Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

Michael Collins, born on October 31st, 1930 in Rome, was one of the three men that were on Apollo 11 in 1969. Together with Edwin Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins left Earth on July 16th, 1969, destination Moon. It became the most famous space mission of all time and remains so to this day.Last week, on April 28th, 2021, Michael Collins passed away aged 90, in Naples, Florida. Having a father in the military, Michael Collins followed a well-trodden path at first. In 1952, he graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point and at some point became a test pilot in the Air Force. Then, in 1963, Collins was selected by NASA for their space program. It wasnt until 1966 that he [...]

A few weeks ago when we first discussed the idea of sharing our guilty-pleasure watches, I knew exactly the watch I'd be writing about. Nobody else did, as I hadn't even shared with them that I owned this watch. In fact, to this day I haven't even shared a picture of it on my Instagram. It's not that I'm ashamed of this watch I wear it from time to time and really enjoy it. But like a true guilty pleasure, my guilty-pleasure watch was one that remained a secret until now. You've read the title, and you already know that the watch in question is my TAG Heuer Formula 1. Specifically, it's the 34mm plastic-bezeled, lume-dialed reference WA1211. It seems that, without knowing that I would be wr [...]

In 2008, Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrated the 80th anniversary of their famous Atmos clock. As you might know already, Atmos clocks keep ticking because of temperature changes in the environment. I did a write-up in its 80th anniversary year where you can read more about the Atmoss background and workings (click here to read it).Now, in 2011, Jaeger-LeCoultre did not only steal the show (SIHH2011) with regards to wrist watches, they also introduced a new Atmos clock. The Atmos Marqueterie Paille.Restricted to 28 pieces only, the Atmos Margueterie Paille (or straw marquetry) is celebrating an ancient decorative technique that was revived by interior designers during the 1930s. The transparent cabi [...]

As a watch reviewer, it is quite common to find yourself experiencing Deja Vu. We cover thousands of watches throughout our careers. Most of these write-ups will be standalone pieces, focused on new releases or classic throwbacks that deserve attention. But every so often, you run into a watch that just wont leave you alone. Luckily, for me at least, the Hamilton Field Khaki Murph is one of those pieces Ive had the opportunity to cover on several occasions.The watch first appeared in Christopher Nolans 2014 sci-fi epic as a central character. Gifted by Coop to his daughter Murph, this particular Field Khaki was used by a future version of Coop to communicate with his daughter. Thankfully, th [...]

The ice-blue dial gives a Rolex away. And if you get the chance to get close enough to have a peek between the lugs at 6 oclock of a Patek Philippe and spot a diamond, that's another telltale sign. In both cases, you're dealing with a platinum watch. Nothing whispers luxury like cool and heavy platinum. It's even more of an introvert pleasure than white gold, but an ice blue dial or a diamond in a clever spot where the watch's owner can see it from time to time, also provides a bit of reassurance. You paid a heavy price for something that is not that obvious at all, so you want/need to see some form of acknowledgment from the watch. Let's look at platinum perfection from Rolex and Patek Phil [...]

High-tech materials is a bit of a buzzphrase in the watch industry. To many, it's a marketing gimmick, while to others (myself included), it's a fascinating look into the future of watchmaking. Materials like ceramic may seem new and high-tech, but some brands have dabbled in the dark arts of ceramic watchmaking for decades. The most famous? Rado. The Swiss brand has used ceramic in its watchmaking since 1986 That's some pub quiz knowledge for you right there.This groundbreaking material, which had never been used in watchmaking in this way before, conquered the hearts and wrists ��? of watch enthusiasts around the world with its scratch-resistant, lightweight and skin-friendly qualities. Its [...]

Omega recently introduced two modern sports watches designed especially for upcoming Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Lets have a look at them!Whether youre in the mood for The Land of the Rising Sun during cherry blossom season, or the sensory-overstimulated jungle of neon lights, manga, Maneki-Neko cats, and video games, Tokyo speaks to ones imagination. These new limited editions for the Tokyo 2020 Games also have a unique vibe to them, which might speak to specific customers.A Watch Game?The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are getting closer. I'm quite sure that everyone has heard that this time, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) emphasis on making the upcoming games more sustainable, thus IOC [...]

Probably one of the most sought-after Breitling models is the Navitimer ref.806. However, not everyone (or every owner) knows how to use all the information on the dial in combination with the slide rule. Bill Sohne, a well known collector whos active on the internet for years now, and Chuck Maddox (the ??ober Chronograph-meister) put the original manual online of the vintage Breitling 806 Navitimer APOA.It describes perfectly how to perform calculation with this watch, using the slide rule. Click here for the online manual.Scan of the manual below by Bill Sohne and published by Chuck Maddox.???? [...]

Back in 2010, when Cartier introduced their Calibre de Cartier I would have never thought that it would be possible to create a divers watch based on this model. Even though the Calibre de Cartier was more masculine than most other Cartier timepieces with the exception of the Santos 100 models perhaps I still classified it as a dress watch. Now, December 2013 and just a few weeks before the SIHH exhibition will start in Geneva, Cartier prepares us for a divers version of the Calibre de Cartier. Lets have a look at this early introduction.For starters, Cartier made sure that this Calibre de Cartier Diver Watch met all requirements according to the ISO 6425 standards. This ISO norm has a set [...]

On the 11th of June, Antiquorum is auctioning Timepieces from Twentieth Century Icons. This auction includes some stuff that belonged to Steve McQueen. Besides the actual watch that Steve McQueen wore in the Le Mans movie, the Heuer Monaco (ref.1133), Antiquorum is also auctioning his Von Dutch motorcycle (what has this to do with timepieces you may ask? I dont know. It has to do with money probably.) and a Rolex Submariner 5512 that was given to Jimmy Brucker, early 1980. I dont know if it is the actual watch that has been spotted on the wrist of Steve McQueen several times, or that it is just a similar model. Chad McQueen, Steves son, has been spotted wearing a similar Submariner as well. [...]

With news flooding in thick and fast, you could be forgiven for missing the announcement that Grand Seiko is set to open a new Studio facility. As the brand hopes to kick-off its next 60-year cycle with a rush of positivity, the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi promises to boost production capacity for the future.A lot lies in wait for us in Summer 2020. Mostly, of course, unanswered questions when it comes to travel plans and the potential cancellation of major sporting events (like the Tokyo 2020 Olympics). But there is one thing about which we can all be very excited The opening of the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, scheduled for June.The Studio will house the specially-trained watchmakers [...]

A manufacturer of watches that goes to extremes. Omega sent its creations to the moon and the bottom of the deepest point on earth, the Mariana Trench. But Omega is also a brand you associate with the glamour of movie star George Clooney, the adventures of secret agent James Bond, and the biggest sports event on the planet, the Olympic Games. Omega is everywhere and it's always right on time because it continues to push horological boundaries with its ultra-precise Master Chronometers for example. Join us for a brief overview of some of Omegas historical highlights.Since 1848, Omega has set itself the goal of seeking out and pushing boundaries. The watch brand from Bienne, Switzerland, has a [...]

Although Chuck Maddox wrote that the only true Mark V is a Speedmaster Mark V with caliber 1045 movement, I hereby add the German Special from 1982 with caliber 861 movement to Mark V as well. ??Yesterday (and today) a fellow from a large ICT company configured a server for one of the companies I work for, I noticed at lunch that he was wearing a Speedmaster Mark V. It slipped my mind that it probably would seem a bit sick to start about his watch, but on the other hand, this watch probably cost him quite some money, and since it is quite scarce, I decided to go ahead.He bought this watch in 1982 (which is the only year Omega produced it, for the German market. Productionnumber unknown) and [...]

Panerai is a brand that has delved deep into its historical catalog many times to reinstate and solidify the importance of its Radiomir collection. The line harnesses the manufacturer's maritime references, as well as its historical ones. Panerais prototype of the Radiomir watch underscored the beginnings of what would become one of the world's most recognizable designs. The embryo of a concept centered around legibility. A watch initially conceived as a military tool but one that has since become a part of many a self-respecting horophile's collections.Now, Panerai merges the Radiomir design DNA with another important chapter in the brand's story. The Radiomir Eilean brings together the sig [...]

Transitioning to beach season calls for the perfect watch one that will not only make you like a vacay goddess but will also be your true partner in crime. Can you picture yourself in Zakynthos lying on the white sands of Navagio beach, with its breathtaking cliffs? Perhaps you're jumping into the blue waters of Capri or surfing in Portugal? For fun in the sun, all you need is a timepiece that looks gorgeous and is made for a special purpose: playing in the water or with your kids.?Here are my Top 4 summer watches for women who want to give their own beach look a sharp, contemporary twist one that celebrates and epitomizes the ultimate vacation.?Chanel J12What could be more classic and moder [...]

For this weeks 52Mondayz, I chose to wear the Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M. The Ploprof has become an icon of the watch industry over five decades. But it hasnt become the icon everyone is after, simply because its a watch that not everyone can wear. However, after wearing it for four weeks straight, I was reminded that the Ploprof is definitely for me.I dont recall precisely when I had my first encounter with an Omega Seamaster Ploprof, but it was in the early 2000s. Robert-Jan and I visited fellow Fratello team member Gerards store as we did regularly back in those days. I still remember Robert-Jan pointing me in the direction of a freakishly bold watch with a big red button on it, and fr [...]

Ive said it before, and Ill say it again: the road to our dream watches isnt always a straight shot. Sure, sometimes it is, or at least relatively so. Acquiring my first two grails, the Tudor Black Bay and the Rolex Submariner, had simply been a matter of diligent saving and timely buying. Back in early 2018, however, the Zenith El Primero Striking 10th was proving much more difficult to procure. It was what I had deemed as my ultimate chronograph, and I would stop at absolutely nothing to own one. Or would I?In Part One of this series, I explained how I determined my perfect collection. I detailed my disappointment when, having hunted for over a year, I bought a defective Striking 10th and [...]

Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame, the weekly series that often brings back memories from your halcyon days. Lets see if the TAG Heuer Link Chronograph moistens your eyes for the right or wrong reasons. But firstLast week, I showed you the Glash1tte Original Senator Navigator. Even though that watch used a design heavily inspired by WW2 bomber watches, you felt it was Original enough to land a 58% Wrist Game win. For the proponents, I agree with you great watch This weeks subject wont take its inspiration from anything nearly that old, but the TAG Heuer Link Chronograph has certainly inspired me to travel back in time. Lets go for a ride.TAG Heuer owned the 1990sTAG Heuer is a fasc [...]

Its Speedy Tuesday Some things do not need introduction anymore and I think that Speedy Tuesday might be one of them. The number of responses to Speedy Tuesday in my mailbox is just unbelievable. Please, keep them coming It might take a few Tuesdays, but your Speedmaster will be featured here.Today we actually have two Speedmaster watches lined up for you. One of them is the stainless steel version of the Speedmaster we featured here two weeks ago, the Apollo 11 40th anniversary edition of 2009. Two weeks ago, we had the platinum version and now we have the somewhat more affordable stainless steel version on Speedy Tuesday. Further more, we have something quite rare. A Speedmaster Profession [...]

The Oris Staghorn Restoration Limited Edition has been introduced as a special model in Oris new Aquis line. Sales of this watch will support the Coral Restoration Foundation (CRF) in Key Largo, Florida.The Coral Restoration FoundationThe Oris Staghorn Limited Edition at Pickles Reef, Key Largo, FloridaOcean conservation traditionOris has quite a tradition contributing to marine-life saving projects and ocean conservation. Since 2010, amongst other projects, they teamed up with projects in Australia, the Maldives and the Red Sea. For every project Oris introduced a special divers watch, from which part of its proceeds are donated to the belonging project.Oris Chairman Ulrich Herzoch explaini [...]