NEWS: Live in Australia and looking for a Rolex ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona? You might be in luck

The ‘Paul Newman’ Daytona is one of THE legendary watches. At its most basic level it’s an exotic dialled variant of the (already iconic) Rolex Daytona. Unpopular when it was originally released, things kicked off for the watch when pictures of Paul Newman wearing a ref. 6239 emerged and the once-obscure chronograph became one of the hottest tickets in town. And, like the story of all mythical creatures, that of the Paul Newman is a nugget of truth surrounded by a whole lot of  rumour, speculation and downright BS. The reason is simple – Paul Newmans are worth big dollars. For example, a particularly primo gold ref. 6263 sold just the other weekend, setting a new record with its whopping $3.7m USD hammer price. In a little over 24 hours, Sotheby’s Australia will be auctioning off a Paul Newman in Sydney, not something seen too often around here. And while this particular watch won’t be pulling in millions, it’s still an interesting lot. A transitional ref. 6262, produced for only one year in 1970, this is a pre-Oyster case model, powered by a Valjoux 727, beating at 21,600 bph, with the classic panda dial configuration. For Australian collectors, tomorrow’s auction is…

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9 years ago

HANDS-ON: Small changes make a big impact – the Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Accio Automatic (PAM 682)

It’s been a strong year for the Submersible collection, with Panerai hitting home runs with the latest Bronzo, the ingenious BMG-Tech and the luxe lusciousness of the solid gold PAM 684. And while all these models offer a little something extra, be it limited edition exclusivity, material innovation or a solid chunk of gold, there’s also a Submersible for the rest of us, and that’s the PAM 682. Cased in plain brushed steel, on a rubber strap, the PAM 682 is the essence of the Submersible – tool-like, utilitarian and unquestionably Panerai. It’s also 42mm, which opens the traditionally beefy diver up to a whole new audience. The case size is the only thing that’s been reduced, all other components remain as high-quality as ever, including the movement. The robust P.9010 is visible through the clear caseback, ticking away at 4hz, and good for three days of power reserve. The broad-shouldered Luminor 1950 case is still the hero of the show, thanks to the trademark crown guard. Appropriately enough for a diver (the watch is good to 300m), legibility is the name of the game for the dial, with only the blue small seconds hand relieving the otherwise black and white…

The post HANDS-ON: Small changes make a big impact – the Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Accio Automatic (PAM 682) appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.

9 years ago

Germans Do It Better? 5 High-End Watches Made In Germany

German watches are distinctively unique. Their design is influenced by the Bauhaus philosophy with a minimalist approach and the idea that form follows function. Great emphasis is placed on simplicity, symmetry, clarity and practicality. The craftsmanship involved is superb, sharp and distinctive. It can easily stand toe-to-toe with the best of Swiss workmanship. The work on movements is often instantly recognizable, with characteristic features such as three-quarter plates, distincttive regulators, refined jeweling or the use of German silver.

9 years ago

VIDEO: The most complicated watch in the world – the Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega

Franck Muller has the impressive title of ‘The Master of Complications’ – and this wristwatch is the reason why. The Aeternitas Mega features a staggering 36 complications, 21 hands and a movement with no fewer than 1483 parts. Reading the watch takes more than a little getting used to and adjusting it requires a PhD in advanced horology. But whatever you do, don’t let it run out of power – resetting it would be a pain.

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9 years ago

HOW TO: Start your own ‘minimalist’ watch brand

We all have friends who wear watches made by brands like Daniel Wellington and The Horse. We also all know that these watches are, essentially, identical. Yet somehow these simple quartz dress watch look-a-likes seem to net their savvy owners massive piles of dosh. Some of us may have even wondered about starting our own brand like this (I know I have). Well, wonder no more as someone (who has chosen to remain anonymous) has uploaded a helpful guide to imgur. Here’s the original, but we’ve reposted it in full below. Bravo, mystery writer. Enjoy.

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9 years ago