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Results for AHCI (Académie Horlogère des Créateurs Indépendants)

3,202 articles · 302 videos found · page 28 of 117

TAG Heuer Scales Up the Carrera “Glassbox” to 41 mm SJX Watches
TAG Heuer Scales Up Jan 19, 2026

TAG Heuer Scales Up the Carrera “Glassbox” to 41 mm

TAG Heuer is growing its signature line of chronographs literally and figuratively with the Carrera Chronograph “Glassbox” 41 mm. Stylistically similar to its 39 mm counterpart, the new Carrera features a larger “Glassbox” case but is otherwise almost identical, right down to the pump pushers and TH20 automatic movement, though enthusiasts will like the fact that the date display has been eliminated. Initial thoughts The “Glassbox” case is a good starting point, being distinctive but not as unconventional as the Monaco. The Carrera is retro-inspired but of an entirely modern construction, with its bowl-shaped dial, raised flange, and domed crystal. One of my favourite characteristics of the Carrera is the model’s pump-style pushers that give it a distinctive profile. Large and welcoming, the pushers provide the impression of a chronograph built to be used. And the 41 mm has the upside of doing away with the date. While the larger case is arguably not as well suited to the retro case design, it is a good fit for the TH20 that’s a relatively thick calibre. So while bigger, the 41 mm model is better proportioned in some ways. Commercially, the logic of the 41 mm is clear as well, since larger watches do well in many of the markets where TAG Heuer is historically strong, like the United States and Australia. Notably, the 41 mm includes a similarly scaled up version of the versatile seven-link stainless steel bracelet found on the smaller model. It echoes a “b...

Zenith Introduces the Defy Revival A3643 for LVMH Watch Week Worn & Wound
TAG Heuer Hublot Jan 19, 2026

Zenith Introduces the Defy Revival A3643 for LVMH Watch Week

Once again, LVMH Watch Week is upon us. For those of us who work in watch media, this week has become something of what you might technically refer to as a “big deal.” It’s the beginning, in earnest, of the new release season, which peaks with Watches & Wonders week, and is now just months away (yikes). Over the past several years, LVMH has carved out this period in late January to debut new novelties ahead of Watches & Wonders (which all of the brands making announcements this week participate in) and get a jump on the competition. Usually the LVMH Watch Week releases are a little more consumer oriented and less ambitious than those that debut at Watches & Wonders a few months down the road, but honestly that just makes this week all the more interesting to us here at Worn & Wound. We’ll have a bunch of news on the latest from TAG Heuer, Hublot, and Bulgari later in the week (as well as hands-on coverage of the new novelties) but we start with Zenith, which has designated LVMH Watch Week 2026 as a Defy centric experience.  There are several new Defy references dropping this week in the Skyline category that range from modest sizing updates to some pretty bonkers watchmaking, but we’ll start with this year’s Revival piece, the A3643. Zenith, in recent years, has done an outstanding job when it comes to raiding their own archives for inspiration, and always offer tasteful reinterpretations of classic references that are pretty much one to one recreations, at le...

VPC Introduces the Type 39VM, an Uncommonly Thin Dive Watch Worn & Wound
VPC Introduces Jan 16, 2026

VPC Introduces the Type 39VM, an Uncommonly Thin Dive Watch

Regular readers might remember our coverage of the debut watch from VPC almost two years ago. This was a special project as it comes from Thomas van Straaten, whose byline many of you may have seen over at his main gig, as a writer at Fratello. The Type 37HW, the debut release from VPC, was conceived as something as the ultimate enthusiast’s watch, with special attention paid to the small details that serious watch lovers are particularly attuned to. In practice, that means you end up with a watch that is very subtle, with lots of things that are special about it but perhaps don’t advertise themselves in big bold colors. VPC, after all, is an acronym for a Latin phrase that translates to “beauty through restraint,” and if that isn’t a mission statement of enthusiast focused watch culture, I don’t know what is.  For the second VPC release, the brand is back with a watch that builds on the design language of the Type 37HW but shifts it specifically into the realm of the dive watch. The Type 39VM is, according to the brand, the thinnest 200 meter water resistant automatic dive watch on the market, which is a bold claim but seems to be backed up by a cursory review of the data. The case height is listed at 9.34mm, which is quite thin indeed for a watch like this. In keeping with VPC’s design principles, van Stratten set out to create a watch that was purely functional but also didn’t sacrifice ergonomics or aesthetics. Through an exploration of figuring out wh...

First Look – An X-Ray View with the new Rado Anatom Skeleton Monochrome
Rado Anatom Skeleton Rado Jan 16, 2026

First Look – An X-Ray View with the new Rado Anatom Skeleton

Rado is a byword for innovative, resilient high-tech materials designed to weather life’s knocks and blows, and for its taste for square and rectangular case designs. Touted as the “world’s first scratchproof watch”, Rado’s 1962 DiaStar got the brand noticed with its proprietary Hardmetal tungsten carbide composite case. Like its DiaStar ancestor, the 1983 Anatom […]

The 38 Best Dress Watches for 2026 Teddy Baldassarre
Jan 14, 2026

The 38 Best Dress Watches for 2026

Most watch aficionados consider a go-to dress watch to be a necessary addition to any collection, whether it’s a piece designated for wear only on special occasions or one worn daily to the office. Along with sports watches, dress watches represent one of the most sought-after styles, so we’ve curated a list of the best dress watches that offer style, value, and quality at every price range. We sought out as much variety and diversity as possible with options ranging from a Timex that costs a few hundred dollars, one of the best Seiko values out there, a solid gold Rolex Day-Date, and independent options from the likes of Moser and F.P. Journe. So, here are our standout dress watches for 2026 organized from least to most expensive (and with some handy chapters organized for you).  [toc-section heading="Under $2,000"]  Timex Marlin For decades, Timex focused on affordable, mass-produced quartz watches, but recently the company has tapped into the mechanical market with the Marlin Collection. There is a 40mm automatic movement option with a wider array of dial options including eye-catching “Cali Dials”. Timex is light on the mechanical movement specs other than to note they are provided by a Chinese supplier, which isn’t surprising given the $319 price tag, making it one of the more affordable mechanical options available.  Case: 34mm, Thickness 10mm, Lug-To-Lug: 41mm, Lug Width: 18mm Crystal: Acrylic Movement: Hand Winding or Automatic Mechanical, Water-Resist...

Introducing – The Tropical Sunset Colours of the New Mido Ocean Star 200C Monochrome
Mido Jan 12, 2026

Introducing – The Tropical Sunset Colours of the New Mido Ocean Star 200C

Mido’s flagship Ocean Star collection is a contemporary evolution of its 1940s Ocean Star dive watch family. Often described as an all-round ‘surf and turf’ model, the Ocean Star 200C, introduced in 2021, comes with upgraded features like ceramic inserts and textured, colourful dials and Swatch Group’s latest-generation calibre 80. The new Ocean Star 200C […]

Hands On With The Delicious Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Frozen Banana Daiquiri WatchAdvice
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Frozen Jan 9, 2026

Hands On With The Delicious Seiko Presage Cocktail Time Frozen Banana Daiquiri

An elegant watch for both day and night for the ladies, the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time ticks a lot of boxes and punches above its weight. What We Love The elegant and classic look Great size for smaller wrists The textured dial is reminiscent of a Frozen Banana Daiquiri What We Don’t The 34mm isn’t as dainty as some may like The date window isn’t colour-matched to the dial Finding the perfect bracelet fit may prove tricky on smaller wrists Overall Rating: 8.75 / 10 Value for Money: 9/10 Wearability: 8.5/10 Design: 9/10 Build Quality: 8.5/10 The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time collection has earned a dedicated following by delivering dress-watch elegance with a uniquely spirited twist — each model draws inspiration from classic cocktails, pairing refined dial artistry with Seiko’s dependable automatic movements. With so many cocktails in the world, inspiration is endless for this lineup, and last year, Seiko released the Summer Cocktail collection, featuring a range of watches inspired by refreshing summer drinks. At the heart of this lineup lies the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time SRPL64J, a two-tone timepiece inspired by the Frozen Banana Daiquiri. With the playful vibrancy of its muse, it showcases a textured gold-toned dial and subtle diamond accents. With a blend of vintage charm and modern wearability, the Presage Cocktail Time Frozen Banana Daiquiri showcases how Presage transforms everyday timekeeping into something distinctly stylish and expressive, while be...

First Look – Vyntage Horology Launches Strata, a Sleek Emirati Integrated Sports Watch with Swiss Micro-Rotor Monochrome
Jan 8, 2026

First Look – Vyntage Horology Launches Strata, a Sleek Emirati Integrated Sports Watch with Swiss Micro-Rotor

Vyntage Horology is the brand created by the Seddiqi family, long regarded as the most influential retailers in the Gulf; Ahmed Seddiqi has just celebrated 75 years in business. They are also organisers of Dubai Watch Week, which has become the beating heart of independent watchmaking in the region. After decades of promoting Swiss watchmaking […]

What We Want to See From the Watch Industry in 2026 Worn & Wound
Tudor give Jan 8, 2026

What We Want to See From the Watch Industry in 2026

As our collective holiday hangovers begin to finally wear off, we look ahead to a 2026 that, like any year, could bring any number of surprises. We thought it would be fun to check in with our Slack community, Worn & Wound+, to see what members were hoping to see from brands, the industry, and the community in 2026.  Their responses ranged from the predictable (yes, we all want micro-adjust clasps on our bracelets) to the pointed (there is some very specific heat thrown at some very specific targets). As always, the responses reflect the broad interests of our community. The responses below have been lightly edited for clarity, and attributed to the username handles used on Slack. Let us know in the comments what you would like to see in 2026 across the watch industry. Whether it’s a specific watch, a piece of content from Worn & Wound, or something more business or industry related, we’d love to hear about it.  KILO I’d like to see innovation in movement design. Specifically for off-the-shelf movements that wind their way into micros, indies, and even in legacy ‘big-watch’ manufacture. Example: the Miyota 9075 was a game-changer for the democratization of GMT watch design and manufacture. It’s time for more offerings for chronos (especially now that the ST19 is so hard for most manufacturers to source), small seconds, etc. IAN EHRENWALD I don’t know about market viability, but I’d absolutely love to see Tudor give the North Flag another chance.  I’d l...

Precious Porcelain: The Seiko Credor Goldfeather GCBY991 SJX Watches
Grand Seiko Jan 8, 2026

Precious Porcelain: The Seiko Credor Goldfeather GCBY991

Foreshadowing Credor’s Watches & Wonders debut in April (located alongside sister brand Grand Seiko), the Goldfeather GCBY991 Imari Nabeshima Porcelain is the brand’s first launch of the year. It pairs an ultra-thin hand-wound movement with a dial made using a traditional – and reputedly highly secretive – Japanese porcelain technique. But now the secret is out, cased in steel and limited to 60 pieces worldwide. Initial thoughts Originally envisioned in the 1970s as a vehicle for precious metal quartz watches, Credor later expanded into a catch-all brand for Seiko’s high-end offerings that didn’t fit the Grand Seiko aesthetic. Over the last few years, however, Credor has refocused and shrunk its catalogue from over 200 references in 2021 to fewer than 70 today, shedding legions of ladies’ quartz models while redoubling emphasis on artisanal crafts. The porcelain-dialed GCBY999 embodies this tighter focus and exemplifies the brand’s new motto: “the creativity of artisans”. Despite the Goldfeather branding – and Credor’s original purpose – the GCBY999 is cased in stainless steel. This is a welcome concession given the current price of gold, which is near all-time highs, especially since Seiko generally charges a higher premium for precious metal models than is typical for Swiss brands. As a result, the GCBY999 is good value within the Goldfeather lineup, despite its artisanal dial. The watch retails for JPY1.98 million in Japan, equivalent to about ...

Seiko’s 145th Anniversary Gilded Quartet, Time-Only to Chronograph SJX Watches
Seiko s 145th Anniversary Gilded Jan 6, 2026

Seiko’s 145th Anniversary Gilded Quartet, Time-Only to Chronograph

Seiko founder established a watch store in Tokyo’s Ginza district in 1881, and for the occasion the watchmaker has unveiled a quartet of 145th anniversary watches representing the best of its affordable offerings. While each model is different, all share gilded elements as a unifying motif. The collection is led by a pair of three-hand watches, the King Seiko KS1969 SJE121 and Presage Classic Series “Craftsmanship” Enamel Dial SPB538. While the two three-hand editions are arguably the more interesting of the 145th anniversary line-up, the collection also includes a pair of chronographs, the automatic Prospex Speedtimer SRQ059 and solar-powered Astron GPS SSH186. King Seiko SJE12 (left), and Presage Classic SPB538 Initial thoughts Seiko rolls out numerous anniversary watches on a frequent basis, so the anniversary theme itself isn’t a big deal. The 145th anniversary models, however, are appealing in themselves, especially the pair of three-hand models. The top-of-the-line anniversary edition is the King Seiko KS1969, which is far more striking than the regular production model, and certainly worth the modest premium in price. The Presage, on the other hand, is another iteration of the early-wristwatch-style case that Seiko has done before, but not that often. Gold plating is not appropriate on an expensive watch, but the Presage is affordable so it gets a pass. The enamel dial and cuff-style strap are a nice touch that gives the watch a surprisingly vintage feel. ...

First Look – Seiko’s Set of 4 New Watches for its 145th Anniversary, incl. a Surprising Vintage Presage Monochrome
Seiko s Set Jan 6, 2026

First Look – Seiko’s Set of 4 New Watches for its 145th Anniversary, incl. a Surprising Vintage Presage

Seiko has influenced and continues to shape modern horology as only a few watchmakers can. From its origins in 1881, when Kintaro Hattori opened a small shop in Tokyo, to becoming a global powerhouse in precision timekeeping, Seiko’s history is a register of constant innovation. Over the decades, the brand has delivered some of watchmaking’s […]

The ABCs of Time – Watches Designed to Withstand the Most Extreme Conditions, From the Deepest Oceans to Outer Space Monochrome
Rolex Submariner or any 300m Jan 3, 2026

The ABCs of Time – Watches Designed to Withstand the Most Extreme Conditions, From the Deepest Oceans to Outer Space

Let’s be honest, virtually no one who buys a Rolex Submariner or any 300m dive watch actually dives below 50 metres. In fact, the majority of dive watch owners today rarely, if ever, engage in diving. Most serious scuba divers use wrist computers, so traditional dive watches are often fashion statements as watch enthusiasts like […]

Hands On With The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 “Summer Diamonds” WatchAdvice
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 “Summer Jan 2, 2026

Hands On With The TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 “Summer Diamonds”

Ladies, if you are after a great-looking summer watch, then the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 in the 36mm size or as we have dubbed, the “Summer Diamonds”, is a classy and sporty choice! What We Love The sporty look and colour combination Great size for smaller wrists The textured, gradient dial What We Don’t The 36mm may start to be on the larger side for some ladies It lacks full versatility across all dress situations In winter, the style may not be as suited to wear as in the summer months Overall Rating: 8.6 / 10 Value for Money: 8/10 Wearability: 9/10 Design: 9/10 Build Quality: 8.5/10 The TAG Heuer Aquaracer has always occupied an important space in modern watchmaking. It’s the collection that quietly does the heavy lifting for the brand — a true sports watch that balances durability, design, and everyday practicality. In recent years, however, TAG Heuer has become far more deliberate in how it approaches case sizing, wearability, and who these watches are really for. We saw this with the release of the new Aquareacer Professional models in 2024 with redesigned case proportions, new three-dimensional dials, and a new movement that was developed by AMT for TAG Heuer – the TH31-00. But the brand has been pushing into the ladies’ territory of late, with new models that are shrunk down for smaller wrist sizes and some more feminine touches, such as the Aquaracer Professional Solargraph in a pink dial, diamonds and a 34mm case size. This was one ...

Raketa’s Latest Wristwatch is Key-Wound and Wood SJX Watches
Raketa Dec 30, 2025

Raketa’s Latest Wristwatch is Key-Wound and Wood

Inspired by 1930s Russian fairytale, Raketa’s latest is the Golden Key, an unusual watch that further expands the brand’s diverse repertoire. The cushioned-shaped watch has a case of walnut wood – this evokes historical wooden clocks and watches from Eastern Europe – and includes a winding key, though it can be wound conventionally via the crown as well. Though modelled on a similar 1970s Raketa model, the modern-day creation is a surprisingly apt adaption of its namesake, The Golden Key, or The Adventures of Buratino, a Russian version of Pinocchio that also includes a wooden puppet that comes to life, but also includes a golden key as central to the tale. Like all Raketa watches, this is affordable and powered by an in-house movement, albeit a basic calibre descended from a Soviet era construction. Initial thoughts The Golden Key has a recognisable 1970s look thanks to its shape and dial, but still manages to stand out because of the wood case. The case and dial are detailed nicely enough so the watch avoids looking like a novelty souvenir. The winding does feel like a bit of a gimmick, but it has no bearing on the function of the watch, which can be wound via the crown anyway. Raketa stuck to the colours of the 1970s original with the Golden Key, making it pleasing but also plain. A more adventurous combination of wood and colour would have made it more interesting; I’m sure that’s on the cards if this one sells well. The only weakness of the watch is arguab...

The Greatest Horological Masterpieces of All Time: The Great Clock of Westminster AKA ‘Big Ben’ – A Horological Marvel of Its Time Worn & Wound
Dec 29, 2025

The Greatest Horological Masterpieces of All Time: The Great Clock of Westminster AKA ‘Big Ben’ – A Horological Marvel of Its Time

A series of features identifying the most extraordinary mechanical masterpieces in history, blending precision, innovation, and craftsmanship. We all have our favourite timepieces either in our collection or those incredible horological masterpieces that have been invented or created through the ages. This series will showcase examples from the previous centuries up to the present day and look at the importance and impact on modern day timekeeping.  The Great Clock of Westminster, often known simply as Big Ben, is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and a symbol of the United Kingdom’s rich history and architectural brilliance. Housed in the Elizabeth Tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, the clock was completed in 1859 and has since become a celebrated masterpiece of Victorian engineering. Designed by clockmaker Edward John Dent and architect Augustus Pugin, the Great Clock is renowned for its remarkable accuracy and the deep, resonant chime of its massive bell, Big Ben. Over the decades, it has stood as a steadfast guardian of British tradition, witnessing countless historic moments and continuing to captivate visitors from around the world. Preliminary studies for the Big Ben clock tower, Houses of Parliament, Palace of Westminster, London. James Murray, 1840. Image courtesy of RIBA Charles Barry’s design for the Houses of Parliament did not originally include a clock tower. He was asked to include one and his first designs were added in 18...

SJX Podcast: Best of 2025 – Value Propositions SJX Watches
Christopher Ward Albishorn Dec 29, 2025

SJX Podcast: Best of 2025 – Value Propositions

Episode 23 of the SJX Podcast looks at value propositions under US$10,000. It was a mixed year for affordable watches, but the highlights include Tudor, which continued to refine its sports watch formula with the well-received Ranger 36, and several micro-brands that made compelling cases for themselves with distinctive designs and upgraded movements. Key releases from Christopher Ward, Albishorn, and Kollokium demonstrated there’s still room for creativity and innovation at accessible price points, even as some established players moved upmarket. The Grand Seiko UFA, which is priced just on the other side of the five-figure mark, is also compelling and may be worth a splurge. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Youtube.  

Year in Review: Predictions for 2026 SJX Watches
Christopher Ward Dec 26, 2025

Year in Review: Predictions for 2026

Twenty twenty-six is just days away. Most in the watch industry are hoping the new year will bring better times than 2025, though most equally don’t quite expect that to happen. That said, it will be a great year for some brands, big and small. Architectural and affordable Independent watch brands have had a great run, and that looks like it’ll continue, especially for (expensive) time-only watches with decorated movements and frequently, open or no dials. Plenty of independent watchmakers cater to this demand, all for more or less the same money. Personally, I find many such watches uninteresting – though a few stand out and feel like they will stand the test of time – but the strength of demand will propel this trend. I expect two more interesting developments to emerge from this. One is watches priced lower, or much lower, than the typical CHF65,000-90,000 range for such watches. Ironically, while lower priced options might offer better value, they might be less appealing precisely because they are cheaper. That said, there is still opportunity in this segment, especially since lower prices often go hand-in-hand with higher volumes, so the market will gradually fulfil it, particularly since the way forward is obvious. Functionally, such watches are not complex. Computer-aided design makes it even simpler by allowing manufacturers to rework existing calibres with relative ease; Christopher Ward is already doing something along these lines with the C12. And decora...

Recap – The Best Integrated and Elegant Sports Watches of 2025 Monochrome
Dec 26, 2025

Recap – The Best Integrated and Elegant Sports Watches of 2025

Watches with integrated bracelets and elegant-sports designs remain popular. While the hype seems to have cooled slightly, the category continues to be very competitive, but also creative. From big watchmaking brands refining icons to young independents challenging the rules, 2025 has produced a stellar mix of timepieces that combine innovation, design, and craftsmanship. We’ve selected […]

Kari Voutilainen Steps Back at Urban Jürgensen SJX Watches
Urban Jürgensen Dec 25, 2025

Kari Voutilainen Steps Back at Urban Jürgensen

After four years leading the relaunch of Urban Jürgensen (UJ) alongside co-chief executive Alex Rosenfield, Kari Voutilainen is returning to the bench and dedicate his time to watchmaking and development, while Mr Rosenfeld will assume the role of sole chief executive. Despite this change, the relationship between Mr Voutilainen and UJ remains strong; he will still be involved, albeit in a more hands-off capacity as a shareholder, board member, and senior strategic advisor. From this vantage point, Mr Voutilainen, who has a long history with UJ, should retain substantial influence over the brand’s direction. Initial thoughts The news of Kari Voutilainen stepping back from day-to-day executive responsibilities at UJ seems natural, and was probably inevitable. Having gotten the relaunched brand into orbit, Mr Voutilainen is putting things in the hands of the team at UJ to carry on. Judging by the steady pace of deliveries so far this year, there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic about their capabilities. One reason this change seems natural is that it follows a similar move at Voutilainen earlier this month. Mr Voutilainen has been planning for the future and putting management teams in place to build a long-term business and free up more of his own capacity for working on new watches and movements. His daughter, Venla, is also stepping down from her role as chief operating officer at UJ in order to assist with the family business. Kari Voutilainen alongside recently ...