Value Proposition – Vario Empire Automatic (Hands-On)

Earlier this summer, we looked at Singapore-based microbrand Vario and its second watch collection, the Empire Automatic (the Retro Eclipse was first). It was successfully funded via Indiegogo and company founder Ivan Chua stated that it hit the production goal in just five minutes. This automatic series is the follow-up to a hand-wound variant that […]

6 years ago

Interview – Patrick Graf, Bucherer’s Chief Commercial Officer, on Certified Pre-Owned and Bucherer BLUE

Founded in 1888, Bucherer is one of the oldest houses specializing in watches and jewellery. The world’s largest retailer continues its expansion strategy. Following the acquisition of The Watch Gallery, Tourneau and Baron and Leeds, Bucherer launches its “Certified Pre-Owned” (CPO) program. On the occasion of the opening of their dedicated space at the Bucherer […]

6 years ago

RECOMMENDED READING: The complete Casio G-Shock buying guide

I don’t know about you, but I find navigating Casio’s iconic and uber-tough G-Shock family a tricky process. It’s a reference number dominated space which, to the outsider, is every bit as confusing as the worlds of vintage Rolex or Patek. Adding to the complexity is the sheer profusion of models. Limited editions, collaborations and colourways all play their part.  But if you’d like to get your head around the ways of the G-Shock quickly and efficiently you’re in luck, because Gear Patrol’s Allen Farmelo has written a no-holds-barred breakdown on the line. From Mudmasters to full metal models and everything in between, Farmelo gives you a quick primer on everything you need to know. Well worth the read. 

The post RECOMMENDED READING: The complete Casio G-Shock buying guide appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.

6 years ago

A different kind of luxury sports watch – the Breguet Marine 5817 Big Date

Editor’s note: The Marine is Breguet’s star of the show at the moment, with a profusion of new models in the house — including some chic titanium options — but we can’t help but have a soft spot for this elegant beast, the Breguet Marine 5817 Big Date. What a looker …  We’re willing to bet that when you think of Breguet, the first thing that comes to mind is slim elegance, or maybe the old-world charm of their vintage chronos. But a casual/luxury sports watch? Not so much. Nevertheless, that’s exactly what the Marine 5817 is – Breguet’s take on a breezy weekender. Sure, it’s got all the brand’s classic hallmarks: the fluted middle case, the very particular lugs and, of course, that guilloche dial. But this is no delicate dandy. Water resistance is solid at 100m, there’s lume, the crown is protected by some unique, curved crown guard and it has a presence on the wrist far beyond what you’d expect for a 39mm x 11.82mm watch. While no one’s suggesting you complete an ultra-marathon in this guy, there’s no doubt it’s ready to tackle whatever life might throw at it, and it will do so in inimitable Breguet…

The post A different kind of luxury sports watch – the Breguet Marine 5817 Big Date appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.

6 years ago

Review – anOrdain Model 2 – Vitreous Enamel Dial and Sporty Attire, from Scotland

It’s rare to see bold or hand-made elements in microbrand offerings, especially in the “under EUR 1,500” category. Hand-crafted guilloche dials, in-house calibres and advanced complications are generally reserved for luxury brands with steep prices. Grand Feu enamel dials are a part of that list, but Scottish newcomer anOrdain managed to produce them for its inaugural watch, the affordable anOrdain Model 1. It was a rough road to travel, and some of the highest-end brands continue to outsource enamel dials to companies like Donzé Cadrans in Switzerland, but after three years of research and experimentation, anOrdain accomplished what many others couldn’t – in-house vitreous enamel dials. After a well-received debut, the now sold-out Model 1 has a successor, the anOrdain Model 2.

6 years ago

Spotted – Hans Dieter Pötsch, Chairman of Porsche SE, with IWC and Omega

For our latest instalment of “Spotted”, we are featuring Han Dieter Pötsch. Pötsch is the Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche Automobil Holding SE. And on his wrist are watches that are linked to the cars he produces or to the world of motor racing (surprisingly…), by Omega and IWC/Porsche Design. Porsche SE is […]

6 years ago

Interview – Xavier Dietlin, The Man Behind The Most Innovative and Spectacular Display Cases

If you are into watches and happen to visit sales points or watch fairs, there are chances you have seen some of Xavier Dietlin’s creations, without even knowing about his small company (watch the following demo video). Dietlin Swiss Showcases is a 12-person business specializing in creating exceptional display cases and windows. As the company celebrates its 165th anniversary in the metal work industry, we caught up with Xavier Dietlin to talk about how he envisions watch presentation in sales points.

6 years ago