MICRO MONDAYS: The Ark from Jacob Veil might be the best value integrated bracelet watch around
Let’s not beat around the bush, I can see it too. The Gerald Genta influence is strong here, but in a somewhat butcher presence than other arboreally named references and porthole-alike wristwear. So before you start throwing punches, yes, certain design cues are notable in The Ark from Jacob Veil. But maybe those cues have become popular for a reason so we shouldn’t be too sensitive. Is it a homage? I’d say no, in the same way as the Bell&Ross BR05, once decried and dissected, is now a big success for the very same reasons. The Ark from Jacob Veil certainly has a strong presence, and yes, the main reason for that is the flat-topped, non-octagonal bezel – it’s actually 12-sided (my Latin fails me here) – but it’s delivered in a way that’s weapon-like and tough. Juriaan Rolink, the founder of the brand is refreshingly honest about the Genta inspiration that brings us this more muscular interpretation of Gerald’s immortal designs. Notably, however, there are a few key twists and they include a starting price of $474 USD, which is a knockout price for an automatic with an integrated bracelet. This integrated bracelet pitches this watch straight into the…
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When you’re looking for an exciting piece to liven up your collection, you’re most likely to find that point of difference in a watch’s dial tones and textures. But the G-Shock Transparent Series takes a very different approach by allowing the case and strap to do all the talking. Much like a clear, sapphire-cased watch, G-Shock’s latest collection leverages transparent cases and straps in their designs. All of the watches in the series utilise semi-transparent resin cases and straps. The only visible elements that peep through are the case back, the strap buckle and the encasing that holds the module. Each watch’s functionality depends on the module used, but a consistent element across all of these watches are back-lit dials, 200 metres of water resistance and, as always, highly robust case builds that are durable and super-tough. The Transparent White series comprises of the GA2100SKE-7A, DW5600SKE-7, GA700SKE-7A (from left to right). Each of the watches have different sizes and slightly varying functionality. The two most popular models within this trio will probably be the DW56000 and the GA2100, the latter of which is commonly known as the “Casioak”, a watch that’s already surprisingly hard to purchase with stock quickly…
The H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Centre Seconds Swiss Mad Red ticks all my own personal boxes in a big way. The fact that I am a dial man who loves a coloured face and has a marked preference for three-hand watches makes it seem perfect on paper. Fortunately, it’s even better in the metal. First impressions Let’s face it: three hands are the bare necessities that provide all that we genuinely need. I know I keep harping on about a simple mechanical watch being zen-inducing, but I genuinely feel it holding a delightful piece like this in my hand. It’s no secret that H.Moser & Cie are masters of abyss-like fume dials. But still, they manage to surprise me with small but incremental twists as they push their cheeky brand of modernity. The moment you put this watch on, what strikes you is a soft feeling of comfort with the rally-style vented rubber strap fitting the thick-lugged tool case. The size of 42.8mm is larger than I would usually expect to enjoy, but the design dynamics of the Pioneer case imbues it with a smooth comfort that’s visually invigorated by the magic of that candy dial. The case and…
Before we dig into the Rolex Submariner 114060, I want to set the record straight on Submariner nomenclature. There is no such thing as the “Submariner No-Date” in the Rolex catalogue. The Rolex Submariner does not have a date window or cyclops magnification, that complication is reserved for the Submariner Date. This rampant mis-naming of the Submariner stems from the fact the date model is the more recognised and sought after of the two – at least by the masses. Some collectors, myself included, prefer the original Submariner design for its clean, symmetrical and dateless dial. It displays all the analogue information a diver requires – I don’t think you really need to know the date when diving into the ocean. If you’re planning on staying under the surface that long, you have other more pressing issues to worry about. The case The 904L stainless steel case is 40mm in diameter, 48mm lug to lug across the wrist (without including the fixed end links of the bracelet), and 12.5mm thick. The case is predominantly satin finished on its front, with the case sides mirror polished. The Rolex Submariner 114060 has a larger presence than its predecessors, but in my opinion…
The word “concept” is something that is often associated with the world’s most enthralling works of art. A concept album can tell a very deliberate story, or explore a particular theme or idea in wondrous detail. A concept car is usually shown to represent the pinnacle of a designer’s imagination that’s invariably watered down should it make it into production. So when Audemars Piguet announced a concept watch in 2002, what was the world to think? Does it represent some bigger idea? Can I actually buy one? Why does it need to exist? Unpacking the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept isn’t instantly intuitive, but it begins with rebellion, technology and ingenuity. If you’re unfamiliar with the story of the original Royal Oak introduction in 1972, here’s a quick debrief. Seiko unveil their quartz-powered Astron in 1969, shaking the foundations of the watch industry. As the masses flocked towards the technology for its affordable reliability, the Swiss traditionalists were brought to their knees. Many brands held on for dear life, some even releasing their own quartz offerings, but many more collapsed. Audemars Piguet realised that their struggles didn’t have to be the end, but an opportunity for reinvention. Enter designer Gérald…
Last week it happened again. I was standing in line at a coffee shop and, of the seven people queuing, I was the only one wearing a proper watch. There were four naked wrists, one Garmin and one Apple Watch constantly buzzing and flashing. Now if we have any chance of turning this sad situation around we desperately need an injection of youth into the watchmaking industry. Is Norifumi Seki the answer? Yes, that’s serious pressure laying the entire future of the watchmaking industry on just one man. But hear me out. How many independent Japanese watchmakers do you know? In addition to Hajime Asako and his Art Deco panache, you’d be hard pressed to find many, which is one of the reasons why this story is important, especially considering the enormous power of the Asian marketplace in horology. So who is Norifumi Seki? Hailing from Tokyo and still only 23, he attended the Hiko Mizuno Jewelry College and burst onto the international scene last year as the first Asian to win the esteemed F.P Journe Young Talent Competition. Seki’s delicate Model II is the precursor to the pocketwatch that won that competition and is a brilliant example of quirky…
When you think of art in watchmaking, your mind probably turns to the painstaking creation of a cloisonné enamel dial for a Patek Philippe World Time, or the engraving of an A.Lange & Söhne balance cock. But art in watchmaking suddenly got a whole lot more accessible thanks to the Swatch x MoMA collection that was announced this week. This is the second time that MoMA and Swatch have joined forces, the first being when the watchmaker and the gallery produced three watches in the year 2000. In the latest Swatch x MoMA collection, there are six new watches, each of which depicts a different artwork that resides in the MoMA collection. The artworks include The Starry Night (1889) by Vincent van Gogh, Hope, II (1907-08) by Gustav Klimt, The Dream (1910) by Henri Rousseau, Composition in Oval with Color Planes 1 (1914) by Piet Mondrian, The City and Design, The Wonders of Life on Earth, Isamu Kurita (1966) by Tadanori Yokoo and New York (1968) by Tadanori Yokoo. If you’re a fan of the entire collection, it will be available for sale in a special box set, that includes a description of each artwork and the artist behind it.…
Rectangles, what do they mean? According to whiteriverdesign.com, these shapes represent stability. In fact, the rectangle is the most commonly used area shape in logo design. The reason for its popularity, apparently, is that it is a trusted familiar shape that represents honesty, solidity and stability. As squares and rectangles have straight lines and right angles they have a very mathematical, balanced feel. These shapes scream rationality, practicality and conformity. Rectangles are neither flashy nor attention-seeking – some may even venture they are boring – but clever designers will twist or turn them to add interest to a design. Enter the Reverso book from Jaeger-LeCoultre. That final idea of added interest is poignant when we are considering the Reverso. The fundamental concept of the Reverso rectangular case being able to turn, makes it in addition to its balanced design, a talking point. And not to mention a space for interpretation, complications and case art, from a simple monogram to lacquerwork and miniature art, something JLC has shown us over the years. Though starting out as a purely protective measure for polo players in the early 20th century, the Reverso presents another face that can remain minimalist, decorated or even surprise…
H.Moser have become central to the revival of deep fumé or degradè dial finishing. Their deep colours captivate your attention like no flat black dial ever could. In this video we check out the the H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Centre Seconds Swiss Mad Red, which certainly lives up to its colourful name. This luscious cherry cocktail offers a tasty take on the everyday sports watch. We know Moser watches from ironic haute horlogerie with their Swiss Alp series and some of last year’s most hypnotising dials with their unexpected collaboration with MB&F. But can they really do everyday? The first impressions of the Pioneer Centre Seconds Swiss Mad Red tick my boxes in a big way. I am a dial man, always have been, and prefer coloured faces to monochrome minimalism – I just can’t help it. I also have a marked preference for three hand watches and the calm state of mind they put you in. There is something soothing about the slow cycle of the seconds hand doing its simple job and not telling you there is yet another email to process. It’s no secret that Moser have mastered the abyss-like depths of fumé and I have…
We can all get caught up in the latest news about Nautilus or the next unobtainable Rolex. But for the majority of watch buyers, the most important timepieces are those that are accessibly priced and offer a ton of value. One brand that constantly delivers in this regard is Longines, a manufacture of longstanding heritage that provides quality Swiss watches with competitive specifications and pricing. The most recent entry into their catalogue is the new Longines Silver Arrow, a watch that at $3050 AUD offers a level of quality usually found at a much higher price point. The watch is a modern revival of the Silver Arrow originally released in 1956 by Longines. The name stemmed from a contest within the company to name the watch, and among 450 proposals “Silver Arrow” was the winning moniker with the name deriving from the dominant German racing cars of the era. The case diameter has been increased from approximately 35mm to 38.5mm to cater to modern sizing tastes, but in terms of it shape and form the Longines Silver Arrow faithfully echoes the original design. The real difference to the case is its 3mm increase in width, which has resulted in slightly…