Mirka Federer and the coolest Rolex Day-Date ever
Editor’s note: Is this the coolest Rolex Day-Date ever? Regardless of how you answer that question, this is objectively one of the rarest watches Rolex has manufactured in recent years, with it being conspicuously absent from any Rolex catalogue or website. We spotted Mark Wahlberg wearing one on Ellen, but more excitingly, we also noticed Mirka Federer wearing one at the Australian Open in 2017. Given her husband is currently playing (quite well) at Wimbledon, we thought it might bring him some good luck if we reminded the world just how good Mirka’s taste in watches is. 430,000 euros of gem-set goodness While most eyes were on Roger Federer and the Rolex GMT Master-II BLNR he strapped on to hoist his 18th grand slam trophy at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Sunday night, there were other watches nearby worth noticing. Yes, there was the Richard Mille RM 27-02 tourbillon worn by Nadal throughout all five sets, but that’s not what we’re talking about. Our attention was grabbed by the exceptional piece worn by Mirka Federer, with its emerald bezel and diamond pavé dial. Now, this isn’t your regular stone-strewn Rolex. This watch is special — so special it doesn’t even show up…
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Editor’s note: As evidenced by the release of the popular Heritage Military watch, Longines have a long history in manufacturing reliable tool watches for the world’s armed forces. One that is sometimes overlooked today, but got people talking when it was first released, is the Longines Heritage Military COSD. A considered nod to the watches the brand produced around the time of WWII, the Military COSD is another strong contender for an everyday watch — with a 40mm case, super-legible dial, and workhorse movement, there is a lot right about this watch. Felix has the full story below. The story in a second: Inspired by a watch designed for the British military in WWII, the Heritage Military COSD watch is the latest in a long line of strong vintage-inspired pieces from Longines. Longines routinely produce some of the best heritage reissues available, for two reasons. Firstly, their position in the Swatch Group allows them to create high-quality watches at accessible price points. But secondly — and more importantly — they have an amazing history full of great pieces that are ripe for reinterpretation. The Spirit, the Weems Second-Setting Watch, the Legend Diver, the Majetek — they’re all great watches inspired by Longines’ extensive back…
As you might have noticed (here, here and here), I’m quite interested in bulletproof watches being used in situations with bullets (figuratively). I enjoy, as much as the next guy, reading about the (somewhat theoretical) limits of well-made watches, if it be temperature, altitude or water pressure. But what I love even more is reading true stories of watches in dangerous situations and seeing how they perform. I also suspect that I am not alone in being a passionate consumer of horological testimonials that fall outside of a marketing budget, with there being an evident growth in interest in watches with military provenance. I recently came across this piece in the Financial Times, discussing tool watches being used for their intended purpose — as tools. Despite modern GPS technology claiming more wrist real estate than half a century ago, in 2019 many adventurers are choosing to wear a more traditional tool watch. Unsurprisingly, watches like the Breitling Emergency are seriously functional watches in remote parts of planet earth, responsible for saving the lives of dozens of people over the years. It’s a nice reminder that while #deskdiver watches are crucial tools for navigating the wilds of terra corporata boardroomus (trans. corporate…
TAG Heuer’s Monaco at 50 celebration rolls on — we’ve already seen editions one and two — and the third, formally known as the TAG Heuer Monaco 1989-1999 Limited Edition, has just been announced in New York City. The basis for this watch is the Calibre 11-powered Monaco (obvs), in its distinctive (and large wearing) 39mm case, with offside crown. And while previous versions have been decidedly colourful in green and red, this edition is more monochrome in flavour. The dial is realised in stunning silver. Or, to be more technical, a grey-grained rhodium-plated dial that’s been given a sandblasted finish. The applied horizontal indices shine out against this matt background, and the red and blue printed details add just the right amount of pop. These colours are echoed in the blue perforated strap with its contrasting red stitching. This limited edition watch (limited to 169 pieces, so proper limited) comes in a fancy 1990s-inspired dark blue box, with a horizontal check-pattern stripe. And while the green and the red versions were hot, I really like this one for its understated charm, and I can’t wait to see what the next two versions looks like. TAG Heuer Monaco 1989-1999 Limited Edition…