5 great watch-related gifts you can buy for Father's Day from the Time+Tide Shop

Seiko Presage Cocktail Time, travel pouch, leather strapDown here in Australia, Father’s Day is celebrated on September 1, which happens to be — wait for it — this Sunday, AKA a mere six sleeps away. Which, in the scheme of retail and everyone’s busy life, isn’t that long at all. So, as a helpful reminder, we’ve put together five banging Father’s Day gifts from our shop, which, if you order them quick smart, should make it in time. Failing that, you can always print off the confirmation email and pop it in with a nice card.  So whether you’re a watch-loving dad who’s looking to helpfully forward a link to your nearest and dearest, or if your own dad’s timepiece (which he’s looking after for the next generation, natch) needs some loving, here are some solid options.  Light brown + white stitch elegant leather strap This 20mm strap, in light, full-grain leather is the bee’s knees. It’s elegant enough for Lange through to Seiko, but also not overly dressy, thanks to the warm tone, rich texture and contrast stitch. Honestly, it looks good with pretty much anything. Plus the taper is hella elegant. $175 AUD Watch tool and case Tools are one of those classic Father’s Day…

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5 years ago

Level up your watch photography with @MracekProductions

Editor’s note: Being a pilot who’s into watches is already cool enough, but when you add in some seriously serious photography skills, that’s the whole ballgame. If you need some watch photography inspiration, this is it. Here’s a story from a while back when Andy caught up with Dale Mracek of @MracekProductions … Hi Dale, what’s your daily watch and why? I don’t have a daily watch per se, though I have my eye on a particular piece right now, so that may change soon! I bought all my watches to wear, so I tend to rotate them as much as possible. When I’m working, I tend to gravitate towards a GMT, as all our flight planning, Dep/Arrival times, weather forecasting etc. is all referenced to Zulu (GMT) time. So, generally, I most likely throw on my Breitling Avenger II GMT or Citizen Nighthawk (great grab and go). I’m a Breitling tragic, and I love the aviation history behind the brand. The original Navitimer 01 is such a classic and beautiful piece, and I have lusted over one since I started flying! One day I would like to add a vintage Navi to the collection. What else is in your…

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5 years ago

What Sealed The Deal – John J and his Panerai 177

Panerai 177The greatest love stories basically go a little like this: lovers meet and instantly fall for each other, other forces separate them and they may never be together, then the lovers are reunited and all is well in the universe. This is also the basic story of John and his Panerai 177, which should indicate the depths of his passion for this particular watch. When did you first see/hear about it? A couple of years ago, I had a Panerai 176, which is a very similar model to this one, but without the hacking seconds. I loved it, but I got the Rolex itch, so had to sell the Panerai to fund the Rolex. I always wanted another one though, because for me it’s the quintessential Panerai. Brushed not polished (like a tool watch should be), manual wind, sandwich dial, and a reliable Unitas movement. I just love the way it wears. It’s my new daily at the moment, and I have to force myself to wear other pieces. Now I  look at it and think, ‘When this exists, why is there such hype about Rolex?’ Any story behind the purchase? Nothing beyond that I had the sibling in the…

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5 years ago

INTRODUCING: Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date limited edition

Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris DateThe Polaris collection was launched by Jaeger-LeCoultre last year to pay tribute to the dive watches produced by the brand in the ’60s and ’70s. Instantly recognisable with the super-compressor style case and internal bezel, the Polaris has been given a new look in the Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date. What makes this new edition different can be seen immediately in the dial, with a blend of finishes and shades of blue that place it at home in the water. The dial has three separate sections: the centre featuring a sun-rayed finish that looks almost liquid in its shimmer, which heavily contrasts against the grained ring that holds the Super-LumiNova filled hour markers, which are surrounded by the internal rotating bezel. The 42mm steel case is both polished and brushed to highlight the dial, and houses the in-house Calibre 899A/1, a movement that offers a date function for desk diving, as well as 200m water resistance for scuba diving. The two crowns at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock allow control of the time setting and bezel adjustment, and are typical of the super-compressor cases of the 1960s. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Date also features a navy blue rubber strap with a tactile Clous…

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5 years ago

The Citizen Promaster NY0080-12E – scratching an itch with a spiky bezel

Citizen Promaster NY0080It’s probably a bit generous to call me a ‘collector’, but as I continue on this journey, I’m discovering that I genuinely enjoy meaningful attempts by companies to do something different. In today’s expanded universe of microbrands and industry stalwarts, it can take a lot to stand out, but it takes even more to stand out in a good way. But that’s what I enjoy about the Citizen NY0080 line-up, the successor to the original NY0040 ‘Fugu’. To me, the Fugu line-up (in particular the black dial one that I own) is an excellent example of a watch that stands out from the pack in all the right ways. But much like actual puffer fish, the NY0080-12E might be an acquired taste. Many of the NY0080’s design elements can only be appreciated after some scrutiny. In this respect, the Fugu lives up to its namesake in a second way: you get a lot more than you bargain for once you get a bit closer. The combination of brushed and polished finishing interacts seamlessly to create curves that you swore were not there a second ago. The tapered lugs and case profile benefit the most from this effect, effectively bringing out…

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5 years ago

Buying vintage Rolex – Utilitarian ideal without waiting list ordeal

Vintage Rolex GMT MasterFor almost every watch enthusiast, the first sojourn into the world of the vintage watch market is two things: fun and inexpensive. The thrill of owning something that was created and worn several decades ago, the history, the gorgeous patina and, in most cases, the value for money – it just seems like there are zero downsides. My first vintage piece was a gold-capped Tudor Oyster Prince from the early ’60s. It wasn’t a minter by any means, with scratches and swirls galore adorning both the plexi and the case. But I didn’t care one bit, because in my humble eyes it was completely and utterly gorgeous! High off this perceived value, it wasn’t long before my collection had swelled rapidly with other vintage pieces from the likes of Omega, Universal Genève and IWC. They all varied greatly in appearance, style and condition, but they had one thing in common – they were cheap. With my most recent soirée into the buying of watches from yesteryear, however, I have strayed rather far from the path of my usual modus operandi. Essentially, I’ve gone from procuring timepieces worth a couple of hundred bucks each, to buying a single watch worth more…

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5 years ago

HANDS-ON: The Monta Atlas GMT 

There’s something really appealing about a well-priced travel watch, and the Atlas GMT, from micro brand Monta, certainly fits that bill. If you’re not familiar with Monta, they’re a relatively young brand inspired by the well-priced tool watches of yesteryear and, I’ve got to say, they’ve done a really good job of delivering on that mission.  The Atlas GMT offers everything in moderation: size, style, and all the rest — it’s not too over the top in any way; 38.5mm wide by 10.2mm tall is a really great size for 2019, where we’re seeing what I (along with many others) would posit is a return to sanity in sizing — and many of those people would be the sort of people interested in this watch. But there’s a whole lot more to like about this watch than just the smart sizing. The crown, for example, is a pleasing ergonomic offering — not quite a flieger-style onion, but definitely usable. The detail on the bezel is pleasing, too — that radial brush really evokes mid-’70s and ’80s sports watches, especially with that 20mm oyster-style bracelet.  The dial is also lovely — there’s a few options, but I like the light and airy…

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5 years ago

Would Lil Yachty rock this Rolex Yacht-Master 40? Who knows, but it's cool

Editor’s note: If you ever want to flex down at the NBAYOUNGBOAT Club, you want to have the appropriate attire — jacket, loafers, watch. And when it comes to the latter, we suggest the Yacht-Master. Surely, Lil Yachty would approve.  This cool, calm and collected new Yacht-Master almost slipped past me. I was too busy falling in love (again) with the gold and chocolate Rolesor Yacht-Master, which was distracting me and dazzling my senses. But then, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a flash of almost-iridescent blue, and my curiosity was piqued. I’m so glad it was, because this steel and platinum Yacht-Master, with its dark rhodium dial and blue highlights, is an absolute stunner, even though it’s a much more restrained affair than its Everose-embellished siblings (in both Rolesor and Oysterflex variants). This is partly down to the dark dial, but it’s also the bi-directional platinum bezel, which might sound weird given the material, but with a predominantly sand-blasted finish, it’s actually far less in-your-face than ceramic. Not that it’s plain, by any stretch. The shimmering dial, polished bezel elements and centre bracelet links means it pops where it counts, and the overall effect of metallic grey on metallic…

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5 years ago

Understanding the IWC Pilot's family part 3 – the Classic collection

We’re now more than halfway through our flyover of the various families in the IWC Pilot’s family — we’ve covered off Top Gun and the Spitfire, but now we’re hitting the Classics. As you might expect given the classic moniker, the Classic family is, well, classic. Based strongly on the original military-era pilots, these watches form the core of the collection, and are all about simplicity, function and legibility. Andrew picked out two key models from the line and, in some ways, they’re polar opposites, even though the visual similarities are very strong. The IWC Big Pilot’s watch Large, and very much in charge, the IWC Big Pilot is truly an icon. With its hefty seven days of power reserve and a crown that stands out from a mile away. Not that the 46.2mm case is in any way shy.  The IWC Pilot’s watch Mark XVIII  In stark contrast to the bold Big Pilot, the Mark XVIII is the definition of a perfect all-rounder: timeless style in a well-sized 40mm case, and a truly great black calf strap. It’s a winner.  Made in partnership with IWC. However, the opinions expressed in this article are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy.

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5 years ago

ANNOUNCING: Complete the Time+Tide 2019 Reader Survey, have a chance at winning a TAG Heuer Autavia

Welcome to the Time+Tide 2019 Reader Survey! That time when we put some hard-hitting questions into a survey program, work some internet magic and set it free, for all you good people out there to answer. One lucky Australian survey respondent will win a TAG Heuer Autavia chronograph for their troubles. Take the survey now You should be familiar with this heritage-inspired chronograph, but if you’re not — here’s what you need to know. International folks are welcome to take part, and we encourage you to, but sadly the international competition logistics make it practically impossible to open such a high-value prize up to the world. Accept our apologies, please. Why do we do surveys like this? There’s a great Faith No More album called We Care a Lot — it sums up how we feel about you taking the time to do this. We care a whole lot about your answers. Edge of our seats might sound like a bit of an overstatement but it’s pretty true. We love this time of the year. Literally every response (and there were 3400 last time, so you can imagine how much work we got done over that period) is like a…

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5 years ago