Introducing – Hamilton Khaki Field Murph – The Watch Seen In “Interstellar” Finally Produced

It has become a common thing to see watches appearing in movies. Think for instance Omega in Bond, Seiko in Apocalypse Now, Hamilton in Men in Black or Heuer in Le Mans. Most of the time, we talk appearances. In some movies, however, this accessory can become a true cast member. So was the case in Christopher Nolan’s “Interstellar” (2014), where two Hamilton watches are visible and one plays a huge role in the plot. This watch, created specifically for the movie, is now available in a limited edition. Meet the new Hamilton Khaki Field Murph.

5 years ago

EDITOR’S PICK: Only the toughest – 6 awesomely over-designed watches

Editor’s note: First of all, let me state that Cam nailed this list. He’s pulled a bunch of bangers out of left field, and they’re all very much fit for purpose. They’re also surprisingly colourful and, it must be said, far tougher than you really need.  There are watches that are tough, and then there are watches so tough that they’re guaranteed to survive in even the most extreme environments, even if you wouldn’t. We’re talking over-engineering to the point where no man has been before. Watches that can take on the most dangerous of adventures, that push far beyond the limits of the human body’s capabilities, and yet come out the other side completely intact. Here are six over-designed watches that were built for the extremes. Note: This list is not exhaustive. I could have included multiple watches from a handful of brands – special mention to the Omega Speedmaster Alaska Project – or filled it full of G-Shocks and Sinns. But instead I chose to list away in the name of diversity. Now back to your scheduled reading. Bremont Endurance Polar explorer Ben Saunders is not like the rest of us. The first person to complete solo ski…

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5 years ago

INTRODUCING: Love is in the air – Blancpain’s Villeret Women Quantième Phases de Lune

If the increasingly frantic targeted ads in my Instagram feed for fancy underwear and/or chocolate are anything to go by, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Well, if you’re reading this and have left your extravagant-show-of-affection-giftstravaganza run a little late, don’t worry. We — or rather Blancpain — have your back. Say hello to the Blancpain Villeret Valentine Women Quantième Phases de Lune, a delightful limited edition made with Valentine’s Day in mind. Of course, there’s the expected mix of mother-of-pearl dial and liberal sprinkling of sparkly stones in the 33mm red gold case, but what really elevates this from regular fancy women’s watch to lust-worthy Valentine’s Day gift are the little touches. Sure, there’s a passionate red-strap option, but look closer and you’ll see the tip of the pointer date has skewered (much like Cupid’s arrow) a plump red heart. Speaking of arrows, the seconds hand is actually shaped like one. And then there’s the moon, which is sporting a little beauty spot, a très cute touch. Finally, the golden rotor continues the Cupid motif. All told, this is a delightful package, and one that leaves a dozen long-stemmed roses in the dust. It’s also something of a…

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5 years ago

Hands-on – Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph WT

A welcome addition to the collection, the Polaris is Jaeger-LeCoultre’s vision of an elegant-sport watch. The collection was launched at SIHH 2018, just 50 years after the original and iconic Polaris Memovox – read our introductory article here. Among a full range of timepieces, the Chronograph WT is the largest and the most technical version, offering travellers the practical world-time function. Today we take a close look at this version that combines a column-wheel chronograph and a traveller’s complication.

5 years ago

HODINKEE Radio: Episode 30: Chris Bruss

The Funny Or Die president talks Grand Seiko sports watches, making beer commercials with Will Ferrell, and taking a day trip to Tokyo just for the points.

5 years ago

HANDS-ON: Glashütte Original go all out with their contemporary Senator Excellence Perpetual Calendar

As far as complications go, perpetual calendars are typically classically styled, verging on the stuffy, depending on how well they’re done. Not that there’s anything fundamentally wrong with this – after all, fine watchmaking thrives on tradition. But I can understand the desire to shake things up a little, and throw down some contemporary styles, which is exactly what Glashütte Original have done with this limited edition take on their Senator Excellence PC. Fundamentally, this watch is the same as the ‘regular’ model, a nicely sized 42mm model, with a big panorama date at four (hence the name), moon at seven, and day/month and leap year indicator across the top of the dial. Where things start spicing up is how the dial (or lack thereof) has been rendered. The centre of the dial is open-worked, letting the finely guilloched mainplate shine through, framed by the matt black section, which frames all the functionality and leaves some space for branding. It’s a cool look, and one that’s in the brand’s wheelhouse, with a look that’s reminiscent of the PanoInverse. You get a hint of the inner workings, with the odd pinion and ruby poking out, but it’s also not fully open-worked…

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5 years ago

VIDEO: 3 standout Submersibles from Panerai’s SIHH 2019 collection

If you had any doubts about Panerai’s position as kings of the deep, their SIHH 2019 release catalogue would have dispelled them. Panerai’s hero watch is, of course, the Submersible. It’s one of the brand’s most interesting designs, as it honours their historically important case shape (cushiony, with a fairly famous crown guard), while adding a very handy bezel and some more contemporary lines. This year sees Panerai tweak a few more details, playing more with smaller sizes and interesting case materials. Here are our top picks. Panerai Submersible Carbotech 42mm – PAM00960 Carbotech is, without a doubt, a cool material, and you know what, it’s still just as cool in a smaller 42mm case. Panerai Submersible 42mm – PAM00959 This is a more classical Panerai execution, with its steel case. But even here there’s something quite special — the pebbly, grainy grey dial that somehow reminds me of shark skin. Panerai Submersible BMG-Tech 47mm – PAM00799 Just quietly, this might be my pick of the bunch. It’s big, and it’s also very complex. Not only is the bezel Carbotech, but the case is made from Panerai’s fancy BMG-Tech material. And that makes for a pretty awesome combo.

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5 years ago