VIDEO: Tudor pares it back with the Black Bay Steel
I’m on record as being quite a fan of the Black Bay Steel. For me, it was one of the real highlights of Baselworld 2017. At first this might seem like a bit of an odd choice as the BB Chrono and S&G were the ‘buzzier’ pieces. For me, though, the Steel takes the Black Bay back to what it’s all about — the core of the collection. At its heart, this watch isn’t overly complicated or flashy. It’s a robust, everyday diver with a healthy dose of nostalgia thrown in. And that’s what the Steel delivers in spades. By removing colour from the equation it brings the purposeful design to the fore. I might go so far as to say it’s my favourite Black Bay of all time. Big call, but I’m happy to go there.
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Editor’s Note: You think you know someone. When Felix had the idea to tell a story about a fictional IWC Portugieser wearer through the visual medium of a comic book strip I was intrigued. He worked with illustrator William Webb to bring a vignette to life entirely of his own imagination – a guy living the dream facing an event most of us would quickly want to wake up from. I was impressed at his hidden talents. It’s short, sharp and purely for fun. Enjoy! If you want a closer look at the art, it’s in three parts here, here and here. 
When they’re done right, limited edition watches are great. They offer some exclusivity, membership to a special club, and that feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself. When they’re done badly, limited editions are merely a poorly thought-out logo whacked on a dial. Thankfully this UNICEF limited edition is very much in the former camp. Montblanc has taken one of their coolest models, the Orbis Terrarum, made some super-subtle design tweaks and wrapped it all into a very worthy cause. Who wouldn’t like it? Montblanc Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum LATIN UNICEF Australian pricing and availability Heritage Spirit Orbis Terrarum LATIN UNICEF, limited to 500 pieces, $8,400
Money can’t buy experiences are so-called for a reason. They’re more about connections than cash. But Longines is offering three people an impossibly rare watch along with the chance to be treated (and to travel) like royalty when they receive it at an event somewhere in the world from none other than Kate Winslet, whose foundation to help autistic children will receive all of the proceeds. Not a portion, the entire amount. The three winners will even get to take a friend or partner. In addition to this trip, the winner +1 will also be gifted another international trip to an event of their choosing. Let’s be real. This is a feel-good story of Titanic proportions that the two of you will dine out on for the rest of your life. So let’s get to it. Here’s what you need to know: Five 18k gold Flagship Heritage Limited edition watches have been designed and created in collaboration with Kate Winslet. One is owned by Kate, one has been set aside for the Longines museum and three are being auctioned online right now with all proceeds going to Kate’s Golden Hat Foundation. The bidding starts at $25k. Considering that business class flights alone…
TAG Heuer has pulled off a minor miracle with the Link. They’ve taken one of their most recognisable designs, one synonymous with the ‘90s, and made it relevant in 2017. They’ve achieved this by focusing on the most important part of the watch – the bracelet. Link actually began life as a bracelet back in 1987, and the intertwining ’s’ shape links are instantly recognisable. TAG Heuer has made the smart move of toning down the sportiness. This Link is dressy, with a well-sized 41mm cushion-shaped case, and brings the model firmly into the realm of dressy sports. It’s a wonderful watch on the wrist, a playful combination of light and shadow that’s beguiling. And while it’s likely that we’ll start seeing complications of the Link down the track, for now it’s only available as a simple three-handed piece. This version is priced at $3700. 
There are two reasons it is worth your while to watch this short video about Montblanc’s support of UNICEF. The first is purely selfish and very much in our/your wheelhouse. The watches in this year’s UNICEF collection are limited versions of the Orbis Terrarum, a watch ex-CEO Jérôme Lambert thought was the embodiment of the ‘new’ Montblanc. You know, the Montblanc that is a ‘contender brand’ in the watch world, with an increasingly visible presence at all price points, from high horology to compelling value propositions. The ‘Latin’ version, one of two – the other in Chinese characters – is as colourful, as curious and as eyecatching as ever, and there’s some gorgeous footage of it here. The second reason is that you might be moved by the cause here. It certainly struck a chord with David Bromley, who is one of Australia’s most collectible artists. We lay our scene in his studio, situated above a shop in a buzzing enclave of Melbourne – that swooping footage ascending the staircase is where the journey into the art of the space begins. As Felix said here, it is an Aladdin’s Cave of his and other famous artwork and artefacts. It was the perfect…
So far this week we’ve looked at the larger 45mm Captain Cook and the smaller vintage versions. To round out the trifecta, we’re taking this bright and beach-ready number for a spin. Now, this isn’t your typical ‘on the wrist’ review, as the mesh bracelet is intended for wrists smaller (and less hairy) than my one. But you can still see how the all-white colour scheme really makes this design pop, especially when helped out by the diamond hour markers and the field of reflections that is the Milanese-style bracelet. Rado HyperChrome Captain Cook 37mm (white) Australian pricing The Rado HyperChrome Captain Cook 37mm on mesh, $3100
We’ve already given you a pretty thorough look at Rado’s pint-sized and patriotic Captain Cook, but while still photography is great at showing the finer details – that sunbrush finish and crisp dial printing, for example – video gives you a much more holistic picture. If you want to know how that dial looks under the glass box sapphire (hint – it looks awesome), or whether that ceramic is too shiny, then video is the way to go. And if you’ve been tossing up the pros and cons of regular vs limited, this could help you seal the deal – I know I had to try the bracelet on for it to win me over. Finally, in case you’re wondering, I’ve got a fairly large wrist, around 20–21cm – or a touch over 8 inches if imperial is your jam.