MICRO MONDAYS: 5 of our favourite Dan Henry watches, including the "spectacular dial" of the new 1937
Editor’s note: We recently covered the launch of Dan Henry’s latest addition to his range, the Dan Henry 1937, a cleanly designed chronograph that looks back to some of the most iconic watches in the category. If we need any more proof that Dan’s watches are taken very seriously by all levels of enthusiasts, we need look no further than horological aficionado Mr Eric Wind’s personal Instagram account. He posted the gorgeous brushed silver dial version of the 1937 (see it below), with the caption, “Just a spectacular dial … Amazing to get a watch this beautiful for only $270.” So, the heat is back on. With that in mind, and the pressing need for everyone to get across the DH backstory (it’s a seriously great one that iterates in a clever website), we wanted to take a look back at a few of the other remarkably well designed pieces the brand has released over the years, as well as remind ourselves exactly who Dan Henry is as a watch brand. To understand Dan Henry, the brand, we first need to understand the man behind it, none other than Dan Henry, himself. Dan Henry may well be one of the most prolific…
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Most watch enthusiasts are guilty of – at one point or another – scoffing at the advent of the smart watch, confident that they would be a fad. And more confident still that they would never appeal to one with a love for ‘real’ watches. But that hasn’t been the case for most. Whether you like it or not, smart watches are here to stay, and they’re only getting better with time. And while the last 12 months has most definitely spawned several undesirable things, there have been some great new additions to the intelligent, battery-powered fraternity, so we thought we’d take a look. Hublot Big Bang e Hublot surprised a fair few folks in the horological community when, a little over a month ago, they unveiled their second soirée into the smart watch arena. The Big Bang e utilises the standard Big Bang 42mm’s case design, and it’s curious and novel to see an existing mechanical watch’s case fitted with a pixelated screen and lithium battery. In essence, it’s kind of like when a carmaker fits an electric motor into an older model … and we’re not mad. From $8100 AUD. Apple Watch Series 5 The mac-daddy of…
“Completely irrational”, “a horrible affliction”, “the disease” … that’s how Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary described his obsession with watch collecting in a Time+Tide interview (read it here). It’s easy to understand O’Leary’s ambivalence about his hobby. After all, viewed from a certain perspective, watch collecting doesn’t make an awful lot of sense. Watches are not only often wincingly expensive, they’re also functionally redundant in that you can always tell the time by glancing at your phone. The desire to collect multiple watches can therefore seem even more nonsensical. Particularly if you keep most of them stashed in a safe. So why do we devote so much time, effort and resources to such an illogical pursuit? Dr Richard Moulding is a clinical psychologist and senior lecturer at Deakin University and specialises in compulsive behaviour. He believes that timepieces are particularly desirable things to collect due to their multi-faceted nature. “People collect things they’re passionate about and get enjoyment from,” Dr Moulding says. “Watches tick a lot of boxes in terms of collectibles. There’s the technological side in terms of their movements, the different finishes and the advancements in precision. But watches are also aesthetic objects – some look better than…
I have had enough of vintage Rolex. Really, enough. Hyped out. Even in the darkest days of lockdown I would skip Hodinkee’s Talking Watches episodes focusing on GMT-Master references and vintage Rolex collections … bring me some carbon fibre! Why, then, do I find myself standing here outside the house of the owner of a 1969 Rolex GMT-Master 1675 feeling sick and wanting to leave? Caressing the scratched lug for the last time, trying to read the surface like braille, encoding the history within. I did not want to hand it back. A weekend with the iconic Rolex “Pepsi” 1675 I’m once again struggling to fit an objective lens for this review, with one of the icons of watchmaking on the wrist. The GMT of GMTs, the Pepsi of Pepsis, most people have an opinion on this classic travel tool from Rolex. History is richly embedded in the bracelet of this compact sports watch, a GMT-Master from around 1969. There is something special about recognising the shape and colours of a model that has been in production for more than 60 years, the same struggle with objectivity as when you sit in a classic 911. Today, the GMT-Master is bigger, bolder…
It’s no secret that watches are expensive items. Whether it’s a $100 quartz Seiko or a $10,000 Rolex, you’re always trying to get the most for your money. By far the easiest way to eke out some extra value is to get a good collection of straps, so you can easily match your watch to certain occasions, or just change up its personality with some alternate colours. But not every watch is created equal. Certain hallmarks help timepieces be even more versatile than the rest. Uncomplicated designs, monochromatic themes, well shaped lugs and even-numbered lug widths will all ensure your watch is a veritable strap monster. It’s a great way to stop yourself from blowing more money on another watch, too. Here are 5 watches that look good on any strap. Seiko SKX007 We’ll start with the original and the best. Seiko’s iconic 200m diver just begs to be customised, even if you’re determined to avoid the numerous third-party upgrades and modifications available. The stock Jubilee-style bracelet is attractive yet not well suited to a daily wearer. The stock rubber strap is supremely comfortable, but accordion-style folds can look somewhat ungainly if you’re doing anything other than diving. The result…
With the United States being one of the largest importers of Swiss watches, it should come as no surprise that Grand Seiko wants to try to grab a larger share of the market. To tackle the US, Grand Seiko has a dedicated team in America — Grand Seiko America — to introduce the wonders of the brand to the consumer. While some of their renowned references are Japanese Domestic Market only, with their sights on the American marketplace they have introduced some exquisite and artistic models exclusive to stores in the US (in both limited editions as well as regular production models). They truly are works of art in the medium of horological craft and require a keen eye and high degree of meticulousness to create. Here are 10 Grand Seiko models, sold only in the USA. To find your nearest Grand Seiko store, hit here. The Kira-Zuri Collection Inspired by a Japanese painting technique called Kira-zuri, which translates to “sparkling painting”, the dials within this three-watch collection play spectacularly with the light that hits the dial. Commonly found in ukiyo-e paintings to create texture to the background of Kabuki actors, the inspired technique adds new depth to their dials ……
Streetwear fans rejoice, Swatch and BAPE (A Bathing Ape for those not in the know) are back with another big and bold collection. As far as #details go, this watch comes fully loaded. Taking up where last year’s collaboration left off, this new collection is a colourful collision of styles. BAPE brings the disruptive and unconventional flair, and Swatch meets it with their years of innovation and traditional Swiss know-how. The result is the 47mm Big Bold Watch, which is what we refer to as a ‘statement piece’. From the case to the bezel and even the strap, the design of these three watches gives the wearer ample opportunity to stand out from the crowd. And it gives the wearer plenty of thoughtful touches to discover, from the ape head that crowns the hour hand, to the crooked tipped second hand. Swatch provides the perfect canvas with the biggest and boldest product line in their arsenal, best suited to incorporate the distinct and iconic BAPE look. For those who want to escalate the colour and character of their wristwear, all three watches — Tokyo White Multi Camo, Tokyo Black Multi Camo, and Tokyo Gray Multi Camo — have multi-coloured print on their…
As the minutes tick ever closer to 6pm, and each member of the Time+Tide team finishes up their work for the week in their respective homes, thoughts turn to very important matters. Such as, what will the knock-off drink of choice be this week? How many blessed days without a Zoom call? And, what is on the Uber Eats menu for dinner? It’s been a long, but excellent week of watch news and reviews. And if I can talk personally for a moment, it’s been a week when I’ve been more grateful than ever to work in this fantasy land called the watch industry. While many in our community risk their lives daily to protect the wider community, and keep us safe and healthy, we have been able to concern ourselves with the important work of how to get JDM Seiko and Grand Seikos, and also to ponder — at length — the democratisation of ceramic bezels. Distractions, I’m sure you agree, have never been more welcome than now. Football (thankfully, Australia has 20 straight days of AFL games to make up for the interruptions in the season so far), Netflix, Stan, Amazon, SBS, ABC iView, watches, watches, watches. We are grateful…
One of the most iconic Seiko dive watches of all time is the 6105, a watch that was worn on the wrist of Martin Sheen as he starred as Captain Willard in the blockbuster film Apocalypse Now. This year, Seiko have announced the release of the Seiko SPB151J and Seiko SPB153J, two new references based on the classic 6105. The Seiko SPB151J keeps a closer relationship to the original 6105, with the same matte black dial and wide black bezel that sits proudly above the rest of the case. On the dial of the Seiko SPB151J there are those classic Seiko-style blocky lume-filled hour markers, and a date window at 3 o’clock, with the dial text updated in this reference. In the Seiko SPB153J, the new olive green bezel and dial are a refreshing new addition to the collection. The muted tone of the green keeps it under the radar, as well as invoking a vaguely militaristic impression that might be a nod to Captain Willard in the jungles of Vietnam. Both the Seiko SPB151J and Seiko SPB153J have a couple of nice details that really make you appreciate the effort that has gone into these watches. Both are…