Introducing – Ulysse Nardin Marine 1846, A Classical Take On The Iconic Marine Collection
Not just another Marine watch from Ulysse Nardin… At first, that’s what we imagined, and nothing bad in that. The Marine collection is pretty interesting. However, this new Ulysse Nardin Marine 1846 is different, in the details at least, but details that change it all. More classic, more refined, more wearable and overall, very Ulysse Nardin. If for the moment we have to see it on press images, that’s is one we definitely need to investigate later.
The story in a second Who expected a drool-worthy heritage reissue from ceramic focused Rado at Baselworld? No one, that’s who. While Rado is particularly well-known for their use of high-tech ceramic and hard metals, they’ve got a long history in water resistant and dive watches, launching their sporty ‘Green Horse’ series of watches (with a particularly cute seahorses logo on the dial) in 1958. In 1962 they released a simple little dive watch called the ‘Captain Cook’. Fast forward 55 years and Rado has released another series of watches named for the famed explorer. There’s a large 45mm version and a feminine white option, but our eyes were drawn to the brace of 37mm vintage reissues that are virtually identical to the 1962 original. The version with the sunbrushed dial and leather strap, limited to 1962 pieces, has received the most attention. But there’s also a regular production model with a matt black dial and a metal bracelet. The case The most remarkable thing about the case of the Captain Cook is the size – 37mm is quite petite by contemporary standards. The fidelity to the historic watch size is both a blessing and a curse. By sticking to their…
Not so long ago, the TAG Heuer Carrera was one of the watch world’s most easily recognised chronographs. Now, it’s every kind of watch imaginable. It’s time-only, it’s a Connected watch, it’s a tourbillon; you name it, there’s a Carrera variant. Hell, I’m wearing a Carrera today and it’s a removable time-only module that I’ve fitted onto a pair of – themselves interchangeable – titanium lugs and a leather bracelet that more often carries the Connected Modular 45 around. No matter where you stand on the rapid recent evolution, the name does not mean what it used to. And the modern Carrera vehicle, if you will, is one made for thoroughly modern times. But is there a risk in overloading the name and making it less special? Just over a year ago David Chalmers asked TAG Heuer CEO, Jean-Claude Biver, just that. For more of Jean-Claude Biver in action, watch this and this. 
Rado’s HyperChrome Captain Cook has made waves this year, mostly due to the nearly pitch perfect 37mm reissue. And while there’s a lot to like about that watch, I suspect that the comparatively petite case size will be a deal-breaker for some people. But that’s OK because Rado has covered their bases by releasing a contemporarily sized 45mm version. It’s not just the case size that’s impressive, but also the construction – with ceramic bezel, hardened titanium case construction and a solid 80 hours of power reserve. Rado Hyperchrome Captain Cook 45mm Australian pricing Rado Hyperchrome Captain Cook 45mm, $3175