VIDEO: Grand Seiko's epic Spring Drive Chronograph – the SBGC203
In general, Grand Seiko has a reputation for being somewhat stealthy on the wrist — but, to be honest, that’s not the case with this chunk of finely crafted steel, better known as the Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph SBGC203. At a sizeable 43.5mm across by 16.1mm tall, this isn’t the sort of watch that slides under the cuff, and even if it did, those oh-so-distinctive chronograph pushers would happily be peeking out, no matter what. But really, this is the sort of watch that you lean into. It’s a big and bold example of Grand Seiko’s best technologies — there’s no hiding the quality of the case or dial work, and the chronograph pushers have been so exceptionally engineered that you’ll be looking for any excuse (boiling eggs, timing car parks — the usual) to start, stop and reset. The goodness extends to the inside too. The 9R86 is a technical wonder — adding a GMT and a chronograph with a very unique layout to Grand Seiko’s already superlatively accurate Spring Drive technology. With this set of features and the fact that it’s rated to a decent 100 metres of water resistance, it’s a watch that can go anywhere,…
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Yes, we’re somewhat getting ahead of ourselves here, but with the abject misery of Australia’s particularly dismal winter now in the rearview mirror, it’s time to start thinking about ideal summer watches. What’s more, thanks to the land of Oz perpetually being six months behind the Northern Hemisphere’s summer style, we’ve already got a pretty clear idea as to what’s in vogue for the warmer months ahead. It might not come as a surprise to many, but white watches are definitely making a strong case for being attached to your wrist for when the thermostat cracks 30+ degrees. So, with that in mind, here are three of our favourite watches that will pair well with some SPF 50+: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe It seems logical to assume that if you’re looking for a summer watch, chances are you’re going to be heading to the beach at some point. And when it comes to watches that are as comfortable in the water as they are out, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms has got to be in the discussion. Luckily for us, the Swiss marque does offer the prolific dive watch with a distinctly white theme that includes a glossy white ceramic…
If you’re into feel-good positivity, then Netflix’s reboot of Queer Eye is likely already on your radar. If it’s not hard to get behind the premise of five (a fab five if you will) experts in their respective fields whipping into people’s lives and making them better. And of those experts, the guy in charge of food (and beverages for that matter) is Antoni Porowski, who aside from having strong opinions on the constituent ingredients of guacamole and a more than passing resemblance to a clean-living John Mayer, also has nice taste in watches. On the show he’s regularly seen rocking an Omega DSOTM and it turns out that’s not his only Omega. For evidence, please see this video from GQ where Antoni runs through 10 things he can’t live without — and, along with scented candles and Stan Smiths, turns out Antoni has a rather nice Omega Connie. Watch the whole thing here, and if you want to get straight to the watches it kicks off around 3:19. 
If you decided to buy a Bremont watch, you could go to your nearest Bremont boutique (or their online store) and buy almost any model in their catalogue that your heart desired. What you can’t buy, however, are any of the pieces from the Bremont Military Watches and Special Projects Division. These pieces are created specifically for elite military units around the world, produced with bespoke features, but all based on models in the core Bremont range. While these watches are typically created in collaboration with units from the US or British air forces and navies, Bremont has also produced a number of collections with different Australian units. These are three such models that we saw in the metal at the latest Bremont event in Melbourne. C-130J-30 Super Hercules Based on the Bremont ALT1-ZT for the base model, this chronograph also features a head-up display (HUD) date window and a prominent GMT hand. Its links to the RAAF 37 Squadron are proudly shown with a front profile of the C-130J Super Hercules that it is named after, and a propeller inside the 9 o’clock chronograph sub-dial. RAAF 75 SQN The RAAF 75 SQN watch is based on the MBIII by…
Editor’s note: Recently, we talked about some sports watches with an integrated bracelet that could be great alternatives to the usual suspects from Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe. Thing is, though, there’s another awesome timepiece from one member of the horological holy trinity that also fits the bill for an awesome integrated sports timepiece – the Vacheron Constantin Overseas. In particular, we’re taking a look back to when Felix got the chance to go hands-on with a seriously beautiful example of the Overseas. When it comes to Vacheron Constantin’s SIHH releases, there’s no doubt the pieces that were the talk of the town (and rightfully so) were the epic Twin Beat and the slightly less epic but epically attractive Overseas Tourbillon. And I get it, they’re both great watches. The Twin Beat is a triumph of clever engineering and the Overseas Tourbillon is downright gorgeous. But the heart wants what the heart wants. And the Vacheron Constantin my heart wanted wasn’t really a new watch at all. But, instead, an existing piece on a new bracelet. And, boy, what a difference a bracelet can make. But before we get to that, a quick recap on the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual…
We’re pretty sure that most of you are already aware of just how absurdly ridiculous Mr John Mayer’s watch collection is, thanks to myriad Instagram posts, news stories and two rather famous Talking Watches episodes. But the sheer scope and significance of the musician’s horological haul still tends to beggar belief, especially if you’ve ever wondered what it must all be worth. Well, consider the wondering over, at least for some of his collection, because a rather enthusiastic chap on the interwebs has gone and tallied up the total value of 27 of Mayer’s prized possessions. Granted, the estimates are in American dollars but, still, if we had to guess what the 41-year-old Grammy winner’s collection equated to in local currency it would be comparable to the value of a stately Mosman or Toorak mansion. Anyway, Mayer’s quite clearly got some form of clairvoyance (that Daytona collection!) and you can check out the full breakdown of all 27 of the watches over at rescapement.com.
It seems like only yesterday that Breitling released their Navitimer 1 Airline Editions. Evidently, time doesn’t stop for the aeronautically enthusiastic watchmaker, though, because they’ve just dropped this – the Breitling Aviator 8 Day & Date 41 Etihad Airways Limited Edition. Based on Breitling’s standard Aviator 8 Day & Date 41, the Etihad Airways edition sees the 41mm timepiece score a black dial with contrasting Arabic numerals, as well as the hour, minute and second hands being finished in a distinctive rose gold colour. The quirky dial is actually a first for Breitling, as the Swiss watchmaker has never before produced a timepiece that incorporates the Arabic language into the dial, with the numerals and day and date complications all featuring the world’s fifth most spoken language. Finished in black steel, the collaborative timepiece is equipped with Breitling’s tried and true Caliber 45 movement. The in-house workhorse is self-winding, chronometer certified and offers owners a maximum of 45 hours of power reserve. Launched during New York Fashion Week by Emirates at a VIP event celebrating the airline and watchmaker’s third year of partnership, the limited edition Aviator 8 Day & Date 41 Etihad Airways has also been…
As of 6pm today, the Time+Tide shop is the only place in Australia and New Zealand that you can buy DOXA watches. Browse our range, and buy several models, including a Limited Edition for under $2K right now. It will come as news to very few of you that this is one heck of a legendary brand. First helium valve on a general public diver’s watch, legendary. Jacques Cousteau, legendary. Owning orange, legendary. We are mildly freaking – and geeking – out to introduce so much more of DOXA to you, in all of its historical, colourful and, yes, orange-dial-drenched glory. We are offering a full range of DOXA watches, including the just-released, and GPHG-nominated SUB 200 range — which starts at $1550 on rubber. And before you ask, yes, indeed, we have secured a generous allocation of 30 pieces of the 130th Anniversary SUB 200 Limited Edition (of 130 pieces), which sells for $1890. You wanted it. You got it. Other classic models in the line-up include the SUB 300T, a reinterpretation of the SUB 300T Conquistador released in 1969, which was the first general public diver’s watch equipped with a helium release valve. Several of the collections are available for…