Introducing – Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Annual Calendar Monaco Edition
At the SIHH 2017, Ulysse Nardin introduced a watch that perfectly sums up what it stands for: a combination of marine roots with a cleverly designed movement, with simplification in mind. This watch was the Ulysse Nardin Marine Annual Calendar Chronometer. This year, in celebration of 9 years of loyal support for the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show, the brand introduces a dedicated limited edition based on this desirable watch, with a new style – and also a more attractive price.
When IWC made the revamped Da Vinci collection their main focus at SIHH 2017, it’s fair to say that there was a little bit of confusion – if not downright consternation – among the watch-loving faithful. Coming off two straight years of strong, masculine product – the Portugieser and the Pilot’s – the dressy Da Vinci was a definite change of pace with it’s feminine demeanour and fancy articulated lugs. If you’re on the fence about the Da Vinci collection as a whole, have a look at this limited-edition Chronograph Edition “Laureus Sport For Good Foundation”. Even though the words ‘chronograph’ and ‘sport’ are in the (rather wordy) model name, this is far from your typical sports chrono. In fact, it’s pretty much the opposite. Refined, elegant and devastatingly handsome, the 42mm-wide by 14.5mm-thick steel case is all polished curves, notably on the lugs and the flyback chronograph’s rounded pushers. The dial is a real beauty: a rich starburst blue that’s a trademark of IWC’s Laureus editions, with applied silver Arabic numerals, matching hands and the odd red detail. The chronograph features stacked hours and minutes totalisers at 12, and running seconds at six, a pleasingly symmetrical design somewhat marred…
This month was full of milestones, travel and precious metals. Not only did it mark one full year of #SpottedByAG, but we also officially warmed our (not-so-new) Time+Tide HQ (a tad overdue – we know). It started with a trip over to the windy city, Wellington – where I had the pleasure of meeting some of the Red Bar NZ crew, followed by a tour of the local boutique (Partridges), who kindly hosted brunch. The first watch I noticed as I sat down was an Omega Speedmaster ‘Snoopy’, on the wrist of member Mike (@Nzer.Mike). Given the limited production, you don’t see these too often, so they’re somewhat of a rare bird. I also sized up another Omega Speedmaster, albeit a little older, with some eye-catching patina. It turned out to be from 1973, and was in fantastic condition. It’s owner, Cole (@Cole_Sharpp), treated himself later that morning to a new Tudor Black Bay Steel (which I take no responsibility for). I must say, for the dozen or so guys who turned up, the crew really brought the heat. A big thank you to Jarrod and Pat from Red Bar NZ, and Andrew from Partridge Jewellers, for the hospitality. Not…
If you’re ‘into’ watches, it’s easy to fall into a perception that a higher price naturally equates to higher value and quality. However, Seiko’s colourful and decidedly wallet-friendly Presage Cocktail Time turns these assumptions on their head, with an RRP well south of $1000 and a wrist presence that can compete with watches 10 times the price. Simply put, the Cocktail Time is a winner because it’s fun, and that’s mostly down to the dials. Take that away and you have a well-priced 40mm steel dress watch. Nice, but unremarkable. The Cocktail Time takes classic dressy tropes and turns the fun factor all the way up. There are bright colours, interesting textures, reflections and a dazzling play of light. The only way this watch could be more of a party would be if Seiko popped an actual disco ball on the wrist (I wouldn’t put it past them). And, of course, the cocktail association doesn’t hurt the cause either. Seiko has smartly made the boozy link explicit, matching the icy-blue dial with a Sky Diving, the brown with a Manhattan and the deep blue with a Moonlit Night (more on this later…), allowing you to identify with your favourite in…