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31,780 articles · 171 videos found · page 362 of 1066

Seiko Presage x Tradman’s Bonsai HCC009J1 Turns Pine Into Gold WatchRider
Seiko Presage x Tradman’s Bonsai Aug 12, 2026

Seiko Presage x Tradman’s Bonsai HCC009J1 Turns Pine Into Gold

Seiko has introduced the Presage Classic Series x Tradman’s Bonsai Limited Edition HCC009J1, a new mechanical watch built around the colour and texture of a Japanese pine tree. It is scheduled for release in September 2026 and production is limited to 2,000 pieces worldwide. This is not a simple green-dial version of an existing Presage. The dial, gold-coloured case and included accessories all connect to the bonsai theme. A dial shaped by an old pine tree Tradman’s Bonsai was founded in 2015 with the aim of presenting traditional Japanese bonsai in a modern way. For this collaboration, the main reference is a sanko-matsu pine that is said to be more than 150 years old. The textured Matsuba-iro dial is inspired by the bark and needles of an old Japanese pine. The dial uses a deep green colour called Matsuba-iro, named after pine needles. Its strong pattern is inspired by the rough bark of an old pine tree. Light catches the raised texture from different angles, while the gold hands, applied hour markers and printed text stand clearly against the dark background. There is no date window, so nothing cuts through the pattern. Gold colour without a gold case The 38 mm case and bracelet are made from stainless steel with a gold-coloured hard coating. It is important to be clear that this is not a solid-gold watch. Seiko mixes brushed and polished surfaces across the case and multi-row bracelet, then adds a fine pattern around the bezel for more detail. The case measures 12....

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Budget-Friendly With Vintage Charm: The Updated Wolbrook Skindiver 38 Automatic Fratello
Wolbrook Aug 12, 2026

Budget-Friendly With Vintage Charm: The Updated Wolbrook Skindiver 38 Automatic

It’s always nice when you run into an old acquaintance. A few years ago, I spent quite a bit of time on the Wolbrook website, as I really liked the brand’s Tropic-style rubber straps. To me, they were the perfect combination in terms of material and looks. During those visits, the brand’s watches caught my […] Visit Budget-Friendly With Vintage Charm: The Updated Wolbrook Skindiver 38 Automatic to read the full article.

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They Grow Up So Fast! Meet The Casio Edifice Automatic EFK-200 Fratello
Casio Edifice Automatic EFK-200 Fast-track Aug 12, 2026

They Grow Up So Fast! Meet The Casio Edifice Automatic EFK-200

Fast-track evolution. In just one year, Casio launched its first automatic mechanical watch, the Edifice EFK-100, and rapidly improved it. Now, the third generation of the Casio Edifice automatic is here. The EFK-200, a sporty-chic yet affordable watch with an integrated bracelet/strap, comes in five variations and looks to be a very mature watch. There […] Visit They Grow Up So Fast! Meet The Casio Edifice Automatic EFK-200 to read the full article.

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First Look - The Seiko Presage Classic Series x Tradman’s Bonsai Limited Edition HCC009J1 Monochrome
Seiko Presage Classic Series x Aug 12, 2026

First Look - The Seiko Presage Classic Series x Tradman’s Bonsai Limited Edition HCC009J1

Since its international relaunch in 2016, the Seiko Presage collection, for decades available only to Japanese customers, has become the brand’s showcase of the country’s traditional aesthetics and craftsmanship, offering enamel, porcelain, and urushi-lacquer dials. The recently introduced Presage Classic Series comprise vintage-inspired everyday watches, and the new Seiko Presage Classic is created with Tradman’s […]

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Swatch Marks Spain’s Total Solar Eclipse With a 24-Hour MoonSwatch Mission to the Sun Solar Eclipse SSX01J100-1 WatchRider
Swatch Aug 12, 2026

Swatch Marks Spain’s Total Solar Eclipse With a 24-Hour MoonSwatch Mission to the Sun Solar Eclipse SSX01J100-1

Swatch has created a new version of the Bioceramic MoonSwatch Mission to the Sun for Spain’s total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026. Called Mission to the Sun Solar Eclipse, reference SSX01J100-1, the watch is available only in Spain and only for 24 hours on the day of the eclipse. Online purchases are limited to three watches per person. The watch is reference SSX01J100-1 and was offered exclusively in Spain for 24 hours. Image: Swatch. A small change with a clear eclipse connection This is not a completely new MoonSwatch. It uses the familiar Mission to the Sun colour scheme with a bright yellow Bioceramic case, white tachymeter bezel and white rubber strap. The gold-coloured dial has a sun-brushed finish, while white hands and hour markers keep the display easy to read. Orange hands add contrast to the chronograph seconds and the three white subdials. The Solar Eclipse edition keeps the yellow and white Mission to the Sun colour scheme. Image: Swatch. The important new detail is the black chronograph pusher at two o’clock. The lower pusher remains yellow, so the dark upper button stands out immediately. It represents the Moon moving in front of the Sun during totality. Swatch has changed only one control, but that contrast gives the watch a direct link to the event without covering the dial in extra text or graphics. The black upper pusher represents the Moon covering the Sun during the total eclipse. Image: Swatch. The new moon appears on the back The other change i...

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Hands On: Greubel Forsey Balancier 3 Titanium SJX Watches
Greubel Forsey Balancier 3 Titanium Aug 12, 2026

Hands On: Greubel Forsey Balancier 3 Titanium

The Greubel Forsey (GF) Balancier 3 topped our summer watch wish list thanks to its uncompromising craftsmanship and ergonomic form factor. Though not an altogether new watch — the model debuted in 2023 — the “baby blue” edition updates the formula with a dimpled finish on the prominent Y-shaped bridge that spans the dial. Initial thoughts Greubel Forsey is one of the few artisanal independent brands that has managed to create a distinctive and compelling sports watch. While the style of the Balancier 3 might be an acquired taste for some — especially those who prefer more of a dial — the quality of make is obvious and the finishing is almost clinical in its perfection. This helps justify the steep cost of entry, even for an ‘entry level’ model like the Balancier 3. The Convexe line grew significantly during former CEO Antonio Calce’s tenure, from late 2020 to early 2024, as the brand prepared to scale. Fortunately, the brand pulled the plug on its growth plan and has subsequently reverted to a more balanced line-up, no pun intended. Beyond the blue colour, the primary element that distinguishes this edition is the dimpled finish of the titanium bridge that supports the hand stack. More than just a finish applied for its own sake, the matte treatment helps break up the monotony of mirror-polished elements on the “dial” and provides enhanced contrast with its own mirror-polished bevels. To achieve this look on titanium, the GF developed a new technique...

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Seiko Turns Keisuke Takahashi’s Yellow RX-7 FD3S Into a Limited Initial D Chronograph WatchRider
Seiko Turns Keisuke Takahashi’s Yellow Aug 11, 2026

Seiko Turns Keisuke Takahashi’s Yellow RX-7 FD3S Into a Limited Initial D Chronograph

Seiko has returned to the world of Initial D with a new chronograph dedicated to Keisuke Takahashi and his yellow Mazda RX-7 FD3S. The model continues the manga’s 30th-anniversary celebrations after the earlier Takumi Fujiwara AE86 watch. Orders opened in Japan in early August 2026, while deliveries are scheduled to begin in late January 2027. Production is limited to 1,995 individually numbered watches, matching the year Initial D began serialization. The connection is immediately clear. This is not a standard Seiko with a small logo added to the dial. The complete colour scheme and several smaller details come from Keisuke’s car, while the official campaign artwork places the watch beside the driver and his RX-7. The Initial D collaboration links the Seiko chronograph directly to Keisuke Takahashi and his yellow RX-7 FD3S. Image: PREMICO. The yellow RX-7 on the wrist The bright yellow dial copies the most recognizable feature of Keisuke’s RX-7. A black tachymeter bezel provides strong contrast and gives the chronograph a clear motorsport look. Three black subdials use red markings inspired by the illuminated instruments inside the car. The RedSuns team name appears at three o’clock beside the Seiko logo, while the Initial D symbol is placed inside the lower subdial. The yellow dial, red instrument-style subdials and RedSuns logo refer to Keisuke’s RX-7. Image: PREMICO. One of the best details sits at 12 o’clock. Instead of a normal hour marker, Seiko uses a t...

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Happenings: Watch Week Aspen Returns For Its Third Year Hodinkee
Glashütte Original s latest watchmaking innovation Aug 11, 2026

Happenings: Watch Week Aspen Returns For Its Third Year

If you need another reason to visit Aspen this summer, Watch Week Aspen is returning for its third edition, taking place from August 13 to August 16. The long weekend is packed with endless opportunities to hear from industry leaders and see some exciting (and new) watches—and, of course, get outside and explore the town's charming alpine scenery. Best of all, the entire event is free and open to the public. The program kicks off Thursday with cocktails at the Gerald Charles Lounge inside Oliver Smith Jeweler, the event's founder, where attendees can trace renowned watchmaker Gérald Genta's legacy. They'll then have the chance to preview Glashütte Original's latest watchmaking innovation, followed by a presentation of rare watches at M.S. Rau and an expert-led panel about the pre-owned watch market and emerging collecting trends, in partnership with SYYNCH. New to this year's lineup is a 3K run that will take place Friday morning, led by Emmanuel Bütler, the U.S. Brand President of NORQAIN, through downtown Aspen. After breaking a sweat, attendees can join a session examining Hermès' Le Temps Suspendu complication, stop by a NORQAIN ice cream truck, and enjoy presentations on the Omega Speedmaster's heritage and A. Lange Söhne's "Lumen" collection. That evening, Avi & Co. will showcase rare releases from independent watch brands, including F.P. Journe, Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. L. Leroy will host a happy hour at the same time, where it will...

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Bangalore Watch Company Introduces the Forty-Seven, their First Pocket Watch Worn & Wound
Audemars Piguet collab remains one Aug 11, 2026

Bangalore Watch Company Introduces the Forty-Seven, their First Pocket Watch

I’m not quite sure that it would be correct to say that pocket watches are “having a moment,” but I’ve certainly thought and written about pocket watches more in 2026 than in any year I can remember. Mostly that’s due to an approximately two week stretch earlier this year when the entire watch community was focused like a laser beam on the Royal Pop. I’m not exactly sure what happened since (has anyone actually seen a Royal Pop in the wild?) but that Swatch x Audemars Piguet collab remains one of the biggest stories of the year, even if they flew a little too close to the sun. There was also this Timex desk clock, which is basically a pocket watch with an integrated stand, and of course this new Horological Machine from MB&F;, which is not a pocket watch at all, but exists in that “watch as desk object” world and kind of begs the user to take the strap off the case for mounting purposes, leaving you with what amounts to a pocket watch without the chain or lanyard.  OK, that last one might be a stretch. But nevertheless, when a press release from Bangalore Watch Company came through to let me know that the India based brand had created a midcentury style pocket watch, I started to think about the possibility that we might be in the midst of a trend. I don’t actually think we are – pocket watches perhaps are a little over the line on the anachronistic spectrum to catch on with enough people to make this a thing in 2026, but it’s a nice looking clock reg...

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Introducing - The New Rado Captain Cook x European Cricket Special Edition Monochrome
Rado Captain Cook x European Aug 11, 2026

Introducing - The New Rado Captain Cook x European Cricket Special Edition

Since its revival in 2017, the Rado Captain Cook collection has grown from a faithful vintage re-edition into one of the brand’s pillars, embracing models to include compact 37mm models, ceramic executions, bronze editions and high-tech divers. Now Rado introduces another themed interpretation, created to celebrate its new role as Official Timing Partner of European […]

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First Look - The Watch Ho & Co. x Selten Yum Cha, A Heartfelt Tribute to Hong Kong’s Tea House Tradition Monochrome
Aug 11, 2026

First Look - The Watch Ho & Co. x Selten Yum Cha, A Heartfelt Tribute to Hong Kong’s Tea House Tradition

Since its launch, Watch Ho & Co(mmunity) has taken a very personal approach to collaborative watchmaking. Founder Jackie Ho has consistently built projects around stories and culture. Previous collaborations with Selten, such as the Jui series with hand-guilloché mother-of-pearl dials inspired by Hong Kong’s Bauhinia flower, demonstrated that approach well. To celebrate the community’s third anniversary, […]

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Introducing - Celebrating the Founder’s 200th Anniversary, Moritz Grossmann Releases the Tefnut 36 Silver-Plated by Friction Turquoise Blue Monochrome
Moritz Grossmann Releases Aug 11, 2026

Introducing - Celebrating the Founder’s 200th Anniversary, Moritz Grossmann Releases the Tefnut 36 Silver-Plated by Friction Turquoise Blue

Moritz Grossmann continues to celebrate the 200th anniversary of its founder, Carl Moritz Grossmann (1826-1885), one of the key figures behind Glashütte’s rise as a powerhouse of German watchmaking. Following the Hamatic, the Tremblage, the Tefnut and the Backpage Tremblage, the brand honours its founder with yet another anniversary gift. Once again, a model from the […]

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Hands On: Grand Seiko “Hisen” SBGZ011 SJX Watches
Grand Seiko Hisen” SBGZ011 Grand Seiko’s Aug 11, 2026

Hands On: Grand Seiko “Hisen” SBGZ011

Grand Seiko’s excellent dive watches may have stolen the show Watches & Wonders, but the waterfall-inspired Masterpiece Collection “Hisen” SBGZ011 proves the brand hasn’t let its next-generation Spring Drive rollout outshine its fine watchmaking project — the Micro Artist Studio. While best known for the Credor Eichi II, and some of the finest chiming wristwatches yet made, the Micro Artist Studio’s work for Grand Seiko is perhaps even better, and though its resplendent movements can be found in more subtle watches, the “Hisen” is just as decadently decorated outside as it is within. Initial thoughts Last year, Grand Seiko kicked off a streak of hits, launching the compact and precise Spring Drive SLGB003, on a quick-adjust bracelet. This year the brand launched an even deadlier duo of mid-sized Spring Drive divers, and probably has another commercial success on deck for next year. But in the background, the Shinshu Watch Studio, where all Spring Drive watches are made, continues its fine watchmaking efforts with the stunning diamond and Mozambique garnet set “Red Lion” ref. SBGD228, and the “Hisen” SBGZ011 reviewed here. Aesthetically, it is my least favorite of the four engraved-case models the brand has produced in recent memory — my favourites being the SBGZ001 “Snowflake” the astral SBGZ007 — due to the dial being too busy. However, the engraved 44GS case is almost magical, reminding me of the Quartz VFA ref. 3823-7030 and 3820-6000. L...

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Arcanaut Introduces Fordite 2.0, Now Fully Customizable Worn & Wound
Ming Aug 10, 2026

Arcanaut Introduces Fordite 2.0, Now Fully Customizable

Arcanaut, the Scandinavian indie known for their innovation with and unusual use of uncommon dial materials, has announced a major update to their signature watch. The Arc II Fordite, a personal favorite of mine and a watch I’ve proudly owned for a number of years, has been rethought as a bespoke piece, customized by each individual owner in a number of ways. Some of the options available feel like natural evolutions for the line based on a number of things we’ve seen from the brand in recent years across other projects, but a few are genuinely surprising.  When purchasing an Arc II Fordite from Arcanaut directly, the customer is brought to their Fordite Configurator, which first asks for their choice in dial. This, of course, is the heart of a Fordite watch as every dial is inherently unique (they are made from paint drippings from American auto factories). Prospective owners have always been able to choose their dial of course, but the watches have been sold as finished products. The new process centers the dials and the surprising ways they vary in appearance, and asks customers to think about how best to complement it.  The most welcome new development in the new Fordite process is the ability to pick from multiple cases. A total of four options are available, in “Standard” and “Skeleton” varieties, coming in at 40.5mm (the original size) or a new 37mm diameter. A smaller size should be exciting news to many as the 40.5mm case can wear quite a bit larger ...

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Introducing: The Fears Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour 'Ultimus' Hodinkee
Fears Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour Aug 10, 2026

Introducing: The Fears Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour 'Ultimus'

What We Know Fears just announced the final chapter of its Brunswick Jump Hour collection, and this appropriately named Brunswick 40.5 Jump Hour 'Ultimus' might just be the collection's most interesting execution yet. Designed in collaboration with British watch content creator Andrew Morgan, the Ultimus takes the modern design cues from the Brunswick Jump Hour all the way to eleven, with a stark black-and-white sensibility in a very sleek "Phantom White" dial execution. The focal point is the new jump hour dial, and yes, it's very lumed. Rather than in typical Brunswick Jump Hour executions, which hide all inactive numerals, this dial execution uses sapphire to reveal the oversized hour disc beneath and leans into it as part of the design. A black outer ring holds minimal branding, and within are two luminous ceramic discs—the lower disc is for the rotating (and jumping) hours, and the other disc floats above, housing the printed minute track and the oversized black minute hand. That center lumed ceramic disc above is also connected to a frosted outer ring, which holds the printed minute numerals and offers a subtle peek at the inactive hour numerals on the rest of the dial. At twelve o'clock is a magnifier, which replaces the typical framed window we've seen on the other Brunswick Jump Hours to highlight the current hour and its numeral(s) in full. The steel case is unchanged in this edition, with a diameter of 40.5mm, a thickness of 12.8mm, and a lug-to-lug of 47mm. I...

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CASIO A100WE: A Retro Digital Watch Under $100 WatchRider
Casio A100WE Aug 10, 2026

CASIO A100WE: A Retro Digital Watch Under $100

If you are looking for a digital watch that combines vintage aesthetics with everyday practicality, the Casio A100WE series is one of the most interesting options on the market. Released as a modern tribute to a very specific piece of Casio history, the A100 line stands out because of its unique front-button layout and retro-futuristic case design. Whether you are a seasoned watch collector or someone who simply wants a reliable timepiece, the A100WE series offers variety, comfort, and affordability. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the history of this design, review every color and model available, highlight the standout green resin model, and explain all the technical features you need to know. The History Behind the Design: The F-100 Legacy To understand the Casio A100WE, you have to look back to 1978. That year, Casio released the F-100. It was a notable release because it was the first Casio watch to feature a case made entirely of resin, making it incredibly lightweight and affordable. However, the F-100 is best remembered today for its appearance in pop culture. A modified version of the Casio F-100 was worn by the character Ellen Ripley (played by Sigourney Weaver) in the 1979 science fiction movie Alien. The F-100 was eventually discontinued, making original models rare and highly sought after by collectors. Decades later, Casio introduced the A100WE series. This modern reissue keeps the exact case shape and front-button layout of the original F-100...

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Inside The Manufacture: Making A Tudor: A Behind-The-Scenes Look, From Raw Material To Finished Product [Video] Hodinkee
Tudor Aug 10, 2026

Inside The Manufacture: Making A Tudor: A Behind-The-Scenes Look, From Raw Material To Finished Product [Video]

Earlier this year, Tudor invited a small group of watch media into its Swiss manufacturing network to see what "Swiss Made" actually means in practice—not a one-stop visit in a single day, but the full process from start to finish over multiple days. I've been on plenty of manufacturer tours, and I've never had access like this. The result is one video, broken into three parts: cases and bracelets; hand-painted and hand-lumed dials; movements and assembly. Case and Bracelet We start by looking at cases and bracelets. I've had my Tudor Pelagos 39 on my wrist for a couple of years now, and until recently I'd never given much thought to what "Swiss Made" on the dial actually meant, beyond the concept and branding tied to those two words. So, using my own Pelagos as the starting point, this segment traces how a titanium dive watch's case and bracelet are actually made, moving through three Swiss companies closely linked to Tudor: Joseph Baume, Orolux, and Detech. Titanium case blanks are the start of the story.  The progressive evolution of Tudor cases at Joseph Baume.  Heat treating in a special furnace.  The case begins at Joseph Baume, an independent forge where steel components are cold-stamped through up to fifteen strikes, while titanium cases, like that employed by my Pelagos, undergo hot stamping instead, heated to nearly 950 degrees Celsius and pressed into shape by a robotic arm. It's a more physical, almost blacksmith-like process than I ever would have expecte...

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Moonwatch or Snoopy? Omega Speedmaster head-to-head (feat. Fratello’s R.J. Broer) Time+Tide
Omega Speedmaster head-to-head feat Fratello’s Aug 10, 2026

Moonwatch or Snoopy? Omega Speedmaster head-to-head (feat. Fratello’s R.J. Broer)

Episode 3 of Four New Ways to Fly to the Moon — and this one took a detour we didn’t plan. Andrew and Justin were set to go head-to-head on the classic Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch versus the blue Snoopy Speedmaster — the unimpeachable just-means-business OG versus the playful, sadly not so easy to score … Continued

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First Look - The Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Stone Dial Collection Monochrome
Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Stone Aug 10, 2026

First Look - The Maen Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin Stone Dial Collection

The Manhattan has become one of Maen’s defining collections, offering the angular aesthetics of 1970s integrated sports watches and increasingly refined execution at accessible prices. Building on the success of last year’s Manhattan 37 Ultra-Thin, the Swedish brand is introducing natural stone dials to its permanent collection. Mechanically identical to the existing hand-wound model, the […]

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We needed The Orange! TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Limited Edition for Zandvoort’s Finale WatchRider
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Limited Aug 10, 2026

We needed The Orange! TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Limited Edition for Zandvoort’s Finale

TAG Heuer is sending the Dutch Grand Prix off with a pair of bright orange Formula 1 Solargraph limited editions. The rubber-strap reference WBY111H.FT8128 and steel-bracelet reference WBY111L.BA0042 share the same compact case, solar movement and colour scheme, but they offer two very different ways to remember Zandvoort. The timing is important. The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix will be the last Formula 1 race at Circuit Zandvoort under the current agreement. TAG Heuer has therefore created a farewell watch that looks straight into the orange grandstands rather than simply placing a race logo on an existing model. The last Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort The Dutch Grand Prix returned in 2021 after being absent from the calendar since 1985. The narrow circuit between the dunes quickly became one of the most recognisable weekends on the calendar, helped by steeply banked corners and grandstands filled with Dutch fans wearing orange. The final race weekend runs from 21 to 23 August 2026. It will also include the first Formula 1 Sprint held at Zandvoort. Tickets for the weekend are already sold out, which says plenty about the event even as it prepares to leave the calendar. TAG Heuer returned as Formula 1’s official timekeeper in 2025. A special watch for the last Zandvoort race therefore makes sense, especially when the Formula 1 collection already has a long history of bold colours and racing references. The new orange Solargraph follows a colourful Formula 1 design story that be...

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Zandvoort’s Final Lap: The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Limited Edition For The Last Dutch Grand Prix Fratello
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Limited Aug 10, 2026

Zandvoort’s Final Lap: The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Limited Edition For The Last Dutch Grand Prix

After 35 years of absence, the Dutch Grand Prix returned to Zandvoort in 2021. It almost seemed impossible at first to organize such a global event in the small beach town. The circuit received a few necessary updates, and encouraging people to come by bike and shuttle from Amsterdam worked. On August 23rd, the final […] Visit Zandvoort’s Final Lap: The TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Limited Edition For The Last Dutch Grand Prix to read the full article.

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Uncorking the Louis Moinet 1816 Chronograph Champagne: A Hands-On Experience Fratello
Louis Moinet 1816 Chronograph Champagne Aug 10, 2026

Uncorking the Louis Moinet 1816 Chronograph Champagne: A Hands-On Experience

The man who brought the Louis Moinet watch brand to life sadly died very recently. Jean-Marie Schaller, the owner and creative force behind Louis Moinet, passed away peacefully on May 16th at the age of 66. The watch industry lost one of its brightest characters, but the brand continues, and it does so in its […] Visit Uncorking the Louis Moinet 1816 Chronograph Champagne: A Hands-On Experience to read the full article.

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In Depth: Louis Cottier’s Legacy SJX Watches
Aug 10, 2026

In Depth: Louis Cottier’s Legacy

Sometime around 1949, in a workshop above a stationer’s shop in Carouge, Louis Cottier built a worldtime watch out of a piece of cardboard. Movado had asked him to fit their famous Ermeto — a small purse-watch that was wound by opening and closing its case — with a device to read the hour in any country. What Cottier delivered was a piece of card: two columns listing the 12 antipodal city pairs, with a sliding paper scale of hours. Open the case, slide the scale, read New York against Rome. It was ingenious to a fault. Movado’s verdict was blunt, and fair: it ignored the running of the watch entirely and “…could just as well be made on an address-book or a diary,” they wrote on February 4, 1950. The brand concluded that “Nobody would want to carry such a piece.” The 1949 World Time cardboard maquette proposed to Movado. Image – SJX composite/Musée d’art et d’histoire de Genève The cardboard maquette survives, in an archive of some 260 items — letters, patents, notebooks, photographs, a school exercise book, a golf-scoring mechanism — that comprise the most complete record we have of the man the watch world calls the father of the worldtimer. But the story revealed by this evidence is more nuanced than Cottier’s reputation suggests. The legend, briefly The received Louis Cottier is easy to summarise, because everyone summarises him the same way. He was born in Carouge in 1894, and trained in Geneva. After losing his job in the aftermath of th...

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