FRIDAY WIND DOWN: Omega tops Rolex, JLC collectibles and another release from Grand Seiko
Zach BlassAnother week, another weekly round up. If the brands keep bringing it, I will keep summing up the highlights. Here we go!
Omega oust Rolex with brand new technology that promises 0/+2 second accuracy a day
- New Spirate™ System debuts new hairspring with ultra-fine 0/+2 regulation capability
- The system debuts in new Speedmaster Super Racing watch
- Its usage beyond the Super Racing is planned, but consumers will need to wait for new calibres – not just new watches.
Read more about the new Omega Spirate™ System here.
JLC launches curation program, selling certified and in-house restored collector-grade watches
- “The Collectibles” program offers a curated collection of historic JLC models
- The program is ongoing, starting off with an initial capsule collection of 12 timepieces
- Each watch is vetted by JLC’s experts, and fully serviced and restored by their in-house restoration workshop
Learn more about the new Jaeger-LeCoultre “The Collectibles” program here.
Grand Seiko now has a standard production Lake Suwa watch
- Grand Seiko has issued a standard production Lake Suwa sequel to the limited edition SLGA007, the new SLGA021
- Includes an Evolution 9 case and bracelet, 9RA2 5-day Spring Drive calibre, Lake Suwa textured dial.
- The SLGA021 dial is darker than the previous SLGA007, and also does not use golden-toned hand and logo like the SLGA007.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Zach
Watch meme of the week: Tick the right boxes
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Unless your marriage is at risk – and even then you are at risk of losing your watch-geek card – NEVER TOSS THE BOX AND PAPERS! It is amazing how with any other product these disposable items typically have no value to us. I threw my PS5 box out the first day, but the box and papers I have for my watches are for life – such is the nature of hardcore collecting.
Wrist shot of the week: 10 out of 10(16)
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One benefit of having Ricardo at my side, checking out and shooting incoming watches, is the fact I can ask him to take a quick snap of one of my own. While I cannot show you what we shot earlier this week, man do I love his capture of my recent-to-the-collection Rolex Explorer 1016. It is apparently the era of the “nepo-baby”, so I am abusing my power and taking the wrist shot of the week. You can learn more about how this ’67 Explorer came into my collection here.
Time+Tide Shop select of the week: Hamilton Jazzmaster Face-2-Face III Limited Edition
Blending the unconventional and the classic, the Jazzmaster Face-to-Face III is the epitome of double-faced excellence. This Limited Edition of 999 pieces features a reversible case with two dials – one a time-telling face comprising chronograph functions, the other featuring measurement scales and an exhibition movement. Paired with a patina-look brown leather strap, the Jazzmaster Face-to-Face III rewrites the rules by fitting out-of-the-box innovation into a more traditional watch design.
The Hamilton Jazzmaster Face-2-Face III is limited to 999 pieces worldwide, and is exclusive in Australia to the Time+Tide store here. Price: US$2,995 / A$4,750
| Brand | Hamilton |
| Model | Jazzmaster Face-2-Face III |
| Case Dimensions | 44mm x 17.25mm x 50mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Grey / skeleton |
| Lug Width | 22mm |
| Strap | Brown leather strap with blue stitching |
| Movement | H-41 (ETA 7750 base) |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Availability | Limited to 999 pieces |
| Price | US$2,995 / A$4,750 |
Our favourite Time+Tide coverage of the week:
HANDS-ON: Hublot’s revival of the OG Classic Fusion is already good. Here’s how it could be great…
Italians have long been trendsetters in the watch world, and Carlo Crocco, who founded Hublot in 1980, was no exception. Crocco had the foresight to debut a first for the watch industry, pairing a precious metal watch with a rubber strap. Hublot walked the walk, paving the way for brands like Richard Mille to run with luxury watches on rubber. And in honour of this founding and gamechanging design, Hublot has debuted a new Classic Fusion Original that pays tribute to the Classic Original of 1980. Check out our hands-on review of the new Classic Fusion Original Collection here.
INTRODUCING: The Depancel Tangerine belongs to a tribe called zest
Last year was a big year for Depancel, and 2023 is already getting off to a great start. The first Depancel Serie-A Allure was launched after crowdsourcing the design choices, resulting in a watch that guaranteed an adoring audience instantly. Some 500 pieces were made and sold, increasing the brand’s upwards trajectory and inspiring further exploration of the Serie-A Allure lineage. Depancel have now unveiled their ultra-limited edition of the Serie-A Allure with vibrant new colours, known simply as “The Tangerine”. Head here for the full story.
THE IMMORTALS – The Chopard Alpine Eagle is a luxurious remix of an ’80s classic
Integrated-bracelet luxury sports watches aren’t going anywhere, and more high-end manufacturers are getting into the game. Or getting back into it, as is the case with Chopard. Their modern-day classic, the Chopard Alpine Eagle, launched in 2019, has proven to be their biggest hit in recent memory, and it’s easy to see why. This latest installment of D.C.’s THE IMMORTALS can be found right here.