HANDS-ON: A classic, redefined – The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 in steel
Forget the fuss about the Sea-Dweller and the palaver over the Sky-Dweller, the real Rolex of 2017 is the Datejust 41 in steel. On the surface, the reasons might not be immediately obvious. After all, the Datejust 41 isn’t new (it was released last year in yellow and Everose Rolesor versions), and its looks are almost the very definition of classic. But despite this – or because of it – we’re confident in predicting that the steel Datejust 41 will be one of their most popular models this year. Let’s step back for just a second. What is a Datejust 41, and where does it fit in the Rolex ecosystem? Well, the second part of the equation, the 41, is simple enough — it refers to the 41mm case size. But the Datejust itself requires a jot more explanation. Originally introduced way back in 1945, the Datejust is a prime example of one of the quiet revolutions that make Rolex the powerhouse it is today. The innovation of the Datejust was that the date ‘jumped’ at midnight, rather than slowly dragging across over a few hours. Simple, but significant. Add to this the iconic elements of the Oyster Case, Cyclops…
The post HANDS-ON: A classic, redefined – The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 41 in steel appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.
There’s no better way for nascent female watch enthusiasts to dip their toes into luxe waters than scaling the vintage market for a play with men’s models. You can score an utterly original watch, with provenance or history to boot, but with a forgiving price tag. First up, just get scanning the spectrum. With a feel for the models that interest you and when expenditure is more considered, you can start to look at rarity, how watches will hold their value, the history of a house, exemplary workmanship and innovation. My entry into this world was a diminutive Jaeger-LeCoultre ladies cocktail hour piece from the early 60s, but I soon realised I was more than ready to play with cases sizes more commonly reserved for Mad Men-era alpha males. Get your boys club on with these impressive treasures, each with their very own special patina. Omega – De Ville ‘Emerald’ by Andrew Grima A lost Omega line in the true sense, the Emerald was only made from 1971 to 1973 and will appeal to vintage jewellery lovers because of Anglo-Italian Andrew Grima’s hand in its design. Grima, who had earlier designed Omega’s About Time collection in 1970, is a big card…
Editor’s Note: You think you know someone. When Felix had the idea to tell a story about a fictional IWC Portugieser wearer through the visual medium of a comic book strip I was intrigued. He worked with illustrator William Webb to bring a vignette to life entirely of his own imagination – a guy living the dream facing an event most of us would quickly want to wake up from. I was impressed at his hidden talents. It’s short, sharp and purely for fun. Enjoy! If you want a closer look at the art, it’s in three parts here, here and here. 
Editor’s Note: Initially released in 2014, the Seamaster 300 was a near perfect combination of heritage and technique. Four years on and still going strong — I’d say it’s holding its own as one of the best dive watches in its price point on the market. The story in a second The Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial was one of the best watches of 2014, combining the brand’s rich history with their impressive Master Co-Axial movement. The big question Does Omega finally have a dive watch that can challenge the supremacy of the Rolex Submariner? Last year Omega answered the prayers of their most fervent fans, re-releasing the Seamaster 300, a beloved vintage model, and one of the all-time great dive watches. The Seamaster 300 hasn’t been seen in catalogues for the last 45 years, and it was past due for a comeback. And not only because the watch industry can’t get enough of heritage reissues at the moment. The time is right for the Seamaster 300 – it has the combination of looks, legacy and technical prowess to rival the mighty Rolex Submariner. For the first version of the new Seamaster 300 Omega smartly decided against cherry-picking the best…