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Best Super NEWS Watches
Subscribe to the show: (Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn). Already heard it once or twice? Please leave a short review here, and tell us which guests we should have on! There are certain people you come to associate with certain places. And these days, I have a hard time going to Los Angeles without seeing Dave Park. Though he's originally from the Bay Area, Dave has been in LA for decades now and, as a partner and agent at United Talent Agency, he's a fixture in the modern Hollywood landscape. We caught up on my last trip out west to talk about how he ended up in the entertainment industry, what he does as an agent specializi...
Auctions: Anthony Bourdain's Watch Collection Is Up For Sale
Anthony Bourdain's watch collection is currently available online at iGavel Auctions (through October 30th), and scrolling through the lots noting reference numbers and checking the latest bids feels voyeuristic. An enthusiast's collection is sacrosanct and often private C?watches can mark some of life's most intimate moments as well as its darkest times. They're on our wrist for it all. And I'm sure in the case of Bourdain, every single one of his pieces has an incredible story attached to it that we'll probably never know. If he'd been a guest on Talking Watches, I suspect he'd have told us, with a great sense of modesty, that it's ridiculous to fawn over his collection; that these watches...
Bring a Loupe: An Enicar Sherpa Graph, A Breitling Top Time, And A Rolex Sub Ref. 5513
There's a bit of a theme to this week's roundup, and if you're fond of black-dial-fitted sports watches, you're sure to enjoy what's in store. From gilt dial Submariners to a clean complete example of Vacheron Constantin's 222, big brands are represented. At the slightly more obscure end of the spectrum, there's a Bond-associated Breitling that's deserving of more attention, along with an Enicar made famous by Formula 1 driver Jim Clark. For good measure, there's an horological objet d'art of sorts, which ought to impress those with an affinity for Patek Philippe. Without delay, let's dive in.? 1965 Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 Kicking thin...
Sunday Rewind: The Grand Seiko SBGA211 'Snowflake' Is Cool As Ice
Watches from Grand Seiko are all about the details. Razor-sharp hands, beautifully polished accents, and eye-catching dials that mix texture and color to unique and wonderful effect, these are the things that set Grand Seiko apart. With our man Jack Forster headed to London and Glasgow to host a pair of hangouts with Grand Seiko this coming week, we figured it was a good chance to look back at his exceedingly detailed look at the Grand Seiko Spring Driver SBGA211, aka, the Snowflake.? Published two years ago this past Friday, this Week On The Wrist takes a close look at a banner model within the Grand Seiko family. Known as...
Introducing: The Ulysse Nardin Hourstriker Phantom, A Collaboration With Devialet
Ulysse Nardin has specialized in creating a number of unusual watches over the last few decades. The most visible is probably the Freak, which began as a revolutionary one-off timepiece and became a platform for experiments in materials science and escapement design which continue to this day. But the company has also produced exotic astronomical complications (the Trilogy of Time watches remain, since the first came out in 1985, some of the most interesting astronomical watches ever designed) and as well, has produced chiming watches. In the latter category, the firm made a name for itself with its repeaters and hour-striking watches, and its latest hour striker, which is produced as a coll...
Announcements: Omega Opens New Museum In Biel, Switzerland
In 2019, the watch world turned its focus to one major part of Omega's history in watchmaking and how it intersects with space exploration and popular culture (which you can read all about here and here). But as you start looking closer at this brand, it isn't long before you notice that the lunar landing, NASA, and the Speedmaster Professional are just a part of Omega's story. Since 1984, the company has operated a museum, which is open to the public and gathers together many of the most important watches and ephemera from major moments in it's illustrious past.?Under the direction of Omega expert Petros Protopapas, the Omega museum is easily among the most comprehensive and immersive watch...
Historical Perspectives: Remembering The Watches And Legacy Of Cosmonaut Alexey Leonov
Russian Cosmonaut Alexey Leonov passed away last week at 85 years old. He was known to the larger world as the first man to exit a spacecraft in low earth orbit and enter the vacuum of space, otherwise known as a spacewalk. Later in his career he would command the Soviet side of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (with General Tom Stafford heading things up from the American side). This legendary rendezvous in space between a Soviet Soyuz 19 capsule and an American Apollo command and service module occurred in 1975, and marked not only the end of the Space Race, but a momentary lapse in Cold War tensions. Nixon and Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin had signed an agreement in Moscow just three years e...
Introducing: The Zenith El Primero One-Off In Platinum For Phillips
It's been a big year for watch anniversaries, right? The Monaco, the Moon landing, automatic chronographs, quartz. Am I missing something?? The celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Zenith El Primero began back in January with a limited edition boxed set and has continued steadily since. At Baselworld we saw a trio of A386 tribute watches that retain the original three-color dials but introduce yellow, white, and rose gold cases (each is limited to a fitting 50 pieces). A few months later we got a heritage-focused take on the El Primero A384, with its more architectural case and black-and-white dial. Since then, we've also seen the Chronomaster El Primero C....
Breaking News: SIHH Rebrands As Watches & Wonders Geneva, Will Hold Public Events In City Center
In an announcement reflecting the shifting landscape of watch industry trade shows, the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) said this morning that the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) will henceforth be known as Watches & Wonders Geneva. This name should be familiar to watch enthusiasts, who have seen incarnations of this show in Hong Kong and, more recently, in Miami. "Watches & Wonders is a global concept that celebrates fine watchmaking worldwide, with Geneva as its first destination," the press release says.?Following on the last few editions of the SIHH, which have sought to engage the public and not just the watch industry, the FHH seems to want to continue ...
Introducing: The IWC Pilot's Watch Timezoner Chronograph Edition '80 Years Flight To New York'
In July of 1939, the largest aircraft built in France at the time took flight. The Latcore 521 was destined for New York City, its first transatlantic crossing. On board was Antoine de Saint-Exupry, the author of The Little Prince. It was in New York that Saint-Exupry would write the famous children's book. IWC is tipping its proverbial hat to the transatlantic voyage that paved the way for Saint-Exuprys success as not only a pilot, but also an author, with the launch of the 80Y Timezoner Chronograph Edition. The flight took 28 hours a...
Auctions: Three Things To Consider At The Upcoming Geneva Sales
We are still a few weeks away from the Geneva fall auction season C also known as the most exciting time of the year if you're a vintage watch lover. When perusing the catalogs this past week, I noticed a few things C?a few things I thought might be worth mentioning here as we gear up for more dedicated coverage in the coming weeks. 1) The most expensive watch of the entire season has an insane estimate, and it's also NOT listed in the Geneva catalog. This ref. 2523 is the top-estimated lot of the whole auction season. Christie's sent out a press release detailing the two tops lots for its fall sea...
Introducing: The Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Pont des Amoureux
If you aren't familiar with Van Cleef & Arpels, then it's time to brush up on your haute joaillerie & horlogerie knowledge. But to keep the boat moving, I'll sum it up for you in brief C Van Cleef & Arpels makes some of the most interesting, unusual, and visually intricate watches currently in production. While fairies, flowers, and butterflies are their thing (and not for everyone), there is something magical about what VC&A does that any true horology nut can appreciate. Take their enameling department: They have 20 dedicated enamelers in their manufacture, all hard at work creating little miniature masterpieces. And they don't hold back from pushing the limits in the movem...
Phillips has announced that it will hold a new show called "Swatch, The All It Takes Is The Will To Do It Exhibition," and when I saw the email, it really put a smile on my face. I am a huge vintage Swatch fan, and anyone who follows me on Instagram will know I have a particular penchant for the original 1992 chronographs such as the White Horses and Flash Arrow. They are, to my mind, the ultimate non-compete watch. I mean, a 5711 is mega, but a dude rocking a 1992 Rollerball chrono C thats next level. It is all about fun and the joy of design. Those dials! Come on, there just isn't anything quite like them any more.? Bunnysutra ...
Introducing: The Tissot Gentleman With Powermatic Movement
The new Tissot Gentleman is a straightforward timepiece. The basic idea behind it is uncomplicated C make a versatile, wear-everywhere watch that is as easy on the wallet as you can make it, give it some additional technical features that set it apart from other watches in its price category, and use design cues associated with much more expensive C and much harder to get C watches from a very recognizable company.? The Gentleman is a 40mm watch that is launching in several versions in the U.S. market; there will be black, blue, and white dial models, and it's going to be offered on both a steel bracelet with polished center link...
That time of the week has come once again, and the roundup is just as good as you'd expect. Kicking things off is a striking Pre-Moon Speedmaster Professional, followed by the single coolest Patek Philippe we've encountered in a long while. Scroll down, and you'll be pointed in the direction of an uncommon world time watch from Breitling. Those who enjoy the occasional "fun" piece will appreciate the rally-bezel-fitted Zodiac Sea Wolf, along with an automatic example of a Keith Haring-designed Swatch, in new-old-stock condition, complete with the original box. It's temptation time!? Omega Speedmaster Ref. 145.022-69 ...
Happenings: David Walter To Lecture At The Horological Society Of New York
What does it mean to be independent in the world of horology? There are many answers to this question, from brands that are vertically integrated, to smaller companies with limited production. The strictest definition is one watch or clock maker, working alone to make their own timepieces. At the November 4, 2019, meeting of the Horological Society of New York, David E. Walter will lecture on his experiences working as an independent horologist. Walter certainly meets the strict definition of an independent horologist. A Liveryman of London's Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, Walter lives and works in Santa Barbara, California. From Perth to London, Vienna to Perth, then to California, Walt...
HODINKEE Radio: Episode 62: Talking Auctions With Eric Ku And A First Look At Only Watch 2019
Subscribe to the show: (Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn). Already heard it once or twice? Please leave a short review here, and tell us which guests we should have on! Auction season is fast approaching. Ben gave us some of his thoughts last week, but we thought it would be fun to do a HODINKEE Radio episode themed around the upcoming sales. At the center of this, we've got our first ever repeat HODINKEE Radio guest: Eric Ku, the well-known collector and dealer, was our guest way back on Episode 5, and on a recent trip to San Francisco James and I sat down with him to talk about how the vintage watch market has evolved over t...
Last week, HODINKEE traveled to London and Glasgow to join Grand Seiko's UK team, as well as Grand Seiko chief designer, Mr. Nobuhiro Kosugi, for presentations centered around the evolution of the 44GS from its beginnings in 1967, down to the reintroduction of a new, updated version of the 44GS case in 2013. The Grand Seiko team from Japan were almost unable to join us thanks to the landfall of Typhoon Hagibis, which was one of the most powerful typhoons to strike Japan in decades, but Mr. Kosugi and his colleagues managed to find alternate routes for flights and arrived in the nick of time.? Despite the long and arduous journey, Mr. Kosugi enthusiastically and e...
Sunday Rewind: The Man Who Saved The El Primero
While the Swiss watch industry may often appear to move at a glacial pace, survival within such an environment is far from guaranteed. As such, when a watch, or even a movement, manages to persist despite the ebb and flow of time the resulting success story is often highlighted by wise advocacy and no small amount of luck. In this post from three years ago, we meet Charles Vermot - the man who saved the El Primero (and quite possibly the whole of zenith).? The El Primero chronograph movement is Zenith's most well-known contribution to the watchmaking landscape. Originally launched in 1969, the El Primero is a high beat auto...
Photo Report: A Look Inside New York City's Secret Vintage Rolex Meet-Up
This past weekend, the world's top vintage Rolex collectors and enthusiasts descended on New York City for a clandestine meeting of the minds. Dubbed "Rolliefest," this wasn't the kind of watch gathering you could just show up to, hoping to swap stories and handle some beautiful wares. The event was invite-only, held in an undisclosed midtown Manhattan hotel, and even when you showed up you were greeted by a sign ushering you to a "Real Estate Investors' Convention." The event was organized by known watch collector and Phillips watch consultant Geoff Hess (@manhattanrollie on Instagram) in collaboration with the Phillips Watch Department. And they were not messing around.Over 100 collectors ...