FRIDAY WIND DOWN: Moser debuts new size, Czapek goes titanium, VIEREN brings Studio 54 vibes
Zach BlassTGIF! But before we all get some must needed R&R this weekend, especially with Watches & Wonders kicking off next week, there have been some interesting watch releases this week ahead of the biggest watch fair in the world – and from three independents no less! Let’s jump right into it.
H. Moser & Cie Pioneer debuts in new 40mm size
- First-ever 40mm cases to join the Pioneer collection (previously 42.8mm)
- One model is time only, the other a tourbillon, each using an “Arctic Blue” sunburst dial
- Both are cased in 120m water-resistant, stainless-steel cases
Price: Pioneer Centre Seconds Arctic Blue US$14,200 / Pioneer Tourbillon Arctic Blue US$54,900
Czapek unveils new Antarctique “Dark Sector” in titanium
- 40.5mm diameter, 10.6mm thick, 120m water-resistant titanium case
- Interchangeable strap system allows you to swap between titanium bracelet and rubber strap with ease
- Grey-coloured brass “Dark Sector” dial creates hour indices using the spaces between sectors
- Its name is inspired by the Dark Sector Labratory and telescopes at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
Price: CHF 32,000 (excl. VAT), limited production of 100 pieces per year
VIEREN brings 70s flare to 2023 with new “Gold Mirror”
- VIEREN is a new independent brand based in Toronto, CA
- The “Gold Mirror” is a special edition debuting new Stereo collection
- The Stereo collection draws design codes from vintage stereo systems and the Studio 54 era
- Majority of the watch gold-toned PVD steel, but the rehaut minutes track is fabricated in 18K gold
Price: US$5,250. Limited to only five units, and available exclusively on vieren.co
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Zach
Watch meme of the week: Oris bear meets Hollywood
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Genius, just genius as expected from watch meme legend @watchumor. If you do not get the joke, then you definitely need to watch the Cocaine Bear trailer – a film that, to be clear, does not actually have anything to do with Oris or their beloved mascot Oris bear.
Wrist shot of the week: Ke Huy Quan completes his redemption arc
Actor Ke Huy Quan was a household name as a child actor, joining Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and a cast member of cult-classic film The Goonies. But as time went on Quan would fade from the limelight unsure he would ever re-emerge in Hollywood. This is why those who tuned into the Oscars this past weekend were thrilled to see Quan, humble and with infectious genuine energy, take home the Oscar for best supporting actor for his performance in Everything, Everywhere, All at Once, which took home the prize for best picture. Throughout the evening you could spot the Omega watch on his wrist, but this particular shot of him kissing his Oscar is absolutely precious – his Omega Globemaster in full view.
Time+Tide Shop select of the week: Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer – Black
Irresistible neo-vintage style, bright colours and cutting-edge technology: the new Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer retains this vintage charm, and the addition of an extra time zone display propels it towards new horizons. Mido has used the latest technologies in their continual quest for excellence: Super-LumiNova®, a glassbox-style sapphire crystal, the formidable Calibre 80 with Nivachron™ balance-spring and GMT function, as well an easy-change additional strap. A starfish is engraved on the screw-down case back of this new model, which is water-resistant up to a pressure of 20 bar (200 m/660 ft).
You can purchase the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Worldtimer from the Time+Tide shop in black (here) and blue (here). Price: A$2,000
Our favourite Time+Tide coverage of the week:
Comedian Shane Gillis reveals Kid Rock loves pranking people by giving them fake watches
On a recent episode of The Bonfire podcast hosted by comedians Big Jay Oakerson and Dan Soder (who you can also see on Showtime’s Billions) their guest, comedian Shane Gillis, revealed a very elaborate watch prank that Kid Rock often plays on people that takes things to a whole other level. Read the full story here.
HANDS-ON: The new Girard-Perregaux Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin Edition has our hearts racing
Girard-Perregaux has just launched two new Laureato Aston Martin Edition watches in green ceramic. The 38mm size is limited to 188 pieces and the 42mm size 388 pieces. They cost US$25K and US$25.8K respectively – effectively half the price of a three-handed Royal Oak (which you cannot find in green ceramic). Considering the handsome distinct design, the price, and its limited quantity, we imagine this will sell out faster than its namesake on the road. Head here for our full hands-on review.
In conversation with Ariana DeBose, Oscar winner and Omega ambassador
Zach had the pleasure of spending time with academy award winner and Omega ambassador Ariana DeBose, where he, in a bit of an experiment, attempted to join the world of watches with the world of acting – drawing parallels he feels many of us all, whether collector or performer, can relate to. You can find his full conversation with Ariana here.