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Results for Taste of Time 2026

35,759 articles · 183 videos found · page 606 of 1199

Alto Returns with the Art 02 SJX Watches
Sep 1, 2026

Alto Returns with the Art 02

Design-forward independent watchmaker Alto has kicked off Geneva Watch Days with its second model, the Art 02. While the most obvious difference is the addition of a matching bracelet, the entire watch has been refined and updated with a smaller case and an upgraded movement. Initial thoughts A dominant trend in independent watchmaking for the past several years has been the veneration of finishing. This focus has given rise to a growing number of overtly traditional time-only watches built and finished to a high standard. Alto belongs a class of design-led independents that promotes a different approach, one focused on how shapes and textures contribute to the wearing experience. This philosophy comes into sharper focus with the brand’s sophomore effort, the Art 02. While visually similar to its predecessor — enough that they would be hard to tell apart by an untrained eye — the Art 02 has been significantly refined and upgraded in several respects. First is the case, which is slightly thicker but much smaller in length and width, and a new proprietary calibre designed specifically for the Art 02. Then there’s the matching titanium bracelet, which is brushed and faceted to create a dazzling display of light and shadow. Surprisingly, the Art 02 is significantly less expensive than its predecessor. In fact, the retail price of €13,100 is just over half that of the Art 01 in “Monochrome Grey.” Considering the new calibre, proprietary bracelet, and similar bill ...

Getting To The Core: The Updated Formex Essence Automatic COSC 39mm Fratello
Formex Essence Automatic COSC 39mm Aug 27, 2026

Getting To The Core: The Updated Formex Essence Automatic COSC 39mm

The Formex Essence Automatic COSC 39mm is a clear example of watch evolution. It’s proof that progress is less about changing the design than refining what is already there. The 39mm case, its proportions, design, and overall presence on the wrist remain unchanged. Why change a winning “team” when the 39mm Essence is the brand’s […] Visit Getting To The Core: The Updated Formex Essence Automatic COSC 39mm to read the full article.

Introducing: The Maison Alcée x MB&F; Nostromo Hodinkee
MB&F; Aug 26, 2026

Introducing: The Maison Alcée x MB&F; Nostromo

What We Know Maison Alcée jumped headlong into the watch community consciousness in 2023, winning the GPHG 'Audacity Prize' in recognition of the brand's unique do-it-yourself, high horology, clock-building kits. Championed by Ben, who served on the GPHG jury that year, the French husband-and-wife team of Alcée and Benoit Montfort went on to craft a highly successful LE collaboration with Hodinkee (with lume!) that quickly sold out. Now Alcée and Benoit are back with another collaboration that takes their clock-making kit to the next level. Collaborating with MB&F;, who have long supported Maison Alcée by showcasing and selling their work at their Mad Gallery locations, the Maison Alcée x MB&F; Nostromo leans hard into the well-established alien aesthetic the Geneva-based creative force is known for.  Adding to the intrigue is that this clock was designed by MB&F;'s Creative Designer, Maximilian Maertens. He's the young German who is slowly and purposefully starting to take the lead on some of MB&F;'s pieces, as Max Büsser begins to step back and give up a bit of creative control over the collective brand project he founded more than two decades ago.  So what makes this Maison Alcée kit interesting and different? It's certainly expressive of the MB&F; design language, with the arched base legs or feet giving it an extraterrestrial personality. Maertens says he's a fan of and inspired by the late Swiss artist H.R. Giger (check out the wild Giger Museum in Gruyères if y...

Version Watches, and a Uniquely French Take on Midcentury Design Worn & Wound
Meistersinger Aug 19, 2026

Version Watches, and a Uniquely French Take on Midcentury Design

Cybèle Vigneron and Carla Lanfranchini first met at the Strate École de Design outside of Paris, arriving at the institution with enviable backgrounds: Lanfranchini had served as an artistic director and graphic designer at Dom Pérignon and Château de Pommard, while Vigneron honed her career in store design planning and visual merchandising at Cartier, Bulgari, and Berluti. The two became fast friends. After both earning dual degrees in design as well as business management, they established Version Watches in 2024.  They were entering a crowded field where microbrands have never been more popular, with even greater opportunities for designers and watchmaking visionaries to express themselves. Over the past two years, as they worked in separate cities and handled branding, design, distribution, and a successful Kickstarter launch, the two-person team were motivated by uniqueness: “we wanted to approach watchmaking from a pure designer’s perspective rather than just assembling off-the-shelf components or relying purely on nostalgia,” said Vigneron. We first saw Vision on display in New York at Tempus Takumi, a showcase of independent watchmaking that pointedly focuses on watches made outside of Switzerland. Alongside the design-driven, accessible collections from Germany’s MeisterSinger and Japan’s Minase, Version fit right in. Both founders were present and clearly happy to show off their creations, making their debut to an American audience. Accessibility i...

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...

Finding The Best Seiko Divers In The Brand’s Prospex Collection Fratello
Seiko Divers Aug 6, 2026

Finding The Best Seiko Divers In The Brand’s Prospex Collection

About a week ago, I wrote an article about two classic Seiko divers. For many watch fans, including the majority of the Fratello team, Seiko divers hold a special place in their collections. If it wasn’t your first mechanical watch, it was often one of the first that helped grow your love for watches. After […] Visit Finding The Best Seiko Divers In The Brand’s Prospex Collection to read the full article.

Introducing - The Grøne Oldenzaal Horologium, a Refined, Hand-Wound, Attainable Dress Watch by The Grönefeld Monochrome
Grönefeld Aug 5, 2026

Introducing - The Grøne Oldenzaal Horologium, a Refined, Hand-Wound, Attainable Dress Watch by The Grönefeld

By now, most of you must be familiar with the so-called Horological brothers, the duo of Dutch indie watchmakers behind Grönefeld and its superb, high-end and lavishly decorated watches. Highly desirable watches for sure, not for every pocket though. This is why, in 2024, Tim and Bart Grönefeld created a new brand named Grøne Oldenzaal, […]

Happenings: Join Us For Hodinkee Happy Hour At One Vanderbilt [RSVP Here] Hodinkee
Aug 4, 2026

Happenings: Join Us For Hodinkee Happy Hour At One Vanderbilt [RSVP Here]

We're taking the show uptown—join us next Monday for the next installment of our Hodinkee Happy Hour series at Vandy Club, an event space located just above the Watches of Switzerland One Vanderbilt showroom. New venue, same vibe. Space will be extremely limited, so be sure to RSVP right away! Our Deputy Editor, Tim Jeffreys, will be there, along with members of the Hodinkee team. Whether you've been to several of our events or this is your first, we'd love to have you! It's a great, casual way to get to know members of the Hodinkee team and the watch community here in New York City. Date:Monday, August 10, 2026, 6-8 PM Location:Vandy Club1 Vanderbilt Avenue, 3rd floorNew York, NY 10017 RSVP Here.Note: Be sure to check your email upon registration for more details about getting into the venue.

Fratello On Air: Nick From DC Vintage Watches and Matt From SOTP Join The Show Fratello
Aug 4, 2026

Fratello On Air: Nick From DC Vintage Watches and Matt From SOTP Join The Show

Mike is taking a week off from the podcast, but that doesn’t mean you have to go without an episode. Instead of finding one guest to fill the gap, I figured, why not two? So this week, I sat down with Nick from DC Vintage Watches and Matt (one half of the Spirit of Time […] Visit Fratello On Air: Nick From DC Vintage Watches and Matt From SOTP Join The Show to read the full article.

Hands-On Review: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Pastel Blue Brings The Fun Back WatchAdvice
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Pastel Aug 3, 2026

Hands-On Review: TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Pastel Blue Brings The Fun Back

I took one of TAG Heuer’s most vibrant Formula 1 Solargraph editions out for a test drive to see whether its playful design is backed by everyday practicality. What We Love: Vibrant Pastel Blue feels refreshing and full of character Recaptures the playful spirit of the original Formula 1 Lightweight wearability and Solargraph practicality suit the fun aesthetic. What We Don’t: AUD $2,950 feels steep for a quartz TH-Polylight watch. The monochromatic design may be too niche for some. Limited strap options restrict its overall versatility. Overall Rating: 8.3/10 Value for Money: 8.3/10 Wearability: 8.5/10 Design: 8.5/10 Build Quality: 8.0/10 Few watches in TAG Heuer’s catalogue like to have fun quite like the Formula 1 Solargraphs. Originally introduced in 1986, the TAG Heuer Formula 1 editions represented a new beginning for the recently formed brand, bringing together colourful designs, lightweight construction, reliable quartz movements and an accessible price point. Original 1986 TAG Heuer Formula 1. Image reference: Magazine.Tagheuer.com The first Formula 1 editions arrived during a period when colourful quartz watches were trending, helping to reinvigorate the Swiss watch industry after the Quartz Crisis. TAG Heuer looked to join in on the fun and responded with something lightweight, accessible and closely connected to the brand’s history and heritage in motorsport. The vibrant colours and composite construction of the watches separated them from tradition...

How A Smiths Dash Clock Helped A Pioneering Pilot Traverse The World Fratello
Aug 2, 2026

How A Smiths Dash Clock Helped A Pioneering Pilot Traverse The World

In the dim light at the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) in Auckland and among the glamorous early motor cars and remarkable early aircraft, there is a small and humble Smiths dash clock. Its black dial and white numerals emphasize legibility. The dash clock was a compact, precise instrument born of the early 20th […] Visit How A Smiths Dash Clock Helped A Pioneering Pilot Traverse The World to read the full article.

Bring a Loupe: A Wittnauer 235T, A Cleto Munari "Sotsy," A Blancpain Technisub, And An Eberhard Contograf Hodinkee
Audemars Piguet Day Date Moonphase almost Jul 31, 2026

Bring a Loupe: A Wittnauer 235T, A Cleto Munari "Sotsy," A Blancpain Technisub, And An Eberhard Contograf

You hanging in there, Baller? It feels like it's been a hard bit, or at least it is with the folks I check in with. I hope that, despite whatever's frustrating you and causing grief—from stubbed toes to wildfires and their attendant smoke to your team not making enough moves at the trade deadline—you're getting by. And congrats, obviously, to all the Sixers fans. Strays Photo courtesy of Huntington Company. Perhaps, like me, you were unaware that in 1967 Bulova made an Accutron Astronaut in 18k gold, and if that sounds like fun, Goodwill's got one that's on an 18k JP Champion bracelet to boot. The good folks at Huntington Company have a bit of a left of the dial watch this week, this Sarcar triple date with moonphase, and a fun game to play is to imagine what it'd be priced at with a different name on the dial. If you're bored by watches that are too quiet, or you're interested in truly unhinged complications, here's a Boegli which features a music box that plays a bit of Mozart's "The Magic Flute." For those who missed their shot on the Louis Erard x Kudoke Regulator from a few years ago, here's a very very nice blue one, and if you'd prefer a different blue watch, this Rolex Oysterquartz Datejust is almost certainly not from 2005, as the listing says (it's got a tritium dial, for one, plus the reference 17000 ceased production in 2001), but it certainly looks in great shape. Finally, here's a phenomenally pretty gold Audemars Piguet Day Date Moonphase (almost certain...

Introducing - The Lebois & Co Heritage Atelier with Clous de Paris and Stroopwafel Dials Monochrome
Jul 24, 2026

Introducing - The Lebois & Co Heritage Atelier with Clous de Paris and Stroopwafel Dials

Lebois & Co, an old name revived by Tom van Wijlick, a Dutch native, has steadily built a collection of classically styled, vintage-character watches. Last year’s Heritage Small Seconds introduced a compact dress watch series inspired by the brand’s mid-century archives. Now, two new references are launching the Heritage Atelier collection: the Small Seconds Clous […]

Hands On: FVF Genève FVF2 Openwork SJX Watches
Jul 24, 2026

Hands On: FVF Genève FVF2 Openwork

Watch designer Franc Vila kicked off his comeback with the FVF1 skeleton tourbillon, which he then followed up with the FVF2, a non-tourbillon watch that likewise indicates the time and day. The FVF2 Openwork strips away the dial, giving the watch a more mechanical appearance thanks to the exposed under-dial works, revealing the jumper spring for the retrograde day indicator. The reverse of the Openwork is identical to that of the standard model. The manual-wind movement blends contemporary and traditional elements — the striking, angular design works surprisingly well as a canvas for haute horlogerie finishing. Notably, the FVF2 movement is also its case: the base plate is one with the case middle, an approach FVF describes as a “unibody” architecture. Initial thoughts Because the FVF2 was created by a designer, it has a unique aesthetic that blends many elements and inspirations. The look doesn’t overemphasise any singular influence, making it more interesting than most time-only watches on the market today, many of which converge on the same few historical styles. Even though the FVF2 is a little bit of this and a little bit of that, everything comes together well. The standard FVF2 has a dial, offered in a wide range of materials, while the Openwork version does not. That is essentially the sole distinction between the two, but it makes a big difference in terms of aesthetics. In this sense the Openwork is similar to Roger Smith’s open-dialled watches, especi...

Hands On: Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39 “Bumblebee” SJX Watches
Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39 Jun 26, 2026

Hands On: Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39 “Bumblebee”

Tudor surprised with an off-season launch in the form of the Black Bay Chrono 39 “Bumblebee”. Coming just two months after Watches & Wonders 2026, the Bumblebee is one of the brand’s outstanding debuts for the year (so far), alongside the atypical Monarch. The Bumblebee is essentially a scaled-down version of the original Black Bay Chrono, which was excellent but half a size too large. Now it’s almost just right, but unquestionably good enough, especially since the downsized chronograph still retains the same high-spec movement and affordable price tag. Initial thoughts I’m a fan of the Black Bay Chrono; I own two earlier iterations of the model. Tudor got everything right with those, except for the size, which was a little too big for the design. The Black Bay Chrono 39 scales it down noticeably, enough that the watch is just right. The case is still a little thick (inevitably due to the movement), but the overall package has been refined to a point where it’s difficult to improve it much more, especially with the constraints of price and the MT5813 movement. The MT5813 is probably the top movement in this price range in terms of features and construction, but it is relatively thick. Still, the thickness is forgivable given the quality of the movement and the price. I certainly hope Tudor rolls out new variants of this chronograph as yellow is not for me, but I rate this highly in terms of proportions, wearability, and of course value. At US$6,725, the Black B...

Rolex Oyster 100 Years Exhibition in Shanghai SJX Watches
Rolex Oyster 100 Years Exhibition Jun 9, 2026

Rolex Oyster 100 Years Exhibition in Shanghai

Making its debut in Shanghai, Oyster Story is an all-encompassing, immersive exhibition to mark the centenary of the Rolex Oyster water-resistant watch case, arguably the foundational achievement of the world’s largest luxury watch brand. Oyster Story takes place at June 10-28 at the West Bund Dome Art Center, a former cement factory in a district that was once an industrial area but is now being transformed into an arts and culture hub. The large, domed-shaped building on the banks of the Huangpu River covers almost 100,000 square feet, allowing for a comprehensive journey into the Oyster and Rolex history. The exhibition includes historical Rolex watches, including the actual timepieces worn by explorers and adventurers on landmark expeditions. The watches on show comprise those owned by Rolex “as well as privately owned watches kindly loaned for the event” according to the brand. Also on show is an in-depth look at modern-day Rolex watchmaking. “Cases, bezels, bracelets, dials, materials, movements: every stage of watchmaking is showcased here”, allowing a look into arguably the most advanced high-end-industrial watch manufacturing in Switzerland. The brand’s advances in timekeeping are also illustrated by the atomic clock developed by Rolex. Amongst other things it serves as a reference clock for Rolex watchmaking. Oyster Story is free to enter and open to the public.  

Audemars Piguet Serves Royal Oak Offshores With Royal Pop-Style Sprinkles Fratello
Audemars Piguet Serves Royal Oak Offshores Jun 8, 2026

Audemars Piguet Serves Royal Oak Offshores With Royal Pop-Style Sprinkles

One thing is for sure: the members of the Audemars Piguet design team don’t suffer from chromophobia, the intense, irrational fear of or aversion to colors. You will find plenty of proof of that in the current lineup. The three Royal Oak Offshores with Royal Pop-style sprinkles that AP serves are an addition to the […] Visit Audemars Piguet Serves Royal Oak Offshores With Royal Pop-Style Sprinkles to read the full article.

Going Hands-On With The New Arken Alterum Sage Grey GMT Fratello
Jun 3, 2026

Going Hands-On With The New Arken Alterum Sage Grey GMT

The fun thing about my hands-on experience with the new Arken Alterum Sage Grey is that I went into it rather blindly. While that is nothing special in and of itself, when two Fratello team members actually own an Arken Alterum, it is slightly more remarkable. Obviously, I knew about the brand and the watch […] Visit Going Hands-On With The New Arken Alterum Sage Grey GMT to read the full article.

Introducing: The Oris Lou Gehrig Limited Edition Hodinkee
Oris Lou Gehrig Limited Edition Jun 2, 2026

Introducing: The Oris Lou Gehrig Limited Edition

What We Know We're in the thick of baseball season, and Oris has pulled a doubleheader, of sorts. Yesterday brought us the new Hölstein edition, and today we're getting a new baseball-themed watch. Oris is the official watch sponsor of the New York Yankees, and this year, they're releasing a special watch to support one of the team's all-time legends, Lou Gehrig. The newest Big Crown Pointer Date is a special watch supporting the Lou and Eleanor Gehrig Family Foundation. The watch, in 40mm-by-12.2 mm stainless steel (with a 48.2mm lug-to-lug), is certainly inspired by the colors of the Yankees. The silver dial is surrounded by a black date ring with the "4" in blue (for Lou Gehrig's number), a blue minute track that matches the blue surrounding the hour markers. They've used a combination of Arabic numerals and stick hour markers for a sporty look. The movement is the Oris Caliber 754, with a 41-hour power reserve and automatic winding. It's delivered with a NATO strap in Yankee colors and a brown double-stitched strap that looks like a baseball glove. The caseback is engraved with a portrait of Lou Gehrig and the watch's number within the production total. There are 2130 pieces available, one for each of the consecutive games he played across 15 seasons, before his death in 1941 at the age of only 37. The retail price is CHF 2,400. Oris says that they will contribute to the work of The Lou and Eleanor Gehrig Family Foundation. What We Think The Pointer Date is probably O...

Fratello’s Top 5 Iconic Watches From The 1980s Fratello
May 29, 2026

Fratello’s Top 5 Iconic Watches From The 1980s

Another Friday, another list. After finding alternatives to some of the industry’s biggest icons over the past few months, we decided to switch things up. In the past week, some of the Fratello team members had a nice discussion about forgotten watches from the 1980s, so we thought, “Why not make that into a nice […] Visit Fratello’s Top 5 Iconic Watches From The 1980s to read the full article.