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If you have been immersed in the world of horology before, then you have probably come across several creations and terms that hail solely from Rolex. For instance, the Swiss luxury watch brand is the only watchmaker to patent its own brand of stainless steel, which is catchily known as Oystersteel. Another notable illustration would be the clever nicknames that are frequently given to Rolex watches, with famous examples such as the Rolex Coke, Rolex Smurf, and Rolex Starbucks.  In this article, we will be delving into an iconic Rolex design, this time associated with the oldest tennis tournament worldwide: the Rolex Wimbledon Dial. The Rolex Wimbledon Dial refers to a specific type of dial design, which gained its nickname as a byproduct of the close ties and partnership between Rolex and Wimbledon. Since the prestigious Wimbledon tournament perfectly matches the reputable status of Rolex, the Rolex Wimbledon Dial is undoubtedly an interesting subject to explore.  In this article, let us get to know more about the rich history of the Rolex Wimbledon Dial and some of the premium timepieces that have come to bear this unique, exclusive dial design.  History of the Rolex Wimbledon Dial Image by: Rolex Rolex and tennis have long been tied to each other, ever since the brand embarked on its official partnership with the Wimbledon Championships in 1978. Since then, as the Wimbledon Championships’ official timekeeper, Rolex has borne witness to the iconic triumphs of remarkable tennis players worldwide in the most reputable tennis tournament ever.  Many of the world’s most famous tennis players have made their name on the Wimbledon courts, under Rolex’s watchful eye. To name a few, there is Martina Navratilova, the player to have won the most Wimbledon titles in women’s singles, Serena Williams, and of course, the notable athlete with the most Wimbledon titles in men’s singles, Roger Federer. Rolex Wimbledon Dial: Rolex Datejust II The first Rolex Wimbledon Dial was introduced in 2009, through the Rolex Datejust II Ref. 116333. Much as how a huge number of Rolex timepieces got their catchy nicknames, it was actually Rolex connoisseurs and tennis fans themselves that came up with this memorable moniker. The dial of the Rolex Datejust II Ref. 116333 came to be known as the Rolex Wimbledon Dial because it came in a colorway that was deeply reminiscent of the Wimbledon tennis court itself.  Priced at $14,000 USD, the Rolex Datejust II Ref. 116333 was an impeccable dress watch. It was suited not just to Rolex and tennis fans, but also to folks who were on the hunt for the perfect beginner Rolex watch. The fact that this 41mm Rolex Wimbledon Dial watch did not have an overly exorbitant price, unlike many other luxury pieces from Rolex, was crucial. Its relative affordability made it extremely popular with many watch buyers, particularly tennis fans, globally.  Rolex Wimbledon Dial: Rolex Datejust 41 Image by: Rolex 2016 marked the beginning of the transition from the Rolex Datejust II series to the Rolex Datejust 41 collection. This newer roster of Rolex Datejust watches came in a slimmer, sportier build and was powered by a brand-new, high-tech caliber.  In the same year, the brand also released a new version of the Rolex Wimbledon Dial: the Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126303. Today, this is one of the many references which house a Rolex Wimbledon Dial. This includes other models such as the Rolex Datejust 41. Ref. 126331, Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126333, and more, which we will go through in greater detail later in the article.  At present, Rolex Wimbledon Dials do not only come in 41mm case sizes. They are also offered in smaller 36mm case diameters, which is a case size patterned after the original Rolex Datejust. These smaller watches with Rolex Wimbledon Dials include the Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126234 and the Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126200. The current lineup of Rolex Wimbledon Dial timepieces also offers you a choice between a Jubilee bracelet or an Oyster bracelet.  Over the years, the Rolex Wimbledon Dial has garnered immense popularity. It even tripled its already considerable acclaim in 2017, when Roger Federer wore a Rolex Wimbledon Dial watch at the awarding ceremony for his eighth Wimbledon title. Indeed, the Rolex Wimbledon Dial is a treasure to keep and worthy of being included in anyone’s growing watch collection.  Distinctive Features of the Rolex Wimbledon Dial Image by: Rolex One look at the Rolex Wimbledon Dial, and you will immediately recognize it, thanks to two of its distinctive features. These are its slate gray dial and its green Roman numeral markers.  Slate Gray Dial The Rolex Wimbledon Dial is a slate gray dial with a beautiful sunburst finish. Almost all Rolex Wimbledon Dials share the same gray colorway and brushed sunburst finish. This is also the version of the Rolex Wimbledon Dial that is most popular with watch enthusiasts.  However, there are other, rare Rolex Wimbledon Dial variants that show off a darker gray hue. One example is the Rolex Datejust II Ref. 116334.  Green Roman Numerals The lustrous, slate gray Rolex Wimbledon Dial is also ornamented with vivid green Roman numeral markers, which stand out in stark contrast. These rich green applique hour indices bear a striking similarity to the green grass of Wimbledon’s tennis courts. It also matches the shade of one of the tournament’s official colors, the “Wimbledon Green”. In fact, these green Roman numerals are the primary reason why this dial design is referred to as the Rolex Wimbledon Dial.  Rolex Wimbledon Dial Watches Here are some of the best Rolex Wimbledon Dial watches available in the market right now. Check them out and see if any of them are worthy of being included in your collection! 1. Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126303-0019 For the first Rolex Wimbledon Dial watch, take a look at the Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126303-0019. This Rolesor piece is most famous for being worn by Roger Federer at his Wimbledon awarding ceremony in 2017. As such, the Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126303-0019 not only shows off the gorgeous aesthetics of the Rolex Wimbledon Dial, but also has a renowned association with the prominent athlete.  This emblematic watch is presented in a 41mm case crafted from a mix of Oystersteel and yellow gold. This is paired with a two-tone Oyster bracelet, giving the watch a very consistent, luxurious style. Affixed to the top of the watch case is a smooth, thick yellow gold bezel, which guards the watch face from any impacts. This watch also houses the iconic Rolex Wimbledon Dial, with its beautiful slate gray finish. It is furnished with bold green Roman numeral markers, blunt yellow gold hands and a rectangular marker at 9 o’clock that is also outlined in yellow gold. A magnified date window also sits at 3 o’clock.  This Rolex Datejust 41 watch runs on the Rolex Caliber 3235. Made up of 31 jewels, this self-winding movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and offers a stellar power supply of 70 hours.  The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126303-0019 has a price tag of $15,400 USD.  2. Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126234-0045 If you want a more professional and less showy Rolex Wimbledon Dial watch, then the Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126234-0045 is the perfect answer. This watch is encased in a slimmer 36mm White Rolesor case, made from a combination of white gold and the brand’s patented Oystersteel material. Seated on top of the watch face is a lovely fluted bezel made of 18K white gold, which adds to this watch’s refined profile. The Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126234-0045 is also paired with a five-link Jubilee bracelet, which enhances its classy stature.  This watch’s slate gray dial is decorated with thick green Roman numeral markers, luminous blunt hands, and a rectangular hour index lined with white gold at 9 o’clock. At 3 o’clock, you can also find a date display with a Cyclops lens.  Underneath this watch face lies an in-house Rolex Caliber 3235. As one of Rolex’s most recent, powerful calibers, this is an automatic movement fitted with 31 jewels. It offers an excellent power reserve of 70 hours.  The ​​Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126234-0045 is worth around $14,000 USD. 3. Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126333-Grey-R-O For another magnificent Rolesor piece, check out the Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126333-Grey-R-O. This two-tone watch utilizes a 41mm case and an Oyster bracelet, both of which are made from Oystersteel and 18K yellow gold. Placed on top of the case is an elegant, fluted bezel which is crafted from the same yellow gold material as the watch’s crown. This bezel is enclosed around a layer of sapphire crystal, which protects the dial from any scratches or impacts.  This watch’s Wimbledon Dial shows off the classic combination of rich green Roman numerals against a brushed, sunburst gray backdrop. It is also filled with blunt hands made of yellow gold, a luminous hour index at 9 o’clock, and a magnified date aperture at 3 o’clock.  Driving this timepiece is the in-house Rolex Caliber 3235. It boasts an outstanding power rating of 70 hours and has an excellent precision rate of +/-2 seconds per day. In addition, this watch is also water-resistant up to depths of 100 meters, which is quite impressive for a dress watch.  You can buy the Rolex Datejust 41 126333-Grey-R-O for approximately $19,100 USD. 4. Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126303-0020 We previously mentioned how there are some Rolex Wimbledon Dial variants which show off a slightly darker gray finish, and here, we have our first example. The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126303-0020 sports a 41mm Oystersteel and 18K yellow gold case. It is coupled with a Jubilee bracelet which has luxurious 18K yellow gold inner links and Oystersteel outer links. On top of the case, you can also find a yellow gold bezel which is embellished with a smooth, polished finish. The watch’s Wimbledon Dial comes in a dark gray sunray finish. It is adorned with rich green Roman numerals in a thick font and blunt yellow gold hands. You can also find a magnified date complication at 3 o’clock, along with the iconic Rolex crown logo in yellow gold at 12 o’clock.  Like the previous Rolex Wimbledon Dial offerings, this watch is powered by an in-house Rolex Caliber 3235. This self-winding movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and possesses a whopping 70-hour power rating. It also has an exceptional accuracy rate of -2/+2 seconds per day. The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126303-0020 retails at $19,200 USD. 5. Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126200-0017 On the hunt for an entry-level Rolex Wimbledon Dial piece? You might like the Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126200-0017. This timepiece uses a 36mm Oystersteel case with a matching Oystersteel Jubilee bracelet. With its slim profile, this watch fits very nicely on those who have smaller and more slender wrists.  Arranged on the watch’s slate gray dial are luminous silver-tone hands, green Roman numerals, and a magnified date display at 3 o’clock. This dial is encompassed by a smooth Oystersteel bezel, which also holds a layer of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal in place. This sapphire crystal helps to guard the watch face from any external damage.  Ticking inside this watch is the in-house Rolex Caliber 3235 movement. Held together by 31 jewels, it delivers a 70-hour power supply and is accurate to +/-2 seconds per day.  The Rolex Datejust 36 Ref. 126200-0017 is available at just $10,800 USD. It is the most affordable Rolex Wimbledon Dial offering on the list.  6. Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126331-0016 Last on this list of Rolex Wimbledon Dial watches is the Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126331-0016. This beautiful timepiece shows off an alluring blend of tones that makes it a great watch option for the ladies. This Rolex Datejust watch is packed in a 41mm Rolesor case made of Oystersteel and 18K Everose gold. It is accompanied by a Jubilee bracelet, which is also crafted from the same high-quality materials. Sitting atop the watch case is a fluted bezel that is made entirely from Everose gold, adding to the refined elegance of this timepiece.  The soft, rose gold hues of this watch’s exterior are sharply contrasted by its slate gray dial. This dial consists of the signature green Roman numerals, rose gold blunt hands, and a magnified date aperture at 3 o’clock. Rolex’s classic crown emblem can also be found at 12 o’clock, in rose gold.  This watch is operated by an in-house Rolex Caliber 3235, which boasts a near-unparalleled precision rate of +/-2 seconds per day. When fully wound, this movement can also last for up to 70 hours.  The Rolex Datejust 41 Ref. 126331-0016 sells at $18,500 USD.  Final Thoughts The Rolex Wimbledon Dial is a testament to how far Rolex’s influence and prestige spreads, not just in the world of horology but also in the general public’s sphere of consciousness. Through its partnership with Wimbledon, the most distinguished of the Grand Slam tournaments, Rolex has created an iconic dial design that continues to be incredibly influential today. If you love tennis and watches, then the Rolex Wimbledon Dial is definitely something you should consider adding to your collection.  Photo credits: Rolex. Need help deciding which Rolex timepiece to buy first? Here is our handy Guide To Choosing Your First Rolex Watch!

Seiko is home to a wide variety of celebrated vintage watches that have made a long-lasting mark on the sphere of horology. Indeed, considering how rich in heritage and innovation Seiko is,  it is little surprise that the Japanese watch brand has such an excellent catalog of iconic, legendary classics.  In this article, we will get to know some of the vintage Seiko watches. Let us delve into the best vintage Seiko watches available as we discover how the popular watchmaker has crafted them into such marvelous timepieces.  Best Vintage Seiko Watches 1. Seiko 62MAS  Image by: Seiko Watches Let us start off with the most iconic dive watch to grace the world of horology: the Seiko 62MAS. Although widely known by this name, it actually comes with the reference number 6217-8000. Launched in 1965, this Seiko Prospex piece paved the way for the watch brand’s roster of dive watches in the years to come. This timepiece is easily one of the most famous vintage Seiko watches ever, so much so that Seiko continues to release modern re-issues of it, with one example being the Seiko SPB149.  The Seiko 62MAS comes in a 37mm stainless steel case and a black rubber strap with a fashionable pyramid stud pattern. Affixed to the top of the watch case is a unidirectional rotating bezel, with a black elapsed time scale insert made of aluminum.  This watch’s dial shows off a handsome gray-green sunray finish. It houses thick rectangular hour indices and broad blunt hands, all of which are coated with soft green lume. As a dive piece, this is an extremely helpful feature. It allows wearers to read the dial clearly at all times, even in dark underwater depths. A date aperture also rests at 3 o’clock.  This legendary timepiece is powered by the in-house Seiko Caliber 6217. This self-winding automatic movement beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5Hz) and has a solid 31-hour power reserve. It is also water-resistant up to depths of 150 meters, making it a great companion for all sorts of water activities like swimming and recreational diving. As one of the most famous vintage Seiko watches, the price for the Seiko 62MAS starts at around $5,000 USD. 2. Seiko 6159-7000 Image by: Seiko Watches Three years after the Japanese watchmaker released the Seiko 62MAS, it followed up with another robust dive piece: the Seiko 6159-7001. This watch is presented in a 43mm stainless steel case with a heft of 14mm, coupled with a comfortable black rugged strap. With these dimensions, it is best suited for medium-to-large-sized wrists. Sitting on top of the case is a black ceramic bezel, which bears an elapsed time scale in gold indicators.  This watch’s jet-black dial is adorned with geometric hour indices and broad sword hands, along with a date window at 3 o’clock. All of these components are outlined in gold, giving the watch a very classy look. A screw-down crown is placed at 4 o’clock, which ensures that it does not dig into the wearer’s skin when worn. Built for professional diving, this timepiece has a water resistance rating of 300 meters. It is also the first Seiko piece ever to run on a Hi-Beat movement: the in-house Seiko Caliber 6159. It beats at a breathtaking rate of 36,000 vibrations per hour (5Hz) and has a solid 45-hour power supply.  The Seiko 6159-7000 can be bought at around $3,000 USD to $6,000 USD. 3. Seiko 6139-6010  Image by: Seiko Watches Next up, we have the Seiko 6139-6010. This vintage Seiko watch is famous for being the first-ever automatic chronograph piece ever released in the industry. It sports a 39mm stainless steel case with a matching three-link stainless steel bracelet. This Seiko 5 Sports fits perfectly on small-to-average-sized wrists. Introduced in 1969, this blue dial watch is filled with square hour indices, blunt silver hands, and a day-date display at 3 o’clock which is outlined with steel. On the rim of the dial, you can find an internal tachymeter bezel, also in deep blue. When used alongside the watch’s 30-minute chronograph counter, wearers are able to calculate the speed of a moving object.  This Seiko timepiece is driven by an in-house Seiko Caliber 6139. Fitted by 21 jewels, this automatic movement beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz). It also has a substantial power rating of 45 hours. Moreover, this watch has a water resistance capacity of 70 meters. This makes it a great choice if you are looking for a casual beater watch to use on a daily basis.  The Seiko 6139-6010 retails at approximately $800 USD. 4. Seiko Quartz Astron  Image by: Seiko Watches Seiko revolutionized the watch industry once more through the introduction of a quartz wristwatch in 1969. The Seiko Quartz Astron is the very first watch to have a battery-operated quartz movement. As such, this vintage Seiko timepiece was very easy to maintain and did not need to be wound on a regular basis to keep ticking. Thanks to its innovative quartz movement, this watch also promised an excellent precision rate of +/-5 seconds per month. This Seiko Astron piece is encased in a well-brushed, cushion-shaped case that curves downwards. This allows it to conform quite nicely to the shape of your wrist. The case is made from luxurious 18K yellow gold and is coupled with a handsome black leather strap that simply exudes old-school charm. The watch’s matching gold dial showcases a minimalist look that reflects the German Bauhaus watch principles. It is decorated with just slim applique hour indices and gold stick hands.  Back in 1969, the Seiko Quartz Astron had a price tag of $1,250 USD. Today, it is near impossible to find this watch, whether it is in the market or online. Nonetheless, it is still one of the most notable vintage Seiko watches, having changed the trajectory of the entire horological industry.  5. Seiko Captain Willard 6105  Image by: Cristeen Quezon on Flickr Popularly known as the Seiko Captain Willard, the Seiko 6105 is another noteworthy dive watch from the Seiko Prospex series. This timepiece is packed in a 44mm cushion-shaped stainless steel case. Thanks to its downward-sloping build, this watch molds perfectly onto the wrist, providing a very comfortable wearing experience.  Protected by a layer of Hardlex crystal, the jet-black dial is furnished with thick rectangular hour indices and blunt silver hands. These components are coated with luminous pigments, so that they glow brightly in low-light environments. A date complication also sits at 3 o’clock. The entire dial is surrounded by a chunky unidirectional rotating bezel. It is fitted with a black elapsed time scale insert made of ceramic, which bears a luminous pip at 12 o’clock.  Ticking inside this watch is the in-house Seiko Caliber 6105B. It beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz) and has a modest 32-hour power reserve. This timepiece is also water-resistant up to depths of 150 meters.  The Seiko 6105 is priced at around $1,000 USD to $2,000 USD.  6. Seiko Baby Panda 6138-8000  Image by: eBay The Seiko 6138-8000 is a 1971 chronograph watch that is popularly referred to as the “Seiko Baby Panda”. This watch utilizes a 40mm stainless steel case with a height of 14mm, which fits wrists that measure small to medium in size. Two stout pushers on the right side of the case are utilized to operate its chronograph functions.  The Seiko Baby Panda’s silver-white dial is ornamented with silver applique hour indices, slender, sweeping sword hands, and a day-date display at 3 o’clock. Since this watch was originally meant to be sold in the Japanese market, its day indicator can be changed to display two different texts, in Japanese katakana or English.  On the rim of the dial lies an internal tachymeter bezel in black. This dial also contains 30-minute and 12-hour chronograph counters in black. Thanks to the placement of the sub-dials, the layout of the Seiko Baby Panda’s dial resembles the face of a panda, hence its catchy nickname.  Underneath this classic watch face is the automatic in-house Seiko Caliber 6138. Held together by 23 jewels, it has a beat frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz). It also has a 45-hour power supply and a water resistant capacity of 30 meters. The Seiko 6138-8000 Baby Panda is a rare find that can be purchased for between $1,400 USD to $2,000 USD. 7. Seiko 0634 Image by: Seiko Watches Introduced in 1975, the Seiko 0634 was the first multi-function digital watch in the world. Offering superb functionality and convenience, the Seiko 0634 is one of the most ground-breaking vintage Seiko watches ever. It uses a 35mm stainless steel case and a lovely multilink bracelet made from the same material. As a digital watch, the Seiko 0634 comes with a light gray LCD display. Shown on this LCD screen are some of the watch’s timekeeping functions. These include a digital display of the time and a calendar feature.  Another iconic hallmark of this timepiece is that it is the world’s first digital chronograph watch. As such, it also provides start/stop and lap time functions in a digital format.  You can control these using the two pushers located at the base of the watch. The Seiko 0634 is also equipped with a built-in backlight, which illuminates the watch face in the dark. This digital watch is operated by an in-house Seiko Caliber 0634. This is a battery-operated quartz movement which has an outstanding accuracy rate of +/-10 seconds per month. It also offers a battery life of around one year.  Due to its rarity, the Seiko 0634 is one of the hardest vintage Seiko watches to get your hands on. If you do manage to find one online, it is usually set at a varying price ranging from $100 USD up to $400 USD.  8. Seiko Tuna 6159-7010  Image by: Seiko Watches The next vintage Seiko watch on this list is the Seiko Tuna 6159-7010. Also known as the “Grandfather Tuna”, this watch is highly respected as the first-ever Seiko Tuna model developed by the brand.  The Seiko Tuna 6159-7010 is built in a chunky 50mm titanium case with a thickness of 16mm. As a result, it fits best on those with medium-to-large-sized wrists. Folks who love oversized watches are sure to enjoy the Grandfather Tuna too. That said, despite its large size, this watch actually weighs quite lightly. This is due to its titanium construction, which is 45% lighter than steel. This allows the Grandfather Tuna to sit comfortably on the wrist, even when worn for long periods of time.  The case of this watch is surrounded by a black rubber shroud, which protects it from any shocks and impacts. This is complemented by a matching, robust black rubber strap. Completing the watch’s all-black style is a simple, matte black dial. It comprises luminous geometric hour indices, thick arrow hands, and a date window at 3 o’clock. A thick screw-down crown can also be seen peeking out from under the shroud at 4 o’clock.  Inside this bulky watch, you can find the Hi-Beat Seiko Caliber 6159 movement. It beats 36,000 vibrations per hour (5Hz) and has a 48-hour power rating. As a professional dive piece, the Seiko Grandfather Tuna also boasts an incredible water resistance capacity of 600 meters.  The legendary Seiko Tuna 6159-7010 costs approximately $6,000 USD. 9. Seiko Ripley 7A28-7000  Image by: Seiko Watches The Seiko 7A28-7000 is a futuristic-looking chronograph piece that is famously associated with the American actress Sigourney Weaver. The actress wore this watch in the sci-fi film Aliens (1968) while playing the iconic character of Ellen Ripley. As a tribute to Weaver’s role as Ellen Ripley, this timepiece has also garnered the nickname “Seiko Ripley”. Made in collaboration with Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Seiko Ripley shows off a very distinctive, avant-garde build. It has a 43mm round stainless steel case, along with a rectangular steel panel attached on its right side. This unique feature is equipped with two black pushers, which are placed at the top and the bottom of the steel panel. These pushers are used to operate the watch’s chronograph functions.  This watch also showcases a jet-black dial, which stands out sharply against its all-steel exterior. It is filled with a painted orange minute track and orange blunt hands, which add a touch of bright vibrancy to this watch face. This dial also consists of three sub-dials for the 60-second, 30-minute, and 10-hour chronograph counters.  The back of this watch is sealed shut by a caseback made of solid stainless steel. This caseback bears an engraving of the classic Seiko wave on it. Behind this caseback lies a battery-operated quartz movement. It is notable for being the first-ever analog quartz chronograph movement in the world.  The Seiko Ripley is worth around $800 USD to $1,000 USD. 10. 1960 Grand Seiko  Image by: Seiko Watches As you can see from all the vintage Seiko watches listed above, the brand has achieved a great many innovative and high-tech feats over the years. For the last watch in this article, we will be looking at yet another of the brand’s iconic milestones. The 1960 Grand Seiko is a legendary timepiece which marks the humble beginnings of Grand Seiko, which is Seiko’s subsidiary brand of luxury dress watches.  The 1960 Grand Seiko uses a 35mm case made of luxurious 14K yellow gold, along with an elegant brown leather strap. Its quintessential combination of exquisite yellow gold and brown leather gives this watch a very classy vibe that is perfect for formal occasions.  The dial of this watch comes in a soft white, which goes well with the warm tones of its exterior. It is adorned with gold baton indices and sharp, well-beveled dauphine hands. Although this dial has a very minimalist design, the 1960 Grand Seiko still exudes an impeccable, suave demeanor.   The 1960 Grand Seiko is powered by an in-house Grand Seiko 3180 movement. Composed of 25 jewels, it beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5Hz). It also has a standard 45-hour power capacity. Nowadays, obtaining a 1960 Grand Seiko is incredibly difficult. If you do manage to find one, however, it is likely to cost you around $3,500 USD.  Final Thoughts After going through this list of vintage Seiko watches, we can say with confidence that the brand never fails to show its best. Be it more than fifty years ago or in the present day, Seiko continues to deliver some of the best, most ground-breaking watch creations imaginable.  Vintage Seiko watches are timeless pieces that have undergone the test of time to showcase the brand’s mastery over the watchmaking craft. Many of these vintage Seiko watches can be difficult to find today. Nevertheless, they are definitely still worth the effort and money, given their robust builds, their rich heritage, and the impact they have had in shaping the watch industry.  Photo credits: Unsplash, Seiko Watches, eBay, and Cristeen Quezon on Flickr.  Now that we’ve mentioned a few impressive dive watches from Seiko, check out our review of one of their affordable and durable dive pieces: the Seiko SRP777!

Across the globe, Japanese watch brands have long been respected as some of the top picks for many watch connoisseurs and collectors. Take, for example, the Grand Seiko. It is a popular Japanese watchmaker that offers iconic luxury dress watches with phenomenal prestige. In this article, we will be looking at one of Grand Seiko’s most notable timepieces, the Grand Seiko Taisetsu SBGA415. Famously inspired by deep, wintery Japan, the SBGA415 showcases a beautiful stylishness and Grand Seiko’s trademark expertise in craftsmanship. Read on to find out more about this gorgeous nature-inspired timepiece and everything it has to offer.  Grand Seiko Taisetsu SBGA415: An Overview Image by: Grand Seiko Introduced in 2019, the Grand Seiko Taisetsu SBGA415 hails from the brand’s Grand Seiko Heritage collection. This is a luxurious catalog of timepieces that boast an exceptional degree of Japanese craftsmanship. Many of the timepieces in the Grand Seiko Heritage series are created as homages to classic Grand Seiko watches, and the SBGA415 is one such example.  The SBGA415 was released alongside three other timepieces as part of the Four Seasons collection. As its name suggests, this line of watches was made to commemorate the four seasons of Japan. The Four Seasons collection includes the Grand Seiko Shunbun (The Vernal Equinox), Grand Seiko Rikka (Early Summer), and Grand Seiko Shubun (The Autumnal Equinox). All four of these watches are modern re-interpretations of the brand’s first automatic watch, the 1967 Grand Seiko 62GS. As such, they are designed with very similar builds as the Grand Seiko 62GS. This includes being bezel-less and possessing the same sleek, sophisticated luster that only Grand Seiko’s Zaratsu polishing technique can bring forth.  Taisetsu: The Deep Snow of Winter Image by: Grand Seiko Although it may be a foreign concept to many of us, Japan actually has a deep-rooted and cultural notion of the four seasons. Each of Japan’s four seasons is divided into six phases, and every phase is a slow transition into a different season based on the movement of the Sun. Thus, this is equivalent to a total of twenty-four seasons, or what they call “sekki”.  The SBGA415, in particular, represents the concept of “taisetsu”, or the Deep Snow of Winter. This is a period in which the mountains in Japan are heavily covered under the winter snow. Taisetsu is also the twenty-first season amongst Japan’s long list of twenty-four “sekki”.  If you are familiar with Grand Seiko, you might remember that it also offers other snow-inspired dials like the Grand Seiko White Birch and the Grand Seiko Snowflake. These timepieces are all equipped with Grand Seiko’s hallmark of alluring textured dials. The same is also true of the SBGA415. Grand Seiko takes the SBGA415 as another opportunity to show off its interpretation of the beauty of the winter snow, creating a delightful treat for the eyes.  Without further ado, let us learn more about the Grand Seiko SBGA415 and its specifications in the following section of the article.  Anatomy of the Grand Seiko Taisetsu SBGA415 Case An elegant timepiece that weighs quite lightly yet exudes steady robustness, the Grand Seiko Taisetsu SBGA415 is made entirely from titanium. Since titanium is a metal that weighs 45% lighter than stainless steel, the Grand Seiko SBGA415 has an overall weight of just 102 grams, which provides wearers with a very comfortable and easy wearing experience. In addition, since this watch is based on the 1967 Grand Seiko 62GS, it does not have any bezel either. This further reduces the Grand Seiko SGA415’s weight, while also emphasizing its slender profile.  The case of the Grand Seiko SBGA415 measures 40mm in diameter and a slim 12.8mm in thickness. It also has a lug-to-lug width of 47mm. Given these measurements, this watch fits quite nicely on smaller-to-average-sized wrists. In addition, the case lugs of the Grand Seiko SBGA415 also show off an ergonomic downward curve, so that it slips smoothly under the cuffs of your shirt. This makes it the perfect dress watch to wear at formal events.  Moreover, this case is also beautifully embellished with a combination of a brushed finish and the brand’s in-house Zaratsu polishing techniques. The incorporation of Grand Seiko’s signature Zaratsu polish gives the watch case a mirror-like, distortion-free surface, so that it boasts an extraordinary luster. This is greatly contrasted against the case’s flanks, which are treated with a smooth, brushed finish.  Caseback On the underside of the Grand Seiko Taisetsu SBGA415, you can find an exhibition-style caseback that is firmly screwed-in. This caseback is also made from titanium and showcases a shiny, polished Zaratsu finish. Printed on the caseback are details about the watch such as its depth rating, country of manufacture, and more.  At the centre of the Grand Seiko SBGA415’s caseback lies a sapphire crystal insert. Through it, you can see the state-of-the-art movement that drives this timepiece. The sapphire crystal insert holds a delicate gold print of the Grand Seiko’s famous lion emblem.  Crown On the right side of the Grand Seiko Taisetsu SBGA415, you can find a titanium screw-down crown. It has a hefty size and comes with deeply grooved sides, providing wearers with a better grip with which to hold and turn it. Like the case, this crown is also treated with the brand’s Zaratsu polishing technique, giving it a remarkable sheen. The top of the crown is also embossed with the brand’s iconic “GS” logo, which is an exquisite trademark of most Grand Seiko watches.  Although the Grand Seiko SBGA415 is a dress watch, it is easily mistaken for a dive watch due to its impressive water resistance capacity. Its secure screw- down crown ensures a reliable depth rating of up to 100 meters. This allows you to wear the Grand Seiko SBGA415 not only on formal occasions, but also for water adventures like swimming and recreational diving. Since a typical dress watch is equipped with only 30 to 50 meters of water resistance, this is definitely one of the most outstanding features of the Grand Seiko SBGA415. Bracelet The Grand Seiko SBGA415 is paired with a three-link titanium bracelet. Like the SBGA415’s case, it is also embellished with a mix of brushed and Zaratsu-polished finishes. While the top links show off a predominantly matte surface, the remarkable gloss courtesy of Grand Seiko’s Zaratsu polishing is noticeable on the slim edges of the watch’s center links. The side links are also treated with the Zaratsu-polished finish, showcasing a sharp contrast against the bracelet’s matte surfaces.  This titanium bracelet also comes with a folding clasp. It is equipped with a pair of push-button releases, so you can easily remove the bracelet as and when you need to. The top of the clasp bears an elegant, engraved emblem of the Grand Seiko logo, adding to this watch’s refined look. Dial Image by: Grand Seiko Like many of Grand Seiko’s watches, the Grand Seiko SBGA415 possesses an enchanting, textured dial. It has an intricate, light grey finish that mimics the texture of freshly-fallen snow, perfectly capturing the spirit of the Taisetsu season. This dial exudes a gentle softness that is sure to appeal to any eye that sees it.  Aside from that, this Taisetsu dial is also decorated with silver-tone applique hour indices and sharp dauphine hands, all of which are treated with the brand’s signature Zaratsu polishing technique. This dial is also accented by a sweeping blued steel seconds hand, which adds a touch of vibrancy to this otherwise cool dial.  A date aperture can be found at 3 o’clock, outlined with steel. Meanwhile, at 8 o’clock rests a power reserve indicator. This power reserve display comes in the shape of a lovely Japanese fan, paying homage to the brand’s Japanese roots.  A box-shaped sapphire crystal is used to protect this dial. It is scratch-resistant and shatterproof, guaranteeing that the watch’s face is guarded from hard bumps and impacts. The inner surface of the sapphire crystal has also been treated with an anti-reflective coating. This ensures that wearers have a clear and distortion-free view of the dial no matter what angle it is seen from.  Movement Image by: Grand Seiko The Grand Seiko SBGA415 runs on an in-house Grand Seiko 9R65 Caliber. This is a Spring Drive movement held together by 30 jewels. It boasts a stellar power reserve that lasts for up to 72 hours when fully wound. This top-notch self-winding movement also has an excellent precision rate of +/-1 seconds per day, providing an absolutely reliable and accurate display of time.  Price The Grand Seiko SBGA415 has a price tag of $6,600 USD. Given this price point, this entry-level luxury piece is the perfect starter watch for folks who are just starting their luxury watch collections. The Grand Seiko SBGA415 also caters to folks who want to invest in an impeccable, well-crafted luxury timepiece that does not break the bank. Final Thoughts Folks who are on the hunt for a suave timepiece should certainly consider the Grand Seiko SBGA415, as it offers unquestionable Japanese master craftsmanship. With its beautiful Taisetsu dial and its powerful Spring Drive movement, the Grand Seiko SBGA415 is an outstanding timepiece that is worthy of a place in any collection.  All images courtesy of WatchShopping website, unless otherwise stated.  Photo credits: Grand Seiko.  Learn more about the latest watch offerings from Grand Seiko’s parent company, Seiko with the newly released All-Black Seiko Prospex Watches!

Since 1905, Rolex has consistently come up with well-crafted, prestigious timepieces that continue to leave watch connoisseurs in awe. Take, for example, the highly-coveted Rolex Cosmograph Daytona M116506. Also known as the Rolex Platinum Daytona, this handsome piece is made with top-notch quality and exudes an unparalleled excellence that only this particular Swiss luxury watch brand can offer.  Let us get to know more about the Rolex Platinum Daytona as we dive into its roots, its specifications, and everything it has to offer.  A Brief Overview of the Rolex Platinum Daytona Image by: Rolex The Rolex Platinum Daytona hails from the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona collection. First released in 2013, it was a 50th anniversary piece meant to commemorate the launch of the first Cosmograph Daytona watch back in 1963. The Rolex Platinum Daytona was also a pioneer in its own way, as the first-ever Cosmograph Daytona piece to be crafted entirely from platinum. Built to cater to every racer’s needs, the Cosmograph Daytona series is Rolex’s luxurious lineup of professional racing watches. If you are familiar with this collection, then you might already know some of the famous Rolex timepieces that it houses. This includes some of the most expensive Rolex watches ever made and crowd-favorites such as the Rolex Panda and Rolex Rainbow. Given the prestige of the Cosmograph Daytona range, you can expect the Rolex Platinum Daytona to possess the same amount of quality and sophistication as the aforementioned, esteemed timepieces.  A Closer Look at the Rolex Platinum Daytona Case and Caseback Aside from being an exquisite anniversary timepiece, another huge draw of the Rolex Platinum Daytona is that it is crafted from one of the rarest and most expensive metals on Earth: platinum. This lavish platinum watch weighs in with a case that measures 40mm in diameter and 12.4mm in height. With these proportions, the Rolex Platinum Daytona is well-suited for wrists of all sizes.  The Rolex Platinum Daytona also offers a rather significant heft on your wrist, as it weighs over 280 grams. This is because it is made from platinum, which is 60% heavier than gold. Although this watch does sit on the heavier side, this just means that you get to feel the actual, substantial weight of its platinum build. As a result, the Rolex Platinum Daytona is a great choice for folks who love robust timepieces that are sturdy and well-built.  The Rolex Platinum Daytona’s case is also completely polished, which gives it an extraordinary luster that can be perceived from every angle. If you enjoy watches with a distinct, glorious sheen, then this aesthetically-pleasing timepiece is an excellent pick.   On the underside of the Rolex Platinum Daytona, you can find a solid caseback that is also made out of platinum. Unlike the rest of the watch case, this caseback has a sleek brushed finish. It is also tightly screwed down, ensuring that no moisture or dirt can enter the Rolex Platinum Daytona.  Bezel  The tachymeter bezel is one of the most important parts a racing watch should possess. As such, the Rolex Platinum Daytona is duly equipped with a platinum bezel that bears a chestnut brown Cerachrom insert. This is an in-house creation that is completely scratch-proof and corrosion-resistant. In addition, compared to traditional bezel materials like aluminum or plain ceramic, Cerachrom does not fade over time and is unaffected by the damage from UV rays. This brown Cerachrom insert is marked with a tachymeter scale, with the numerals and graduations carved in. They are filled with platinum, so the tachymeter scale has a silver tone that blends well with the chestnut brown of the Cerachrom insert.  Crown and Pushers Image by: Rolex On the right side of the Rolex Platinum Daytona, you will find a screw-down crown surrounded by two chronograph pushers. Crafted from platinum, these components are embellished with a lovely polished finish, enhancing the charismatic look of this chronograph piece. The screw-down crown is designed with sharp and wide ridges, so wearers have a better grip when turning it. On top of the crown is a beautifully embossed image of Rolex’s iconic crown emblem, which adds to the premium look of this watch. Under the crown logo are three embossed dots, signifying that this timepiece is equipped with the brand’s Triplock waterproof system. Thanks to this system, the Rolex Platinum Daytona is water-resistant up to depths of 100 meters. This allows it to survive when used in water adventures like swimming and recreational diving.   Meanwhile, the two chronograph pushers at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock are separated by two polished crown guards. These pushers control the watch’s chronograph functions, which can be used together with the tachymeter bezel to measure the speed of a moving object. Like the crown, these pushers are tightly screwed down. This ensures maximum protection of the Rolex Platinum Daytona from the entry of moisture or dust.  Dial Image by: Rolex The most eye-catching part of the Rolex Platinum Daytona is easily its exquisite dial. This dial comes in a stunning ice-blue color. It is treated with a beautiful sunray finish, which creates a metallic, shimmering effect when viewed from different angles.  The dial is ornamented with applique hour indices and slender platinum sword hands. All of these components are generously coated with Chromalight. This in-house luminous pigment glows a vibrant neon blue in the dark. It makes sure that wearers can read the Rolex Platinum Daytona’s face at all times. Rolex claims that its Chromalight can last for up to eight hours, which is double that of other materials used for luminosity. As a chronograph watch, the Rolex Platinum Daytona’s dial is also filled with three sub-dials for the 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour chronograph counters. These ice-blue sub-dials are outlined with rings of chestnut brown, which wonderfully complement the watch’s bezel.  A layer of sapphire crystal protects the Rolex Platinum Daytona’s dial. This type of watch crystal is both highly scratch-resistant and shatterproof, offering the dial excellent protection. Bracelet The Rolex Platinum Daytona is accompanied by the brand’s signature three-link Oyster bracelet. Also built from platinum, this bracelet is garnished with two different types of finishes, creating a striking interplay of textures.  You will observe a lovely polished finish applied to the flanks and the center links of the Oyster bracelet. The shoulder links, on the other hand, are done with a satin finish. This combination of matte and glossy looks gives the Oyster bracelet a very sophisticated aesthetic.  The Rolex Platinum Daytona’s bracelet also comes with a platinum folding clasp, which has an additional safety flap called the Oysterlock. This safety deployant clasp provides another level of security to the bracelet, making sure that it is firmly fastened to your wrist. Movement Image by: Rolex The Rolex Platinum Daytona runs on an in-house Rolex Caliber 4130. It is a self-winding chronograph movement that is held together by 44 jewels and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). It also boasts a stellar power reserve of up to 72 hours. As such, you can leave this timepiece on standby for approximately three days without having to constantly wind it.  The Rolex Caliber 4130 is also very durable, as it is equipped with the brand’s advanced Parachrom hairspring innovation. This improves the movement’s resistance to shocks and extreme temperature variations.  Price Given that Rolex generally offers their timepieces at high prices, you can already expect that the Rolex Platinum Daytona is priced at an exorbitant range. In fact, it comes at a whopping price tag of approximately $178,749 USD. As an investment watch, this sought-after piece is surely worth purchasing because its value will appreciate easily in the coming years.  Alternatives to the Rolex Platinum Daytona 1. Breitling Navitimer Ref. AB0138241C1P1 For an ice-blue dial watch that comes at a more affordable price than the Rolex Platinum Daytona, check out the Breitling Navitimer Ref. AB0138241C1P1. This Breitling piece is presented in a 43mm stainless steel case and a black alligator leather strap, which elevates the timepiece’s suave style. The underside of this strap also comes in a bright yellow hue, adding a more playful vibe to this serious timepiece. A thick black tachymeter bezel is also placed on top of the watch face.  The icy-blue dial of this watch is adorned with rectangular applique hour indices and slim sword hands, along with a red seconds hand that adds a touch of vivacity to this watch face. It also contains three sub-dials in black, for the 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour chronograph counters.  This Breitling Navitimer watch is powered by an in-house Breitling Caliber 01. It is a self-winding movement fitted by 47 jewels and has a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). When fully wound, the Breitling Caliber 01 can last for an outstanding 70 hours. This watch also has a water resistance capacity of 30 meters, allowing it to survive any splashes or showers.  For a chronograph piece that can also double as a good-looking dress watch, you can get the Breitling Navitimer Ref. AB0138241C1P1 for $9,100 USD. 2. Omega Speedmaster Ref. 324.30.38.50.03.001 If you want a more rugged blue dial watch, then you might like the Omega Speedmaster Ref. 324.30.38.50.03.001. This Omega watch utilizes a professional all-stainless steel build, which includes a 38mm case and a matching three-link bracelet. With its compact case size, this Omega watch fits best on men with more slender wrists.  Protected by a layer of sapphire crystal, the watch’s blue dial is decorated with applique hour indices, thin sword hands, and a circular date aperture at 6 o’clock. Also arranged on the dial are submerged, ellipse-shaped chronograph sub-dials that add a very unique look to this timepiece. This dial goes well with the watch’s tachymeter scale, which is fitted with a sky-blue aluminum insert.  Ticking inside this Omega Speedmaster piece is an in-house Omega Caliber 3330. Held together by 31 jewels, this automatic movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and has a 52-hour power rating. It is protected by a screwed-in caseback, which also gives the watch its 100-meter depth rating.  The Omega Speedmaster Ref. 324.30.38.50.03.001 retails at $5,279 USD.  3. Seiko Prospex Ref. SBDL063 Steering away from Swiss watchmakers, we will now check out an offering from a renowned Japanese watch brand: the Seiko Prospex Ref. SBDL063.  This watch comes from Seiko’s impressive roster of dive watches, the Seiko Prospex collection. As such, it has a superb water resistance capacity of 200 meters. It is packed in a chunky 44.5mm stainless steel case, coupled with a rugged black rubber strap. This is an apt and hardy combination that can take on any of your deep-sea conquests and diving needs. On top of the watch case, you can find a shiny blue ceramic bezel, which bears an elapsed time scale.  The dial of this watch also comes in rich blue, complementing the bezel. It is furnished with hour markers in various geometric shapes and thick sword hands, along with a small date complication between 4 and 5 o’clock. The hands and indices are all coated with the brand’s in-house LumiBrite material, which lights up the watch face in the dark. Three black chronograph sub-dials also fill the dial, for the 60-second, 60-minute, and 24-hour counters.  This watch is operated by an in-house Seiko Caliber V192. This is a solar-powered movement that can be charged with any source of light. As an efficient quartz movement, it also has a top-notch precision rate of +/-15 seconds per month. Seiko is known for its affordable prices, and the Seiko Prospex Ref. SBDL063 is no different. This watch has a very budget-friendly price tag of just $626 USD.  Final Thoughts As an anniversary piece, the Rolex Platinum Daytona is a meticulously crafted and highly-regarded watch in the world of horology. With its rare platinum build, this timepiece radiates a truly charming and unusual appeal. If you are on the hunt for an elegant racing watch that will surely stand out in the crowd, then you should definitely consider the Rolex Platinum Daytona.  All images courtesy of WatchShopping website, unless otherwise stated.  Photo credits: Rolex. Want to learn about the type of watches worn by one of the most powerful people in the world? Check out our article about Joe Biden’s Watch Collection!

Incorporating premium materials into its watches is a hallmark of Rolex. As one of the most iconic Swiss luxury watch brands in the horological industry, it should come as no surprise that the brand also has its own arsenal of captivating iced out watches. After all, there is no better way to create a truly luxurious timepiece than beautifully embellishing it with diamonds and gemstones. In this article, we will get to know some of the best iced out Rolex watches available in the market today. Although these iced out Rolex watches are set at exorbitant prices, they make for worthy investment watches, with price points that will surely skyrocket in the coming years. In addition, these luxury watches are also excellent fashion pieces that are sure to turn heads, no matter where you go.  Read on to find out all about the best iced out Rolex watches you can get today! Best Iced Out Rolex Watches 1. Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 126755SARU  For the first iced out Rolex watch on this list, let us take a look at the Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 126755SARU. This alluring timepiece comes in a 40mm 18K everose gold case, along with a three-link Oystersteel bracelet also made of 18K everose gold.  Everose gold is the brand’s in-house alloy. As its name suggests, it shows off a charming rose gold hue, which gives the watch an air of effortless class. Everose gold is made from a combination of pure gold, copper, and platinum. According to Rolex, thanks to its platinum content, everose gold will never lose its reddish color over time.  The watch shows off a striking, diamond-paved dial that also comes in rose gold. It is decorated with everose gold hour indices, Rolex’s signature Mercedes hands, and an additional arrow-headed hand for its GMT feature. A date window with a Cyclops lens is placed at 3 o’clock, so wearers can read the date more easily. The diamond embellishments also extend to the watch’s crown guards and case lugs, adding to the timepiece’s lavish presentation. Affixed to the top of the watch case is a bi-directional rotating bezel. It is filled to the brim with square-cut diamonds, sapphires, and rubies in a pattern that is reminiscent of the Rolex Pepsi. This colorful bezel helps add even more pizzazz to this flamboyant watch.  Driving this GMT-Master II piece is an in-house Rolex Caliber 3186. This automatic movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and has a standard 48-hour power supply. It also possesses an excellent accuracy rate of +/-2 seconds per day.  If you are on the hunt for an iced out Rolex watch that comes in lovely, vibrant colors, then the Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 126755SARU has got you covered. It has a price tag of $312,399 USD.  2. Rolex Day Date Ref. 228349RBR-0036 The next watch on this list is one of the latest creations from the Rolex Day-Date collection. Released in 2021, the Rolex Day-Date Ref. 228349RBR-0036 shows off a clean, all-silver style that shines as bright as the stars in the sky.  This Rolex watch is encased in a 40mm case made of 18K white gold, accompanied by a sleek three-link President bracelet. Sitting on top of the case is a pristine, diamond-set bezel. Both the watch’s bezel and bracelet are also crafted from 18K white gold.  The gleaming silver dial of this watch is also paved with diamonds, blending well with the watch’s bezel. It is adorned with baguette-cut diamonds and sapphires as its hour indices, adding a touch of color to this watch face. Aside from that, this dial is also furnished with blunt silver hands, a date display at 3 o’clock, and an arched day-of-the-week aperture at 12 o’clock.   This watch is powered by an in-house Rolex Caliber 3255. Fitted by 31 jewels, this self-winding movement has a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and an outstanding power reserve of 70 hours. It also offers an incredible accuracy rate of +/-2 seconds per day.  If you love iced out Rolex watches with an extraordinary and clean glimmer, you can get the Rolex Day Date Ref. 228349RBR-0036 for around $109,889 USD.  3. Rolex Submariner Ref. 116659 SABR Who would have thought that a dive watch can also be garnished with glamorous diamonds and gemstones? This next watch is definitely the ultimate testament to that.  The Rolex Submariner Ref. 116659 SABR has a solid water resistance capacity of 300 meters, making it a great companion for all sorts of deep-sea adventures. That said, you might not want to bring this prestigious timepiece with you into the water. The Rolex Submariner Ref. 116659 SABR is housed in a 40mm case made from 18K white gold, coupled with a three-link bracelet made from the same material.  Protected by a layer of sapphire crystal glass, the watch’s silver dial is studded with sparkling diamonds. A combination of round sapphire gemstones and diamond indices serve as the watch’s hour markers. Also arranged on the shimmering dial are luminous Mercedes hands and a magnified date aperture at 3 o’clock. A brilliant, unidirectional bezel surrounds this dial. It is fitted with a variety of baguette-cut diamonds and sapphires in various shades of blue.  This Rolex Submariner is operated by an in-house Rolex Caliber 3135. It is an automatic movement which beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and has a power rating of 48 hours. It also boasts a superb precision rate of +/-2 seconds per day. For a dazzlingly beautiful iced out dive watch, you can purchase the Rolex Submariner Ref. 116659 SABR for around $214,059 USD. 4. Rolex Datejust Ref. 126281RBR-0013 Hailing from the Rolex Datejust collection, the next watch on this list caters to men and women with more slender wrists. The Rolex Datejust Ref. 126281RBR-0013 is a fashionable and sophisticated Rolesor watch. It utilizes a compact 36mm case made from Oystersteel, along with a two-tone Jubilee bracelet that contains Oystersteel outer links and inner links crafted from 18K everose gold.  Compared to the previous iced out Rolex watches, the dial of the Rolex Datejust Ref. 126281RBR-0013 is very different. This watch showcases a rich, chocolate-brown Rolex Jubilee dial. This is a design made exclusively for the 40th anniversary of the Datejust series. It is composed of a distinctive, repetitive pattern of the word “Rolex”, giving the dial a mesmerizingly alien aesthetic.   Underneath a layer of sapphire crystal, the dial is decorated with blunt everose gold hands and a magnified date complication at 3 o’clock. Square-cut diamonds are used as the watch’s hour indices, elevating the lavish look of this timepiece. A diamond-set bezel made of everose gold is also placed on top of the watch’s case. It blends well with the watch’s voguish, high-class style.  This iced out Rolex watch is powered by an in-house Rolex Caliber 3235. This self-winding movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and has a marvelous accuracy rate of -2/+2 seconds per day. It also has an astonishing 70-hour power supply. Of all the iced out Rolex watches in this article, the Rolex Datejust Ref. 126281RBR-0013 is the most affordable. It costs approximately $28,214 USD.  5. Rolex Yacht-Master Ref. 226679TBR If you are looking for a more sporty iced out watch, check out the Rolex Yacht-Master Ref. 226679TBR. This timepiece is presented in a 42mm 18K white gold case. This is paired with a robust black rubber strap, which offers a striking contrast against the watch’s glittering dial and case. With these dimensions, this watch can fit well on wrists of all sizes.  The watch’s dial shows off a silver finish and is paved with diamonds all over. It consists of geometric hour indices, Mercedes hands, and a magnified date window at 3 o’clock. The hands and indices of this watch are coated in white lume, which blends well with the silver backdrop of the dial. This watch is also equipped with a bi-directional rotating bezel made from 18K white gold. It is completely decorated with square-cut diamonds, enhancing the enthralling appearance of this watch.  The Rolex Yacht-Master Ref. 226679TBR’s face is guarded by a layer of scratch-resistant and shatterproof sapphire crystal. In addition, as a sailing watch, it also has a solid water resistance capacity of 100 meters. As such, you never have to worry about bringing this watch onto your yachts or your sailing trips.  Ticking inside this Rolex Yacht-Master piece is an in-house Rolex Caliber 3235. This automatic movement holds a stellar 70-hour power rating and has an astounding precision rate of +/-2 seconds per day. If you want an iced out Rolex watch that offers the perfect blend of elegance and sportiness, the Rolex Yacht-Master Ref. 226679TBR is the answer. It retails at around $146,541 USD. 6. Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116595 If you are interested in an iced out watch with rich, ostentatious colors, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116595 is a great option. This one-of-a-kind piece from the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona collection is one of the most sought-after timepieces from the brand. It is so popular that it has been seen on the wrists of numerous famous figures worldwide, including American actor Mark Wahlberg and rapper Post Malone.  This watch sports a 40mm case made of 18K everose gold and a three-link Oyster bracelet made of the same material. Sparkling white diamonds are encrusted on the watch’s slim lugs and crown guards, which is a testament to Rolex’s attention to fine detail. This watch’s glamorous style is also boosted by the rose gold bezel that sits on top of its watch case. This beautiful bezel is filled with square-cut diamonds in an exquisite shower of rainbow hues, enhancing this watch’s flamboyant stylishness.  Delightfully contrasting the colorful vibrancy of this watch’s exterior is a jet-black dial. It comprises baguette-cut diamond hour indices in a variety of rainbow colors along with rose gold skeletal hands. You can also find three chronograph sub-dials made from pink gold crystals, which stand out brilliantly against the black dial. These serve as the 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour chronograph counters. Underneath this gorgeous watch face, you can find an in-house Rolex Caliber 4130. This self-winding movement has a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and has a power supply of 72 hours. It also delivers an outstanding accuracy rate of -2/+2 seconds per day. This exquisite Rolex Rainbow Daytona watch is set at a price of $773,299 USD. 7. Rolex Submariner Ref. 116659SABR-0001 For the last piece on this list of iced out Rolex watches, we have another dive watch adorned with diamonds and gemstones. The Rolex Submariner Ref. 116659SABR-0001 uses a 40mm 18K white gold case and an 18K white gold Oyster bracelet. This watch is made even more handsome by its unidirectional rotating bezel, which is garnished with square-cut blue diamonds and sapphires.  The dial of this watch also shows off a vivid blue sunray finish. It has a classic Rolex Submariner dial layout, composed of geometric hour indices, Mercedes hands, and a magnified date aperture at 3 o’clock.  This piece runs on the in-house Rolex Caliber 3135 which beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). When fully wound, it can last for up to an average 48 hours. As a dive watch, it also boasts a 300-meter depth rating, so it is ready to be worn on all sorts of water adventures.  For a blue dial watch with a stunning exterior, the Rolex Submariner Ref. 116659SABR-0001 can be bought for around $179,299 USD. Final Thoughts Iced out Rolex watches are clearly made to stand out in the crowd. These pieces are fascinating accessories that effortlessly turn heads thanks to the bold and enchanting appeal that they possess. As with many Rolex timepieces, these iced out Rolex watches are definitely worth investing in. They are great choices if you are looking for a lovely investment watch with a value that will appreciate in the years to come. All images courtesy of WatchShopping website, unless otherwise stated.  Featured image courtesy of Rolex. Want to read about a timepiece with an eye-catching watch complication? Check out our article about the Orient Sun and Moon!

Watches worn in films have made their mark on a lot of folks’ spheres of consciousness. Through the medium of film, the general public has become familiar with an array of iconic timepieces, especially if they are worn by renowned actors. Some popular examples include James Bond’s Omega Seamaster pieces and the Hamilton watches that show up in Tenet and Interstellar.  Appearances in pop culture can also be a huge factor that contributes to a particular watch amassing massive popularity and its own cult following. For those familiar with film and watch circles, the Seiko Arnie is perhaps one of the most famous instances of a watch receiving a huge following after an appearance in a film. Indeed, the influence of the American action star Arnold Schwarzenegger, whom the watch was named after, cannot be denied when it comes to the Seiko Arnie’s popularity. Read on to find out more about the Seiko Arnie and everything it has to offer.  History and Overview of the Seiko Arnie  Arnold Schwarzenegger wearing the Seiko Arnie on Commando (1985). Image by: 20th Century Fox The Seiko Arnie hails from the brand’s flagship Seiko Prospex collection. This series of watches is widely recognized for its amazing roster of dive watches, which includes well-known names such as the Seiko Marinemaster and Seiko Turtle. As an esteemed Japanese watch brand, Seiko has only continued to meet everyone’s expectations with the well-crafted Seiko Arnie.  Introduced in 1982, the original Seiko Arnie piece released was the Seiko H558. It was notable for being the first-ever hybrid dive watch to grace the world. The launch of the Seiko H558 further cemented Seiko’s position as one of the leading innovative watchmakers globally. It also showcased the exceptional designs that came with Japanese craftsmanship.  Back in the ‘80s, the Seiko H558 garnered much popularity thanks to Arnold Schwarzenegger. The American actor utilized the watch in many of his action and sci-fi films, including massive hits like Commando (1985) and Predator (1987). This eventually led to the Seiko H558 being nicknamed after the actor, receiving the catchy  “Seiko Arnie” moniker. Over time, the Seiko Arnie gained a cult following which included not just watch enthusiasts, but also the actor’s growing fanbase worldwide. Seiko Arnie 2019 Image by: Seiko In August 2019, Seiko released a modern reissue of the well-loved 1982 Seiko H558. Dubbed the Modern Interpretation of the iconic 1982 Seiko Arnie, the brand-new Seiko Arnie watch came in a completely new build, including its construction and movement. It was launched in three different versions: Seiko Prospex Ref. SNJ025 (2019)Seiko Prospex Ref. SNJ027 (2019)Seiko Prospex Ref. SNJ028 (2019)Of the three reissue models, the Seiko Prospex Ref. SNJ025 bears the greatest resemblance to the original Seiko H558. It is also the most popular piece amongst watch connoisseurs. Let us get to know more about the modern Seiko Arnie in the next section of the article. Anatomy of the Seiko Arnie Case and Caseback The Seiko Arnie comes in a huge and chunky build that matches perfectly with the former bodybuilder and actor it is named for. Crafted in stainless steel, the case of this watch measures a thick 47.8mm in diameter and has a height of 13.8mm. These measurements suit folks whose wrist sizes border around medium to large. In spite of its immense construction, however, the Seiko Arnie actually wears quite lightly on the wrist, weighing around 114 grams. As such, you can easily and comfortably wear the Seiko Arnie even for long periods of time.  Surrounding the stainless steel case of this watch is a matte black shroud, which helps to emphasize its hefty look. This shroud is made from robust, shock-resistant plastic and adds to the lightweight build of the Seiko Arnie. If you are familiar with Seiko’s timepieces, you might have recognized this shroud feature from the design of the Seiko Tuna watches. Although it makes the case extra bulky, this shroud also provides the watch with an additional layer of protection against any accidental bumps or impacts.  On the underside of the Seiko Arnie, you can find a solid stainless steel caseback. It holds a delicate engraving of a cresting tsunami. This is a common feature seen in many Seiko dive watches. The caseback is also tightly screwed down. This prevents any water or dirt from leaking into the Seiko Arnie and damaging its inner mechanisms.   Crown and Pushers On the right side of the Seiko Arnie’s case, you will see a large crown made of polished stainless steel. Like the caseback, this crown is securely screwed down and helps to safekeep against the entry of moisture or dirt. The crown also comes with grooved edges, which makes it easier to grip and turn, especially when it is wet.  Located on the other side of the case are two thick, protruding pushers. The push-button at 8 o’clock is used to change the modes on the Seiko Arnie’s digital display. This includes switching between the watch’s stopwatch, alarm, date, and time display features. The push-button at 10 o’clock, on the other hand, controls the Seiko Arnie’s built-in LED backlight and stopwatch functions. Finally, using both pushers in conjunction allows you to set the watch’s alarm.  Bezel One of the most important components of a dive piece is its bezel, and Seiko Arnie does not fail to deliver. Fixed on top of the Seiko Arnie’s watch case is a unidirectional rotating bezel with 120 clicks. It does not have any backplay whatsoever. This ensures that you will not accidentally turn it backwards and lose track of your elapsed time underwater.  This bezel has thick, ridged edges that resemble the sides of a bottle cap, giving wearers a better grip. You do not have to worry about any difficulty in turning the bezel, since it sits taller than the surrounding plastic shroud. The bezel is also fitted with a black aluminum insert. It is filled with a 60-minute count-up scale and a luminous pip at 12 o’clock, which helps illuminate the watch face.  Dial Image by: Seiko Aside from its famous association with Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Seiko Arnie is also recognized for its striking hybrid dial. It shows off a matte black finish and is filled with hour markers in various geometric shapes and arrow-headed sword hands outlined in silver. A chapter ring, placed around the dial, bears indicators in white for the minute track. All of these components are generously coated in the brand’s LumiBrite material, allowing for optimal legibility even in low-light environments.  A rectangular digital screen is placed on the topmost section of the dial. It displays the watch’s time, alarm, stopwatch, and calendar functions. Even in the dark, you can still see this digital display clearly thanks to the Seiko Arnie’s built-in LED backlight. The dial of this watch is also protected by a tough layer of scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal. It keeps the watch face safe from any hard impacts or scratches.  Strap Image by: Seiko The Seiko Arnie is paired with a sturdy silicone strap in black. It has thick, wave-like ridges that ensure the strap rests securely on your wrist. The strap’s durable silicone material is also completely waterproof, so it is a great partner for this dive watch.  In addition, the Seiko Arnie’s strap also comes with a multitude of adjustment holes. This allows the wearer to easily adjust their strap for a looser or tighter fit. It is also equipped with a stainless steel buckle, which keeps the strap safely fastened to your wrist.  Water Resistance The Seiko Arnie has an impressive water resistance capacity of up to 200 meters. You can bring it on all sorts of water adventures, from surfing and swimming to deep-water conquests like professional diving. As a dive watch, the Seiko Arnie is also ISO 6425-certified.  Movement  Driving the Seiko Arnie is an in-house Seiko Caliber H851. This is a solar-powered quartz movement which can be charged using exposure to any light source, artificial or natural. When fully charged, the Seiko Caliber H851 can last for up to six months. It also has a superb accuracy rate of +/-15 seconds per month.  Price Coming from a watch brand widely known for its affordable prices, the Seiko Arnie has an extremely budget-friendly price tag of just $419 USD. With its robust build and jam-packed features, this accessible price makes the Seiko Arnie well worth the purchase.  Alternatives to the Seiko Arnie 1. Citizen Promaster Ref. JP2000-08E For another dive piece that comes from a notable Japanese brand, check out the Citizen Promaster Ref. JP2000-08E. This Citizen watch is presented in a 44mm stainless steel case with a height of 14mm, making it considerably smaller than the Seiko Arnie. With these dimensions, this Citizen watch can fit well on wrists of all sizes.  The Citizen Promaster Ref. JP2000-08E also has a sleek hybrid dial. It bears a matte black finish and contains trapezoidal hour indices and thick syringe hands. These hands and indices are all filled with a light green lume that adds a softer touch to this watch face. The minute hand is also outlined in orange, which pops brightly against the rest of the black backdrop. At 12 o’clock, a light gray digital display can be found.  This Citizen Promaster piece also comes with various functions such as alarms, depth measurements, and a stopwatch, all of which are displayed on the watch’s digital screen. Wearers can control these features using the small push-buttons found at 2, 8, and 10 o’clock. A screw-down crown is also located at 4 o’clock, with a stout water pressure sensor placed on the left side of the case. Like the Seiko Arnie, the Citizen Promaster Ref. JP2000-08E is water-resistant up to depths of 200 meters.   You can get your hands on the Citizen Promaster Ref. JP2000-08E for $459 USD. 2. Mido Ocean Star Ref. M026.430.17.051.00 For another robust dive watch with a very quintessential style, check out the Mido Ocean Star Ref. M026.430.17.051.00. This Mido piece utilizes a 42.5mm stainless steel case and a high-quality black rubber strap. Sitting atop the watch case is a unidirectional rotating bezel with an elapsed time scale insert made of black ceramic. Like the Seiko Arnie, it also possesses an outstanding water resistance rating of 200 meters.  Protected by a layer of sapphire crystal, the black dial of this watch is ornamented with rectangular hour indices, silver skeletal hands, and a day-date aperture at 3 o’clock. The seconds hand of this watch is tipped with orange, adding a burst of color to this watch face. These components are all treated with Super-LumiNova, which lights up the dial in the dark.  This Mido Ocean Star piece runs on an in-house Mido Caliber 80. Held together by 25 jewels, this self-winding movement beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz) and offers a stellar power supply of 80 hours.  The Mido Ocean Star Ref. M026.430.17.051.00 retails at $890 USD. 3. Oris Divers Ref. 01 733 7720 4354-07 4 21 18 If you would like to invest in a more expensive dive watch, this handsome timepiece from Oris might interest you. The Oris Divers Ref. 01 733 7720 4354-07 4 21 18 shows off a gorgeous combination of black and royal gold tones. It sports a 42mm stainless steel case and an elegant black rubber strap. Fitted on top of the case is a unidirectional count-up bezel, with a black ceramic insert and gold-tone edges.  Arranged on this watch’s black dial are luminous geometric hour markers and broad sword hands, which come in a lovely shade of rose gold. A trapezoidal date complication, outlined in gold, can also be spotted at 3 o’clock. All of these functions are driven by the watch’s Oris Caliber 733. Based on the Sellita SW200-1 movement, this caliber has a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and a standard 38-hour power reserve. You can buy this Oris Divers watch for around $2,200 USD.  Final Thoughts Through this in-depth look at the Seiko Arnie, we can say that it is certainly an incredible dive watch, especially with its modern, upgraded features and solid build. It is an apt timepiece for the modern-day man and can be utilized in all sorts of adventures, especially water-based ones. For those seeking a hefty dive piece with hybrid features, the Seiko Arnie is definitely a great option. All images courtesy of WatchShopping website, unless otherwise stated.  Photo credits: 20th Century Fox, Seiko PH, Seiko USA, and Seiko Watches. Are you on the hunt for an iconic vintage watch? Check out our review of the rare Rolex Coke.

There are certain watch companies that focus their efforts on making specific types of timepieces. For instance, the Swiss watch brand TAG Heuer is especially famous for its extensive arsenal of racing watches, while brands like Grand Seiko are better known for its catalogue of exquisite dress watches.  Considering the elite status of dive watches, most watch brands have at least one collection dedicated to them. There are, however, also certain watchmakers that dedicate themselves entirely to crafting excellent dive pieces. One such example is the microbrand Spinnaker Watches. Spinnaker Watches offers a wide variety of different, stylish dive piece designs. In this article, we have narrowed it down to the top ten Spinnaker watches that you should definitely check out if you are looking for a nice dive model to add to your collection.  Read on to find out more about the best Spinnaker watches available and what they have to offer.  About Spinnaker Watches Because of its name, there is a common misconception that Spinnaker Watches is a Swiss watch brand. In fact, Spinnaker Watches is actually a watchmaker based in Hong Kong.  The timepieces from this company employ reliable yet affordable movements made by Japanese brands Miyota and Seiko. As a result, Spinnaker watches are relatively inexpensive compared to other dive watches like the Rolex Submariner or the Omega Seamaster, which come at a pretty penny. Spinnaker is also known for implementing creative, ocean-inspired designs, in keeping with its focus on dive watches.  List of 10 Spinnaker Watches to Add to Your Collection Spinnaker currently has a total of 94 products under its belt, which are categorised into 12 different collections. Each collection offers timepieces with certain distinct characteristics, from the design of the watch to the mechanism it runs on. However, one thing you can be sure of is that all Spinnaker watches embody the brand’s mission of merging excellence and beauty into an accessible timepiece that watch lovers can afford.  If we were to go through all the watches in Spinnaker’s catalogue, we would be here all day. As such, we have instead narrowed own the list to the ten best Spinnaker watches available. Each of these Spinnaker watches show off robust builds and versatile designs, allowing them to double as both excellent dive pieces and wonderful watches for everyday use. With all that said, here are the ten Spinnaker watches you should definitely consider for your collection.  1. Hull Chronograph Lapis (SP-5068-03) Photo by Spinnaker Watches The Hull Chronograph Lapis SP-5068-03 banks on its impeccable engineering, as a built that is both effortlessly stylish and built to last. This watch comes in a 42mm stainless steel case which measures 15mm in thickness, making it quite a chunky piece. This is coupled with a supple black leather strap and a handy fixed tachymeter bezel, which wearers can use to calculate their current speed.  This watch shows off a textured sandwich dial with a lovely blue finish. It is adorned with luminous hour indices, thick sword hands, and a big date window placed unusually at 12 o’clock. Another intriguing thing about this timepiece is that it comes with a chronograph display, something which is not frequently seen in dive watches. Towards the centre of the dial, you can find three sub-dials for the 60-seconds, 60-minutes, and 24-hour counters. This dial is also protected by a layer of mineral crystal.  Driving this watch is a Japanese VK73 TMI Meca-Quartz movement. It offers an impressive battery life of up to three years. The Hull Chronograph Lapis SP-5068-03 is available for $235 USD. 2. Hull Chronograph Fumee Black (SP-5068-01) Photo by Spinnaker Watches The Hull Chronograph Fumee Black SP-5068-01 is another mechanically-excellent watch. It shows off a design that is very similar to that of the Hull Chronograph Lapis, albeit with a different colourway and vibe.  This Spinnaker watch is presented in a 42mm squircle case, which is made of scratch-resistant stainless steel. It is accompanied by a handsome, hand-stitched brown leather strap, which gives the watch a more casual and laid back vibe, making it perfect for everyday use. Despite its robust stainless steel composition, this watch weighs just 90 grams, so it wears quite lightly on the wrist.  The dial of this watch also comes in blue. It boasts a fumee degraded finish that makes it look more aged and vintage, which goes incredibly well with the watch’s elegant brown strap. This dial consists of geometric hour indices, broad sword hands, a date display, and three chronograph counters. The hands and indices of this watch are all coated in beige-coloured Super-LumiNova, which allows for optimal legibility even in poor lighting conditions.  Like the Hull Chronograph Lapis, this watch runs on a Japanese VK73 TMI Meca-Quartz Calibre. It also possesses a solid 100-metre depth rating, all thanks to the watch’s screwed-down stainless steel caseback.  The Hull Chronograph Lapis is priced at $235 USD. 3. Bradner Pacific Blue (SP-5062-22) Photo by Spinnaker Watches For a more professional dive watch option, check out the Bradner Pacific Blue SP-5062-22. The Bradner product line was inspired by the American physicist, Hugh Bradner. Aside from working on the Manhattan Project with Robert Oppenheimer, Bradner is also famous for developing the first neoprene wetsuit. Bradner’s legacy is evident with the Spinnaker Bradner timepieces, all of which come with vintage compression diver stylings. This particular watch also showcases a sleek, refined aesthetic that can effortlessly elevate your officewear. The Bradner Pacific Blue sports a 42mm round case made of stainless steel, along with a fashionable beads of rice bracelet that is made from the same material. On the right side of the watch, you can find two stout crowns. These crowns allow wearers to quickly adjust the watch’s time and internal bezel respectively.   Enclosed inside the watch is a striking three-dimensional dial, which shows off a textured blue finish that evokes the choppy ocean waves. It comprises thick watch hands, rectangular and square hour indices, and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. The hands and indices are applied with green lume for better legibility in the dark. Near the rim of the dial, you can find a minute track in bronze, which stands out sharply against the rest of the blue dial. Finally, on the very edge of the dial is a handy dive bezel with large Arabic numeral markers in ten-minute intervals.  This watch is powered by Seiko’s prized NH35 TMI Automatic Movement. This self-winding Japanese calibre is held together by 24 jewels and offers a standard 41-hour power supply. It also has a water resistance capacity of 180 metres, making the Bradner Pacific Blue a stunning and reliable dive watch.  The Bradner Pacific Blue costs around $370 USD, making it one of the priciest Spinnaker watches.  4. Bradner Tidal Blue (SP-5062-05) Photo by Spinnaker Watches The Bradner Tidal Blue SP-5062-05 is quite similar to the Bradner Pacific Blue in terms of specifications, but differs slightly in design. Hailed as the coolest watch to buy for spring holidays, the Bradner Tidal Blue showcases a cool, breezy style that makes it easy to see why this is one of Spinnaker Watches’ best-sellers.  This timepiece utilises a 42mm round case and a warm leather strap in light brown, which gives the watch a very easygoing feel. This watch also has a three-dimension dial, which boasts a rich blue sunray finish that simply exudes modern chicness. It is decorated with large hands and hour indices covered in beige lume, along with a date complication at 3 o’clock, a black minute track, and an internal, bidirectional dive bezel. All of these functions are powered by Seiko’s popular NH35 movement, which gives the watch a power supply of 41 hours and a depth rating of 180 metres.  This Tidal Blue timepiece is on sale for $285 USD. 5. Hull California Cobalt Blue (SP-5071-02) Photo by Spinnaker Watches Spinnaker also caters to those California-lovin’ people with its spectacular Hull California Cobalt Blue SP-5071-02. This analog watch is housed in a robust 42mm cushion-shaped case made of stainless steel, coupled with a black leather strap.  This watch’s silver-tone case contrasts cleanly against its dial. This dial shows off a rough blue texture that evokes the image of turbulent ocean waves, which is in keeping with the watch’s status as a dive piece. It also has a fun California layout, with a mix of Arabic and Roman numeral hour markers and rectangular indices. Aside from that, this watch also consists of large sword hands and a rectangular date complication at 3 o’clock.  Inside this Spinnaker watch, you can find a Seiko NH35 TMI Automatic movement. It offers a depth rating of 100 metres and can last for up to 41 hours when fully wound.  This ruggedly handsome dive watch retails at $250 USD.  6. Croft Automatic Stealth Gray (SP-5058-07) Photo by Spinnaker Watches If you love bold, all-black watches, then you are sure to enjoy the Croft Automatic Stealth Gray SP-5058-07. This watch is encased in a 43mm stainless steel case and a matching black leather strap. The case of this watch is coated in black PVD, which helps to bolster is resistance against scratches, enhancing the durability of this timepiece. Affixed to the top of the watch case is a thick black bezel, which large white indicators for its count-up scale.  The dial of the Croft Automatic Stealth Gray is made using ionic grey plating, blending in well the rest of the watch. It is furnished with geometric hour indices, broad sword hands, a circular magnified date display at 3 o’clock , and a small seconds sub-dial under it. The hands and indices are treated with yellow Super-LumiNova, which improves visibility in low-light conditions. A layer of luxurious sapphire crystal guards this dial from any external damage.  A Japanese Miyota 8218 Calibre operates this Spinnaker watch. It provides a 42-hour power supply and a respectable accuracy rate of +/-11.5 seconds a day. This watch also weighs 100 grams in total, making it slightly heavier compared to the other Spinnaker watches.  The Croft Automatic Stealth Gray sells at $285 USD. 7. Fleuss Oxblood Red (SP-5055-07) Photo by Spinnaker Watches The Spinnaker Fleuss collection is the watch range through which the brand pays homage to the golden age of dive pieces. In particular, the work of Henry Fleuss inspired the Spinnaker Fleus line. Fleuss is known for inventing the first Scuba dive apparatus in 1878, taking many early dive missions to develop a greater understanding of deep-sea discovery mechanics. Spinnaker Fleuss watches show off sturdy builds and utilise long-established watchmaking techniques to create a dive watch you can always rely on underwater.  In this entry, we are looking at the stylish Fleuss Oxblood Red SP-5055-07. This Spinnaker watch uses a 43mm stainless steel case and a smooth leather strap in black. Fitted on top of he watch case is a black unidirectional bezel, with beige indicators for its elapsed time scale. The dial, on the other hand, cuts a distinguished path with its wine-red sunray finish. This metallic-looking dial contains large Arabic numeral markers, rectangular hour indices, broad sword hands, and a date window at 3 o’clock.  Underneath this handsome watch face is a Seiko NH35 TMI Automatic movement. It boasts a power reserve that can last for up to 41 hours, as well as a solid depth rating of 150 metres. You can admire this movement at work through the watch’s see-through caseback.  Watch lovers can purchase the Fleuss Oxblood Red for $305 USD 8. Dumas Nightfall Black (SP-5081-11) Photo by Spinnaker Watches The Dumas Nightfall Black SP-5081-11 is a great watch option for those who love rugged watches. As one of the most expensive offerings in Spinnaker’s catalogue, the Dumas Nightfall Black banks on its bold and distinctive octagon case. With a 44mm diameter and its thick hooded lugs, this is one of the bulkiest Spinnaker watches available, and provides a solid presence on your wrist.  The watch’s all-silver exterior is completed by a fancy stainless steel Milanese bracelet. Pressed on top of the watch case is an elapsed time scale bezel made out of steel and aluminium. This black bezel goes well with the watch’s matching, stark black dial. The dial is ornamented with large white hour indices, thick sword hands, and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. Vibrant orange accents are also peppered all around the watch face and used to outline the watch’s hour hand. These bright orange highlights help add a bit more variation and fun to this watch’s dial.  Driving this watch is a Japanese NH35 TMI Automatic movement, which can last for up to 41 hours when fully wound. In addition, the Dumas Nightfall Black also has a depth rating of 300 metres – the highest amongst all Spinnaker watches. If you want a classy and durable dive watch, then the Dumas Nightfall Black is an excellent choice.  The Dumas Nightfall Black has an estimated price tag of $400 USD.  9. Cahill Admiral Blue (SP-5075-22) Photo by Spinnaker Watches The executive-looking Cahill Admiral BLue SP-5075-22 hails from the brand’s Cahill Midsize Automatic series. As its name implies, this watch comes in a standard 40mm size case made of robust stainless steel, along with a H-link bracelet made of the same material. Affixed to the watch case is a unidirectional bezel, which bears an aluminium elapsed time scale insert.  The dial of this watch showcases a deep blue textured finish, which is reminiscent of the deep, dark ocean waters. It is furnished with bold geometric hour markers, refined Mercedes hands, and a compact date complication at 3 o’clock. The seconds hand of this watch also comes in a bright orange hue, adding a touch of quirky vibrancy to this watch face. All of this watch’s functions run on a Miyota 8215 automatic movement. It possesses a power reserve of 40 hours and an accuracy rate of +40/-20 seconds per day. You can buy the Cahill Admiral Blue for $350 USD. 10. Croft Sand Black (SP-5058-05) Photo by Spinnaker Watches Finally, we have the Croft Sand Black SP-5058-05. One of the best-selling Spinnaker watches, this timepiece commemorates U.S. Navy Diving Instructor Robert Croft, who is famous for being the first person to free dive to a depth of 200 feet.  This Spinnaker piece is presented in a 43mm stainless steel case and a smart brown leather strap. On top of the watch case is a stylish elapsed time scale bezel that comes in a deep, red hue. This 120-click bezel is made of scratch-resistant aluminium, which gives it a shiny, metallic look. It also encloses a layer of sapphire crystal, which helps guard the watch’s face. This watch crystal has been treated with anti-reflective coatings, giving wearers a clear and unhindered view of the dial.   The dial of the watch, meanwhile, shows off a deep grey finish. It is decorated with luminous geometric hour markers, massive sword hands, a magnified date window, and a small seconds sub-dial. Driving all of these functions is a Japanese Miyota 8218 automatic movement, which provides a 42-hour power supply.  This handsome Spinnaker watch is priced at $320 USD.  Final Thoughts  Over decades, Spinnaker Watches has produced an extensive series of versatile dive watches. Showcasing reliable automatic movements, these dive pieces draw inspiration from the nautical and yachting lifestyles, staying completely true to the brand’s goal of developing ocean-themed watches. Elegant on the outside and efficient on the inside, these Spinnaker dive watches are the perfect package.  And while many dive watches sell at very exorbitant prices, you will find that Spinnaker Watches is one of the brands that proves that quality can be accessible too. The dive pieces from this watchmaker are all priced very affordably. As a result, Spinnaker watches make for some of the best entry-level dive pieces in the market.  All photos used in the article are courtesy of Spinnaker Watches.Some watches never go out of style. Check out how Omega Speedmaster Reduced has made speedy timers more affordable to watch collectors here.

The Casio G-Shock series is one of the most well-known collections in the horology industry. Known to both watch enthusiasts and casual wearers who are not familiar with the watch market, the Casio G-Shock is highly regarded for its hefty build and robust durability. In particular, the Casio G-Shock stands out for its use of resin, which gives it a superior degree of shock and impact resistance.  Of course, a brand like Casio is nothing if not adventurous. As such, in 2020, the brand diversified its G-Shock range with the release of the Casio G-Shock MTG-B2000. Despite belonging to the G-Shock collection, these G-Shock MTG watches break from the norm with their sleek metal cases and high-quality finishes. Promising style and ever-reliable levels of shock resistance, the Casio G-Shock MTG is the G-Shock collection’s newest premium line.  Without further ado, let us delve deep into the Casio G-Shock MTG and everything it has to offer.  All About Casio G-Shock MTG B2000 The first Casio G-Shock MTG watches were introduced in 2018, under the moniker Casio G-Shock MTG-B1000. Despite being the newest additions to a collection known for using resin materials, the G-Shock MTG line distinguished itself by incorporating unprecedented levels of metal into its watches. These watches managed to show off more lustrous aesthetics, while still maintaining the level of shock resistance expected from G-Shock watches.   Thanks to the popular reception of the G-Shock MTG-B1000 timepieces, Casio decided to release newer, upgraded variants of the G-Shock MTG. Most recently, in September 2020, the brand unveiled its G-Shock MTG-B2000 watches. These latest iterations of the G-Shock MTG promise more stylish designs and updated features that can only be found in Casio’s top-tier models.  Casio G-Shock MTG-B2000: First Impressions Right off the bat, the Casio G-Shock MTG-B2000 is still recognizable as a distinctively G-Shock piece, with its rugged and outdoor-ready build. It is a revamped version of the G-Shock MTG-B2000, with similar dimensions and a slightly busier dial.  One significant upgrade that has been made to the G-Shock MTG-B2000, however, is its bezel. As opposed to the MTG-B1000’s round case, the MTG-B2000 shows off a rare dodecagonal bezel, tailored to suit shock-resistant watches like this.  Thanks to this bezel, watch fans have remarked on the MTG-B2000’s resemblance to other watches with angular bezels. This has led to very flattering comparisons with iconic pieces like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus. As a result, the MTG-B2000 possesses a versatility that makes it an interesting choice as a dress watch for formal occasions too.  Anatomy of the Casio G-Shock MTG-B2000  Case  The Casio G-Shock MTG-B2000 comes in a chunky 55.1mm case that measures 15.9mm in thickness. Although it is slightly smaller than its MTG predecessor, this watch still poses a very significant presence on your wrist, a trait that is true of all G-Shock watches. Like the watch bezel, the case itself is twelve-sided, giving it a very sharp and angular look.  The case of the MTG-B2000 shows off a very layered build, which contributes greatly to its durability. It is composed of a rigid carbon monocoque case and a firm stainless steel cargo frame, which protects the inner case from external shocks. The stainless steel frame is treated with a black IP finish and a lovely Sallaz polish. This gives the frame a sleek, mirror-like black surface that adds to the visual appeal of this watch.  The use of carbon is critical in the MTG-B2000, as it is both highly shock-resistant and can be molded into complex shapes, offering greater design freedom. Since carbon is very lightweight, its use also ensures that the G-Shock MTG-B2000 does not weigh too heavily on your wrist. Thanks to the case’s semi-carbon composition, the MTG-B2000 weighs just 156 grams in total, which is quite light considering its size.  The case is also equipped with the brand’s signature Triple G Resist system. A major factor contributing to the G-Shock watches’ durability, it reinforces the MTG-B2000’s ability to withstand shocks, centrifugal forces, and vibration. In addition, the MTG-B2000 also has a solid depth rating of 200 metres, so you can easily bring it for a swim.  Casio Watches Bezel As we mentioned, the bezel is also a highlight of the G-Shock MTG-B2000. This bezel has an unusual dodecagonal shape. It is crafted entirely from stainless steel, so it is very robust and protects the watch face from any scratches or impacts.  The bezel is also treated with a layer of ion plating. This further boosts its resistance to scratches while also giving it its shiny pink-red hue.  Casio Watches Band The G-Shock MTG-B2000 comes with a three-link stainless steel bracelet. Like the watch case, this bracelet has been treated with a black IP finish and Sallaz polish. In order to reduce the heftiness of the MTG-B2000, however, Casio has hollowed out this bracelet to make space for metal injection moulding. This reduces the overall weight of the MTG-B2000’s bracelet to 15% less than a typical, all-stainless steel strap.  This metal strap is equipped with a double slide lever. This allows you to quickly wear or release it, maximising convenience.  Aside from that, the MTG-B2000 is also offered with a soft urethane strap in black. If you want your MTG-B2000 piece to be even lighter, then this urethane band is a great choice. With the urethane strap, the MTG-B2000 weighs 127 grams in total and comes at a slightly cheaper price tag.  Dial Compared to its predecessor, the Casio G-Shock MTG-B2000 shows off an improved dial configuration which allows for easier readability. It shows off a matte black finish that wonderfully complements the rest of the watch.  This dial is also filled with oversized sword hands in silver-white and thick, applique hour markers that give this watch face a three-dimensional look. The hands and indices have been coated in Casio’s LumiBrite material, allowing for optimal legibility even in the dark. On top of that, this watch also comes with an LED backlight, which you can activate using one of the pushers on the side of the case.  As a chronograph watch, the G-Shock MTG-B2000 also contains three sub-dials in different sizes. The sub-dial at 8 o’clock serves as the 12-hour chronograph counter, while a smaller day-night indicator is placed to the right of it. At 3 o’clock, you can find the day-of-the-week and mode indicators. Finally, a 24-hour display is placed on the upper left hand of the dial. Metallic red accents are also scattered all around this watch face, matching the bezel and giving it an especially cool look.  Movement Underneath this packed dial, you can find an in-house Japanese Seiko quartz caliber. This is a Tough Solar movement, which means that it can be charged using any form of consistent light source, artificial or natural. When fully charged, it can last for up to an impressive five months without any exposure to light.  Dual Core Guard Structure Casio Watches One of the core features of the Casio G-Shock MTG-B2000 is its Dual Core Guard Structure. This is an improved version of the Metal Core Guard Structure, which was first introduced in the MTG-B1000.  The Dual Core Guard Structure accentuates the aesthetics of a metal watch without the need to make it too big or bulky. It does away with the traditional metal caseback. Instead, the Dual Core Guard Structure employs a carbon monocoque case that seamlessly integrates both the case and caseback, making use of the strong yet lightweight nature of carbon. A metal frame is then placed around the case, offering it greater protection against external damage. Other Features Casio Watches The Casio G-Shock MTG-B2000 comes with a number of useful Casio-developed systems as well. For instance, it is equipped with the brand’s Multi-Band 6 technology. This enables it to receive time calibration signals from six radio stations around the world, which allows for more accurate timekeeping. It also has Bluetooth connectivity features, so wearers can automatically sync up the watch’s time or change between 300 different timezones.  Casio also developed a dedicated app for G-Shock watches, the G-Shock Connected, which the MTG-B2000 has access to. Using this app, wearers can check on the watch’s updates and data history or access alarm and timer settings. You can even use this app to keep track of your health stats through the watch.  The MTG-B2000 supports operating systems including and above iOS and Android 7.0.  Price and Availability As the most luxurious item in the entire G-Shock lineup, the Casio G-Shock MTG-B2000 retails at a more exorbitant price compared to its peers. You can purchase it for around $1,000 USD.  Final Thoughts The Casio G-Shock MTG-B2000 is a truly unique G-Shock offering. It retains the collection’s signature rugged boldness. At the same time, it also incorporates a new stylishness through its metal framing, giving the MTG-B2000 a versatility that allows it to fit in both in the wilderness and in more formal settings. Without a doubt, the MTG-B2000 is the best that G-Shock has to offer.  All photos used in this article are credited to Casio. If you’re enjoying the Casio G-Shock MTG-B2000, check out more model G-Shock timepieces from Casio here.

Porsche is a German automobile manufacturer known worldwide for its arsenal of iconic luxury sports cars. For many folks, owning a Porsche car is a dream come true. However, did you know that aside from automobile products, Porsche also offers its own roster of remarkable watches?  Over the years, Porsche has expanded its line of merchandise into various commodities that cater to its customers globally. Aside from watches, these also include clothing, accessories, and various lifestyle products. In terms of Porsche watches, many pieces are derived from the brand’s own line of famous sports cars. Hence, wearing one feels like already owning a Porsche car. In addition, many of the Porsche watches are crafted as racing watches built to be used in racing competitions. However, these timepieces are generally built with versatile designs. This allows them to be used as dress watches or even in casual, everyday life. Let us take a quick look at some of the best Porsche watches offered in the market today, and how the brand first came up with these timepieces in the rest of this article. Porsche Watches: A Brief Overview Image by: Porsche In 1972, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche founded and headed Porsche Design, a company separate from Porsche itself. Under Porsche Design, high-end goods in the form of pens, sunglasses, and many more were manufactured. Up to this day, the production of these items under Porsche Design still continues.  Known for being the creative mind behind the Porsche 911, Porsche sought to release a timepiece derived from the aforementioned sports car. He wanted to create a watch that looked just like the Porsche 911, with just as much craftsmanship and innovation. Thus, the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 was born. Launched in 1972 along with Porsche Design, this watch was a masterpiece. Not only was it the first all-black chronograph watch, but it also paved the way for Porsche to succeed in the watch industry in the years to come.  Continuing the legacy started by Porsche Design, today, Porsche watches are designed in the Porsche Design Studio in Zell am See, Austria. They are then forwarded to and manufactured in the brand’s own watchmaking company under Porsche Design Timepieces AG located in Solothurn, Switzerland. 10 Best Porsche Watches 1. Porsche Design Chronograph 1 (1972 Limited Edition) Image by: Porsche For the first watch on this list, let us take a look at the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 (1972 Limited Edition). First launched in 1972, this Porsche watch is most famous for being worn in films starring the American actor Tom Cruise. It has appeared in hit films like Top Gun (1986) and the recent blockbuster hit Top Gun: Maverick (2022). Fifty years after its original debut, the brand has just relaunched this timepiece in 2022. As a 50th anniversary model, the production of the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 (1972 Limited Edition) is limited to just 500 pieces.  The Porsche Design Chronograph 1 (1972 Limited Edition) utilizes a black-coated titanium construction for its case and three-link bracelet. Since it weighs 45% lighter than steel, this titanium watch wears much lighter than the average stainless steel watch. It is housed in a 40.8mm case with a height of 14.15mm, allowing it to fit wrists of all sizes quite well.  This watch also shows off a sleek matte black dial, which complements its exterior quite nicely. It is adorned with luminous hour indices and blunt hands, along with a vibrant red seconds hand that adds a pop of color to this watch face. At 3 o’clock rests a compact day-date window. Three sub-merged sub-dials also fill the dial, serving as the 60-second, 30-minute, and 12-hour counters. Along with the tachymeter scale on the dial’s rim, these chronograph sub-dials are used to measure the speed of a moving object, especially in the context of racing. This watch is driven by the in-house Porsche WERK 01.140 Caliber. It is an automatic movement that beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and has a standard power supply of 48 hours. If you love all-black watches, you can get the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 (1972 Limited Edition) for $7,700 USD.  2. Porsche Lifestyle Collector’s Watch Ref. WAP0701700N0CL  Image by: Porsche Next up, we have another limited-edition model, the Porsche Lifestyle Collector’s Watch Ref. WAP0701700N0CL. It is presented in a 42mm cushion-shaped case made from stainless steel. This square watch is coupled with a multicolor textile strap designed with racing stripes exactly like the 1972 Porsche 956. The strap is held by twisted wire lugs that add to the fashionable look of this watch. The watch’s brushed silver dial is decorated with Arabic numeral markers, black pencil hands coated with Super-LumiNova, and a circular date display at 6 o’clock. On the rim of the dial is a minute track in blue and red, the colors of the 1972 Porsche 956. Affixed to the top of the watch case is a thick fixed bezel. Fitted with eight screws, this bezel is also made of stainless steel and protects the watch face from any impacts and knocks.  This Porsche watch is powered by a battery-operated Ronda 515 quartz movement. It offers a water resistance capacity of 100 meters and can last for up to 45 months when fully charged.  As a special-edition watch, there are only 1,956 pieces of the Porsche Lifestyle Collector’s Watch Ref. WAP0701700N0C available worldwide. That said, its $500 USD price tag makes it very affordable and accessible to many watch collectors.  3. Porsche Lifestyle Chronograph Race Ref. WAP0700090NRAC  Image by: Porsche If you are on the hunt for a Porsche watch with very unique features, check out the Porsche Lifestyle Chronograph Race Ref. WAP0700090NRAC. This timepiece is packed in a 42mm stainless steel case, paired with a multicolor textile strap. It is also delivered with an additional black rubber strap, which you can use in all sorts of sports-related activities.  The polished silver dial of this watch is furnished with Arabic numeral markers, blue sword hands, a tachymeter ring, and vivid red accents scattered all around the dial, including on the seconds hand. As a chronograph watch, it also has three chronograph sub-dials, which are operated using the polished pushers at 11 and 1 o’clock.  The unusually-placed screw-down crown at 12 o’clock, along with the stainless steel caseback, affords this watch a solid 100-meter depth rating. Finally, this watch runs on the Miyota OS30 Caliber. This is a high-end quartz movement that has an accuracy rate of +/-20 seconds per month and a superb battery life of approximately five years.  The Porsche Lifestyle Chronograph Race Ref. WAP0700090NRAC retails at just $750 USD. 4. Porsche Lifestyle Classic Chronograph Turbo Ref. WAP0700880LCLC  Image by: Porsche For a Porsche watch in a lovely ensemble of blue tones, we have the Porsche Lifestyle Classic Chronograph Turbo Ref. WAP0700880LCLC. This watch is encased in a 44mm satin-finished stainless steel case, giving the timepiece a very smooth look. It is matched with a blue textile strap that goes well with the blue accents of the dial.  The watch’s white dial is guarded by a layer of sapphire crystal with scratch-resistant and anti-reflective properties. Arranged on it are blue Arabic numerals, luminous hands outlined in blue, and a small date aperture at 3 o‘clock. Red accents can also be found on the two blue chronograph sub-dials, adding to the watch’s handsome, dynamic aesthetic. Inside this watch, you can also find a reliable quartz Ronda movement.  You can get your hands on the Porsche Lifestyle Classic Chronograph Turbo Ref. WAP0700880LCLC for $850 USD. 5. Porsche Sport Chrono Subsecond 39 Ref. 4056487017266  Image by: Porsche The Porsche Sport Chrono Subsecond 39 Ref. 4056487017266 is one of the three models released by the brand that was inspired by the 2020 Porsche Panamera. As such, this watch bears a striking resemblance to the sports car’s interior design. These include the watch’s strap, which is made from the same leather as the Porsche vehicle’s seats, and the dial’s design, which mimics the car’s dash clock.  This watch is housed in a 39mm black titanium case with a thickness of 12.25mm. Given these dimensions, it can fit quite well on small-to-average-sized wrists. Its hollow titanium lugs add to this watch’s slim, lightweight look. In addition, it is also very easy to wear and remove thanks to its folding clasp. This watch boasts a solid 100-meter water resistance capacity, allowing you to bring it on all sorts of water adventures.  The brushed black dial of this watch is ornamented with rectangular hour indices, Arabic numerals, blunt hands, and a date complication at 3 o’clock. A small seconds sub-dial is also placed at 6 o’clock. Ticking inside this watch is the Porsche Design Caliber WERK 03.200. Fitted with 31 jewels, this movement beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and has a modest 38-hour power reserve. Hailing from the luxury collection of Porsche watches, the Porsche Sport Chrono Subsecond 39 Ref. 4056487017266 is priced at $5,350 USD. 6. Porsche Sport Chrono Subsecond 42 Ref. 4046901928001  Image by: Porsche If you have a larger wrist and would like to opt for a blue version of the previous Porsche Design watch, take a look at the Porsche Sport Chrono Subsecond 42 Ref. 4046901928001.  This luxury piece comes in a 42mm titanium case, paired with a blue Porsche leather strap and slim, hollowed lugs that are also made of titanium. This watch can fit quite comfortably on wrists of all sizes and it wears very lightly to boot, thanks to its lightweight titanium and leather construction.  The brushed blue dial of this watch shows off an alluring sunray finish. It is filled with white hour indices, Arabic numeral markers, and luminous blunt hands. You can also find a compact date indicator at 3 o’clock and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock.  Underneath this gorgeous watch face, you can find a Porsche Design Caliber WERK 03.200. Held together by 31 jewels, this automatic movement offers a 38-hour power supply and a water resistance capacity of 100 meters.  The price of the Porsche Sport Chrono Subsecond 42 Ref. 4046901928001 is set at $4,750 USD. 7. Porsche Design 1919 Chronotimer Flyback Ref. 4046901809379  Image by: Porsche Next up, we have a luxury piece inspired by the Porsche 911. The Porsche Design 1919 Chronotimer Flyback Ref. 4046901809379 is built in a 42mm titanium case, coupled with a brown calfskin leather strap.  The dial of this watch boasts a rich, chocolate brown hue that matches its strap perfectly. It consists of rectangular hour indices, blunt black hands, a date display at 4 o’clock, and scattered, bright red accents.  The dial also has two chronograph sub-dials for the 30-minute and 12-hour counters, along with a curved function display at 9 o’clock which shows the running seconds. These features can be controlled using the long pushers on the right side of the watch case. Compared to traditional chronograph pieces, this watch comes with a flyback function. This enables you to stop and reset the running chronograph without stopping it altogether. It comes in especially handy when you need to register the lap times in a race. This watch is notable for being equipped with the brand’s first-ever in-house automatic movement: the Porsche Design Caliber WERK 01.200. Composed of 25 jewels, this self-winding movement has a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and a standard 48-hour power rating. The Porsche Design 1919 Chronotimer Flyback Ref. 4046901809379 can be purchased for $6,350 USD. 8. Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator Ref. 4046901564131  Image by: Porsche For a state-of-the-art Porsche watch, here is the Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator Ref. 4046901564131. This watch sports a 45.5mm monobloc case with a height of 15.6mm, crafted entirely from titanium. While this oversized timepiece fits best on medium-to-large-sized wrists, those with smaller wrists can also wear it quite comfortably, thanks to its lightweight titanium build.  This GMT watch showcases a handsome black sunburst dial. It comprises a tachymeter chapter ring on its rim, white hour indices, thick sword hands, and two chronograph sub-dials for the 30-minute and 12-hour counters. A running seconds counter also rests at 9 o’clock, while a small date aperture can be found at 4 o’clock. A simple 24-hour scale is also engraved on the slanting edges of the dial. You might have noticed that this Porsche watch does not have traditional pushers. That is because they are integrated into the monobloc case itself. Referred to as the rocker switch, the cut lines on the right side of the case can be pushed inwards to control the stopwatch, GMT, and chronograph functions of this timepiece.  The back of this watch is sealed shut by an exhibition-style caseback. Through it, you can admire the watch’s ETA/Valjoux 7754 movement. It beats at 28,800 (4Hz) and has an average power supply of 42 hours. This watch also possesses a reliable water resistance rating of 100 meters.  The Porsche Design Monobloc Actuator Ref. 4046901564131 costs $6,350 USD. 9. Porsche Design Chronotimer Series 1 Flyback Ref. 4046901811006  Image by: Porsche If you love sporty and rugged Porsche watches, check out the Porsche Design Chronotimer Series 1 Flyback Ref. 4046901811006. This robust timepiece is sheltered in a 42mm black titanium case, accompanied by a black vehicle leather strap. The matte black dial is made from carbon fiber, with its eye-catching and distinct criss-cross pattern. It contains white hour indices, luminous sword hands, a date complication at 4 o’clock, and a vivid red seconds hand that adds a touch of vibrancy to this watch face. You can also find two chronograph sub-dials with sleek sunray black finishes, for the 30-minute and 12-hour counters.  Affixed on top of the watch is a black tachymeter bezel. On the right side of the watch, a screw-down crown is placed. It is surrounded by two sizable chronograph pushers, which are used to operate the watch’s flyback function. All of these features are powered by a Caliber WERK 01.200, which provides a power reserve of 48 hours.  The Porsche Design Chronotimer Series 1 Flyback Ref. 4046901811006 is worth $6,700 USD. 10. TAG Heuer Carrera Ref. CBN2A1F.BA0643  For many watch connoisseurs, watch collaborations are one of the most exciting parts of the horological sphere. One prime example of this is the TAG Heuer Carrera Ref. CBN2A1F.BA0643. This watch is a collaboration between the Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer and Porsche. It uses a 44mm stainless steel case paired with a three-link bracelet made from the same material.  The dial shows off a black textured surface that resembles the asphalt used in racing tracks. It is filled with Arabic numerals in a white typeface, luminous skeleton hands, and three chronograph sub-dials with vibrant red accents. Affixed to the top of the watch face is a tachymeter bezel, with a thick black ceramic insert.  This timepiece is operated by the in-house TAG Heuer Caliber 02. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) and boasts a stellar 80-hour power supply. Unlike the previous Porsche watches, however, this collaborative piece only has a depth rating of 30 meters. This allows it to survive any simple showers and splashes.  If you want a robust racing watch with a classy look, this TAG Heuer Carrera piece comes at $6,550 USD.  Final Thoughts After going through this list of notable Porsche watches, it is quite clear that Porsche has not only cemented its reputation in the field of automobiles but also in the line of modern and innovative timepieces. The brand surely knows how to create excellent watches that fans of automobiles would definitely want to own. If you love sports cars and the Porsche brand in particular, then these Porsche watches are surely worth collecting. All images courtesy of WatchShopping website, unless otherwise stated.  Photo credits: Porsche. Looking for a robust dive watch? Check out our review of the Sinn U50!

There are some countries that are especially prominent in the watchmaking world, namely Switzerland and Japan. This is because Swiss and Japanese watch brands have played a huge role in forging the industry into what it is today.  That said, people sometimes forget that other countries can also master the art of making watches, and with their own unique touches to boot. This is why we have curated a list of the best Italian watch brands in the market, along with Italian watches in their catalogs that you should definitely check out. Read on to find out more. 10 Italian Watch Brands and the Best Italian Watches They Offer 1. Bulgari  To start off our list strong, we have Bulgari. This is one of the most well-established Italian watch brands in the market. Bulgari is a beloved name in the fashion industry and has been gracing the world with its well-crafted jewelry for over a century now.  One thing that sets Bulgari apart from other companies is how it integrates its mastery over making accessories with watchmaking. This gives Bulgari’s Italian watches a certain, special flair that virtually no other brand can replicate, making the brand even more appealing to watch collectors.  Bulgari caters to both men and women. These Italian watches can be divided into eight different collections. For ladies, Bulgari offers the Serpenti, Lucea, Divas’ Dream, High Jewelry, Bulgari Bulgari, and Grande Complications watch lines. Men, on the other hand, can choose from the Octo, Gerald Genta, Bulgari Bulgari, and Grande Complications collections.  One of Bulgari’s most highly-regarded watches is the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ref. 103464, which boasts a very modern and chic look. This is a very impressive model, both in terms of design and engineering, as it shows off an ultra-slim exterior that only the best watchmakers can achieve. With a price tag of around $12,000 USD, this piece gives you a good estimate of Bulgari’s price range.  2. Gagà Milano Another Italian watch brand you should keep on your radar is Gagà Milano. It is a relatively new player in the watchmaking game, having been founded in the early 2000s.  The word Gagà refers to a common Milanese expression used to describe a man who is sophisticated both in manners and style. This definition plays a big role in the concept of Gagà Milano, which revolves around intricate and modern watchmaking techniques. Today, Gagà Milano specializes in creating stylish, chic, and eccentric Italian watches that truly complement the individuality of its wearer.  Gagà Milano has a very extensive catalog in its arsenal, consisting of numerous watch lines with very diverse models. Some of the collections under its belt include the Napoleone, Manuale 48mm, Classic, Slim, Quirky Tourbillon, Silver, and many more. The brand also has a special, limited-edition series developed in collaboration with famous football player Neymar Jr, the Neymar Jr. Limited Edition. Given its unconventionality as a watch manufacturer, there is little wonder why so many aficionados have been captivated by Gagà Milano.  Another great thing about Gagà Milano is that it has reasonably-priced pieces that typically fall within the $500 USD to $3,000 USD range. For instance, the Gagà Milano Manuale 48mm Ref. 5213MIR01S is one of its best-selling models. Priced at just $1,380 USD, it has a very fun and quirky design that truly stands out amongst the more traditional, classic watches. It is a great starter piece for those who enjoy playful, avant-garde accessories. 3. Panerai  Next on our list of Italian watch brands is Panerai, another well-established manufacturer of Italian watches. This company was founded by Giovanni Panerai in 1960. It acted as a store, a workshop, and a watchmaking school.  In the decades that followed, Panerai was able to make a name for itself and eventually became one of the most luxurious watchmakers in the industry. Today, Panerai is known for its stylishly bold timepieces that are just as impressive on the inside.  Reputation-wise, Panerai is one of the go-to brands for those who love oversized watches. The timepieces Panerai make are incredibly robust yet elegant, which makes them a great addition to any watch collection.  The brand’s watches can be divided into four different lines: the Submersible, the Luminor, the Luminor Due, and the Radiomir. While this might seem like a limited selection of models, the Italian brand manages to cover all the important categories, from hardy survival watches to more formal dress pieces.  One of the most renowned models in Panerai’s assortment is the Panerai PAM 125. This is a handsome piece from the brand’s Luminor series and it showcases a simple yet rugged exterior. While it has a more straightforward design, its simplicity complements the overall sportiness and robustness of the watch. Priced at around $5780 USD, this is a fail-safe option for novice Panerai collectors. 4. Gucci In this entry, we have one of the most famous names in the fashion industry: Gucci. While it is more famous for its flamboyant luxury apparel, Gucci also has an array of designer timepieces in its portfolio.  Gucci was founded in 1921, by its namesake Guccio Gucci. However, the brand only started creating Swiss-made watches in 1972. As an Italian watch brand, however, Gucci also made sure to incorporate the vibrancy that comes with its cultural roots into the pieces it creates. This is precisely why Gucci watches are perfect for those who enjoy overtly extravagant accessories.  This big-league fashion brand has a decently-sized selection of timepieces in its catalogue. These watches are mainly categorised into two sections: men’s watches and women’s watches. However, the brand also has special collections such as the Gucci 25H Timepieces, G-Timeless, and Grip watches.  If you are a fan of Gucci’s clothing lines, you probably have a good idea as to how much its products cost already. Indeed, Gucci’s watches come at a similar price range too, starting at $500 USD and going up to around $1,500 USD.  One of the most popular models under this brand is the Gucci G-Timeless Ref. YA1264148. This watch shows off a striking and elaborate design that fully embodies the Gucci name. This makes it very recognisable and true to the brand’s stylistic core. It sells at around $870 USD.  5. Emporio Armani  Like Gucci, Emporio Armani is another very well-known name in the luxury fashion world. Founded in 1975 by Giorgio Armani, the brand started making timepieces rather early on. This allowed Emporio Armani to quickly establish a place for itself in the premium watch market. Emprio Armani watches tend to boast classical Italian styles which are incredibly versatile, perfect for all kinds of occasions.   At present, Emporio Armani has more than 100 timepieces in its diverse portfolio, with about 58 watches for women and 72 models for men. On top of that, all Emporio Armani pieces showcase quintessential designs that are easy to pair with different outfits. If you want a more classic take on Italian watches, Emporio Armani is definitely the brand to check out. The best part is that you do not have to break the bank for these watches, as they typically range from around $100 USD to $600 USD.  Take, for instance, the incredibly affordable Emporio Armani Renato Ref. AR11184, which costs just $150 USD. With its subtle all-black colourway, this watch has a stylish and chic aesthetic that goes well with just about any ensemble. While it may not be as striking or as fancy as some of the other Italian watches mentioned in this list, its straightforwardness is what makes it worth checking out.  6. Salvatore Ferragamo Next, we have Salvatore Ferragamo. As with Gucci and Armani, this Italian luxury brand is renowned in the fashion industry. It was founded in 1927 by is namesake, Salvatore Ferragamo. Today, it is best known for offering bold and sophisticated goods such as shoes, bags, and even timepieces. Watches are not actually Salvatore Ferragamo’s specialty. Nevertheless, it has been able to produce excellently-crafted models that wonderfully combine Italian designs with Swiss watchmaking.  Salvatore Ferragamo watches can be categorised into timepieces for men and women, amounting to around 70 models in total. While it may sound like the brand has limited options, it actually presents a rather wide variety of watch types for you to choose from. These range from chronographs and skeleton pieces, to dress and sports watches.  On top of that, Salvatore Ferragamo is also famous for having sustainable, environmentally-friendly models. These were made with less negative environmental impact than standard timepieces from other brands. In general, the prices of Salvatore Ferragamo watches range from around $800 USD to $2,000 USD.  Our favorite piece from Salvatore Ferragamo is the Ferragamo Experience Watch which is priced at $1195 USD. This is a standout timepiece that boasts an excellent mix of Swiss and Italian craftsmanship. It has a sporty, masculine build that exudes very casual and laidback vibes. On the whole, this is a good starter piece for those who are unfamiliar with Italian watches.  7. Locman Locman, on the other hand, is a company that only true Italian watch connoisseurs would know. Founded in the 1980s by Marco Mantovani, this brand stands out because of its specific, unique vision and concept.  Locman was first established in the Island of Elba. As a result most, if not all of its timepieces are inspired by the sea. The brand has also made sure to incorporate its devotion and high regard for its home in every watch it produces, allowing for some truly meaningful creations.  Locman currently has 10 different collections: Amo, Limited Editions, Montecristo, 1960, Stealth, Mare, Ducati, Sport Anniversary, Island, and Isle d’Elba. Each series shows off different styles and functions, raising from sporty and casual to classic and formal.  Another cool thing about Locman is that it offers a rather wide range of prices. Its watches start at approximately $400 US and can go up to over $1,00 USD. Ultimately, as a watchmaker, Locman believes that refinement and Italianness come hand-in-hand, and this is definitely reflected in its portfolio.  The Isola d’Elba Ref. 0460A02-00BLWHPB serves as the perfect representation of what Locman’s watchmaking ideals are all about. It has a marine-inspired exterior that showcases both traditional and modern design cues. This watch also runs on a powerful quartz Miyota 2115 movement, making it a treat in terms of both visuals and functionality. Retailing at around $535 US, this is a great choice for those who love dive watches.  8. Anonimo Anonimo is one of the best options for those seeking an Italian watch brand that incorporates Swiss watchmaking into their process. While it might not be as prestigious as some of the other brands on this list, Anonimo has truly mastered the art of fusing Italian and Swiss watchmaking techniques, and this shows clearly in its catalog. Looks-wise, Anonimo watches look quite similar to some Panerai models. As such, it is an excellent option for those who love robust and chunky accessories.  Anonimo offers four main collections: Epurato, Militare, Nautilo, and the Special Series. While these watches differ in size, shape, colorway, and functionality, all the models Anonimo offers come an air of sophistication that not many other brands can replicate. Anonimo watches are typically priced at around $2,000 USD to $6,000 USD.  The Anonimo Epurato Ref. AM-4000.01.101.W11 shows off a ruggedly handsome build paired with an excellent Swiss-made SW200-1 movement. Despite its large size, it still boasts a rather elegant feel, thanks to its simple and straightforward design. Worth around $2,300 USD, this is definitely a model to check out if you enjoy sturdy Italian watches.  9. Zannetti The next Italian watch brand on our list is Zannetti, which has some of the most artistic timepieces out there. Just by looking at any one of its creations, and you can tell that the value that Zannetti places on style and visuals.  Zannetti was founded in 1982 by Riccardo Zannetti, with the aim of spreading Italian creativity to the world. Decades later, it is safe to say that the brand has been able to achieve this goal. It has consistently produced beautifully-designed watches that show off clear, flamboyant Italian influences.  With a total of 14 collections under its belt, you certainly will not run out of options with Zannetti. Each and every watch line it has revolves around a certain theme or concept that reflects its Italian heritage. For example, the brand has a Gladiator and a Palatino series, both of which are associated with Rome. Since Zannetti’s watches are nothing short of masterful, their thousand dollar price tags seems quite justified on the whole. One of the brand’s most intriguing models is the Zannetti Discobolo. This watch takes inspiration from the famous statue of the same name. The dial of this piece shows off the brand’s artistic interpretation of the sculpture, giving it a very classic Roman aesthetic. The Zannetti Discobolo is priced at around $8,500 USD.  10. Mazzucato Last but definitely not the least, we have Mazzucato. This is an Italian watch brand that offers ultra-modern timepieces. It was founded by Simone Mazzucato, who is also the brilliant mind behind the brand’s forward-looking designs. With a background in Industrial Design, Mazzucato shared his expertise with the world by creating cutting-edge timepieces that boast utmost functionality.  Mazzucato currently has five collections: RIM Sport, RIM Monza, RIM Scuba, RIM GT, and RIM SUB. While each line has a different purpose, every single Mazzucato watch comes with an incredibly advance design that only true masters can craft.  To fit its #NeverBoring slogan, Mazzucato is not bound by traditional watchmaking techniques at all. The brand values innovation in all aspects, which allows it to stand out from the other watchmakers in this list. That said, good things do not come cheap. Expect to drop a couple thousand bucks to get your hands on a Mazzucato timepiece.  One of Mazzucato’s most striking models is the RIM Sport Chronograph. This watch makes use of the brand’s signature Reverse Industrial Movement (RIM) which allows for 2 dials and 2 movements in one watch. One side is driven by a high-performance automatic mechanism while the other showcases an excellent chronograph movement.   It also has a very powerful and futuristic-looking exterior that perfectly matches its robust mechanism. If you are hooked on this watch like we are, all you need is $1,400 USD to acquire one for yourself.  Final Thoughts  While this list only has ten Italian watch brands, there are definitely others out there that also deserve to be recognized. Many of them serve as a reflection of both Italian culture and watchmaking which is why they are worth researching on. Hopefully, this article has shown you that there is more to the industry than just Swiss and Japanese-made watches!  Photo Credits: Official Watch Brand SitesEnjoy reading listicles? Check out this piece on the 15 Best Tonneau Watches!