Watch Dandy

‘Cool & Fun’ Made In Japan: A Visit To Casio G-Shock Watch Headquarters

It was 1983 in Japan when Casio first released the now famous G-Shock watch collection. Its inventor, Mr. Kikuo Ibe developed the durability-themed watch quietly with an intent to end the frustration with what he and others felt was an industry of fragile timepieces. When it was first released, the modern-looking plastic watches were intended to appeal to active professionals such as police officers, construction workers, and emergency rescue personnel who needed timepieces that they didn’t need to worry about. Over the last 30 or so years, the Casio G-Shock has indeed been extremely popular with these groups of consumers, but as a product its popularity went far beyond its existence as a useful tool worn on the wrist.

HANDS-ON: The Clerc Hydroscaph GMT Power Reserve

clerc-4 When the opportunity to spend some time with the Clerc Hydroscaph came up, I was keen as mustard. Having only ever seen the brand in passing, I was eager to try on one of their distinctively styled divers. My tastes are fairly traditional when it comes to aquatic-oriented watches, and Clerc was well and truly out of the ordinary. The thought of stepping outside of my comfort-zone was a little dangerous and yes, I’ll admit it, exciting. When I found out I’d be wearing the impressively titled Hydroscaph GMT Power-Reserve Chronometer in midnight blue I was pretty pleased, as I’m a big fan of the colour blue (second only to green, of course). Opening the box I was struck by just how blue this watch was, especially with the hands and matching rubber strap. The bold colour and design was matched by the size. I was taken aback by the sheer scale of the case. But as I sized up the strap, I found it felt comfortable on the wrist. As I set the time, and tinkered with the distinctive bezel, the quality and solid build of the watch became obvious. On the wrist I found the vulcanised rubber strap exceptionally…

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Photo Report: HODINKEE And IWC Celebrate The Portugieser Hand-Wound Tourbillion Edition ‘D.H. Craig USA’ In New York

Last week IWC unveiled it’s latest creation, the Portugieser Hand-Wound Tourbillon Edition ‘D.H. Craig USA.’ This watch pays tribute to IWC’s founder and his benefactor, combining a tradition flying tourbillon movement with a bold Portugieser case and dial. We thought it was worth a little fanfare, so we gathered almost 100 guests at IWC’s flagship boutique on Madison Avenue to see the watch in the metal and to toast with the IWC team. Guests were welcomed by Edouard d’Arbaumont, president of IWC North America, and own editor-in-chief Jack Forster offered a bit of a history lesson as well. There was even an original D.H. Craig movement from the nineteenth century on display, thanks to the generosity of a collector who loaned it for the event.

Behind The Lens: Patek Philippe Reference 5074P Minute Repeater

Here begins a very special three-part series looking at, and listening to, two of Patek Philippe’s splendid minute repeaters: References 5074P and 5078P. If there’s any curiosity about which of the two I prefer, I’ll get that question out of the way right now: I consider the 5074P to be one of the finest contemporary wristwatches; it is a piece that awes me every time I handle one.

Urwerk UR-105 ‘Raging Gold’ Watch

The Urwerk UR-105 “Raging Gold” is a new limited edition watch that features a case made using red gold, which co-founder Martin Frei confesses to be one of his most favorite materials.

Up Close with with the Controversial Piaget Polo S

Piaget unveiled the Polo S in July. It was a surprise for most, being an entry-level, but still luxe, sports watch for a brand best known for its ultra-thin watches and jewellery. The inevitable and inescapable first impression of the Polo S is the resemblance to the Patek Philippe Nautilus and Aquanaut – the striped […]

Touched By The Hand Of Maradona (who offered a Hublot to the Pope)

Thirty years after an act of personal divination brought the World Cup to Argentina, football superstar Diego Maradona (a.k.a “Hand of God”) was brought face-to-face with Pope Francis (a.k.a “Man of God”) for charity football tournament organized by His Holiness… and a surprise came in the middle of the game, not touched by the hand but strapped around the wrist this time.

Richard Mille RM 50-01 G-Sensor Tourbillon Chronograph Watch Hands-On

The Richard Mille RM50-01 G-Sensor Tourbillon Chronograph utilizes several familiar Richard Mille signatures in an entirely new configuration designed “in perfect harmony with the world of F1.” I don’t know if I can measure that kind of harmony, but this is a watch that can measure G-forces, and it is classic Richard Mille.

LIST: 4 ways to wear the Clé de Cartier

oscar-hunt-cartier-cle-style-4 It turns out the Chris Edwards from Oscar Hunt Tailors has something of a knack for finding the right threads to go with the right wristwear. Not only has he tailored a suit to perfectly match a watch, he’s also given us some solid advice on how to wear a gold watch with grace and style. So we decided to test Chris’s sartorial skills one more time, finding four distinct looks for four versions of a most distinctive watch – the Clé de Cartier. Clé de Cartier in pink gold Chris Edwards: Pink gold is rich, warm and luxurious on its own, and when paired with a brown alligator strap it gains in texture and character. Natural linen also creates its own character over time, showcased with earthy warm tones in this summer look. RRP $25,100 Clé de Cartier in pink gold and steel CE: A steel bracelet is perfect for a smarter casual outfit. The touches of rose gold bring warmth to the overall aesthetic of the watch that would work well with a textured taupe sports jacket. RRP $13,600 Clé de Cartier in steel CE: The classic rule of accessorising is bouncing colours off each other. This coastal Amalfi…

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Hands-On: The Vacheron Constantin Harmony Complete Calendar, A New Complication Comes To The Harmony Collection

The release of 10, count ’em, 10 new references in the Vacheron Constantin Harmony collection gave us a chance to take a second look at the Harmony Chronograph – a flagship monopusher chronograph with an in-house movement, and some unusual and, we think, unique technical features. Most of the watches recently announced however have been essentially incrementally changed versions of existing watches. But there is one watch that is entirely new to the Harmony collection, and that’s the Harmony Complete Calendar.