Watch Dandy

A few months ago we introduced you to the first in a series of limited edition watches made to celebrate The Hour Glass’s 40th anniversary. Well, we’ve just had a look at the latest in the series, which takes the form of a TAG Heuer Monaco. Now, if this were any other watch it would run the risk of being a touch underwhelming, what with all the 50 years of Monaco celebratory LEs getting dropped this year. But you know what, I don’t think this ‘TAG Heuer Monaco Calibre 11 Special Edition’ (to give it its formal, boring name) needs to be too concerned, Mostly because it’s freaking stunning.  The case evokes the iconic ‘Dark Lord’ Monacos (one of the earliest black-coated watches), with its PVD coating — including all the pushers. But this is no mere phantom execution (that might have worked for The Hour Glass’s Tempus celebrations back in 2007, but times — and tastes —  have changed). No, the dial here is an opaline beige, and the sandy tones play oh-so-nicely with the dark case, and even more nicely with the red Super-LumiNova dial details. The lack of applied hour markers makes the whole situation a little…

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I don’t know about you, but I find navigating Casio’s iconic and uber-tough G-Shock family a tricky process. It’s a reference number dominated space which, to the outsider, is every bit as confusing as the worlds of vintage Rolex or Patek. Adding to the complexity is the sheer profusion of models. Limited editions, collaborations and colourways all play their part.  But if you’d like to get your head around the ways of the G-Shock quickly and efficiently you’re in luck, because Gear Patrol’s Allen Farmelo has written a no-holds-barred breakdown on the line. From Mudmasters to full metal models and everything in between, Farmelo gives you a quick primer on everything you need to know. Well worth the read. 

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Editor’s note: The Marine is Breguet’s star of the show at the moment, with a profusion of new models in the house — including some chic titanium options — but we can’t help but have a soft spot for this elegant beast, the Breguet Marine 5817 Big Date. What a looker …  We’re willing to bet that when you think of Breguet, the first thing that comes to mind is slim elegance, or maybe the old-world charm of their vintage chronos. But a casual/luxury sports watch? Not so much. Nevertheless, that’s exactly what the Marine 5817 is – Breguet’s take on a breezy weekender. Sure, it’s got all the brand’s classic hallmarks: the fluted middle case, the very particular lugs and, of course, that guilloche dial. But this is no delicate dandy. Water resistance is solid at 100m, there’s lume, the crown is protected by some unique, curved crown guard and it has a presence on the wrist far beyond what you’d expect for a 39mm x 11.82mm watch. While no one’s suggesting you complete an ultra-marathon in this guy, there’s no doubt it’s ready to tackle whatever life might throw at it, and it will do so in inimitable Breguet…

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