Bring a Loupe: A Rolex Pre-Daytona Ref. 6238 ‘FAP,’ A Patek Philippe Ref. 3429 Calatrava Full Set, And A Rare Gold Ikepod Hemipode
This week’s round-up of vintage watches from around the world.
Introducing – Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpa Qualité Fleurier (Hands-On)
At the SIHH 2018, Parmigiani Fleurier re-introduced one of its most emblematic models, the Kalpa. A shaped watch, it was originally introduced back in 2001 and, thanks to its bold and unique design, guided by ergonomics, it became a signature model in the collection. After three inaugural refreshed watches in January, the brand expands the range with a new, simpler time-and-date version – but it has a lot more to tell, with some serious certifications. Meet the new Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpa Qualité Fleurier.
VIDEO: 10 things you’ve always wanted to know about Grand Seiko, but were too afraid to ask …
I’m sure everyone reading this has, at some point, felt that feeling of utter bewilderment of being in a conversation about watches. The level of technical jargon, slang and verbal shorthand can be confusing at best and exclusionary at worst — it can feel like a club with its very own secret language. And the hardest thing is that the language changes with every brand. Take Grand Seiko, for instance — you have to get your head around reference numbers, specific nomenclature and calibres, not to mention the vast and colourful world of fan-based nicknames. But don’t worry, today we’re here to help you crack the code. If you’ve ever been confused about what makes Grand Seiko so grand, why everyone keeps talking about Snowflakes and Spring Drives, or what a Credor is, watch this video and all will be explained …
The post VIDEO: 10 things you’ve always wanted to know about Grand Seiko, but were too afraid to ask … appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.
EDITOR’S PICK: Power player – Panerai’s Luminor Submersible 1950 Amagnetic 3 Days Automatic Titanio (PAM 1389)
Editor’s note: For all that Panerai has been making a lot of noise recently about their smaller, dressier pieces, let’s not forget they can easily flip the switch to full-on beast mode when the need arises. And they don’t come much more beastly than this mighty 47mm Submersible, looking the business in matt black ceramic and brushed titanium … Way back in 2013, Panerai released the PAM 389, a big, 47mm titanium beast with antimagnetic innards and an oh-so-sexy ceramic bezel. This powerful diver is a watch entirely in keeping with Panerai’s core values. Fast forward to 2017 and we’ve got a new and improved version of this Luminor Submersible, with an updated reference number to match — PAM 1389. Functionally and aesthetically, not too much has changed: it’s still the same Luminor 1950 case, complete with that iconic crown guard. The bezel is still ceramic, with those excellent recessed interval markers and large lume pip at 12. But a few things have changed. Dial proportions have been given minor modifications — slightly fatter hour markers and a bright blue seconds hand, for example. The major change, though, is the one beneath the dial. This PAM is packing the latest in-house automatic…
The post EDITOR’S PICK: Power player – Panerai’s Luminor Submersible 1950 Amagnetic 3 Days Automatic Titanio (PAM 1389) appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.
Business News: Movado Group To Acquire MVMT
The start-up brand will join the American-owned group’s portfolio.
Opinion – A Closer Look at the Vacheron Constantin FiftySix Complete Calendar
When Vacheron Constantin announced right before the SIHH 2018 the introduction of a new collection, the FiftySix, we had been (in all honesty) rather sceptical. I can recall discussions with Frank about the design, the way the brand communicated around the model, the “entry-level” approach or the millennial target. Never judge on first impressions, they say… Thus, we decided to give this Vacheron Constantin FiftySix a second chance, but this time by wearing it. And for that, we chose the most complex (and most appealing) version, the Complete Calendar.
In The Shop – Five Of Our Favorite In-House Movements
Timepieces from makers that have mastered the art of crafting their own movements.
Introducing: The Timex x Todd Snyder Beekman (Live Pics & Pricing)
The brands’ latest collaboration channels mid-century wristwatch design.
Introducing – Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Tourbillon Duoface
When you think Jaeger-LeCoultre, you immediately think Reverso. Thin, elegant, discreet and with the iconic reversible case. There had been some highly complex versions though in the collection, just like the Reverso Tribute Gyrotourbillon for the 85th anniversary of the model or minute repeaters. Today, La Grande Maison is bringing back complexity in its emblematic watch, with a slim, visually clean and elegant tourbillon model, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Tourbillon Duoface.
VIDEO: The Tissot Swissmatic – a great entry into the world of mechanical watches
This video is all about value. Not only do you get two watch reviews (we’re covering Tissot’s dressy Everytime Swissmatic as well as the sportier V8 Swissmatic), but both watches represent a solid value proposition. The style of these two watches is a pretty by-the-book interpretation of daily dress/sport, depending on which flavour you plumb for, but the Swissmatic movements are something else. Based on the revolutionary Sistem51 from Swatch, the Swissmatics share the same fundamental specs and architecture, but benefit from a more robust — and a completely automated – build. These watches might not have the high finishing that Justin extolled in his recent piece, but they possess an industrial charm all their own, and are, I think, a great way to get into the joys of a mechanical watch. A Swiss one at that. Tissot Swissmatic Australian pricing Tissot Everytime Swissmatic, $725, Tissot V8 Swissmatic $650
The post VIDEO: The Tissot Swissmatic – a great entry into the world of mechanical watches appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.