Watch Dandy

HANDS-ON: Grand Seiko reissue their first ever watch, plus a completely new re-interpretation

Watch brands love nothing more than an anniversary. You might even be forgiven for thinking that marketing departments devote a substantial amount of energy to finding ever more obscure historical events, products or personages to commemorate with a new limited edition. 56 years since the release of our mildly popular chronograph? Reissue. The company founder’s brother got married on this day 132 years ago? Gala event. Jane from accounts is going on long service leave? Commemorative limited edition. Given this bloviating trend it’s refreshing to see no mention of ‘anniversary’ anywhere in Seiko’s press release for the reissue of the original Grand Seiko, originally released in 1960. In fact, it’s not one reissue, but two, or four, depending on how you count it. Before we get to the new, let’s quickly talk about the old. The original Grand Seiko, powered by the manual caliber 3180, was the epitome of a classic dress watch, and an important step in Seiko’s quest for accuracy. Round, demure of proportion and fitted with bold (and ever so slightly ’60s) baton indices paired with traditional dauphine hands. It’s a watch that set the tone of classical excellence that has (odd quirky design choices aside), set the…

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Baselworld 2017 – The Eagerly Awaited Seiko 62Mas Reedition SLA017 Prospex

Seiko’s reputation as a leader in dive watches makes simply no debate. Wether we talk affordable pieces or professional tools, the Japanese brand masters watches for divers since now over 50 years. Actually, the whole story about the Seiko divers started in 1965, with a watch that now became an icon of watchmaking, the 62Mas (ref. 6217). And it is with a strong excitement that we are about to present you the piece that collectors were waiting for so many years: the Seiko 62Mas Reedition Ref. SLA017, a perfect reinterpretation of Seiko’s first ever dive watch, modernized to meet Prospex standards. And it doesn’t come alone, as a pair of contemporary re-interpretations will also be part of the package (ref. SPB051, SPB053) – but this will come in a second article.

Baselworld 2017 – Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator 24H-Chronotimer – Hands-on with Photos, Specs and Price

The history of Porsche Design is intertwined with the legendary car brand that sprouted from the same creative mind, Ferdinand Adolph Porsche. Since the very beginning the link between Porsche Design watches and motorsports was there, and not just as a marketing link. No, Porsche Design’s first wrist watch, the Porsche Design Chronograph 1, was a black PVD coated watch and that was rather disturbing back in the early seventies. And so was the chronograph that the brand introduced in 1980, which was the world’s first chronograph in titanium – a material widely used in the watch industry now-a-days, but a few decades ago it wasn’t. Today we’re showing you Porsche Design’s latest watch that is again inspired by the world of motor sports, and in this case directly links to the brand new (mighty) Porsche 911 RSR. However it also strongly reminds us of that very first Titanium Chronograph from 1980. Let’s have a look at the new Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator 24H-Chronotimer.

Baselworld 2017 – The Rolex Datejust 41 now in Steel (Specs & Price)

Today was unveiled a new version of the Rolex Datejust 41 Date in steel and in white Rolesor (steel and white gold) – This follows the introduction of a slimmer, thinner Datejust last year, which was a welcome addition but also somewhat frustrating, as it was only made available in yellow or pink gold and steel, polarizing combinations to say the least. Thankfully this year the ‘Crown’ is unveiling an attractive white metal version.

VIDEO: The 4 Rolex watches that burned down the house on day 1 of Baselworld 2017

If Rolex as a brand has mastered any single art – apart from watchmaking in practically all of its forms – it is to both meet and exceed expectations at every single Baselworld watch fair. Granted, this can be a baby step, like last year, when they singlehandedly turned Baselworld into Bezelworld. Or it can be a complete break from tradition, like the bizarre, possibly brilliant Air-King from the same year. Today we have learned once again that the Big Crown delights in the devilishly unpredictable. While the leadup saw speculation reach a fever pitch on the topic of Sea-Dweller anniversaries and ceramic bezelled GMTs, the unveiling we experienced today revealed surprise after surprise, including a Sky-Dweller that suddenly became a lot more attainable…

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Hands-On – Patek Philippe Aquanaut Jumbo 5168G (Blue Dial, White Gold, 42mm)

This year, the Geneva-Based manufacture Patek Philippe is celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of its modern icons, the Aquanaut. As part of a new collection, the brand adds some color and a bit of boldness to a model that have always been playing on the discreet side, with a 42mm and blue dial Patek Philippe Aquanaut Jumbo 5168G.

First Take: Cara And Arthur Discuss The New Rolex Releases At Baselworld 2017 (VIDEO)

Welcome to Baselworld 2017! If you have been following along, you’ve seen a slew of new watches, including a selection of pieces from Rolex. Earlier today, Cara and Arthur sat down to take a closer look at some of the new releases, including the new Sea-Dweller, the Cellini Moon-Phase and, yes, three new Daytonas. Watch the video above for a closer look.

Baselworld 2017 – Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic & The World’s Thinnest Automatic Movement

Bulgari makes headlines again, this time with “the world’s thinnest automatic movement“. After presenting the thinnest Tourbillon watch and movement (Baselworld 2014) and thinnest minute repeater (Baselworld 2016), we hoped Bulgari would set its sights on breaking yet another record. We were not disappointed…! Presenting the Octo Finissimo Automatic powered by a staggering thin 2.23 mm self-winding movement. Let’s take a closer look at the new world record holder.

Baselworld 2017 – The Bell & Ross BR-RS17 Trilogy (with Renault Sport F1)

Recently, Bell & Ross announced the renewal of their partnership with Renault Sport F1 – that CEO Carlos Rosillo explained to us in details – by introducing a new watch, the BR03-94 RS17 Chronograph. In order to capitalize on this new race-car line of watches, something that was, at first, not the territories we imagined for the brand (more used to military and aviation pieces), Baselworld 2017 will see the launch of a entire collection, the Bell & Ross BR-RS17 Trilogy – 3 watches entirely dedicated to the Renault Sport F1 theme.

Introducing: The Oris Chronoris Date

The Chronoris Date is a modern version of the vintage watch, of the same name, released by Oris 47 years ago. The Chronoris was first introduced in 1970 and was a stop-seconds chronograph, not to mention the first chronograph for the Swiss maker. The name, as you might have guessed, is a combination of the words chronograph and Oris, and the last Chronoris was released in 2005, so it has been a little while.