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REVIEW: Hands On With The Baume & Mercier Riviera GMT Travel Time WatchAdvice
Audemars Piguet making Dec 7, 2023

REVIEW: Hands On With The Baume & Mercier Riviera GMT Travel Time

We’ve gone hands on with the new Riviera GMT launched at the start of the year, and we must say that it’s been a bit of a surprise package! What We Love Wave motif silver dialQuick change strap systemComfortable bracelet What We Don’t No secondary strap to utilise the quick change systemNo GMT bezel, limiting true GMT functionalityLack of a screw-down crown Overall Rating: 8/10 Value for money: 8/10Wearability: 8/10Design: 7.5/10Build quality: 8.5/10 Baume & Mercier has had its ups and downs over the years, and more recently, I feel they’ve been relegated to the bottom of the Richemont stable of brands. However, this year, with the 50th Anniversary of the Riviera, Baume & Mercier have breathed some new life into their steel sports diver and designed it for a new wave of watch lovers. For those not very familiar with Baume & Mercier, first a very quick history lesson… The new Baume & Mercier Riviera GMT Travel Time Launched in 1973, the Riviera immediately made a splash with its dodecagonal case and its slimline metal strap. At this time, very few brands had really ventured into the luxury integrated steel bracelet models, with maybe the exception of Rolex and Audemars Piguet, making the Baume & Mercier Riviera one of the first brands to do this. Interestingly, the original design was done by Jean-Claude Gueit, the father of Emmanuel Gueit who designed the Royal Oak Offshore, so the Riviera has some design provenance and links back to that era as well. The Riviera...

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Adding Some Spice to Life with Colorful Watches Worn & Wound
Dec 6, 2023

Adding Some Spice to Life with Colorful Watches

The realization hits like a freight train. At some point in the intrepid collector’s journey, he or she comes to a stunning revelation. The watch box is full but every piece is monochromatic and paired with plain nato straps. He’s living in a black and white world, and maybe he’s been doing it wrong the whole time. He checks his Internet history: yet another forum argument, another online cart full of the same watch he’s always bought. It was never meant to be this way. Let this cautionary tale resonate as the days grow short and gray. The road back to joy and laughter in watch enjoyment is simple; just add some color. The realization hits like a freight train. At some point in the intrepid collector’s journey, he or she comes to a stunning revelation. The watch box is full but every piece is monochromatic and paired with plain nato straps. He’s living in a black and white world, and maybe he’s been doing it wrong the whole time. He checks his Internet history: yet another forum argument, another online cart full of the same watch he’s always bought. It was never meant to be this way. Let this cautionary tale resonate as the days grow short and gray. The road back to joy and laughter in watch enjoyment is simple; just add some color. The post Adding Some Spice to Life with Colorful Watches appeared first on Worn & Wound.

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Oak & Oscar’s New Limited Edition is the Perfect Match for Bourbon Lovers Worn & Wound
Oak & Oscar Dec 6, 2023

Oak & Oscar’s New Limited Edition is the Perfect Match for Bourbon Lovers

If you’ve met Chase Fancher, founder of Oak & Oscar, you probably know that he’s something of a bourbon enthusiast. I’m not saying you’ll be plied with the stuff if you come hang out at his booth at a Windup, but I’m not saying that’s definitively off the table, either. So it wasn’t a huge surprise when news came across the transom that Oak & Oscar’s latest limited edition is a thoughtful collaboration with FEW Spirits, whose founder and master distiller Paul Hletko is a personal friend of Chase’s. The new watch, a variation on Oak & Oscar’s popular Olmsted, the brand’s 38mm field watch, has plenty of little Easter eggs for bourbon lovers, but is also just a great looking execution of what has become a signature referenced.  Those Easter eggs are threefold. First, the dial the color of the Olmsted FEW is a dark salmon tone lifted directly from FEW’s own color palette. It should be immediately recognizable to fans of the FEW spirits, but is also an altogether appealing shade in its own right, and represents Oak & Oscar’s first attempt at a salmon dial, a color that has taken off in popularity (and proven to be highly versatile in a huge variety of watches) over the last few years. Second, and this is somewhat standard on these types of collaborations, the FEW logo is displayed near the 6:00 position. Besides the FEW and Oak & Oscar branding, the dial is quite clean, without any excess text, and lets the color shine (but, not literally, because it...

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Grand Seiko T0 Constant Force Tourbillon: I Couldn’t Believe My Eyes! – Reprise Quill & Pad
Grand Seiko T0 Constant Force Tourbillon Dec 6, 2023

Grand Seiko T0 Constant Force Tourbillon: I Couldn’t Believe My Eyes! – Reprise

As Joshua Munchow swiped through posts on Instagram one day, he was stopped in his tracks, toothbrush dangling from his gaping mouth, eyes wide, and one singular thought running through his head as he stared at his phone: Grand Seiko doesn’t make movements like this. This is an avant-garde tourbillon movement with a constant force escapement and incredible, exposed mechanics! What in the world . . .?! Meet the T0.

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Hands On: the Jack Mason Strat-o-timer and Hydrotimer Worn & Wound
Dec 5, 2023

Hands On: the Jack Mason Strat-o-timer and Hydrotimer

I have long believed and said before, on this site and elsewhere, that we are living in the golden age of being a watch enthusiast. As time has passed, the quantity and quality of selection at accessible price points is remarkable. Alongside the influx of collectors are new brands catering to every taste and budget, and therein lies the challenge: how do watch companies stand out and make lasting names for themselves with tool watches in the crowded sub-thousand dollar segment? Texas-based (Dallas represent!) Jack Mason claims to have answers with two of its most prominent models, the travel-ready Strat-o-timer GMT and more recently-released Hydrotimer dive watch. A closer look and hands on provide clues to how these references can set themselves apart from one another and their competition today. Cases and Bracelets In a clever move, Jack Mason has decided to utilize the original Strat-o-timer case as the foundation for the Hydrotimer. The turtle-esque cushion style cases measure 40mm wide, 47mm lug-to-lug, and 13mm thick with screw-down crowns. Beyond the obvious economic and manufacturing benefits of sharing a case, this allows the brand to have a recognizable and consistent silhouette across its product lines. Initial impressions of the cases and bracelets are that they are substantial and are of high and obvious quality, especially for the price. In particular, the edges between the brushed and polished surfaces of the case are well-defined and well done. The toleranc...

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DOXA Adds Some Elegant Touches to their Iconic Dive Watch with the Sub 300β Worn & Wound
Doxa Adds Some Elegant Touches Dec 5, 2023

DOXA Adds Some Elegant Touches to their Iconic Dive Watch with the Sub 300β

DOXA has recently announced the release of the all new Sub 300β, a reimagining of their classic dive watch. Coming in five colorways, the latest iteration of the Sub 300β will catch the eye of those unfamiliar with the brand, while reiterating why DOXA has sustained a cult-like following for nearly the entirety of its 130-year history. To understand the 300β, let’s first look back at the history of the Sub line. In 1967, DOXA revolutionized professional diving watches with the introduction of the SUB concept, the first mainstream model of its kind. Water-resistant to 300 meters, it featured a groundbreaking unidirectional rotating bezel with dual dive time and depth indications, incorporating the US Navy’s no-decompression dive tables. The iconic orange dial set it apart and became synonymous with underwater exploration, even catching the attention of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who secured exclusive distribution rights for the SUB 300 in the USA. In 1969, DOXA continued its innovation with the SUB 300T Conquistador, introducing the helium release valve (HRV). Designed for saturation diving, the HRV allows trapped helium to escape during decompression, preventing pressure build-up and potential damage to the watch. This marked another pioneering move by DOXA in ensuring the durability and functionality of their timepieces in the most challenging underwater environments. Now, available today, the new 300β has taken this history as a jumping-off point for the brand to rei...

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Review: Christopher Ward’s The Twelve 36MM (and 40MM) Worn & Wound
Christopher Ward s Dec 4, 2023

Review: Christopher Ward’s The Twelve 36MM (and 40MM)

Last month, I had the opportunity to put together a list of the three watches I would choose for a collection if I had a budget of $5,000. Though I stand by my choices, selected through detailed research and great care, I have one small confession to make: none of those watches had ever graced my wrist. Fearing the imaginary cries of “j’accuse!” lest my secret be discovered, I tried on one of the three at a local authorized dealer within the week. This second opportunity was graciously made possible by the editors at Worn & Wound. I’m two for three now, so thus begins a personal journey predetermined by the Horological Fates. For this review, I lived a full day in the life with The Twelve. Two of these were the highly anticipated 36mm reference – one on the classic integrated bracelet, and the other on the rubber strap option. I also sampled the 40mm stainless steel reference on the bracelet in order to properly compare them. My wrist circumference, for reference, is about 5.75 inches. Christopher Ward’s goal in this 36mm launch was greater inclusivity towards women and other smaller-wristed folks, and I’m uniquely situated to consider both sizing options from this perspective. Each watch spent a day (or more) on wrist, so I was able to assess my true feelings towards them after the immediate New Watch Glee wore off. As a newbie reviewer, one helpful piece of advice I received was to pay attention to first impressions, and run with that if it felt right. Whil...

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Zach goes hands-on with five awesome lots from Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches auction Time+Tide
Dec 3, 2023

Zach goes hands-on with five awesome lots from Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches auction

You can fly over to Geneva or Dubai for a watch fair, but the best selection of watches can always be found at an auction house. On December 7, 2023, Sotheby’s will be holding their latest Important Watches auction with 159 exceptional lots to go under the hammer. Ahead of the battle of the paddles, … ContinuedThe post Zach goes hands-on with five awesome lots from Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches auction appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.

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Watches, Stories, & Gear: John Woo Returns to Hollywood, Winter Coats Fit for the Ice Planet Hoth, and the Mad Max: Furiosa Trailer Worn & Wound
Dec 2, 2023

Watches, Stories, & Gear: John Woo Returns to Hollywood, Winter Coats Fit for the Ice Planet Hoth, and the Mad Max: Furiosa Trailer

“Watches, Stories, and Gear” is a roundup of our favorite content, watch or otherwise, from around the internet. Here, we support other creators, explore interesting content that inspires us, and put a spotlight on causes we believe in. Oh, and any gear we happen to be digging on this week. We love gear. Share your story ideas or interesting finds by emailing us at info@wornandwound.com John Woo Returns to Hollywood Image via The New Yorker John Woo, for fans of action films, is a legend. His Face/Off, starring John Travolta and Nicolas Cage, is an endlessly quotable 1990s classic that still holds up today, and his early Hong Kong films like The Killer and Hard-Boiled set a template that action oriented filmmakers have been following for years, even if they can never quite duplicate Woo’s unique style. Now, after a long period of making movies abroad, he’s back with his Hollywood production in years. Silent Night is a dialogue free revenge drama, and the trailer would seem to indicate we’re dealing with vintage Woo here, with plenty of slow-mo, elaborate chase sequences, and what appear to be wildly complex set pieces. In this New Yorker interview, Woo discusses his deep interest in genre filmmaking, how he’s been influenced by everything from Clint Eastwood to martial arts films, and of course his latest endeavor. It’s worth a read for anyone who’s ever quoted Face/Off.  A First Look at the “Fallout” TV Series Image Courtesy Vanity Fair “Fallout,”...

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eBay Finds: A Rare Vintage Benrus, a Nostalgia Fueled Swatch, and a Cool Timex LED Worn & Wound
Tissot Visodate Seastar  Here Dec 1, 2023

eBay Finds: A Rare Vintage Benrus, a Nostalgia Fueled Swatch, and a Cool Timex LED

eBay Finds is back! This bi-monthly installment will feature a selection of watches currently listed on eBay that have caught the eye of editor Christoph McNeil (@vintagediver). If you come across any hidden gems on the ‘Bay drop us a note at info@wornandwound.com for potential inclusion! Ollech & Wajs Navichron Regatta   Starting off this week strong with a killer vintage Ollech & Wajs Navichron Regatta chronograph. The watch itself looks to be original and vintage, but the box and ‘papers’ that are with it are not, and neither is the bracelet. That said, the watch is really nice. The large steel skin diver case looks unpolished and the black dial looks to be in good shape. The black acrylic 12 hour bezel insert looks to be in good shape too, which is not always the case. Seller states the watch is powered by the classic workhorse Valjoux 7733 and that it’s running well and keeping time. The bracelet may not be original, but it’s the same beads of rice style as the original. Not sure what’s up with the modern/made up box/papers, but the watch head looks legit to me. View auction here Vintage Tissot Visodate Seastar  Here is a neat vintage Tissot Visodate Seastar that has a unique look. The square steel case is sharp and unpolished, and has a personal engraving dated 2/19/66. The silver dial is clean, with a vertical brushed finish and has applied steel hour markers and slim steel dauphine hands. There is a date window at 6 o’clock, preserving the symmetr...

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The 40th Anniversary G-Shocks are Among Casio’s Finest Worn & Wound
Casio s Finest Dec 1, 2023

The 40th Anniversary G-Shocks are Among Casio’s Finest

The world of G-Shock is, frankly, expansive. There are myriad references, materials, colors, and special and limited editions. Navigating this can be intimidating, so it helps to have an understanding of what the landscape looks like from way up. At a high level, among the two most well-known and best-selling G-Shock cases are the octagon and the rectangle, the 2100 and the 5000. These form the basis for a lot of the collections, and today’s highlight is one such example. The Polychromatic models are notable for their use of, well, colors but also their composition in the form of good old stainless steel. A closer look shows that these are watches that celebrate 40 years of continuous production by showcasing what G-Shock is all about. The world of G-Shock is, frankly, expansive. There are myriad references, materials, colors, and special and limited editions. Navigating this can be intimidating, so it helps to have an understanding of what the landscape looks like from way up. At a high level, among the two most well-known and best-selling G-Shock cases are the octagon and the rectangle, the 2100 and the 5000. These form the basis for a lot of the collections, and today’s highlight is one such example. The Polychromatic models are notable for their use of, well, colors but also their composition in the form of good old stainless steel. A closer look shows that these are watches that celebrate 40 years of continuous production by showcasing what G-Shock is all about. T...

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Introducing – The Lang & Heyne Anton Manufaktur Edition Tourbillon Monochrome
Nomos Glashütte currently heading research Dec 1, 2023

Introducing – The Lang & Heyne Anton Manufaktur Edition Tourbillon

Despite its modest production, Lang & Heyne is one of the most impressive German watch brands today. Founded in 2001 by Marco Lang and Mirko Heyne, even after Heyne’s departure in 2003 to join Nomos Glashütte (currently heading research and development at Nomos) and Marco Lang leaving in 2019, the manufacture continues to be active, […]

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Hands-On: the Buci “Garde-temps” Worn & Wound
Grand Seiko manages Nov 30, 2023

Hands-On: the Buci “Garde-temps”

When it comes to deciding on a new watch, I know I think about all the usual suspects: build quality, fit and finish, movement, and most importantly (for me anyway) is the look. In my conversations with other enthusiasts, brand heritage has also come up. But what happens if you’re looking at brands who are not old enough to have years of heritage? Well, I would argue that it’s important to discern what that brand stands for – their ethos.  $1185 Hands-On: the Buci “Garde-temps” Case Stainless steel Movement Soprod Newton Dial Red Lume None Lens Sapphire Strap Leather Water Resistance 30 meters Dimensions 38 x 46.8mm Thickness 11mm Lug Width 20mm Crown Push/pull Warranty Yes Price $1185 Buci, established in 2022 out of Paris, has a soul that is super-charged with poetry. Brand owner Nousseïma Baraket is both a poet and avid reader of poetry, on top of being filled with a love for horology. If you stop to think about it, our passion for watches is not without romance and poetry. Afterall, we willingly wear some of the smallest engine turning ecosystems in the world on our wrists, knowing full well that time is kept better on our phones and computers. We don’t need them, but our lives are enriched by their presence.  At this point we all know that watches have different stories to tell. Studio Underd0g lets us know that we can have fun with our classic watch designs. Grand Seiko manages to capture the nuances of nature in their dials. Buci oversees the integrat...

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30 Best Women's Watches from Under $500 to Over $150K Teddy Baldassarre
Nov 29, 2023

30 Best Women's Watches from Under $500 to Over $150K

Women make up (at least potentially) half the market for luxury watches, so why are so many women's watches little more than miniaturized, often jewel-encrusted versions of the most popular men's models? As we assembled our list of the Best Women's Watches in 2024, we aimed to focus on timepieces whose designs and aesthetic details speak most clearly and directly to the avid and growing audience of female watch enthusiasts, and strove to find offerings suitable for just about every budget. Scroll down to read the list, compiled in ascending order of price. Citizen x Disney Jasmine for Aladdin 30th Anniversary Price: $350, Reference: GA1072-07D, Case Size: 30mm, Lug Width: 10mm, Crystal: Mineral, Water Resistance: Splash-Resistant, Movement: Eco-Drive Caliber J015 Citizen began a high-profile partnership with Disney in 2018 and ever since has launched special-edition timepieces designed with Disney properties and characters in mind. This model was inspired by Princess Jasmine from the blockbuster 1992 Disney animated film Aladdin, which marked its 30th anniversary in 2022. The watch has filigree detailing on its gold-tone steel case and an arabesque scroll pattern on its mother-of-pearl dial, which also features an on-theme genie’s lamp icon at 6 o’clock. An Eco-Drive movement, ensconced behind a caseback inscribed with the motto, “Life’s a Magic Carpet Ride,” ensures that the wearer need never change the battery. The watch is delivered on a teal leather strap an...

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Baltic Introduces Gold Toned Versions of Three of their Most Popular Watches Worn & Wound
Breguet numerals Nov 29, 2023

Baltic Introduces Gold Toned Versions of Three of their Most Popular Watches

For nearly seven years, French watch brand Baltic has been producing at a luxury level that far exceeds its retail price point. We’re always excited to see them fill out their collection with new references, and today they add three new additions to the MR01, Bicompax, and HMS lines. Think of these new releases as sisters, if you will. Each reference combines black and, in a first for Baltic, gold PVD, for an elegant finish, but each has its own distinct personality. First there is the MR01. Best described as “small but mighty,” this 36mm reference sits comfortably on either a man’s or woman’s wrist with a 9mm case height, while also being tonally perfect to wear as your dress watch. A subsidiary seconds subdial is found at 7:00, while the rest of the dial is pared-down and handsome, featuring subtle details like Breguet numerals and leaf hands. The MR01 is powered by a Hangzhou CAL5000a automatic movement, wound via a micro rotor, which can be viewed through the exhibition caseback. Next up is the black-and-gold addition to the Bicompax line-up. Inspired by watches of the 1940’s, the Bicompax 02 case comes in at a comfortable 38mm. Given the time period of its reference point, it’s no wonder that much of this design was inspired by the Art Deco period. The design features a brushed sector housing the hour-markers, along with two subdials sporting a stylish azurage finish. The remaining dial is polished, introducing a subtle contrast to the overall look. Addi...

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Roue Introduces Two New Colorways to their TPS Chronograph Collection Worn & Wound
Seiko caliber SII VK63 which Nov 28, 2023

Roue Introduces Two New Colorways to their TPS Chronograph Collection

In 2019 Roue introduced their TPS line chronographs, which are inspired by the Porsche 910 that won the Nürburgring 1000-kilometer race in 1967. These watches feature both Tachymeter and Pulsometer scales surrounding the dial. Just in case you need to check your pulse, while at the same time measuring your speed.  For 2023, Roue has come up with two more versions of their popular TPS line. Following in the footsteps of the previous five, we have the aptly named Six (with white dial), as well as the Seven (with a graphite/grey dial). Both feature tone on tone subdials with multi-color accents for a look that is inherently cohesive but still visually interesting.  You would think two timing scales would make for a cluttered dial. In this case, you would be wrong. The tachymeter scale begins where the pulsometer ends, neither overlapping the other. It is remarkably clean and easy to read. This clarity is further enhanced by the lack of any text on the dial, apart from the brand name. Powering these chronographs is the Seiko caliber SII VK63, which is a Mecha-Quartz movement. For those that need a refresher, these movements blend quartz timing precision and mechanical chronograph technology. This allows for the tactile pleasure of that satisfying snap when activating the chronograph, along with the second-hand sweep we enthusiasts so enjoy. Aside from these 2 great characteristics, the biggest benefit of using this movement is its size and low cost.  All TPS watches featur...

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Special Gifts with Select Purchases Worn & Wound
Nov 26, 2023

Special Gifts with Select Purchases

As the holiday season is in full steam ahead with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we at the Windup Watch shop want to continue bringing you the very best in deals from watches, to accessories, to gear. We know that purchases don’t happen in a vacuum, and everybody loves bundles and bargains. So here are a few extras to sweeten the pot on what is already a fantastic selection right here in the Shop. Don’t forget to use your reward points, and reach out for a consultation if you have any questions. As the holiday season is in full steam ahead with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we at the Windup Watch shop want to continue bringing you the very best in deals from watches, to accessories, to gear. We know that purchases don’t happen in a vacuum, and everybody loves bundles and bargains. So here are a few extras to sweeten the pot on what is already a fantastic selection right here in the Shop. Don’t forget to use your reward points, and reach out for a consultation if you have any questions. The post Special Gifts with Select Purchases appeared first on Worn & Wound.

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Black Friday Sale Highlights Worn & Wound
Nov 24, 2023

Black Friday Sale Highlights

We hope you have had your fill of good food and cheer and, more importantly, are spending time with people and things you enjoy. With Thanksgiving now in the rearview mirror, it’s off to the races for holiday shopping. Head over to the Windup Watch Shop and take a look at some of the watches, EDC and accessories we have on sale. You may even want to pick up a clock while you’re at it. Here are just some of the great deals and promotions currently running in the Shop – you’ll want to run too; these won’t last! We hope you have had your fill of good food and cheer and, more importantly, are spending time with people and things you enjoy. With Thanksgiving now in the rearview mirror, it’s off to the races for holiday shopping. Head over to the Windup Watch Shop and take a look at some of the watches, EDC and accessories we have on sale. You may even want to pick up a clock while you’re at it. Here are just some of the great deals and promotions currently running in the Shop – you’ll want to run too; these won’t last! The post Black Friday Sale Highlights appeared first on Worn & Wound.

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[Hands-On] Ming Brings Lightweight and Big Textures to Dubai Watch Week Worn & Wound
Ming Nov 24, 2023

[Hands-On] Ming Brings Lightweight and Big Textures to Dubai Watch Week

Ming has had a deep presence at this year’s edition of Dubai Watch Week, not just with their latest and greatest on display, but with Ming himself offering insights to his process, including creation of the ultra-lightweight LW.01, in the form of a speech given at the beginning of the show. He even found time to challenge Rexhep Rexhepi to a game of foosball in the halls of the show. At the booth, a selection of new Ming releases drew a consistent crowd throughout the week of the show, and we took the opportunity to get a hands-on look at a few of our favorites, including one of the best releases around the fair in Dubai: the 37.08 Sand.  If there’s one thing that Ming has excelled at in recent years it is the delicate interplay between forms and textures, and how they can be harnessed to create a unique dial and case experience. Their skill here was on full display this year in Dubai with two watches in particular, the 37.08 Sand, and the 37.04 Rose Gold. In addition, Ming released a 29.01 Dubai worldtimer for Arabic speaking collectors. A trend we saw realized across many of the exhibiting brands at the fair. Both the 37.08 Sand and 37.04 Rose Gold feature extraordinary dial work, though in very different ways. Beginning with the 37.08 Sand, which Ming says is the first in a series of watches that will showcase deep-relief textured dials, the initial offering does not disappoint in this department. The dial depicts a somewhat ambiguous wave pattern that could be int...

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Circula Adds New Dial Colors to their Protrail and Aquasport II Collections Worn & Wound
Nov 23, 2023

Circula Adds New Dial Colors to their Protrail and Aquasport II Collections

Fresh off the heels of Circula’s latest release, the DiveSport 500m diver, the German maker is at it again and just in time for the holiday season, introducing two new colorways to each of their existing ProTrail and AquaSport II lines.  In case you are not familiar with the Protrail, it is Circula’s take on a modern field watch, boasting significant anti-magnetic properties (up to 80,000 A/m), a 1,200 Vickers scratch resistant stainless steel case, and an Elaboré Grade Sellita SW200. This robust go anywhere, do anything watch has a diameter of 40mm, lug to lug length of 46mm and 12mm thin, which is well within “Goldilocks” parameters. All this and 150n water-resistance to boot. The two new colors for the Protrail are green and grey. All are available on a sailcloth strap or matching stainless-steel bracelet. Pricing starts at around $800 for this model. Also seeing a refresh is the AquaSport II, Circula’s version of a modern skin-diver. Equally capable in the boardroom, as on the dive boat, this formidable 200m dive watch boasts many sophisticated details. Sporting an attractive hand-brushed stainless steel case, a 120-click sapphire bezel and the same Elaboré Grade Sellita SW200. Similar to the Protrail, this one is 40mm in diameter, 46mm from lug to lug and an impressive 12.6mm thick. “Goldilocks” parameters checked off once again.   A new brown/gilt dial joins the  AquaSport II collection, alongside recently introduced anthracite and red colorways. ...

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Three Black Friday Bundles You Won’t Want to Miss Worn & Wound
Nov 22, 2023

Three Black Friday Bundles You Won’t Want to Miss

It’s that time of year again to reflect and give thanks and spend time with loved ones. If you are fortunate (or perhaps unfortunate) enough to have a watch enthusiast in your circles – or are one yourself – it’s also the season to begin racking your brain for thoughtful gift ideas. Watch guys and gals are notoriously difficult to shop for, but we’re here to save the day with 10 special bundles here at the Windup Watch Shop. If getting clotheslined in a Wal-Mart scramble is not your cup of tea, you’re in the right place. Kick back, grab a coffee, and get a jump start on holiday shopping by checking out these Black Friday bundles. Lastly, the Windup Watch Shop Team expresses our utmost gratitude to our readers and community. It is an honor and privilege to bring you the very best in watches, accessories, and gear. It’s that time of year again to reflect and give thanks and spend time with loved ones. If you are fortunate (or perhaps unfortunate) enough to have a watch enthusiast in your circles – or are one yourself – it’s also the season to begin racking your brain for thoughtful gift ideas. Watch guys and gals are notoriously difficult to shop for, but we’re here to save the day with 10 special bundles here at the Windup Watch Shop. If getting clotheslined in a Wal-Mart scramble is not your cup of tea, you’re in the right place. Kick back, grab a coffee, and get a jump start on holiday shopping by checking out these Black Friday bundles. Lastly, th...

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Exhibition: Cartier Explores Middle Eastern Influences in Abu Dhabi SJX Watches
Cartier Explores Middle Eastern Influences Nov 21, 2023

Exhibition: Cartier Explores Middle Eastern Influences in Abu Dhabi

Focusing on the intersection of design and Islamic culture, Cartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design has just opened at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. On show till March 2024, the exhibition underscores the significant influence of Islamic arts and culture on the design evolution of Cartier’s jewellery and objet d’art. The exhibition chronicles how Louis Cartier, the grandson of the brand’s founder, cultivated an interest in Islamic art in the 1910s. He enhanced the maison’s library and established a collection, providing likely inspiration for its designers in crafting Orientalist-style jewellery. Following this, Jacques Cartier, Louis’s brother, brought an added dimension into the mix by incorporating South Asian and Arabian styles and arts after his journeys to meet the brand’s esteemed clientele in those regions.  Jacques Cartier in the Middle East. Image – Cartier. To shape this narrative, the exhibition’s curators, Evelyne Possémé and Judith Henon, traced Cartier’s creative design process by showcasing the various influences and styles that inspired its creation. The exhibition displays over 400 artworks from Louvre Abu Dhabi, Paris museums such as the Musée du Louvre and Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and various public and private collections. It also includes various drawings, photographs, and other materials from the brand’s own collection. Prominent features of the exhibition include a stepped merlon showcasing floral motifs from Iran, dating ...

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The New Bell & Ross BR-X5 Green Lum Introduces a New Luminescent Composite Case Material Worn & Wound
Bell & Ross BR-X5 Green Lum Introduces Nov 21, 2023

The New Bell & Ross BR-X5 Green Lum Introduces a New Luminescent Composite Case Material

I’ve long been on record as an appreciator and fan of the wilder designs from Bell & Ross. Few watch brands, in fact, have a wider design purview than B&R;, which has fairly traditional aviation inspired watches at one end of the spectrum, bronze skull watches on the other, and their standard square case instrument watches right in the middle. The LUM series, an ongoing collection of watches that use luminescent material in a manner that can only be described as Maximalist, sits somewhere near the skulls, I think. Watch enthusiasts, of course, are notable in that we tend to love inventive applications of lume, but bold designs centered around the stuff still feel fairly niche. The new BR-X5 Green Lum takes the brand’s experiments with lume to a new level, giving the case itself the full lume treatment.  Seeing the press release for this watch, I knew immediately that it was destined to be a new object of obsession for me, perhaps not unlike my beloved Multimeter. It takes the still relatively new BR-X5 platform, the brand’s most contemporary and forward looking case design, and gives it a visual and material transformation via the brand’s LM3D composite. This material is made from quartz fibers which are completely photoluminescent, giving off a pronounced green glow. The case is a combination of this material and DLC coated titanium, which effectively acts as a shell with large pieces of LM3D at the top and bottom of the case. The dial is matte black and serves to...

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A Must-See for Everyone! Horological Neophytes, All Industry Professionals (including Marketing/Communication/Admin), and Press, this talk by Stephen McDonnell is For You – Don’t Miss This! Quill & Pad
Nov 20, 2023

A Must-See for Everyone! Horological Neophytes, All Industry Professionals (including Marketing/Communication/Admin), and Press, this talk by Stephen McDonnell is For You – Don’t Miss This!

I estimate I’ve seen - and have personally moderated 10 Dubai Watch Week Horological Forums talks - around 80 of these ‘events’, and many  have been very, very, good: either. But at the 2023 fair I saw one that just blew me away (and I’m a jaded old industry veteran). Don't miss this!

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The Wonderfully Artistic in Christie’s Hong Kong SJX Watches
Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art “Les Masques” Nov 19, 2023

The Wonderfully Artistic in Christie’s Hong Kong

Having explored the best of independent watchmaking, we now pivot to the artisanal masterpieces at Christie’s Hong Kong sale on November 26, ranging from a 1950s cloisonné Omega by Nelly Richard to a Patek Philippe Dome Clock. Amongst the more esoteric is the Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art “Les Masques”, the quartet of timepieces each featuring a miniature sculpture replicating tribal masks in Geneva’s Barbier-Mueller Museum.  The auction on November 26 is made up of two parts, starting with Important Watches (lots 2201-2343) at 1 pm  – the catalogue is available here. It will be followed by the OAK Collection (lots 2501-2639) at 6:30 pm – see the full catalogue here. Lots 2224-2227: Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art “Les Masques” set One of Vacheron Constantin’s most distinctive Metiers d’Art creations, “Les Masques” is a literal description of the watches – each contains a miniature sculpture that deftly reproduces tribal masks from around the world that are part of the primitive art collection in the renowned Barbier-Mueller Museum. Each of the three years from 2007 to 2009 saw the launch of a “Les Masques” set made up of four watches, with each watch representing one of the four continents of Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas. This present set is from 2009 and depicts masks from Gabon, Mexico, Indonesia, and China.  The masks were micro-sculptures of 18k gold that were intricately engraved and coloured by hand, and then...

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