3 things you need to know about the Seiko Prospex LX collection
Editor’s note: The Seiko Prospex LX collection has finally hit Australian shores, so we thought we’d revisit this piece from Baselworld, where the design guru largely responsible for the look of the new line dropped some LX-oriented knowledge … Seiko’s Baselworld press conference is one of my few must-not-miss appointments, if only for a much-needed dose of humour. But for me, the real star of this year’s affair was Ken Okuyama. Mr Okuyama is an industrial designer with an eponymous studio, who made his name in the world of prestige cars, with a folio including such epic vehicles as the original Honda NSX, the Enzo Ferrari and the Ferrari California. And while much of his career has been spent with some of the great European marques, he’s recently turned his eyes homeward, working on raising the profile and prestige of Japanese and Asian brands. Which is why he’s the creative mind behind the brand new Prospex LX collection. Here are three things that stood out to me about how Mr Okuyama intends to make these watches stand out. “When left alone, heritage becomes antique” Evolution is required to make modern value for a brand’s heritage. Mr Okuyama reiterated that for…
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Seiko is a brand with a lot of love in Australia — their watches, especially the divers, are incredibly popular, due in equal parts to their good looks, virtual indestructibility and high ratio of bang vis-à-vis buck. So, we’ve got no doubt that this Australia-only limited edition — a two-tone twist on the classic turtle — will be a hit. So, say hello to the Seiko Prospex SRPD50K. If you’re reading this, the fundamentals of the watch are likely familiar to you. A big, cushion-y case (which resembles the silhouette of a turtle — hence the name) that clocks in at 45mm across, 47.7mm top to bottom and 13.4mm tall. The movement is the solid caliber 4R36, and Hardlex crystal. The cosmetics, though, are completely new. The case has been treated with a dark grey/anthracite coating, which is a nice alternative to the straight-up matt black. It’s dark, but it’s still metallic. Add to this the yellow gold crown, bezel and applied dial details and you’ve got a watch that has all the wrist drama you could want. There’s also some high contrast on the dial — the slightly grained black dial is nicely offset by the soft white luminous…
Before we start, I feel I should apologise for the above headline. Only, I’m not sure if I should apologise to the Ramones or Girard-Perregaux. Perhaps both. The Girard-Perregaux Laureato was reborn at SIHH 2017 — from humble mid-70s beginnings. Since then we’ve seen the sporty collection gradually expand to encompass all the usual complications and finishings – skeletons, tourbillons, perpetual calendars and the rest. But the one we’re most into is, without doubt, the chronograph. In the mainline collections (women’s and Absolute versions aside), there are two main options (for now): a delicious shimmering blue, or this handsome silvery panda. There’s a lot to like in this dial. Texture! Colour! Layout! But it’s not the only trick the Laureato Chronograph has on offer. The 42mm case and bracelet are just as sharp, and stand out on the wrist. There’s a sophisticated mix of shapes and finishes. Circle meets octagon and is interspersed with brushed and mirror polish. A nice touch is the octagonal screw-down chronograph pushers, and the subtle crown guards. In fact, the whole ensemble works seamlessly as a chic, stylish offering. All backed up by a solid, in-house movement. Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph price Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph, 42mm steel…
On Wednesday night, Omega held a black tie bash in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing (and the small but significant role the Speedmaster played in it). It was one of the most impressive events I’ve attended in my time covering watches. But the ‘wow factor’ wasn’t due so much to the cavernous setting at Fox Studios, or the darkly moody, evocative set dressing, with giant, dramatically lit moons and an even more gargantuan, golden astronaut overseeing proceedings. The reason this event stands tall (even taller than the aforementioned big gold guy) had everything to do with the well-dressed, polite man sitting one table to my left. I’ve attended events with Presidents and royalty, and never have I seen a person simultaneously so pivotal and so unassuming. It helps that that man, Charles Duke, is a member of one of the most exclusive clubs in the world — people who have walked on the moon. Charlie Duke was selected as a NASA astronaut in 1966 after a career as a fighter interceptor and test pilot. He served in the support crew of the Apollo 10 mission. But he — or rather his distinctive South Carolina…