FRIDAY WIND DOWN: Norqain laces up for the New York marathon, AP releases new book, Hamilton event
Zach BlassBack in the saddle here in NYC, already missing Geneva, but fortunately there have been some exciting updates this week. Locally, Norqain has made moves here in New York – revealing a brand new partnership earlier this week.
Norqain is now the proud official timekeeper of the New York City Marathon and sponsor of the New York Road Runners (NYRR), a non-profit running organisation whose mission is to help and inspire people through running. These associations are very in line with the core values of the youthful and active brand that has a catalogue full of robust sports watches. After all, Norqain’s motto is “never rest”.
Norqain founder and CEO Ben Küffer explains: “Norqain and NYRR are a perfect match, and I am honoured that our brand can highlight the times of runners who travel from around the world to participate in these high-profile races. We share a passion for leading an active lifestyle and giving back, as well as a commitment to taking action to protect our planet and empower children. Our partnership with NYRR marks an exciting chapter in Norqain’s story.”
If running is not necessarily your jam and you prefer sinking into an armchair with a glass of pinot noir, then you may want to nestle up with the brand new book Royal Oak: From Iconoclast to Icon. AP teamed up with luxury publishing house Assouline to continue to celebrate the Royal Oak’s 50th anniversary with a dedicated book written by Bill Prince, the former deputy editor of British GQ. Audemars Piguet explains: “Royal Oak: From Iconoclast to Icon retraces how the Royal Oak created a stir upon its release in 1972 and in the decades that followed.” The Royal Oak is such an icon, we watch enthusiasts think we know everything there is to know about the reference and its legacy. But, the truth is, with 296 pages and 400 illustrations, there is plenty to be discovered in this must-have book for any watch lover. Price: $250 USD
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
– Zach
Watch meme of the week: Tool watch truth
Mechanical watches are rife with romanticism, and every now and again we need a meme like this to bring us back down to earth. Then again, while most of us are desk divers, rather than actual divers, it is still fun and alluring to know our timepieces are built to rise to the occasion if needed.
Wrist shot of the week: I would go to the moon and back for this watch…
No, it is not the depth of field or composition of the shot that earns it wrist shot of the week. Don’t get me wrong, it is a nice shot. But I am really awarding it the WSOTW because I simply love this watch – definitely on my grail list for sure. The super rare Rolex Space-Dweller is effectively a Rolex Explorer 1016, a watch I really dig, with a re-branded dial. After the Cosmograph Daytona failed to win NASA’s heart and business in space, it is said Rolex, in an attempt to try and maintain some sort of outer space connection, very briefly trialled rebranding Explorer watches as Space-Dwellers for the Japanese market. Therefore they are few and far between and serve as a rare symbol of the Crown’s failure to become NASA’s certified watch brand.
Calling all Hamilton fans!
The Time+Tide team is coming to Sydney on September 13 and we’ll be bringing some watches with us. Yes, we’re aware that you are scattered far and wide around Australia, but this may just be the hook to get you to time a trip to our nation’s second greatest city.
The reason? This year Time+Tide became the Authorised Dealer of Hamilton Watches in Australia. We love this brand and we want you to see why. We will have a selection of current Hamilton watches to try and purchase on the night. The idea is that it’s a roadshow of sorts – we’ll be open for business between 5:30pm and 8:30pm – drop in for a drink and do a dive into what Hamilton offers. Andrew, Pietro, Luke and Sean will be on hand to answer questions and wax lyrical.
Details:
Four Pillars Laboratory
“Eileen’s Bar”
410 Crown St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Date: Tuesday, September 13
Time: 5:30 pm Onwards
Plus ones: Encouraged!
We have a limited number of spots available, RSVP to [email protected] by September 11 to confirm your attendance. Also if there is a particular Hamilton model you’d like to see in the metal please include the reference number when you RSVP.
Time+Tide Shop select of the week: Isofrane and Tropic rubber straps
In the ’60s rubber straps emerged, but some available options were rather plasticky and became brittle over the course of wear. That is when ISOfrane came in and considered trying the rubber compound that is used by the automotive industry to manufacture tyres. Tyres are always exposed to heat, rain, ice and all types of chemicals on a daily basis and effortlessly shrug off the challenges. Fast forward to 2010, the Synchron Group brought back the world’s most famous rubber dive watch strap and ever since, ISOfrane has become an acronym for quality, durability and comfort of wear.
Trusted by the world’s most iconic dive watch manufacturers since the 1960s, Tropic remains the foremost tropic strap choice for discerning vintage or modern dive watch collectors. The brand’s story rose to legend in the mid-1960s as explorers, divers and outdoorsmen sought a sportier and more comfortable alternative to the traditional steel bracelets of the time. They found their answer in the super-soft, waterproof, and ultra-durable Tropic straps, which could be purchased as alternative OEM (Original Equipment Manufacture) watch straps from authorised retailers of the most iconic sports watch brands of the era.
Explore our selection here at the Time+Tide Shop.
Our favourite Time+Tide coverage of the week:
VIDEO: Geneva Watch Days ’22 – Wrapped!
If you have not already, you should definitely check out the above to see what it is like at Geneva Watch Days – visiting the brands, sample a little watch-porn, as well as some “man of the street” interviews with my colleagues in the industry.
INTRODUCING: Norqain impresses with the new Adventure Sport 37mm Limited Edition
Norqain breaks the mould. They continue to highlight what it is women really want in a watch. And if you want a clear example of this, their recent release, the Adventure Sport 37mm limited edition, is a perfect place to start. Click here for the full review.
INTRODUCING: The Ball Roadmaster Rescue Chronograph in Ice Blue
The Ball Roadmaster Rescue Chronograph may not be a piece of high-tech survival equipment, but it could potentially be vital in a life or death situation. If that’s not your concern though, it’s still an incredibly attractive watch in these new Ice Blue configurations. Check out the full introduction here.