HANDS-ON: Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Zodiaque
When you look at Jaeger-LeCoultre’s core offerings from their Reverso and Master Collection lines it’s easy to see why the brand has something of a reputation for straight, sober watchmaking. But don’t forget that Jaeger-LeCoultre is also capable of absolute top-shelf high-complication, high-jewellery pieces like this (frankly astonishing) Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Zodiaque. So what are we looking at here? Well, first of all, you’re looking at a 42mm white gold case, not that you can see too much of it under all those baguette-cut diamonds gracing the bezel, lugs and even the crown. Under normal circumstances these diamonds would be enough to steal the show, but on this JLC they merely serve to frame the truly exceptional dial. The first thing you’ll notice is the tourbillon, which in addition to whirling in its cage, will make a slow march around the dial. And then, in addition to all this drama, there’s the astronomic calendar display, complementing the regular date, highlighted by means of a bright golden sun at the outer section of the dial. The aventurine dial base provides the perfect setting for this celestial action. The view from the rear is quite fine, too; the big bridges of…
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When Montblanc’s 1858 collection burst onto the scene back in 2015 it heralded a bold new direction for the brand, adding a no-nonsense, outdoorsy sensibility to what had, until that point, been a fairly buttoned-up collection of watches. Since that initial drop, the 1858 has gone from strength to strength, and their 2019 slate of releases was particularly cohesive, and attractive. For me, the core collection can be summed up in three, thematically linked watches, all limited editions, that have taken the brand back to nature, with their earthy bronze cases and lush, dark green dials. There’s the 1858 Automatic LE, the 1858 Chronograph LE and the 1858 Geosphere LE. For all that these watches have different functions, they’re all bound by a strong, and 100 per cent on-trend look of bronze cases with dark green dials. Montblanc 1858 Geosphere LE Visually, this is the watch out of the three with the most going on, dial-wise. Fundamentally, it’s a dual time watch — the second zone is shown at nine, and there are big, dynamic maps of both hemispheres, which function as day/night indicators and even — if your geography is strong — a world time readout. It’s a big,…
Editor’s note: The other day we posted a bonkers video from @jackwongyf on our Instagram. It was a super ratty Rolex GMT-Master 1675 that had, underneath the grime and scratches, one heck of a surprise. Check it out. And then we remembered that Andy interviewed banker and self-described vintage watch hoarder Jack Wong a little while ago. So, we thought you might enjoy a perspective from the Jack Wong lyf. Hi Jack, what’s your daily watch and why? To be honest, I don’t have a daily watch, I usually pick something to go with the day’s mood. So then, what is in your collection and have you got a favourite? I do not focus on one brand, or one particular era, as I believe every brand and period has their best. Having said that, I am particularly fond of Longines, Omega, Seiko, Rolex and pieces from the ’30s, ’40s and ’60s. As for my favourite, that’s a tough question. Aesthetically, I love all my sector dial watches. Mechanically, I am still in awe of my FPJ tourbillon. In regards to finishing and innovation, I’d go for my Grand Seiko Spring Drive. Rarity wise, my Longines (Mushroom Pusher) 13ZN. You can probably…
Just the other day, Sandra was opining about the changing face of two-tone, and today this fine example of modern bi-colour watches hits the proverbial desk. The Record collection is Longines’ line of dressy daily wearers that offer a great entry point into some pretty serious mechanical watchmaking. And that’s because every single watch in the Record collection is certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, Switzerland’s chronometer testing institute. What this means is that when you slip on your Record, you know it’s keeping an average daily rate of between -4 and +6 seconds. On top of that, it’s tested in five positions and across three temperatures. The movements utilise a silicon balance spring. Long story short, it’s a watch you can rely on. It’s also a watch that looks good. The men’s model is a 40mm case in steel with a bezel and crown in thick pink gold cap, simple hands and batons on a sunray silver dial. The bracelet definitely ups the dressy factor — it’s a seven-row construction with brushed steel links interspersed with that pink gold cap, for a distinct work-all-day and party-all-night aesthetic. The women’s model follows the same fundamental form, but pared back…
The Patek Philippe Nautilus Perpetual Calendar 5740G was unveiled at Baselworld 2018 to much fanfare, as it marked the debut of the perpetual calendar complication in the iconic Gérald Genta-designed watch. It still retains its signature looks, with the embossed blue dial, integrated bracelet and 40mm size. It’s also got a pleasing degree of heft thanks to the white gold case. Since its release, it’s been a hot property, and we’ve spotted it on the wrist of three famous celebrities who have a taste for fine watchmaking (and serious wrist statements). The first celebrity quick out of the blocks to get his hands on the Ref 5740/1G was Mark Wahlberg. He was spotted with it on holiday in Barbados at the end of last year, wearing it while taking a splash in the ocean (see below). We have previously highlighted Wahlberg’s growing collection here. The next person is Canadian rapper Drake who was sporting the same timepiece while at a Toronto club watching the Toronto Raptors clinch the 2019 NBA Championship against the Golden State Warriors. The final celebrity is Trevor Noah, the South African born host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central. Noah has been wearing an assortment…