The Aikon is Maurice Lacroix’s interpretation of the luxury sports watch, a collection of watches with a solid build, a distinctive style and refreshingly competitive prices. Introduced in 2016 with quartz movements, in 2018, an automatic Aikon model appeared, followed by a bolder and sportier iteration known as the Aikon Venturer. With its 43mm case, […]
It is rather surprising to see how some items have gained cult status years after their discontinuation, while when they were widely available, almost no one dared to pay attention to them… There are, of course, watches that have been overlooked before they shoot to unexpected fame. One such model is the 1994 “IWC Fliegerchronograph […]
Heritage is the key buzzword when it comes to watches right now. With many consumers enamored with timepieces of the past, it’s a no-brainer for manufacturers to revive coveted designs and give buyers a chance to acquire new watches inspired by the references of yesteryear. The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Tribute to 3705” is a classic example of this trend, with the brand faithfully reviving a cult watch from 1994. The IWC Ceramic Fliegerchronograph (ref. 3705) is now considered one of the most sought-after models from the brand’s recent history. After briefly fading into obscurity, it re-gained widespread attention thanks to the patina potential of its classic tritium dial and a ceramic case that was ahead of its time. In fact, one piece from the personal collection of former IWC director Günter Blümlein was auctioned for a staggering $53,750 USD. The new IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition “Tribute to 3705” maintains the crucial DNA of the original design, but incorporates subtle upgrades to make the watch stack up against the brand’s modern collection. Instead of using ceramic, it features a 41mm case made of Ceratanium® – a proprietary blend of ceramic and titanium developed by IWC. Arguably the most…
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One of the biggest complaints about the Grand Seiko ‘Four Seasons’ collection had nothing to do with the watches themselves, but the fact that they were only available to the US market. Their nature-inspired dials were lauded for their colour and texture, making the international market envious of what was available in the States. Today a new set of sekki (seasonal phase) inspired dials have been released in the new Grand Seiko GMT Seasons Collection – a line-up of four GMT watches, two of which are powered by the automatic hi-beat caliber 9S86, with the other duo powered by the Spring Drive caliber 9R66. The Hi-Beat models Shunbun – SBGJ251 While the previous Shunbun inspired model SBGA413 was outfitted with a pink-hued cherry blossom dial, within the new Grand Seiko GMT Seasons Collection it takes on a new tone and texture. Due to the darker tone of the dial, the hours, minutes and GMT hands have a satin-brushed surface on their top facing facet that under direct light will brighten against the deep green dial. The bright pink-gold toned GMT hand symbolises the cherry blossoms that begin to peer out from the trees in spring. According to Grand Seiko, “The…
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The Grand Seiko brand and the Seiko Corporation have a lot to celebrate this year. Across Seiko brands, the collections have seen growth all around the globe with more and more people gaining respect and admiration for the Japanese manufacturer, even in the most inclement of market conditions. Last evening, at the global Seiko summit, we learned that the standout performers in 2020 were Grand Seiko and Prospex. A major recent milestone is the 140th anniversary of Seiko, a celebration of the brand’s origins and all of the knowledge and artistry that has been developed and nurtured since. Seiko was a vertical manufacturer before it was cool, amassing a mastery of watch fabrication in practically every facet of timepiece development. We previously saw the introduction of the SBGW260 in rose gold to commemorate the 140th anniversary, but today the SLGH007 joins in on the festivities in honor of the milestone – with its platinum 9 series case, 9SA5 hi-beat dual impulse movement, and gorgeous new “Annual Growth Rings” (also known as “Tree Rings”) dial. The case The 9 Series case is the latest rendition of Grand Seiko’s grammar of design, first embodied by the iconic 44GS from 1967. The platinum…
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In March 2020, Grand Seiko celebrated the 60th anniversary of its foundation by introducing a newly designed watch featuring a cutting-edge and advanced movement, the Hi-Beat Calibre 9SA5 with multiple innovations, such as the novel Dual Impulse escapement. First presented in a gold case, followed by a limited edition in steel, and a few weeks ago in […]
The 140th Anniversary celebrations for Seiko are continuing, hot on the heels of the news that – and this is remarkable – both brands actually experienced growth in key markets in 2020. This was revealed last night in a global summit, along with several new models, including this one. A key reason for the upward trajectory is the fact their products are genuinely unique and distinct in nature. Another aspect that sets Grand Seiko apart from other manufacturers is their proprietary Spring Drive technology that leverages a predominantly mechanical movement with a regulated quartz escapement. The new stainless steel and yellow gold Grand Seiko SBC240 140th Anniversary Limited Edition chronograph uses this Spring Drive tech in a vertical clutch column wheel chronograph GMT caliber and newly developed 12 sided polygonal bezel. The case The Grand Seiko SBC240 140th Anniversary Limited Edition marks the first time the brand has featured a combination of 18k yellow gold and black ceramics. The majority of the case and watch is fashioned in stainless steel, but the 43.8mm x 16.1mm case introduces hints of gold in the framing of the polygonal bezel and the crown and pushers on the 100 meter water-resistant case. In terms of…
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Somehow inspired by Grand Seiko’s design cues and offering a nice combination between elegance and casualness, the Seiko Sharp Edged Series was presented in 2020. Like all Seiko Presage timepieces, these celebrate Japanese craftsmanship. Yet, as its name suggests, the Sharp Edged watches stand out with dynamic, angular lines that create a more casual look. […]
It’s going to be a big year at Seiko as the company celebrates the 140th anniversary of its founding by Kintaro Hattori. Although the higher-end Grand Seiko brand appeared in 1960, the anniversary will be celebrated across the board with a flurry of releases from both Seiko and Grand Seiko. The dials of this particular […]
When it comes to sports watches made by Seiko, we all have in mind diver’s models and, specifically, the first of its kind for the Japanese brand, the 62MAS launched in 1965. Yet, this wasn’t Seiko’s first so-called sports watch – or at least, a purpose-built model made for action. We have to go back […]