Want to be fitter, healthier and better at golf? The new TAG Heuer Connected watch has your back
In 2020, TAG Heuer doubled down in their efforts to dominate the luxury smart watch market with the launch of the third generation of their Connected watch. In addition to their new range of base models, TAG Heuer also launched a special Golf Edition watch, as well as a host of new coloured watches and straps. This year, the TAG Heuer Connected watch continues its time in the spotlight, with the launch of a brand new Connected Golf Edition as well as an improved Wellness App. Let’s start with some context around just how far TAG Heuer have come in the smartwatch game over the last half decade. In his review of the third generation of TAG Heuer Connected watch last year, Andrew McUtchen noted that the previous generations were like “Switzerland trying to do a California” by working on their own operating system with Intel. For the third generation however, TAG Heuer partnered with Google, allowing a market leader to work on what they do best on the software side, while TAG Heuer focused on their strengths in the hardware. The result, as Andrew put it, was “the least smartwatch feeling smartwatch I’ve ever put on”. The most important changes in…
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Zenith threw a knockout punch only a few weeks ago with the new Chronomaster Sport. But CEO Julien Tornare and his team are clearly on a roll. The DEFY 21 continues the brand’s momentum with this unexpectedly colourful collaboration with a contemporary artist. The Zenith DEFY 21 Felipe Pantone finds their high-tech tool watch inhabiting a dark ceramic suit enlivened by a a laser light-show of colours. In the process, Zenith have again set new standards of material treatment in a textbook example of how to catch the attention of even the most blasé watch enthusiast. It’s great to see a brand refusing to go down the safe path, but instead attempting something that feels genuinely different. The colours here aren’t a bombardment, but are laser bright, sharp and, at the same time, delicately wrought. This is the first time Zenith has collaborated with one of the brightest stars of contemporary art, the Argentinian-Spanish artist Felipe Pantone. And judging by the transformation his touch brings, we are already hoping for more. There is something particularly charming about the way Zenith has taken the darkest version of the DEFY 21, a tough guy in the hard fought sports watch category, and…
It’s no secret that we’re big fans of the G-Shock CasiOoak and have become particularly intrigued by the modified versions. The CasiOak has quickly become the darling of everyone from first watch-wearing millennials to experienced collectors. Then it dropped. The Casioak Galaxy was a collaboration between IFL Watches and The Dial Artist (Kit Alexander) as part of a range of customised CasiOaks. The hyper-colourful Galaxy went viral like a Supreme mega-drop and became a huge hit on social media, selling out fast. Like a cheeky nod to the precious stones on a rainbow bezel Rolex, it hit the zeitgeist right between the eyes. Its rainbow-modded visage is a delectable piece of wristcandy, and a knock out from 10 feet away. But who is behind this massive hit? I was lucky enough to catch up with Kit (@thedialartist) and got the lowdown on how he got started in the modifying game where he’s carved out this bright niche. T+T: Let’s start with a bit of background. You’re known for your customisation and bespoke work on everything from Rolexes to G-Shocks with Speedmasters and Zeniths thrown in for good measure. What started it off? Kit: I had a Seiko turtle, I think…
The 1940s were peak years for twin register chronographs with some notable greats from Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Lemania. As the functional sports watches of that era, the typical twin register layout was balanced with a delicate design language and an often whimsical art-deco flourish to the graphics. In 2021, their intricate detail and compact 34-35mm cases make them perfect dress watches. But the combination of their high value and frail mechanical movements means they often languish in display cases and safes rather than getting the daily wear they deserve. Admittedly, there is much to be said for staring mesmerised through a loupe at the busy dial of an early vintage chronograph. But what if you could have your horological cake and eat it? Furlan Marri may present the solution. The microbrand openly takes inspiration from Patek, Vacheron and the greats of the game – one of the models in the launch portfolio is the Tasti Tondi, the Italian nickname of a chronograph grail from Patek. Significantly, however, Furlan Marri’s first collection comes with a VK64 mecha quartz movement from Seiko that’s solid, dependable and accessibly priced. The upshot is that you get classic looks in a robust form…
Editor’s note: Andrew walked through the door of the Time+Tide office one afternoon in February and looked down at his wrist. “It’s a watch that can wear you if you’re not careful,” he said, gaze still fixed on the Hublot Big Bang Integral King Gold that he was wearing. A strong statement from a man who has spent the last decade or so with an untold number of watches. So why does it have such an impact? After spending a week with the Hublot Big Bang Integral King Gold, Andrew explains what this new design offers in gold. T+T: When did you first see it and what was your first impression? Andrew McUtchen: I first saw it at Dubai Watch Week and was immediately captivated by the reflections on the bracelet and the way that the bracelet locked up with that recognisable case in a way that, to me, reinvented the Big Bang as a design proposition. Why is the Integral such a significant design change for the Big Bang collection? The reason the bracelet is such a big deal is because the Big Bang has been built on a of the “art of fusion” ever since its launch. This…
Neo-vintage? Vintage-inspired? Take your pick with this new interpretation of the Alpinist. Personally, I love it, I’m still happily surfing on the vintage wave – somewhat more like a tsunami at times, and haven’t had my fill of nostalgia yet. Seiko gave us what we wanted in 2020, but there’s no stopping them in this 140th anniversary year. After releasing a fresh new take on the Alpinist last autumn, here is a brand new vision for the series in the Seiko Prospex 1959 Modern Re-Interpretation, a strong trio of references that reimagine what many cite as Seiko’s first sports watch that was build to meet the robust demands of mountain climbers. My personal challenge is simply to keep up with the releases, as the production might of Seiko is apparently impervious to mere pandemics. We were genuinely delighted last week when we saw the launch of a pure vintage Alpinist vision on a bund strap, and now we have a complementary trio with a slightly more modern touch, while not losing their retro panache. Do a quick take on the images and you’ll spot what are still strong vintage cues, albeit in a clean-cut case that’s more pronounced in its…
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas collection represents sports watch pedigree through and through and the Dual Time is no exception. While the collection features everything from simple three-handed time-only watches all the way to tourbillons and perpetual calendars, arguably the most important complication for a sports watch is the GMT function. After all, what self-respecting professional athlete in the 21st century isn’t jet-setting around the world as they compete, skipping time zones like a stone over a pond. If that’s the lifestyle you’re living, then the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time is not only an interesting take on a contemporary watch by a very traditional watchmaker, but it also just makes sense. The case The 41mm stainless steel case features the angular design that you see across the entire Overseas collection, which draws clear historical inspiration from the first Vacheron Constantin sports watch from 1977, the ref. 222. The ref. 222 was released in 1977 in response to the moves by both Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet to produce steel sports watches with their Nautilus and Royal Oak collections respectively. While the two sports watches from the other two members of the Swiss Holy Trinity were designed by the legendary Gerald…
In 2021, every brand has a luxury stainless-steel sports watch. But when the concept was born in the 1970s, there was less than a handful of brands who made the leap into the brave new world that left precious metal in the past. One of those brands was Vacheron Constantin with the ref. 222 designed by the German watchmaker Jorg Hysek. In 1996, the design had new life breathed into it with the Overseas collection, which stood tall as a luxury sports watch that delivered fine watchmaking for an active lifestyle. Today, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas collection continues to evolve. The current third generation features arguably the most practical luxury steel sports watch yet in terms of functionality, in the form of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time with black dial. With a 41mm stainless steel case, this watch arrives with three strap choices. Immediately the focus is clear. It’s a watch that you can dress up or down as a collection cornerstone for any enthusiast looking to get maximum mileage out of their watches. From the bezel to the bracelet, there are references to the Maltese cross that forms the Vacheron Constantin emblem with the level of finishing you…