Watch Dandy

  In an opening salvo of releases that instantaneously became the first buzz topic of Basel 2018, Rolex and Tudor have simultaneously released ‘Pepsi’ GMTs; Rolex with a GMT-Master II with two-colour blue and red Cerachrom bezel and the Tudor Black Bay GMT, with two-colour red and blue aluminium bezel. The Rolex is one of three new versions of the GMT-Master II and houses a brand new movement, the new-generation calibre 3285. The first new version, in ‘Oystersteel’, is equipped with a bi-directional rotatable bezel and a 24-hour two-colour Cerachrom insert in red and blue ceramic. The new Tudor Black Bay GMT in steel is also a completely new movement, the MT5652, with 70 hours of power reserve and a fully integrated GMT, just like the Rolex. The Tudor also has a snowflake style GMT-hand and comes with a stainless steel bracelet, leather strap or fabric strap. 5 Early reactions to the Rolex vs Tudor Pepsi GMTs SURPRISED: There was a lot of buzz and chatter about a steel Coke GMT-Master II (black and red) for Rolex, and frankly,, there was no noise at all about a Black Bay GMT, simply because rumours about it ran so hot in other years and proved groundless. So, on…

The post NEWS: Tudor and Rolex in the battle of the Pepsi GMTs gives Basel 2018 its first big moment appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.

Omega releasing a new Speedmaster model at Baselworld 2018 is hardly the biggest surprise ever, but still, the high contrast black and yellow colour scheme and novel dial design make the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 an interesting, attention-seeking addition to the family. Vital statistics Fifty years ago, Apollo 8 was the first mission to orbit the moon, and actually see the dark side of the moon. So the black, zirconium oxide ceramic Dark Side of the Moon is an obvious choice. And while Omega say the choice of yellow is inspired by the original Speedmaster Racing and associations with speed, really what it comes down to is the fact that it looks cool. But what’s really interesting about this watch is the dial. It’s skeletonised, which is unusual for a Speedy, and the plates and bridges have been given a dark lunar makeover, courtesy of a laser ablation technique. In a cool twist the caseback side of the watch is rendered to resemble the dark side of the moon. Initial thoughts The space theme on the DSOTM Apollo 8 is nuanced and well done — I particularly like that the Jim Lovell quote, “We’ll see you…

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One of the most popular and most loved Omega watches is the mighty Seamaster 300 — made especially famous by James Bond. Baselworld 2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the design, and to mark the occasion, Omega have completely upgraded and revamped the line, offering a total of 14 new Seamaster Diver 300 models, in both steel and two-tone cases. Vital statistics Every detail of the new Seamaster Diver 300 has been assessed and rethought, from a new, more ergonomic bracelet, to a conical helium escape valve. But it’s the big changes that will capture the eye. The size has been boosted to 42mm, and that famous scalloped bezel is now in ceramic with Ceragold or white enamel diving scale. The dials are also polished ceramic, in blue, black and chrome (thanks to a PVD treatment), and the ever-popular wave design is now laser engraved. You’ll note that the date is a touch more subtle at the six o’clock position, and the hands design, while still recognisable, has been tweaked. Things are different on the inside too, as each of these new watches is powered by the Master Chronometer certified 8800, with all that entails for accuracy and performance. Initial…

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