The ‘snowflake’ sub is increasingly a classic. It’s like a 5513, but you’d have to actually be into watches to either own or notice one. That obscurity, when tethered to real watchmaking and history, is charm I go weak for. However, lemon-lume 9411s and MN milsubs are growing more expensive...

The Polerouter is probably the best entry point into our addiction. The model offers incredible breadth, engineering innovation across multiple fronts, and Genta design all at a not-yet-absurd entry point. The Polerouter was released in honor of a first flight over the North Pole, hence the title. More impressive, however,...

Dress pieces don’t come much more delicate than this humble but beautiful VC. The oldest running Swiss watch manufacture was just clawing back its territory in the early 90s after the quartz crisis. It did so with the 222/Overseas, a few classic chronographs, and a swathe of extremely elegant dress...

Certina has a varied history with many high points. At various intervals they have been a movement manufacture and later full watch manufacture. In the early 60s, Certina went wild for the dive watch. In truth, almost everyone went wild for the dive watch. But Certina did so with daring,...

The modern standard for the pilot has been set by the IWC mark series. From the original X & XIs on the wrist of RAF pilots to the clean design of the XV, the model has seen a slow evolution always fit to purpose. This is a tool watch. But...

When you think of Cartier watches, you probably imagine Jacqueline Kennedy and her tank. At a stretch, your mind may run to the crash or new asymetrique. What you almost certainly do not immediately imagine is a Cartier Paris Collection Privée (CPCP). Yet, if you’re reading this blog, you should....

If you were to press me to name the ultimate Universal chronograph, I would struggle but ultimately crown the 881101 ‘Eric Clapton’. However, for fun, wrist presence, and off-brand moonwatch vibes, you really can’t compete with this close second—the bizarre and beautiful Space-Compax. Origin and purpose of the Space-Compax remain...

Creating an icon is no easy task. AP, Patek, and Vacheron succeeded in this some 40 years ago. This holy trinity (a term created by AP, Patek, and Vacheron to describe the Royal Oak, Nautilus, and 222/Overseas) saw a rise to fame in the years after their introduction. All three...

Grand Seiko is all the rage right now. The horological enthusiast’s darling brand is enjoying a new found and well-deserved appreciation from the community at large. The SBGA211 snowflake is certainly almost entirely responsible for that reputation. Simply, there is not a more gorgeous dial with a more innovative movement...

Aviator’s chronographs are certainly some of the more sought-after pieces in military collecting. The humble complication is a tool with an important purpose in aviation, but still useful outside of it. Lemania, in collaboration with Omega and Tissot, created some of the most robust, widespread military chronographs. Also, arguably, some...

Give me alpha hands, a dot over 90, caliber 321 and I’m a happy man. However, when you add an interesting history I’m not happy, I’m obsessed. This 2998 is simply as good as they come for me. I don’t look for pristine safe queens or box and papers. I...

I know it wasn’t first on top of Everest and I know shouldn’t really consider paying double for a slightly altered dial. Yet, here I am. Ten small years into this hobby and the #rolexero have me convinced that this is a gorgeous practical daily that I must own one...

I find that, when I really try, I can make the case for almost any watch as a value proposition. It is a skill carefully honed over many years of convincing significant others that watches are investments—they arent—to justify absurd purchases. However, in the case of the Mark 4.5, I...

If the JJ Abrams generation of stormtrooper were a watch, this Ming would be it. It’s a modern throwback, back and white, and mean yet cute. While Ming hasn’t really been slow to evolve, I don’t think any of us really saw a dive watch coming last year. The release...

Did you miss out on that ultra, ultra rare Yves Klein RO I featured a few weeks ago? Well, fate and K2 Luxury have smiled upon your downtrodden spirits. This modern and quite rare 26613ST surfaced in the secondary market yesterday, call it your shot at redemption. It’s like the...

Although there is an almost revolting lack of diversity across all axes in watchmaking, there is a surprisingly broad diversity of watches. One of the great joys of collecting is learning more about all the deep niches peppered throughout the vintage market. One of my fascinations is mechanical alarms. I...

There are a lot superlatives on this site, I know. But that’s what happens when you strive to feature the best things from all over the market. Let me add to that collection today, because this is the greatest Tudor chronograph reference of all time. The Home Plate is one...

I once had the absolute best curry I’ve ever had in my life, in Glasgow. This is not entirely relevant, I am aware. However, Glasgow struck me in my time there as a town very much on the up and up. It felt like what Detroit should be today, a...