Hands-on – The Otsuka Lotec № 7.5, a Japanese Artisanal Watch in a Class of its Own

Jiro Katayama, a car designer turned self-taught, independent watchmaker from Japan, is quickly gaining popularity with his brand, Otsuka Lotec. Despite the brand’s limited distribution – exclusively within Japan – enthusiasts worldwide are drawn to Katayama’s craftsmanship and industrial-meets-steampunk watch aesthetic. Travelling to Japan to secure one of his coveted timepieces, be it the retrograde […]

12 months ago

Hands-on – Impressions about the new Omega Speedmaster FOiS (Side by Side with the Old FOiS)

The new Omega Speedmaster FOiS (for First Omega in Space) is the perfect example of a watch that’s not particularly spectacular, groundbreaking or innovative. But more often than not, a great watch doesn’t need to be a game-changer. The 2024 Speedmaster FOiS comes in continuity to a concept introduced in 2012, a vintage-inspired watch celebrating […]

12 months ago

In-Depth – The Steel Patek Philippe Cubitus 5821A on the Wrist

This was, by far, the most anticipated launch of the year, but also (and unsurprisingly) the most discussed and commented new release of 2024. In fact, I can’t recall witnessing such an amount of reactions from the watch community since the launch of the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 collection – which, for several reasons, shouldn’t […]

12 months ago

First Look – Accessible & Handsome, The New Frederique Constant Classics Premiere Salmon Dial

Sometimes, it doesn’t take much to do a great watch. It doesn’t necessarily take great complications, high-end materials, overly-engineered movements or complex shapes. A classic and elegant watch doesn’t need all of that. What it needs is a far more subtle recipe, which requires well-curated ingredients. Take this new, Europe-only edition of the Frederique Constant […]

1 year ago

Hands-on – The Lang & Heyne Friedrich II is All About Style and Sophistication

The Lang & Heyne brand debuted in 2002, and since then, it has gained recognition for expertly blending the rich tradition of German fine watchmaking with a modern sensibility. Lang & Heyne timepieces, consistently named after historical figures from the Saxony region, pay tribute to the past while embodying a contemporary vision. The result is […]

1 year ago

Hands-on – The Lovely, Accessible Alpina Heritage Automatic

Sometimes simplicity is best, especially in the watch game, and Alpina proves that looking back at another era can be an aesthetic winner today. Many brands have vintage-inspired collections that pull from older, often historic models, so this is certainly nothing new. Alpina’s expanding Heritage collection, however, encapsulates the best of the brand with style, […]

1 year ago