Hamza Shahzad

One of the most special watches on the market is the Oris Carl Brashear Caliber 401 Limited Edition. This limited-edition watch was released in remembrance of the late American hero, Carl Brashear. With its sleek build, high-quality craftsmanship, and unique history, this is one of the most sought-after Swiss watches by the collector community.  Oris started its collaboration with the Carl Brashear Foundation back in 2015. As part of the collaboration with the Carl Brashear Foundation, Oris has launched a total of three timepieces, with the Oris Carl Brashear Caliber 401 Limited Edition being its latest release. Without further ado, let us take a deeper look into the life of Carl Brashear and the Oris Carl Brashear Caliber 401 Limited Edition, which so aptly represents the values he stood for.  Carl Brashear: A Paragon of Courage and Resolution Carl Brashear is a name that needs no introduction. The world knows him as a legendary sailor and hero who never gave up. Brashear was a man so driven and firm in his resolve to advance that no hardship could stop him from what he loved to do the most: sail. Much in line with that, the Oris Carl Brashear Caliber 401 Limited Edition is a sturdy, powerfully-built dive watch that can withstand any challenge. Childhood Brashear was born in 1931 to an underprivileged family in rural Kentucky. He was the sixth of eight children. Although Brashear had minimal access to education, it did not deter him or stop him from thinking big. From a very young age, Brashear developed a firm resolve of creating a better life for himself. And through unyielding efforts, he manifested his dreams. Navy Career Although Brashear was only moderately educated, he enrolled in the US Navy in 1948 and successfully graduated from its Diving and Salvage School in 1954. This made him the first African-American to graduate from the institute. Brashear excelled in his career and made great strides until he met with an accident during one of his underwater endeavors in 1966. The Navy assigned Brashear to retrieve a lost nuclear bomb from the sea. During this operation, Brashear hit a loose pipe with his lower left leg. As he was not given proper medical care due to a lack of resources, Brashear’s leg had to be amputated.  The Navy decided to retire Brashear from duty, given his disability. However, Brashear refused to do so. Armed with grit and the aid of a prosthetic leg, he started training himself to dive again. Brashear worked day and night so that he could become certified again to do what he loved most. And eventually, Brashear more than achieved his goal. He was the first black man ever to become a master diver. Over his career, Carl Brashear has broken many glass ceilings, setting the benchmark for excellence in the diving field.  Oris Carl Brashear Caliber 401 Limited Edition Specifications Photo from OrisCase, Bezel, and Crown Let us now take a look at the specifications of the Oris Carl Brashear Caliber 401 Limited Edition itself. This watch comes in a 40mm bronze case which measures 12.8mm thick. With a lug-to-lug distance of 48mm and a lug width of 20mm, this watch has fairly standard measurements and can fit well on wrists of almost any size.  The vintage-looking case is reminiscent of the bronze material of the helmet used by Brashear during his career with the US Navy. It has polished sides, while the lugs bear a sleeker, brushed finish, creating a visually interesting interplay of textures. Affixed to the top of this watch’s case is a unidirectional 120-click bezel which is also made of bronze. It has a coin-edged design, which makes it easier for wearers to grip and turn it. Located at 3 o’clock is a thick bronze screw-down crown which you can use to wind and set the watch. Thanks to its screw-down crown and caseback, this watch has a solid depth rating of 100 meters, meeting the ISO 6425 standards for dive watches.  Strap This watch also sports a non-elastic brown marine national strap, which aptly exhibits the watch’s fundamental concept. This strap offers a very comfortable fit and its warm brown tones go well with the watch’s bronze case. Dial The dial of the Oris Carl Brashear Caliber 401 Limited Edition, meanwhile, shows off a gradient design that recalls the deep underwater seas. It has a rich blue hue that transitions to black as it spreads outwards, much like the ocean waters. This dial is ornamented with raised hour markers in various geometric shapes and thick bronze sword hands, all of which are coated in lume. A small date window can also be found at 6 o’clock.  Movement Powering this watch is the in-house Oris Caliber 401. Thanks to its twin barrels, this movement has a five-day power reserve. It also utilises over 30 non-ferrous and anti-magnetic components, including a silicon escape wheel and a silicon anchor. This helps make the watch more resistant to magnetic forces and thus more accurate. Even when exposed to an incredible 2,250 gauss, the Oris Carl Brashear Caliber 401 Limited Edition has been proven to have less than a 10-second deviation a day. It also offers an excellent precision rate of +5/-3 seconds a day.  To add the cherry on top, the Oris Carl Brashear Caliber 401 Limited Edition also comes with a 10-year warranty.  Special Case-Back Photo from OrisThe back of this watch’s case is made of solid stainless steel. Unlike the bronze material that makes up the rest of the case, this stainless steel caseback will not develop a patina. This avoids any potential skin irritations, ensuring that you will have a comfortable wearing experience.  The caseback also bears a beautiful Carl Brashear engraving, in which he is wearing his US Navy diving suit. Details on the Oris Carl Brashear Caliber 401 Limited Edition are also carved on this caseback, including its serial number, depth rating, case material, and more.  Final Thoughts With only 2,000 pieces ever made, owning the Oris Carl Brashear Caliber 401 Limited Edition is a privilege that only a select few get to enjoy. Many watch aficionados dream of wearing one, but given the limited number of models produced by the company, this might be one of the hardest watches to acquire. Oris has perfectly commemorated the life of the great diver, Carl Brashear, with this watch. All photos from Oris’s official website Interested in learning about more stylish Oris dive watches? Check out our article on the classic Oris Divers Sixty-Five here.

Although Switzerland may still be the top watchmaking nation in the world, Japan is not that far behind. The reason for that is that Japanese watches aren’t just good-looking and affordable, but also reliable and exceptionally durable. The Swiss still make the most luxurious timepieces, whereas the Japanese are on a mission to make the most functional. Leading the pack of Japan’s thriving watch industry includes brands like Seiko, Citizen, Casio, and Orient. These timepieces offered nothing but highly efficient designs, with mechanical or quartz movements and sophisticated features. And given how massive the Japanese watch industry has become, there are obviously going to be a bevy of watches to choose from. To make things worse, many of these watches come to consumers in an affordably-priced, high-quality build and sport a plethora of convenient features for numerous occasions. This makes choosing a watch even harder. So, to save you the trouble, we’ve already prepped a list of some of the best Japanese dress watches for you. Best‌ ‌Japanese‌ ‌Dress‌ ‌Watches‌ 1. Orient Monarch Mechanical Hand Wind Watch First on our list is this classic piece: Orient’s FDD03002B0 Monarch Watch. This watch would look just as perfect in this era, as it would have 50 years ago. The watch gives an aged aesthetic and looks highly sophisticated with a 40mm diameter case, a crystal, semi-domed case. The watch dial is black in color and has Arabic numbering. Even the watch hands are antique and consistent with the whole aesthetic of the watch. Inspired by watches of the bygone era, this watch has to be wound by hand since it isn’t automatic. Photo from Orient 2.   Grand Seiko Elegance SBGKOO7 In 2019, Seiko made it their priority to expand the Elegance collection. And despite the brand always offering dress watches in their line-up, the SBGK was the one that truly made a statement. The real beauty of this watch, however, comes from within, thanks to the new caliber 9S63. This is a mechanical manual and automatic winding movement that promises and delivers incredible accuracy. It has a three-day power reserve and a 3 Hz balance. The SBGKOO7 is an‌ ‌elegant‌ watch, to say the least. It comes with a silver-white dial, along with an understated sunburst finish. When examined closely, the appearance of the watch is pretty delicate. It comes with a silky tone and quiet luster that can match just about any formal outfit you can think of. It’s also accompanied by a black crocodile leather strap, followed by a three-fold deployment clasp. Other features include a transparent caseback, as well as a small second hand, allowing this watch to be a true standout. Photo from Grand Seiko 3.   Seiko SNE098 Solar Analog Watch Another entry in our list of spiffy Japanese dress watches is the Seiko Men’s SNE098 Two-Tone Stainless-Steel silver watch. It’s a highly durable analog watch that comes with a gunmetal grey dial, in both silver and yellow gold tones. It also features a 38 mm stainless steel case with an unobtrusive low profile and a Hardlex dial window. Besides this, there are also attractive luminescent markers and hands. What’s especially riveting is its solar-powered feature, allowing it to charge relatively quickly. As a result, the watch will automatically reset to the accurate time reading and comes with a quartz-based movement setup. And if you haven’t guessed by its appearance, the SNE098 is a heavy watch. But that heavy construction represents the watch’s sturdy build and sleek design. 4. Grand Seiko Heritage SBGH271 The next one is yet again a Grand Seiko watch. The watch has a very luxurious look to it, owing to its deep green dial contrasting its silver body. It is in many ways a reinterpretation of the original G2GS watch. This Grand Seiko Heritage watch was the first automatic movement by the brand. The bezel-free construction of the watch allowed it to have a wide dial. This watch embodies many of the features of its predecessor, and its aesthetic is not very far off from it either. The watch has a power reserve of a whopping 55 hours and has the 9S85 calibre movement. The watch functions perfectly well with up to 10 bar pressure. With a screw-down crown, a date display, and 37 jewels, this watch is absolutely worth your money. Seiko delivers on both accuracy and aesthetics with this watch. 5.   Orient Bambino 2nd ‌Generation‌ ‌Version‌ ‌3‌ ‌Automatic‌ ‌Watch‌ Being priced at $118, we don’t fault you for thinking that this Orient Bambino’s stunning timepiece is fake. But believe us when we say, that it is very much real and offers a lot more bang for your buck. It comes with Orient’s caliber F6724 automatic movement that is both hand-wound and hacked. When fully wound, the movement comes with a 40-hour power reserve. Do not be fooled by the minimalist dial as it features big sleek rectangular stainless-steel pieces and minute markers the size of a quarter. Except for a small 3 window, there are no numbers to indicate the time. But this is intentional for users who prefer a simple timepiece without the unnecessary bells and whistles. The bezel is made of polished stainless steel, giving it that unique “pop” whenever the watch is hit by light.

A watch is made out of multiple materials, depending on the model and the brand. If you think that isn’t important, think again. A watch’s material actually determines its longevity and also its aesthetics. It also lets us know how durable a watch can be, based on its exposure to the environment around us. So, what type of watchmaking materials are commonly used for making our favorite timepieces? Let’s find out together as we go through some of them for you in this article. Most Common Watch Materials 1. Stainless Steel Stainless steel is the most commonly used watch material around. It is composed of an iron-carbon alloy, which includes a mix of penny and chromium. Stainless steel is tough to scratch since it’s durable and lightweight and really tough on the outside. As such, the material is resistant to corrosion and can maintain its shine for several years, or even decades. And the watch is able to do all this while maintaining its robust strength at the same time. Stainless steel watches come with two types of finishings: brush or polish. Polish finishings result in a shiny surface. On the other hand, brush finishing gives the surface a rugged look and is more appropriate for outdoor activity watches. Despite being a durable material, the watch is prone to dance, smudges, scratches and can be damaged with ease. So, you’re going to handle stainless steel watches with care when you wear them. Rolex utilizes the 904L, which is stronger and more resistant to rust than your basic stainless-steel material. 2. Titanium Titanium is a relatively new material that was introduced to the watch market in the 1970s. That was the time when Citizen released its first-ever titanium-based watch known as the X8 Chronometer. Compared to stainless steel, titanium excels in numerous aspects. Titanium is a lot tougher and more muscular while also light as well. Its strength makes it highly resistant to the elements of nature before it gives away.  Its toughness is measured against impact, which is quite high for this material. It’s also lighter than stainless steel as it weighs less than half while maintaining the same level of strength. Brands like Seiko and Citizen use the best titanium material for their watches. It makes sense why their brand of watches is the most popular one when it comes to this material. 3. Ruby Before the 20th century, watchmakers used to incorporate natural jewels. They would be used as the bearings for the watch’s wheel trains and other elements. Like the escape lever, these elements would be given special treatment as they are vulnerable to the most wear and tear. The jewels help increase accuracy and reduce friction. Auguste Verneuil developed a method in 1902 to make synthetic rubies or jewels that are still used to this day. 4. Plastic Another common material used in watchmaking is plastic. It may not be well known for its durability, but it still brings visual appeal. Plastic happens to be so profound because it’s synthetic and can be produced at a cheaper rate. This offers watchmakers an advantage as it won’t be affected by natural resource price swings like steel and wood. Since plastic is human-made, it can be molded into any shape per the maker’s choosing, thanks to additives. As such, the quality of plastic material can range from weak to impressive shock-absorbing capabilities. Plastic can be used in several aspects of watchmaking. For instance, an affordable, low-end watch will use plastic mainly for its casing, movement housing, and internal components. This offers the watch advantage in terms of its lightweight, and can, in various colors. Plastic can even be used to make watch crystals, especially the acrylic crystal type. 5. Ceramic Compared to stainless steel and titanium, ceramic is the one with the highest resistance to scratches. Despite not a lot of research being done on this material compared to stainless steel, we keep getting positive results. It can be used in a variety of ways and is valued by owners as it can come in several colors. Due to this, people get top-quality watches that make just about anyone happy. What’s more, this material’s hypoallergenic property allows it to prevent its wearers from suffering an allergic reaction. 6. Gold Another precious metal that’s had the honor of being part of the watchmaking process for centuries is gold. Available in various types – red, rose, white, and yellow – gold has been crucial for several parts of a watch. The most common area where you’ll find gold on a watch is its case. Up until the start of the 20th century, gold was arguably the most popular casing material. In the earlier watchmaking days, manufacturers would often use gold in a watch’s movement. 7. Tungsten Like titanium, tungsten is also a relatively new material in the watchmaking industry. This material is still being researched to see whether it makes for a viable watch material. However, we do know that it is incredibly resistant to scratches and is ideal for outdoor activities. Besides that, tungsten sports an attractive design that is a bit darker than the usual stainless steel. One of its more distinctive traits is its darker grey hue. And seeing as how it’s one of the most scratch-resistant watch materials, it’s almost similar in strength to ceramic. Tungsten-made watches are typically expensive due to their hard-to-find materials and minimal production. Conclusion We may have missed some, but this is our list of the most common materials used for today’s watches. As we said earlier, a watch’s material indicates its capacity to withstand the forces of nature. Besides that, each of these materials comes with its own set of pros and cons. Therefore, choose whichever you think offers the most aesthetic value and long-term benefits of telling time and functionality.

We all know what dive watches are. But is it okay to use them on formal events or anywhere else you go? Is it so you can take it with you underwater when you’re swimming, scuba diving, or going on deep-sea missions? Or is it all of that? Whatever your reason may be, we’re sure to find a dive watch that is just what you’re looking for. What Are Dive Watches? It is a luxuriously fancy watch, that much we all know, but it is more than that. As the name implies, dive watches are suited for underwater purposes. These timepieces let us know how long we’ve been underwater, and how much oxygen we have left in our tanks. Dive watches have been with us since the beginning of the 20th century. What’s more, is that they are still both useful and fashionable to this very day. Dive watches are quite distinguishable compared to other watch types, in that they are usually larger and robust. Their other distinctive features include a rotating bezel and rest on either a rubber strap or a metal bracelet. Besides that, they’re built for everyday use as they’re built like indestructible tanks. Their readings are also very easy to read, but most of all, they just look absolutely cool. Dive watches are highly renowned for the following features: Water-resistance Build quality Virtually pinpoint accuracy Highly legible dial State of the art watch movement Whether you’re picking a new one or your first-ever dive watch, this article is the ultimate destination for your needs. We’ve got a commendable assortment of the finest branded dive watches from Seiko, Hamilton, Tissot, Orient, and more. 1. Seiko 5 Sports SRPD35K1 Dive Watch The Seiko SRPD35k1 is an homage to the legendary affordable SKX007. That’s because this timepiece sports the same classic looks, only with a modern feel and some vivid colorways. It features the conventional Pepsi red and blue bezel, mixed with a deep blue dial. The watch’s other features are identical to the other members of the dive watch line from Seiko. These include a day-and-date display, unidirectional bezel, offset screw-down crown, a transparent case back, hardlex crystal, and Lumi Brite markers and hands. The watches material is made of 42.5 mm brushed stainless steel with 100 m of water-resistance. The 4R36 automatic movement that was built in-house offers a 41-hour power reserve and manual winding. It’s safe to say that this watch ticks (no pun intended) all the right boxes for every day, luxurious-type watch. 2. Rolex Submariner Another high-profile name in the dive watch community is that of Rolex Submariner, which is witnessed in its Submariner lineup. Rolex has been in the dive watchmaking business since 1926, beginning with the Rolex Oyster. And ever since then, there have been other types of dive watches that were just as good as the Oyster. Some of them include the Sea-Dweller Deep-Sea and the Rolex Sea-Dweller, to name a few. Rolex dive watches are especially known for their immense testing of components and materials. That’s because these watches are especially used on the field by professional and military divers, as well as sub-aquatic explorers. In all those circumstances, the watches are meant to withstand high water pressure and other conditions. For instance, the Rolex Sea-Dweller Deep-Sea gets its name from a special 1960 prototype. That prototype went 35,800-feet in an underwater voyage with the Bathyscaphe Trieste. What’s amazing is that the watch was placed outside the craft, and it was still intact when it reached back to the surface. Constant feedback from watch experts in the field has allowed Rolex to continually improve their dive watches over the years. As a result, the Rolex watches are known to be both aesthetically pleasing and fully functional out in the open. If you’re looking for a model that knocks both out of the park, the Submariner is the one for you. 3. Maurice de Mauriac L2 Deep Blue If you really want to make a killing statement when scuba diving, swap on the Maurice de Mauriac. Its impeccable leather and bronze profile, along with its stunning silhouette, make every boat ride feel sophisticated. If you want to thank someone for this horological beauty, it would be the industrial designer and architect named  Fabian Schwaerzler. The watch comes with a one-of-a-kind dive bezel with markers for just 15 minutes, unlike others with 60 minutes; a unique creative approach that makes for a modern minimalist watch. The watch’s bronze alloy case is a bit sturdier than stainless steel, which adds to its quality heftiness. The superluminova markers brighten up visibility. Furthermore, the watch will also develop the coveted patina appearance as the days, months, and years go by. 4. Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic That appearance alone can make anyone who wears it the life of the party. That is precisely how the Seastar 1000 Powermatic from Tissot got its name; Seastar. This watch is another solid entry in our list of the most popular and trend-worthy dive watches. Apart from its ravishing design, the Seastar 1000 Powermatic boasts a commendable array of features as well. Besides its regal-looking date display, the Powermatic also has three subdials to the top. The forces of nature will have a hard time against its body as it’s constructed from the 316L stainless steel material. Interestingly, the watch’s unidirectional bezel is ceramic. This means that the watch is resistant to corrosion and will weigh less than 180 g. That is a remarkable way considering that the Seastar consists of steel straps and has a 43 mm wide length.

If you’re looking for the most quintessential fitness smartwatch, you better grab yourself a Samsung Galaxy Watch 3. And know that isn’t hyperbole, not even in the least. Not only is Samsung’s latest smartwatch an overall improvement to its previous entries, but there’s so much to talk about. For one thing, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is relatively lighter, slimmer, and comes with a bit of a bigger screen. What’s more, is that it comes with a new FDA-cleared electrocardiogram and is capable of measuring blood oxygen levels. We’ve got loads more to unravel in this extensive but highly informative review. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Design and Hardware Like previous Samsung smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch 3 looks like a conventional watch, but with a rounded face. As a matter of fact, GW 3’s design is almost similar to that of 2016’s Gear S3 Classic. Unlike its most appropriate predecessor the Galaxy watch, GW 3 has a more fashionable design that’s less sporty. With that in mind, the GW 3 is more suited for daily wear instead of a specialized sports watch. Also, compared to the original Galaxy watch, the GW 3 is relatively lighter and smaller. Despite that, it isn’t exactly a small watch, especially for those with average-sized wrists. You’d realize this if you test the much larger version that measures at 45 mm. And since the GW3 is 41 mm, those with smaller wrists could find it too big for them. However, there’s also a 45 mm model as well. Whether 41 mm or 45 mm, all versions of the GW 3 come with a plain leather band. The 41 mm version comes with standard 20 mm watch straps, while the 45 mm version uses 22 mm straps. Fortunately, if you don’t like plastic, you’ll find that there are thousands of other alternative bands available. GW 3’s internal hardware features and Exynos 9110 chipset, 8 GB of storage, and 1GB RAM. It also comes with either a 247 mAh battery or a 340 mAh battery. Built-in features include GPS, NFC Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. And if you purchase the slightly more expensive model, you can get LTE as well. Like other Galaxy watches, GW 3 does not include MST technology, which is included with the Gear S3 and other flagship phones. The frontal display is either a 1.4-inch or 1.2-inch fully circular AMOLED screen with a 360 x 360 resolution. This resolution is ideal for viewing stats and swiping across the menus. The smartwatch comes with Corning Gorilla Glass DX protection, which isn’t DX+ like the original Watch. During our time with the Galaxy Watch 3, we found that it’s really comfortable to wear on a casual basis. Not only that, but we also found it to be comfortable so we’re even during workouts. The GW 3 also comes with several color options as well. There’s the Mystic Black color which comes with a 41 mm version. And then there’s the Mystic Silver that comes with a 45 mm version. Either way, both versions sport black leather straps. You can even get the Mystic Silver color with the 41 mm version, alongside Mystic Bronze. Both versions come with leather straps, though the color and size are yours to choose from. However, if you opt for the silicone material, you’ll need to spend a little extra. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Performance and Software Like a couple of the last Samsung smartwatch generations, the GW 3 sports a fast interface. This means that users can quickly scroll or swipe through their screens between apps and their watch settings. Like the Galaxy Active 2, the Watch 3 has the same processor, but with a slightly larger RAM at 1 GB. It even comes with bigger storage at 8 GB for saving your favorite music playlists on your watch. Also, like other Samsung watches, GW 3 uses the brand’s proprietary Tizen operating system. In comparison to Google wearable operating system, Tizen is still miles ahead when it comes to battery life and performance. You’ll see all of your notifications when you scroll to the left side of the watch. On the right-hand side, you’ll come across tiles with shortcuts and information. And if you don’t like the setup, you can customize it to your liking. Every version of the Samsung Galaxy Watch comes with 8 GB of storage. The apps are already pre-configured, which upon use, consumes about 3.59 GB of the watch’s space. And if you want to fill the watch with music or apps, there’ll be about 4 GB of space to use. Health and Fitness Features The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 features a barrage of health and fitness-based features. The watch comes with regular features like heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, and automatic workout detection. But apart from that, it also comes with blood oxygen monitoring, enhanced sleep tracking, and VO2 Max reporting. The watch can make an emergency call if it detects any fall, just like the Apple Watch. It is capable of tracking an overall of 40 different activities. Seven of those activities can be tracked automatically. Those activities include swimming, walking, running, rowing, elliptical workouts, dynamic workouts, and cycling. This means that you don’t necessarily have to choose the type of exercise you want to do all the time. When testing this out with cycling, walking, and running, we found that it worked pretty well. The GW3’s onboard GPS can accurately measure one’s daily course. This is possible no matter what you’re doing, whether sprinting, walking, jogging, or biking. You’ll notice that when running or biking, you’ll be notified of the smartwatch’s on-demand VO2 Max readings. The GW3 also features blood pressure and electrocardiogram monitoring. Unfortunately, the features are not available anywhere else but Korea. However, we can expect to get our hands on these features sometime later in the future. Apart from that, there’s even sleep tracking, offering us deep insights into elements such as REM cycles. The watch can track our sleep cycles automatically and provide us with sleep quality results every morning upon waking up. Also, it offers us tips for better quality sleep. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 Final Verdict In a world where wearables are thriving, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 faces some stiff competition in its path. Nowadays, there are plenty of fitness trackers and good-looking smartwatches available. The Galaxy Watch 3, in our opinion, does a good job of striking a balance between the two aspects. However, it does come at a steeper price than the Wear OS Fossil and Galaxy Watch options that precede it. Those who can’t afford the budget of the GW 3 may want to focus on other watches in the Samsung Galaxy lineup. But those who are able will find that the GW 3 is indeed well worth their investment.

Swiss watches are the very definition of luxury, and that’s why many watch aficionados desire them. Swiss watches, such as Rolex, IWC, and Patek Philippe, are globally renowned for boasting high-quality designs and functionality. But most importantly, it is their intricately designed components that make them one of the most expensive timepieces around. Apart from that, Swiss watches are also known for having a diverse history of innovation that exists to this day. They also boast the most complex movements ever to be seen in the history of horology. Over many decades, these aspects have been refined, improved, and are highly valued by luxury watch enthusiasts. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly Swiss watches are and why they are expensive. What is Swiss Watch? As we said earlier, Swiss watches are the very definition of luxury. The term Swiss was adopted in the late 19th century. This means that a particular timepiece strictly met the watchmaking standards of Switzerland. In fact, “Swiss” has been used so often that it may be a generic synonym instead of something that’s geologically restricted. For a watch to be considered Swiss, it has to meet a set of particular guidelines. The laws that determine whether a watch can be “Swiss Made” or not these days were established in 1971. And despite the addendums over the years, most of those laws haven’t been changed for almost five decades. Though a Swiss-made watch has several definitions to it, they need to have three main aspects to them, including: The watch’s movements have to be at least 50% Swiss.The watch’s movement has to be cased in Switzerland.The manufacturer of these watches should have their final inspection in SwitzerlandAt least, these used to be the requirements before 2017. Ever since then, five main requirements now define a Swiss watch: Movement should be SwissThe watches made in SwitzerlandThe movement of the watch is cased up in SwitzerlandAt least 60% of a timepiece’s manufacturing costs are based in SwitzerlandThe final inspection should be done in Switzerland The laws that govern how Swiss a watch can be are challenging to enforce. Plus, there are several loopholes that some brands utilize to their advantage. There are watch movements that are “Swissified” – made outside of Switzerland but shipped to the country. The watches are then disassembled and reassembled before being called “Swiss Made”. Sure, they might abide by Swiss build watches’ laws, but they don’t have the spirit within them. In other words, the importance of a watch being Swiss is hotly debated. Some believe authentic Swiss watches are the only ‘real watches’ and should be made in a particular way. Others believe that Swiss is only a label with some requirements. Whatever the case may be, Swiss watches are known mainly for their fine craftsmanship and accurate timing. History of Swiss Watches Making Swiss watches first got its run as clockmakers who wanted to make smaller mechanical movements during the 17th century. But this was after the first watch in history was made by a German clockmaker in the 16th century. After a couple of centuries, the only dominant watchmaking nations in Europe are France, England, and Germany. Switzerland never factored into the industry until the 19th century. By the 18th century, craftsmanship and innovation came and started to blossom. Some of the renowned watchmaking brands that honor the Swiss watchmaking culture include Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Vacheron Constantin. These brands always wanted to show how refined their artisan abilities were. This is due to meticulous craftsmanship, constant mechanic refinement, and introducing innovations like self-winding movements and date complications. But what actually sets apart Switzerland from its European rivals was not the quality of the watches at first. Back then, it was all about quantity, or who produced the most watches. At that time, most Swiss watchmakers were making cheap quality copycats of watches from other states. Later on, only a handful of watchmakers started to stand out in terms of quality. Why Are Swiss Watches Expensive? As we said earlier, it’s the components and craftsmanship that make up the high price rates of Swiss watches. Some of these components include: New Movements – Swiss watchmakers take great pride in designing Innovative new watch movements, such as the new Rolex 3255 movement which you can find in some Rolex Day-Date watches. These movements take years to craft and then perfect after being assembled by hand and made to last for centuries.Production Time – For a quality Swiss watch, it would take months how to make a proper model. Because of its slow production time and high market demand, luxury watch price rates tend to increase. For example, a Patek Philippe Grand Complications watch may take more than six years to produce. Top-Quality Components – Only the richest of materials are used for making Swiss watches. It is from these components that the watch is both accurate and durable. Case in point: the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watches in gold and diamond are some of the most luxurious Swiss watches we can’t help but covet.Luxury Image – Just by their look, Swiss watches invoke thoughts and feelings of prestige and luxury. Despite their high premium price, luxury watch enthusiasts are prepared to pay that price for these Swiss watches. Because of this, the high price serves as an indication of a luxury watch’s worth. Various studies reveal that consumers are willing to pay 20% more for these watches. They do this for the sake of owning something very exclusive, such as a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony or an IWC Portofino.Are Swiss Made Watches Worth It? With all that being said, are Swiss watches really that worth it? For the premium price that they’re worth, definitely. With the most top-quality components, a watch with accurate time-telling abilities that can last centuries is absolutely worth it. Obviously, these watches aren’t for everyone; they’re tailored only for those who can afford it, and those who desire perfection.

For as long as we can remember, mankind has always worn a stunning timepiece on their wrists. Some of the most notable watch brands and iconic watches include Rolex, Casio, Seiko, Omega, Hamilton, and more. Over the years, we have seen various innovations in watches in terms of design, movement, battery life, etc. What’s more, watches have contributed to society in many ways: aviation, space travel, and underwater exploration among others. In this article, we’ve listed some of the most iconic watches that had ushered a new era for timepieces everywhere. Iconic Watches 1. Breitling Chronograph The Breitling chronograph was introduced as the Breitling chronomat that was released back in 1952. It was dubbed as the Breitling Navitimer back then and was worn by Scott Carpenter during his space voyage. It is the oldest mechanical chronograph that is still being sold, albeit a modernized one. Since then, several versions of the chronomat were made later on. In the 60s, Breitling introduced its first-ever automatic Chronograph model. And then in the 70s, the brand introduced its first-ever quartz watch – a debut of one of the more iconic watches. Unfortunately, the company had to halt production in 1978 until it was purchased by Ernest Schneider in 1979. It was later on in 1984 that the watch would make a comeback as a pilot watch. This model was the first new modern-day watch that is still one of the brand’s bestselling models as of today. This watch also featured a brand-new movement known as the Valjoux 7750 movement. Then in 2009, a new proprietary movement was introduced known as the B01 calibre. It was Breitling’s first-ever timepiece that was made without any external components from other watchmakers. 2. Cartier Santos If there was anyone who could equal the Wright brothers’ game in aviation, it would be Alberto Santos-Dumont. Like the Wright brothers, Santos Dumont would work on building the first-ever fixed-wing aircraft at any opening of the 20th century. He would even take pride in piloting his work by himself. Santos Dumont would be accompanied by his jeweller friend Louis Cartier on his aerial expeditions. The only problem was that Santos would complain that inspecting his pocket watch while airborne was impossible. Acknowledging this issue, Cartier would then invent a wrist-worn watch for Dumont. After that, Dumont would be wearing that watch for every single one of his flights. It was around that time that the first-ever wristwatch for men – as well as the first-ever pilot watch – was created. 3. Rolex Submariner The Rolex Submariner will always go down as one of the most successful divers watches ever made. You can’t talk about iconic watches without this one. Diving was especially gaining more recognition around the world in the 50s by Jacques Cousteau because of his aqua-lung invention. This helped make diving a lot easier and accessible. It was at that time that Rolex had commissioned Cousteau to test out their brand-new diver watch, the Submariner. But it wasn’t until 1954 until the Submariner would be officially introduced to the public at Baselworld. This was the right product to introduce especially after the horrific events of World War 2. The community wanted to focus on the good aspects of life and the Submariner was the very thing that could give them that. Not only that but this watch made diving more reliable and safer due to its unidirectional rotating bezel. This feature helped divers calibrate their dive time accurately and prevent decompression sickness. This could be done by configuring the zero mark to the right set of minutes so the divers could resurface safely. 4. Omega Speedmaster This is one of the iconic watches that even non-watch fans might know about. The Speedmaster Professional from Omega has the distinction of being the first watch to be worn on the moon. But before it could be taken out on its astral trip, it was subjected to a series of crucial tests. Some of these tests included heated liquid immersion with temperatures of up to 93°C. Ever since then, the Omega Professional has been regarded as NASA’s official watch for space missions. It has also served as a commendable barometer for chronographs as well. To put it simply, if you have a watch that performs like the Speedmaster, then you’re‌ ‌made‌ ‌for‌ ‌life. 5. The Cartier Tank The Cartier Tank truly deserves on our list of the most innovative classic and iconic watches ever built. The shape of it simply falls into the most iconic watches category. It was the first of its kind that was meant for military expeditions. It was said to have been inspired by a World War tank’s silhouette when seen from the top, which also explains the name. When the Cartier Tank was introduced, only a few were made at the time as it was only used during the wars. But decades later, several variations of this watch were produced. Its most renowned characteristics include a bold Roman numeral dial, sword-shaped steel hands, and a silver cabochon surmounted crown. 6. Seiko Astron When you think of iconic watches, you might not think of this one. The Seiko Astron is the first-ever watch of large-scale production to be powered by a quartz movement. This watch, like other electric models before it, was powered by a battery. This battery sent a charge through a crystal piece which then oscillates at precise frequencies. Electric pulses would be generated by a circuit at the exact second. The only troubling takeaway of these iconic watches at first was that their pricing was similar to that of a small car. However, quartz movements eventually became more affordable to produce years later. It was then that companies like Seiko, along with Casio, started making watches that were affordable, low-maintenance, and accurate. This allowed the Japanese watchmaking industry to explode while causing its Swiss counterpart to take a temporary dive.

It’s not easy choosing an EDC (Everyday Carry) watch since there are several types of these available in the market. However, EDC watches aren’t particularly known for their aesthetics, but rather for their functionality for being tactical watches. That’s exactly why they’re usually worn in the field by Special Forces, Infantry, first responders, and more. EDC watches can also be worn for regular outings like camping, hiking, swimming, etc. And if that’s what you’re looking for, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the best tactical/military EDC watches you can find. 1. Timex Men’s Expedition Whether you prefer hiking, going out in the field, or even to the hillside, the Timex Men’s Expedition will do right by your side. The dial of the watch is inspired by vintage military watches with numerals in increments of 5 up to 60. The Expedition collection comes in a variety of durable straps from leather to double-layer fabric. This is extremely helpful in withstanding the elements of the outside world. It’s shock-resistant to ISO standards and is resistant to water depths of 100 meters. This makes the watch ideal for snorkeling as well as swimming, but not necessarily diving. Its scratch-resistant mineral glass allows it to withstand falls, drops, and other accidents. This also makes the watch suitable for hiking, trekking, and other kinds of physical activities. 2. Marathon WW194007 TSAR Military Diver Marathon TSAR Military Diver is built to government specs, making it ideal for search and rescue missions at sea. With that in mind, the watch is resistant to water depths of 300 meters. And besides that, it is equipped with tritium gas tubes for building glow and is powered by Quartz movement. What’s more, is that it’s made from 316L surgical grade stainless steel that is meant to go the distance. The glass of the watch isn’t actually glass, but a synthetic sapphire that makes it immune to scratches. Being made in La Chaux-de-Fonds Switzerland, the watch maintains the highest form of accuracy and quality in manufacturing. The watch contains a Swiss-made 3 Jewel ETA F06 high-torque quartz movement. 3. Suunto Core Built with an altimeter, a compass with weather information, and a barometer, the Suunto Core is the ideal outdoor watch for you. And since Suunto is known for producing high-quality sports watches, military-grade compasses, and dive computers, you’re in great hands. Source: Suunto One of the reasons why you can take this watch anywhere with you outside is its sturdy casing. The case is made from a tough composite material that also includes an aluminum bezel. The core has a black digital dial that shows a compass, altimeter, and barometer information. 4. Garmin Instinct To withstand the harshest of the harsh environments, Garmin Instinct is your go-to traveling companion. This is one of the most robust, heavy-duty watches that you’ll ever come across. It’s built to comply with U.S. military standards 810G for thermal, water, and shock resistance. It is also the ultimate in navigation as it comes with a built-in 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter. Besides that, it also features several global navigation satellite systems like Galileo, GLONASS, and GPS. With all those goodies, you’ll be able to navigate your way in even the most difficult of environments. You can even monitor your stress levels and heart rate so that you’ll never feel tired on a packed day. Thanks to its extended battery life, the watch is good for a day’s run or two. Plus, it comes in a sleek black colorway along with a perforated, adjustable nylon brand for a really comfortable fit. 5. Casio G-Shock The 6900 Military Casio G-Shock series is well-known for being one of the best outdoor watches ever. When talking about tactical watches, this has to be included. And the 6900 Military model is more than a testament to that reputation. Apart from standing shocks, drops, and bumps, the 6900 has a water-resistance of 200 meters. This makes the launch ideal for swimming and splashes. It also features an hourly time alert, a 1/1000 seconds stopwatch, and daily alarms. It even comes with G-Shock’s El backlight feature that lights up automatically when you want to read the display. 6. Luminox Recon Point Man Luminox is a brand known especially for its tactical watches that feature highly luminous markings. It is a watch trusted by both the US Air Force and US Navy Seals for its high precision and visibility. The brand is incredibly confident in its self-powered lighting system that they’re confident can last up to 25 years. It comes with polycarbonate casing with a black rubber strap. It also has a unidirectional rotating bezel with compass markings. And the watch is anything but simple. Luminox has done everything to implant every intrinsic function into this sturdy timepiece. It comes with 5-minute and compass markings. The dial’s circumference features a walk speed scale in miles per hour, and the indexes come with both a 12- and 24-hour format. 7. Casio Men’s Pathfinder Thanks to its dual-layer LCD, the Pathfinder from Casio comes with a large register ring that is very useful for navigation. It backs up its rotating mechanism, which in turn stores direction memories. The PAG241-1 CR Pathfinder features an uneven surface design that allows wearers to rotate the ring with their fingers. And with a simple tilt of the wrist, we can have the watch automatically switch on its light senses. Plus, the built-in barometer, alternator, and thermometer are of great help in challenging environments. Such features are enough to get you back on safer grounds without losing your way even once. Perhaps the biggest takeaway of these tactical watches is the Bearing Memory feature. This feature continuously displaces the directions that are detected in a graphic format. And unlike other watches, the feature stores those directions, allowing you to retrace your steps back to safety easily. Tactical Watches Conclusion Believe it or not, this feature also comes in handy when you’re in highly foggy or verdant areas – perfect for tactical watches. This is exactly why the watch is trusted by law enforcement, servers, outdoor enthusiasts, and military personnel. All this makes the watch truly the ultimate tool for outdoor exploration.

Many watch enthusiasts and celebrity personalities are huge Omega and Rolex fans.  However, there is another brand of watches that is just as prestigious and historical – that brand is Tissot watches. Let’s rewind the clock a little bit and see how Tissot watches came to be. History of Tissot Watches Tissot is the name of a Swiss luxury brand watch founded by the father-son duo of Charles-Félicien and Charles-Émile. They were from Crêt-Vaillant, Le Locle, in Northwest Switzerland, where they establish their company. Fortunately, that company still operates even as of today. Tissot watches are largely known for their mechanical, sports chronograph watches that involves a mix of simplicity and class. These days, the brand is part of the renowned Swatch Group and still makes quality-driven, affordable Swiss watches. However, it wasn’t always like that. Previously, Tissot watches used to be known for building gold-cased, highly-reliable pocket watches. These watches were something that only the powerful and appreciative could possess. In just their first year, the company had already reached as well as selling their products in the United States. Then in 1858, the company had reached Russia. Tissot’s growth in Russia was successful when the brand’s 3rd-generation family member Charles Tissot went to Moscow in 1885. Charles was previously supposed to manage a local branch when he got there. However, he had other plans and made a new life for himself there with a Russian woman. Due to the personal relationship and connection established with the locals, the Russians formed most of Tissot’s customer base. In fact, the company became so renowned in Russia, that it also attracted the attention of Tsar Alexander II’s court. Tissot Watches Innovations and Trends Charles Tissot later erected a factory for the company in Chemin De Tourelles, Le Locle in 1907. This is where Tissot wanted to meet the demand of its customers from all over the world. In 1910, Tissot began producing women’s wristwatches. They especially stood out as they were made of platinum and gold, and some out of diamonds. After that, the company started producing men’s wristwatches before they got popular. Carrying on with their developments, Tissot officially became recognized as a large-scale company in 1917. They started manufacturing their own movements and made high-quality watches at affordable rates. Even though the watch styles were pretty common back then, Tissot was unique due to its technical innovations. That’s when they made their first-ever non-magnetic wristwatch in 1930. Tissot Watches, Bigger and Better It wasn’t until 1930 when Tissot joined forces with Omega. Both companies formed the first-ever Swiss watchmaking association called the SSIH (Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogère). Then later in 1933, Tissot launched the Tissot Plan. It was an action plan established by Paul Tissot for marketing the brand’s watches. This plan offered to distribute the brand’s catalogs and target certain markets to retailers for free. 100 Year Celebration Tissot’s 100 years in the watchmaking industry was marked in 1953. Even still, instead of closing, it was starting to get bigger. This was a time when Tissot was able to manufacture both automatic and manual watches. This was because of its single calibre principle that simplified the production of movements with or without complications. When the brand’s name started to get bigger, many of the world’s high-ranking executives and officials visited Tissot’s headquarters. Later on, the company started introducing teenagers to the market. Because of that, they started making watches that were chic, stylish, and colorful. Tissot Watches in the 80s and the 90s In 1983, Tissot joined the Swatch Group Limited. Besides that, the 80s were important for other reasons also. Tissot’s visionaries were happy to hold on to their traditions. This was because watch materials were always being revised. However, Tissot was always a step ahead of any other watchmaker. Tissot watches are responsible for introducing a number of revolutionary watches in the 80s. One was the Rock Watch‌ or watch made‌ ‌of‌ ‌stone‌ in 1985. Then in 1988, wood was used for the first time in watchmaking. Tissot also has a hand in using the mother of pearl for making high-end watches starting in 1987. Ever since then, several watch manufacturers have been trying to perfect the process. The 90s was when Tissot engaged in endless experimentation. In 1999, the T-touch technology was introduced in the first-ever tactile watch and the brand has been constantly trying to improve the technology since then. Modern Developments After the T-Touch, Tissot later made the watch to be solar-powered, which made headlines all over the world. This watch would be known as the T-Touch‌ ‌Expert‌ ‌Solar‌. Tissot is also actively involved in sports – becoming an official timekeeper in several sporting events. Some of them include MotoGP, FIBA, fencing World Championships, NBA, cycling, ice hockey, and others. And even as we speak now, Tissot is still innovating timepieces that are sold globally.  Right now, there are over four million Tissot models that are sold worldwide every year. How to Avoid Buying a Fake Tissot Watches If you’re after the real deal, then you should be smart enough to spot a fake Tissot watch wherever you go. It’s not that common, but there are some models with parts that are manufactured from China. Just be sure to spot the “Made in China” writing on the product. Besides that, it’s also easy to spot a fake even when you hold one. The fakes are relatively lighter and cheaper when you feel them compared to the real thing. If it’s attached to a bracelet instead of a strap, a small rattle sound can be heard with each move. If you want a chronograph, then inspect the subdials where you can tell it’s a replica right away. And if the dials aren’t working or even moving, then it’s a dead giveaway.

A good-looking, functional timepiece is one of the best gifts for tired, hard-working dads for Father’s Day. Fortunately, there are dozens of options available in terms of luxury, design, and function in this very article. Whether your dad is looking for the fanciest watch on the market or the most budget-friendly, you’ll find what you want here. We’ve even got a watch for those types of dads who aren’t that into watches as well. So, without further ado, here are some of the best watches that would make for a great Father’s Day gift: 1. Seiko 5 SNK809 Even with the explosion of the watch culture in the last couple of years, not every dad is essentially watch-crazy. But if you want to get them onboard the trend, there’s nothing better than the Seiko 5 SNK809. Despite its affordable price tag, this watch from Seiko is anything but cheap. The case is gorgeously handsome and features a wide-sloping bezel and short-broad lugs. The 4 o’clock window shows the brand’s trademark recessed crown. The dial is styled in classic type-B Flieger, mixed with efficient readability and excellent vintage pilot looks. The display case back features Seiko’s proprietary 7S26 automatic movement, which is impressive for this model’s price range. Being both cheap and versatile makes the SNK809 a wonderful gift for first-time watch owners. 2. Emporio Armani Leather Strap‌ ‌Watch‌ When it comes to buying watches for dads on Father’s Day, practicality is the main keyword. This leather strap watch from Emporio Armani is an ideal keep for dads for their short getaways or weekend brunches. If you want your dad to stand out from the crowd, then be sure to get him a model with a unique green strap. 3. Grant Chronograph‌ ‌Leather‌ ‌Watch‌ Fossil is a name that resonates with ingenuity and creativity. They’re always focused on making fashionable, quality watches that are both accessible and exciting. For those reasons, this would make a great Father’s Day gift. This is exemplified with the brand’s Grant watch, thanks to its classic-clock-inspired Roman numerals. Its unique identity is forged by its bright blue dial, light brown leather, and silver steel case. The straps are made of silicon which is very comfortable to wear and waterproof. 4. ‌Watch‌ This affordably-priced retro-futuristic-looking timepiece would make one of the nicest Father’s Day gift ideas. It features a multi-functional dial with a 12/24-hour format, a world time indicator, a world map, a countdown timer, and more. The watch is encased in fine plastic with a slick stainless-steel case back. Over five alarms can be configured as a one-time or daily alarm and can be automatically disabled. It comes with a 100-meter water-resistance capability. This means that the watch is ideal for snorkeling and swimming, although not sub-aqua diving or high-board diving. The watch also features a battery with a 10-year power-reserve without even changing them once in between. 5. Raymond Weil Maestro This luxurious lineup is responsible for introducing the Skeleton Swiss and Moon‌ ‌Phase‌ watches to the market. The designs are the personification of Raymond Weil’s unorthodox craftsmanship and the value that the brand represents. It may be simple looking, but it is stylish in its design and that too at a very reasonable price range. It comes with a sapphire crystal dial window that doesn’t reflect in broad daylight. It’s also water-resistant to 165 feet, making it suitable for showering and swimming. All in all, it’s a fine choice for fathers who appreciate impeccable design and quality along with the value it provides. 6. G-Steel‌ ‌Watch‌ Another excellent choice for Father’s Day! The G steel watch is a collaborative effort from the Casio G-Shock along with jazz label Blue‌ ‌Note‌ ‌Records‌. This model was especially inspired by vinyl records. This inspiration is seen in the model’s case back, offering a commendable classic vibe in a modern setup. One of the G-Steel’s coolest features is that it can hook up to your smartphone through Bluetooth. With this, you can accurately tell the time, change settings like alarms, as well as the world clock with ease. This is an ideal watch for fathers who are always on the go. 7. Hamilton Khaki‌ ‌Field‌ If your dad’s the old school type, then you can’t go wrong with the classic Hamilton Khaki‌ ‌Field‌. The simple feel-style dial, along with the straight-lug bead-blasted case, syringe hands, and Arabic numerals make this timepiece a true classic. Much of these creative features are inspired by the 1940s Hamilton military watches. It is functional, simple and will also make the Hamilton identical in another 70 years. This is the perfect Father’s Day gift for someone who isn’t looking for too much attention. 8. Seiko 5 Sports For the outgoing, sporty type dads, the Seiko 5 Sports is a must-own timepiece. They’re available in a variety of configurations both in terms of bracelets and straps. They come in 42.5 mm steel cases and feature automatic day-date movements without having to worry about changing batteries. Besides that, they’re also 100-meter water-resistant, making them excellent for outgoing adventures. 9. Nomos Metro The Nomos Metro is the type of luxury watch that is fit for fathers who appreciate precision German engineering and craftsmanship. It features a Metro date power reserve built by a brilliant young engineer named Mark Braun. Not only does the power reserve indicator remind wearers when they should rewind but it is also one of its design features. Its other features include hands with quill tips that are finely crafted along with its colorful hour indexes. The Metro is powered by the brand new DUW 4401 movement that features the date, sub-seconds, as well as the brand’s patented power-reserve indicator.