Buying Guide – Yellow gold Is Warming Up Again
When thinking of yellow gold, the first thing that may come to your mind is your parents’ or grandparents’ watch. Well, if you feel yellow gold is outdated, it might be time for a change. The status symbol of the 1960s to 1980s is making a comeback. As trends come and go, it fits perfectly in the current vintage craze – just like the unexpected comeback of the 1980s spirit in fashion and music. And interestingly, the way watchmakers use it today makes it look super chic and trendy. Here are 6 of the most notable yellow gold watches introduced recently.
Earlier this week, Jaeger-LeCoultre held the Australian launch of their brand new Polaris collection at Carriageworks in Sydney, and it was — to borrow Neil Patrick Harris’ line — legendary. In watchland, the Polaris is a legend in its own right (a watch I incidentally had the pleasure of seeing in its various stages of assembly), so it was only appropriate that Jaeger-LeCoultre assembled some local legends to celebrate its arrival on our shores. Sporting legend John Eales (this guy) officiated over the launch of the sporty line, dropping surprising titbits like the fact that Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Vallée de Joux manufacture has its own rugby team (the fact that Eales politely suggested their skills were better suited to watchmaking is beside the point). Eales wasn’t the only legend in attendance; entertainment was provided not by your typically muted string quartet or jazz band, but rather by Australian rock royalty. Darren Middleton opened with a little song called My Happiness that he happened to have co-written while in legendary Brisbane band Powderfinger. Shortly after, he was joined by the equally legendary Kram (this guy) on drums, and finally by Davey Lane — guitarist for You Am I. Not a bad lineup for…
In the world of vintage watch collection, ‘issued’ watches — timepieces that were supplied to military personnel — typically command a pretty penny, and brands with a history of producing timing instruments for armed services often lean on this heritage with military-inspired reissues. However, it’s not always so simple, as some brands are wary of glorifying conflict. Regardless of how the story is articulated, there’s no denying that the simple, clean and purposeful designs that so often characterise watches intended for military use is an attractive look, and not one that’s disappearing any time soon. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Hamilton is famous for its military watches, particular their simple, tough watches issued in the latter half of last century. It’s a legacy that lives on in their popular Khaki Field watches, and this 38mm, manually winding watch is one of the best we’ve seen in a long time. The dial is ultra-spartan, with an internal 24-hour track, vintage lume and nylon strap. But the real winner is the price. 450 CHF. Omega Seamaster 1948 Small Seconds Now this is a bit of a tricky one, as the Seamaster 1948 Limited Edition takes its design cues from the first Seamaster, a…
Look back at Baselworld predictions over the last few years, and you’re likely to see a GMT from Tudor topping the list. Sure, some of us may have expected to see that little extra hour-telling-hand added to the Pelagos. But with the ever growing – and hugely popular – Black Bay collection proving to be the perfect base from which to begin, particularly after the introduction of the chronograph last year, I think it’s safe to say that we were all pleasantly surprised when Tudor unveiled a bicoloured Black Bay GMT this year at Basel. The Baselworld surprises didn’t stop there either, as parent company Rolex also released a Pepsi GMT. But having said that, this Heritage Black Bay is its own watch, with its own look and feel. Vital statistics Essentially, it’s a Black Bay. A stainless-steel 41mm case with polished sides and a satin-brushed top. The water resistance remains at 200 metres, and a black, domed dial features a mix of triangle, circle and rectangular hour markers. The differences begin at its bidirectional bezel. An even split of burgundy and blue, it’s a combination of the original colours of the first two Black Bays, except now the aluminium insert…