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Ah, the Speedmaster — Omega’s crowning glory, the first watch to reach the surface of the moon, the Moonwatch. Generations after its conception, the Omega Speedmaster remains a truly historic timepiece and an incredibly popular name in the industry. That is why it has inspired so many other iterations, made not only for the moon, but also for Earth and its many faces. That said, forget about the Speedmaster X-33 Regatta, the Speedmaster Racing, and the Speedmaster Moonphase. Today, we will be taking a close-up look at none other than the Omega Speedmaster Reduced. Omega Speedmaster Reduced: Quick Specs Case Diameter: 39 mmCase Material: Stainless steelBezel: Tachymetric scaleDial: Black with luminous hour markersMovement: Automatic caliberFunctions: Central running seconds; 12-hour chronographBracelet: Steel or leather strap What is the Omega Speedmaster Reduced? The Omega Speedmaster Reduced has been gaining popularity in the past few years, and rightfully so. One interesting thing about this Omega watch is that it often gets mistaken for the brand’s more popular flagship model, the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. It is an easy mistake to make. Though there are differences between the two models, which we will go through in greater detail later, they do also share a few similarities. For instance, both Speedmaster pieces have the same jet-black dial with three chronograph counters located at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. Their bezels are also similar, with both having tachymeters marked on the black scales. In fact, a lot of online sellers even bait those looking for an affordable Speedmaster Professional with a photo of what is actually a Speedmaster Reduced. What makes matters even more confusing is that some people might know the Omega Speedmaster Reduced by the “Moonwatch” nickname too. This confusion stems from the fact that Omega now refers to all Speedmaster watches as Moonwatches, thanks to the original Speedmaster’s legendary feat of being the first watch on the moon. But the matter is not that simple. Most professionals actually agree that while the Omega Speedmaster Reduced is an extremely nice Speedmaster model, it does not, strictly speaking, qualify as a Moonwatch. This is because, unlike the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced is not suited for the lunar surface, or for space at all. Despite Omega’s recent naming conventions, not all Speedmaster timepieces can truly be considered “Moonwatches”, and that applies to the Omega Speedmaster Reduced too. History of the Omega Speedmaster Reduced Omega released the Speedmaster Reduced in 1988. The Swiss company marketed this watch as a smaller and much more affordable version of its flagship Speedmaster Professional model. It is just one of the pieces that Omega launched as part of a bigger Speedmaster collection. As mentioned, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced is smaller than the Speedmaster Professional. As befitting its “Reduced” name, this watch has a case that measures just 39mm in diameter, slimmer than the Speedmaster Professional’s 42mm case. In fact, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced is one of the smallest watches in the Speedmaster collection. For comparison, the Speedmaster X-33 watches have oversized 45mm cases, while the Speedmaster Racing and Moonphase both come in 42.25mm cases. Notable Omega Speedmaster Reduced Models Omega Speedmaster Reduced DA 175.0032 1988The Omega Speedmaster Reduced was in production for 20 years. Those two decades inspired a variety of models. Firstly, you have the Omega Speedmaster Reduced Ref. 3510.50.00. This model, which comes in a stainless steel case and either a matching stainless steel bracelet or a leather strap, is the one that most closely resembles the Speedmaster Professional. It also showcases a stark black dial, bezel, and no date aperture. You can also find models in solid yellow gold as well as a two-tone model, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced Ref. DA175.0032. The Omega Speedmaster Reduced DA175.0032 is made from a gorgeous blend of yellow gold and stainless steel. Bracelets are also indicative of the different iterations you can get for this watch. As you might have guessed from above, the brand offers the Speedmaster Reduced with either steel bracelets or leather straps. In addition to all those, you can find Omega Speedmaster Reduced models with different dial colors. Some of the most daring designs for this watch show off brightly-colored dials in hues of yellow, blue, and green with racing details and aesthetics. Panda dials also exist in the Speedmaster Reduced universe, although they are not common. Some Omega Speedmaster Reduced pieces also feature dials with racing checkers. You can also expect to find Omega Speedmaster Reduced watches with a variety of different complications, such as date apertures, perpetual calendars, day-date windows, and even a moon phase version. That said, when it comes to the overall design of the Speedmaster Reduced, Omega’s hands are tied. The concept of the Omega Speedmaster Reduced demands that it mirrors the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, just on a smaller scale. As such, most Omega Speedmaster Reduced watches have the same chronograph layout with three-subdials, which you can also find on the Speedmaster Professional. In later years, Omega also made a small but very significant improvement to the Speedmaster Reduced. Previous Omega Speedmaster Reduced watches were equipped with Hesalite crystals. From the Omega Speedmaster Reduced Ref. 3539.50.00 onwards, however, the brand decided to upgrade to a sapphire crystal, which is more scratch-resistant. The dial was also slightly redesigned. The Automatic Omega Speedmaster Reduced Omega Speedmaster Reduced Ref. 3802.72.55 and 3534.72.00If there is one thing that sets the Omega Speedmaster Reduced apart from the Speedmaster Professional, it would be the movement that powers it. Traditionally, the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch has a manually-wound caliber. This means it needs to be wound every once in a while to keep it running. Omega turned this around by giving the Speedmaster Reduced an automatic movement. An automatic caliber winds itself using the kinetic energy from the movement of the wearer’s hand. This is the reason why many people also call the Speedmaster Reduced the Speedmaster Automatic. The Omega Speedmaster Reduced found itself in the spotlight with a number of different automatic movements. When it was first introduced in 1988, it carried the Caliber 1140. Then, in 1996, Omega changed the movement that powered the watch to the Caliber 1141. In the same year, this movement was replaced by the Caliber 1143, and finally, in 2000, Omega upgraded to the Caliber 3220. That said, regardless of all the different movement names, these are all virtually identical calibers, based on the time-only ETA 2892-A2 base movement. Only the most advanced Omega Caliber 3220 stands out for having a extended 40-hour power reserve. Omega also upgraded each of these movements with the Debois Dépraz 2020 chronograph module, to facilitate chronograph functions in the Omega Speedmaster Reduced. The use of this automatic movement gave the Omega Speedmaster Reduced a rather different look. On the dial, you will notice that the three sub-dials are spread out quite far apart from each other. These registers are set so distantly from each other that they are almost touching the minute track on the outer rim of the dial. This is yet another distinction between the Reduced and Professional watches. Since the Speedmaster Professional uses a different, manual-winding caliber, its sub-dials are placed much closer together, at the center of the dial. On the dial of the Omega Speedmaster Reduced is the inscription of the word “AUTOMATIC”, while the word “PROFESSIONAL” sits on the Speedmaster Professional. This denotes the difference in the movement that powers each watch. We will discuss more differences between the two models in a moment. Discontinuing the Omega Speedmaster Reduced Omega Speedmaster Reduced Racing 3518.50.00Omega created the Speedmaster Reduced to give people the experience of wearing a Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch for a lot less. This niche made Speedmaster Reduced quite popular in the market. It also gained much praise for its practicality and convenience, as evidenced by the self-winding movement that powers the Omega Speedmaster Reduced. In 2009, Omega announced that it would be discontinuing the production of the Speedmaster Reduced. However, this does not mean that Omega no longer created smaller Speedmaster watches. For instance, the brand started to offer the modern-day Speedmaster 38 Co-Axial Chronograph after the Speedmaster Reduced stopped production. Regardless, the discontinuation of the Omega Speedmaster Reduced led to it becoming a staple in the second-hand market. It is especially popular amongst women and men who do not want oversized 45mm Speedmaster watches. Omega Speedmaster Professional vs Speedmaster Reduced Omega Speedmaster Reduced and ProfessionalAs mentioned, there are a few stark differences between the Speedmaster Professional and the Speedmaster Reduced. Firstly, at 38.5mm, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced is a lot smaller and easier on the wrist than the 42mm Speedmaster Professional. Despite its slender build, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced is still quite a good fit for many men, since many vintage-inspired watches also carry this size. For instances, you frequently see men donning military watches that measure between 38mm to 40mm in size. Aside from the movement of the watches being different, there is also a noticeable increase in the number of jewels on the Speedmaster Reduced. The Speedmaster Reduced has a total of 47 jewels, thanks to the add-on chronograph model on the Omega Caliber 3220, compared to the 26 jewels on the Speedmaster Professional’s Omega Caliber 3861. If you are looking for a more visible difference, direct your eyes to the flanks of the two watches. Because of the larger size of the automatic movement, looking at the Omega Speedmaster Reduced from the side will show that the pushers and crown are not aligned. The pushers sit high, near the top of the watch, while the crown sits much lower and is closer to the case back. In contrast, the Speedmaster Professional’s crown and pushers are all located near the top of the watch. Omega Speedmaster Reduced AC‑MILAN ST 175.0039The comparisons between the two models have led even tiny details to become points of discussion amongst avid watch collectors. Some people even obsess over characteristics such as the look of the lugs, which makes up yet another difference between the two models. The Speedmaster Professional boasts sharp and refined lugs that just exude luxury. The Speedmaster Reduced’s lugs, on the other hand, are not quite as sharp or defined, with a less gleaming polish. Despite their poorer lustre, however, the lugs of the Omega Speedmaster Reduced work just fine, especially for its price range. There are also more differences to be found in the dials of the two models. As mentioned, the sub-dials in the Omega Speedmaster Reduced are located very far apart, almost touching the minute indices, as opposed to the Speedmaster Professional which has its dials clustered together. In addition, the running seconds counter sits on the right side of the Omega Speedmaster Reduced, as opposed to sitting on the left of the Speedmaster Professional’s dial. Pricing of the Omega Speedmaster Professional vs Speedmaster Reduced Finally, the price is the main difference between the two models. If you are offered an Omega Speedmaster Professional for a lot less than its usual retail or pre-owned market price, then you might want to check the model more carefully. You will probably end up receiving an Omega Speedmaster Reduced in the mail instead of a true Professional Moonwatch. As such, keep in mind the following price points and make sure you are not getting ripped off. An Omega Speedmaster Professional with a Hesalite crystal retails at approximately $5,350 USD. You can get this for $3,500 to $4,000 USD if pre-owned. Meanwhile, the Omega Speedmaster Reduced used to retail at $2,550 USD. Since it has been discontinued, it is now only available on the second-hand market. You can bring pre-owned versions of the Omega Speedmaster Reduced home for around $1,500 USD to $2,000 USD. Which Speedmaster Watch to Buy? At the end of the day, it all depends on your goal and budget. A new collector would typically start with the Omega Speedmaster Reduced because it is a lot more affordable. However, if you have the budget for a luxurious Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, then let nothing stop you. Ultimately, both watches have their merits and each is a worthy option for collection. Make a smart choice and think about the practicality of owning one or both. The Moonwatch Within Reach The Omega Speedmaster Reduced is a watch that will never be forgotten. This watch carries history on its back with its iconic Speedmaster name, while also achieving its goal of making the Speedmaster more accessible for everyone. It might not be a Moonwatch but it certainly is a step closer to one. Learn more about Omega and its watches. Check out our feature articles on the Omega Aqua Terra, De Ville, and Seamaster. All photos courtesy of Omega.

The 21st century marked the beginning of a new era in watchmaking. More and more people are being drawn into the charms of smaller manufacturers. Of course, that is not to say that horology giants Rolex, Omega, or Audemars Piguet have no place in the industry anymore. It is, however, truly satisfying to see fresh names and even fresher designs emerge in the watch industry. Making a mark in the industry are Gorilla watches, an up-and-coming microbrand. Gorilla watches are sensible, artful, and — most especially — modern. The hype around the Gorilla brand is truly fascinating. However, the question remains: are Gorilla watches worth it? Get to Know Gorilla Watches Gorilla is a relatively new brand, and by that we mean it is practically a toddler in the industry. But it is also more than just that. In the past few years since its foundation, many people have raved about Gorilla, largely due to its impressive performance and stylishly contemporary designs inspired by motorsports. Gorilla watches truly know what it is like to be a leader in modern watchmaking. You will find Gorilla watches on the list of brands to look out for. They are solidly made and have a very innovative philosophy in technology and design. The brand uses automatic mechanical movements from Miyota to power its watches. It also employs the use of state-of-the-art, high-tech materials such as forged carbon and ceramic. All these, you can get for a price that is well worth the overall value of a Gorilla timepiece. Gorilla Watch Collections: Top Picks What makes Gorilla watches truly relevant to the market is that they cite its automobile inspirations even at first glance. For instance, the Gorilla Truffelhunter is the watch incarnate of the Porsche 917/20 Pink Livery, which raced in LeMans during 1971. On the other hand, the Gorilla Fastback GT Mirage will definitely remind you of the Ford GT 40 in Gulf livery. All Gorilla watches are distinct and innovative, and any piece can immediately be identified as being from the Gorilla brand. To better understand what I’m saying, let us take a look at the top collections from Gorilla watches that you should check out. Gorilla Complications Collection The Gorilla Complications collection is exactly what you think it is. It comprises watches with numerous complications, and do more than just tell the hours, minutes, and seconds. That includes watches with chronographs and sweeping seconds. Gorilla Fastback Thunderbolt Chronograph Made in collaboration with Vallée de Joux manufacture Dubois Dépraz, the Gorilla Fastback Thunderbolt Chronograph has, as its name suggests, a chronograph complication. It also features a grade 5 titanium case, which gives the watch a very lightweight build. This case comes with a brushed and bead-blasted finish with a sleek black DLC coating. It easily contrasts the bright orange aluminum part-line, while also complimenting the ceramic cushion-shaped bezel of the watch. It is a durable watch with wide crown guards also made from grade 5 titanium. The Dubois Dépraz DD-268 skeletonized chronograph module sits at the base of the dial alongside the three-spoke claw design. It is powered by the ETA 2892-A2 automatic caliber, which works hand in hand with the chronograph module, thanks to the Stem Transmission System (STS) from Dubois Dépraz. This caliber has a bi-directional winding mechanism and 42 hours of power reserve. This 44mm watch is 13.1mm thick and measures 57mm lug to lug. It has 100 meters of water resistance, so it easily withstand some contact with water. The strap of the watch is made from FKM rubber with Alcantara™ lining and is secured with a grade 5 titanium pin buckle. This Gorilla watch is limited to only 99 pieces and it is not even available in the market yet! The Gorilla Fastback Thunderbolt Chronograph costs around $8,500 USD in retail. Gorilla Outlaw Drift The Gorilla Outlay Drift will take you back to the 1970s with its retro-inspired design. It features a dynamic aesthetic with a mirror-polished concave bezel. The case has a radial brush finish, and is made from grade 5 titanium. You can find a pacific-blue anodized aluminum flange on the watch for some color contrast. On the dial, you will appreciate the luminescent numerals and subdivision, all hand-laid by artisans. This watch also carries the classic tonneau shape of Gorilla watches. This Gorilla watch has a sweeping seconds complication, thanks to its G-5238 module from VAUCHER Manufacture. It runs on a base caliber ETA 2824-2 movement, which has a PVD-coated oscillation weight. At the back of the watch, you will find the model’s specific reference number engraved. There are only 250 editions of this watch, each individually engraved with their appropriate numerals. The strap is made from FKM rubber with a Cordura™ lining and a grade 5 titanium pin buckle. This watch measures 44mm in diameter and is 13.8mm thick. It also has a 100 meter water resistance rating, true to its sporty appeal. In retail, it costs around $3,950 USD. Another sweeping seconds watch you may also opt for is the Drift Mirage. This Gorilla watch is reminiscent of the powder blue and orange racing livery that emerged victorious at LeMans in 1968. This piece is a bit bigger, weighing in at 44mm or 48.5mm in diameter with large crown guards. The case is made from forged carbon, anodized aluminum, titanium, and ceramic. You can cop this Gorilla piece for just $3,750 USD. Like the Gorilla Outlay Drift, the Drift Mirage is also limited to 250 editions. Gorilla Drift Elise If you are more into British Racing liveries, the Gorilla Drift Elise is for you. It is a monochromatic gem with a wandering hours complication. Thanks to its G-5238 module from Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, this watch is as beautiful as it sounds. It is powered by an ETA 2824-2 base caliber with 38 hours of power reserve. This Gorilla watch’s case measures around 44mm, 48.5mm with a crown guard. It costs around $3,250 to $3,270 in retail. There are only 350 editions of this watch available. Gorilla Fastback GT Collection You can easily spot a Gorilla Fastback GT piece with its gorgeous openwork dial. There are a lot of watches in this collection and they are all incredibly stunning and sophisticated with their partially skeletonized dials. Gorilla watches from this series have very bold colors matched with atypical materials used in watchmaking. The dials of the watches from this collection also show off dimensions, as they are layered and three-dimensional. As usual, the Gorilla watches in this range all have exhibition casebacks. Here are some of our favorites from this collection. Gorilla Fastback GT Modena Luxurious, sporty all at the same time, the Gorilla Fastback GT Modena is everything you need in a sports watch. It boasts a gleaming black ceramic exterior. The dial, on the other hand, comes in sporty yellow aluminum and is radially brushed for a more lustrous appeal. On the whole, this Gorilla watch is a homage to the rev counters of Italian sports cars. Even the strap of this Gorilla piece feels luxurious, with an Alcantara™ insert of the hybrid FKM rubber strap often seen on other Gorilla watches. At the heart of the watch is the self-winding Miyota 90S5 caliber. You can see its exposed balance wheel through the aperture on the dial. Plus, Gorilla also offers buyers a personalized oscillation weight. This watch costs $1,350 USD in retail. Gorilla Fastback GT Truffelhunter The Fastback GT Truffelhunter takes inspiration from the outlandish livery of the 917/20. This prototype was an aerodynamics test car at the 24 hours of LeMans in 1971. You can see a reflection of this car in the Fastback GT Truffelhunter’s wide width, butcher cuts graphics, and soft pink color. The car that inspired this Gorilla watch was nicknamed the Truffelhunter, or the Pink Pig, and Gorilla later adopted these names for this modern watch icon. With only 500 pieces available, you can get this Gorilla watch for just $1,350 USD. It features a woven forged carbon case, a pink ceramic bezel, and anodized aluminum pinstripe. Thanks to the titanium crown of the watch, it also has an improved water resistance capacity. Gorilla Fastback GT Espionage Just like the Fastback GT Truffelhunter, there are only 500 pieces of this watch available. The Gorilla Fastback GT Espionage brings the idea of restomod to watchmaking. A restomod refers to a vintage automobile that has been restored with modern technology and parts. It is one of the most popular customizations in automotive sports, as it requires attention to detail and the use of appropriate materials. The great thing about restomod is that at the heart of the car, it is still a vintage ride, but it has been revamped for improved performance. The Gorilla Fastback GT Espionage got its name and colors from the 1965 Ford Mustang, which was customized by the Ring brothers. This Gorilla watch boasts sporty and cool hues of green, orange, and black, and would look perfect on the racetrack. It can be yours for $1,350 USD! Gorilla Fastback Collection Do not be confused. The Gorilla Fastback Collection is quite different from the Fastback GT, although the two collections do share some similarities. For instance, the Gorilla Fastback line lacks the open-work dial design, giving it a more casual, everyday look. These Gorilla watches boast polished ceramic bezels and anodized aluminum pinstripes. They also have a 44mm forged carbon case which measures only 13mm thick. All the watches in the Fastback range also have 100-meter water resistance ratings. Powering these Gorilla watches is the Miyota 8215 caliber, a self-winding movement that beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour. The models Galaxy Blue, Hugger Orange, and Stinger Yellow all come from the limited production Fastback Titanium Collection, and each model boasts a colorway that perfectly fits its name. The brand also offers the Phantom Black model, which features a sleek, scratch-resistant bead-blasted ceramic bezel. This is paired with a hybrid strap, which gives it a very rugged look. Meanwhile, RS While features a semi-glossy white ceramic exterior for a more stunning everyday look. All these Gorilla watches cost around $880 USD in retail. A Brief History of Gorilla Watches The Gorilla brand was launched in 2016. Like many watch manufacturers such as TAG Heuer, Richard Mille, and Breitling, Gorilla created watches inspired by motorsports. Indeed, the link between horology and racing has resulted in some of the most iconic models that exist today. These include the Rolex Daytona Cosmograph and TAG Heuer Monaco. That said, although it is easy for a watch brand to identify itself with motorsports, but not every model that races this track succeeds. Lucky for Gorilla watches, they gained traction almost immediately, quickly becoming one of the next big things in the watchmaking industry. Gorilla Watches is the brainchild of Octavio Garcia and Lukas Gopp. Garcia, a watchmaker, and Gopp, an industrial designer, have both had extensive careers in the horology industry, serving stints at big names such Omega, Audemars Piguet, and IWC Schaffhausen. It was through the expertise of these two designers that the brand and its innovative, ultra-modern designs were born. Gorilla Watches: Made for the Modern Collector As you might have noticed, nearly all Gorilla watches are limited edition. This can be a bit of a hassle for most consumers. That said, Gorilla’s focus on quality over quantity ensures that each and every one of its products is high-performing and very reliable. There are only about 30 to 40 watch pieces made every month within their facility. This is in part because certain components of Gorilla watches are also painstakingly hand-made, making them practically modern works of art. With engraved Gorilla watches typically only running at 250 pieces per drop, this makes them great collectible pieces. Think of people lining up to get a watch that says “1/250”. That is quite some flex! Ultimately, there are thousands of people waiting for Gorilla to drop new watches, and their pre-releases are always incredibly sought-after. Gorilla continues to develop truly inventive, sophisticated designs, and we look forward to seeing where they will be in a few years. Young brands are beginning to dominate the market. Check out our review of the Baltic Aquascaphe and why it is one of the most underrated divers today. All photos courtesy of Gorilla.

The Swatch Group is famous for changing watchmaking forever as it salvaged multiple companies from the wrath of the quartz crisis. Since the company took its stand as a Swiss giant, its name became synonymous with affordable yet excellent timepieces. After 30 years of excellence, the company was challenged to release a watch that best described its heritage while also dictating its future. So, in 2013, everyone was treated to a modern icon — the Swatch Sistem51. What is the Swatch Sistem 51? The Swatch Sistem51 is quite a sight to behold. When it was first launched, it was conceptualized as a plastic watch. Plastic watches are actually quite typical for Swatch. However, what made the Swatch Sistem51 truly impressive was that it is a mechanical watch, unlike Swatch’s usual quartz-powered pieces. To put things into perspective, a simple mechanical movement typically has 130 components. The Swatch Sistem51’s self-winding mechanical movement truly outdid itself, with just 51 parts, and all of its cogs mounted on a single screw. In addition, it is also a true powerhouse caliber, with features like 90 hours of power reserve and top-notch accuracy. 5 Best Swatch Sistem51 Watches Swatch has a plethora of Sistem51 watches you can choose from. So, to help you decide which one to pick, we gathered 5 of the best Swatch Sistem51 watches for your perusal. 1. Sistem51 Sistem Pilote YIB404 The Sistem Pilote stands out with its unique all-black design. This model comes with a sunburst black dial that features a cut-out in the shape of a crescent. This allows wearers to view the movement at work through the face of the watch. This 42mm stainless steel watch also innovatively plays with blacks of various hues. From its dial case to its hour indices and hands, each of these comes in contrasting hues of black that allow for better legibility. In addition, this Swatch Sistem51 piece also has a silver second hand and a circular date window at 3 o’clock. With a comfortable black leather strap, this watch would make a fine everyday accessory. You can purchase the Sistem Pilote for just $245 USD. 2. Sistem5 Sistem White SUTW400 From a black Swatch Sistem51 watch, let us head to the other side of the color spectrum with a white edition. Also measuring 42mm in diameter, this watch, like most Swatch watches, is made mostly from plastic. The white strap comes in very durable rubber material. This Sistem White piece also has a circular date window at 3 o’clock, but this one comes in a bright lime shade. On the white dial are vibrant, multi-colored dots that give the timepiece more personality. Even the caseback and movement of the watch are brightly colored in a variety of different hues, spicing this watch up. This bold and bright Swatch Sistem51 piece has a price ranging from $100 USD to $110 USD. 3. Sistem51 Irony Sistem Soul YIS402 For those who prefer stainless steel watches, check out the Sistem Soul. This is a monochrome watch with a very minimalist design. The dial of the watch comes in white, while the stainless steel case bears a cool silver hue. The white dial also boasts an intricate geometric design that is sure to draw your eye in. Unlike the previous two models, this Swatch Sistem51 piece has a square date window. It is also marked with 60-minute markers in 5-minute increments and has a 24-hour layout to boot. In retail, this watch costs around $245 USD. 4. Sistem51 Sistem Thought The handsome Sistem Thought stands out as a contemporary take on military watches. This 42mm stainless steel watch in black also bears a striking black dial. It has a cut-out in the middle of the dial that gives you a glimpse of the caliber running underneath. It also boasts 12-hour markers and a peculiar date scale on the inner ring of the dial. This watch comes with a classy brown leather strap, so you could easily bring it to dressier occasions too. This Swatch Sistem51 piece retails at around $245 USD. 5. Sistem51 Sistem Col-Ora SUTB408 Much like the Sistem White, the Sistem Col-Ora boasts splashes of color in an otherwise simple, monochrome watch. The markers of this watch come in bright colors, with the caseback striped diagonally in the same hues. The strap of the watch also comes with vertical ridges for a little bit of texture. This is a plastic watch and costs around $150 USD in retail. History of the Swatch Sistem 51 The concept of the Swatch Sistem51 takes people back to the history of Swatch. Today, the company is better known for its colorful and popular designs, collaboration with artists, and marketing that targets the masses. However, Swatch is also remembered as a company that changed the way the Swiss watchmaking industry was run forever. Swatch was created in response to the horology industry’s quartz crisis. Prior to the 1970s, the industry was comprised only of mechanical timepieces. However, this all changed in the late 1970s, when there was a quartz watch boom. Quartz is cheap and can be mass-produced, and this greatly threatened the mechanical watch business, which is what the Swiss watchmaking scene is mostly composed of. This crisis completely overtook the Swiss market, so much so that James Bond — known for his Rolex watches at the time — even switched to using a digital watch from Seiko for a while. Nicolas G. Hayek is the person responsible for turning the Swiss watchmaking industry around. He created a company that was known as the Swiss Corporation for Microelectronics and Watchmaking Industries. This company, better known as SMH, became a merger of prominent brands including Omega, Tissot, and Longines. This company, which was funded by Hayek himself, reformed the watchmaking industry. Eventually, SMH was renamed the Swatch Group. Through this company, Hayek introduced the modern age of machination and continued to mass-produce Swiss masterpieces. Launching the Swatch Sistem51 In 2013, Swatch celebrated its 30th year in the industry. Creative director Carlo Giodanetti was asked to create a brand new Swatch timepiece for the brand’s 30th anniversary. Indeed, this was quite a challenge as he had to come up with something spectacular that still remained true to the idea of what Swatch is all about. At the 2013 Baselworld, Swatch pulled the curtains back on their Sistem51. Deemed as a spectacle and one of the most exciting launches of that year, the Swatch Sistem51 was a worthy tribute to Swatch’s 30th anniversary. The Swatch Sistem51 was notable for two reasons: firstly, it was a new, unique mechanical timepiece from a company that lived primarily on quartz movements. Secondly, the Swatch Sistem51 watches are sold at around 100 CHF to 200 CHF. This makes the Swatch Sistem51 the cheapest automatic Swiss watch on the market. Building the Swatch Sistem51 A mechanical movement follows some basic principles that need to be preserved for it to function well. Firstly, the mechanical caliber should have a mainspring barrel. It should also be wound by a peripheral rotor that powers the gear train. The gear train then functions at a rate controlled by the oscillating balance wheel as well as the ticking level escapement. What is impressive about the Sistem51 is that they kept all these intact with just 51 parts. Considering the average mechanical movement has around 130 components, the Swatch Sistem51, which has been slimmed down to just 51 parts, is truly a mechanical marvel indeed. In addition, the Sistem51 movement does not have any screws. All of its components are held together by metallic pins. You can see this through the clear caseback of a Swatch Sistem51 watch. Finally, for efficiency reasons and to stay true to the idea of a Swatch watch, the escape lever of the Swatch Sistemt1 also comes in plastic! There are some polarizing views about this but it helps make this watch truly affordable. The process of building the Swatch Sistem51 is also a technological marvel in itself. This is because the whole process is entirely robotized. ETA, Swatch’s movement manufacturer, put up an innovative facility in Boncourt, Switzerland for just this purpose. According to reports, the facility has a total of 400 machines installed that work non-stop, 24 hours a day, up to six whole days a week. These machines are responsible for creating the components in the Swatch Sistem51 movement. They are also in charge of fixing the movement into the main plate before moving on to the decoration of the watch. Using digital printers, each Swatch Sistem51 piece gets decorated according to different themes that best reflect Swatch’s affordable yet flamboyant design philosophy. Although Swatch does not share how many watches it makes a year, estimates suggest that around 4,000 Swatch Sistem51 are made every day. In 2016, Swatch built a second facility, doubling its production capacity. Combining the prowess of these two facilities, we are looking at an estimate of two million watches made every year. That is way higher than even Rolex! Final Thoughts On the whole, there are some polarizing views when it comes to Swatch. Watch enthusiasts have gone into endless debates over the brand’s use of plastic and flamboyant, loud designs. That said, you cannot deny that it has achieved an efficient marvel with the mechanization of the Swatch Sistem51’s production process. The Sistem51 is a true testament to Swatch’s ideals of affordability, efficiency, and innovation, and continues the legacy of Swatch’s colorful and accessible plastic watches. Looking for more affordable mechanical watches? Learn more about the Hamilton Khaki King and Seiko 5 watches. Photos courtesy of Swatch Group.

Mondaine made a name for itself as a manufacturer of watches inspired by clocks in train stations. In 1986, the company expanded by producing timepieces inspired by Swiss Railways. This brand has created a truly iconic look, and a mechanism that is widely regarded to this day, making Mondaine watches a true collector’s must-have. Want to know more before purchasing your very first Mondaine watch? Let us take a deep dive into the brand’s history and prominent collections, as well as everything else you need to know as a buyer. History of Mondaine Watches The company’s beginnings date back to 1951, when former tailor Erwin Bernheim founded the company in Switzerland. At the time, Mondaine became quite popular for the wristwatches it produced. Not only did they produce high-quality watches, but these timepieces were also pretty easy and cost-efficient to repair. With Mondaine’s success in the watch industry, Bernheim took the company’s creations to the next level. Bernheim was not just someone who funded a company. Rather, he himself was a creative genius who came up with some of the company’s most innovative models. One of Mondaine’s most popular timepieces ever is an LCD watch. Bernheim designed and invented Mondaine’s first LCD watch. At the time, this was one of the first few timekeepers in the industry that had a digital layout. He created this timepiece in collaboration with American business magnate and engineer, Howard Hughes. This LCD timepiece ultimately became another milestone for the brand. Mondaine was met with much fanfare with the release of this watch, but they put it to rest 15 years later, allowing the company to concentrate on other innovations. Although Mondaine first made a name for itself with this LCD watch, its subsequent designs are what really left a mark. Swiss Railway Clocks Today, Mondaine watches are synonymous with Swiss Railway Clocks. To understand this, we have to go back to 1944, when Swiss engineer and designer Hans Hilfiker created a clock for the Swiss railways. At the time, Hilfiker was also an employee of the Federal Swiss Railways. He designed the Official Swiss Railways Clock. This timepiece utilized a synchronized beat for departures and arrivals in the main Swiss Railway station. The Official Swiss Railway Clock has an electric motor that controls the clock’s rounds. Instead of a full 60 seconds, this clock completes a minute rotation in just 58.5 seconds. It also has a distinctive ball-tipped red hand that pauses for 1.5 seconds and thens jump on ahead to catch up with the minute hand. This mechanism syncs up all Official Swiss Railway Clocks with a master clock situated in a signal box. Erwin Bernheim’s sons, Andre and Ronnie, took this Swiss Railway clock as an inspiration and applied it to Mondaine watches. The Swiss watchmaking industry is saturated with brands that all want to stand out. With this in mind, the brand took the Official Swiss Railway Clock design, using it to bring Mondaine watches to the next level. This became the first-ever collection of railway clock-inspired wristwatches. So, in 1986, Mondaine launched its first watch collection, carefully licensed by the Federal Swiss Railways. As part of its iconic design, you will notice the signature ball-tipped red hand in all Mondaine watches. This design is taken from the train conductors at Swiss Railway stations, who held up red signs that indicated if a train was leaving or arriving at a station. We will discuss Mondaine watches and their designs in even greater detail in a moment. Mondaine Watch Collections Mondaine watches are perfect for the everyday professional. It has all the best features necessary for a day’s worth of work and more. You can even take them to more formal events or, even better, to a weekend trip. Even with such versatility, Mondaine watches embrace the idea of utilitarian design. These watches are easy on the eyes and, as much as possible, simple and uncomplicated. Let us take a look at the watch collections Mondaine has in its catalog today. Classic Collections Mondaine’s Classic Collection is a true work of art. Its design is what really put Mondaine on the map as a top watch manufacturer. The timepieces in this collection all carry the classic Official Swiss Railways look that we all know and love, in sizes that range from 30mm to 40mm. The straps used in this watch also range widely, from a simple black leather band to other colorful iterations that were later made available for people to choose from. As a result, this watch has quite a bit of range when it comes to price points. In retail, Mondaine watches from this collection can cost anywhere between $195 USD to $850 USD. These are the very watches officially licensed by the Federal Swiss Railways, making them true collector’s gems. Related to this collection is Mondaine’s Evo series. As its name suggests, it is an evolution of the Classics collection. Essence Collection Mondaine has a solid sustainability track. In fact, in 2020, the company declared itself 100% carbon neutral. Some of the efforts that led to this include switching production to solar power. Moreover, the company also launched the Essence collection in support of green initiatives. The Essence collection consists of unique and eco-friendly Mondaine watches that take sustainability to the next level. This collection boasts natural materials used in its cases. 70% of the Essence watches’ cases are consist of natural materials such as Rizinus, castor oil, and glass powder. Moreover, the straps of these watches are made from wondertree oil. If you prefer, you can also purchase these watches with bands made out of recycled PET bottles with a cork lining. To take things even further, the packaging of the Essence watches is also made from recycled PET bottles. Watches in the Essence range come in two sizes — 32mm and 41mm. If you prefer this collection, it would cost you between $195 USD to $220 USD for a watch. Sets are also available in retail for just $235 USD. Simply Elegant Collection This collection is exactly as it sounds. The Simply Elegant line boasts understated elegance in the flesh. Inspired by the brand’s Classic collection, it bears the iconic Mondaine design with the ball-tipped red seconds hand. You can get a watch from this collection in either a 36mm or 41mm stainless steel case, with various options for bracelets. The Mondaine watches from the Simply Elegant range are priced between $325 USD and $390 USD, depending on the size and materials used. This is the perfect timepiece for a daily watch. Helvetica Collection Everybody has heard of or at least come across the Helvetica® font. This Mondaine collection takes Max Miedinger’s Helvetica font design and places it right onto a timepiece. The Swiss designer’s creation is popular for how it embraces the simplicity and harmonious balance in lines. Inspired by the font itself, Mondaine took it into its hands to create a watch that is as simple as it is powerfully elegant. The Mondaine Helvetica collection comes in a wide range of sizes that fit everyone — 26mm, 33mm, 38mm, 40mm, and 43mm. You can find the words “Mondaine Helvetica Swiss Made” engraved on the stainless steel cases of this collection’s watches. Mondaine watches from this range also come in either a mesh stainless steel bracelet or a genuine leather strap. Some models also have plating to give them different, more vibrant colors. Aside from variations in color and sizes, the collection has special models. These include an iteration with a second time zone named Helvetic No. 1 Regular. There is also a sleek model with a gold-plated case and white dial, as well as a Milanese strap. This piece is known as the Mondaine Helvetica No. 1 Light Holiday Edition. For a more casual everyday piece, Mondaine also released a smartwatch iteration of the Helvetica known as the 1 Regular Hybrid. It is compatible with Android 4.4, iOS 8, and newer versions of these systems. Just like any smartwatch, this timepiece has neat features like mobile notifications, activity and sleep tracking, as well as world time. All these, you can get with the sleek Mondaine design in a supple leather strap. Aside from all these, the Mondaine Helvetica smartwatches have also been updated with Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities. NFC is a contactless payment technology. With this, a number of other Mondaine watches have also become imbued with the Mondaine PayChip™. This technology makes paying for transactions much more efficient, giving you a great deal of convenience in your everyday life. A Mondaine Helvetica watch can cost anywhere north of $699 USD. Stop2Go Collection The original movement used by Mondaine watches ceased production sometime in 2001. However, in 2013, Mondaine relaunched the movement with a redesign under the collection Stop2Go. Mondaine watches in the Stop2Go collection still possess the famous ball-tipped red second hand. According to the brand, the Stop2Go watches embody the philosophy behind the stuttering red second hand found in many Mondaine watches. As mentioned, this red second hand in Mondaine watches completes a rotation at 58 seconds, then waits at 12 o’clock for the minute hand to catch up. Only then does the red hand begin a new rotation. These two seconds prove to be a fascinating unique trait for Mondaine watches. They represent time standing still. While you might see this as just an illusion that serves as a metaphor for time and its mysterious movements, it is also a great way to reminds wearers that every second spent catches up on us. The Stop2Go collection is also notable for incorporating backlight technology. You can easily ready time on Stop2Go watches, no matter where you are — even in dimly lit places. Powered by Super-LumiNova, the backlight of Stop2Go watches provide visibility for up to four hours when fully charged. A Stop2Go clock costs around $295 USD in retail while Stop2Go watches range from between $550 USD to $650 USD. Mondaine Clocks Clocks are the foundation of Mondaine as a brand. It is a modern classic and in 2020, the company updated its Swiss Railways clock collection. It now includes more modern designs such as cases in metallic monochrome. This helps give a luxurious feel to the Mondaine clock, which is already popular for its utilitarian style. The catalog of Mondaine clocks also contains classics, with black, red, and grey casing. These clocks cost anywhere between $235 USD to $295 USD. Getting to Know Mondaine, the Company The headquarters of Mondaine sits in Switzerland. This is where the company is situated at the moment and where its facilities sit. From our walkthrough above, it should be clear to you by now that Mondaine is not a luxury watch brand. It is an everyday watch brand, but its price points remain true to its Swiss nature. Watches can cost anywhere between $175 USD to $850 USD. Mondaine watch prices also continue to appreciate through the years. As such, Mondaine watches can serve as for the future. That being said, Mondaine watches are also very high-quality timepieces. They boast superb accuracy and legibility that is needed by everyday professionals. They also carry an iconic design that makes them truly stylish, especially in the modern urban world. People who are looking for a great entry-level watch should look into Mondaine. It is not as expensive as brands like Omega or Rolex but it provides reliable watches that can last just as long. If you are just starting out your journey into the Swiss watchmaking industry, then Mondaine watches are the perfect choice to go with. Mondaine Watches, a Swiss Icon We have all heard and seen the word “icon” used by various brands. We know that the Rolex Submariner is an icon, as is the Omega Speedmaster. However, not all icons can be a Mondaine watch. Mondaine watches are icons not just for their historical value, but also for their unique design. After all, it is not everyday that you can find railway clock-inspired watches. Not to mention, the mechanism behind Mondaine watches, with their 58-second rotation, is truly a marvel to behold. Mondaine is a brand that deserves a lot more recognition than it gets. If you want a watch that will stand out without having the price tag of a luxury piece, this is the brand for you. Swiss excellence need not be expensive. Check out our review of the Oris Aquis watch, or our comparison of Tissot and Hamilton watches. All photos courtesy of Mondaine.

Credor is not a brand people hear a lot about. People often call it Seiko Credor, which is unsurprising, as it is a brand under the Seiko Corporation as well, much like Grand Seiko. We also know that the watches from the Credor brand have quite a steep price hike compared to most Seiko timepieces. Of course, this leads many people to think twice about Credor. Why do these timepieces, ostensibly under the Seiko brand name, have such high price tags that they could almost be considered luxury watches? We’ll tell you why: because it’s Credor — a Japanese legend. Credor or Seiko Credor? Seiko got the name Credor from the French phrase “Créte d’Or.” It means “the ultimate of the gold”, which makes sense considering the prices of the watches from this brand. In 1974, Seiko founded this company with the idea of producing watches made only from precious materials. This allowed the brand to completely embrace the Japanese aesthetic values — simple, delicate, beautiful. In the beginning, Seiko only used precious metals in Credor watches. However, more recently, you can also find stainless steel pieces in the Credor selection. Nonetheless, all Credor watches are premium timepieces — high-quality, lavish, and truly elegant. What makes Seiko Credor such an icon in the industry, despite its underrated status, is that it brings together everything Seiko is known for, while also boasting an added element of glamorous luxury. It carries more traditional craftsmanship in terms of its designs. However, inside the Seiko Credor watches are contemporary movements made with cutting-edge technology. Seiko Credor shows where 100 years of watchmaking expertise — shared between the companies operating under Seiko — can truly take a brand,. Sure, it might be more appropriate to call the brand Credor, but attaching the Seiko namesake just feels right. It is a Seiko Corporation brand, after all. In fact, Seiko used to put its logo in the dial of Credor watches as well. However, around the early 1980s, the dials of Credor watches became populated by the brand’s own “Golden Peak” logo and name, instead of Seiko’s. This “Golden Peak” Credor logo is the embodiment of a mountain that represents where Credor sits in terms of watchmaking — the summit. The logo comes with three stars on top that represent the three main tenets of Credor as a brand. The first tenet relates to creating designs that are unique while still keeping in mind the Japanese aesthetic ideals — delicacy, precision, and attention to detail. Secondly, a Credor watch must be precisely made and feature modern technology available at the time of its making. Finally, despite being an independent brand, Credor must always utilize the decades of Seiko’s history and heritage as a watchmaking company, including its craftsmanship and artistry. The Japanese DNA in Seiko Credor Watches Why the Seiko Credor is not as big in the west as it is in Japan is not a mystery at all. Sure, it is not typically marketed as a worldwide brand, but that is because Seiko Credor watches are never meant for anyone else. Seiko Credor is as Japanese as it gets — both in terms of inspiration and market-wise. It is made by Japanese watchmakers for the Japanese people. However, this does not mean that Seiko Credor timepieces should never be owned by anyone who is not Japanese. Instead, it just means that the timepiece you are getting is unapologetically Japanese. To say the least, a Credor watch is Japanese culture interpreted into a functional and elegant timepiece. That also applies to the watch’s technical aspects. This is what makes Seiko Credor such a unique addition to anyone’s collection. It is also a wonderful investment for the future. Many brands have changed their ideas over the years as modern technology dawned, but not this one. Designers and watchmakers at Credor do not compromise on its tenets. Japan is one of the most advanced countries in the world, and there are many ways a designer and engineer can apply modern technology without having to mess with the traditional aesthetics of a Credor watch. That said, the conservation of the brand’s philosophies does come with a price — and a hefty one at that. Seiko Credor watches are not your typical everyday timepiece. If you keep that in mind and set your expectations right, you will soon understand why Seiko Credor is one of the most sought-after luxury watch brands today. Seiko Credor’s Thin Movements Precision may be one of the tenets of Seiko Credor, but there is something else it is known for: its movements. What impresses patrons of the brand most about its movements are its dimensions. Yes, not just the prowess and accuracy they hold, but the way they are built. Seiko Credor movements are some of the thinnest watch movements you can find, not only in Seiko but also in the entire watchmaking industry. For instance, Credor Caliber 68 series movements sit at 1.98mm thickness. That makes this caliber the fifth thinnest mechanical movement in the world. Every component of this caliber was cut in 1/100mm units, forming a stunning movement that perfectly fits Credor’s standards. Even the quartz movements from the brand are exquisitely thin. The Caliber 6720, a quartz caliber introduced in 1980, is still the world’s thinnest quartz movement today, weighing in at only 0.89mm! These movements from Credor definitely prove that you do not have to produce a chronometer-grade movement to make waves in the industry. Thin movements equate to sleek watches with crazy good dimensions. These help keep Credor’s watches truly stylish. However, do not be fooled into thinking aesthetics are all Credor watches have going for them. After all, Seiko Credor still has that Seiko name attached to it. This assures anyone that the brand produces only high-caliber movements. These movements will perform beyond any expectations and can even surpass Swiss standards. 5 Best Seiko Credor Watches 1. Credor GCBE993 To begin the list of all the Credor watches you need to check out, we introduce the GCBE993. The Credor GCBE993 is a fairly straightforward watch, but it still has the artisanal flair you would expect of a Credor timepiece. It comes with the brand’s iconic “Raden dial.” Raden is a traditional Japanese decorative technique. As the process goes, artists place a delicate inlay material on a surface before polishing it with a few layers of lacquer. The Credor GCBE993 measures a slim 37mm in diameter and comes with compact tapered lugs. Additionally, the 6.5mm thickness makes it a fine, slender timepiece perfect for dressy occasions. This is a watch that stands out, especially as a conversation starter piece, thanks to its exquisite and unique Raden dial, which is undoubtedly the star of the timepiece. On the dial, right above 6 o’clock position where the seconds sub-dial sits, is a delicate pattern made from gold. Against the black dial backdrop, the flecks of gold look almost like stars floating in a dark, lacquered night sky. The markers at 12, 3, and 9 o’clock also draw some attention, for they are not applied nor printed. Instead, they are hand-drawn by artisans at Credor. This is one of the reasons why Credor is such a popular brand for collectors — every piece is a work of art. With such fine details, only experienced artists can craft this Credor timepiece. Just a little distraction or mistake could easily ruin such a beautiful and precise watch. The movement of the Credor GCBE993 can be seen through its exhibition caseback, giving you a glimpse of fine Tokyo stripes and vibrant blue screws. Even though the movement of this watch is thin, it still possesses beveled bridges, so light can play gorgeously across the surface of the movement. In addition, it only weighs 45g so it is ultra-light and slides right under the cuff. This watch costs around $8,600 USD in retail. 2. Credor GBLT999 Eichi is a Japanese word that means “Wisdom” in English. This is is also the name of the brand’s most popular timepiece. The second Eichi II was a true masterpiece that quickly caught on for many collectors. Crafting this watch requires an artist’s attention to detail, along with the technology used to its advantage. The Credor Eichi II GBLT999 is a model created especially by Seiko Corporation’s Micro Artist Studio. In this watch, you can get a glimpse of how Swiss watchmaker Philippe Dufour influenced the artists at Credor. This timepiece took the first generation Eichi watch and improved upon it. These upgrades include the placement of the power reserve display on the watch. Eichi I has it right on the dial at the 10 o’clock position. The Eichi II, on the other hand, chooses to put it on the underside of the watch, giving the dial a clean and symmetrical finish. The Eichi II was launched to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the brand’s foundation, as well as the 15th anniversary of the Seiko Spring Drive movement. For this timepiece, Credor utilized a modified version of the Spring Drive movement, using a hand-polishing technique that both gave it an unmistakable shine and improving its durability and operability. In addition, Credor also gave the movement a truly dynamic finish with some chamfering. With regards to the dial of the Eichi II, Credor went for a more muted, minimalistic aesthetic, with only deep blue markers, tempered hands, and a delicately-painted Credor logo against a stunning white porcelain dial. This is a beguiling dial that you simply cannot take your eyes off. Do not be shocked that this watch costs around $52,500 USD in retail. This is a pretty reasonable price, considering its sturdy, lightweight platinum case and high-caliber Spring Drive movement. 3. Credor GCCD993 Next up on the list, we have the limited edition Credor GCCD993 that was inspired by the gorgeous colors of the dawn. There are only 60 pieces of the GCCD993 available in the market, but that is not the only reason why this timepiece is so valuable. As is the case with most Credor watches, the dial of this watch is impressive in itself. It boasts a blue enamel dial that gives the illusion of a deep body of water right before the dawn of winter. This dial employs the use of impressive in-house enameling techniques. Craftsmen from the Ando Cloisonné Company are the ones responsible for the dial of this watch, creating beautiful gradients that are actually unique to Credor as a brand. They do this by layering four glazes. This technique gives the dial depth, adding an impression of increment radiating outwards from the center of the dial. This gives way to the octagons carved on the sterling silver base of the dial. You can get this limited edition timepiece with either a classy crocodile leather strap or a sleek stainless steel bracelet. With such an intricately crafted design, it is no surprise that the retail price of this watch starts at $16,600 USD. 4. Credor GBLS998 The Eichi II was impressive but wait until you meet the GBLS998, Credor’s Minute Repeating timepiece. This watch has the same incredible embellishments you can expect from Credor, but it also has an additional spec that makes it a true collector’s must-have. I am talking about the minute repeating complication that is known in the industry as a complex complication. The GBLS998 a bit bigger than other Credor models, but it is designed that way so that the minute repeater can function well. It has a cool and clear tone when the gongs hit, thanks to blacksmith Munemichi Myochin, a blacksmith and the 52nd head of the Myochin Family known for their stunning creations. The Myochin family is known as the House of Iron and they are known not only in Japan but also all over the world for their finely-tuned chimes, which they have also applied to the GBLS998. With the combination of the Myochin family’s techniques and the powerful Spring Drive movement, the Credor GBLS998 is a watch that boasts the purest chimes you could possibly find in a minute repeater. Along with the crisp acoustics of the watch, you will certainly not hear any interference from the movement either. There is a lot more to discover about this watch, and to hold it in your hand and experience its chime is the only way to really appreciate this timepiece. The Credor GBLS998 retails at around $400,000 USD. 5. Credor GCBD999 This is, perhaps, the most modern-looking watch from Credor. All the other watches we have discussed carry more traditional, conservative designs. The Credor GCBD999, however, embraces modern technology in all its aspects. This watch boasts a ruthenium black skeleton movement. This gives the watch a dressy look without having to take away from its spirit. It feels a lot like staring into the water’s surface when looking at this watch. It has curves that meet unexpectedly, and the fine bridge connecting the movement to the case as well as the metal frame supporting the caliber give this movement a modern edge. This intricate timepiece is a great alternative to models you might find from Piaget or Jaeger Le-Coultre. This watch was only recently launched, but it is definitely one to keep your eye on. It costs around $16,600 USD in retail. Cost of Seiko Credor Watches As of the writing of this article, you can find more than 80 models on Credor’s website. Their prices range from between $2,000 USD to $600,000 USD. Credor’s catalog offers a diverse range of watches that prove that Credor does not settle. The brand does not box itself into a certain market, nor is it afraid to take things down a notch when necessary. It can be intimidating to explore the entire range but you will definitely enjoy falling down the rabbit hole of Seiko Credor watches. Top 3 Alternatives to Seiko Credor There are a variety of reasons why the Seiko Credor might not be your cup of tea. It could be due to the fact that Credor falls on the more expensive side of the scale. Others simply do not get along well with the Japanese identity of the brand. Or, you might be looking for something just like the Seiko Credor. No matter what your reasons are, here are the top 2 alternatives to Seiko Credor, and one watch from each brand that you should definitely add to your collection today. Hajime Asaoka Photo from Hajima AsaokaIf you are looking for a brand of the same caliber as Seiko Credor, Hajime Asaoka is the one for you. This Japanese brand is well-known for its impressive collection of watches. However, just like Credor, this brand does not joke around when it comes to its price. Designer Hajime Asaoka established the eponymous brand, with self-taught knowledge in Haute Horlogerie, in 2005. The launch of the brand truly disrupted the Japanese watchmaking industry. Asaoka started out with a tourbillon watch, then proceeded to make many more noteworthy timepieces. Hajime Asaoka, unlike other brands, does most of the work himself, which explains the price of his watches. Like Roger Smith, he is an independent watchmaker who creates watches with a contemporary flair. You can expect Hajime Asaoka watches to cost around $50,000 USD or more. While it may sound like a lot, many collectors swear by this watchmaker for its precise timekeeping and quality pieces. Hajime Asaoka Project-T Tourbillon Photo from Hajima AsaokaOne of Hajime Asaoka’s most impressive watches is the Project-T Tourbillon watch. It is a traditional watch complication, given a contemporary twist with a modern design. Among its many quirks include the ball bearing located on the right side of the tourbillon’s upper bridge. This watch operates at 18,000 beats per hour, and has a power reserve of 40 hours. In this watch, you will find 13 ball bearings as well as 13 jewels. Hajime Asaoka used ball bearings instead of jewels because, according to the designer, they are lot more reliable and efficient than synthetic ruby jewels. These unusual ball bearings were made by Yuki Precision. If you are not familiar with the name, Yuki Precision holds the Guinness World Record for producing smallest ball bearings ever. They have crafted minute, 1.5 mm outer diameter ball bearings that have been used for fidget spinners. In addition, the Project-T Tourbillon watch also boasts a deep black dial with DLC processing which highlights the gunmetal features of the watch. This eye-catching timepiece costs around $80,000 USD in retail. Orient Photo from OrientIt is impossible to talk about the Japanese watchmaking industry without mentioning Orient. This brand is not the most popular of the bunch but it is definitely one that collectors enjoy. Orient provides intricate designs that range from affordable to high-end. Unlike brands such as Citizen and Casio, Orient focuses more on mechanical watches. This makes them one of the most affordable brands in the market. You simply cannot find mechanical watches from other brands at this price point. Orient designs also tend to lean more on the conservative side as well. Rather than the Japanese style and artistry exhibited by Seiko Credor and Hajime Asaoka, Orient watches tend to be closer in design to traditional Swiss timepieces. That said, the combination of Japanese craftsmanship and quintessential Swiss aesthetics does make Orient timepieces extremely appealing to collectors as well. Orient Star Mechanical Classic Photo from OrientOrient Star is the brand’s representative model, which truly helped it rise in the industry. The Orient Star Mechanical Classic RE-AZ0001S is powered by a hand-wound movement that gives it 708 hours of power reserve. This practical feature is all thanks to its new silicon escape wheel, which allows the watch to be lighter. The silicon escape wheel also gives the watch even better accuracy compared to other movements. It has an accuracy of +15 to -5 seconds per day. Aesthetically speaking, this Orient watch is stunning. It features a skeletonized dial that comes in stunning bronze and blue hues. It also has a hint of a spiral shape, reminiscent of the Milky Way. In keeping with the watch’s theme, there is also a noticeable comet-shaped component at the 9 o’clock position. The gold version of this watch costs around $2,600 USD, while the stainless steel version in silver-tone costs around $2,000 USD. Seiko Credor: Ingenious and Dignified We have all seen what Seiko can do in terms of technology. That said, perhaps the Seiko Credor line is proof that the watchmaking industry is more than just technology. Instead, horology is about heritage and art as well. This brand truly embraces the Japanese culture and puts forward its philosophies with great care. If you are looking for an individualistic luxury watch with its own unique character to add to your collection, the Seiko Credor is it. Everybody loves Seiko! Check out our review of the 6 best Seiko Kinetic watches and the top 3 Grand Seiko watches. Photos courtesy of Credor.

In 2018, Grand Seiko celebrated the 20th anniversary of the launch of the iconic in-house caliber 9S automatic movement. With this celebration came the release of new, upgraded limited edition timepieces, to the delight of many fans. These are all models that are definitely made for luxury, using top-tier materials, and designed with undeniable finesse. Among the watches released for the 20th anniversary of the caliber 9S, the platinum VFA watch and the Special Standard gold timepiece stand out. These two models are — without a doubt — more expensive than other watches during the drop. However, the most stunning piece, without a doubt, is the Grand Seiko SBGH267. This timepiece displays Grand Seiko’s excellence when it comes to crafting stainless steel watches. It simply isn’t possible to find a Grand Seiko watch that’s subpar in the design department. The company prides itself on producing high-quality, meticulously designed watches that could easily compete with Swiss luxury watch manufacturers. Even among the catalog of exquisite and lavish luxury watches the Grand Seiko has, however, the Grand Seiko SBGH267 is still a standout. This watch is magnificently simple at its finest. Reviewing the Grand Seiko SBGH267 alone would be pointless without touching on the caliber 9S itself. How can a movement be so iconic that it deserved a new, updated release even 20 years later? Let’s examine the beginnings of Grand Seiko, how the company came up with the caliber 9S, and how it has influenced the creation of the Grand Seiko SBGH267. What makes this movement so iconic? History of the Caliber 9S The release of the in-house caliber 9S is one of Grand Seiko’s most prominent milestones and for good reason. For a long time, it was the standard movement used in all Grand Seiko watches. The caliber 9S’s excellent performance and innovative design made it a favorite in the horology community. The creation of this movement is one of the many achievements that truly put Grand Seiko on the map as a brand that could compete with more prominent Swiss luxury brands, proving that Grand Seiko is just as much about top-of-the-line innovation as it is about luxurious designs. Let’s take a closer look at Grand Seiko and how the caliber 9S really came to be. The Beginnings of Grand Seiko When Grand Seiko launched, Seiko Corporation had already made a name for itself in the Japanese market as a manufacturer of clocks and gauges. Seiko Corporation was well on its way to carving out an important place in the watch industry. In order to promote competition within the corporation, which would lead to improved and better quality products for all of the Seiko brand, the company opened two subsidiaries. These subsidiaries were named Suwa Seikosha and Daini Seikosha, and each operated completely independently of the other. Seiko’s strategy worked, as the competition between the two subsidiaries pushed each to come up with more out-of-the-box thinking and present different solutions to horological challenges. As a result, Seiko was met with increasing success as a horological innovator. Among the two subsidiaries, Suwa Seikosha was the more prominent name, and it was Suwa Seikosha that came up with Grand Seiko in 1960. However, ultimately, the inventions and efforts of both subsidiaries were crucial to the formation of Grand Seiko as a brand. In 1960, Suwa Seikosha created the first Grand Seiko watch, known simply as the Grand Seiko (GS) 1960, fitted with the caliber 3180 movements. This movement was the first chronometer-grade caliber produced in Japan. Such a watch, of course, cost a great deal. In today’s dollars, it cost around $3,500 USD. This was quite an exorbitant price for Seiko Corporation, which had, up till then, produced mainly mid-range watches. However, this soon became the standard of Grand Seiko watches — luxury watches that were more expensive than the offerings from its sister brand Seiko, that could easily compete with Swiss luxury watches. Grand Seiko’s Milestones The Grand Seiko 1960 was an impressive watch, even by today’s standards. The watch had a two-phase regulator mechanism. It was also outfitted with a hacking mechanism, which means that the movement could be instantly stopped when you pulled on the crown. This allowed you to more accurately set the time of the watch. Suwa Seikosha, however, was insatiable and constantly seeking new ways to improve upon this watch. In 1963, Suwa developed the 57GS. It is a low-bear hand-wound wristwatch released under the Grand Seiko brand. The 57GS is far different from the first-generation GS. With the 57GS, Suwa innovated by creating a luxury wristwatch encased within a stainless steel case. Keep in mind that this watch was launched in 1963. The first Swiss luxury watch with a stainless steel case — the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak — wouldn’t be released for another 9 years, making Suwa a true pioneer with the design of the 57GS. The 57GS has a screw-down caseback, replacing the old snap-back crown of the first-generation Grand Seiko. As a result, it provided better water resistance, up to depths of 50 meters. It also featured an automatically changing date. The movement also earned its certification as a chronometer. In 1966, certain changes were made to the 57GS movement. Suwa increased the beat rating of the movement to 19,800 from 18,000, but the movement also lost its chronometer certification. In 1966, the 62GS was launched. The 62GS’s design stood out with its tiny crown unusually positioned at 4 o’clock. It was also the first Grand Seiko watch to function with an automatic movement. At the time, Grand Seiko had already become a popular choice, not only in Japan but also in other parts of the world. From there, the innovations from the brand just kept pouring in, building further upon the reputation of Grand Seiko as a quality manufacturer of luxury watches that constantly sought to upgrade itself. Launching the Caliber 9S Now, the previous few watches from the brand that we’ve discussed were definitely game-changers. They placed Grand Seiko firmly on the map as a luxury watch brand to keep an eye on. However, the Grand Seiko’s distinctive style wasn’t quite there yet. We’re talking about the distinguishing aesthetics and physical design of Grand Seiko watches. Sure, GS had already released a number of luxury timepieces but they were very much a callback to the conservative designs popularized by Swiss brands. So, in 1967, the company launched the 44GS — the watch that truly defined the Grand Seiko’s own style. There are three main features from the 44GS that made the brand stand out from its competition. It was a truly iconic watch that allowed light to play beautifully off its surface no matter the day, time, or place. Firstly, the 44GS features flat surfaces that are true to their definitions — two-dimensional and extremely flat. Within the dial, the hands and hour markers of the watch were also designed to be wide and flat on the surface of the dial. However, the polished edges of the watch still allowed light to reflect off them well. Finally, the 44GS had distortion-free mirrored surfaces achieved through Zaratsu polishing. On top of its high-precision calibers, Grand Seiko made a step forward with the 44GS by improving upon their watches’ aesthetic designs, making them truly worthy of the luxury status. From there, the company took a break due to the debut and increasing popularity of quartz movements. For the next 30 years, Grand Seiko took a backseat to let Seiko ride the tides to greatness with their quartz watches. However, this break didn’t cause Grand Seiko to disappear. Instead, the brand took its time to enhance the performance of its mechanical calibers. Grand Seiko used various tests to improve upon the performance of their movements. Moreover, their engineers and designers created a new balance spring that featured a special curved shape. These innovations resulted in the launch of a brand new mechanical caliber, the 9S5 series, which was first launched in 1998. The Caliber 9S Series The 9S5 caliber proved to be a great addition to Grand Seiko. In later developments, the brand also produced a new SPRON alloy for the mainspring as well as a new escapement, perfected with the advanced Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. New Caliber 9S versions continued to be released with different upgrades, such as the 9S6 with its 72-hour power reserve. The 9S8 also proved impressive with an improved 10-beat movement. The 9S caliber series proved to be the new Grand Seiko standard, with impressive accuracy that went beyond simple chronometer certification. Truly, it was on a different scale from the 1966 standards set by its predecessor. 20th Anniversary Models To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 9S mechanical caliber, Grand Seiko launched three new, limited-edition models of Grand Seiko watches in 2018. Each contained a different, special and newly-released 9S caliber movement, encased within distinctive 20mm cases. The first model is a Hi-Beat 36,000 VFA Ref. SBGH265J. This watch, which comes in a platinum case, is a truly rare collector’s piece, with only 20 pieces released on the market. It bears the V.F.A. initials on the dial, which stands for Very Fine Adjusted. This abbreviation was first used in 1969. This abbreviation refers to the precision rate of the caliber, that exceeds that of the Grand Seiko Standard. Powered by the 9S85 Hi-Beat 36,000 Caliber, it boasts an accuracy rate of +3 to -1 seconds per day. Then, there’s the Hi-Beat 36000 Special Ref. SBGH266J. Now, this is a classy yellow-gold watch, limited to only 150 pieces. This watch contains the movement commonly known as the Grand Seiko Special Standard. That means that the watch has an accuracy of around +4 to -2 seconds per day. Finally, the main star of our article: the Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 Ref. SBGH267G. It features a clean, traditional stainless steel case. Grand Seiko only released 1,500 pieces of this watch. The SBGH267G’s movement features a different, unusual oscillating weight made from titanium and tungsten. This weight comes in exquisite blue, due to anodic oxidation, which generates an oxide film via the process of electrolysis. We’ll be taking an in-depth look at the Grand Seiko SBGH267G, and all the great features it brings to the table. Reviewing the Grand Seiko SBGH267 The Grand Seiko SBGH267 Limited Edition truly has its wonderful features, whether that’s due to the exquisite Grand Seiko design or the outstanding and distinctive movement. There’s something special about this stainless steel offering that makes it even more appealing than its higher-priced siblings. For sure, the VFA model in platinum and the Special Standard in gold are both true collector’s items. However, the SBGH267, with its more classic Grand Seiko look and equally outstanding performance, is the one that watch enthusiasts should really keep their eye on. First Impressions Right off the bat, it’s easy to see that this is a quality watch. We do have a lot of expectations with this watch, however. It’s a Grand Seiko watch with an iteration of the 9S and that alone bears more weight than it just being a limited edition watch. 9S is the first movement the Grand Seiko has released after 40 years of staying still. It features 36,000 vibrations per hour. The SBGH267 itself not overly fancy but its clean, professional exterior made from stainless steel is definitely luxurious, from its look to its texture and feel. Sure, the gold and the platinum models might seem more elegant at first glance. However, this is an equally refined offering with little details that truly make it a luxury watch hailing from the east. Grand Seiko SBGH267 Specs Before we get to our complete review of this watch, let’s first take a look at its specifications: Model: Hi-Beat 36000, Caliber 9S 20th Anniversary Limited EditionReference Number: SBGH267Case Diameter: 39.5 mmCase Thickness: 13 mmCase Material: Stainless steel, Zaratsu polishedIndexes: Baton, laser polishedDial Color: Deep blueWater Resistance: 100 meters, 330 feet, 10ATMStrap/Bracelet: Three-link stainless steel bracelet Movement Caliber: 9S85Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, datePower Reserve: 55 hoursFrequency: 5 Hz (36,000 vph)Accuracy: +5 to -3 seconds per day Jewels: 37Diameter: 28.4 mmWinding: Automatic winding with tungsten and anodized titanium oscillating weightInformation: MEMS fabricated skeletonized escape wheel with micro-oil reservoir teeth, and MEMS fabricated skeletonized leverChronometer Certification: Grand Seiko Hi-Beat internally controlled Case The case of the Grand Seiko SBGH267 is quite similar to the two other watches from the limited edition drop. Each watch carries a similar Grand Seiko Style that no other brand could emulate. We’re talking about the unusual designs we mentioned earlier — two-dimensional, impossibly flat and thin, and mirror-like in polish. In particular, Grand Seiko’s method of polishing their watches can only be achieved through Zaratsu polishing. Zaratsu polishing has existed even before the beginnings of Grand Seiko. During the 1950s, the Hayashi Seiko factory had a polishing machine that had the words GEBR.SALLAZ engraved on it. This is the very place where a great deal of Grand Seiko watches are being manufactured. GEBR. stands for a German word that means “brothers.” Meanwhile, SALLAZ was the family name of the company that had built the machine. Indeed, the word Zaratsu was derived from the way the Japanese pronounced SALLAZ. This polishing machine became prominent for one very clear reason. Instead of the sides of the rotating disc used to polish watches, the machine uses the front of the disk to polish the surfaces of the case watch. This allowed for a very distinct polish that provides exceptionally crisp case lines and a mirror-like reflection to whoever is looking at the case of the watch. No distortions, no weird faces. This method of polishing became what we popularly know today as the Zaratsu polishing. Now, not everyone can achieve this, that’s why it’s so unique to the Grand Seiko brand. Only the machine and Grand Seiko’s master craftsmen can make this work. Dial The dial of the Grand Seiko SBGH267 has a very unique motif. On the dial, you can find spiral engraving with letters of the Grand Seiko logo, along with the mark of Daini Seikosha. Daini is the other half of Grand Seiko and was responsible for developing the first Hi-Beat movement. The company is now known as Seiko Instruments Inc. The design of the dial is unparalleled; it comes in an exquisite, textured deep blue color like no other. What we love about this design is that it successfully invokes luxury and class without having to use any precious metals at all. It doesn’t come in the usual gold, platinum, or even silver that is frequently used in luxury watches. It’s just a blue dial with a really great design that speaks for itself and adds even more dimension to an already impressive watch. Furthermore, as you might’ve noticed, the baton hands are not simply rectangular metal markers applied on the dial. They’re also raised to a height that adds volume and layers to an otherwise minimalistic watch. Even the date aperture comes with the same three-dimensional design, protruding out from the face of the dial. Once again, this is where the Grand Seiko Style comes in. You can see the light play off every part of the watch — the shadows on the engraved dial, as well as the reflections on the sharp, polished edges of every marker and hand. The GS logo at the 12 o’clock position and the second hand both come in fine gold. It allows both to stand out from the stainless steel casing and markers, as well as the blue dial, giving the watch an aura of sophistication. Movement Now, the dial of the Grand Seiko SBGH267 is already very impressive. However, there’s nothing like a high-quality movement to make it all better. We’ve already gone through the makings and history of the 9S movements. Since this watch a tribute to that, we know that the same movement powers this watch. It displays a high level of accuracy and precision, as well as a power reserve that lasts up to 55 hours. The 9S85 caliber movement on this watch doesn’t have quite the same accuracy and precision as the Very Fine Adjusted or Special models. However, Grand Seiko fans know that the performance of Grand Seiko movements frequently outperforms the standards which are promised. Grand Seiko watches are always better in practice than on the brochure, and this is no different. It is worth noting, though, that the movement of the SBGH267 stands out from the others as a particularly beautiful deep blue-colored movement that matches the blue motif of the dial. It has an anodized titanium and tungsten rotor as can be seen on the see-through caseback. This is very similar to the rotor of the 10th Anniversary GMT Grand Seiko. Although its caliber underperforms slightly compared to the Very Fine Adjusted and Special models, its gorgeous hue and more affordable pricing make the SBGH267 a very good deal still. Pricing The Grand Seiko SBGH267 is a limited edition, Hi-Beat watch. That means that it’s bound to have a fairly high asking price. With only 1,500 editions available, it costs around 6,300 USD in retail. Now, that’s what you get for a luxurious, well-made, bang-for-the-buck wristwatch from Grand Seiko. Compared to other models like Rolex, the price isn’t that exorbitant and it definitely has a promising future ahead of it. Is the Grand Seiko SBGH267 a great investment piece? The easy answer to this question is yes. The Grand Seiko SBGH267 is a great investment piece. This isn’t only because it’s a limited edition, though. For a long time, since the formation of Grand Seiko as a brand, its watches have long been in the line of sight of collectors. This adds the SBGH267 to the same pedestal. Indeed, reports have shown that, in the years after its release, collectors are certainly keen to pay more than the retail price of this timepiece just to own it. Right now, you can purchase one for around 8,800 to 9,000 USD. And that’s just a couple years since its debut. We look forward to seeing just how this watch will be valued in the future — we certainly expect it to just keep rising! Grand Seiko SBGH267: Accuracy and Grandeur in One Perfect Package This release from Grand Seiko is definitely one for the books. It displays everything we expect from the brand — an equally luxurious and functional watch without the sky-high prices of Swiss brands. What we can see with this watch is the future of Japanese luxury watch manufacturers. The SBGH267 forces Swiss watch purists to look their way and see just what else Grand Seiko has in store for the horology community. Can’t get enough of Grand Seiko? Learn 3 reasons why we love Grand Seiko! Photo credits: All photos courtesy of Grand Seiko’s official website.

Baltic watches have been under the radar among watch enthusiasts for a while. Almost overnight, the company became one of the most sought-after brands of today. The watch community embraced the launch of the brand alongside the Bicompax chronographs through a Kickstarter campaign. From chronographs, the brand continues to evolve in the tool watches department. The Baltic Aquascaphe met much fanfare with its release. Let’s take a deeper look at this timepiece. What is Baltic? Before we get to know the Baltic Aquascaphe, let’s first see what Baltic is all about. The brand is fairly new to the market with its launch in 2017. It wasn’t any other launch. Like many microbrands, the story of Baltic began in a Kickstarter campaign. The campaign became the launchpad for the company to release two of their debut timepieces, both met with much fanfare. The watches launched are HMS 001 and the BICOMPAX 001, a chronograph. These timepieces easily catapulted the brand from the ground up, pushing founder Etienne Malec to launch more timepieces. The company has since been one of the most sought-after microbrands in the market. Following other French watch brands, such as Bell & Ross and Cartier, Baltic continuously wows patrons from all over the world with the quality of its timepieces. What we know today is that so far, the company sits with fairly priced timepieces. The watches from the brand have expanded from two models and now have different models such as the Aquascaphe. The Baltic Aquascaphe Baltic named the Aquascaphe rather cleverly. This refers to the famous Bathyscaphe,  a free-diving self-propelled deep-sea submersible from the 1960s. This was developed by the Swiss and built by the Italian, a true legend in underwater exploration history. However, this reference only applies to the name. Despite that, Baltic still made sure to stick to the same timeline when it comes to aesthetics. The Baltic Aquascaphe adopted the design of divers from the 1960s and 1970s. There are many cues that point to this such as the case design as well as the dial. Baltic didn’t hold back in applying their vintage theme to this timepiece. Today, there are three versions of the Aquascaphe available in the market: gilt, blue gilt, and black. Generally, there is a lot to say about this watch, so let’s break the watch down by its functions and parts. Here’s our in-depth review of the Baltic Aquascaphe. Case Right at first glance, you’ll notice the attention to detail. The Aquascaphe gives the impression that it’s a great tool watch. Firstly, you get a sapphire crystal to protect the dial. The screw-down crown allows the watch 200 meters of water resistance. There are some parts of the watch that’s familiar to those who already own the watch. This appears to be Baltic’s way of saying that they’re going for a certain aesthetic that would stick. I would say that they did well if that’s their goal given that you can reminisce older models from the company. That said, watch out for the mid-case design of the watch as it’s practically the same. Given Baltic is going for a vintage-inspired look, it’s easy to understand why they gave it such a size. The Aquascaphe measures around 38 mm across and 39 mm at the bezel. Lug-to-lug, it measures around 47 mm. It should sit comfortably around the wrist with a 12 mm thickness. Overall, the sizing gives the timepiece a proportioned design that doesn’t stray away from the vintage concept Baltic aims to have. It is incredibly impressive how thin this timepiece is. You can be fooled by the mid-case of the watch. With the long lugs set low, you would even think it’s much thinner than advertised. For a classic addition to the timepiece, the sapphire crystal of the watch comes domed. This adds height to the watch but visually, the timepiece is still a lot thinner than other divers. When against the wrist, you can expect it to look flat. That way, it’s easier to wear this watch. Bezel The bezel of the Aquascaphe is one of the most impressive parts of the watch. If you look closely, the insert of the bezel is pretty thin. This works wonders especially if you want something that goes along with such a thin watch. The thing with divers is that they can be on the heavier side. Smaller divers come with large bezels that eat up a large chunk of the timepiece. The dial ultimately looks smaller and that would throw off the overall proportion of the watch. With the Baltic Aquascaphe, you’re sure that the bezel doesn’t take away from the dial. It’s not too large that it shrinks the dial. Moreover, true to its vintage inspiration, the insert only comes with 15, 30, and 43 numerals. At 0/60, a triangle sits while other markers appear as dots. With the bezel in sapphire, you’re sure that this watch is only of the highest quality. This also gives a fair addition to the price of the watch. Dial The Aquascaphe is available in two major colors: black and blue. However, on the company’s website you can find the following color combinations: Black Silver Black Cream Blue Gilt Black with Steel Bezel Bronze Blue Gilt and Bronze Glossy Black Generally, all the watches have very distinct vintage-inspired looks. However, you can go for a more modern look with the Black Silver iteration of the watch. The white lume definitely gives it a newer face with light gray prints and a matte dial that’s also grainy in texture. If you want something more vintage, Black Cream is a great option for you. The cream-colored lume gives it a truly vintage feel. Meanwhile, the Blue Gilt proves really great, especially when underwater. The dark blue sunray dial looks wonderful when underwater and its cream lume perfectly matches the faux-gilt paint. Many people prefer the Blue Gilt for its complete aesthetic; it truly is a vintage diver. As aforementioned, there are many similarities between the Aquascaphe and Baltic’s first model, the Bicompax. It also bears similarities with HMS models from the brand. Among those, the 12 numeral stands out. This little detail ultimately unifies the watches under the brand. Overall, the dial of the Aquascaphe truly captures a multi-dimensional canvas. A pleasant texture sits at the markers of the watch and for a watch at this price, the lume proves incredibly potent. This is despite the little area of application on the markers. For even better legibility, the watch has the minutes/seconds index printed around the outer edge of the dial. Movement At the heart of the Baltic Aquascaphe is the Miyota 9039 movement. This is an automatic-winding 24-jewel movement with hacking and hand-winding features. It comes with 42 hours of power reserve which works wonders if you don’t plan on wearing it on weekends. With a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour, you’re sure that it’s accurate. It’s very similar to the 9015 minus the date complication or date position in the crown. Baltic surely did a great job of choosing this movement as it’s a lot thinner than Swiss options. This is just as reliable as more expensive movements in the market. Bracelet We weren’t kidding when we told you that the Aquascaphe sits perfectly around the wrist. There are two options available for this watch. You can get it with a tropical rubber strap that’s perfect especially if you plan on wearing it while diving. You can also get it in a “beads of rice” bracelet that exudes great premium appeal. Both options are great but the beads are great options if you plan on wearing them on a day-to-day basis. Baltic made sure that even the bracelet of the watch has a vintage feel. It’s versatile enough to be worn in a casual setting and works wonders on more formal events. With the watch being thin, the Baltic Aquascaphe is comfortable around the wrist. Price The Baltic Aquascaphe costs €579.17 EUR or around $700 USD, brand new. However, you can still find this timepiece on the secondhand market for less. You can avail of a more expensive version which is the Bronze Blue Gilt and Bronze Glossy Black. These cost around  €625 EUR or about $770 USD. These are reasonable prices especially with the features and quality of the watch. Baltic Aquascaphe GMT & Dual-Crown Baltic launched another Aquascaphe with a GMT function. This timepiece varies only in bezel design with a 24-hour marker instead of dots around the bezel. The colors are also a lot sportier than the Aquascaphe with combinations of blue/green, blue/gray, and blue/orange. These colors prove great especially when underwater. It also comes with a date window at 6 o’clock. The Aquascaphe GMT costs more at €920 EUR or around $1,120 USD. Baltic Aquascaphe GMT (Left) and Dual-Crown (Right) Meanwhile, if you want a leaner version of the timepiece, the Aquascaphe Dual-Crown is for you. This timepiece comes with two crowns, one of which controls the inner bezel of the watch. The bezel of the timepiece is bi-directional, perfect for any recreational diver. It costs around €550 USD or $670 USD. A Powerful Newcomer: Baltic Aquascaphe What makes Baltic such a powerhouse is the fact they’re incredibly reliable. This is a relatively new brand that’s making waves in the watch community for crowd-funded watches. The fact that many people choose to support this watch without nays says a lot about it. The Aquascaphe proves itself a good competitor for other brands and companies of the same price point. Surely, there are better things that await us, but what we have right here is already impressive for a first. Looking for more dive watches? Here are dive watches under 1000 USD. All photos courtesy of Baltic.

It goes without saying that every ensemble works with the right coordination. Whether it’s for a casual day out or a formal event, pairing your outfit with the right accessories always matters. However, the finer details such as jewelry and watches can make or break your overall look. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing a Bulgari or a Cartier, if you don’t match your jewelry with your watch correctly, even the brand’s name can’t save your fashion ensemble. To make heads turn for the right reasons, even accessories need to be paired just right. So, we put together a guide to help you perfectly pair your watch with the right jewelry. Are there any rules you should strictly follow? How do you mix and match your jewelry and watch? Read further to know more. Ultimate Ladies’ Accessories Women have been donning accessories as far back as 40,000 years ago. This rich history continues in modern days. Perhaps, the most popular women’s accessories are jewelry. Historically, jewelry started out as a symbol of wealth and affluence. Royalties donned pieces of jewelry made of precious stones like diamonds and rubies, and metals such as gold and silver. Today, while well-heeled women still wear jewelry, it became more accessible to more people. Jewelry continues to be an icon of beauty for many and it is, to say the least, the ultimate ladies’ accessories. Watches, on the other hand, can serve as more than just a functional accessory. It can also be a piece of jewelry or something to pair it with. Just like jewelry, watches were also symbols of affluence that a lot of royalties and the rich and famous owned and even flaunted, given the history of brands like Patek Philippe, Breguet, and Jaquet Droz. And as jewelry evolved, watches did too. Now, every woman has a timepiece to pair their jewelry with. Both jewelry and watches hold sentimental value for most women. They’re not just accessories anymore. Behind each accessory is a story and a value incomparable to any amount of money. Women mostly buy these pieces of jewelry as gifts to themselves, while others receive them from their loved ones. Either way, these timeless accessories are precious items with precious memories anchored within them. However, it is quite disastrous to find a watch being overpowered by jewelry. With the wide selection of jewelry and watches women can choose from, it sure can get pretty overwhelming. But to keep you from going through a terrible fashion emergency, we put together a few rules to pair your watches with your jewelry. Luckily, ladies’ watches such as Chanel and Chopard, are made to be paired with jewelry or even serve as one. You’ll find that pairing your watch with the right jewelry is a lot easier and less complicated than you’d think. Top 10 Watches & Jewelry Brands The association between watches and jewelry is nothing new in the industry. A lot of jewelry brands started producing timepieces after a while. On the other hand, watch brands also take pride in their jewelry pieces. More often than not, watch and jewelry become an integral part of a brand’s legacy. Take for instance brands like Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs. These storied fashion houses take both jewelry and watches as an essential part of their catalog. After all, the ladies’ accessories market constantly grows to this day. So, we gathered the ‘op 10 watches and jewelry brands that produce both dazzling and functional accessories. In no particular order, here are the top 10 watch and jewelry brands for you. 1. Bulgari One of the most prominent names in the fashion world, Bulgari leads with a dedicated line of jewelry, watches, fragrances, leather goods, and more. It’s impossible not to associate this brand with luxury and glamour with its lavish accessories. More than a hundred years ago in 1884, the brand is one of the pioneers in the industry. Currently part of the LVMH Group, Bulgari’s selection of fine jewelry spans different styles — from understated to extravagant. Fascinated by the wild, Bulgari’s designs revolve around the breadth of nature. For instance, the Bulgari Serpenti collection of watches and jewelry includes designs that reflect the imagery of a snake. Snakes inspired the collection’s sensual and bold approach to accessories. The Fiorever collection, on the other hand, puts flora into the pedestal. Encrusted with diamonds, the Fiorever dons the likeness of a flower — delicate yet captivating, and better yet, eye-catching. But more than just producing fine jewelry, Bulgari also proved itself a powerful player in the watchmaking industry. Only less than a decade ago, the Bulgari Octo was launched with great anticipation. It sprung up numerous iterations such as the iconic Bulgari Octo Finissimo — one of the world’s thinnest timepieces that broke multiple records upon its release. This very timepiece cemented Bulgari’s position in Haute Horlogerie. 2. Cartier Referred to by King Edward VII of Great Britain as “the jeweler of kings and the king of jewelers”, Cartier is one of the biggest players in fashion. The jewelry house is one of today’s most prominent names, and it only keeps on getting bigger. Associated with affluence and power, the French luxury brand has been adorning royalties since the early 1900s and perhaps even earlier. From British royalty, Cartier’s business expanded to Spain, Russia, and Portugal. Today, Cartier is a worldwide phenomenon that embraces its heritage with its current line up of jewelry and watches. Cartier’s distinct style spans from grandeur to more minimal designs. They take inspiration from just about anything — nature, architecture, and even the material used themselves. Just as its jewelry collection, the brand’s watches such as the Santos de Cartier, Cartier Tank, and Cartier Ballon Bleu have a distinct look that can only be associated with the brand. They focus on the timeless look whether it’s for jewelry or watches. 3. Tiffany & Co.  Celebrated jewelry brand Tiffany and Co. — popularly referred to as Tiffany’s — produces just about any women’s accessories. Name it, they have it. From jewelry, china, and crystal to stationery, fragrances, and watches, the lineup of Tiffany’s goes beyond your typical luxury house products. However, Tiffany’s became known for its diamond and sterling silver jewelry. The brand also stood out with their collaborative efforts with various watch brands such as Patek Philippe and Rolex. Moreover, Tiffany’s also produces some of the best timepieces that collectors adore for their prowess and aesthetic. Tiffany and Co.’s aesthetic falls into the ultimate feminine style. From the simplicity of their collections, Tiffany’s boasts luxurious designs void of any complications. Some of its most famous collections include the Bracelets Tiffany 1837® and The Atlas®. 4. Chanel French fashion house Chanel produces everything a luxurious woman needs. The brand’s ready-to-wear clothes and accessories are some of the most favored pieces in fashion. Owned by the Wertheimers, Chanel carries with it Coco Chanel’s refined aesthetic without going over the top. Some of the most prominent names who became ambassadors like Keira Knightley, Nicole Kidman, and Marilyn Monroe truly believed in the brand’s philosophy. Also known to collaborate with various artists and brands, Chanel is a prominent name no one can simply say no to. Its watch division opened in 1987. The designs of its timepieces embrace form and function in its highest regard. At a single glance, no one would mistake it for a generic watch. The brand’s aesthetic rests on the timepieces with various designs that range from understated to unprecedented. The Chanel J12 watches, perhaps, are the most popular models from the brand. 5. Hermes As the center of fashion in Europe, France presents another entry on our list with Hermes. It is one of the most popular names that gets thrown around in luxury mambo jumbo. This rests on the idea that Hermes is truly unique in its sense of style with bold designs that it carries throughout its product lineup. Be it a bag or a piece of jewelry, Hermes truly enthralls the essence of an eye-catching design. The great thing about Hermes is the fact that they don’t shy away from color. It’s not every day that you see a timepiece with pink leather straps. The brand takes on color to serve a purpose rather than to just add flair. The flashy details of their jewelry and watches are evident even from afar. Take for instance, the Hermes Klikti watch or the Heure H. These timepieces don’t see color as an enemy, but a friend that helps you stand out in the most fabulous situations. 6. Chopard There is something thoughtful about Chopard. This Swiss brand mainly focuses on watches and jewelry but has since expanded to other products. However, the excellence that Chopard executes in its watches makes it a prominent name in the industry. The brand executes detail in the most prudent manner. Chopard ladies’ watches and jewelry take on numerous inspirations. For instance, the Chopard Imperiale collection includes delicate details for modern-day achievers. It embraces the power of femininity without taking away the tenderness of it. The brand also moves with their Happy collections namely Chopard Happy Diamonds, Chopard Happy Hearts, and Chopard Happy Sport. Each Happy collection fuses modern tech with timeless charms. 7. Piaget Piaget truly knows how to engage the female aesthetic with its wide selection of jewelry and watches. It’s not hard to see how Piaget remains an important name in the industry. It caters to a wide variety of clients with a heart for its products. It doesn’t shy away from colors or the grandness of jewelry, but it knows how to tone it down. Surely, whatever you prefer for a piece of jewelry or timepiece, Piaget has it for you. Piaget has been, to this day, a well-known producer of iconic timepieces. The Piaget Altiplano watch remains the world’s thinnest watch after dethroning the Octo Finissimo. With a movement that only stands 2mm tall, it’s fascinating how the Altiplano keeps a steady, accurate beat. Every Piaget watch collection — be it a Piaget Polo S or the Altiplano — has an equivalent or perfect half from its jewelry collection. It’s truly a one-stop-shop for luxury. 8. Breguet One of the oldest brands on our list, Breguet boasts a rich and unparalleled heritage. Its clientele includes names that we don’t only see on TV and movies but also in history books. Yes, Breguet is the ultimate watchmaker for Queen Victoria and even Napoleon Bonaparte. Given that, it’s not hard to figure out why the brand’s aesthetic lean more on the glimmering side of elegance. Breguet’s collection of jewelry pieces puts the diamond on a pedestal. They even produce jewelry watches with collections like the Marie-Antoinette Dentelle and Le Petit Trianon. But they don’t shy away from playful designs like the L’orangerie collection. On the other hand, Breguet’s timepieces are also renowned by enthusiasts such as the Breguet Tradition and Breguet Classique. 9. Gucci Gucci is a brand that’s hard to miss. It is, perhaps, the Rolex of luxury fashion. Its name is recognizable everywhere. Most people also refer to Gucci for the finest of bags and clothes. But unbeknown to many, Gucci also produces jewelry and watches. However, it’s a little hard to see that, especially with all the products in its big catalog. Gucci offers not only fine jewelry but also high jewelry. But the great thing about Gucci is that its catalog teems with varied styles. The brand produces refined jewelry as well as fun accessories for quirky individuals. Its timepieces range from unique designs to quintessential elegance. This, you’ll find in their collections like the Gucci G-Timeless, Gucci Vintage Web, Gucci Horsebit, and Grip Watch. Its jewelry collection is crusted with precious stones and the brand’s iconic logo that no one can mistake for anything else. 10. Louis Vuitton Perhaps on the same level as Gucci’s popularity, you’ll find Louis Vuitton or LV. This brand focuses more on the refined beauty of things. It’s not as flashy as Gucci with its eccentric designs, but it sure knows how to convey luxury in the finest manner. LV takes inspiration from just about anything — nature, geometry, or even itself. Given this, it’s hard to group its jewelry and watches with one description only. It also spans various categories for different needs. You can go understated with the LV Volt collection or go for a more defined aesthetic with the Tambour. With all the products of LV, it’s easy to get lost. But you won’t mistake its products for anything else. There’s a unique sensibility in its designs that only the LV brand can carry. How to Pair Your Watches with Jewelry Pairing watches with jewelry brings good results. Not only does it elevate your overall look effortlessly, but it also keeps your image refined. No matter how small your jewelry is or how dainty your timepiece may be, the pairing provides a great effect on your whole ensemble. Here are some pairings that you might like in different styles — courtesy of our favorite watch and jewelry brands. Minimalist & Utilitarian Minimalist looks go a long way. It can be taken from the streets to the ballroom with its sensibility. It’s not flashy, but it gives you a refined edge that’s just right. Without the over-the-top details, one may still be able to enjoy the luxurious vibe that watches and jewelry gives off. If you’re looking to pull off this style, for every day look, it’s best to pair a simple band ring with a utilitarian timepiece like a Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000. But if you want to take this look to a formal event, ring sets with a watch with minimal dial details like a Rado Hyperchrome. Bold & Sparkly If you’re on the opposite side of the spectrum and love the fine details of bold jewelry, there’s a perfect pairing just for you. However, you wouldn’t want your accessories to fight for the spotlight. Make sure that despite their bold details, each has great points to offer. Pair a precious gem ring with a timepiece that doesn’t take away the grandeur of the ring and vice versa. For instance, a diamond ring works best with watches like a Rolex Lady Datejust. Likewise, if you’re wearing a flashy watch like a Bulgari Serpenti, pair it with a ring from the same collection or an equally coiled ring. This keeps the grand flair on your look without exaggerating. Understated & Chic However, if you’re into a dainty look, don’t be afraid to add a little sparkle here and there. It won’t take away from your look with the right jewelry or watch. The understated look, despite its nature, is pretty hard to pull off especially if you’re not equipped for it. But once you master how to do it without looking too minimalist, you’re all good. Keep the gem of your rings to a minimum if you want to pull this look off. A large gemstone isn’t exactly understated. Opt for small studs on your timepiece as with a diamond-studded Patek Philippe Calatrava or a Longines La Grande Classique. Just the right sparkle makes a huge difference! Edgy & Trendy Everybody loves an edgy look every now and then. Others, on the other hand, live for this style. Either way, to make your pairing edgy, the easiest way to go about this is to choose the right colors. Contrary to popular belief, black isn’t the only edgy color. Bold colors and grand designs can also be edgy. A Hamilton Ventura can be just as edgy as a TAG Heuer Link. It all rests on how you carry your jewelry and watch pairing. With that said, just because you’re going for an edgy look doesn’t mean you have to load your wrist with numerous bracelets. Wear a bracelet that would look like a portion of your timepiece. Say, if you’re wearing your Ventura, you can still wear a Versace Medusa Head bracelet to complement it. Casual & Effortless Keeping your look casual doesn’t take a genius to do. In fact, just about any watch can work any day as long as your environment calls for it. But if you’re looking for a bracelet and watch pairing that you can take from the streets on a night out, the key is to keep it simple. You would want to prioritize your comfort without sacrificing style. It also has to be versatile that even an outfit change won’t bother the set you already have on. The easiest way to go is to pick your everyday timepiece. It could range from an Omega Constellation to a Seiko Lukia. For your bracelet of choice, a simple band or a single coil bracelet will do the trick. Contrasting or Complementing Last but never least, the easiest way to pair your bracelet with your watch (or any jewelry for this matter), is by complementing or contrasting them. You can wear a Tudor 1926 with a silver bracelet or your Longines Symphonette with a gold band. On the other hand, the easiest way to complement it is to pair your watch with an onyx detail or a simple bracelet alongside a watch with a black dial. You can also easily do it by mixing metals. A gold watch with a silver bracelet or a gold set shouldn’t hurt. If you’d like, you can also pick a watch with contrasting details like the Gucci Diamantissima with a gold case and black dial. Dos and Don’ts of Watch and Jewelry Pairing Do consider your whole ensemble. When you’re dressing up, taking your whole outfit into consideration is the best way to go. What color of top are you wearing? Are you keeping it casual or bold? Accessories are integral parts of an overall look. Complementing your jewelry and watch with your whole outfit will definitely help in the overall outcome of your looks. Do respect the event theme. Every event has a theme. Even the streets have a theme! Wherever you’re going or whatever function you’re attending, understanding the theme of the occasion helps in picking out the right accessory. It could tell you whether or not you should keep it minimal or extravagant. Either way, respecting the event should only work for your benefit. Don’t overlayer. The biggest mistake people make when wearing watches is overdoing it with bracelets and rings. Not only does it take away the focus from your watch, but it also makes your arm feel heavy. You would want to look effortlessly fashionable every time. And the only way to do it is to pick three bracelets at the most to go with your watch. More than that, you’re probably overdoing it. However, if you’re going for heavily studded bracelets or watches, a simple bracelet will do. The same thing goes with rings. While there are ring sets that require at least five pieces to be worn (they’re usually minimal in design), don’t go for heavy studs if your watch already has diamond crusts. Don’t let your jewelry and watch overpower each other. Your accessories must always work with each other and not against each other. Decide on the focal point of your whole outfit before picking the accessories that go with it. Build around it and not against it. If you decide to highlight your watch, wear a bracelet and ring that will enhance its beauty rather than fight it. This way, your look will stay coordinated. Do follow your style intuition. When all fails, a woman’s intuition will always be the best one to consult. Women are innately stylish, and pairing watches with jewelry is just one of the little things they can do. At the end of the day, it’s your own style that you should follow. No matter what style you’re pulling off — casual or glamorous — don’t hesitate to do it. Accessories are mere ways to express yourself and not the other way around. A Woman’s Best Accessory Fashion can be tricky in itself. Mixing and matching do take a while especially if you’re new at it. It’s easy to just pick items up and put them together. But it’s hard to pull it off. At the end of the day, the greatest fashion accessory a woman can have is her confidence. Whatever it is you’re wearing on whichever occasion, as long as you have the confidence to pull it off, you’ll be on the right track. Don’t hesitate to consider your own style as it is the foundation of your whole ensemble. Treat watches and jewelry as a means of expressing yourself. They’re not only there to make you look fabulous but also to make you feel like you’re in control. With all the glitz and glamour luxury fashion has to offer, being yourself will always be the brightest decoration.

Everyone has their own ideal holiday. Whether you’re the beach type or the outdoorsy type, we all long for that perfect travel destination. But no matter the destination, it’s not the ultimate trip without the perfect companions — be it your loved ones, friends, pets, or the right tools and equipment. And one that’s almost automatically a part of every adventurer’s checklist is the right travel watch. From the highest mountain peaks to the deepest trenches of the ocean, there’s a perfect travel watch for you. In that regard, we gathered here all the best travel watches — from Casio, Nomos Glashutte, Omega, Rolex, and more— for every type of adventurer and why we need them to guarantee a smooth-sailing trip! 20 Best Travel Watches for Every Adventurer 1. Rolex GMT Master II Nicknamed by Rolex as ‘The Cosmopolitan Watch’, the Rolex GMT Master II is the ultimate travel watch that every globetrotter should get their hands on. Officially unveiled in 1982, the GMT Master II precedes the iconic GMT Master that originally served as a navigation device for professional jet setters. The GMT Master, launched in 1955, bore witness to the rise of intercontinental travels and even became the official watch of Pan American World Airways, more popularly known as ‘PanAm’. Improving upon its predecessor, the GMT Master II launched with an hour hand, set independently from other hands. One can see two time zones simultaneously with the Rolex GMT Master II. It features the usual hour, minute, and seconds hands, as well as a triangle-tipped 24-hour hand and a bidirectional rotatable bezel with a 24-hour graduated Cerachrom insert. The watch’s calibre 3285 makes this possible, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex with 70 hours of power reserve. Not to mention, this timepiece can withstand shocks and magnetic fields! They’re available in various designs and color iterations to fit every style preference. 2. Cvstos HMS Challenge II Sealiner GMT European brand Cvstos speaks volumes when it comes to style and functionality. In particular, the Challenge II Sealiner GMT watch from the Cvstos HMS collection, with its signature tonneau-shaped case, proves stylish with its selection of colours and material. They come in either steel, blue, black, brown with red gold 5N components, or in bicolour 5N Pink gold. It also has an exhibition caseback, protected by sapphire crystal for optimum scratch resistance to showcase the CVSTOS 6511 GMT calibre. With a second 24-hour indicator, it’s a stylish choice that can transition from sporty to dressy smoothly. 3. Bell & Ross Instruments With a passion for aviation, Bell & Ross reinterprets on-board instruments through a collection inspired by the clock in an aeroplane cockpit. This collection, perhaps, is the most popular selection by the brand with its iconic square case that even has an iteration that plunged from the air to the seas. The Bell & Roll Instruments collection carries a certain flair, ideal for the jet setter not only for pleasure but for a living. The watch’s legibility makes it a reliable companion for pilots on the air with chronograph iterations, perfect for measuring everything down to the last 100th of a second. The Instruments collection seamlessly captures every personality with its wide range of designs. From a sand-coloured camouflage to a sporty tinge of orange on the strap and dial, there are not enough words to describe the versatility of this collection. It also comes in minimalist design or an open-heart design. Its features span from your typical date window to having dual time zones. 4. NOMOS Glashütte Zurich  NOMOS Glashütte upholds a certain standard on all their timepieces. They’re mostly very minimal with the design, but highly functional and ultimately a stylish statement that gets you through the most harrowing business meetings to a night out for celebrations. The NOMOS Glashütte Zurich collection carries the same identity and applies even better functionality to the timepiece with its ‘World Time’ feature. Not all watches can carry the same feature without making the dial look cluttered or complicated. NOMOS Glashütte does what they do best with their designs and applies it to a timepiece you can carry with you all around the world. There are only two iterations of the watches in the Zurich collection with both versions available in either a white silver-plated or midnight blue dial. But what we love the most about it is the World Time model, with access to various timezones with just a push of a button. It has an inner dial that indicates the city of your selected time zone and another sub-dial for the appropriate time in that very city. It’s a hassle-free, stylish rendition of the world timers we love! 5. Omega Seamaster  It’s impossible to name a timepiece by Omega that doesn’t come with the greatest features. The brand truly knows how to craft masterful timepieces with the intent of providing the luxurious gift of time all over the world. The Omega Seamaster collection already built a name for itself as a reliable timepiece for all your aquatic adventures. The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra can be one’s entry-level Seamaster of choice with 150m of water resistance and a collection of timepieces that can be taken globally. We’re referring to the brilliantly designed Aqua Terra WorldTimer. Right off the bat, the Aqua Terra WorldTimer displays volumes of luxury with its 18K Sedna™ gold or stainless steel case with straps available in rubber or leather. To keep it refined despite being a sporty timepiece, the straps have been integrated with polished links. And its most magnificent detail comes with the vertical teak stripes, surrounded by a circle of top global destinations including Bienne in Switzerland, where Omega is headquartered to this day. The 24-hour hesalite crystal ring at the centre of the dial indicates a light blue half for daytime and dark blue for night. With the Earth’s imagery crusted on a grade 5 titanium plate, this timepiece not only embraces its identity as a GMT watch but also keeps you grounded in artful means. 6. Casio G-Shock Casio G-Shock already sets the bar for tough watches that can withstand just about anything. As Casio takes its time developing timepieces for every type of world traveller, it’s impossible to pick a G-Shock watch that wouldn’t suit your travelling standards. Made especially for the outdoors, the collection includes subfamilies of its own that make it an outstanding selection from all Casio watches. While it’s ridiculous to pick one out from such a wide range of watches, it’s easy to fall in love with the G-STEEL lineup that includes models with a carbon bezel. It embraces fashionable iterations of your favourite G-Shock timepiece made of lightweight and rigid carbon material. It still has the distinctive shock resistance that put the G-Shock collection on the map, with sapphire crystal to provide additional protection to the timepiece. What’s better is that the G-STEEL collection includes timepieces with a Bluetooth function, to let you connect the watch with a smartphone at a single press of a button. From there, you may be able to acquire accurate time information from an Internet server. It harnesses the power of technology with Tough Solar that makes for a sustainable and stable supply of power no matter where you are! 7. Seiko Astron  From a world-renowned collection to one that’s been making waves since its release, the Seiko Astron collection makes it on our list with a timepiece that’s perfect not only for an outdoor adventure but also for a dressy evening: the Seiko Astron 8X Series World-Time watch. Seiko truly deserves the recognition it has today. Notably, the Astron is the first-ever quartz watch in 1969 that sent the industry to a massive push for an affordable timepiece, evolving today with powerful technology that remains unparalleled to this day. Introduced in 2012, the Astron served as the world’s first solar power GPS watch. The Seiko Astron 8X Series World-Time watch holds the key to the powerful GPS watches of today. It harnesses satellite signals to indicate an accurate time reading right to your wrist, wherever you are around the world. It allows you to navigate effortlessly through a base time as well as a second time zone with capabilities to automatically detect daylight savings. It’s also available in various stylish iterations that make it an easy pick for the lovers of sporty steel watches and utmost functionality. 8. Patek Philippe Complications  A complication makes a timepiece anything more than just telling the time and simple date. The Patek Philippe Complications collection embraces the complexity of timepieces with numerous features that can be useful during various everyday situations. If you’re an avid traveller, the Patek Philippe Complications World Time displays two timezones at once, with just a push of a button. Everyone’s first impression of Patek Philippe’s famous World Time watch speaks volumes in luxury with a cloisonné enamel dial centre. It displays Europe, Africa, and the Americas, crafted entirely by hand – giving it a remarkable detail, colour, and depth. The self-winding mechanical movement displays a 24-hour dial with a day/night indication for all the 24 time zones. This timepiece is a classy representation of world time watches, making it a perfect companion for a business executive who is always on the go. 9. Breitling Transocean  The Breitling Transocean is a vintage style watch that most collectors revere for its design and function. It features a wide and thick case that gives it even better legibility with a masculine kick to it. But despite its size, it remains sleek and timeless. Jetsetting will never be the same with the Breitling Transocean Unitime Pilot. Powered by the Breitling Calibre B05 movement, the watch includes a World Time complication as well as a chronograph. It also easily sets with a crown that snaps the date and time of the chosen city, with 24 cities to choose from. It’s an easy option for a World Time watch with a chronograph function especially made for professionals. This watch from Breitling also has a sleek design with a tinge of colour that increases its legibility, especially in dimly lit places. 10. Montblanc Timewalker  Montblanc has a history of producing timepieces that are both reliable and completely stylish. The Montblanc Timewalker series goes by the same code, providing patrons with the sleek style choices of a Montblanc timepiece with great functionality. With its vintage look, the Timewalker gets a major improvement with a more durable case and a chronograph function that perfectly suits lovers of great adventures. For avid travellers who need timepieces that can help them get through the toughest of situations, the Montblanc Timewalker Dual Carbon Chronograph is certainly one to consider. This vintage-style automotive-themed timepiece not only simply coats stainless parts with black PVD, but Montblanc lets the watch case undergo stamping, machining, polishing, thermal treatment by carbon diffusion, finishing, and finally, applying black diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating. This makes the timepiece three times more resistant to scratches than other DLC-coated cases. If you’re looking for a stylish timepiece with utmost rigidity, this is the watch for you. 11. Ulysse Nardin Executive Ulysse Nardin really knows how to make a classy watch. The Ulysse Nardin Executive is made for the fashionable directorate. From the watch’s design to its function, it’s a timepiece with personality and panache. It’s as practical as it is dapper and dressy. It’s an unexpectedly jazzy fusion of steel, ceramic, and leather. This watch has a dynamic dial with exploding style indexes and a horizontal rectangle with a railroad-style minute track. Despite its complication, this timepiece is quite easy to set with a quick setting for a second time zone and a permanent base time display. To further enhance the timepiece’s class, the Calibre UN-24 can be observed from the exhibition case back. It also features a 42-hour power reserve and has a water resistance of up to 100m. 12. Jaeger-LeCoultre Master  Jaeger-LeCoultre crafts timepieces with a certain flair that’s unique only to luxury watch brands. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master collection includes a sleek design with three major subfamilies: the Master Grande Tradition, the Master Ultra Thin, and the Master Control. Our focus today is on the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Calendar with a moon phase and a jumping date that flies between the 15th and 16th day of the month. The watch’s calendar is a unique feature of the watch. The Master Control Calendar has a design that veers away from the unnecessary details. Taking inspiration from the triple calendar timepiece — an icon made by Jaeger-LeCoultre themselves — the timepiece has a delicate staging with Arabic numerals, rhodium-plated hour-markers Dauphine hands, and a date indicator that stand out clearly on the dial. 13. IWC Portugieser  IWC crafted the Portugieser for the expert navigators of the land, sea, especially air. The IWC Portugieser is imposing in size, with simple Arabic numerals and slim Feuille hands. The chapter ring comes in a railway track-style that originated in the 1930s. It truly is a classic with a vintage touch to it. It’s very organised and is still unrivalled to this day. Large pocket watch movements began in the 1930s. When two Portuguese businessmen ordered wristwatches with the precision of marine chronometers, large wristwatches began to rise in trend and remain a reliable choice today. The IWC Portugieser Annual Calendar is a classic model from the collection, with an annual calendar that displays the month, date, and day in three separate, semicircular windows. While this timepiece needs manual correction via the crown once a year at the end of February, it’s still a rare combination of an annual calendar and a 7-day calibre. Watch connoisseurs revere this timepiece just for this complication. Not to mention, the exhibition sapphire-glass back gives an unimpeded view of the IWC 52850 calibre. 14. Tissot T-Classic   If there’s anything Tissot does best, it’s remaining a classic choice by valuing its core values and tradition. The Tissot T-Classic collection heralds the greatest thing about Tissot – displaying Swiss innovation and excellence through its designs and functions. One of its most iconic timepieces is the Tissot T-Classic Tradition Perpetual Calendar that shows everything great about Swiss timepieces — artistry, precision, and accuracy. Inspired by a 1950s design, the Tissot Tradition includes modern tech that a lot of enthusiasts look up to date. The vintage design perfectly balances the classical details and subtle finishes like the guilloche decoration. Perfect for an executive meeting or a business trip overseas, the Tissot T-Classic Tradition Perpetual Calendar is every dapper gentleman’s choice of timepiece. 15. Sinn Frankfurt Financial District Watch Sinn watches have a certain flair to them that makes for a perfect dress watch and even a companion for a hectic overseas trip. The SINN Frankfurt Financial District Watch shows individual characteristics for its selection. The collection includes watches with a classic chronograph that has a calendar week display. This is the first special function of its kind to be used in a watch with such a display configuration. Businesses are done right with this timepiece as it shows the day, date, and month. Your trip will be a smooth sailing one with the information of time right around your wrist. Made with a stainless-steel case and protected by a sapphire crystal glass on both sides, this timepiece also includes a classy engraving on the rotor. 16. Tudor Prince Date Day A subsidiary of Rolex, Tudor was created by Hans Wilsdorf to provide people with timepieces more affordable than Rolex. At first, these timepieces had off-the-shelf movements using Rolex cases and bracelets to make them as reliable and dependable without having to cost as much as Rolex watches do. One of its most popular collections is the Tudor Prince and Princess watches. Just like any of their timepieces, this watch has a great similarity to an iconic Rolex watch. With a great resemblance to the Rolex Datejust, the Tudor Prince Date Day only costs a fraction of the price. Despite this, it remains true to its roots of excellence and precision – undergoing rigorous quality control and meticulous craftsmanship. It displays all the basics you need in a classy timepiece. You’ll surely enjoy carrying it through all functions and occasions, whether locally or overseas. 17. Rolex Day-Date Rolex launched the Day-Date in 1956 as the first-ever self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch that had a calendar that showed instantaneous day display. The day display, spelt out at 12 o’clock, is unique to this timepiece and became an instant icon upon its launch. The Rolex Day-Date comes with various design choices, depending on your personal preference. Whether you want a smooth or fluted bezel, or even have it gem-set with precious stones, your Day-Date watch is all yours to modify. This watch includes an iconic President bracelet that has comfortable semi-circular three-piece links created for the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date in 1956. This refined bracelet provides the utmost comfort for whichever activity you choose to enjoy in your travels. Not to mention, it’s a Rolex and therefore a symbol of success, making it the ultimate style pick for every successful man. 18. Omega De Ville  Known models of Omega continue to dominate the market to date. One of them is the Omega De Ville collection. Introduced back then as a part of the Seamaster series, the De Ville earned its rightful separate line due to its more streamlined look. Where the Seamaster looks sportier, the De Ville is the perfect dress watch. The Omega De Ville Hour Vision harnesses complexity with fine details on its sophisticated dial as well as its mechanism. This timepiece displays a two-zone anthracite dial that includes a month and date windows at 3 o’clock. It’s also scratch-resistant, with a sapphire crystal to protect its majestic dial. Visible on the transparent caseback is the Omega Co-Axial calibre 8601 that powers this fine timepiece. 19. Breguet Type XX – XXI – XXII  Breguet is a legendary house founded by Abraham Louis Breguet himself. Since its foundation, the company has been producing timepieces that became one of the most storied names today. It saw the prime of watch brands supplying timepieces for the armed forces. Breguet created a legendary collection, the Breguet Type XX – XXI – XXII, in the 1950s specifically for the French naval air army. It made a renaissance retrofitted for the modern-day gentleman with a self-winding movement. Made for aeronautics, this timepiece completes all the requirements for every airborne traveller. 20. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Designed by Gerald Genta himself, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is already an iconic watch in itself. But Audemars Piguet builds on the watch’s best features and made it perfect for a night out. Following the design codes from Royal Oak, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore collection has been a sporty, masculine watch that experts look to since 1993. At 42 mm, it’s sizable and sturdy with the push-piece-guards fitted to the case. This creates a supremely technical and high-performance model. With a water resistance of 100m, it’s a completely reliable timepiece you could bring on a yacht trip or a cruise, even for a casual swim on an open lake! Importance of the Right Travel Watch Every travel watch holds a great advantage for different kinds of traveller. If you’re about to plunge into the sea for a diving adventure or explore the Himalayas, your watch must provide you with all the necessary information you need and even keep you safe from any trouble that may come ahead. Some travellers might need a hardcore watch like a Casio G-Shock, while others might need a simple timepiece to keep them on schedule like a Tudor Prince Date Day. Wherever it is you’re going, here are some reasons why you should never set forth without bringing with you the perfect travel watch. 1. To provide necessary foresight Outdoorsmen don’t rely on smartphones as much as they do watches. Firstly, smartphones have a lifespan that can only last less than a day. This wouldn’t be ideal if your trip lasts for days, even weeks. If you happen to find a solution via a portable charger, there are worse things to keep in mind. Even if a smartphone can provide all the information you need with just a tap (or a voice command), it’s still not an efficient companion. It’s not waterproof and doesn’t do as well in the shock-proofing section. If you need foresight for your trek, hike, or any other outdoor trip, the right timepiece can provide it to you. Yes, that little thing around your wrist can be just as smart too! Most outdoor watches have the ABC function or altimeter, barometer, and compass functions. Others have thermometers as well! Not to mention, these timepieces usually are military-grade, meaning they’re shock-proof and sometimes even anti-magnetic! 2. To help you adjust to different time zones Travelling across the globe or even just half-way through can be a daunting task. And we’re not only talking about the logistics of it; we’re referring to the struggles of adjusting to jet lag. GMT watches such as the Rolex GMT Master II or the Patek Philippe Complications World Time can keep you grounded timewise. If you’re a globetrotter having trouble adjusting to different time zones, you’ll surely need a GMT timepiece to accompany you. 3. To keep your trip on schedule Every trip includes an itinerary that is mostly planned down to every minute. A lot of tourists face the challenge of having to keep up with their very own made-up schedules.  Others travel for business, with meetings after meetings lined up on their agenda. Without a watch to guide you through it, imagine just how hard it could be to navigate such time constraints. A timepiece to help you power through a hectic trip, whether it’s for pleasure or business, can be of huge help. 4. To stay up to date Not all watches are created equal. And by that, we’re mean functionality. Every person has a preferred timepiece. Others may like the straight-to-the-point types of timepieces like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore that comes with a date and chronograph iteration. Don’t be mistaken – this is a practical timepiece! But some people need smart functions like text, call, and email notifications, app integrations, and more to help them stay up to date. You can get weather updates on your watch too! If you don’t have time to check your phone, especially if you’re in an important meeting, a good smartwatch to accompany you on your trip is simply the best. 5. To always be presentable Watches are, after all, accessories. No matter the function your timepiece includes, it’s always better if they appear at their best. If you’re planning on taking your timepiece to certain meetings, parties, or other functions, owning a good travel watch that fits just right on any and all occasions is very much necessary. How to Pick the Best Travel Watch for Your Trip Different adventures also require different timepieces. Choosing the right travel watch (or watches) to bring with you on your trip is not as simple as one may think. There are certain specifications we must look at first in order to be certain it’s the appropriate one. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying a timepiece specifically for travelling. Brand Every brand carries specialization that a lot of people may tend to overlook. For instance, once people hear Casio, the first thing that comes to mind is the Casio G-Shock line. Nicknamed the toughest watches in the world, Casio stood out among the competition for its affordability and practicality. On the other hand, brands like Montblanc, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and even IWC can give a much different impression. So, learning about the brands available in the market will already help you identify which one’s perfect for your next escapade. Features Every adventure requires certain tools to help one get through obstacles or avoid them altogether. Knowing a watch’s features greatly helps especially if it’s one that requires special equipment. Need something that would keep you on the right path during a trek? A GPS watch like a Seiko Astron is what you’re looking for. Need reminders every now and then? Watches from the Tissot T-Touch collection or the TAG Heuer Formula 1 collection may assist you! Durability Durability spans many different things. Firstly, if it requires, your timepiece has to be shockproof. Outdoor activities or other dynamic functions may demand this to keep it working at its best. Secondly, a good watch that would last you any and all adventure should have at least some water-resistance. Whether it’s splashproof or a dive watch, look for a timepiece that could withstand contact with water such as a Longines Hydroconquest or a Hamilton Khaki Navy. Style and Design A watch’s design goes a long way especially when it comes to its versatility. Even travelling for business sometimes require going out at night. So, you need a watch that can transition through various occasions effortlessly. If you’re packing light and don’t have the luxury to bring numerous watches with you, make sure the watch that tags along with you doesn’t get in the way of your style choices. Personal Preference At the end of the day, your personal preference should always be considered. Some people prefer digital over analogue, while others like a clean face over cluttered dials. Whatever the type of watch you end up getting specifically for your travels, make sure it’s something you’ll treasure. Timepieces can be pricey and you’d want to spend your money wisely on them! Final Thoughts The 20 timepieces that we have listed above all have their own strengths, which you can harness on your jet setting adventures. Each one will be of advantage, especially if chosen wisely. They can help you accomplish everything, from measly tasks to record-breaking deals. Whether you’re travelling for business or exploring the milieu of nature, these watches may provide you with everything you need on your trip. They’re as convenient as they’re stylish – perfect for every traveller who needs something to get them through a hectic schedule. Ready to take on your trip? Don’t forget to bring one of these with you!

It’s not every day that we get to travel the world, that’s why we all cook up a hectic itinerary to make sure that we can cover as much ground as we possibly can. However, between all the dynamics, touristy activities, and food crawls, it’s almost impossible to find time for a laid-back moment, like visiting a museum or art gallery. And while most immediately think about the Louvre or The MET, there are other places that can lead us relatively closer to time travel than we think — the watch museums. These expanses bring us back to the beginning, not only of the brands such as Patek Philippe, Omega, and Seiko but also of horology itself.  So on our next trip — from the far east to the great big west — let’s explore all the amazing museums by luxury watch brands and institutions. Photo from Glashutte Original What to Expect from Watch Museums To travel and explore the history of horology is not always on the itinerary of everybody. When you’re a tourist, watch museums often get sidetracked by other places such as art museums and galleries, nature trips, and a whole other bunch of activities. I mean, it’s not every day that you get to go paragliding either! But watch enthusiasts usually take some time to explore horology and its roots through the museums built and established by storied brands we all love. These places will give you a quick history lesson with the most iconic watch models and their very roots. Surely, every watch enthusiast will enjoy every bit of it! Eager to find out what awaits you on your next trip to a watch museum? Here are some things you can expect when you visit a museum dedicated to watches. 1. History of Time Every museum not only has artefacts but also stories of how each came to be. Just like in any other museum, watch museums have great stories about the time that can only be explored when you visit them. Trips to watch museums can give you a first-hand account and experience of time’s history in itself. Most people have watch brands — especially luxury watch brands — to thank for all the innovations we have on watches today. And to see and hear about them in the flesh will be like taking a front seat on a quick trip beyond time. 2. Brand Heritage Aside from the history of time, every museum established by a brand can be seen through their museums. For instance, if you take a quick trip to the IWC Museum, you’ll get an in-depth glimpse of the conscious beginnings of IWC Schaffhausen, where they utilized renewable energy to power the first and only watch manufacture in the north-eastern part of Switzerland. From there, the manufacture grew to what we know today as one of the most respectable watch brands that even newer generations look up to. Just as with this brand, other watch brand museums hold a key to the company’s rich legacy that will make you appreciate your timepiece even more than you already do. 3. Most Iconic Models With every brand’s history comes the iconic models that put them on the map. In museums by brands such as Audemars Piguet, Longines, and Jaeger-LeCoultre, you’ll find the first Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, Lindbergh Hour Angle watch, and Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, respectively. While these museums offer a ‘by appointment only’ tour, it wouldn’t be a waste to schedule ahead of time for a glimpse at the models that made the brands we know and love today. 4. Names to Know These models wouldn’t come to life without the people working behind the scenes to bring each design to fruition. A lot of brands and watch models were established by storied names, known not only to the brand but also to all of watch history itself. For instance, Breguet was founded by Abraham-Louis Breguet, master horologist, who invented the tourbillon escapement and was watchmaker to royalties. Meanwhile, acclaimed designer Gerald Genta designed and crafted historic watch models such as the IWC Ingenieur, Omega Constellation, and Patek Philippe Nautilus. Visiting museums will not only get you to understand the roots of each model but also get to know the people behind them. 5. Home of Innovations Every watch brand was established in their respective hometowns where their humble beginnings started. It’s a part of the place’s tourism efforts to promote every aspect that makes the place known. And as every museum carries the legacy of each watch brand, we also get to learn how each place is recognized for the ingenious innovations that took place in it. Through museum trips, we get to understand why and how Switzerland thrived with watchmaking and how Japan made huge waves across the globe with the invention of the ‘Quartz movement’. These museums share a history of its hometown that, in part, was contributed by these notable brand names. Seiko Museum | Photo from Seiko How to Plan Your Visit Just like any trip or touristy activity, a watch museum visit has to be planned perfectly for one to enjoy it entirely. It takes time and some even require appointments before you can get past their front door. To make sure that your visit is worth every second of your precious trip, here are some things to keep in mind. 1. Guided vs. Unguided Tours Just like art museums, watch museums have guided tours available for groups of people. If you’re travelling with a group, a guided tour is definitely a smart choice. It will keep the group together and focus on the information, making sure that no detail gets missed out. However, guided tours can cost more than non-guided ones. But if you’d like to freely explore the museum, unguided tours are for you. You’ll have more time to yourself and get to appreciate any facet of the museum at your own pace. The only downside? You might get lost in the moment and ultimately push your schedule. 2. Know the museum hours If you don’t want to mess up your whole itinerary because of a museum tour, make sure that you know the updated hours of the watch museum you’re visiting. Most museums post their business hours on their websites for everyone’s reference. However, to ensure that you get the updated hours, double-check on their social media accounts as well. This will save you the trip if you’re planning to visit as a walk-in visitor. 3. Research the guided tour lengths Every guided tour eats up a lot of time than one could imagine. With all the history and stories you’ll learn from it, every tour definitely takes quite some time to complete. So before signing up and to make sure that you have ample time for it, do a quick research about how long each tour usually takes. You can ask someone who’s been there before on forums and other communities or the museum staff themselves through social media or email. 4. Find out admission and tour costs A lot of watch museums are free, like the Seiko museum in Japan; while some have different fees depending on the age and number of visitors coming per batch. To make sure that you have enough money to get you on the tour, find out all the fees required beforehand. No one wants to come home empty-handed after a watch museum tour. If you want to bring home some souvenirs, make sure you have extra cash with you (or your credit card!) for purchases at the museum shop. Who knows? You might get to bring home a new timepiece on your way back from your trip. 5. Get the exact location of the museum Every trip itinerary includes the exact location of the place they’re visiting. To keep you from getting lost, verify your mode of transportation, and know where the museum is exactly located. This will save you a ton from transportation to time going back and forth for nothing. Some museums are specific with the routes you’re supposed to take before you can reach them. Know the most efficient routes before going out on your adventure. 6. Set an appointment if necessary Unlike most museums, there are certain watch museums that require an appointment before you can make your visit. This helps the staff manage the crowd better and allows a deeper, more interactive tour around the vicinity. While you’re on your research, take your time to find out whether or not a schedule can be arranged before heading to your watch museum of choice. If possible, an appointment will assure you a slot, skips a lot of hassle, and get on with the tour immediately! 7. Ask about accessibility features beforehand Some people require accessibility features to enjoy museum tours. That not only includes step-free access, print guides, and audio guides but also various language accessibilities. All these come together in giving you an unforgettable tour. To make sure you won’t encounter any hassle before the trip, you may ask the museum staff before the tour for special accessibility features you may avail of or message them beforehand for the preparation of such features. If you are scheduling a guided tour, make sure that you’re signing up for the right language of the tour. Some museums offer tours in other languages such as French and German apart from English. You wouldn’t want to get lost in translation during the tour! 8. Observe proper museum etiquette Once you arrive at the museum, just like in art museums, proper etiquette is required for any visitor. We’re talking about the ground rules that most guides reiterate before the tour begins. Don’t touch artefacts, don’t take photos or videos if told not to, etc. These rules vary per museum. We know how exciting it can be to see all these horological wonders, but proper decorum must be observed at all times. 12 Best Watch Museums Around the World for Watch Lovers and Tourists Alike There are a lot of watch museums spread all over the world. From Japan to the United States, you’ll surely find one that will take you back in time. Here are the best watch museums around the world to visit on your next trip. 1. Patek Philippe Museum (Geneva, Switzerland) There is nothing  — and we mean nothing at all — that can compare to the vastness and greatness of the Patek Philippe Museum. Revered by Philippe Stern and enthusiasts themselves as a ‘temple to watchmaking’, the collection this museum holds not only the brand’s legacy but of time in itself. Separated into two grand collections, Patek Philippe houses an antique collection that dates as far back as the 1700s with the earliest watches ever made and a collection of Patek Philippe watches from 1839 onwards. Moreover, the museum has a library with more than 8,000 publications about time and time measurement. This horological haven also includes automata and enamel miniatures that boosted Geneva’s reputation and tourism even more! Photo from FHH Journal Some notable parts of the collection include the Supercomplication ‘Duke of Regla’ and the ‘The Grand Vase’ that is a double-faced clock in the shape of a vase that includes eight singing birds and music. You’ll also find the Patek Philippe Ref. 1527 gifted by Charles Henri Stern to his son Henri Stern. The Patek Philippe Calibre 89 will astound you with 33 complications made to commemorate the brand’s 150th anniversary. Patek Philippe’s collection includes pocket watches as well as wristwatches with notable models such as the Patek Philippe Calatrava and World Time. You’ll discover rare Patek timepieces that are inspired by Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso and Franck Muller watches. It will also be a pleasure to sight the TV Screen Pateks or Ellipse Jumbos Ref. 3604 in the brand’s collection of watches. There certainly is a lot to unpack when it comes to the Patek Philippe Museum, that’s why it wouldn’t be such a waste to drop by for a visit if ever you’re in Geneva. They offer a private tour in either English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian, and public tours in French or English. Tours take two to three hours depending on the collection you so decide to explore. The Patek Philippe Museum is located at Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7, Geneva, Switzerland. 2. German Watch Museum by Glashütte Original (Glashütte, Germany) On over a thousand square metres of exhibition space, the German Watch Museum displays the history of the Saxon art of watchmaking through exhibits and first-hand experiences. This museum, funded by Glashütte Original, presents not only the history of local watchmaking but also the precision mechanics from the 1800s to the present day. What sets this museum apart is the multimedia approach that will engage its visitors to be part of the museum instead of just being mere spectators of it. It also makes the whole tour a perfect trip for the whole family. Photo from Glashutte Original The building that houses the museum is an 1878 German watchmaking school that’s not too far from the Glashütte Original manufacture. Here, you’ll find the earliest Glashütte pocket watches and wristwatches, as well as early models of a 3/4 plate pocket watch movement. As it’s built in an old watchmaking school, escapement models and jewels used for teaching are also part of the tour. You’ll also find collections of pocket watches, wristwatches, and clocks from A. Lange & Söhne, Adolf Schneider, and Moritz Grossmann. Aside from this, a glass room where people can observe watchmakers on the job can be found inside the facility. Earlier versions of the brand’s collections such as the Glashütte Original Pano and the Glahsütte Original Senator can also be found in the museum. The German Watch Museum takes its motto — “The Fascination of Time – Bringing Time to Life” — into account when crafting the activities and planning its tours. It evokes emotions and a sense of belongingness despite one being a visitor to the German region. The German Watch Museum is located at Schillerstraße 3a, 01768 Glashütte, Germany.  3. Seiko Museum (Tokyo, Japan) On your next trip to Japan, make sure to visit the Seiko Museum. Seiko was founded in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori in Ginza. And as part of the 100th-anniversary project of the brand, the Seiko Museum was built in 1981. The goal of the museum was to gather, preserve, and study different materials and samples that relate to time and timepieces. Established in Sumida City, the museum was relocated to the Ginza district in August 2020 in time for the 160th birthday of Kintaro Hattori. Photo from Seiko Everything about the brand and the history of timekeeping in Japan can be found in this museum. It’s certainly an interactive experience that the whole family will enjoy throughout the tour. You will find the brand’s most iconic watches and their history in this museum, including the roots of the Seiko Prospex collection and the brand’s pursuit of accuracy with their chronographs. You’ll also find the world’s first Quartz watch that is the Seiko Astron, as well as the first Grand Seiko model. It truly is quite a visit and a lot of information to take when you visit the Seiko museum. The higher you go, the more you learn in this place. And the best part is that it never gets boring with simple stories and traditional guides. Seiko harnessed the power of technology in allowing the museum to keep up with the times as the brand always did. The Seiko Museum stands today at 4-3-13 Ginza District, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan. 4. National Watch & Clock Museum (Pennsylvania, USA) There are very few museums in the USA that focus solely on watchmaking or horology in general. One of the few that exists in the country is the National Watch & Clock Museum located in Columbia, Pennsylvania. This museum, among the handful ones in the US, holds such great value in the country’s horological history that includes the science and art of timekeeping. As a tourist and watch enthusiast, your next trip to the US should never be complete without visiting the National Watch & Clock Museum. Photo from Lancaster County Museums This museum serves as home to many important clocks and watches in history. With about 12,000 clocks and watches in its care, there are about 3,000 displayed for viewing in this museum. It spans various timekeeping devices from the first non-mechanical clocks such as sundials, hourglasses, and fire clocks to the atomic clock and mass-produced wristwatches of today. The museum also houses a Learning Center where people can understand the basic methods of timekeeping from pendulums to mechanical escapements. The National Watch & Clock Museum is located at 514 Poplar Street, Columbia, Pennsylvania, USA. 5. The Clockmaker’s Museum (London, UK) Formerly located in the Guildhall complex in the City of London since 1874, The Clockmaker’s Museum moved to South Kensington at the Science Museum’s 2nd Level in 2015. It boasts the world’s oldest clock and watches collection that spans 600 watches, 80 clocks, 25 marine chronometers, and a number of fine sundials. It also includes hand engraving samples and a chronological view of the history of innovation in watch and clock-making in London, from 1600 to the present day. Indeed, this place is a must-visit on your next trip to London! Photo from Worshipful Company of Clockmakers Some of the most iconic timepieces you can find in this museum include creations of Edward East and Thomas Tompion, an astronomical table clock possibly owned by Isaac Newton made by Samuel Watson, chronometers by Thomas Earnshaw, and a whole lot more. The institution holds great weight in the industry that even notable names in the industry worked to maintain and upholds its collection. That includes George Daniels, the inventor of the coaxial escapement, who serves as an Assistant Honorary Surveyor of the Collection. The Clockmaker’s Museum is located on the 2nd floor, The Science Museum, Exhibition Rd, London SW7 2DD, United Kingdom. 6. German Clock Museum (Schwarzwald, Germany) The watchmaking region of Furtwangen in Schwarzwald in Germany is home to the German Clock Museum where 8,000 timepieces sit. The collection began when Robert Gerwig, Director of the Grand Ducal Baden Clockmaking School in Furtwangen, started collecting old clocks as witnesses of traditional handicrafts. This grew to be the museum we know today that is now part of the Furtwangen University. Photo from Flickr Just like other watch museums, the German Clock Museum hosts a collection that focuses on the history of watchmaking in the region. Through the collection, one can experience time through the years as it develops to the great innovations we know currently. The museum has four major exhibits that you can explore today: History of Clocks and Time up to Industrialisation, Black Forest Clocks, Pocket Watches, and Wristwatches, and Modern Times and Mechanical Musical Instruments. With the museum’s free tours, everyone is welcome to explore its rich collection and understand the preserved history of watchmaking in Furtwangen. The German Clock Museum is located at Robert-Gerwig-Platz 1, 78120 Furtwangen im Schwarzwald, Germany.  7. Musée International D’Horlogerie (La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland) Every watch enthusiast would have heard about La Chaux-de-Fonds. This historic place proves one of the most prominent towns in the watch industry, located at the Canton of Neuchâtel in the Swiss Jura. This place serves as a home for luxury watch brands such as Breitling, Girard-Perregaux, Omega, and Tissot. As a distinguished town, the government of La Chaux-de-Fonds established a museum to honour the timekeeping history of the town — the Musée International D’Horlogerie. The International Museum of Horology (in English) was officially opened in 1902 within the walls of the Watchmaking School of La Chaux-de-Fonds and ultimately became a big tourism destination. The museum heralds a wide collection of horological artefacts that strengthens the status of La Chaux-de-Fonds as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the museum, you can find the rich history of time measurement in the form of watches and clocks. You also get to learn about the history of Swiss manufacturing through tools, machines, instruments, and automata. As the Swiss watchmaking industry also paved the way for artistry to thrive even in timepieces. To showcase that, the museum holds a special section for paintings, engravings, and iconographic collections from many different fields of time measurement. You may visit the museum at Rue des Musées 29, 2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.  8. Omega Museum (Bienne, Switzerland) There’s so much to unpack about the Omega Museum given the brand’s affiliation with historic movements and occasions. From Omega’s innovations, space travel, and precision records to its deep-sea adventures, the Olympic Games timekeeping, and even James Bond – Omega holds a story that no other brand can tell. Its museum, located in Bienne, Switzerland, holds answers to every enthusiast’s question about the brand’s past, present, and future. Photo from FHH Journal The brand’s interactive museum includes a 3D movie experience where one gets to walk around a Speedmaster-shaped room to better experience the infamous Co-Axial escapement first-hand. One may also experience Omega’s timekeeping tech used in the Olympics as they run on a 9-metre track. In the museum, you’ll find the most iconic Omega watch models such as the Omega Speedmaster worn to the moon by Buzz Aldrin himself, James Bond’s Omega Seamaster, as well as collections released by Omega for the armed forces such as the Omega Railmaster and Omega Constellation. The Omega Museum is located at Nicolas G. Hayek Str. 2, 2502 Biel, Switzerland. Audio guides for visitors are available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Mandarin Chinese. 9. IWC Museum (Schaffhausen, Switzerland) IWC pioneered a lot of things when it comes to the Swiss watchmaking industry. For one, it harnessed renewable energy through the River Rhine. From there, the Swiss manufacture grew to be the brand we know and love today. About 40 minutes from Zurich, the IWC Museum stands as proof of the company’s ingenuity when it comes to timepiece technology and design. Photo from IWC Schaffhausen The museum showcases various exhibits and even a multimedia presentation, documenting the company’s rich history. The museum also exhibits the genealogy of its most iconic collections, such as the IWC Portugieser, IWC Portofino, and IWC Pilot. Brand archives including watch catalogues from 1900, historic tools, spare parts, and technical drawings, as well as contracts and records also have a special place for exploration in the museum. And if that isn’t enough, on display are two of the 94 ledgers with information on every IWC watch made since 1885. That includes calibre, case material, date of delivery, and name of the recipient. The museum is located at Baumgartenstrasse 15, CH-8201 Schaffhausen, Switzerland. To better guide your trip to the museum, you may download their app on your phone. 10. Clapham’s Clock Museum (Northland, New Zealand) On your next trip to Whangarei in Northland, New Zealand, the Clapham’s Clock Museum has to be at the top of your list. It serves as a home to a wide range of watch collections that exhibit and preserves timekeeping techniques for the new generation to experience and see. The collection includes ancient sundials, sand and water clocks, rare antique clocks, and even wacky, zany, unbelievable clocks. From the personal collection of Archibald Clapham — or Archie — these clocks include ones that have unexpected quirks, matching the collector’s fun-loving personality. Photo from Flickr This family-friendly museum allows for a newer generation to be inspired and understand the complicated workings of a timepiece without the overwhelming technical details. It’s a fun tour with a true heart for timekeeping. The museum stands today at Town Basin, Dent Street, Whangarei, New Zealand with affordable and admission costs for visitors of all ages. 11. L.U.Ceum — Traces of Time (Fleurier, Switzerland) The Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier serves as a home for the L.U.Ceum — Traces of Time. This inventive museum allows its visitors to do just as the name suggests: follow the traces of time. It showcases the rich history and groundbreaking innovations in the watch industry that occurred and developed in Europe during various time periods, in different regions. Displaying a collection that spans five centuries, the museum hosts various exhibits including watches from Chopard. Photo from FHH Journal Specific timepieces from certain time periods flock the museum including an 18th-century sandglass, 19th-century oil lamp clock, and even Breguet pocket watches. A nickel-cased surviving Louis Ulysse Chopard pocket watch from 1860 is also on display in the museum.  This perfectly curated collection doesn’t take a long time to explore but with its fascinating artefacts, it’s impossible not to get lost in time with your visit. You may visit the museum at Rue des Moulins 20, 2114 Fleurier, Switzerland. 12. The British Museum | Clocks and Watches (London, UK) A favorite tourism destination, the British Museum holds all the wonders of British and even European history in general. At Rooms 38 and 39 of the museum, one can find a dedicated gallery for timepieces that trace the development of horology in Europe through its earliest samples, complex and highly decorative domestic clocks, marine chronometers, mass-market designs, and modern precision time-keeping. A lot of the clocks and watches on display still work to this day, making a rhythmic beat that resounds the room with every tick and chime. Photo from The British Museum The museum upholds accessibility during their tours with large print guides, British Sign Language guide handset, audio description guides, and even step-free access. So, no worries about making sure that your trip there will be worthwhile. Not to mention, you get to explore more about British history with its vast exhibitions on various topics. The British Museum is located at Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom. Museums of Time Watch and clock museums simply are fascinating that even non-fans of horology will get to appreciate them. Most of these museums are kid-friendly with very interactive tours, perfect for early learning, and more. Moreover, it hosts not only a collection of watches that every watch nerd will enjoy but a whole history that spans the brand’s legacy and the place where it’s instituted. Through these museums, one can learn the many wonders every country has in relation to horology. You’ll get to experience firsthand how the west built and developed the watch industry and how Japan disrupted the market with the Quartz watch movement. All of this and more can be seen in these museums of time, so make sure to include them in your itinerary on your next trip.