SIHH 2019 – IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic Spitfire Steel or Bronze – Smaller and with In-House Movements
With its focus on military/pilot watches for the SIHH 2019, IWC just launched two new 3-hand pilot’s watches under the Spitfire sub-range – those could have been simple evolutions of the standard Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII, but there are multiple updates on the model and all models will coexist without the Mark XVIII being replaced. In the same vein as the Bronze Chronograph unveiled a few weeks ago, meet the smaller, manufacture-powered and vintage-inspired IWC Pilot’s Watch Automatic Spitfire Bronze or Steel for SIHH 2019.
Feelings. We all have them. They make us human. They make us who we are. But sometimes they can get the better of us. Like, remember when Tudor released the Black Bay chronograph? Boy, that seemed controversial at the time. And then there was the new Rolex Air-King. Holy smokes! Who could forget all this madness? Neither, however, has caused quite the unholy shitstorm of hurt feelings like the Audemars Piguet Code 11.59, released officially last night at 8pm Geneva time, from whence we lay our scene. We thought it would be appropriate, as a sign of our care and respect for you all – and for once we have unanimity across the broad church that is Time+Tide, so we can speak to you as one – that we suggest some calming techniques. We don’t want to lose anyone over this, so please, try one or several of the following to regain control. If symptoms persist, and you find yourself compulsively commenting on all possible threads about the subject, either see a doctor or remind yourself it’s just a watch. 1. TAKE A FUCKING CHILL PILL Not figuratively, literally. There is a vitamin called a chill pill, and it might be a…
It’s one sleep to SIHH, and the watch releases are coming thick and fast, with many of the exhibiting brands giving us a peek at some of their highlight releases. And while some pieces have raised a little more than eyebrows (hello AP!), I’ve got a feeling that for many brands, the best is yet to come. So here is my lightning fast list of what I’m eagerly anticipating (and hoping to see) at SIHH 2019. Audemars Piguet Yep. Code 11.59 is, for better or worse, the talk of SIHH even before the doors are open. And while it’s an unexpected move, I’m going to reserve judgement until I see them IRL. Jaeger-LeCoultre Last year, Jaeger-LeCoultre surprised many with its pivot to the sporty Polaris. And while their teaser campaign suggests something highly complicated, I’m kind of jonesing for some hot new takes on the Polaris (Polar dial Polaris, anyone?) Vacheron Constantin Vacheron Constantin are always one of the technical highlights of the show. Few brands can blend artistry and exceptionally technical engineering quite so impressively. And the word on the street is that this year’s highlight is going to be BIG. Baume & Mercier To my mind, Baume &…
Over the last few years, Ulysse Nardin has been greatly expanding its Freak family (a smart move say I), and the latest member is the Freak X, which joins the Freak Out and Freak Vision. Now, before we break down this watch, a quick word about X, which is serving as something of a thematic moniker for the brand this year. It’s a good theme, evoking everything from mystery to gravity to (depending on how many Xs you use) eroticism. All things Ulysse Nardin is quite adept to translating into watch form. Though I can’t help but wonder if UN CEO Patrick Pruniaux is borrowing a trick from his former colleagues at Apple here. Either way, it works. So, the Freak X. This watch is something interesting, and if you’ve been following the evolution of the Freak recently, somewhat expected. It’s something of a hybrid watch — a pared-back Freak if you will. The trademark carousel time-telling escapement (with silicon balance wheel) is still there, but it’s now a module on top of Ulysse Nardin’s UN-118 movement. But it’s more simple in execution than its siblings: there’s less gear and wheel action going on, and there’s a crown where you’d…