Hodinkee
HODINKEE Radio: In Conversation With Sylvain Berneron
The designer and founder of one of the most exciting young watch brands discusses the Mirage, exploring asymmetry, his time at Breitling, and a whole lot more.
Results for WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program)
40,067 articles · 237 videos found · page 719 of 1344
Hodinkee
SJX Watches
Omega Unveils the MoonSwatch “Mission On Earth” Trio
Following the MoonSwatch “Snoopy” released in late March, Swatch continues to grow its bestselling line with the MoonSwatch “Mission On Earth”, a trio of models dressed in eye-catching colours, including one inspired by the Speedmaster “Ultraman” and another by aventurine glass. Initial thoughts The Mission On Earth editions stand out from the rest of the MoonSwatch line-up, especially the Polar Lights and Lava models. Unlike earlier MoonSwatch models in muted colours, Polar Lights features a “starry” blue dial modelled on sparkly aventurine glass, while Lava is a nod to the historical Speedmaster “Ultraman” with its orange hand. The new models continue to be priced at US$270, making them the same value proposition as earlier versions – they are affordable but feel equally inexpensive. The continual new additions to the line, however, will inevitably diminish the desirability of the MoonSwatch. While this might disappoint some early adopters, it is a logical step for Swatch, since the MoonSwatch has boosted its business tremendously, while the brand has no other product that enjoys comparable demand. Earthbound The Mission on Earth collection is made up of three watches. All are similar to earlier MoonSwatch models, but the new trio incorporate a detail Speedmaster enthusiasts will appreciate: radially arranged numerals on the sub-dials, as found on the experimental Speedmasters made for the Alaska II and III projects commissioned by NASA. Inspired by...
Monochrome
Introducing - The Mido Multifort TV Big Date Tunes into a More Luxurious Channel
Mido’s decision to revisit some of its vintage models and update them with contemporary specs has resulted in some very attractive yet affordable pieces. Models like the 1960s-inspired Ocean Star Decompression Timer with its colourful dial, the 1930s-styled Patrimony Chronograph and the more recent Multifort TV Big Date are winning combinations of retro details and modern […]
Quill & Pad
Tim Mosso Builds a Custom Road Bike Part III: The Parts
Up to up to eighty percent of the weight of modern road bike is in the parts. Researching and sourcing each part can be an adventure unto itself as Tim Mosso explains here.
Worn & Wound
Schofield Watch Company Unveils the Obscura
Giles Ellis of U.K. based Schofield Watch Company had been working on what they are calling Obscura for 7 years. Just like some science fiction movies live in their creator’s imagination, until one day, the technology to bring them to life comes into existence. This new watch could only ever be made now, with the team and the combined experience they have accumulated over the past 15 years. As its name implies, it is obscure, subtly so and it is much more than the sum of its parts. The details reveal its full story. Shall we address the elephant in the room? The case is made of Damascus steel, and if you have watched enough Forged in Fire, you might have a rudimentary understanding of how this steel is formed. However, this is not your typical Damascus, as instead of ubiquitous waves of contrasting steels, the pattern resembles cellular scales. Schofield’s metalworking partner, Vegas Forge, achieves this by using enormous Nazel Hammers to smash the different steels together. The familiar Schofield case is then fully machined and finished in Sussex by acid etching the surface to bring out the texture. The case back features three smoked out sapphire display portholes that slightly magnify the elements of the manually wound Unitas 6498-2 movement that lies beneath. There appear to be some type of hieroglyphs on one side and circles that display semaphore flag positions on the other. A few of the latter appear to look like Pacman. Intended or not, obscure they sure are. ...
Teddy Baldassarre
Citizen Dive Watches Guide
Citizen Watch Co. of Japan has been making watches for 100 years, and a glance at the brand’s current portfolio reveals that quite a few of those watches are dive watches. It’s not surprising, since Citizen has been in the business of supplying watches for divers since the early 1980s, and has been extending the variety of styles, functionalities, and even movement types available in the various collections ever since. So how do you decide on whether you want your first (or next) Citizen dive watch to be an Eco-Drive or an automatic? An everyday-wear Fugu, a multipurpose Aqualand, or a deep-diving Eco-Zilla? Our comprehensive guide is here to help you, with a brief history of Citizen dive watches and a rundown of all the styles available today. Swiss watchmakers began embracing purpose-built, water-resistant divers’ watches in the early 1950s, while their contemporaries in Japan came aboard a decade or so later. As many history-minded watch enthusiasts are aware, it was Citizen’s competitor, Seiko, that released the first Japanese-made divers’ watch, in 1965. However, Citizen’s Parawater, regarded as the first “water-resistant” Japanese watch, preceded it to market six years earlier, in 1959. The Parawater watches (as above) were waterproof to 50 meters of depth, an impressive feat for the era, and they were the forerunners of Citizen’s contemporary line of dive watches, which began in the 1960s but really kicked into gear with the release of the Promast...
![[VIDEO] Hands-On: the Amida Digitrend](https://wornandwound.com/library/uploads/2024/06/Amida_Digitrend_2.jpg)
Worn & Wound
[VIDEO] Hands-On: the Amida Digitrend
Here’s the thing about wearing the Amida Digitrend: you can’t take a traditional wrist shot with it. It’s not an insignificant point in 2024, when the watch industry effectively lives on Instagram, and the currency through which influence is thrust upon brands, collectors, and all of the other personalities who have risen to prominence in recent years is the wrist shot. We expect them when our friends pick up a new piece for their collection, and it’s the first thing we ask for when a new watch is announced with a series of renders depicting the watch in some altered state. So can a watch find success with the enthusiast crowd if it’s virtually impossible to take a traditional wrist shot? Amida deserves a lot of credit, I think, for rolling the dice and finding out in real time. Their new watch, the Digitrend, is one of the most interesting and quietly daring new watches to hit the market in the last few years. It takes a design that’s fifty years old and revives it so successfully that it forces you to wonder what’s happened to the industry in the intervening decades. How did we go from the strange and clever problem solving of the Digitrend to a nearly endless stream of Black Dialed Divers based on the same rudimentary outline? The answer to that question is far outside the scope of this review, but it’s worth reporting that we may indeed be nearing an end to the watch market being saturated with straightforward vintage inspired sports watches. This is ...
Fratello
Fratelli Stories: Shanka’s Omega Speedmaster Was A Fascination Decades In The Making
In this edition of Fratelli Stories, I sit down with Fratello reader Shanka. While growing up in Sri Lanka and Australia, he gravitated towards watches made for adventure, and none more so than the Omega Speedmaster. Shanka has been a Fratello reader for many years. Since he and I both live in Australia, I had […] Visit Fratelli Stories: Shanka’s Omega Speedmaster Was A Fascination Decades In The Making to read the full article.
Fratello
Hands-On With The New Louis Vuitton Escale Time-Only Automatic
On the 10th anniversary of the Escale collection, Louis Vuitton introduces its new Escale Time-Only Automatic watch with caliber LFT023. Four new references are available, each with a 39mm case in rose gold or platinum and a leather strap. Louis Vuitton Escale Many of us, including yours truly, have been craving more new dress watches. […] Visit Hands-On With The New Louis Vuitton Escale Time-Only Automatic to read the full article.
Quill & Pad
Watch Investment Funds: Show Me The Money!
There are more than a few people investing in watches that they can’t touch, wear, or wind: welcome to the sometimes murky world of watch funds. Here, Brendan Cunningham takes a look at what they do and their impact on secondary-market prices and scarcity.
Fratello
The IWC Yacht Club II Ref. 3212 Is A Genta Design I Would Like To See Reborn
Last year, the IWC Ingenieur returned. The original Gérald Genta design got reworked and, when launched in steel and titanium, proved an alternative to the (un)available Royal Oak and Nautilus, the most iconic of Genta-penciled watches. A recent visit to IWC’s museum in Schaffhausen, on the banks of the river Rhine, sparked a couple of […] Visit The IWC Yacht Club II Ref. 3212 Is A Genta Design I Would Like To See Reborn to read the full article.
Fratello
Hands-On With The Racing-Inspired Depancel Série-R Tangerine Chronograph Automatic
The French brand Depancel has captured the hearts of people who love classic racing-style chronographs. The colorful and diverse racing chronographs of the 1960s and ’70s continue to offer plenty of inspiration for Depancel’s new models. With the new Série-R Tangerine Chronograph Automatic, the brand once again looks to the greats from the past while […] Visit Hands-On With The Racing-Inspired Depancel Série-R Tangerine Chronograph Automatic to read the full article.
Monochrome
Introducing - The new Formex Reef 39.5mm Bahama Blue Automatic COSC
The “Baby Reef” series of Formex 39.5mm dive watches, comprised of four watches distinguished by dial colour, was presented at the end of 2023. Now, in time for summer, it gets a new and very fresh-looking reference. It’s everything the brand enthusiasts appreciate about the collection, only brighter. Here’s the Reef 39.5mm Bahama Blue 300m […]
Fratello
Fratello On Air: Do You Wear, Protect, Or Baby Your Dream Watch?
Fratello On Air is here with a new episode. We told you we’d be back! This week, our show topic comes courtesy of one of our listeners. We were asked how we’d behave with a dream watch that was purchased new. We have some thoughts and expand the discussion to vintage watches. For those wondering, […] Visit Fratello On Air: Do You Wear, Protect, Or Baby Your Dream Watch? to read the full article.
Monochrome
First Look - The Seiko Presage Craftsmanship Arita Porcelain Dial SPB445
Under its Presage Craftsmanship Series, Seiko has demonstrated its expertise in manufacturing handsome dials, using traditional techniques and paying tribute to its country of origin, Japan. Beautiful dials with significant added value using Shippo enamel, Urushi lacquer and Arita porcelain, are at the core of this collection. Last year, Seiko launched a trio of Presage […]
Monochrome
Introducing - Carl F. Bucherer Expands Its Manero Collection, Including the new Manero Urban
The Manero is a pillar of the Carl F. Bucherer collections. This higher-end, contemporary line with elegant details showcases some of the brand’s best complications and some of its most striking movements, in particular those with the peripheral technology. The brand just released several new models for the Manero Flyback, Manero Peripheral and a new […]
Hodinkee
This Week In The Shop: The Future Heirlooms Edition
From a dressy Grand Seiko to a reasonably sized Blancpain and beyond, we've got six watches with style and quality made to stand the test of time.
Monochrome
Introducing - The Hublot Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein
Like watchmaking, gastronomy demands extreme precision and excellence. Both Haute Horlogerie and Haute Cuisine aim to evoke emotions through their craft. Unsurprisingly, many of the world’s best chefs have become ambassadors for some of the most prestigious watch brands. Hublot counts Yannick Alléno, Anne-Sophie Pic, Clare Smyth, and Andreas Caminada among its ambassadors. Caminada, awarded […]
SJX Watches
Pastel Dials for the Parmigiani Tonda PF Sport Chronograph
After unveiling the Tonda PF “No Date” earlier this year, Parmigiani continues to expand its line of sports watches, now with the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph in pastel shades of grey as well a “Milano Blue”, while retaining the clou triangulaire guilloché. Milano Blue (left), Arctic Grey (middle), and London Grey (right) Initial thoughts The Tonda PF Sport is a more elegant alternative to conventional sports chronographs. The guilloché dial is decorative but sporty with “panda” registers, while the case feels relatively slim. And the new dial colours add to the appeal, both by offering more variety and a less traditional palette. The changes are only cosmetic, with the dial, case, and PF070 movement remaining the same. Consequently, the price remains rightly unchanged at CHF29,700 – a fair value proposition especially considering the specs and construction of the PF070. New colourways The latest models are fundamentally new variants of the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph released last year. They retain the same clean styling, with silvered dials and contrasting registers, a look historically associated with motor racing-inspired chronographs. The dial includes the customary applied “PF” emblem at 12 and a date window between four and five. Although it contrasts against the dial, the date display is relatively discreet and coherent design-wise. The date numerals sits vertical in a square window, presumably to evoke a dashboard instrument panel. The dial is d...
Monochrome
Portrait - Independent Startup Quiet Club is about to Make Some Noise for its Debut
As we’re obsessed with fine mechanical watches, and preferably independent watchmaking, we feel obliged to showcase never-seen-before projects by people you also may have never heard of. And if it weren’t for me stumbling on an Instagram post by a befriended Japanese journalist, you might never have come across Quiet Club. A bit of an […]
Fratello
Vintage Watches: The Omega CK976 With A Glorious T17 Movement
Today, we’ll look at a charming little Omega CK976. It’s a lovely watch on the outside, but the inner workings are just as notable if not more so. This tank from 1939 is equipped with the caliber T17, a movement worthy of a place in anyone’s vintage collection. When considering vintage Omega watches and their […] Visit Vintage Watches: The Omega CK976 With A Glorious T17 Movement to read the full article.
Quill & Pad
Rolex Air-King: Cool Idea, Poor Execution
The Rolex Air-King has in the Rolex lineup since 1945, but the most significant change to the watch came in 2016 with the release of ref. 116900. The Air-King divides opinions, and Raman Kalra is one of those that doesn’t understand it. Here’s why.
Time+Tide
Breitling looks to NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo for the assist with new Chronomat Limited Editions
Breitling has turned to two-time MVP and NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo for a new limited edition duo of Breitling Chronomat watches.The post Breitling looks to NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo for the assist with new Chronomat Limited Editions appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Deployant
Review: this year’s new Tissot PR516 Mechanical Chronograph
The Tissot PR516 is a nod to the brand’s historical connection with motorsports, encapsulating a blend of vintage aesthetics and modern watchmaking. It’s part of Tissot’s heritage line, which pays homage to its classic models with contemporary updates. In particular, the mechanical model is a tasteful homage to the original chronograph, sized up to modern specifications but maintaining the classic look of a vintage motorsports chronograph.
SJX Watches
Business News: Sam Hines (Re)Joins Sotheby’s
Sotheby’s has just announced that Sam Hines will be Chairman of Watches, the top job in the watch and clock department, starting end June 2024. Mr Hines (pictured above left) will be based in Hong Kong, where he has lived for over a decade. Having been expected by the industry for several months, Mr Hines’ new role sees him to return to a traditional auction house four years after he left Sotheby’s to join online auctioneer Loupe This. Mr Hines was also a freelance consultant during that time and continued to work with Sotheby’s. He was instrumental in securing several high-profile timepieces for the auction house, including the Patek Philippe ref. 2526 with movement number 760’000 that once belonged to J.B. Champion and sold for over US$731,000 including fees earlier in 2024. Alongside Mr Hines’ appointment, Sotheby’s also announced the promotion of Geoff Hess (above right) to Global Head of Watches. Previously the head of department in the Americas, Mr Hess will continue to be based in New York. Prior to joining Sotheby’s in August 2023, Mr Hess was a watch specialist the Phillips.
Fratello
Back To Basics: What Are Some Essential Watch Tools?
We love our straps here at Fratello and offer a wide variety of great options. But what about essential watch tools? Is it worthwhile to spend more for a higher-grade strap-changing tool, and what is a good starting point? This article will introduce the basics. Read on. I don’t know about you, but when I […] Visit Back To Basics: What Are Some Essential Watch Tools? to read the full article.
Monochrome
The Petrolhead Corner - A Restomod on a (Relative) Budget, this is the Superb Mecanica Alma Sprint
The words “Alfa” and “Romeo” are enough to get most car lovers and petrolheads drooling with excitement. The famous Italian manufacturer is loved for its gorgeous designs, lively driving characteristics and boatloads of charm. But, despite their reputation for glorious cars such as the 8C, Giulia, Disco Volante and many others, there have been plenty […]
Worn & Wound
Five Travel Essentials for the Summer
As summer gets underway (and it certainly feels like it in many places), it’s helpful to have a shortlist of travel essentials wherever you may find yourself. Fear not: the Windup Watch Shop offers an incredible variety of watches, clocks, accessories, and gear that will faithfully accompany you on your journeys and get the job done. Here are our travel essentials picks from the shop – you’ll find GMT watches, leather cases, and tools that you won’t want to leave home without. As always, the Windup Watch Team is at your disposal to answer any questions you have. Just schedule a consultation, and we’ll get you on your way. As summer gets underway (and it certainly feels like it in many places), it’s helpful to have a shortlist of travel essentials wherever you may find yourself. Fear not: the Windup Watch Shop offers an incredible variety of watches, clocks, accessories, and gear that will faithfully accompany you on your journeys and get the job done. Here are our travel essentials picks from the shop – you’ll find GMT watches, leather cases, and tools that you won’t want to leave home without. As always, the Windup Watch Team is at your disposal to answer any questions you have. Just schedule a consultation, and we’ll get you on your way. The post Five Travel Essentials for the Summer appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Fratello
Going Hands-On With The Nordic Marine Instruments Søværn Sports Watch
Another day, another watch launch. With the sheer number of microbrands out there, there’s a new launch nearly every day. Indeed, it can be hard to keep up with everything. Not everyone has time for microbands, and I get that. Still, I got into this hobby via this affordable segment, and I still love seeing […] Visit Going Hands-On With The Nordic Marine Instruments Søværn Sports Watch to read the full article.
Deployant
Further thoughts: the amazing Fujifilm GF Tilt/Shift lenses
Fujifilm released two new(ish) tilt shift lenses for their GFX camera series, and we tried both on an extended loan for several projects. We covered the two lenses in some detail earlier, and here, we offer you further thoughts on these two amazing lenses. Many thanks to Fujifilm Singapore for the loan of the GFXRead More