Hands-On: The Bremont U-2/51-Jet
Stealthy black meets vintage lume in a tough-as-nails pilot’s watch.
Pre-Baselworld 2018 – Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier Launches Its Integrated, High-Frequency, Column-Wheel Chronograph
For once, this won’t a product-related news – understand here, the launch of a new watch – that we will share with you. Instead, we’ll look at the other side of the industry: suppliers. Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, one of the most respected movement constructors of the Swiss industry, indeed unveils an integrated high-frequency column-wheel chronograph, the calibre Seed VMF 6710. And it truly is quite an interesting movement, to say the least.
HANDS-ON: The Omega 1957 Trilogy Railmaster – better than the original?
Yesterday, we showed you the Seamaster Railmaster, a modern incarnation of the classic professional model. But it wasn’t the only Railmaster released last year. No, there’s also this watch, the limited edition 60th anniversary commemorative watch that formed (along with the Speedmaster and the Seamaster) one part of the triumvirate of watches that makes up the 1957 Trilogy series. The version not included in the boxed set is limited to 3557 pieces, and, like the rest of the trilogy, is a near perfect facsimile of the original. In fact, you could argue it’s more than perfect, as it preserves the form and proportions of the original, but adds modern construction and movement quality into the mix. Speaking of form, this Railmaster is superb: 38mm case, with polished and brushed finishes, a 19mm bracelet, a solid link update of the original, and a solid caseback, concealing the thoroughly contemporary Master Chronometer 8806 movement (which is, as you’d expect, significantly more resistant to magnetism than the ’57 version). And then there’s the dial. Pared back to the essentials — printed Omega logo and Railmaster text, cardinal hours and faded lume applied into dial recesses to offer maximal glow without the bulk of…
The post HANDS-ON: The Omega 1957 Trilogy Railmaster – better than the original? appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.
Photo Report: The HODINKEE Meet-Up In Los Angeles
Anyone who tells you LA isn’t a top-notch watch town clearly isn’t paying attention.
Opinion – The Frederique Constant Hybrid Manufacture – Enough to Convince a Watch Guy?
Recently, Frederique Constant introduced a watch it dubbed the “World’s First 3.0 Watch“. You know about mechanical watches (obviously, if you’re reading this magazine, you definitely know about mechanical watches), you know about smart-watches. The next step, according to FC, is the hybrid watch, a combination of good old mechanics with a connected module on top. This announcement grabbed out attention and we asked for a watch to review. The question is simple: is the Frederique Constant Hybrid Manufacture the right recipe to take luxury watches into the 21st century?
Happenings: Gary Shteyngart To Lecture On The Art Of Time In Chicago
Next Monday, the author and New Yorker contributor will share some thoughts at the Alliance Française.
Introducing: The Hublot Big Bang Unico Red Magic
A bold new take on the brand’s star chronograph is rendered in bright red ceramic.
Interview – In Conversation With Nick Harris, Founder of Orion and Watches By Nick
A somewhat surprising, yet very encouraging trend seems to be emerging in our tiny watch ecosystem. Young people from around the world, millennials who aren’t supposed to even care about traditional (‘outdated’) technology, are discovering a passion for mechanical wristwatches. And what’s more, they are finding interesting ways to explore and develop their own ideas, leveraging the boom in crowdfunding to help them create their own products and brands, many of which offer genuinely interesting additions to an already crowded market.
This seems all the more remarkable when you consider that none of these young creators has ever even had the need to wear a wristwatch, thanks largely to the advent of things like smartphones. Still, they are making the active choice to be a part of this world and to try and make a living from mechanical wristwatches. Today, we’re speaking to one such individual, a young man from the USA by the name of Nick Harris. The Seiko fans among you might recognise Nick’s name from his first watch-related project, Watches by Nick, which focused on modifying Seiko watches. Now, he’s studying full-time at watchmaking school and has launched his own brand, Orion, to help fund his studies.
IN-DEPTH: The Omega Seamaster Railmaster
The story in a second: Behind the ultra-hyped trilogy models lays this cool, calm and not-in-any-way limited take on the Railmaster. Odd as it may seem today, but many of the enduring designs of mid-twentieth century watchmaking sprang from a very specific purpose: scientific exploration and the quest for accuracy. The Omega Railmaster, one of their original professional models, stands alongside other great names like the Milgauss, the Ingenieur and the Geophysic. And last year the Railmaster received a major upgrade. Not just in the near 1:1 limited edition re-creation but in this new interpretation: the Seamaster Railmaster. The case Not too little, not too large: 40mm is pretty much perfect for this style of watch, but that’s not all that stands out. The case is pretty much identical in form to the Aqua Terra, except for the finishing. While the AT is all about polished lines and reflected light, the Railmaster is muted and matt, thanks to its satin-brushed finish, something that totally fits with the model’s utilitarian origin story. The crown is conical and easy to use (always a plus in my book), and the lugs are that sweeping twisted style that is such a hallmark of Omega.…
The post IN-DEPTH: The Omega Seamaster Railmaster appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.
WHO TO FOLLOW: @justinmfrost
This week’s Who to Follow is a little closer to home than usual. Justin Mastine-Frost has been writing for us on and off over the last few years, so we’re obviously fans. But his passion for the independent, the odd, and not to mention the colourful, means that we think he’s well worth a follow. Hey Justin, tell me about yourself. Who I am is a loaded question. Canadian by birth, transplanted to New York City for a few years, and now I’m back in Canada. To run you through the brief history lesson, I’ve been a guitarist, a sales clerk, a photographer, a construction foreman, BMW mechanic, and a journalist in a variety of fields including automotive, travel, lifestyle and horology. At 34 years old, you can say I’ve worn a few hats over my lifetime. What do you love? When you boil it right down, I love experience. I love food, I love travelling, I love meeting people and discovering their backstory — what brought them to where they are today. How do you unwind? That very much depends on the options at hand. During the day-to-day grind, a good Netflix binge or an evening out with good…
The post WHO TO FOLLOW: @justinmfrost appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.