Hodinkee
HODINKEE Radio: Looking Ahead To 2025 - Part 2 With Mark & Rich
Considering what comes next for some of our favorite watches and the leading brands.
Results for Microbrand Watches
19,392 articles · 164 videos found · page 327 of 652
Hodinkee
Time+Tide
To the Moon and back: how the Omega Speedmaster became a legend
We take a deeper dive into the watch arguably most deserving of the "iconic" moniker.The post To the Moon and back: how the Omega Speedmaster became a legend appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Worn & Wound
Haim Jumps into the Stone Dial Trend with a Striking New Limited Edition
I had the opportunity to meet Zakir Miah, the founder of Chicago-based Haim Watch Co., at a timepiece-related event in Canada this past September. Before that, I had only admired his watches online, and I was especially drawn to the L2 Chronograph, which features a pink gold dial with blued hands and numerals. Zakir was gracious and patient enough to walk me through his entire lineup despite the line of people waiting to chat with him. It took nearly all my willpower to walk away without purchasing one. One of their most popular collections is the Legacy Automatic, a custom-built timepiece designed to order. This model marks several milestones for the brand, including its first custom-designed HWC-1 automatic movement based on ETA architecture assembled in the United States. Each watch is crafted specifically for the buyer. The Legacy Automatic has a hand-finished titanium TA2 (commercially pure grade 2) case with a coin-edge bezel and exhibition case back. Today, Haim is launching a new limited edition Legacy to celebrate their second collaboration with WatchesArabized x OPTO WATCH CO. This edition, named the Arabized (Al-Nimer), which translates to “The Tiger,” will feature a dial made of Tiger’s Eye stone. Tiger’s Eye is a chatoyant gemstone, typically classified as a metamorphic rock, recognized for its golden to red-brown color and silky luster. As part of the quartz group, its distinctive appearance is created through the intergrowth of quartz crystals and al...
SJX Watches
Year in Review: Eight Predictions for 2025
Twenty twenty-five will be shaped by several factors, ranging from major anniversaries for a trio of important high horology brands, to economic reality where the slowdown in demand will reshape retail channels (and already led one watch brand to go bust). And the coming year will also see the still-unknowable Rolex strategy unfold, which might happen under the radar but will definitely be interesting. Big watches for a big year Next year will be a milestone for trio of important brands. Audemars Piguet (AP), Breguet, and Vacheron Constantin (VC) will all mark significant anniversaries: 150 years at AP, 250 years of Breguet, and 270 years for VC. This implies some major timepieces or even mechanical objects are on the way. Such watches are practically convention as landmark anniversaries are often platforms for brands to launch major watches. Some of the most complicated watches in contemporary watchmaking were anniversary creations – Patek Philippe marked 150 years with the Calibre 89, and then 175 years with the Grandmaster Chime. The Patek Philippe Calibre 89 launched in 1989 for its 150th anniversary. Image – Patek Philippe Museum In 2005, when VC marked its 250th year, it launched the Tour de l’Ile, which was the most complicated wristwatch in the world at the time, and also the most expensive wristwatch sold at auction that year. With that in mind, VC might be working on something that lives up to its status as a maker of haute horlogerie complications. The Vac...
Fratello
Long-Term Review: One Month With The Breguet Type XX Chronographe 2067 In Steel
One perk of being a writer in this industry is the opportunity to wear some nice and sometimes exquisite watches. They don’t always have to be expensive watches to make an impact. For example, I remember trying the new Swatch What If Break Free collection a few months ago. Despite it being so far from […] Visit Long-Term Review: One Month With The Breguet Type XX Chronographe 2067 In Steel to read the full article.
Fratello
Introducing: The Maen Manhattan 40 With Dials In Blue, Copper Salmon, And Jade
Since 2017, Maen has released numerous high-quality watches that blend retro touches with modern style. Now the brand is back with the new Manhattan 40, an upsized take on the popular 37mm model. Per the company’s normal course, versions with and without a date are available for order. There’s also a special stone-dial option for […] Visit Introducing: The Maen Manhattan 40 With Dials In Blue, Copper Salmon, And Jade to read the full article.
Time+Tide
How Clare Smyth turns humble, everyday ingredients into something special
We get the chance to discover the intention behind Smyth's use of ingredients, and of course manage to tie watches into the story.The post How Clare Smyth turns humble, everyday ingredients into something special appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
How does the new Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time wear on a smaller wrist?
On paper, the Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time is not for Zach. But with it now on his wrist, he may be singing a different tune...The post How does the new Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time wear on a smaller wrist? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
It’s complicated – why do we value some mechanical functions more than others?
The term "emotional complication" has become almost derogatory to those creating stunning feminine watch complications. The post It’s complicated – why do we value some mechanical functions more than others? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
Omega’s Speedmaster Is The Perfect First Watch
The Omega Speedmaster is one of the few watches that we can truly call iconic. While that must be one of the most overused words in the English language these days, it is apt in this case. But despite the Omega Speedmaster being truly iconic, I have never owned one. Worse yet, I have never […] Visit Omega’s Speedmaster Is The Perfect First Watch to read the full article.
SJX Watches
Year in Review: Our Best Stories of 2024
As we look back on the year, we take pride in the stories we’ve shared and extend our sincere appreciation to all our readers for their support. As 2024 draws to a close, we revisit some of our standout features, spanning in-depth explorations of complex movements, historical perspectives on timekeeping, and comprehensive reviews of the latest watch releases. Our founder SJX looked at some of the most significant watches to emerge in 2024, including the record-setting F.P. Journe Tourbillon à Remontoir d’Égalité “15/93” prototype, and the fascinating Patek Philippe ref. 767 grand complication with double split-chronographs (which means triple elapsed time measurement) that was acquired by none other than the Patek Philippe Museum. Together with David Ichim, he also co-authored a series of stories explaining notable Rolex innovations, including the brand’s most complicated watch, the Sky-Dweller; the instantaneous Day-Date; and the Deepsea with its unparalleled pressure resistance. Based in Seattle, Brandon Moore nonetheless travelled to Geneva, where he visited the Vacheron Constantin manufacture in Geneva suburb Plan-les-Ouates and the Akrivia workshops in the city’s historic Old Town. Brandon also managed to visit the Patek Philippe Rare Handcrafts exhibition at the brand’s Geneva Salon, resulting in his photoessay. And in between all that, he pondered the last two decades of the perpetual calendar’s evolution, a span that has arguably given birth to s...
Fratello
Treating Yourself To A Watch For Christmas - Featuring Omega, Bulova, King Seiko, And More
Christmas and New Year’s are a wonderful time for many. The holiday season is often a chance to reconnect with family or celebrate and reflect on the year. It is also a fantastic opportunity to treat yourself! Buying a watch for Christmas is always a good idea, so today, I’m sharing five attainable watches that […] Visit Treating Yourself To A Watch For Christmas - Featuring Omega, Bulova, King Seiko, And More to read the full article.
SJX Watches
Best of 2024: Surprises and Unexpected Developments
There were relatively fewer surprises in 2024, perhaps because of the overall slowdown in demand for luxury watches. There were a few big surprises though, including the biggest one of all, the Patek Philippe Cubitus, leaving aside the leak thanks to a premature publication of Fortune magazine. Perhaps even more surprising and even bigger, both figuratively and literally, was the Bugatti Tourbillon, a hypercar inspired by a watch. Also notable was the fact that there was little unexpected from independent watchmakers, which perhaps underlines the still-robust demand for watches by the indies, which stick to safe bets that are easy to sell. Here’s a look at our team’s take on the unexpected launches of the year. Biver Automatique – SJX The first Biver watch was a carillon minute repeater with tourbillon that was finely finished, inside and out, but it was big, thick, and expensive. The follow-up, in contrast, was almost the opposite. The Automatique is compact and elegantly wearable, with a clean design that has just the right amount of vintage flavour. The only aspect where the Automatique stays true to its predecessor is in the finishing, which is outstanding, inside and out. The surprising bit about the Automatique is the movement. For one, it was developed by Dubois Depraz, better known as a maker of chronograph- and perpetual calendar modules mounted on ETA movements. Second, it arguably exceeds the movement of the Carillon Tourbillon in terms of design and decor...
Hodinkee
Photo Report: Experiencing Car Week Through The Lens Of Rolex
Cars, watches, and everything in between.
Worn & Wound
Hands-On: the Orion Sylph
I have a confession: I previously dismissed Orion for the wrong reasons. As an avid collector of microbrands, somewhere along the way I subconsciously created an arbitrary value scale based solely on movements. Collecting primarily in the sub $500 range, most watches that have passed through my watchbox have been powered by Seiko NH movements- the long reigning king of budget friendly 3rd party workhouse movements. On the occasions that I crossed that $500 threshold, I’ve been conditioned to expect a Miyota 9000 series, slightly more expensive, and considered an upgrade largely thanks to an extra two beats per second and the resulting sweeping second hand. Truth be told, I could care less about beat rates, but owning something deemed more premium is hard to pass up. It’s this human desire for the seemingly better thing that led me to shy away from Miyota powered watches over $700. Afterall, having $700 to drop on a microbrand opens up the option to own a watch powered by a Sellita SW200, a Swiss movement synonymous with luxury. Of course, this is a deeply flawed way to collect watches and judge value. And, (spoiler alert) a guaranteed way to miss out on value-packed brands that don’t blow their entire budget on a movement. After spending time with Orion’s Miyota 9039 powered Sylph collection, which hovers just over $700 like much of their catalog, I’ve gained a new appreciation for brands that prioritize finishing and design over being the best bargain by spec sh...
Time+Tide
Through a designer’s eyes – Emmanuel Gueit critiques 2024 watch releases
The designer of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, Emmanuel Gueit, shares his insight into some watches from 2024.The post Through a designer’s eyes – Emmanuel Gueit critiques 2024 watch releases appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Blue and rose gold or black DLC titanium: which Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon do you prefer?
We take a look at two variants of one of Ulysse Nardin's most visually engaging watches.The post Blue and rose gold or black DLC titanium: which Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon do you prefer? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
SJX Watches
Best of 2024: Value Propositions Below US$10,000
Many of the year’s most notable watches were expensive, especially complications and independent watchmaking, but there were still a few standouts at the affordable end of the price spectrum. Some relied on familiar formulas, like the Grand Seiko SLGW005 or Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT, while others like the Louis Erard Vianney Halter collaboration were unexpected. Here’s our team’s take on the year’s best watches under US$10,000. Albishorn Type 10 Chronograph - David Ichim A great debut from the recently-established micro brand is the Type 10 Chronograph. Albishorn’s tagline is “imaginary vintage” - drawing inspiration from actual vintage watches, but reimagined with an entirely novel composition, resulting in watches that are highly suggestive of an era without actually being remakes. The Type 10 Chronograph exemplifies this philosophy. The hands, typeface, bezel, and slim lugs pay homage to mid-century aviator chronographs from the likes of Airain, Breguet, and Heuer. The unusual arrangement of the chronograph display however makes it entirely unique. Inside is a heavily reworked 7750-derived movement, that is positioned unconventionally, leading to the unusual crown and pusher arrangement along with the unorthodox chronograph layout. The manually-wound movement is also C.O.S.C certified and incorporates a chronograph-function indicator. In fact, the calibre is arguably more than just heavily reworked, amongst other things, it has shorter pinions than a 77...
Time+Tide
The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Quartz Chronograph is a no-fuss, modern daily
What if you want to wear a chronograph that doesn’t make you look like a 1940s fighter pilot, an astronaut, or a 1960s rally driver?The post The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Quartz Chronograph is a no-fuss, modern daily appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
What’s the story behind Rolex’s iconic “Mercedes” hands?
We take a look at some common theories behind the design of Rolex's signature hour hand.The post What’s the story behind Rolex’s iconic “Mercedes” hands? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
VERSUS: The Hamilton Murph 38 comes up against the Seiko Alpinist SPB121
Hamilton Murph 38 or Seiko Alpinist SPB121? Which of the two field watches walks away the winner?The post VERSUS: The Hamilton Murph 38 comes up against the Seiko Alpinist SPB121 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
The Time+Tide team picks their one watch collection
The Time+Tide Editorial Team has come together to nominate what they believe to be the best one watch collection.The post The Time+Tide team picks their one watch collection appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Monochrome
Buying Guide – A Selection of the Very Best Artistic Dials We’ve Seen this Year
They say the face of a watch can be regarded as a canvas. A canvas to display time first and foremost, but in some watches, it is also a backdrop for a discerning and mesmerising complication like a tourbillon or a perpetual calendar indication. But what if you would take the dial as a canvas […]
Quill & Pad
Diving with the Ball Watch Engineer Master II Diver Chronometer
When Ball Watch asked Dietmar Fuchs to test dive one of the company’s newest watches, the Engineer Master II Diver Chronometer, he hesitated at first. Ball didn’t jingle a diving bell for him, but something else from its history jangled: a brand’s “history” section is always the first thing he checks before testing a watch and he discovered Ball Watch has the credentials. So he dove in and now shares his experience and thoughts on the watch here.
Time+Tide
Discovering French watch brands, partie deux: Baltic, Yema, Sartory-Billard, Pequignet
Back for the second instalment of The Lineup, Marcus and Zach discover more French watch brands they think you should know about.The post Discovering French watch brands, partie deux: Baltic, Yema, Sartory-Billard, Pequignet appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
New releases from Simon Brette, Richard Mille, Breguet and more
With Christmas nearly here there seems to be no respite from brands releasing new watches, with Year of the Snake releases starting already.The post New releases from Simon Brette, Richard Mille, Breguet and more appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
The impressive history and precarious future of Mathey-Tissot
Can a once-great supplier of military watches rise from the ashes of uninspiring homages? Mathey-Tissot is betting on the possibility.The post The impressive history and precarious future of Mathey-Tissot appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
Hands-On With The Charming Alcadus Quantra Type 01 And Type 02
The Alcadus Quantra is a striking example of how a microbrand can evolve, delivering a product that competes with more established microbrands at higher price points. From its tasteful design and refined build quality to its thoughtful packaging and enjoyable unboxing experience, this watch encapsulates a level of sophistication that is rare at its price […] Visit Hands-On With The Charming Alcadus Quantra Type 01 And Type 02 to read the full article.
Time+Tide
Laurent Ferrier weaves brand DNA into the Classic Moon, complete with a brand first
Signature cues from several models come together in a cohesive manner.The post Laurent Ferrier weaves brand DNA into the Classic Moon, complete with a brand first appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
Chopard x Art in Time debut Alpine Eagle His & Hers Chameleon Set
Don't get bogged down by the traditional "his & hers" nomenclature - the set is comprised of 41mm and 36mm models.The post Chopard x Art in Time debut Alpine Eagle His & Hers Chameleon Set appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.