Deployant
TGIF Fit Check Video: new release
This week, we feature an outfit with a modest budget. Here is what he wore on the Le Régulateur Louis Erard x Vianney Halter II Review Video.
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Deployant
Worn & Wound
Watches, Stories, & Gear: Baz Luhrmann’s New Bar, a New Safdie Brothers Project, and the LVMH Olympic Medals are Falling Apart
“Watches, Stories, and Gear” is a roundup of our favorite content, watch or otherwise, from around the internet. Here, we support other creators, explore interesting content that inspires us, and put a spotlight on causes we believe in. Oh, and any gear we happen to be digging on this week. We love gear. Share your story ideas or interesting finds with us by emailing info@wornandwound.com. The Latest From Tactile Turn You know we’re pretty big fans of Tactile Turn’s pens around here, so we definitely wanted to highlight their latest seasonal release. The “Groove” is inspired by a love of music and vinyl record culture. The inky black pen (sorry for the pun) is meant to conjure the grooves of a vinyl record, and it’s paired with an “LP” edition that is a bit bolder and colorful, recalling colored viny and 1970s design cues. Both are available in Tactile Turn’s side click configuration in three sizes. The standard black is priced at $149, while the LP is priced at $179. Find more information at Tactile Turn’s website right here. The Timepiece Gentleman Saga Comes to an End We don’t always cover legal news here in Watches, Stories, & Gear, but when we do, it usually involves the most infamous watch related Ponzi scheme any of us can recall (and perhaps the only one)? Anthony Farrer, otherwise known as the Timepiece Gentleman, became a YouTube sensation during the pandemic, giving viewers a behind the scenes look at the life of a high flying watch d...
![[VIDEO] Actually, Maybe it is the Camera: How the Leica Q2 Finally Got Me Excited About Photography](https://wornandwound.com/library/uploads/2025/01/Leica-Q2-Editorial-20.jpg)
Worn & Wound
[VIDEO] Actually, Maybe it is the Camera: How the Leica Q2 Finally Got Me Excited About Photography
If you’re an aspiring photographer looking for advice on equipment, technique, or anything else related to producing the best photos possible, you’ll almost certainly come across YouTube videos, blog posts, and forum discussions relating different versions of the same broad maxim: It’s Not About the Camera. This line, and its cousin, “the best camera is the one you have on you,” is repeated so often in photography circles I’m surprised I haven’t seen it emblazoned on novelty t-shirts and hats. It’s not bad advice, necessarily, but it’s about as generic as the old watch enthusiast credo, “Buy What You Love.” OK, easier said than done if what you love is, I don’t know, complicated vintage Pateks, or if you’re new to the hobby and what you “love” isn’t so readily identifiable. For years, with an understanding that the camera didn’t matter, I thought that my own photography was just incredibly bad. Whether my photos were taken on an iPhone (I’ve had so many iPhones), or any number of point and shoot, digital SLR, or mirrorless cameras, the shots produced never quite looked very good to me at all. Sure, I could grab a decent iPhone wrist shot if the light was helping me out, but my little experiments in photography over the years never took. I never developed a feel or a taste for it, stuck in a loop of equipment that I felt like I was fighting against and images that I didn’t like the look of enough to even consider that they could be impr...
Fratello
Panerai Introduces The Submersible QuarantaQuattro Mike Horn Edition PAM01676
Mike Horn is one of the greatest explorers of our time. Just going through a list of some of his biggest adventures gives you a pretty good idea of the seemingly limitless world that Horn lives in. His accomplishments are impressive if not stunning. During the last two decades, Panerai has been Horn’s steady partner. […] Visit Panerai Introduces The Submersible QuarantaQuattro Mike Horn Edition PAM01676 to read the full article.
Teddy Baldassarre
Everything Tiffany & Co. Released At LVMH Watch Week 2025
While Tiffany & Co. sparks immediate associations with its signature robin’s egg blue boxes, Art Nouveau lamps, and perhaps a certain Audrey Hepburn film, the jeweler does have a rich horological history that can be traced back to the mid-19th century. This week, the brand (now part of French luxury group LVMH) doubles down on its commitment to high horology in this century, releasing four distinct new watches that reinterpret the American high jeweler’s lengthy legacy for the contemporary watchmaking landscape. Debuting a collection of four new pieces, Tiffany & Co. cuts through the sense of stark minimalism that so often pervades modern design in favor of unabashed, maximalist opulence. Eternity by Tiffany Wisteria Enamel Watch Selfishly, it seems only fitting to begin with my personal favorite among the four new releases. Featuring a swirling-patterned enamel dial, 18k white-gold case, and hour markers set with diamonds of various shapes, the Eternity by Tiffany Wisteria Enamel infuses the brand’s well-established Eternity line of watches with the flair of one of its most sought-after lamp designs – the Wisteria Tiffany lamp. “Iconic” is often overused in the popular lexicon when referring to classic designs, and I try to use it sparingly. But in the case of Tiffany lamps — with their intricate latticework, motifs that draw upon the natural world, and the bold interplay of color, which only becomes more compelling as the light filters through their var...
SJX Watches
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House Singapore
Audemars Piguet has just opened the doors of the first AP House in Singapore, situated in the Bar and Billiard Room of the historic Raffles Hotel. Opened in 1887, the Raffles is one of the grand hotels of Asia, having reopened in 2019 with only suites. Part of the hotel since the 19th century, the Bar and Billiard Room was until recently a restaurant, but its 1,000 m2, or almost 11,000 ft², is now home to an AP boutique, lounge, restaurant, and cafe all rolled into one. The latest AP House brings the total number of “houses” around the world to over 20, with other locations including Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Milan, New York, Shanghai, and Tokyo. Drawing inspiration from the brand’s home in Le Brassus and its surrounding natural beauty, the space also incorporates the distinctive flair of Singapore, including large panels made from trunks of the rain tree, a familiar sight around Singapore. Notably, AP House Singapore is home to the first-ever AP Café, which serves a menu that is Swiss but “reimagined through a Singaporean lens”, including Chicken Rice Club Sandwich and Gula Melaka Pain Suisse. “Designed to feel like a refined home, [AP House Singapore is] a haven where watch enthusiasts, newcomers, travellers, and anyone seeking a distinctive experience can gather, says Stefanie Ng, chief executive of Audemars Piguet South-East Asia, “Our doors are always open.” The AP Cafe Panels of rain tree wood decorate the walls AP House Singapore is also a sh...
Worn & Wound
TAG Heuer’s Long Awaited Formula 1 Update is Here
Was there ever any doubt that this was where this year was headed? Ever since it was announced that LVMH, and specifically TAG Heuer, would be taking over Formula 1 timekeeping responsibilities from Rolex as part of a broader 10-year partnership between the two, it was clear that 2025 would (for TAG Heuer) be all about racing. We just didn’t know what that would look like, at least when it came to the watches. Now we do, and surprise, surprise, TAG Heuer is kicking it off with a brand new generation of (what else?) The Formula 1 Chronograph. Motorsport and TAG Heuer have long been linked (something Zach recently explored), and one obvious example of this is the Formula 1. TAG Heuer launched the first generation of the Formula 1 way back in the ‘80s, and the simple, colorful, quartz watch helped to clearly establish a new sensibility for the brand. Since then, the Formula 1 has evolved, eschewing the almost toy-like quality of the earliest releases to bear the name and moving upmarket while still acting as the clear entry point into the brand’s chronograph offering - a quartz Formula 1 can still be had for under $2000, an almost shocking price tag in the context of the modern market. These new Formula 1s are a decided step up from those watches but still come in under the price of the latest generation of Carrera chronographs. The watches themselves are bold and clearly represent a step into a new generation of design language for the Formula 1 - a refreshing chan...
Monochrome
First Look - The New Louis Vuitton Tambour Taiko Spin Time Collection (incl. Video)
Since the arrival of Jean Arnault as the head of the watchmaking division of Louis Vuitton, things have changed quickly, with the launch of the new Tambour in 2023, the Escale dress watch in 2024, and multiple automata and métiers d’art watches too. Today, we’ll be talking about what’s possibly the most recognisable high-end watch […]
Monochrome
First Look - The All-New TAG Heuer Formula 1 Collection of Mechanical Chronographs (incl. Video)
For 2025, TAG Heuer feels it’s time for a massive overhaul of its racing-inspired Formula 1 collection, and here we are. Plus, it’s a timely refresh as well, as it has been just announced that TAG Heuer, as part of the LVMH Group, is the official timekeeper for the FIA Formula 1 World Championship again! […]
Fratello
Sunday Morning Showdown: Vacheron Constantin 222 - Vintage Vs. Modern
Vacheron Constantin has recently taken the stage by reintroducing the stainless steel 222. This year, the world’s oldest continuously operating watch brand is celebrating its 270th anniversary - one of the reasons it’s part of the Holy Trinity - and started strong by giving us a recreation of its classic from 1977. Nearly five decades […] Visit Sunday Morning Showdown: Vacheron Constantin 222 - Vintage Vs. Modern to read the full article.
Worn & Wound
Introducing Venezianico To The Windup Watch Shop
Founded by brothers Alberto and Alessandro Morelli in 2017, Venezianico brings a uniquely Italian flair to their watches. Each facet of the brand has been inspired and influenced by their pride in their Venetian home, from their logo - inspired by the cross atop the Clock Tower of St. Mark’s Square, symbolizing time in the lagoon city - to their use of cutting-edge and unusual materials directly tied to Venice’s past. Though young, the Italian brand exhibits a mature design language with each piece offering a bit of the city they love. To welcome Venezianco to the Windup Watch Shop, we are starting with three collections: The Nereide Ceramica, Arsenale, and Nereide Stone Dials. As always, the Windup Watch Team is available via consultation to answer any questions you have. In addition, all of these products are eligible for free domestic shipping across the US. The post Introducing Venezianico To The Windup Watch Shop appeared first on Worn & Wound.
Fratello
Fratello’s Top 5 Modern Reissues - Featuring Vacheron Constantin, Omega, Zenith, And More
Another Friday, another list! Attentive readers will notice that this is our second list article this week. On Wednesday, we put the spotlight on regulator watches, an often-forgotten style that deserves more attention. Today, we’ll continue our regular Friday series of lists with our picks for the best modern reissues of great classics. The watch […] Visit Fratello’s Top 5 Modern Reissues - Featuring Vacheron Constantin, Omega, Zenith, And More to read the full article.
SJX Watches
Visiting American Independent Keaton Myrick
The Oregon High Desert might seem like a strange place to find a watchmaker, but if you happen to stop in Bend, the region’s largest city with about 100,000 residents, you’ll have a chance of running into Keaton Myrick. Inspired by the likes of George Daniels and Philippe Dufour, Mr Myrick produces largely handmade watches in small numbers for connoisseurs of independent watchmaking. Setting up shop this far from the robust supplier networks of Switzerland has proven challenging, but Mr Myrick’s story of overcoming these headwinds reveals a degree of resilience and independence that embodies the spirit of the American West. We’ve been following Mr Myrick’s career for more than a decade, profiling him in 2013 after he debuted his first watch at Baselworld 2012. Now delivering the final pieces of his 1 of 30 series, Mr Myrick has moved into a new, larger workshop and evolved many of his manufacturing processes, so we thought it was worth a visit to see what’s in store for the future of watchmaking in the Pacific Northwest. A later example from the ‘1 in 30’ series. Origins As you might have guessed, Bend, Oregon is not a hotbed for watchmaking. In Mr Myrick’s case, pursuing a career in watchmaking meant relocating across the country to study at the Lititz Watch Technicum (LWT) in Pennsylvania, where he became WOSTEP-certified and began his stint at Rolex, working in after-sales service and restoration. The founder at his bench. But it was not long before ...
Monochrome
Hands-on - Impressions about the New Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite
A moon phase complication on a watch that went to the Moon and is named, at least for some of the editions, the Moonwatch… Add to that a glass of moonshine and a slice of mooncake, and you’ll be over the Moon. I allow you to blame me in the comments for this lame introduction, […]
SJX Watches
MB&F; Marks 20 Years with Legacy Machine Longhorn Editions
As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, MB&F; has unveiled the Legacy Machine Perpetual Longhorn and Legacy Machine Sequential Flyback Longhorn. These new models retain the groundbreaking movements developed by Stephen McDonnell but add a fresh twist in the form of elongated lugs, or “horns,” that give the watches their name. Limited to just 20 pieces each, the Longhorn editions feature stainless steel cases and a more muted take on MB&F;’s signature style with black dials. The Longhorn is a revival of sorts of a 2009 prototype of the Legacy Machine 1. To ensure good fit across a range of wrists, the longer lugs include dual spring bar holes; one at the tip and another closer to the case. Initial thoughts As a fan of MB&F;, and especially the work of Stephen McDonnell, I was immediately interested in the Longhorn editions, despite the fact that they’re largely cosmetic variations of existing models. The watches are intrinsically interesting, given their groundbreaking movements, and new versions of good watches are always worth a look. Visually, the Longhorn editions are more monochromatic than most MB&F; designs. Featuring stainless steel cases, black lacquer sub-dials, and rhodium-plated base plates, the Longhorn editions are a departure for MB&F;, offering an alternative to the brand’s signature, extroverted style. Notably, the black-and-silver livery was used on the recent LM SE Eddy Jaquet, albeit without the “long horns”. But there’s no denying the f...
Monochrome
Buying Guide - We Travel to France for Some More Exciting Non-Swiss Watches
A week ago, we covered some of the best watches coming from the Netherlands for the simple reason that both our founder Frank and myself are Dutch. However, part of the team comes from France, and as such, I thought it would be fun to have a look at French watches this time around! And when […]
Monochrome
The Petrolhead Corner - The Automobili Amos Delta Integrale Safaristi is Ready for Anything
If like me, you’re a child of the eighties, I am pretty sure you will have seen a Lancia Delta on the road at some point in your life. The boxy hatchback was a fairly common sight, at least in Europe, and someone in my neighbourhood had a dark blue one with a tan interior. […]
Worn & Wound
The Three Watch Collection for $5,000: Devin Pennypacker
Editor’s Note: We pause on reader submissions to the Three Watch Collection for $5,000 series temporarily this week to make room for Devin Pennypacker, Worn & Wound’s Media Manager. Devin is a watch industry veteran with a penchant for tool watches, but that doesn’t mean he won’t class the place up a little from time to time, as you’ll see in his three picks below. When Zach Kazan throws down the “pick three for $5,000” challenge gauntlet, you take it up. As a watch enthusiast and collector who has never felt the need to round out a collection but rather trusts a gut instinct, I figured this would be a fun opportunity to boil down what I would look for given the hypothetical. For my picks, I tried to think about what type of watch I wore the most and what those picks said about me. Looking primarily at the manufacturer’s price, I struggled to come up with a variety that spoke to me within the pricing restraints, often wandering too far above the line. So, I will admit that one of these picks is a pre-owned option. With my shame out in the open but integrity intact, let’s take a look at the picks. TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200 Solargraph A bit of an odd pick heavily overshadowed by its titanium, and above this budget, sibling. Despite some contention, there can be no denying that the TAG Heuer Aquaracer collection is an iconic one. Instantly recognizable with a badge well known, the Aquaracer Professional can easily find itself serving as an adve...
Worn & Wound
Oris Introduces the ProPilot X “Miss Piggy”
From the moment Oris announced their ProPilot X “Kermit” watch fans have been speculating about which muppet would be next to get the Oris treatment. Not that we didn’t love seeing Kermit on the dial (once a month, on the first of the month) but for many elder-millennials and Gen-X watch collectors, the thought of having an entire collection of Muppet watches was, and remains, pretty tantalizing. Now, just about two years after Kermit made his Oris debut, we get the follow up: the ProPilot X Miss Piggy Edition. If you were hoping for Beaker or Animal or another more niche Muppet to appear on an Oris dial, you’ll have to keep waiting. Of course Miss Piggy would have to be the next character – she’s the natural counterpart to Kermit, after all. Has there ever been a more obvious “his and hers” collection than these two ProPilots together? I can’t think of one. The ProPilot X Miss Piggy Edition takes the familiar ProPilot X format and shrinks it (and pinks it, sorry) to 34mm. The case is stainless steel and the watch is powered by a rebadged Sellita automatic caliber. It’s notable that unlike the Kermit watch, we don’t see Miss Piggy on the dial of her ProPilot, not even for a day (there’s no date window for her to make an appearance). Instead, there’s a small window on the caseback through which you can see her periodically on the winding rotor. For a watch devoted to such an iconic character, this is a pretty retrained approach. Instead of Miss P...
Monochrome
Hands-on - Impressions about the Omega Speedmaster Pilot Flight Qualified
About a month ago, out of the blue, Omega released a new, rather polarizing and unique-looking version of its emblematic chronograph, the Speedmaster Pilot Flight Qualified. Well, it wasn’t really out of the blue, but we’ll come back on that in a few. Colourful, tool-oriented and with a dial full of references to the world of […]
Worn & Wound
Longines Introduces a Conquest Heritage Limited Edition for the Year of the Snake
Over the holiday break, I frequented the local Chinese restaurant not once, not twice, but three times. And each time, before my General Tso was brought to the table, I would pore over the paper placemat, going to the list of everyone’s birth year in my head. Oh, he’s definitely a horse, I’d think. Her? A dragon…eh, I don’t see it. I, myself, am a Sheep, which makes sense considering I’m pretty much useless and wear a lot of wool. But the real star of the show is the Snake. Representing wisdom, rebirth, and vitality – I’m cautiously optimistic about what 2025 may bring for us. And that optimism is only fortified by the string of new watches that are coming from Longines right out of the gate for the New Year. Their latest limited-edition, a Conquest Heritage model designed to honor the Chinese zodiac, is a bold, thoughtful design, and a welcome addition to this year’s Lunar New Year offerings from some of our favorite brands. What’s noticeable first about this new edition to the Conquest Heritage line-up is the sunray gradient dial that’s as eye-catching as it is unique. Being a traditional color in the Chinese New Year tradition, red seems a fitting choice that also helps to set this specific reference apart from the more neutral dial colors of the line, which is all beige, black, and silvers. The gradient is a particularly smart choice, giving the lumed gold indices room to shine, while not being too vibrant against the stainless steel case. On th...
Fratello
Sunday Morning Showdown: Rolex GMT-Master II 126710GRNR Vs. 116710LN
Welcome to the first Sunday Morning Showdown of 2025! We hope you have enjoyed the holidays and are ready for our first battle of the new year. So make yourself a nice warm cup of coffee, and let’s get rolling! Today, we’ll play a game called Find the Differences. OK, although that is a joke, […] Visit Sunday Morning Showdown: Rolex GMT-Master II 126710GRNR Vs. 116710LN to read the full article.
SJX Watches
Longines’ High-Frequency Chronometer Gets a Carbon Composite Case
Arguably under appreciated, the original Ultra-Chron High-Beat Diver was a precision timekeeper with a high-frequency movement, the L.836.6. With the high-spec movement, the watch was appealing, albeit pricey by Longines’ standards. Now the brand has given the model an upgrade with the Ultra-Chron Carbon. The Ultra-Chron Carbon retains the familiar cushion-shaped case, but now in carbon composite, giving it lightness and a modern aesthetic that contrasts well with the retro, 1970s origins of the design. Initial thoughts The Ultra-Chron Carbon stands out for its blend of an advanced, industrial movement, composite materials technology (undoubtedly thanks to the Swatch Group’s vast industrial base), and a vintage-inspired aesthetic. Although it’s simply a modest variation of an existing model, the new Ultra-Chron marks the brand’s first venture into non-traditional case materials in the modern day. Priced at US$4,900, the Ultra-Chron Carbon commands a notably higher price than its stainless steel counterpart. While it does offer technical advantages - such as the carbon composite case and a high-frequency (5 Hz) movement - the watch still feels a little expensive relative to alternatives, especially since Longines is primarily a brand that competes in a lower price range. More broadly, the Ultra-Chron Carbon is not a like-for-like vintage remake, which is a good thing. But Longines can arguably do more with its movements. Given that the brand’s enthusiast-orien...
Worn & Wound
Longines Introduces the Ultra-Chron Carbon, a Contemporary Update of a Classic
With the New Year upon us, I think it’s time to look at what we want our resolutions to be. For me? Well, I think it’s about time I learned German (Mom, if you’re reading this, I’m sorry for making you pay for those lessons for all those years!). Or maybe I’ll lose that pesky ten pounds. Or maybe run a marathon – but who has the time? And for Longines? Well, I can’t say for sure, but I’d think innovating one of their classic watches is probably high on their list of resolutions – and they already accomplished that within the first week of 2025. You see, the latest release of the much-beloved Ultra-Chron series just got an upgrade: the Ultra-Chron Carbon. As a first for the brand, the use of carbon will both add an extra layer of protection for the wearer, while giving a bit of style to the already stylish Ultra-Chron model. First launched in 1968, the Ultra-Chron has long been a favorite for the Swiss maison. Due in part to the well-proportioned cushion case shape as well as for its novelty as being the first diver’s watch to feature a high-frequency movement. It is with this in mind that it’s no surprise, then, to see Longines use the Ultra-Chron as the template for further innovation – and the addition of carbon is one way to succeed here. In terms of design, the black carbon case is especially unique for its manufacturing process. Look closely at the photos and you’ll notice a mosaic of carbon fiber and epoxy resin moulded together – making e...
Fratello
A Condensed Guide To Grand Seiko Releases From 2024
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you celebrated in style last night! As you may know, every year, we recap all the Seiko and Grand Seiko releases we covered here on Fratello. Last week, we published an overview of all the 2024 Seiko releases we wrote about. This time, we’ll focus on the Grand Seiko […] Visit A Condensed Guide To Grand Seiko Releases From 2024 to read the full article.
Monochrome
Recap - The Best Watches From Independent Watchmakers Of 2024
Independent watchmaking is the very fabric of MONOCHROME, the stuff that gets us excited the most, our literal raison d’etre. It’s been part of our DNA since the start of our platform, and naturally, we continue to advocate our love and bring you the best of the very best from Indie brands the world over. […]
Worn & Wound
Haim Jumps into the Stone Dial Trend with a Striking New Limited Edition
I had the opportunity to meet Zakir Miah, the founder of Chicago-based Haim Watch Co., at a timepiece-related event in Canada this past September. Before that, I had only admired his watches online, and I was especially drawn to the L2 Chronograph, which features a pink gold dial with blued hands and numerals. Zakir was gracious and patient enough to walk me through his entire lineup despite the line of people waiting to chat with him. It took nearly all my willpower to walk away without purchasing one. One of their most popular collections is the Legacy Automatic, a custom-built timepiece designed to order. This model marks several milestones for the brand, including its first custom-designed HWC-1 automatic movement based on ETA architecture assembled in the United States. Each watch is crafted specifically for the buyer. The Legacy Automatic has a hand-finished titanium TA2 (commercially pure grade 2) case with a coin-edge bezel and exhibition case back. Today, Haim is launching a new limited edition Legacy to celebrate their second collaboration with WatchesArabized x OPTO WATCH CO. This edition, named the Arabized (Al-Nimer), which translates to “The Tiger,” will feature a dial made of Tiger’s Eye stone. Tiger’s Eye is a chatoyant gemstone, typically classified as a metamorphic rock, recognized for its golden to red-brown color and silky luster. As part of the quartz group, its distinctive appearance is created through the intergrowth of quartz crystals and al...
SJX Watches
Year in Review: Our Best Stories of 2024
As we look back on the year, we take pride in the stories we’ve shared and extend our sincere appreciation to all our readers for their support. As 2024 draws to a close, we revisit some of our standout features, spanning in-depth explorations of complex movements, historical perspectives on timekeeping, and comprehensive reviews of the latest watch releases. Our founder SJX looked at some of the most significant watches to emerge in 2024, including the record-setting F.P. Journe Tourbillon à Remontoir d’Égalité “15/93” prototype, and the fascinating Patek Philippe ref. 767 grand complication with double split-chronographs (which means triple elapsed time measurement) that was acquired by none other than the Patek Philippe Museum. Together with David Ichim, he also co-authored a series of stories explaining notable Rolex innovations, including the brand’s most complicated watch, the Sky-Dweller; the instantaneous Day-Date; and the Deepsea with its unparalleled pressure resistance. Based in Seattle, Brandon Moore nonetheless travelled to Geneva, where he visited the Vacheron Constantin manufacture in Geneva suburb Plan-les-Ouates and the Akrivia workshops in the city’s historic Old Town. Brandon also managed to visit the Patek Philippe Rare Handcrafts exhibition at the brand’s Geneva Salon, resulting in his photoessay. And in between all that, he pondered the last two decades of the perpetual calendar’s evolution, a span that has arguably given birth to s...
Worn & Wound
Hands-On: the Orion Sylph
I have a confession: I previously dismissed Orion for the wrong reasons. As an avid collector of microbrands, somewhere along the way I subconsciously created an arbitrary value scale based solely on movements. Collecting primarily in the sub $500 range, most watches that have passed through my watchbox have been powered by Seiko NH movements- the long reigning king of budget friendly 3rd party workhouse movements. On the occasions that I crossed that $500 threshold, I’ve been conditioned to expect a Miyota 9000 series, slightly more expensive, and considered an upgrade largely thanks to an extra two beats per second and the resulting sweeping second hand. Truth be told, I could care less about beat rates, but owning something deemed more premium is hard to pass up. It’s this human desire for the seemingly better thing that led me to shy away from Miyota powered watches over $700. Afterall, having $700 to drop on a microbrand opens up the option to own a watch powered by a Sellita SW200, a Swiss movement synonymous with luxury. Of course, this is a deeply flawed way to collect watches and judge value. And, (spoiler alert) a guaranteed way to miss out on value-packed brands that don’t blow their entire budget on a movement. After spending time with Orion’s Miyota 9039 powered Sylph collection, which hovers just over $700 like much of their catalog, I’ve gained a new appreciation for brands that prioritize finishing and design over being the best bargain by spec sh...
Worn & Wound
My Year in Watches: ‘Cause You Only Turn 40 Once
At the end of last year, we made “resolutions,” and while I forgot we had done that until writing this post, I stayed pretty true to what I had said. I wanted to consolidate, focus, and potentially go big on a watch for my 40th birthday. I had to do the first to make the last part come true, and the second just kind of happened naturally. My tastes have changed quite a bit over the last two years, perhaps starting with the Bel Canto (shameless review plug). As such, I find myself drawn to a specific type of indie watch more and more, and frankly, I find most releases from large brands kind of boring. While that might be more of a “it’s not you, it’s me” kind of thing, I don’t see it changing anytime soon. But, back to my birthday, turning 40 was something I ignored until it was upon me. I’m not a big birthday celebration guy, but 40 felt different; it’s a bit of a terrifying number, thus it needed to be marked meaningfully. And, well, I can’t turn down a good opportunity to horologically spoil myself. However, to go big, I had to let several things go. While I’ll avoid the details, all said and done, I sold six watches and traded one, though in fairness, not all before making my purchase (you know how it is). I went down a rabbit hole of options, obsessing, as I tend to do, to such an extent that I even dreamed about scrolling Chrono24. Custom pieces, indies, vintage, big Swiss, maybe nothing; I pondered them all, even creating renders of potential be...