Introducing – Oris’ In-House 10-Day Artelier Calibre 111 Now with a Blue Dial

When Oris launched its own, in-house developed and produced movement, back in 2014 (at that time the Calibre 110, without date), this sounded like an impressive step for the brand, more used to accessible sports-watches and out-sourced automatic movements. Indeed, with no-less than 10 days of power-reserve and some technically advanced features, it was quite an achievement. This hand-wound in-house Calibre is now fully integrated into the collections and has seen several evolutions (calibre 111, 112 and 113). Today, the Oris Artelier Calibre 111 changes style, by receiving a striking blue dial.

8 years ago

VIDEO: All that glitters – the Tudor Heritage Black Bay S&G

Around this time of the year I’m prone to a bit of the old ‘best watch’ game – running through my favourite releases in a particular brand or category. And typically it’s a pretty clear-cut decision for me. Not so with Tudor’s 2017 collection. I’ve found myself going back and forth over two watches pretty much since I first saw them: the Black Bay Steel and the Black Bay S&G. In a way though my indecision makes perfect sense, as these two models are perhaps the two most extreme expressions of the Black Bay line. The Steel is the epitome of Black Bay as rugged tool watch, a space that the brand is very comfortable in. But the S&G is something else entirely. Luxurious, dressy and – depending on who’s wearing it – a little showy. And while it’s not a side of the Black Bay we’re used to seeing, it’s a look that suits the versatile diver exceptionally well. I suspect this isn’t the last time we’ll be seeing precious metals in the Black Bay family …

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8 years ago

HANDS-ON: Blue Monday – the Hublot Big Bang Unico Blue Sapphire 

Hublot’s sapphire journey began with their ultra high-end MP-05 LaFerrari, a horological engine in the truest sense of the word, with 50 days of power reserve thanks to 11 coupled barrels. It made perfect sense for Hublot to show this beast of a movement off to its fullest capacity with a full sapphire case. But it seems LaFerrari only whet Hublot’s appetite for transparency, making a splash last year with the Big Bang Unico Sapphire, a limited edition of 500 pieces that eclipsed any previous sapphire production runs. It’s easy to see why Hublot is drawn to sapphire as a case material. Aside from the fact that its extreme hardness means it’s virtually scratch-proof, the glossy, transparent material is a perfect fit for Hublot’s art of fusion design approach – the see-through case turns expectations of what goes where on a watch on its head. Inside is outside, fragile is strong. Very Hublot. And from that initial sapphire Big Bang, we’ve seen the collection expand rapidly, with all black versions, stone set models (a particular favourite), a sapphire Spirit of Big Bang and this, the Big Bang Unico Blue Sapphire. This watch marks the first time blue synthetic sapphire has been…

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8 years ago

MY WEEK WITH: The Rolex Cellini Time

When the Rolex Cellini range was relaunched by Rolex in 2014, the General Manager of Rolex Australia, Patrick Boutellier, chose a line of poetry to announce the news: “The sleeping Prince has been awoken,” he said, or words to that effect, as Felix and I pored over the new range, not quite sure what to think. We were certainly intrigued by these classic, luxurious faces amongst other more colourful offerings, such as the white gold ‘Pepsi’ GMT-Master II and the new Milgauss. The light embroidery of poetry and classicism in Patrick’s description somehow attached itself to the watch in that moment, and the more I’ve learned about it, the more this type of fairytale mystery fits. But how would it wear? What would I wear it with? What else would I learn about this seemingly simple design on the wrist? I found out by wearing it for a week. My first impression was… This is a classic watch, tuned to utter perfection. The Cellini represents a design from another time, and as we mentioned in the first video review of the Cellini Date, is often pitched against the three-handed heavyweights, being the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony and the Patek Philippe Calatrava.…

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8 years ago

WHO TO FOLLOW: @gazman70k

In this extra long edition of Who to Follow, Andy speaks to the exceptionally well-dressed Gary about life, work, finding the right watch, and how to dress your best. NAME:                                   Gary Tok OCCUPATION:                    Travelling salesman and part-time author HANDLE:                               @gazman70k FOLLOWERS:                     5.1k LOCATION:                         Hong Kong, Sydney and up in the air … So Gary, tell me about yourself By day, I’m a travelling salesman, making promises my colleagues get to keep. I work for an international consulting firm and help clients identify, quantify and mitigate people risk, a collective term for all the bad things that can happen to employees. My work requires me to travel across Asia and occasionally to Europe and the US. After hours, I moonlight as an author, photographer and micro-publisher of books focused on bespoke menswear – clothing, footwear and accessories. In November 2016, I published my first book, Master Shoemakers: The Art and Soul of Bespoke Shoes. I am currently working on two other book projects. I love discovering new things and appreciating the work of artisans and craftspeople, in particular watchmakers, tailors and shoemakers. I am curious about the method and the…

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8 years ago

Hands-On – F.P. Journe and Holland & Holland Chronometre Watch With Unique Damascus Steel Dial

Just a few days ago in London, Swiss watchmaker F.P. Journe, in collaboration with British gun-maker Holland & Holland, unveiled two new limited edition timepieces. The independent watchmaker is known for marching to the beat of his own drum, and these new pieces are no exception. In an unexpected twist, they feature stunning Damascus steel dials, crafted from the barrels of two antique Holland & Holland shotguns, dating from 1868 and 1882 respectively. Read on for all the details.

8 years ago