Pre-SIHH 2019 – The Comeback of the Tonneau in the Cartier Privé Collection

The Tonneau Watch by Cartier always had a special place amongst collectors. Certainly less famous than other shaped watches designed by the Parisian Maison (Tortue, Crash, Tank, Santos, Drive, Ballon Bleu and many more), it remains one of the most original and certainly one of the most elegant creations ever done by Cartier. Thanks to the Revival of the “Privé” branding, with the reinterpretation of the Crash in 2015 and the Tank Cintrée in 2017, we see more of those beautiful shapes watches coming back in the brand’s portfolio. For the SIHH 2019, the Tonneau Watch is coming back.

7 years ago

HANDS-ON: The Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech 3 Days Automatic – PAM00616

At first glance, Panerai’s watches share a reassuring familiarity — large cases, large crown guards and a dial design that puts legibility front and centre. A close look at the catalogue will show that the brand born from its Italian diving heritage has quite a lot of diversity on offer, particularly when it comes to case materials. From bronze to ceramic and (most recently) Bulk Metallic Glass, Panerai has strong form when it comes to material innovation. And today we’re having a closer look at one of the most interesting examples from recent times: Carbotech. Before we talk about the case material, let’s step back for a second and look at the bigger picture. PAM00616 is a 47mm Luminor Submersible, one of the brand’s beefiest cases, good for 300m of depth, and a standout thanks to the solid dive bezel and that patented crown guard. The watch is impressive on the inside, too, with a big P.9000 calibre ticking away, a double-barrelled beauty that’s good for three days of power. It’s a watch that you might reasonably expect to weigh the wrist down. But it doesn’t. That’s where the Carbotech comes in. Aside from its obvious visual charms, Carbotech is…

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7 years ago

HANDS-ON: The Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Orlinski Titanium Alternative Pavé

To my mind, the watches coming out of Hublot’s partnership with contemporary artist Richard Orlinski have been some of the brand’s most striking. The bold, geometric look manages to be both in keeping with Hublot’s design ethos, while looking on-trend. At the heart of this, Orlinski’s appeal is the facets, which allows the typically blocky case of the Classic Fusion to play with light and shade in intriguing ways. This titanium-cased Alternative Pavé version of the Orlinski takes the faceted concept to the next level by adding 312 finely faceted diamonds into the mix. There are 156 diamonds, set in two rows on the bezel, and a further 156 set into the case. The total weight of the stones is around 2 carats. The fully set bezel certainly provides a very pretty frame for the skeletonised dial, but for me it’s the rocks on the case that stand out. Seemingly random, alternating facets have been pavé set (giving the watch its name), with the diamond-free titanium surfaces polished to a high, mirror-like shine. The effect is, quite frankly, stunning. Now, I know stones on watches aren’t to everyone’s taste, and I understand why. Often, the use of diamonds is done…

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7 years ago

Hands-on – Mido Ocean Star Diver 600, A Robust and Accessible Dive Watch

If Mido is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018, the history of the Mido Ocean Star dates back to the early 1940s. Naturally, at the time, the Ocean Star was not yet the modern mechanical dive watch it is today and had little in common with the latest model in the family, the most technical so far. Let’s take a look at this new Mido Ocean Star Diver 600.

7 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2019 – Montblanc Introduces Two New TimeWalker ‘Reverse Panda’ Chronographs

Two years ago at the SIHH 2017, Montblanc completely redesigned its TimeWalker collection, presenting its version of what a sports watch should look like. This represented the fulfilment of a key objective for Davide Cerrato, Managing Director of the Watch Division. In 2019, the brand looks to build on this success with the introduction of two additional models to the collection. Both feature “Reverse Panda” dials with contrasting black backgrounds and silvery-white counters and flanges. Read on for all the details, including expected pricing.

7 years ago

Pre-SIHH 2019 – Two New Montblanc Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Models in Steel and Red Gold

It might be hard to believe but we’re already into December, which means its nearly January. Incredible as it sounds, the first major watch fair of the New Year is mere weeks away. That means it’s preview time. We’ve already shown you several models from the likes of IWC, Piaget, HYT and Laurent Ferrier. Now it’s Montblanc’s turn. First on our list are two new Star Legacy Nicolas Rieussec Chronographs.

7 years ago

EVENT: An evening exploring why Chopard is a brand watch people are getting excited about

Late last week, Time+Tide was honoured to co-host an exclusive event at the Sydney Chopard boutique that centred around a tour of the key features of a genuine rockstar of a watch – the 2017 GPHG Aiguille d’Or winner, the extraordinary Chopard L.U.C Full Strike. Also attending the event were members of the Trivett Bespoke and Cure Cancer teams as well as some Baselworld 2018 Chopard L.U.C pieces. I explained to an intimate luxury cellar of just 25 people, in reverent tones, that standing next to the Full Strike, not just the model (which has been sold out worldwide since launch) but the actual watch that was on stage at the 2017 GPHG is, for a watch person, like standing next to the actual Bradley Cooper. But, in lots of ways, Chopard L.U.C winning the GPHG is far more impressive than Cooper’s potential Oscar win this year as a 43-year-old man. Because Chopard L.U.C is a mere 22-year-old. Chopard L.U.C was launched in 1996. The signs that it would go on to great things, and quickly, were there from the start. The first Chopard L.U.C movement developed, the 1.96, was declared by WatchTime in 1996 to be the “finest automatic movement being…

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7 years ago