We chat to Paxton Wong, the man behind Watchfest, Australia's first watch convention
It’s somewhat paradoxical, but the explosion of interest in fine timepieces, fuelled by the internet and social media, has also resulted in the increased popularity of offline meetings. And they’ve always been there — before Instagram and Facebook were the prime drivers of the ‘watchfam’, it was the various watch forums, like Timezone and Purists, that resulted in that weird ritual of online-friends-but-offline-strangers meeting in public, and piling lots of watches out onto tables, much to the bemusement of strangers. More recently still, this get together culture has evolved again, thanks to events such as Fratello Watches Speedy Tuesday world tour and Worn & Wound’s Windup Watch Fair. These events bring together more fans, brands and other players in the space than is practical otherwise. To date, though, there’s not been a lot happening on this front in Australia, something that Paxton Wong is hoping to change with Watchfest, a collector event taking place in Sydney on the 6th and 7th of September. So, we spent a few minutes chatting to Mr Wong to find out more. What’s the idea behind Watchfest? “I wanted to bring the collectors together. I wanted to bring the collectors to influence the new people.…
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Editor’s note: Last night, Longines went live with their online shopping facility, and I’ve spent a bit of time browsing what’s on offer. And it should come as no surprise that I’m pretty into the ‘heritage’ section of the site. And one watch, which I saw last year and was really taken by, is the Longines Skin Diver. So I thought the timing was right for another look … Longines heritage reissues are — much like the designs they’re inspired by — the stuff of legend. And speaking of legends, you might notice that the dial design of the Skin Diver resembles that of the Legend, with distinctive hand sets and long hour and minute markers. That’s because both watches trace their origin back to the Nautilus Skin Diver, Longines’ first dive watch. But while the Legend has an internal bezel, the bezel here is very much your traditional bezel, and black to boot. This, combined with the creamy-toned printing and rich, almost pebbly dial texture (offered on either a tropic-style rubber or Milanese mesh) adds up to a watch that more than lives up to its heritage. Also, you’ll be happy to note: no date window. Longines Skin Diver…
Longines has had a big few months in Australia. They opened their first Melbourne boutique a little while back, on Collins Street in the heart of the city’s luxury district. And now their watches are available online, direct from the brand. It’s something that would have been unimaginable even a few years ago — a major Swiss brand, selling directly online. But it’s 2019 and the future is digital. Well, except for the watches, that is — they’re resolutely analogue, and proudly mechanical. In celebration of this upcoming e-commerce launch, Andrew dropped into the boutique to choose his picks that are now available online. It’s worth noting that some of the hot models will only be available online or in boutiques. But, without any further ado, here’s Andrew’s top three … Longines Master Collection Moonphase Is there anything more romantic than the moon (phase)? Well, maybe there is, but this is about as close as it gets, especially when you factor in that dreamy blue dial. Longines Heritage Flagship Heritage looks and a sweet case size. It’s easy to see why this little beauty was a winner. Longines Record Two tones, classic style and COSC accuracy. It’s easy to see why…
Editor’s note: Sometimes, amid all the hullaballoo around specifications, it’s easy to forget what makes watches fun. Sure, helium escape valves can play a part in that. But if we’re completely honest, it’s about how a watch looks on the wrist, and makes us feel. And by those metrics, the Christopher Ward C65 Trident Automatic is a winner … Over the years I’ve had a few run-ins with UK-based brand Christopher Ward, having reviewed some of their older world time and jump hour watches. I’ve never tried one of their more mainline pieces on for size though, but when I saw the press renders for the C65 Trident Automatic I figured it was about time I changed that. The C65 Trident is an attractive piece, a neo-vintage diver that offers a strong blend of today’s practicality and yesterday’s charm. Clocking in at a decent 41mm across, and 11.5mm high, this stylish steel chap is offered in either blue or black dials, with a range of straps. The boldest, and vintagest (is that a word? It is now) option is the blue dial on this ‘vintage oak’ distressed leather strap. The brown, almost saffron, leather strap is a good tonal match…
Down here in Australia, Father’s Day is celebrated on September 1, which happens to be — wait for it — this Sunday, AKA a mere six sleeps away. Which, in the scheme of retail and everyone’s busy life, isn’t that long at all. So, as a helpful reminder, we’ve put together five banging Father’s Day gifts from our shop, which, if you order them quick smart, should make it in time. Failing that, you can always print off the confirmation email and pop it in with a nice card. So whether you’re a watch-loving dad who’s looking to helpfully forward a link to your nearest and dearest, or if your own dad’s timepiece (which he’s looking after for the next generation, natch) needs some loving, here are some solid options. Light brown + white stitch elegant leather strap This 20mm strap, in light, full-grain leather is the bee’s knees. It’s elegant enough for Lange through to Seiko, but also not overly dressy, thanks to the warm tone, rich texture and contrast stitch. Honestly, it looks good with pretty much anything. Plus the taper is hella elegant. $175 AUD Watch tool and case Tools are one of those classic Father’s Day…