The best watches at the 2020 Oscars red carpet
The 92nd Academy Awards were held in Los Angeles, California and have just concluded. The big winners were Joaquin Phoenix, who won Best Actor for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck in Joker, Brad Pitt for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and the Korean film Parasite, which became the first non-English language film to take the top honour. As for the watches, there were some interesting pieces on the wrists of attendees. In no particular order, here are the highlights. Josh Gad and his two-tone Chopard Alpine Eagle The newly released Chopard Alpine Eagle made an appearance on the red carpet, courtesy of actor Josh Gad, who wore the steel and 18k gold two-tone model. The two-tone colour scheme does pair quite nicely with formal attire. Spike Lee and his Rolex GMT-Master in 18k Everose Gold Veteran director Spike Lee wore a purple and yellow outfit with the number 24 on it, which paid tribute to the late Kobe Bryant. Lee was wearing a Rolex GMT-Master in 18k Everose Gold with bi-colour “Root-Beer” ceramic bezel. His wife Tonya wore a 18k yellow gold Cartier Roadster. Omar Sharif Jr and his Bulgari Chronograph Omar Sharif…
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Australia and Seiko have always had a strong relationship … in fact, pretty much every major Japanese watchmaker, whether it be Seiko, Grand Seiko, Casio, Citizen … whomever it is, we folk Down Under love a Japanese timepiece. And, out on my watch spotting expedition at the weekend, this sentiment was shored up no end. Enjoy. Ty’s Seiko Prospex SRPD50K Ty’s gorgeous Seiko Prospex SRPD50K, aka the “Aussie only Turtle”, is a pretty stunning watch and perfectly sums up our country’s love affair with Seiko and, more acutely, Seiko dive watches. Resplendent with its combination of anthracite coating and yellow gold accents — which can be found on the bezel, crown, indices and handset — this Turtle is a serious looker. Take into account that just 1000 pieces were made exclusively for the Australian domestic market, and this may well be one of the rarer turtles out there … period. A great watch and a very, very worthy weekend warrior. Well done, Ty! Nick’s Seiko Liner J14069 Myself and Deputy Editor, Nicholas Kenyon, actually took part in an event down at Phillip Island over the weekend called the San Remo Channel Challenge 2020. And while I’d rather not talk about the race…
Towards the end of last year I was fortunate enough to experience the Vacheron Constantin Les Collectionneurs watches in the metal. They are a shining example of something that many watch manufacturers are looking to execute — exceptional pre-owned pieces sold by the manufacturer. The program has been running for a number of years now, where the brand will buy back pristine examples of vintage Vacheron Constantin watches, either at auction or from private collections, before they restore the watches at their factory and offer them for sale with a full archival extract, warranty and authenticity guarantee. In essence, Vacheron Constantin are eliminating many of the pitfalls that vintage watch enthusiasts face when they look to add another piece to their collection. One of the most striking watches I saw at the new Vacheron Constantin boutique in Collins Street, Melbourne, was the ref. 4178 dual-register chronograph in pink gold from 1942. This was mentioned by the brand as one of their most historically important chronographs, as well as one of the most collectible, thanks to the 36mm diameter, sensationally proportioned dial and charmingly shaped lugs. Interestingly, the same ref. 4178 (albeit with a slightly different dial configuration) was reviewed by Bexsonn…
Need to know Well, I bet nobody saw this coming … another day, another dive watch with a green dial. But is this new Longines HydroConquest a cynical marketing-based exercise aimed at cashing in on the peripheral hype caused by the Rolex Submariner Ref.116610LV? Or has Longines tried to create something truly unique in the space? Well, let’s examine the watches. For a start, there’s not one but two shades of green available. The first has been designated as “Khaki Green”, while the other is what Longines describes as “a brighter green hue” when comparing it to the khaki — think of it as something akin to forest green. The Khaki Green HydroConquest will be made available in both 41mm and 43mm case sizes, while the forest green example will only be available in the 41mm stainless steel case. Both watches will come on either a stainless steel bracelet or matching rubber band. Swapping between these two options will also be a doddle, thanks to an easy to use quick-release function. The Khaki Green example will become a mainstay in the HydroConquest line-up, while the brighter forest green example will be a boutique-only exclusive. As is the case with the rest…
Independence is a rare commodity in watchmaking. To have it is one thing; to hold on to it is quite another. We’ve seen many great brands consumed by hungry conglomerates over the past two decades, with several big names falling under group ownership since 2009. But what of those that remain? Which labels still stand firm, able to govern their keels and steer the ship wherever they wish to travel? Our list of the top five independent watch brands of the last decade takes on a journey around the world, stopping off in three countries, in a search of self-governing superstars. And so, in no particular order, here’s who made the cut … Grand Seiko There are a lot of annoying things about Grand Seiko. Whoever is in charge of product photography and post-production needs to take a long and contemplative walk in the rain. But despite these (widespread) gripes, Grand Seiko remains one of the most fantastic brands in the world. The designs are dreamy, the finishing second to none, and the movement technology (especially the Spring Drive) is something else. A better strategy for the globalisation of the brand would be appreciated, but once the powers that be…
Editor’s note: First released at Baselworld 2017, Chopard’s L.U.C XP turned heads from the moment it was unveiled. And, as we wrote at the time, it’s a compelling timepiece that blends everyday practicality with real dress watch sensibility. The aesthetics of this watch aren’t its only saving grace, however … far from it. Thanks to being an L.U.C timepiece, you’re also getting a watch with the mechanical prowess and bespoke finishing only to be expected of Chopard’s haute horology offshoot. Below are some further thoughts and specs on this great watch. Enjoy. I don’t want to sound like a jaded watch journalist because – let’s be honest – those guys are the worst. But having said that, there were not too many surprises at Baselworld 2017. I knew we’d be seeing Speedmasters from Omega, a Sea-Dweller from Rolex and some crazy-but-cool collabs from Hublot. I didn’t expect to be blown away by a simple, smart little dress watch from Chopard. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve got a lot of time for Chopard’s fine watchmaking (and indeed their high jewellery – though I’m not the target market there), but the way the Chopard L.U.C XP managed to combine proper high horology, classical restraint and…