Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

Gerard Nijenbrinks over at Horlogenieuws.nl (Dutch website covering novelties on watches and the watch business) mentions the new Sinn 142.ST-II.It will be introduced at the coming Basel Fair (30th March) as the successor of the Sinn 142.ST with Lemania 5100 movement. Because the Lemania 5100 is not in production anymore (see earlier posts about this), the 142.ST-II will feature a Dubios-Depraz caliber 2070 chronograph.As you can see below, the lay-out of the dial remains the same.Photo by Sinn.deThe official Sinn announcement can be read here. [...]

I can cut a long story short by giving you the quick answer to why I don't consider myself a watch collector. First and foremost, Im a watch journalist. A bit of distance between subject and journalist is preferable, in my opinion. But when I went through my little troupe I don't dare call it a collection of watches, I did find something like a common denominator. It also made me reminisce about the collection that could have been.Before I started writing about watches, I looked at them, talked about them, saved money for them, and rationed myself for them. When I was a poor student but had already caught the watch bug, I bought them, sold them, and went through that process all over aga [...]

Last week, I shared my journey to owning the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 116520. This time Im looking at the references of the illustrious Daytonas history that came to shape the modern 116500. The newly re-named Oystersteel Rolex Daytona features five distinct design cues: A black Cerachrom bezel, screw-down chronograph pushers, crown guards, black sub-dial rings, and an Oyster case. But how did these elements gradually integrate into the steel Daytona? And which references form the basis of inspiration in its 60-year history?Crucially for this article, I am predominantly discussing the design elements that mold the Daytona. I refer to the movements that power each reference, but only reg [...]

With the latest special edition release, the Breitling Aviator 8 Mosquito bolsters the brands lineup while taking a look backwards.The way of the (watch) world today appears to require a steady stream of new releases.? With near-instantaneous supplies of news, social media posts, and endless collaborations between brands and influencers, it seems that the only way to succeed is to join in the torrid pace.? Gone are the days of the annual watch shows and then waiting another 12 months for the next stream of products.? Its pretty funny because the formerly (albeit sometimes still) antiquated watch industry held true to this annual pace of introduction up until just a few short years ago.? But [...]

Perhaps it is the BaselWorld buzz, but?we are really excited about the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time (5164) timepiece. With its crown protector on the right side and correctors on the left side, it is moving towards the legendary design of the Nautilus. This 40.8mm Aquanaut features an extra timezone (as its name implies), a day/night indicator and a date sub dial. Despite all this useful functionality, Patek Philippe made sure to keep the dial as clean and readable as possible.Shot through a display under bad circumstances, this photo doesnt do any justice to the watch of course. I advice you to hop over to the official Patek Philippe website to get a better view on the Aquanaut Tra [...]

When I was asked to write my article about my grail watch, I didnt answer immediately. The reason for that was personal but simple. Working as a watch journalist allows one to check out incredible timepieces up close. But the reality is that a great number of them are so expensive that the thought of wanting them doesnt even arise. Call it Dutch level-headedness or maybe a Weppelink family trait because I recognize the tendency to be very down to earth in both of my parents. But there is one brand that passionately fights that family gene, and thats A. Lange Sohne. The brands 1815 Rattrapante Honeygold Homage to F. A. Lange feeds into the dream of lusting after something I will most likely [...]

In our Sunday Morning Showdown, two of our writers go head-to-head in an epic showdown for the ages. Strong opinions and hysterical hyperbole are welcome (so feel free to join in with the fun in the comments section below). And dont forget to let us know which watches youd like to see torn to shreds/effusively exalted next week. Well try and feature as many of our readers choices as we can. This time, two top echelon chronographs trade blows. The Omega Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon in ceramic and the IWC Pilot's Chronograph Tribute To 3705 in Ceratanium.In some ways, these watches sit at opposing ends of the spectrum. The recently-announced IWC Pilots Chronograph pays tribute to the 90s [...]

The Omega Speedmaster Moon 345.0809 or Speedy Moon is one of those grail watches of mine. Its not the small production of 1,300 that makes it so desirable for me, but rather its complications combined with the classic Speedmaster design.It is no secret that the Speedmaster is my favorite chronograph. I love the design of the case, the clean and readable dial, and the history of this watch. Now, the Speedmaster Moon 345.0809 combines two of the complications I love the most the chronograph and a moon phase indicator. It makes the dial a bit more cluttered, but the beautiful moon and stars on a disc make up for that. The Speedymoon was produced between November 1985 and January 1989. Lets have [...]

It has been almost a year since I ran a comparison between Forstner and Uncle Seiko aftermarket watch bracelets. Specifically, I compared both 19mm flat link polished and brushed variants that fit the Omega Speedmaster First Omega in Space. Over these past twelve months, the article grew to become one of my most well-read write-ups. To this day, I still receive comments, emails, and direct messages on Instagram about the review (P.S. follow me on Instagram @benjameshodges). Today, I am following up this review with the new 20mm all-brushed Forstner Flat Link for the Calibre 3861 Omega Speedmaster. So how does the new bracelet stack up against its predecessor? Let's find out.Firstly, the flat [...]

For this weeks Speedy Tuesday article, we talk to a guy who has been featured here before in 2015. He calls himself TLIGuy on the Australian based OmegaForums and is occupied with creating an overview of historic moments in manned spaceflight between 1965 and 2015, using Speedmaster case backs.He started in 2013 with this massive project and we thought it would be nice to talk to him where he stands today. We ask him some questions about this impressive project that includes the involvement of many astronauts and NASA staff to be completed.Speedmaster Signature Case Back ProjectHow long has it taken to assemble the collection and are you finished with the entire project?I'm not finished yet; [...]

The Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday Ultraman has been introduced on July 10th and sold out within two hours. Today we show you some beautiful images of this new Ultraman, from watchmaker, collector and Speedy Tuesday fan, Abel Court. He picked up his Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday Ultraman last week and already had the time to shoot some great photos.Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday UltramanMost details regarding this Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday Ultraman we shared with you in the introduction article on July 10th. In a nutshell, the Speedmaster Speedy Tuesday Ultraman has the following specifications:Reference?311.12.42.30.01.001Case diameter: 42mmLug Width: 20mmMovement: Calibre 1861Crystal: HesaliteStrap: [...]

With the F1 of Spa-Francorchamps coming up this weekend we look back at our trip there some weeks ago. We joined IWC and AMG for the 24hrs of Spa and had the opportunity to wear an IWC Big Pilots Watch. Having that watch on the wrist for a few days, I got quite used to it despite the fact that I feel that 40mm is the perfect size for a watch. That being said, lets have a look at the IWC Big Pilots Watch IW501001 and if I would buy one.IWC Big Pilots Watch First ImpressionsMy initial thought when opening the box was that its clearly called Big Pilots for a reason. With a stainless steel case that measures 46.2 mm its one of the biggest watches I have ever worn. With a thickness of 15.6 mm its [...]

A Rolex Cosmograph Daytona in stainless steel is probably the most sought-after timepiece in the world, at least it is together with the Omega Speedmaster Professional the most recognized and iconic chronograph timepiece in the world. Since a year or so, a stainless steel Daytona is easier to get than it ever was before. Long waiting lists (+2 years, at some point even more) were maintained by authorized Rolex dealers, where the sales people succeeded in giving you the idea that it was actually an honor to be on that list at all. No more. Oh no. Stainless steel Daytonas can now be found at list price ($10.400 USD / 7570 eur), sometimes even below that.John Holbrook, owner of Luxurytyme and [...]

We recently published an article on the Yacht-Master 16622 that I bought last October. I used to have one in 2007, but it had to pave the way for another purchase. Regrets, I have only a few. This is one of them.Sometimes you regret selling a watch, which was also the case with the Rolex Yacht-Master 16622. I managed to buy one back, from the same year as my previous one. And in better condition. Together with Karina, I sat down and discussed the most under-appreciated sports Rolex out there.We hope you enjoy our video on the Yacht-Master 16622. Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to catch our videos. We are currently publishing two per week. [...]

I believe that any great watch collection needs to feature at least one iconic chronograph. Whether you love the classic designs of the 1940s and 1950s or prefer more modern models, you are bound to be spoiled for choice. There is something magical about these watches, as they offer the added fun element of daily interaction. It is the complication that you can use every single day at your convenience, either to time things or by simply letting it run. Add a manual winding movement, and there is no doubt that you will form a strong bond with your watch. Let take a look at some of the best chronographs that are a must-have for any collection.But let me start by saying I didnt want to just com [...]

The Speedmaster Professional Gemini IV? is an example of a sleeper limited edition. Not anymore of course, but this watch wasnt very much sought after in the first few years following?its introduction in 2005. Since then, its popularity has trended upward. As such, it can be viewed in a similar fashion to the original Snoopy Award from 2003.Nowadays, the Omega Speedmaster Professional Gemini IV is loved by many enthusiasts. This is mainly due to the beautiful dark blue color and silvery-white subdials. It is a blue Panda, you could say. And that is as rare as it sounds (in the wild or on the wrist). It commemorates the Gemini IV mission from 1965. That was the second crewed Gemini mission wi [...]

Its Speedy Tuesday Today we have a contribution from Arthur van Grinsven who lives in The Netherlands. Arthur is a fan of Speedmaster watches, owning two Speedmaster Pro Mark II watches, a Pre-Moon Speedmaster Professional with caliber 861 (145.022) and the Speedmaster Pro in this article. A conversation maker, as he had the entire watch (and bracelet) treated with a DLC process. This Speedmaster Pro was bought by his father in the 1990s and given to Arthur in 2012.As you can see, the white baton hands have been swapped with a set of all-black hands as well. This does effect the readability of the watch according to Arthur, but it does look cool. However, after seeing the Omega Speedmaster D [...]

The manufacture from Le Sentier had big plans to properly launch the new and updated Master Control series in Geneva this year but unfortunately had to change track to make it a digital introduction only.Too bad, I have to add, because I would love to go hands-on with the new Master Control watches. The entire line receives an update, from the Master Control Date to the Master Control Chronograph Calendar. My favorite JLC complication for many years, the Geographic, also is part of the new line-up.The Master Control collection is a classic looking watch, without being too classic. The danger with very monochrome looking classic watches is that they tend to look or becoming boring. Nobody wan [...]

In this Sunday morning column, two of our writers go head-to-head in an epic showdown for the ages. Strong opinions and hysterical hyperbole are welcome (so feel free to join in with the fun in the comments section below). And don't forget to let us know which watches you'd like to see torn to shreds/effusively exalted next week. We'll try and feature as many of our readers' choices as we can. This week, its all about blue. And now we need your help to decide between two very different watches from Rolex and Grand Seiko. Enter the Sky-Dweller and Skyflake SBGA407Last week was close. We anticipated as much. Despite the valid concerns surrounding our classification of a Rolex Datejust as a dre [...]

Here it is (finally), the hands-on Omega Speedmaster Caliber 321 review. Exactly six months after its release date (January 7th), I picked mine up at the new Omega Boutique in Biel.We recently touched upon this watch in our Sunday Morning Showdown section, where Jorg and Ben sent this Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321 in steel and the Rolex Daytona 116500LN into battle. If you havent read it yet, please go check it out.A few days later after the publication of that article, I was able to pick up the Omega Speedmaster Calibre 321. I received the message that my watch was ready to be collected and I realized that I would be one of the lucky guys to receive it so early. Ive been wearing the Speedma [...]