures to be had and fond memories to be formed. Although they do serve a technical purpose, the colours used for the decompression timer are just the perfect pastel shades, which aren’t overbearing and hint at the many hours spent under the sun, which the original ’60s decompression timer watches would have. Its proportions may have been blown up from those vintage examples, but the short lug-to-lug length makes it eminently wearable. The ETA-based movement also offers that fantastic 80-hour power reserve, whilst still being an affordable option to buy and service, with a great reputation for accuracy and durability. If someone had told me at the start of the year…
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The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is a legend for a reason. It was the first luxury integrated steel sports watch, and would go on to define arguably the most popular category of watches available today. But in the decades since it was first released, there have been countless different expressions of the iconic octagonal design. All of which begs the question – which is your favourite? The Time+Tide team has gathered their thoughts on the matter, and expressed why their favourite reference is top of the tree. Enjoy! Nick Kenyon – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin with onyx and diamond dial If you’re getting a luxury sports watch, why wouldn’t you emphasise the word luxury? Hewn from platinum, with an inky black onyx dial and a tasteful dusting of panache with diamond indexes, this thing is absolutely stunning, and turns the luxury up to 11. And with dimensions measuring just 39mm in diameter and only 8.1mm thick, it’s about as good as it gets. Andrew McUtchen – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin RD#2 I was at the AP ‘Beyond Watchmaking’ exhibition in Tokyo and an AP watchmaker was explaining to me the miracle of the RD#2, the…
In 2019, this was without a doubt one of the pieces I most enjoyed putting together. Not just because I love looking at photos of watches, but because the difference between a good photo and a bad photo is a gulf that isn’t often talked about, and has some of the most impact on how a watch is understood. After all, in the words that I write I can describe the feeling of a watch on the wrist, or explain why it is a significant piece in the history of a brand, but a photo can offer insights that words can sometimes struggle to compete with. It’s true that a picture speaks a thousand words, and even more so when it comes to communicating about the wonderful world of watches. So without further ado, here are six of my favourite watch photos from 2020, in no particular order. Seiko SRPE39K Save The Ocean Seiko make the people’s dive watches, and have for decades. But what I love about them, aside from their accessible prices and endlessly varied designs, is the build quality and detail execution that they nail. For me, this photo represents that perfectly, with the near perfectly formed…
Many guys dismiss the idea of wearing a diamond watch out of fear it’ll seem ludicrously over the top. Admittedly, countless celebrities rock blinged-out watches smothered with so many diamonds you can barely see the metal. But there are other, more subtle alternatives to the fully iced-out look you may want to explore. It is no secret diamonds can add hefty premiums to watch prices, especially when bought at retail. Here are eight of our favourite men’s diamond watches – ranging from the more affordable entry-level pieces all the way to six figures. Tudor Royal ref. M28600-0004 Probably the most interesting thing about the Tudor Royal is the number of configurations and sizes available. With more than 50 combinations to choose from, fans of the design have no shortage of options. When you think diamonds, you typically don’t imagine entry-level pricing. But Tudor is an extremely trustworthy manufacturer that delivers quality offerings at more approachable price points. In this instance they have done so with diamonds, and in a sporty package you can swim with no less. The integrated stainless-steel build doesn’t hurt either. Price: $2950 USD Rolex Datejust 36 ref. 126324 Little brother not enough? Then Rolex may be your…
This year was strange, to put it mildly. The pandemic was ever-present, lurking over our shoulder, keeping us locked in our homes and generally limiting our contact with the rest of the world. Fortunately, for those of us into watches, the new releases have continued to flow with manufacturers adapting their release strategies to meet the year’s peculiar demands. Here are my three favourite watches of 2020. Kurono “Mori” One-Year Anniversary Limited Edition In my opinion, Kurono watches have the best ratio of affordability to artistry. Lucky buyers get world-class dials and hands in a classic 37mm case profile that’s beautifully polished all around (besides its brushed caseback). The Mori One-Year Anniversary Limited Edition has a rich emerald green dial that I have yet to even begin to tire of and looks far more expensive than it really is. For under $2000 USD, Kurono manages to provide consumers with completely distinct and original designs from Hajime Asaoka – who, under his own name, creates bespoke watches priced at tens of thousands of dollars. With Kurono, he still manages to bring the same level of attention to detail, blending both bespoke and affordable elements to the watch. The Miyota movement within…
It doesn’t matter whether you’re in Aussie summer or the Northern Hemisphere winter, whether locked down or suddenly released, we need colours in our lives more than ever this year. From bubblegum pink to baby blue, pastel-coloured watch dials never fail to turn heads and lift sagging spirits, and every man should be secure enough to rock a bright dial from time to time. Check out a few of our picks for the best pastel watches of 2020. Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 126000 “Candy Pink” This is one of the freshest dials on a Rolex since the legendary lacquered Stella dials of the ’70s. In a perfect candy-floss pink, this offers a fresh pop of summer, brought to life by the traditional craftsmanship only the Crown can bestow on a sports watch in a classic case. The 904L steel that Rolex uses for its cases and oyster bracelet has a softer, warmer feel than the usual 316L, so whichever size you choose, this could easily become your daily watch of choice (if you’re bold enough). We love the sublime comfort of the 36mm case – just be aware that your partner will inevitably try to steal it. Price: $7850 AUD…
“After 40,” Abraham Lincoln once said, “every man gets the face he deserves.” We assume that Abe was talking here about watch faces and so, with that in mind, we turned our attention to the best timepiece you can buy to celebrate a 40th birthday for under $5000. Because 40 is a milestone worth celebrating. This is the decade of self-actualisation, where you stop caring what other people think about you so much. Sure, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows – your hangovers are tougher, your back hurts more. But you also start to know who you really are and your watch should reflect this inner substance that your 40th year bestows. Longines Legend Diver Bronze This is a diving watch with gravitas. The case is particularly appropriate for a 40th birthday occasion with bronze also being a metal that gets better and better with age. It’s also the perfect counterpoint for the forest green dial that darkens to almost black at the edges. The hand-sewn two-stitch strap in butter-soft calf leather adds to the prevailing sense of effortless stature. Price: $4475 Grand Seiko SBGP005 This dial is dangerously close to perfection. Texture-free, it exists in some wondrous hinterland between…
The gift-giving season has arrived, with Christmas and other holidays just around the corner. Odds are if you’re reading this article (or any content on Time+Tide for that matter) that you, or someone you know, have a sweet spot for watch-related goodies. Fortunately, you don’t have to wait till the last minute or spend a great deal of time pondering what would make a great stocking stuffer this year, as we have assembled five great accessories that will definitely get the recipient’s heart ticking. Each of the below items are available now for purchase in the Time+Tide Marketplace, click on the price to access the item in the shop! Time+Tide Watches Orange Elegant Leather Watch Pouch Watch cases, boxes and pouches are essential for those who want to safely store or carry watches on the go. Sure, there is real estate on the wrist, but if you’re heading to a meet-up or vacation with, say, a dress and sports watch, you’ll want to make sure the watch you are not wearing is in a safe place. The Orange Elegant Leather Watch Pouch is a simple yet sophisticated solution to easy-watch carry. The orange leather is of very high quality, and…
This year has held a lot of change for almost everyone who populates this planet. Some people have been able to take positives out of their respective lockdown experiences, free-time opportunities, or even just spending more time with those immediately around you. But ultimately I don’t believe anyone could say that it has been easy. For me, among other things, 2020 was the year I joined Time+Tide. This involved its challenges, as I’ve only been a watch enthusiast for about two years now, and I’ve had to learn fast. Being lent the occasional new watch to review was, of course, an exciting experience when I first earned some trust, but one of the year’s highlights has been meeting the characters behind this website that I’d first started to explore as YouTube recommended me more and more horological content. I may have embarrassed myself in my first editorial meeting over Zoom by forgetting to change my background beforehand (the description of the photo I’ll take to my grave), but I’m glad to say that I feel totally welcomed. In no particular order, here are five of my favourite Time+Tide articles from the year, which I think sum up the people I’m…
If you missed Part 1 of this series looking at some of the best titanium watches, you can take a look right here. While for some the notion of titanium is beholden to large divers and the cutting-edge of the tool watch spectrum, Part 2 might surprise you with a lesser known and far dressier side to the story. Brace yourself for some exquisite Haute Horlogerie and James Bond references dressed up in the armoured finery of titanium. Laurent Ferrier Opaline 40mm The last place you would expect to find titanium is in a beautifully simple, haute horlogerie dress watch from the ex-Patek Philippe master Laurent Ferrier. Like the rest of his perfectionist portfolio, the Classic Origin Opaline is pebble-smooth, and though you might do a second take wondering why the exposure in the shot made the case look a bit dark for steel, titanium still does not present itself as an immediate answer. I will stress again the fact that titanium is not easy to work with in making mirror-like round polished surfaces, but clearly Mr Ferrier took it on as a challenge, lending a flyweight air to what is consummate elegance embodied in a round case. The silvery white…