Archive for August 2021
Bulova 214 Accutron Spaceview ‘Jumbo TV’
Back when science was sexy, Bulova challenged all of Switzerland with a tuning fork and some satellite-tech based advertising. Decades of R&D were poured into this project to ensure its durability and accuracy. Despite this, the original Accutron debuted in 1960 didn’t enjoy a particularly long-lived success, folding in the late 70s. However, in that…
Read MoreA Tasty, Taupe Enicar Sherpa Graph Mark IV
With the recent vintage value explosion of mainstream manufactures such as Rolex and Patek, collectors are increasingly peering into the more dimly lit corners of collecting for attainable and interesting watches. Enicar is one of those dark corners that, when observed closely, you find to actually be a hallway with other rooms attached. The recent…
Read MoreJaeger-Lecoultre E855 Memovox Parking Alarm Dial
In the late 1960s, chronographs were a thing of purpose. The general public did not enjoy a screw-down pusher. However, increasingly, people had need to time specific intervals with precision. The egg-timer variety of alarm complication was growing in popularity and JLC saw fit to bring it to the people’s wrists. However, they didn’t stop…
Read MoreSleeper: Breguet 3237 Chronograph in White Gold
I abhor even mentioning the watch market predictions. Sapphire crystals do not double as crystal balls and even the dark arts of auction witchcraft can’t push valuations massively. At a push, I may hint that I consider vintage Movado to currently present very strong value. However, today I’ll make an exception. Right alongside Movado, in…
Read More1665 DRSD with a Brilliant Tropical Dial
The simple shift of tone from black to brown is enough to do strange things to my soul. This early Sea-Dweller was born of necessity for saturation diving work in collaboration with Comex. The reference see before you dates to the very start of that collaboration (patent pending backs predate it, a fact often confused).…
Read MoreDouble-Signed Universal Genève 21319 Monodate
When one goes deep into Universal, peers beyond the Polerouter, and creeps past the Clapton, other beautiful references await as reward. Among them, the debonair, thin, manual-winder that is the Monodate. With its face bearing a striking resemblance to the PP Calatrava, the 21319 is an extremely restrained dress piece. Three-handers are a timeless aesthetic.…
Read MoreQuintessential Modern QP: AP Royal Oak White 25820ST Perpetual
I have been accused once or twice of showing my vintage feed favoritism. This is perhaps fair, I do find myself drawn to bit a tritium, manual chronographage (that’s a word, just invented it), and acrylic crystal. However, I love modern watchmaking. An enduring favorite of mine within the genre is AP’s Royal Oak QP.…
Read MoreLip Genève Valjoux 7730 Diving Chronograph
A watch need be nothing more than a simple delight to win my love. Sure technical sophistication and precious metals are great, but occasionally pure charm is more than enough. Once-large French watchmaker Lip are probably most famed for their very colorful chronographs, shouty divers, or double-signed Breitlings. The brand was intended to slot just…
Read MoreGirard-Perregaux 6083 Triple Calendar
If one were ever in doubt that Girard Perregaux has pedigree, I dare venture to say this 6083 Triple Calendar would quell doubt. Though today the manufacture is mostly leaning solely on its Laureato to sustain interest, their back catalogue is extremely diverse. This 1940s triple calendar presents gold feuille hands, applied breguet numerals, railroad…
Read MoreNAAFI 105.012 ‘Wide T’ Speedmaster
Though not issued, this 105.012 saw a life of service. This 321 powered, CB-asymmetric-cased Speedmaster saw its way through the British Government’s Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes after manufacture. The NAAFI provided recreational outlets and sold goods at discount to servicemen of the British Armed Forces. Though the watch is possibly less collected than…
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