Quill & Pad’s early 2016 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève predictions in which the team picks favorites and explains why. In contention this year are the Tudor Black Bay Dark, the Eberhard & Co. Scafograf 300, Montblanc’s TimeWalker ExoTourbillon Minute Chronograph Limited Edition, the TAG Heuer Heuer Monza Chronograph, Ressence’s Type 5b, and the Ulysse Nardin Grand Deck Marine Tourbillon.
Patek Philippe unveiled the Nautilus 40th Anniversary limited editions – the Nautilus Ref. 5711/1P and the Nautilus Chronograph Ref. 5976/1G – two weeks ago. Most expected the anniversary to be a major occasion, but instead it was subdued while the response to the watches ranged from lukewarm to confused. The watches, however, deserve better. They look and feel much better, really […]
As the years go by and truly fresh-to-market, highly-desirable, rare watches in original condition get harder and harder to find, we get more and more excited when we do find them. If you know vintage Rolex, you know how highly sought after Explorer dial Submariners really are – and here we have one that came within an inch of losing about 90% of its value, now being offered at auction by the original (extremely lucky) owner.
Habring² was founded in 2004 by husband and wife Richard and Maria Habring. Based in Austria, this small, independent manufacturer has received industry accolade being awarded several times at GPHG, the Oscars of watchmaking, including two “Petite Aiguilles”* – The first time was in 2013 for a jumping second watch. The second time was in 2015, with Felix, the first Habring² powered by an in-house movement, the A11. The news that the Austrian duo presents its first jumping second based on the A11 calibre sounded like something to look forward to. Erwin, their latest creation does live up to the promise.
Reviewing the Grand Seiko SBGA029 was mostly a selfish endeavor, as I longed to spend some quality time test driving this diver. Its considerable dimensions are indeed way outside my comfort zone, yet I have somehow still been deeply attracted to this specific model ever since Jack first wrote about it a year ago. I was already familiar with the dressier Grand Seiko models and had high expectations based on Seiko’s track record with diving watches. After all, it must be fairly hard to compete with its cousin the Seiko SKX007, most likely the best price-for-quality diver you could ever dream of. For that reason, the SBGA029 goes a totally different direction, offering an interesting interpretation of a luxury diver, aiming at the Rolexes and Omegas of this world, while putting a unique twist on the category as well.
Breitling announces two limited editions exclusively for the South East Asia market: their Navitimer and Superocean Héritage 46. The Navitimer is a Breitling icon, created in 1952 as a purpose built watch for pilots and aviation professionals. The Superocean is their professional diver watch which Breitling released in 1957.…
Memento Mori. Remember that you have to die – Several brands have released skull watches that look badass while reminding of the importance of seizing the day. Not to be outdone, MCT watches present a skull version of its Sequential One S110 available in exclusive limited editions.
Formex is back with a bang and presents the new TS 3100 line. Featuring the patented and unique case suspension system, the new Formex looks sporty, yet has a very refined finish and is limited to 999 pieces. The brand is known for their motor sports inspired designs, which remind of the design of high […]
A few years ago, I visited my first Olympics event in Sochi, Russia. This year, seeing the opening ceremony and some of the Olympic competition events in Rio de Janeiro and experiencing the impressive nature of the deeply emotional event, I continue to be enthused by Omega’s participation.
Non-Swiss / German Watches Do you own an analog – or mechanical – watch which doesn’t say Swiss or German made on the dial? Dutch watches for example? Most of us probably not. There is a real fascination and respect for the mentioned countries. Yes, they really earn and deserve it, but I do like […]