Here’s Why a Watch Strap is More Than Just an Accessory – Reprise
A watch strap is the ubiquitous “accessory” to a wristwatch that can completely change a person’s feeling about said timepiece. A strap is the single most functional component on a wristwatch that you interact with. Joshua Munchow takes a closer look at why that is true.
Khanjar and Qaboos Rolexes: Are they the Vintage Watch Industry’s Blood Diamonds? (Updated with New Information) – Reprise
Increasing demand for timepieces, especially Rolexes, with the Omani emblem is understandable given the high quality, good condition, demonstrable provenance, and rarity of most of these watches, combined with the fact that they had often been presented to their first owners in the 1970s by Sultan Qaboos in person as a token of gratitude for services rendered. Colin Alexander Smith takes a very close look at the meaning behind these rare timepieces and in this updated version of the article debunks one theory behind the dial symbol.
Champagne Lallier: Getting into the Ground Floor Early
For champagne lovers, Ken Gargett recommends taking a look at the Lallier range. You might not be getting in right on the ground floor, but awfully close. And you’ll never regret it.
If Shoes Make the Man, then the Strap Must Make the Watch: Watchmaking and Leather, A Love Story – Reprise
Many premium watch brands look for that certain “extra element” to get ahead of the competition, and one hot item is straps. If it is true that shoes make the man, then the strap must make the watch.
Three Kinds of Blue: 3 Cool and Relatively Affordable Limited Edition Watches Under $3,000 from Seiko, Oris, and Union Glashütte – Reprise
For less than $3,000 you can get a pretty cool watch with an interesting story to tell. But which one: Japanese, German, or Swiss? Jan Lidmaňský highlights three possibilities from Seiko, Union Glashütte, and Oris.
HYT H2O reviewed by Tim Mosso: It looks Huge, but it merely wears Big
The HYT H2O sits like an agreeably secure sapphire tuna tin, even on smaller wrists. It looks huge, but it merely wears big. Tim Mosso takes a closer look.
Behind The Lens: Ming 20.01 Series 2 AgenGraphe Chronograph – Reprise
The Ming 20.01 Series 2 AgenGraphe Mosaic chronograph was only made in a series of eight prototypes for early backers of the brand. Happily for collectors including Chuck, a modified Series 2 version of the 20.01 did subsequently go into production, and thanks to his kindness GaryG is able to present it to you here.
Arcanaut Arc II Havender: Accidental Discovery, (Relatively) Affordable Luxury
Swedish blue mussels are not the typical material used to make a dial, but that’s what gives the Arcanaut Arc II Havender its unique color. And there’s more that makes this watch special.
John McGonigle Oileán H-B1 Triple Calendar Chronograph: I Don’t Know of a More Beautiful Complicated Movement Available for the Money – Reprise
In 2021, John McGonigle launched the H-B1, the first watch under his solo brand Oileán. It’s a beautifully hand-finished triple-calendar column wheel chronograph powered by a highly modified new-old stock Valjoux 88 movement. While not cheap, Ian Skellern thinks it’s the best value-for-money, exquisitely hand-finished, complicated watch he has ever seen.
Friendship and Watches: Chick-Lip!, a 23-Piece Limited Edition of Customized Vintage LIP watches as a gift for Friends
The 23 vintage LIP watches in this article are not for sale: they were made for friends and are based on wristwatches from the late 40s and early 50s from the LIP brand. Thomas Brechtel shares this story of passion.