Seiko modding in 2020 reached stunning new heights of creativity. And cheekiness…
Hi Editor’s note: We may have only published this story a few short months ago, but since then the Seiko modding scene has only accelerated – the train has left the station and it’s full steam ahead! Even the most cursory of searches on Instagram now reveals some simply stunning new modded SKXs and 5s (thank you #seikomods). Actually, the talent is so good right now, we thought we’d share a few more of them with you. Polka-dot dreaming Easily our favourite of the new class of modded Seiko pieces, this polka dot delight has us dreaming of the perfect summer watch. And the dial is hand-painted, which is a great touch. Watch modification, or “modding”, is a remarkably popular subset of the watch collecting community, where enthusiasts will tinker with their watches to build totally customised pieces to wear. Without a doubt the most popular brand in the modding space is Seiko, where the combination of affordability and relatively widespread access to quality parts makes for the perfect storm of self-expression. There are even some members of the modding community who have turned their skills into micro-manufacturers, offering their services to fellow collectors for a fee, to build the…
The post Seiko modding in 2020 reached stunning new heights of creativity. And cheekiness… appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.
Raw sex appeal may have won Brad Pitt some of his early Hollywood roles. But rather than coast along on his dashing looks alone, the actor’s career has evolved to turn him into one of, if not the, biggest movie stars in the world. From Thelma & Louise to Fight Club and Moneyball to The Big Short, Pitt has built a career of unimpeachable magnificence. Alarmingly, his watch collection offers similar credibility. As if it wasn’t already annoying enough that my wife is still besotted with this cheeky age-defying bastard, GQ has uncovered that Pitt is a selective watch collector with a deep affinity for Old School elegance. This first watch shows that Pitt understands the winning value of a perfectly slimline Cartier. But not just any Cartier. Unlike the standard Hollywood flex of a Royal Oak or bejewelled Rolex, Pitt’s choice is the slender Cartier Tank à Guichet. Presenting itself as a stealthy, miniature gold slab with a tiny window at 12 for the hours, and a crescent at six for the minutes, this jump hour Cartier Tank is a minimalist, connoisseur’s choice that we can hardly take our eyes off. Made from 18k gold, the Cartier has a…
When it comes to buying vintage watches, the phrase “buy the seller” should always be at the back of your mind. That’s because trust is always paramount when you’re buying anything pre-owned due to that nagging fear the watch you buy might not arrive at your door as advertised. This year, eBay has made a big move into the pre-owned watch space, showing they understand the concerns of both buyers and sellers. Their solution is to offer their Authenticity Guarantee program for all watches over $2000 US, and an escrow payment service for all transactions over $10,000 US. Essentially, what this means is you can now rest assured that eBay will verify that any watch purchase you make is water-tight. Let’s take a look at the types of watches on offer, with five watches you can buy on eBay right now through the Authenticity Guarantee program. Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. 1665 “Double Red” Get excited: the rarest of the rare Rolex Double Red Sea-Dweller is available now through eBay. As one of the most desirable vintage steel sports watches on the market, it’s exciting to see one hitting the block. See the listing right here. Patek Philippe Complications World Time Watch…
Having a relationship with brands and authorised dealers is something any watch collector strives for. If you’re thinking that a quick re-read of How to Make Friends and Influence People will help you with this, we have bad news. This connection is typically developed through purchase history rather than charm, genuine dialogue and friendship. Being a celebrity, superstar, and worldwide icon, however, can really open up doors and create hitherto unheard-of possibilities. Whether it’s a bespoke Patek Philippe, the latest high complication piece from Audemars Piguet, or otherwise unseen Rolex models (for example, the 2020 Collection), Mr John C. Mayer is able to find a a way. In fairness, the man and musician is a true watch enthusiast – so I won’t hold his access against him. If I were in his shoes, I would want to do the same thing. But on Instagram earlier today, John posted his latest acquisition and once again sparked envy: a Tudor Black Bay 41mm with an Undefeated Inc logo on the dial. According to Mayer’s story post, “I’ve been a friend and fan of @undefeatedinc and @unionlosangeles for many years and @chrisunion and his creative team have always been creative, inspiring, and kind.” He…
Modern life is increasingly stressful. The incessant buzz of notifications from your mobile and laptop can make one yearn for simpler times. Amid such craziness, one way to restore a vague sense of calm is by handwinding your watch. There is something strangely reassuring about twiddling the crown and feeling the gears engage and the resistance of the spring slowly tighten. Indeed, this small act of winding your watch can help nudge you into a more tranquil frame of mind. When it comes to hand-wound chronographs, one notable movement is the Sellita SW510, a great value Swiss bi-compax calibre. Here are just a few of its recent iterations. Hanhart 417 ES With two strong reissues this year, Hanhart has raised the game for vintage pilot’s watches. The tough-as-nails, battle-ready 417 ES was known for being standard equipment for German military pilots in the 1950s. In fact, the name for the German forces, “Bundeswehr”, served to christen the comfortable cuff-like “Bund” strap. We first saw the 417 ES in this bronze version for Revolution, on the wrist of our own writer Zach, and then the picture-perfect steel version. With its history infused with aerial adventures and, unexpectedly, off-road motorcycle racing on…
In a man’s life, certain birthdays develop greater significance than others – or at least create a whole lot more angst. Your 40th can prove particularly tricky as you struggle to convince yourself that the best years of your life still lie ahead. But this milestone birthday also presents a golden opportunity to buy yourself a genuinely serious watch. Time+Tide’s advice: instead of getting all misty-eyed for your lost youth, console yourself with some of these ideas for a new 40th birthday watch. The TAG Heuer 160th Anniversary Carrera The TAG Heuer Carrera 160 Years Silver Limited Edition (available for purchase here) is a versatile yet classic watch and quite possibly my favourite from the maison in the last 20 years. This is a pure Carrera, a clear and distilled version that approaches the epitome of what a chronograph should be, perfectly placed in the Goldilocks zone with its slender 39mm case. It offers a a razor-sharp monochrome visage on a classic black leather strap that means it’ll go with any outfit from a merino knit to a sharp suit. But don’t be fooled by the head-turning looks – the strong Heuer 02 calibre under the caseback means this is…
Memory is a funny thing. Mainly because of what and how little we do actually remember. This is, in part, explained by the serial-position effect (please don’t click away from this page, this isn’t as boring as it sounds), which is the theory behind why we remember the start and end of events, but not much about what happens between the two. As 2020 has likely been a pretty tough time, you should try to improve what you remember of it by finishing it off with a bang. It might not be possible to have a huge party, but you can finish the year with a rush of adrenaline by getting a new watch. And if you’re in the Southern Hemisphere’s summer right now, we’ve got one pretty good suggestion – the green Longines HydroConquest on rubber strap. This video shows exactly how things will go, should you buy it from the Longines online store. The packaging, the ceremony, it’s all part of the online-buying experience. At 41mm in diameter, it’s nicely sized and arrives on a very comfortable rubber strap for all wrists. Powered by Longines’ in-house and dependably rock-solid L888 caliber, it boasts a more than decent 64…
OK, this was a tough challenge and an ugly battle predictably ensued. Essentially, we scoured the vaults of Bob’s Watches and found some of the best Rolex GMT-Master options around. But which is the ultimate winner? From classic Coke to the freshness of the Pepsi’s iconic red and blue bezel, we’ll admit that tempers ran hot on this one as the Time+Tide team fought it out. Luke Benedictus’ choice: The cerachrom bezel Batman, ref. 126710 There’s one overwhelming reason that I’m rooting for the Caped Crusader here. Obviously, it’s got everything to do with the bi-colour bezel and, more specifically, the intersection where the two colours meet. Because, frankly, there’s some weird voodoo shit going on here. The two colours don’t actually blend together, but you have to really stare to see the dividing line where black hits blue. Like the horizon of the ocean, I can gaze at this for hours. Team Batman all the way. Price: $15,995 USD, available at Bob’s Watches. Nick Kenyon’s choice: The classic Coke ref. 16710 Don’t get me wrong. I love the classics. If it’s Vivaldi or Miles Davis, Oscar Wilde or Ernest Hemingway, Breguet or Dufour, the classics are enduringly brilliant because…
Zelos Watches stand out for their well-honed design vision and obsession with details that puts them firmly on the microbrand podium. Elshan Tang, the owner and designer, releases a steady stream of new stock on their website, ranging from chunky bronze divers to dress watches with elaborate ETA movements. But whatever Zelos offer, it’s quickly snapped up, a fate that is inevitably set to befall their new Blacktip 200m Diver that offers superb value at just $429 USD. This watch sees them enter the highly competitive market for vintage-inspired skin divers. Refreshingly, they’ve done so retaining a clear Zelos language that’s devoid of homage touches. This is easier said than done, but Elshan manages to infuse the models with a distinctive identity that is instantly recognisable. The Blacktip 200m Diver’s 41mm case offers a strong medium build with a good fit on the wrist thanks to its short 47.5mm lug-to-lug measurement. The ergonomics are strong, particularly when combined with the wrist-hugging slim case that’s just 11.5mm thick. The case offers a sweeping ’60s skin diver shape with a delicate sweep and a thin bevel accentuating the strong line, ending in short downturned lugs and that classic straight lug opening. …
Christmas is COMING. Yes, even in this year we are going to experience the delights of Christmas trees, the beach for the lucky Australians, and what will surely be extra lovely presents. So why not head over to our shop and check out these watch gift options under $5K that are here to spread some New Year Joy. Yes, of course you’re allowed to buy one for yourself, we won’t tell. As for shipping, we won’t make Christmas from here, but we’ll sure get 2021 off to a great start … William Wood Watches Valiant William Wood is, I admit, one of our favourite microbrands of 2020, with their sharp vintage designs in your typical ’60s tool watch steel case. It’s a different, vintage-tough sports watch where the details tell a captivating story — the reason why some smaller brands capture our hearts more than big-box multinationals. Behind the classic sandwich construction matte black dial with its vintage style, and fireman’s helmet logo, lies a story of family, heritage and the Fire Service that you can read all about here. Under the caseback you’ll find the solid Japanese Seiko NH35 movement, a bulletproof version of the well-known 4R36 automatic movement that punches…