FRIDAY WIND DOWN: Daniel Craig’s NTTD Seamaster up for auction, BioCeramic Fifty Fathoms prototype, and Horology Forum is coming to NYC
Zach BlassWelcome to the Friday Wind Down where we’re going to dig into some of the biggest watch news from the week.
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This morning Christie’s unveiled their “Sixty Years of Bond” charity auction, which they are presenting in partnership with EON Productions. The two-part charity sale will feature 60 lots (can you see what they did there) spanning the 25 Bond films with proceeds from the live and online auctions donated to 45 different charities. The catalogue includes the silver birch Aston Martin ‘DB5’ — the only DB5 stunt car to be released for sale. For watch lovers, however, the most notable lot will be the No Time To Die Seamaster 300M worn by Daniel Craig during his last outing as James Bond. You can read all about in our full story here.
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It was recently revealed in a Wired story, penned by Tim Barber, that BioCeramic prototypes of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and Omega Seamaster 300 exist, and were considered by Swatch Group boss Nick Hayek for release, before he moved onto the MoonSwatch concept. Can you imagine a FathomSwatch? More on this in a story coming soon.
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Last but not least, New Yorkers will be pleased to hear that the eighth edition of the Horology Forum presented by Dubai Watch Week will be held in New York City on September 24 and 25. The event will facilitate engagement between watch lovers and fashion experts with a curated set of activities and panel discussions. Dubai Watch Week explains: “Panel topics will include the current status of American watchmaking; the magic of collecting and the impact of NFTs in luxury products; the power of originality versus regurgitating designs; and much more.”
Previous panellists include Kevin O’Leary, co-founder of WatchBox Danny Govberg, actor and horologist Aldis Hodge, and Anish Bhatt of WatchAnish fame. To learn more about Horology Forum: ‘Moves New York’ you can head to the Dubai Watch Week website here.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend,
-Zach
Watch meme of the week: In love, or in like?
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With so many hype pieces and limited editions, it is tough to make a calculated decision with the thought of FOMO looming. Unfortunately we do not always have the time to patiently mull over a prospective watch purchase. This is why many collectors can relate to the idea that a purchase was due to infatuation – only to realise after it sits for weeks in a watch box unworn that it was actually more of an impulse. As this meme suggests, if you find yourself never wearing a watch after the honeymoon period, it is probably a sign that it may be time to move on and part with it. Just don’t make the mistake too often, otherwise you’re going to lose money down the line.
Wrist shot of the week: Rob rocks his Doxa
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Tiffany blue madness may have died down a bit, but Rob Velasquez makes a valid case for bringing the colour into your collection for summer. The gradients of blue – from the sky, to the river, to the watch – look impeccable against the backdrop of the NYC skyline and sunset.
Time+Tide Shop select of the week: Mido Ocean Star Tribute Gradient (Time+Tide Exclusive)
With subtle reference to the past, the Mido Ocean Star Tribute Swiss watch reinterprets the aesthetic codes of the diving models from the 1960s. It is fitted with the Caliber 80 automatic movement with up to 80 hours of power reserve, is water-resistant up to a pressure of 20 bar (200 m/656 ft) and features a unique strap offering maximum comfort. These new Mido Ocean Star Tribute Gradients are a Time+Tide exclusive. Read more about the watch here, or click to purchase below.
Price: $1,400 AUD (Time+Tide Shop Exclusive) Buy it now at the Time+Tide Shop.
| Brand | Mido |
| Model | Ocean Star Tribute |
| Reference Number | M026.830.17.421.00 (red gradient) M026.830.17.081.00 (grey gradient) |
| Case Dimensions | 40.5mm x 46.8mm x 13.7mm, 21mm lug width |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres |
| Dial | Red to black gradient Grey to black gradient |
| Crystal | Box domed sapphire |
| Strap | Tropic-style rubber strap |
| Movement | Mido Caliber 80, ETAC07.621 with 80-hour power reserve |
| Price | AU$1,400 |
Our favourite Time+Tide coverage of the week:
VIDEO: Speake-Marin makes waves with new Ripples watch
Previously, the Speake-Marin catalogue was limited to dressier timepieces outfitted on straps. Recently, however, Speake-Marin unveiled their first foray into the immensely popular integrated stainless-steel sports category with their new Ripples design. Watch the full hands-on video review above.
Anthony Bourdain: Chef, world traveller, punk rocker, watch collector
“Eat at a local restaurant tonight. Get the cream sauce. Have a cold pint at 4 o’clock in a mostly empty bar. Go somewhere you’ve never been. Listen to someone you think may have nothing in common with you. Order the steak rare. Eat an oyster. Have a negroni. Have two. Be open to a world where you may not understand or agree with the person next to you, but have a drink with them anyways. Eat slowly. Tip your server. Check in on your friends. Check in on yourself. Enjoy the ride.” – Anthony Bourdain
D.C. has compiled a full journey of the watches Bourdain wore over the years, you can read the full story here.
IN DEPTH: The Laco PRO Series lets you customise your ideal flieger pilot’s watch
When it comes down to wanting a flieger watch, everything is about the details. Do you want a smaller case? There are plenty of options from a bunch of brands. Left-handed crown? It’s rare, but not unheard of. A historical connection? Even then, there are five brands to choose from. The new Laco PRO Series is a revolutionary tool for those who want an authentic flieger experience without compromising their own personal tastes. With over 14,000 possible permutations, your perfect pilot can be just a few clicks away. Read Fergus’ full in-depth review here.