LIST: Fergus’ 3 favourite watches of 2020
Editor’s note: Despite the challenges that we have all faced in 2020, the watch manufacturers of the world have still managed to turn out a very decent crop of new releases this year. For Fergus, though, there were three standout pieces that we’ll take a closer look at here. Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer There aren’t many words to describe this watch that fit better than plain old ‘fun’. It’s a diver, with all the specifications you could ask for from such a weekend warrior, making it beg for adventures to be had and fond memories to be formed. Although they do serve a technical purpose, the colours used for the decompression timer are just the perfect pastel shades, which aren’t overbearing and hint at the many hours spent under the sun, which the original ’60s decompression timer watches would have. Its proportions may have been blown up from those vintage examples, but the short lug-to-lug length makes it eminently wearable. The ETA-based movement also offers that fantastic 80-hour power reserve, whilst still being an affordable option to buy and service, with a great reputation for accuracy and durability. If someone had told me at the start of the year…
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Are there any manufacturers that do quartz better than Grand Seiko? The brand, after all, makes their own quartz crystals in-house and upholds them to the most rigorous standards of accuracy – the 9F series of movements, for example, are regulated to run within +/- 10 seconds per year at a minimum. The deviation is so low, its accuracy over the course of 365 days is equivalent to the accuracy per day of a standard movement. While quartz and its high accuracy is not limited to Grand Seiko, the exquisite Zaratsu finishings bestowed on the watch cases by the brand’s artisans are always a gorgeous sight to behold. Today, they return with a sport model that leverages both their renowned finishing skills and top-notch quartz movements – the Grand Seiko SBGX341. The stainless-steel case shares the same geometries found among the other sport quartz watches within their catalogue – think squared-off lugs and Zaratsu-polished facets that harmonise light and shadow. The intricate case finishings work to alternate the way in which the metal reflects the light around it, with the distortion-free mirror polishes turning black when facing light head on, and the satin surfaces lighting up. Yet there is one…
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is a legend for a reason. It was the first luxury integrated steel sports watch, and would go on to define arguably the most popular category of watches available today. But in the decades since it was first released, there have been countless different expressions of the iconic octagonal design. All of which begs the question – which is your favourite? The Time+Tide team has gathered their thoughts on the matter, and expressed why their favourite reference is top of the tree. Enjoy! Nick Kenyon – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo Extra-Thin with onyx and diamond dial If you’re getting a luxury sports watch, why wouldn’t you emphasise the word luxury? Hewn from platinum, with an inky black onyx dial and a tasteful dusting of panache with diamond indexes, this thing is absolutely stunning, and turns the luxury up to 11. And with dimensions measuring just 39mm in diameter and only 8.1mm thick, it’s about as good as it gets. Andrew McUtchen – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin RD#2 I was at the AP ‘Beyond Watchmaking’ exhibition in Tokyo and an AP watchmaker was explaining to me the miracle of the RD#2, the…
Many guys dismiss the idea of wearing a diamond watch out of fear it’ll seem ludicrously over the top. Admittedly, countless celebrities rock blinged-out watches smothered with so many diamonds you can barely see the metal. But there are other, more subtle alternatives to the fully iced-out look you may want to explore. It is no secret diamonds can add hefty premiums to watch prices, especially when bought at retail. Here are eight of our favourite men’s diamond watches – ranging from the more affordable entry-level pieces all the way to six figures. Tudor Royal ref. M28600-0004 Probably the most interesting thing about the Tudor Royal is the number of configurations and sizes available. With more than 50 combinations to choose from, fans of the design have no shortage of options. When you think diamonds, you typically don’t imagine entry-level pricing. But Tudor is an extremely trustworthy manufacturer that delivers quality offerings at more approachable price points. In this instance they have done so with diamonds, and in a sporty package you can swim with no less. The integrated stainless-steel build doesn’t hurt either. Price: $2950 USD Rolex Datejust 36 ref. 126324 Little brother not enough? Then Rolex may be your…