In-Depth – Seiko Prospex Marinemaster 1000m “Emperor Tuna” Ref. SBDX014 – The Japanese Kraken

Seiko’s reputation in the field of dive watches is hard to beat. While they may not have been behind the creation of the first dive watch, the contributions of Seiko in improving the concept of a timekeeping instrument for divers is immense. Many features that are now the norm for dive watches were created under the influence of Japanese engineers – Seiko even influenced the creation of the ISO 6425 standard for dive watches. So, with over 50 years of innovation, over 50 years creating professionally oriented watches… that’s half a century of know-how that has been infused in the watch that we’re reviewing today, the Seiko Prospex Marinemaster 1000m Automatic Diver SBDX014 a.k.a the “Emperor Tuna”.

7 years ago

Hands-On – Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Military

A few weeks ago, Ulysse Nardin announced its Pre-SIHH 2018 watches, which include 2 very classical watches – the Marine Tourbillon Blue Enamel and the Classico Grand Feu – with all the DNA of the brand: enamel dial, nice in-house movement, Marine inspiration, elegance with a twist and relatively affordable price. A third watch was presented, however a much more original one: the Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Military. Surprised by this piece, we had to check it in the metal to vote in favour (or not) of this new Military take on the Marine roots.

7 years ago

Introducing – IWC Ingenieur Chronograph “Tribute to Nico Rosberg” to honour the 2016 F1 World Champion

Last weekend, just before the start of the final race of this year’s F1 season, IWC introduced a special edition Ingenieur Chronograph, to honour last year’s World Champion Nico Rosberg. While the available 23 pieces were probably sold out instantly, we love to share this with you for two reasons. First, this is the best looking new Ingenieur Chronograph version, and secondly, we included the video of Nico Rosberg picking up his own watch and answering questions about this limited edition.

7 years ago

Value Proposition – The Star Dust and Black Dust From Balticus Watches

A few months ago, we told you about a young brand from Poland called Balticus. At the time, they were raising funds on Indiegogo for two new automatic bronze watches; the Big Wave and the Grey Seal. Today, we’re getting hands-on with another two models from this young company, the descriptively named Star Dust and Black Dust. At once familiar and unusual, both models come in at under EUR 600 and offer a lot of bang for the buck, although they may not suit everyone’s tastes.

7 years ago

Women’s Watch Wednesday – A Lady’s Perspective on a Configured Armin Strom Manual

Earlier this year, when Armin Strom presented its “Watch Configurator” to the world, the brand was a leader in the concept. Select your component colours, select the case and colours, select the strap and stitching, so on and so forth until you have a “uniquely yours “watch… not something the luxury watch world is too familiar with. So, when I decided I wanted to wear and review an Armin Strom watch, I knew I wanted something with some amount of configuration to it. The solution is a bold yet beautiful and powerful statement for women: Armin Strom’s Cameleon Manual Watch.

7 years ago

Hands-On – Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator 24H-Chronotimer LE, Racing Wristwatch Technology

Porsche Design is on a roll these last few years, and we fully support that. Well built, thoughtful designs along the quintessential German design aesthetics; properly crafted and free from unnecessary frills whilst remaining very ergonomic and superbly user friendly. The new Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator 24H-Chronotimer is no exception, as we told you before, and the extra special Limited Edition in black emphasizes that. Oh, and there is the historical relevance of a blackened Porsche Design watch.

7 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2018 – Ulysse Nardin Marine Tourbillon Now with Guilloche/Enamel Dial

Last year, for their first attendance at the Geneva watch fair (a.k.a. the SIHH), Ulysse Nardin surprised guests and collectors with an impressive collection, which achieved to merge the classical style of the brand, some refined crafting techniques and very decent prices. One of the best examples of this strategy was the Ulysse Nardin Marine Tourbillon, a steel watch with white enamel dial and very nice movement, priced at just (relatively speaking) CHF 28,000 – making it one of the most accessible tourbillons on the market. As a preview of the SIHH 2018, Ulysse Nardin has a new version of this Marine Tourbillon, this time with their classic Guilloche/Grand Feu Enamel blue Dial.

7 years ago

Buying Guide – 6 Great Bronze Watches for Patina Lovers

One of the earliest metals known to man – bronze – refers to a wide range of copper alloys, usually with tin as the main additive. Because it is strong and tough, bronze is mostly used to craft tool watches. It was used in boat fittings – prior to stainless steel – because of its resistance to saltwater corrosion. It oxidizes but only on its outer layer, and that greenish layer protects the metal from further corrosion. This is what makes bronze so special, but you have to be ready for it. The patina that slowly grows over time adds that rugged, vintage, distinctive touch and makes every watch unique and different from the rest. Here are 6 Bronze watches released in recent years that you might want to consider, if you like your watches to live and become unique.

7 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2018 – Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time With New In-House Movement

This week, Vacheron Constantin is previewing one of the new additions it will be making to its popular Overseas collection in 2018, aptly named the Overseas Dual Time. Due to be officially launched at SIHH 2018, the Manufacture took the opportunity to get its new model in front of serious collectors from the Middle East (and further abroad) who attend the Dubai Watch Week event each year. Inside is the new Vacheron Constantin Caliber 5110 DT, which allows for the simultaneous reading of two time-zones, hence the name of the watch. A standard complication no doubt, but one that has been noticeably missing from the collection of this luxury sports watch.

7 years ago