We knew it was coming. We didnt know what it was exactly, but we knew the Sub was going to get a little bit of attention this year. Wed heard some pretty crazy theories thrown around (with the blue/blue Submariner renders doing the rounds on social media last week and whipping everyone into a frenzy), but the reality is in line with what we expected. A new movement. Slight revisions to the lugs. This generations Kermit (which should clearly be known as the Green Lantern). But a couple of updates have caused a stir. Lets dig into those briefly hereReworking the lugs was a good idea. No, it was necessary. The boxy Maxi-case lugs were an absolute shower, as Terry-Thomas would say. I am a little...
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When Omega introduced the Seamaster 300M in 1993, their flagship model was the Chronograph reference 2296.80 that came in a combination of three materials: titanium, tantalum and rose gold. Sure, there was an all gold model as well, but this tri-color version was the model they advertised with for the new 300M (chronograph) collection. Tantalum is a rare, hard, blue-grey metal that is highly corrosion-resistant. It is mainly used in electronics today, but sometimes it had a purpose in the watch industry as well. Omega is not the only brand who used it, also Audemars Piguet, FP Journe and Panerai used it for their watches for example.Omega Seamaster 300M Chronograph 1993The blue-grey color gi...
One of the most coveted watches is the Cosmograph Daytona, and omega decided to spice up the gold references with some meteorite. Three new exclusive versions are being added to the Daytona collection.Now, the Daytona was exclusive already. Not only by its price tag but also by the very limited deliveries to its retailer network. But, the exclusive has an entirely different meaning when it comes to special materials such as meteorites. Any watch will be exclusive when theres a meteorite dial inside, but it becomes even more sought-after when theres Cosmograph Daytona on the dial. omega introduces new dial variants for its white gold, yellow gold, and Everose gold Daytona models.omega Daytona...
Breitling is one of the brands that doesnt get a lot of coverage here. Perhaps because they make me think of two tone Crosswind models with those UTC bracelets, but I am aware that this is not entirely fair to this brand from Grenchen, Switzerland.However, I found this vintage Breitling Chronograph from the 1970s with a Valjoux 72 handwound chronograph movement. This movement has also been used by omega for their (Oyster) Cosmograph Daytona models from that period. The Breitling has more or less the same small dimensions as these 1970s omega Daytonas. A 37mm diameter case and 13mm in height.The small and sleek case with the big pilot crown for easy winding makes this watch also optically a...
Before Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher switched to Audemars Piguet, he was Omega ambassador since 1995. Omega honored him with many pieces, starting in 1996 with a Speedmaster Reduced model. These models came in different colors. Below is the yellow version we covered earlier.Michael SchumacherSchumacher was active in Formula 1 from 1991 till 2006 and returned in 2010 to be active till 2012. He became World Champion F1 driver 7 times. End of 2013, he had a nearly fatal accident during a ski trip in France. He has been released from the hospital since 2 years to focus on revalidation at home. It has become relatively silent around Michael Schumacher since then.Omega Speedmaster Michael Sc...
All aboard for another voyage on the S.S. Wrist Game or Crying Shame. This week, we examine a watch that feels a bit polarizing to me: the omega Yacht-Master II. Before we leave for seaMarco Polo Marco Polo Ah, just kidding. Last week, I brought you back to the days of Studio 54 with the Piaget Polo. Folks, this equestrian-intended watch bracelet engaged in quite the horse race and it went down to the wire. Sadly, the Polo lost by a nose in a 51% Crying Shame result. Something tells me that todays omega Yacht-Master II will finish far more decisively. Lets see which direction.The omega Yacht-Master IIThe omega Yacht-Master II left the boatyard way back in 2007 and has motored on under its ow...
Welcome back to Wrist Game or Crying Shame where you, the reader, get to vote on whether you think the watch in question is a fair deal or not.? Let's see what you think of today's multi-colored mechanical, the Zenith Rainbow Flyback.But before we get to the Zenith Rainbow Flyback, let's talk about last week's contestant, the Seiko Marinemaster 300.? First of all, we hit a record number of overall votes and comments, so thanks for that.? But more importantly, 58% of you felt that paying well north of $2K for a Seiko is a good deal.? How about that?? Now, there were some vocal opponents out there who clearly don't like their watches like their steaks- and that means thick.? The Seiko is one c...
Its Speedy Tuesday This week we have a contribution from Ashley Budgen (co-owner and founder of the popular Australian based omegaforums.net website) about his very rare Omega Speedmaster reference 105.002. A straight-lugged Speedmaster from 1962 only 1 year in production and therefore one of the rarest references. Ashley bought one last year and shares his story with you.I had actually been looking for a pre-pro, straight lug Speedmaster for quite some time, either an ST105.003 or a middle to later series Speedmaster CK2998.? As all Omega (Lemania based) caliber 321 Speedmaster fans know, the earlier the watch, the harder it is to find an all original example, and for this reason Id waite...
Vacheron Constantin is not pulling any punches this year. My previous article was a mere toe-dip in a veritable lake of horological goodness, and I haven't even started looking at the elaborate wristwear from Le Cabinotiers. This atelier within the atelier has some rather elaborate pieces in its Geneva arsenal.But this story is about one single piece of horology. One that, for me, stood out like a shining totem in the Vacheron press releases. The Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques 222 has the power to put diamonds, tourbillons, and perpetual calendars in the shade, and it seems very familiar. My story on new releases from Vacheron Constantin the other day could have included this, but truth...
Alan collects vintage wristwatches, amongst his collection are a lot of Timex watches and a vintage omega Explorer and Submariner. He describes his own site as:Watch pictures, diagrams, unusual images, watch info, stories and moreEnjoy!...
When I rotated the one and only watch on my wrist back in the day, I remember how obsessed I was with its accuracy. Every few days I set the time against a known source to be sure I always had the most precise time possible.? ?Since more watches have entered my collection, I?seldom wear the same watch for a few days in a row. Even if a watch comes for review, I?switch it during the day, just to refresh my eyes. I?don't know what your vibe is, but when I?have a?watch on my wrist for one?day only, watch accuracy is not an issue for me. Once I?put the watch aside, I?have no clue when it comes back on the wrist. That means I?always need to set and wind it again to feel like I?have the most preci...
The Heritage Military Marine Nationale is the latest retro release from Longines. We take a closer look.Longines has been on a roll for the last year or so with continuous additions to its Heritage collection. The brand has added pieces with complications as well as simple three-handers. My favorite releases, though, have used the now-familiar 38.5mm diameter stainless steel case. Todays Military Marine Nationale is the newest introduction and it just might be my favorite. Before we break it down, lets quickly review the other available 38.5mm pieces.Longines kicked things off in early 2019 with the Heritage Military. That piece celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the RAF and is notable for ...
More than half a year ago, I posted this blog about the omega Sea-Dweller Deep Sea Jacques Piccard edition, a Dutch initiative from Philipp Stahl (Steiner) and Jerrel Manbodh (Manbodh Watches). Just today, Christies had one of the 86 pieces on auction, number 60 of 86. When still available, these watches changed owner for 12.900 Euro. The official omega Sea-Dweller Deep Sea Jacques Piccard website is www.singlereddeepsea.com, which is still on-line and contains some more background information regarding these watches.Number 60/86 is not a coincidence???? Number 60 stands for the successful deep sea diving mission in 1960 and 86 is the age of Jacques Piccard, who passed away last year. The au...
An interesting combination by Bell Ross and Shaw Harley-Davidson. Shaw Harley-Davidson is the current world champion in modified Harley motorcycles and together with Bell Ross, they present the one-off custom Nascafe Racer.As my motorcycle knowledge is very limited (understatement), I hereby copy an excerpt of the Bell Ross press release:The methods used by Bell Ross master watchmakers when developing and assembling their timepieces was employed by the Shaw Harley-Davidson master technicians when building the project bike, which is based on the Harley-Davidson? FXSTB Softail? Night Train, one of the more radical Softails C long, low and naked and named by Willie G. Davidson.The motorcyc...
Omega Speedmaster Mark II 45 Year After Its IntroductionAfter the Omega Speedmaster Professional won the race to the Moon in 1969, Omega thought it was time to come up with a watch that perhaps was a bit more up-to-date and ready for the 1970s. Design wise that is, as the watch should be able to withstand the same abuse as the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch could handle. Somewhere in 1969 Omega introduced the Speedmaster Mark II. Actually, a Speedmaster Professional Mark II. The Mark in its name stands for a new or revised/improved version, for the non-native English readers. It is like calling it a 2.0 version these days.The Speedmaster Mark II came with the same Lemania based movement...
Roughly a month ago, Oris reached out to us and asked if we'd be interested in testing a new watch prior to the lifting of a press embargo (yes, youre looking at a watch released out of cycle not at Baselworld). Naturally, we answered affirmatively to the rhetorical question and the mystery watch was on its way. A week or so later, I received what's known as the new Oris Big Crown ProPilot Worldtimer and I have to say that I was interested from the first glance.Lets take a trip to the beach where I fought the quickly rising tide and even encountered a shy, but ultimately compliant crab. With pictures shot solely in the Algarve in Portugal, enjoy seeing how this new release fared.The New Ori...
It is no secret that we love mechanical watches. But what if you go to foreign places where this type of luxury is not much appreciated, or where theres other sorts of risk of damaging your precious watch? This is where this FW Classic Seiko SKX007 vs Citizen NY0040 article comes in. Two affordable mechanical watches, from well-respected manufacturers, that you can wear with confident and pride during your well-earned holidays.Michael Stockton our vintage expert wrote this article to demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of both watches, but foremost to show you two affordable alternatives to accompany you on your holidays abroad. However, make no mistake, these watches can easily be s...
During BaselWorld this year, photographer Bert and I were visiting the Bell Ross booth and one of the watches that made us very enthusiastic was this World War 1 Chronographe Monopoussoir Heritage. I am sure youve seen it here or here for example.The kind people of Bell Ross showed us the entire new collection, but we had our hopes for this one, the WW1 Mono pusher chronograph. Drop dead gorgeous with its wire lugs, large dial, yellow-ish numerals and a nice new patina on the dial. With a retail price of approx $7500 USD it was quite firm for todays critical buyer, or should I say buyer in critical times? Nevertheless an awesome watch that makes a great alternative for some other big label...
The Datejust is about as classic as it gets. Its a dressier model from omega, but it has all the go anywhere, do anything traits from the brand that also make it a great everyday watch. For the many of you who find it boring, I wont try and persuade you otherwise. Others, though, might be going through a struggle that I recently encountered; namely, which model to buy and how to feel comfortable with the purchase. I settled on a omega Datejust 16030 and this is my tale.It really doesnt matter which generation of Datejust one looks for, the variants are simply mind-boggling. This initially scared the living daylights out of me because I literally had no clue if what I was looking at was real ...
James Bond nowadays wears an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m, but in the past he had all kinds of watches, among them a number of omega watches. The famous James Bond omega is of course the Submariner, although Ian Fleming wore a omega Explorer himself and was probably referring to this Explorer as well in his books. Dell Deaton wrote an excellent article, including some nice photographs of Ian wearing his Explorer, for the US based magazine WatchTime.However, it seems that Daniel Craig doesnt take this Omega sponsorship (for EON movie productions) too seriously, as he has been repeatedley spotted with omega watches from his personal collection. Besides his vintage omega Submariner 6538, i...