Microbrands vs. Independent Watchmakers: The Rise of (Relatively Affordable) Microbrands

/4 Comments/in , , , /by

In recent years, several factors have come together resulting in the exponential rise of microbrand watches. This new microbrand wave is one of the biggest developments in the broader watch market. I would mention here that not all microbrands are equal. There are many watches out there that, to be honest, are not worth your time. However, some microbrands are getting it right as Raman Kalra highlights here.

Read more
Tudor Heritage Black Bay Ref. 79230B on fabric strap

5 More Affordable Tool Watches I’d Buy if I Didn’t Want to Spring for a Rolex Submariner – Reprise

/2 Comments/in , , , /by

If John Keil was to recommend a brand-new functional diver’s watch to a friend who was looking to spend within a certain price range, these would be his suggestions. Or, more specifically, here is what he would purchase himself in a variety of price categories.

Read more
Ouchhh!!! This Rolex Submariner has seen better times

5 Unexpected Ways you Might Damage a Mechanical Watch

/2 Comments/in , , /by

Timepiece repairs can be expensive and often take a long time, so you generally want to avoid damaging a watch. Here John Keil lists five common things you may not be aware of that can damage a watch and how to prevent them.

Read more

Rolex Milgauss Review – The Most Underrated Rolex?

/17 Comments/in , , , /by

The Rolex Milgauss, despite being one of the longest-standing offerings by Rolex, remains one of Rolex’s more under-appreciated models. Having owned a black dial 116400GV since 2016, Raman Kalra shares his thoughts on why it’s worth your consideration.

Read more

Collector Commissions: Two Watches from Independent Torsti Laine for San Francisco’s 49 Crowns – Reprise

/1 Comment/in , , /by

The history of commissioned timepieces is a long and colorful one, but collector group commissions are perhaps a more recent phenomenon. GaryG recently met with Adam Eisendrath of San Francisco-based collectors 49 Crowns to learn more about the club and to check out two customized watches commissioned from Swiss-based Finnish independent Torsti Laine.

Read more

Crash Course In Flieger (Pilot) And B-Uhren (Navigator) Watches Covering Both Historic And Modern Examples: Pilot’s Watch Photofest! – Reprise

/0 Comments/in , , /by

The majority of today’s numerous flieger-style watches are inspired by the now-iconic German pilot’s and navigator’s watches of World War II, becoming a genre unto themselves. Bhanu Chopra flies high to take a deep dive into the long history of this popular style.

Read more

Visiting the Independents in Switzerland (with Live Photos): It’s All About the People (and Watches)

/2 Comments/in , , /by

So far in 2023, GaryG has traveled to Switzerland twice: once for the Watches and Wonders week, and again in June for a very special event. Here he focuses on the independents, starting with a sequential journey through his first trip.

Read more

Shopping Airports for a Luxury Watch: Customs, Duties, and Discounts Explained – Reprise

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Some people understand the benefits, limitations, and mechanics of duty-free shopping for a luxury watch at an airport: they know a deal when they see one. For these savvy individuals, shopping at the airport can and does make economic sense – sometimes. In this article Chris Malburg explains watch shopping at airports for the rest of us.

Read more
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Deepsea with helium escape valve

Deeper, Further, Faster: Why do Some Dive Watches have Helium Escape Valves? – Reprise

/1 Comment/in , , , /by

Humans have long had a fascination with the depths of the ocean, striving to go ever deeper, ever further, and ever faster by pushing the limits of the human body, technology, and advancing modern science. But like all things, we are often faced with limits. And the helium escape valve was invented to push one of those limits as watchmaker Ashton Tracy explains.

Read more

Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Review: THE Near-Perfect Swiss Watch and it’s Relatively Affordable

/5 Comments/in , , , /by

Tissot was a brand that Raman Kalra knew about and he often saw their watches, but they never really sparked any interest. Then the PRX was released, and he started to take an interest and took the plunge. As an owner here are his impressions of the Tissot PRX Powermatic 80.

Read more