Deployant
New and Reviewed: Amida Digitrend Open Sapphire
Amida releases another version of their stunning driver's watch , now with a sapphire crystal hood. With live photographs and hands on commentary.
Results for Acrylic / Plexiglas Crystal
221 articles · 14 videos found · page 4 of 8
Deployant
Worn & Wound
DOXA Adds a New GMT to the Collection
Like Brendan Fraser’s career, the Polaroid camera, and even Crystal Pepsi, sometimes a renaissance of a once-beloved product can cause a lot of excitement in the market. I have a suspicion the same will be said of DOXA’s new SUB 250T GMT, which will be debuting at Watches and Wonders this year. As the name suggests, this is the first GMT function for the SUB collection in twenty years, answering the prayers for fans of the Swiss brand who have been asking for this configuration over the last two decades. With this latest release, we see a SUB design that’s true to its heritage (having been inspired by the SUB 750T GMT from 2006), but upgraded to meet contemporary needs – and in a whopping 18 new references. Starting from a design perspective, the real beauty of the SUB 250T GMT is that it hasn’t strayed too far away from its existing language, while still mixing form and functionality to give the people what they want. With nine colorways to choose from and in two strap options (a color-matched FKM rubber strap or a DOXA stainless steel “beads of rice” bracelet), each variation complements the 40mm stainless steel case and bezel. But, of course, this is a watch that’s meant to be worn – and put to the limit. With the new GMT function, it’s just waiting for an adventure. Sure, it’s a sports watch, but it’s one that’s been made to adapt to the wearer’s lifestyle. Heading on a plane for a meeting you can’t miss? Catching a few rays or diving am...
Fratello
Three Weeks In New Zealand With An IWC Watch - Witnessing Avalanches And Trekking On Glaciers
The first thing you notice when you’re thousands of feet above the earth is the silence. Weather is highly changeable in mountain ranges, and where I find myself is particularly known for sudden shifts. In 10 minutes, it can go from crystal clear and sunny to a dense, cloudy fog that threatens rain and dangerous […] Visit Three Weeks In New Zealand With An IWC Watch - Witnessing Avalanches And Trekking On Glaciers to read the full article.
Monochrome
First Look – The New Artya Purity Wavy HMS Mirror in Titanium
Founded by Yvan Arpa in 2010, ArtyA is synonymous with avant-garde, wildly creative watches, some early models flaunting unconventional raw materials like butterfly wings and real bullets. However, this independent brand’s latest direction is far more restrained and minimalist, with elegant, skeletonised movements often showcased in transparent sapphire crystal cases congregated in the Purity Collection. The […]
Time+Tide
Paulin’s new Zapata Modul collection blends the world of modern art with 70s retro vibes
Scotland's Paulin collaborates with Chicago-based artist and designer Crystal Zapata on a pair of stylish Modul art watches.The post Paulin’s new Zapata Modul collection blends the world of modern art with 70s retro vibes appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Worn & Wound
eBay Finds: An Incredibly Cool JLC Memovox, a Vintage Elgin in Great Condition, and a Hamilton Thin-O-Matic with the Full Kit
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! Vintage Bulova LCD Starting off this week with a neat space-age looking vintage 1977 Bulova quartz LCD. Yellow gold plated squarish case with a big crystal that covers a narrow LCD window. Around the window is a raised Bulova logo and a Quartz logo giving it a sweet 3D look. The watch comes with its original integrated bracelet with the buckle signed with the Bulova tuning fork logo. This was a 25 year service gift and is engraved as such on the back from the L.S. Starrett Co in 1977. The watch is in fantastic condition and works per the seller. Super cool retro LCD that is sure to garner attention. View auction here Vintage Hamilton Thin-O-Matic Next up is a really sleek vintage Hamilton Thin-O-Matic with box and papers. The 10k yellow gold filled case comes in at 34mm, and is in nice shape, unpolished with sharp edges. The silver dial is clean with applied gold Arabic hour markers. The original Hamilton signed crown is here as well. This is another 25 year service award watch, this time from the Lufkin Company in 1962. The watch comes with the original signed band and buckle, original box and original guarantee booklet. Great looking complete set that runs well per the seller. V...
Time+Tide
The Ōtsuka Lōtec No. 5 Kai is Jiro Katayama’s latest innovative creation, but is it a step in the right direction?
Wandering hours and a wild crystal make this one a real looker.The post The Ōtsuka Lōtec No. 5 Kai is Jiro Katayama’s latest innovative creation, but is it a step in the right direction? appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Worn & Wound
Farer Reboots the Popular GMT Bezel Collection
There is always a risk when a product gets an upgrade (Crystal Pepsi, anyone?), but this is especially a touchy subject in the watch world. We, as collectors and enthusiasts, tend to keep things as they are. Small updates? Sure. Bold colorways? Absolutely. But being told there is a completely new design? Well, now I’m a bit weary. Luckily for me, I’ve been proven wrong by Farer. They’ve recently relaunched their GMT Bezel collection, boasting – you guessed it – a completely new design. Previous iterations of this model were a core offering of the brand, showcasing the balance between bold design language and a classic case style. Now, we see a new (and dare I say improved?) set of GMT Bezels on the market, whose main feature is the concave “ski-slope” lugs first seen on the Chrono-Contempo Collection. If variety is the spice of life, then the GMT Bezels are pretty damn spicy. Coming in two size options (40mm and 38mm) and four colorways, this is a series that has a bit of something for everyone. I’ll review each of the four color options briefly, giving you a taste of how distinct – and yet cohesive – each reference feels. For the 40mm models, one can choose from Maze and Crooms options. Maze has a pearlescent grid patterned dial complemented by shades of glossy black, light blue, and red. Crooms exemplifies Farer’s in-house design language, with a clean overall design and a bold colorway mixed with additional pops of color. With its burgundy dial i...
Monochrome
Introducing – Compact and Colourful Versions of the Rado Diastar
Born in 1962, the Rado Diastar marked the brand’s incursion into the exciting territory of innovative materials. Combining carbide tungsten, hard metal and faceted sapphire crystal with a retro-futuristic case, the Diastar was the first step in Rado’s journey into the world of high-tech ceramics and other exciting materials. Celebrating its 60th birthday in 2022, […]
Monochrome
First Look – The TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Glassbox goes Precious
TAG Heuer’s Carrera has been basking in the limelight for 62 years now, a timeless racing-inspired chronograph designed by Jack Heuer in 1963, named after the Carrera Panamericana Road race. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2023, TAG Heuer introduced a compact 39mm edition of the Carrera with a pronounced domed sapphire crystal, imitating the look […]
Fratello
Introducing: The Horage Omnium K2 Collection
During last month’s WatchPro Salon 2024 in London, we met with Horage and saw several pieces from the brand’s upcoming Omnium K2 collection. Due to a faceted crystal, these watches are a notably different take on a dress watch. I came away impressed with the creative approach. Horage has been in business for 15 years, […] Visit Introducing: The Horage Omnium K2 Collection to read the full article.
SJX Watches
Hands On: Omega Speedmaster “First Omega in Space” with Cal. 3861
Omega revived the CK 2998-inspired Speedmaster “First Omega in Space” earlier in the year. More than just another remake, I am convinced the FOiS may just be the perfect Speedmaster, at least for me. The second-generation “First Omega in Space” (FOiS) sports details that will appeal to enthusiasts, including a blue-grey “soleil” dial and domed sapphire crystal that completes the vintage-inspired look. And it’s powered by the latest generation Moonwatch cal. 3861. Initial thoughts Despite being interested in watches since my sophomore year in high school, I can’t say that the Speedmaster was ever a go-to watch for me. I have had a couple of Speedies here and there, but the model was never the centre of my attention as a collector. I mostly felt the modern Speedmaster, in its many forms, is good, especially for the price point, but never perfect. Based on that experience, I didn’t expect much of the FOiS, thinking it be yet another reissue, which is why I hesitated when I got the call from the Omega boutique in Seoul. My opinion changed when I went to the boutique to try it on. I was surprised to see how appealing it looked on the wrist, especially compared to the first-generation FOiS that was too plain with a black dial that seemed flat. Others seem to share my opinion. The critical response to the new FOiS has been mostly positive, other than the familiar debate over the faux-aged lume, which some find excessive but I personally don’t mind. In fact, I ...
Monochrome
Introducing – The Falsely Shattered Bell & Ross BR-05 Skeleton Arctic Blue
Let’s talk about one of the worst nightmares of a watch enthusiast… Knocking the watch on a door handle or the corner of a counter and shattering the sapphire crystal into dozens of pieces. We’ve all seen such images on social media, and it scares us to the bones. Unfortunately, it can happen. To avoid […]
SJX Watches
New Dials for the Christopher Ward C1 Bel Canto
Christopher Ward just released the C1 Bel Canto Classic, a new version of its best-selling hourstriker in four colours: silver, blue, green and gold. The Bel Canto Classic retains the familiar design of the original, but gains updated dial aesthetics with laser-etched guilloché, Roman numerals, and a domed “glassbox” sapphire crystal. Initial thoughts A hit at launch thanks to its affordability – and a well-timed debut while pandemic-induced demand was strong – the Bel Canto is now Christopher Ward’s best known model. The reason behind its success is obvious - the striking hour complication is rare and even rarer at an affordable price. Because of the price, the Bel Canto is executed simply and functionally. The base movement is an inexpensive Sellita SW200-1, while the striking module is clever and fairly basic in construction. But the module has been smartly constructed to expose much of the strikework, giving the watch a complex appearance. The hammer and wire gong visible above the dial plate, along with the main operating lever and a column wheel selector. The Bel Canto Classic is essentially an evolution of the original model, with the dial updates giving it a slightly more classical appearance. Priced at US$4,540 on a titanium bracelet, the Bel Canto Classic remains a good value proposition, like the original. Affordable chimes on the hour The Bel Canto Classic retains the same proportions, with the titanium case measuring 41 mm in diameter and 13.2 mm ...
WatchAdvice
The New TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Skeleton Hot Pink Review
Ahead of the Las Vegas F1 Grand Prix, TAG Heuer has dropped a new Monaco Chronograph with a hot pink skeletonised dial, and we’ve had the pleasure of test-driving this piece for a week prior to the launch. What We Love: The hot pink dial – trust me, it grows on you! The lightness combined with the rubber strap makes it super easy to wear The faceted sapphire crystal is unique and adds depth to the watch What We Don’t: The square shape is not my preferred case shape Lack of a screw-down crown on a 100m WR sports watch The watch is on the thicker side and takes a little to get used to Overall Rating: 8.75 / 10 Value for Money: 8.5/10 Wearability: 8.5/10 Design: 9/10 Build Quality: 9/10 TAG Heuer and Formula 1 seem to be inextricably linked, not surprising given the Swiss brand’s history with motorsport all the way back to the 1960s. This link is further solidified with their watches – one carrying the famed sport’s namesake in the TAG Heuer Formula 1, the other with the Monaco, one of the most iconic F1 races, gaining fame thanks to Steve McQueen wearing the piece in his 1971 film, Le Mans. Yes, it wasn’t F1, but a screen legend wearing a sports watch prominently on the wrist in a film about another iconic motorsport event helped to put the Monaco front and centre. While the materials and designs these days a lot more modern, the classic Monaco DNA is still there and instantly recognisable. So it comes as no surprise that TAG Heuer would drop their latest M...
SJX Watches
Audemars Piguet and KAWS Debut the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion”
Continuing with its limited editions that cross over into pop culture, Audemars Piguet (AP) now turns to KAWS for its latest collaboration, the Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon “Companion” 43 mm. The contemporary artist, whose real name is Brian Donnelly, lends his “Companion” figure to the dial. Depicted as pressing up against the crystal, the character is realised as a miniature sculpture in titanium with a flying tourbillon at its heart. Kaw’s signature creation takes up almost the entirety of the dial courtesy of the newly-developed cal. 2979 that has a peripheral time display, allowing the hour and minute hands to go under and around “Companion”. Initial thoughts The Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon by Kaws is AP’s best collaboration to date. Amongst AP’s past collaborations, some were too minimalist, while the Marvel editions were controversial (though I liked them). Amongst contemporary art collaborations more broadly, the Kaws tourbillon ranks up there alongside the Hublot Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami in terms of appeal (though it is nowhere near as affordable as the time-only Hublot). The overall aesthetic of the Kaws tourbillon is coherent and appealing. Encircled by an industrial-technical-looking chapter ring, the figure looks at home. The visible large gears for the peripheral hands add to the visual effect. Granted, the Kaws tourbillon is a figurative depiction of the artist’s best known work, so it isn’t exactly imaginative, but it is done ...
Monochrome
Video – Artya Purity Stairway to Heaven Wavy HMS Sapphire
With ArtyA, the brand’s founder Yvan Arpa has formed a unique vision of watchmaking characterized by great creativity and bold designs. Over the past months though, the brand has focused on the production of more restrained, less polarizing skeleton movements, often housed in transparent sapphire crystal cases, forming the Purity collection. Today, we are taking a […]
Monochrome
Introducing – With The SUB 200T Diamonds, Doxa Adds Some Sparkle To Its Most Compact Diver
Doxa is renowned for crafting rugged watches with a focus on functionality – tool watches, all featuring that toughness, high-water resistance or scratch-proof sapphire crystal you expect from utilitarian divers. Today, mechanical watches are as much luxury items as they are functional tools. In response to “strong demand from markets”, the brand’s compact and rather […]
SJX Watches
Highlights: Pocket Watches and Clocks at Phillips Hong Kong
Having covered independent watchmaking and metiers d’art highlights at Phillips’ upcoming Hong Kong auction, we now look at timepieces that aren’t wristwatches. The Hong Kong sale is a two-part affair: a theme sale focused on timepieces of Japanese origin christened Toki, and the The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX. Both include a notable number of pocket watches and clocks across the spectrum of style and periods, from an iconic Cartier Model A mystery clock in rock crystal to the Richard Mille RM020 pocket watch. The catalogues with online bidding for Toki and HKWA XIX. TOKI lot 60 – Breguet digital jumping hours pocket watch This uncommon Breguet pocket watch with a two-tone case was sold in 1926 to a certain Mitoui T.K. for the sum on 16,000 French francs. This was a period when Breguet was making few timepieces, making watches from this era, especially complicated ones, relatively uncommon. With elegantly angled cutouts for the hour and minutes, the jumping hour display makes this watch a rarity. Similarly displays were found on wrist- and pocket watches of the time, including the Cartier Tank à Guichet. This particular piece does not bear the classic Breguet style, like the coin-edged case band or engine-turned dial. The style, however, is typical of the 1920s, though the two-tone case makes it unusual. This watch was made in France, since this was produced well before the brand’s move to the Swiss Vallée de Joux in the 1970s. The white-and-pink-gold 45 mm c...
Time+Tide
The best affordable transparent watches that easily show of their value proposition
Transparent watches are often split into two categories – the cheap, plastic stuff that you find in the toy section or invisible paragons of crystal clarity, unattainable by mere mortals like you and I. And even though brands like Code41 and ArtyA have been making cool sapphire-cased watches with high-end movements more affordable recently, spending … ContinuedThe post The best affordable transparent watches that easily show of their value proposition appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Time+Tide
The Seiko Presage Star Bar Cocktail Time SRE015 is a faceted femme fatale
With the vintage flare of a faceted crystal and small size, Seiko shows that you don't need to shrink it and pink it.The post The Seiko Presage Star Bar Cocktail Time SRE015 is a faceted femme fatale appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
WatchAdvice
REVIEW: Hands-On With The TAG Heuer Carrera Silver Panda!
Combining classic racing heritage with modern silver charm, I go hands-on with TAG Heuer’s latest offering in their Carrera Glassbox range! What We Love: Glassbox sapphire crystal design Sunray brushed dial Multiple little details that make the watch stand out What We Don’t: The bracelet design feels too standard for a watch of this calibre The date wheel could be better colour-matched to the dial to blend in more seamlessly. Lack of micro-adjustment on the bracelet Overall Rating: 8.9/10 Value for Money: 9/10 Wearability: 9/10 Design: 8.5/10 Build Quality: 9/10 Ever since the Carrera line was first introduced into the world of horology, with the Heuer Carrera released in 1963, it has been a symbol of precision and racing heritage. When it comes to the world of luxury timepieces, very few designs boast a balance of history, style, and racing inspiration quite like the TAG Heuer Carrera. Before we dive into the review of one of TAG Heuer’s latest offerings of the Carrera this year, it’s essential to understand one of the leading design features of this timepiece: the glassbox. While the glassbox design is one that came about recently from the brand, it does have a deep-rooted history that stretches all the way back to the original 1963 Carrera Chronograph timepiece. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TAG Heuer (@tagheuer) 1963 is arguably one of the most historic years for TAG Heuer, as this is when Jack Heuer introduced the Carrera, an entirely new st...
Monochrome
Introducing – The New ArtyA Purity Stairway to Heaven HMS Wavy
ArtyA was founded by Yvan Arpa in 2010, making a name for itself with avant-garde models often incorporating unconventional materials like bullets or butterfly wings. However, over time, ArtyA has matured to produce more restrained and elegant skeletonised movements, often housed in transparent sapphire crystal cases and featured in the brand’s Purity collection. For Geneva […]
WatchAdvice
REVIEW: Hands On With The Baume & Mercier Classima
Somewhere in between dress and sports, the new Baume & Mercier Classima may be in a class of its own, but how does this piece traverse daily life? What we Love Classic and elegant looks The deep blue dial Has the right amount of wrist presence What We Don’t The rotor movement is a little noise The chronograph pushers are on the stiff side The crystal is on the thinner side, reducing the solid feeling of the watch Overall Rating: 8/10 Value for Money: 8/10 Wearability: 8/10 Design: 8.5/10 Build Quality: 7.5/10 In a recent article, I delved into the history of Baume & Mercier, and the brand today, like many watch brands with almost two centuries worth of history, is different from the one started back in 1830 by the two Baume Brothers. Over the decades, and now centuries, it has evolved from a brand that was specialising in high complications and winning awards at The Kew Watch Trials, to being a solid mid-entry level player in the Swiss watch industry. This is a similar story to many others out there, and this is not a negative thing by any stretch, it’s just the way the world works – watches and other industries alike. William Baume and Paul Mercier, the founders of what is now known as Baume et Mercier, which evolved out of the original Baume & Co brand set up in 1830 by William’s Grandfather and Great Uncle. The pioneers of the brands and industries were just that, pioneers and the inventors of their time. Nowadays, you still need this, but more so, you need ...
Time+Tide
ArtyA makes its minimalist, sapphire intentions clear with the new Purity Stairway To Heaven HMS Wavy
ArtyA puts the artisan Stairway to Heaven movement on full display with a new sapphire crystal case.The post ArtyA makes its minimalist, sapphire intentions clear with the new Purity Stairway To Heaven HMS Wavy appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Quill & Pad
New Ming 20.01 Series 3 Chronograph with Sensational Borosilicate Dial
The latest addition to join the Ming family as part of the brand’s Special Projects Cave is the 20.01 Series 3. If you’re partial to one-off dials, this could be your ticket. Its USP is a dial made entirely from borosilicate crystal.
Worn & Wound
Timex Updates the “Enigma” from 1975
Timex continues to dig into their archives to reissue some of their most interesting models from the past. Take, for example, the Enigma. Originally released in 1975, the watch became known as the “Mystery Dial” among watch enthusiasts for its illusion of floating hands. To achieve this trick, Timex painted a navy dot on the underside of the crystal, which concealed the main hub. The hands were also painted a navy blue to blend into the dial, making it appear that the red and white details were floating. If you missed out on an original, you’re in luck. The Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue is launching today. Keeping true to the original design elements, the Enigma Reissue also got a few upgrades to modernize its appeal. First is the stainless steel case and bracelet, which nicely complement the navy blue dial and “floating” hands. The clean script of “Timex Quartz” at 9 o’clock and the day-date feature at 3 o’clock keep the dial clean and simple. The watch has a quartz movement with a 50-meter water resistance grade. Clocking in at 37mm and with an elongated cushion case shape, it’s a great size for both men’s and women’s wrists. The Q Timex 1975 Enigma Reissue will be available for purchase on the Timex website for $199. Timex Images from this post: The post Timex Updates the “Enigma” from 1975 appeared first on Worn & Wound.
SJX Watches
Raymond Weil’s Millesime Gets a Denim-Blue “Sector” Dial
Launched just last year, Raymond Weil’s “sector” dial is getting new livery with the Millesime Automatic Small Seconds Denim Blue. Not a vintage reissue per se but a modern take on a vintage-inspired design, the Millesime has a “sector” or “scientific” dial segmented into sections, subtly stepped on the periphery and frosted in the centre for a two-tone effect. The case is topped with a box-shaped sapphire crystal and narrow lugs for subtle retro charm. Initial thoughts Family-run Raymond Weil is a brand that might be familiar to watch enthusiasts but not top of mind – that’s because the brand had its heyday in the 1980s and 1990s when it was a major seller of affordable Swiss watches. Since then it has gradually fallen behind the competition with mostly unimaginative products; The New York Times describes the brand as a “mainstay of shopping malls”. With last year’s launch of the Millesime, a watch geared towards enthusiasts, the brand is trying to revive its offerings and reputation. It quickly found some success: the Millesime Small Seconds with a silver dial won the Challenge Prize (for watches retailing for less than CHF3,000) at last year’s Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie de Genève. Near-perfect proportions at 39.5 mm in diameter and just over 10 mm high In the hand, it’s obvious the Millesime is much, much better than most recent Raymond Weil creations. Even though the design isn’t exactly original, it shows attention was paid to the de...
Worn & Wound
Just A Minute With The Paulin Modul
Let’s take just a minute with the Modul, Paulin’s bold and colorful time-only watch. The Modul is a collection of 35mm, modular constructed tonneau-shaped watches. The cases are rated to 50 meters of water resistance and use a boxed Hesalite crystal, giving them a vintage charm. Let’s take just a minute with the Modul, Paulin’s bold and colorful time-only watch. The Modul is a collection of 35mm, modular constructed tonneau-shaped watches. The cases are rated to 50 meters of water resistance and use a boxed Hesalite crystal, giving them a vintage charm. The post Just A Minute With The Paulin Modul appeared first on Worn & Wound.
WatchAdvice
REVIEW: Hands On With The New Seiko Presage Cocktail Time GMT
The Seiko Presage Cocktail Time has been a hit for the brand, and for under A$1,000, the watch packs a punch! What We Love The gradient Champagne dial with 3D sunburst effect The size is pretty much perfect for most wrist sizes The overall vintage style that epitomises the “cocktail” time theme What We Don’t Crystal is not sapphire by Hardlex Glass Has a minimal power reserve for a watch that may not be worn everyday The movement could be better finished as it is on display Overall Rating: 8.5/10 Value for money: 8.5/10 Wearability: 8.5/10 Design: 9/10 Build quality: 8/10 The Seiko Presage collection is one of those collections that has something for everyone at varying price points. Everything from more sporty full steel models to the dressier variants with beautiful dials and leather straps. Whichever way you look at them, both Seiko and the Presage have a firm place in the market, and rightfully so. Having had some hands-on experience with last year’s Australasian Limited Edition Lark Cocktail Time, and attending the showcase of this piece in Brisbane at Vintage Watch Co, I can see why these pieces have become so popular with watch enthusiasts and the general public alike. So how does the new Seiko Presage Cocktail time that was released earlier this month stack up? First Impressions With three model variants being released – an ice blue dial on steel, smokey brown on leather, and a champagne dial on a brown leather strap, it’s clear that Seiko is thinking a...