Interview – All You Need To Know: Polo, Clare Mountbatten and Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso

Polo (on a horse that is), has a mysterious allure. One of exclusivity and physical bravery. The ultimate sporting expression of man and beast working in perfect synergy. For those who don’t play (and I count myself in that group), the sport of kings is also devilishly difficult to understand. And when I say that, it’s not just the game itself that’s hard to grasp – it’s the culture, the financing and playing calendar that baffles.

6 years ago

Introducing – The New Omega Speedmaster Tokyo 2020 Olympics Collection

As the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games, Omega always presents limited editions dedicated to these major sports events. With Tokyo 2020 on its way, we were expected some new watches to be introduced. And here they are, the new Omega Speedmaster Tokyo 2020 Olympics Collection (to give credits where due, thank you Fratellowatches and Instagram users for spreading the news…) Don’t look for these watches on your local Omega website, unless you live in Japan. Indeed, these are Japan-only editions – but in today’s world, this won’t mean much to some who really want to get their hands on these watches…

6 years ago

Introducing – Montblanc TimeWalker Cappuccino Limited Editions for Goodwood – Racing Style and Vintage Feel

A few days ago, the Goodwood Festival of Speed (GFOS) took place in the UK for the 25th time in its history. As the official timekeeper of the (superb) event for the second year, Montblanc was, of course, present to celebrate the world of cars. However, that’s not all, as a pair of vintage-oriented, Cappuccino-coloured Limited Editions of MB’s racing-oriented watch was also introduced. Meet the new Montblanc TimeWalker Manufacture Chronograph and Date Automatic Cappuccino Limited Editions.

6 years ago

Introducing – Doxa SUB 300 Searambler ‘Silver Lung’ Reissue

In 2017, Doxa introduced the SUB 300 ‘Black Lung’, a reissue of a rare 1967 prototype, an iconic watch amongst the diving community made for Aqua Lung. Unfortunately for some (and fortunately for Doxa), this limited edition was the fastest-selling model of the brand ever… Today, there’s one more chance to get your hands on another ultra-cool version, this time using the long-running signature Silver ‘Searambler’ style. Meet the Doxa SUB 300 Searambler ‘Silver Lung’ Reissue – and again, you will need to be fast.

6 years ago

Hands-on – Seiko Prospex Diver 300m SLA019 Limited Edition – the Middle Child of the 1968 Commemorative Collection

Celebrating the 50thanniversary of the 1968 hi-beat diver Ref. 6159-7001, the first diver’s watch with a hi-beat automatic caliber, Seiko introduced three modern divers that pay homage to this horological icon. The limited edition Prospex Diver 300m Hi-Beat SLA025 with caliber 8L55 (36,000vph/5Hz) sits at the top and is a faithful recreation of the original. Retailing for EUR 5,500, it’s unfortunately not for the casual enthusiast. On the other end is the Prospex Diver 200m SPB077, which isn’t a limited edition and retails for as little as EUR 900 (depending on silicon or steel bracelet). It’s more of a reinterpretation as the caliber 6R15 beats at only 21,600vph (3Hz) with a 200m water resistant case. The one I’m looking at sits in the middle, with the caliber 8L35 beating at 28,800vph (4Hz) and a 300m water resistance. Let’s take a closer look at this new limited edition commemorative diver.

6 years ago

Hands-on – Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Annuel

Today we’re taking a closer look at the new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Annuel. This year, the well-known dive watch debuts an unexpected twist, with the inclusion of an annual calendar complication. The result is a quirky watch with a quirky display, and yet, it somehow works. (Arguably it’s not the quirkiest watch in Blancpain’s line-up this year – that honour goes to the Bathyscaphe Day Date 70s). Hardcore dive enthusiasts and elitist complication collectors alike will no doubt shun this ‘cross-over’ timepiece. The dive-watch obsessed broader market, however, might just have a different opinion.

6 years ago

Hands-on – Anonimo Brings New Summer Editions of the Nautilo With Blue Dials

It’s been 12 years since the first Nautilo dive watch was developed by Dino Zei, naval engineer and former 25-year head of Panerai, and a couple of new editions have arrived for the summer. The theme this year is blue, which is fitting for a naval-inspired dive watch, and they follow the design refresh we saw last year in conjunction with Anonimo’s 20th Anniversary. The Italian brand has been fairly consistent with their cushion case designs for the Nautilo line with crowns at 4 o’clock, but the dials have evolved over time. The summer editions bring color changes to the dials with new ceramic bezels but maintain the no-nonsense diver’s tool aesthetic from previous generations.

6 years ago

Hands-on – Zenith Defy Classic – Redefining the Brand’s Sports Watch

Today we take a second look at the Zenith Defy collection, and more specifically the Zenith Defy Classic. After the revolutionary chronograph that is the Zenith Defy El Primero 21 and the stunning Zenith Defy Lab and Zenith Defy Zero Gthis is a simplified watch but nonetheless a very interesting one. Modern and architectural design combined with elements that make up a great luxury sports watch, the Zenith Defy Classic is definitely a strong contender!

6 years ago

Hands-on – Chronoswiss Flying Grand Regulator Skeleton Limited Edition

There are certain watch brands that are unmistakable at first sight. Panerai and Richard Mille come to mind. Chronoswiss is another such brand with its signature regulator displays, side knurled cases and large onion crowns. Since 1987, Chronoswiss has celebrated this regulator design and built a brand identity around it. Following up on recent regulator models, such as the Flying Regulator Open Gear and Flying Regulator Night and Day, the relatively young brand of 35 years has introduced a limited edition Flying Grand Regulator Skeleton in steel. The dial has been scaled back to the bare essentials and provides an almost unfettered view of the skeletonized movement. It’s a bold and modern addition to the series.

6 years ago

Introducing – Hamilton Khaki Field Day-Date 42mm “Camouflage” Automatic

Following up on the affordable Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm, Hamilton is introducing the Khaki Field Camouflage collection with larger cases and automatic movements. Back in the 1940’s, Hamilton (then an American brand) received the US Army-Navy ‘E’ Award for their ability to deliver one million reliable, accurate watches to the US military. Although Hamilton is now a Swiss brand, the company is proud of its US military roots and continues to produce models that are faithful to that era and the American spirit. The new Khaki Field Day-Date Camouflage watches are more contemporary than their hand-wound 38mm counterparts but still fall within this military aesthetic.

6 years ago