Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

More than half a year ago, I posted this blog about the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deep Sea Jacques Piccard edition, a Dutch initiative from Philipp Stahl (Steiner) and Jerrel Manbodh (Manbodh Watches). Just today, Christies had one of the 86 pieces on auction, number 60 of 86. When still available, these watches changed owner for 12.900 Euro. The official Rolex Sea-Dweller Deep Sea Jacques Piccard website is www.singlereddeepsea.com, which is still on-line and contains some more background information regarding these watches.Number 60/86 is not a coincidence???? Number 60 stands for the successful deep sea diving mission in 1960 and 86 is the age of Jacques Piccard, who passed away last year. The au [...]

An interesting combination by Bell Ross and Shaw Harley-Davidson. Shaw Harley-Davidson is the current world champion in modified Harley motorcycles and together with Bell Ross, they present the one-off custom Nascafe Racer.As my motorcycle knowledge is very limited (understatement), I hereby copy an excerpt of the Bell Ross press release:The methods used by Bell Ross master watchmakers when developing and assembling their timepieces was employed by the Shaw Harley-Davidson master technicians when building the project bike, which is based on the Harley-Davidson? FXSTB Softail? Night Train, one of the more radical Softails C long, low and naked and named by Willie G. Davidson.The motorcyc [...]

The Heritage Military Marine Nationale is the latest retro release from Longines. We take a closer look.Longines has been on a roll for the last year or so with continuous additions to its Heritage collection. The brand has added pieces with complications as well as simple three-handers. My favorite releases, though, have used the now-familiar 38.5mm diameter stainless steel case. Todays Military Marine Nationale is the newest introduction and it just might be my favorite. Before we break it down, lets quickly review the other available 38.5mm pieces.Longines kicked things off in early 2019 with the Heritage Military. That piece celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the RAF and is notable for [...]

When I rotated the one and only watch on my wrist back in the day, I remember how obsessed I was with its accuracy. Every few days I set the time against a known source to be sure I always had the most precise time possible.? ?Since more watches have entered my collection, I?seldom wear the same watch for a few days in a row. Even if a watch comes for review, I?switch it during the day, just to refresh my eyes. I?don't know what your vibe is, but when I?have a?watch on my wrist for one?day only, watch accuracy is not an issue for me. Once I?put the watch aside, I?have no clue when it comes back on the wrist. That means I?always need to set and wind it again to feel like I?have the most preci [...]

Alan collects vintage wristwatches, amongst his collection are a lot of Timex watches and a vintage Rolex Explorer and Submariner. He describes his own site as:Watch pictures, diagrams, unusual images, watch info, stories and moreEnjoy! [...]

Vacheron Constantin is not pulling any punches this year. My previous article was a mere toe-dip in a veritable lake of horological goodness, and I haven't even started looking at the elaborate wristwear from Le Cabinotiers. This atelier within the atelier has some rather elaborate pieces in its Geneva arsenal.But this story is about one single piece of horology. One that, for me, stood out like a shining totem in the Vacheron press releases. The Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques 222 has the power to put diamonds, tourbillons, and perpetual calendars in the shade, and it seems very familiar. My story on new releases from Vacheron Constantin the other day could have included this, but truth [...]

Its Speedy Tuesday This week we have a contribution from Ashley Budgen (co-owner and founder of the popular Australian based omegaforums.net website) about his very rare Omega Speedmaster reference 105.002. A straight-lugged Speedmaster from 1962 only 1 year in production and therefore one of the rarest references. Ashley bought one last year and shares his story with you.I had actually been looking for a pre-pro, straight lug Speedmaster for quite some time, either an ST105.003 or a middle to later series Speedmaster CK2998.? As all Omega (Lemania based) caliber 321 Speedmaster fans know, the earlier the watch, the harder it is to find an all original example, and for this reason Id waite [...]

All aboard for another voyage on the S.S. Wrist Game or Crying Shame. This week, we examine a watch that feels a bit polarizing to me: the Rolex Yacht-Master II. Before we leave for seaMarco Polo Marco Polo Ah, just kidding. Last week, I brought you back to the days of Studio 54 with the Piaget Polo. Folks, this equestrian-intended watch bracelet engaged in quite the horse race and it went down to the wire. Sadly, the Polo lost by a nose in a 51% Crying Shame result. Something tells me that todays Rolex Yacht-Master II will finish far more decisively. Lets see which direction.The Rolex Yacht-Master IIThe Rolex Yacht-Master II left the boatyard way back in 2007 and has motored on under its ow [...]

Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame where you, the reader, get to vote on whether you think the watch in question is a fair deal or not.? Let's see what you think of today's multi-colored mechanical, the Zenith Rainbow Flyback.But before we get to the Zenith Rainbow Flyback, let's talk about last week's contestant, the Seiko Marinemaster 300.? First of all, we hit a record number of overall votes and comments, so thanks for that.? But more importantly, 58% of you felt that paying well north of $2K for a Seiko is a good deal.? How about that?? Now, there were some vocal opponents out there who clearly don't like their watches like their steaks- and that means thick.? The Seiko is one c [...]

Before Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher switched to Audemars Piguet, he was Omega ambassador since 1995. Omega honored him with many pieces, starting in 1996 with a Speedmaster Reduced model. These models came in different colors. Below is the yellow version we covered earlier.Michael SchumacherSchumacher was active in Formula 1 from 1991 till 2006 and returned in 2010 to be active till 2012. He became World Champion F1 driver 7 times. End of 2013, he had a nearly fatal accident during a ski trip in France. He has been released from the hospital since 2 years to focus on revalidation at home. It has become relatively silent around Michael Schumacher since then.Omega Speedmaster Michael Sc [...]

Breitling is one of the brands that doesnt get a lot of coverage here. Perhaps because they make me think of two tone Crosswind models with those UTC bracelets, but I am aware that this is not entirely fair to this brand from Grenchen, Switzerland.However, I found this vintage Breitling Chronograph from the 1970s with a Valjoux 72 handwound chronograph movement. This movement has also been used by Rolex for their (Oyster) Cosmograph Daytona models from that period. The Breitling has more or less the same small dimensions as these 1970s Rolex Daytonas. A 37mm diameter case and 13mm in height.The small and sleek case with the big pilot crown for easy winding makes this watch also optically a [...]

One of the most coveted watches is the Cosmograph Daytona, and Rolex decided to spice up the gold references with some meteorite. Three new exclusive versions are being added to the Daytona collection.Now, the Daytona was exclusive already. Not only by its price tag but also by the very limited deliveries to its retailer network. But, the exclusive has an entirely different meaning when it comes to special materials such as meteorites. Any watch will be exclusive when theres a meteorite dial inside, but it becomes even more sought-after when theres Cosmograph Daytona on the dial. Rolex introduces new dial variants for its white gold, yellow gold, and Everose gold Daytona models.Rolex Daytona [...]

When Omega introduced the Seamaster 300M in 1993, their flagship model was the Chronograph reference 2296.80 that came in a combination of three materials: titanium, tantalum and rose gold. Sure, there was an all gold model as well, but this tri-color version was the model they advertised with for the new 300M (chronograph) collection. Tantalum is a rare, hard, blue-grey metal that is highly corrosion-resistant. It is mainly used in electronics today, but sometimes it had a purpose in the watch industry as well. Omega is not the only brand who used it, also Audemars Piguet, FP Journe and Panerai used it for their watches for example.Omega Seamaster 300M Chronograph 1993The blue-grey color gi [...]

We knew it was coming. We didnt know what it was exactly, but we knew the Sub was going to get a little bit of attention this year. Wed heard some pretty crazy theories thrown around (with the blue/blue Submariner renders doing the rounds on social media last week and whipping everyone into a frenzy), but the reality is in line with what we expected. A new movement. Slight revisions to the lugs. This generations Kermit (which should clearly be known as the Green Lantern). But a couple of updates have caused a stir. Lets dig into those briefly hereReworking the lugs was a good idea. No, it was necessary. The boxy Maxi-case lugs were an absolute shower, as Terry-Thomas would say. I am a little [...]

Hej, happy campers, its time for This Week in Watches for July 6, 2019.This week, I dont really have a rant-worthy topic prior to getting into This Week in Watches.? Its not been?too hot here in Germany (sorry, Serbians, you are feeling it right now) and the ground is stable (do take care, SoCal denizens), so whats there to mention?? Well, how about this?? We now have e-Scooters roaming around in Frankfurt.? Thats not a whole lot different than some other cities, but?damn, the users of these things dont know what theyre doing quite yet.? Its amazing, but true, that one cannot text while using one of these lest they wish to end up as a piece of roadside hamburger but theyre trying.? It does [...]

Rob and I talk about the big news from Rolex, Tudor, and Patek Philippe that was announced on the first day of Watches Wonders.We discuss the new Rolex Explorer, Explorer II, Daytonas, and new Datejust dials in detail in this podcast. The responses were all over the place yesterday, and so are ours. A bit different for Tudor, with some proper new releases in silver and gold. And its new Black Bay Chronograph, of course. We have these watches in the Fratello offices for a closer look and will be publishing a hands-on review soon. Last but not least, we talk about the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 in steel, with a green dial. Will this really be the last Nautilus in steel, or will they keep it [...]

Filling out another niche in the Sixty-Five collection from Oris is a collaboration with an independent jeans manufacturer, Momotaro, based in Japan. The strap takes an off-cut of indigo denim with two white battle stripes on the buckle end of the strap.The twin stripes are a motif of Momotaro in their collection of high-end denim jeans and jackets made using vintage looms. While it wouldnt vibe with the majority of my wardrobe, this strap would be the perfect complement to a street or sports outfit. As interesting as the strap is, however, it is that gorgeous dial color that steals the limelight. [...]

If you missed your chance at the most recent Breitling Superocean 57 Limited Edition, you now have a chance at a slightly different follow-up model. Significantly, proceeds will aid charities that support frontline healthcare workers in the battle against COVID-19.Just over a month ago, we shared news of Breitlings latest capsule collection. The Superocean Heritage 57 was announced during a video stream led by Georges Kern. While the watch could be considered as a somewhat niche offering, I threw my money behind it within a couple of hours of its release. After all, this watch recalls one of my all-time favorite vintage watches while adding some modern twists such as size and build quality. [...]

Vintage SpeedmasterIts Speedy Tuesday When you buy a vintage Speedmaster watch, one of the thoughts that might occur is that you wonder what kind of life the watch had before you bought it. Who bought it in the first place? Why did this person picked this watch? Where has the watch been? This of course, goes for the watches that doesnt come with provenance or are not inherited. Although even then it is still interesting to ponder about these things.Todays Speedmaster in our weekly Speedy Tuesday topic is one that has seen things that we can only dream about. Watch enthusiast Guido Maniscalco bought this vintage?Speedmaster Professional 105.012 from the widow of an inspector at Vandenberg Air [...]

You probably recall the Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic 1958 Tribute that was introduced in 2014 (we wrote about it here). At the time also a limited edition that came in three different case materials: stainless steel (800 pieces), pink gold (300 pieces) and platinum (58 pieces). A tribute to the original 1958 Geophysic, with a 38.5mm diameter cases (instead of the original 35mm). All three watches were equipped with the Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 898/1 movement. Then, in 2015, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the Geophysic True Second, with caliber 770.Above the 2014 limited edition on the left (in platinum), the original 35mm version on the right. Below, the 2015 Geophysic True Second.100 Pieces Only [...]