The value proposition on this Tissot is next-level. Seriously, it’s a lot of watch for the money

Editor’s note: Just quietly, the Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic is an incredible amount of watch for the money. Cool dial, modern bells and whistles, and a strong power reserve. And it looks good.  This is such a great watch. Honestly. I can’t think of many (if any) Swiss-made watches that offer such a punchy package for this sort of price. Not only do you get the impressive Powermatic 80 movement (more than three days of power reserve rocks) in a good-looking, well-made 300m diver, you get nice little features like the gradient dial and ceramic bezel. So much win. On top of that, it fits great on the wrist: 43mm is big, but not obnoxiously so, especially when paired with the height. Even the dial text and date placement is done right. My only possible quibble is the strap. Not the rubber strap itself, which I quite like — Tissot ‘T’ motif and all — no, it’s the slightly odd 21mm width. Given that I’m the kind of guy who likes chopping and changing straps as often as my mood, the uncommon width is a little bit of a buzzkill. But then, for the price, it’s hard to be too harsh with…

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7 years ago

LIST: 4 Grand Seiko Snowflakes – one for every season

For many, Grand Seiko is synonymous with Snowflake, and for years there was only one Grand Seiko Snowflake to choose. Now, as the prestigious Japanese brand becomes better known in the world, that landscape is changing, with more of those delicate, gorgeous dials making their way across the world. And, in the manner of Vivaldi’s most famous work, we’re breaking it down, four seasons-style. Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA259   Spring is brought to us courtesy of the SBGA259, which doesn’t deviate too much from the original, but adds a few blossoming buds of colour in the form of gold-tone hands and dial markers. In a contrast that only seems to make the white of the dial even crisper in comparison. $8400 Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGY002  One of the latest additions to the Snowflake family is the one offering a glimpse of golden sunshine — SBGY002. While the allusion to summery warmth is clear in the precious metal case, this slim, manually wound Spring Drive offers a novel new take on the much-loved look. $35,200 Grand Seiko Snowflake SBGA211  In this seasonal breakdown, the original, titanium-cased Snowflake takes the position of autumn. That’s not to say that this watch isn’t a great year-round option, but its…

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7 years ago

In the market for an Omega Aqua Terra? Watch this

Editor’s note: In the market for a truly excellent, everyday watch with superlative quality and solid style? How about the Omega Aqua Terra? Good choice. Not sure which one? Well, watch this video … One of the secrets of the Omega Aqua Terra’s success is its versatile charm. In its dark-dialled and gold incarnations it’s super dressed-up, but put it on a leather or rubber strap and it becomes a much more casual proposition. This is a watch that could pull tuxedo duty or go with board shorts (and the 150 metres of water resistance means it’s safe to take swimming) with equal ease. But no matter how you wear it, you won’t find it boring. The flash of the polished hands and applied indices ensure that, as does the shimmering, patterned dial. And then, of course, there are its more functional charms. It’s now a Master Chronometer-certified watch, which means that it is tough and accurate, and, in the larger size, has a nifty quick jump hour that’s super useful for travellers. Flexible style and feature-packed? That’s why we think the Omega Aqua Terra is one of the best contenders for ‘only watch’ status we’ve seen this year.

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7 years ago

Independent Watchmaking – Machiel Hulsman Redefines “Bespoke” – Meet the First Entirely Handmade Dutch Wristwatch

I’m thrilled to announce this news. Machiel Hulsman, former IT consultant turned watchmaker, has created the very first entirely handmade wristwatch from the Netherlands. We have the legacy of Christiaan Huygens, the inventor of the pendulum clock, Christiaan van der Klaauw, a watch and clockmaker who created the smallest planetarium (in a wristwatch), and the […]

7 years ago

Introducing – Chronoswiss Flying Grand Regulator Open Gear ReSec (Hands-On)

Founded in the 1980s, Chronoswiss made a name for itself with its regulator watches, with their characteristic separate time indications inspired by the master clocks of yesteryear. At Baselworld 2019, with the Flying Grand Regulator Open Gear ReSec (for retrograde seconds), Chronoswiss demonstrates that it still actively develops this signature display with a model boasting […]

7 years ago

Everose and moss – is this still the hottest Rolex Day-Date on the market?

Editor’s note: On its own, a Rolex is a power move. A precious metal Rolex more so. A Day-Date? Now you’re talking? The Day-Date 40 in Everose with a green dial? Winner winner.  It’s no real surprise that Rolex — the world’s most reputable brand — is a class act. For me this was proven when I saw the beautiful new green-dialled Day-Date 40 on the first day of this year’s Baselworld fair. That class factor was cemented when I discovered the watch was available in stores on the very same day of its release. Not many brands could pull off a move that smooth. On the surface, this is a new variant of last year’s Day-Date 40 (a watch we’ve already covered in some depth) with a dial Rolex is calling ‘olive green’. But it’s more than that. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Day-Date’s introduction — six decades over which it’s become synonymous with leadership and success — so this new iteration is something special. It’s available in Everose gold and white gold versions, and we suspect that the wait list will be lengthy. As far as the watch goes, it has all the grace, charm and impeccable pedigree of the regular…

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7 years ago

VIDEO: 4 new watches that herald Grand Seiko’s dressy revolution

One of the strongest themes in Grand Seiko’s Basel 2019 showing was the pivot to dressy, slightly thinner pieces. We saw two new movements (both mechanical and Spring Drive) cased in a range of (typically gorgeous) new models. And while Grand Seiko’s design hallmarks are there — namely in the exceptional dials and the quality of finish — there were a few elements that set a significant new tone for the brand, particularly the thinner, more ergonomic case profiles, and manually wound movements. It’s a strong start, and it’s also just that — a start. We’re going to see lots more of these watches in the future … Grand Seiko SBGK002 Gold case, red urushi lacquer dial with a stunning Mt. Iwate finish. What’s not to like? Grand Seiko SBGK005 Well, if gold is a little rich for your blood, keep things more sedate with steel. Still stunning with a blue Mt. Iwate dial.  Grand Seiko SBGY002 The snowflake has never looked so stunning, thanks to the thinner, smaller case in yellow gold.  Grand Seiko  SBGY003 Steel case, radial guilloché dial and slender profile. Only possible complaint — limited issue. 

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7 years ago