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  2. 20 Best Bronze Watches For That Vintage Look

    20 Best Bronze Watches For That Vintage Look

    There are some people in the watchmaking community that would argue bronze watches are either a hit or miss. It has its fair share of pros and cons, but some folks are still likely to gravitate towards stainless steel models or one made out of precious metals like gold or platinum. That said, bronze watches certainly have their appeal too. One of the main reasons why some collectors and enthusiasts prefer bronze watches is because they are guaranteed to age well throughout the years. Bronze watches are capable of developing a patina over time, which allows for an exceptionally beautiful, vintage watch look. If your interest is piqued, just read on as we have curated a list of some of the best bronze watches you can find in the market today! 20 Best Bronze Watches 1. Tudor Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79012M-0001 First on our list is the Tudor Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79012M-0001. This robust, sophisticated timepiece is probably one of the most famous bronze watches of all time. Powerfully built with a sleek, professional style, this watch was designed to catch people’s attention. On top of that, the Tudor Black Bay Bronze is guaranteed to look great even 20 years from now, as it develops an exquisite layer of patina over time. This Tudor watch comes in a 39mm bronze case and bracelet. This is coupled with a unidirectional aluminum bezel in lovely chocolate brown. The dial, which comes in the same rich brown hue, showcases a very straightforward layout for optimal legibility. It comprises just luminescent dot indices, Arabic numeral markers, and the signature Tudor snowflake hands. All of these functions are powered by an automatic Caliber MT5400 with an extended 70-hour power reserve. This dive watch also boasts a 200-meter water resistance rating, making it suitable for all sorts of water activities.  If you are looking for a high-quality bronze watch, this $5,889 USD Tudor Black Bay watch is one you should not miss out on. 2. Zenith Pilot Flyback Bronze Ref. 29.2240.405/18.C801 The Zenith Flyback Bronze Ref. 29.2240.405/18.C801 is another well-crafted bronze watch for those who love luxury timepieces. This model has more of an antique, classy feel compared to the previous one because of its rustic design elements. This is the perfect choice for those who prefer timepieces that have old-fashioned aesthetics.  This Zenith Pilot watch is presented in a 43mm, aged-looking dirty bronze case, paired with a leather strap in brown and a black elapsed time scale bezel. On the right side of the case, you can find a stout screw-down crown and two pushers that control the watch’s chronograph functions. The dial of this watch, which shows off a rough-textured finish, is relatively crowded. It consists of bolded Arabic numeral markers, sweeping luminous sword hands, a minute track, and two sub-dials for the 60-second and 30-minute counters. Driving this Zenith watch is an impressive Zenith El Primero 405B Caliber, which has a 50-hour power supply. With a price tag of around $7,700 USD, this bronze watch is a must-have for all serious collectors out there.  3. Hamilton Khaki Aviation Ref. H76709530 Up next, we have the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Ref. H76709530 — a beautiful model that is inspired by the brand’s affiliation with aviation and the military. Just with that, you know you expect great things from this pilot model.  This Hamilton Khaki Aviation watch is housed in a 43mm bronze case along with a rotating black bezel and a brown leather strap. The black textured dial has a handsome luminescent display that includes fancy Squelette hands, Arabic numeral hour markers, and a small seconds counter at 6 o’clock. If you turn the watch around, you can find a transparent caseback that gives you a clear view of the manual-winding ETA 6498-1 caliber that runs inside. If you are an aviation fan with an affinity for bronze watches, you can get this Hamilton timekeeper for just $1545 USD. 4. Maurice Lacroix Aikon Ref. AI6058-BRZ0B-330-2 This cool and handsome Maurice Lacroix Aikon Ref. AI6058-BRZ0B-330-2 is all about rugged elegance. It can only be described as the perfect city watch, meaning it is a great companion for all your everyday metropolitan adventures.  This Maurice Lacroix Aikon watch utilizes a 43mm satin-brushed bronze case, paired with a rotating black elapsed time scale bezel and a sporty rubber strap in black. Its matching black dial boasts an exquisite, sun-brushed anthracite finish and is adorned with luminous geometric hour indices, sword hands, and a small date display outlined in gold. This model also runs on an automatic ML 115 Caliber. This movement has a 38-hour power supply and a 30-meter depth rating, which is quite standard for a lovely everyday watch. This $2,700 USD Maurice Lacroix watch is the ideal everyday timekeeper for all the city dwellers out there. 5. Rado Captain Cook Bronze Ref. R32504315 Next, we have the Rado Captain Cook Bronze Ref. R32504315, which is an instant stunner with its vivid emerald face. Just like some of the other bronze watches on this list, this piece is a modern interpretation of an older dive watch design from the 1920s. As a result, the Ref. R32504315 shows off a combination of vintage details and contemporary elements.  This Rado Captain Cook watch is encased in a 42mm bronze case, coupled with a supple black leather strap. Fixed on top of the case is a unidirectional elapsed time scale bezel with a gorgeous dark green insert made of ceramic. On the underside of the watch is a solid bronze caseback that bears the distinctive engraving of three seahorses found on most Captain Cook pieces. The dial of this Rado watch showcases an alluring emerald hue that goes wonderfully with the light bronze case. As a dive watch, this dial is also quite straightforward, consisting of bronze hour indices in various geometric shapes, oversized arrow hands, and a small date display with red text at 3 o’clock. Inside this watch, you can find a well-crafted ETA C07.611 movement. This self-winding ETA movement has an outstanding 300-meter water resistance rating and can last for up to an extended 80 hours when fully wound. If you are a fan of vibrant timepieces, this $2,600 USD bronze watch is certainly worth adding to your collection. 6. Yema Yachtingraf Bronze Ref. YYACZ21-AAS The Yema Yachtingraf Bronze Ref. YYACZ21-AAS is a beautiful, complex timepiece made for all the sailors out there. Just with one glance, you can already tell that this bronze sailing watch was designed to be worn and used in all sorts of yachting adventures.  This Yema Yachtingraf watch uses a 40mm bronze case, coupled with a quality vintage leather strap in black and a handy black GMT bezel made of scratch-resistant aluminum. The handsome black dial is packed full of features useful for sailing. These include luminous hour indices, slender sword hands, a small seconds counter, a date aperture outlined in gold at 6 o’clock, and a regatta timer in vibrant red and blue hues that add a pop of color to this mostly black watch face. Driving all of these functions is a Seiko NE86 Caliber. Held together by 34 jewels, this movement has a power supply of 40 hours. If you are a bronze watch enthusiast who also loves sailing, this masterpiece is available for around $1,699 USD.  7. Meistersinger Classic Plus Ref. AM1017BR_SVF02-1 The Meistersinger Classic Plus Ref. AM1017BR_SVF02-1 is a beautiful bronze watch with an exceptionally stylish look. It is a model that perfectly balances both excellent watchmaking and a captivating design, resulting in a great all-rounder timepiece. This Meistersinger Classic Plus watch comes in a 43mm bronze case, paired with a rustic brown leather strap. It has a gorgeous blue dial that is furnished with double-digit Arabic numeral hour markers and the MeisterSinger signature, a singular Old Radium hand, all of which are filled with Super-LumiNova pigment. On top of that, this watch face also showcases a unique date complication that is presented through an open disk around the center of the dial. Flipping this timepiece over, you can find a see-through caseback that gives you a clear view of the Sellita SW200-1 caliber powering this watch. This is a popular automatic movement that comprises 26 jewels and offers a 38-hour power reserve. Priced at around $2,200 USD, this MeisterSinger watch is a must-have for fans of classic, minimalistic timepieces.  8. Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Ref. BRV294-BLU-BR/SCA Next, we have the Bell & Ross BR V2-94 Ref. BRV294-BLU-BR/SCA. This stylish bronze watch boasts a fusion of sporty and classic design elements. It also comes with a tough, robust-looking exterior, so you can expect great durability from this timepiece as well.  This Bell & Ross timepiece is presented in a 41mm bronze case, coupled with a rotating blue count-up bezel and a matching blue leather strap. The fashionable sunray blue dial showcases a straightforward layout, comprising luminous blunt hands and golden stick indices, a circular date window, and a chronograph display with two sub-dials for the 30-minute and 60-second counters. Given all its functions, it is no surprise that this watch is driven by a well-crafted automatic movement and has an impressive 100-meter water resistance rating.  If you are on the lookout for a high-quality bronze watch, this $5600 USD Bell & Ross Vintage model should definitely be on your radar. 9. Bell & Ross Bellytanker Ref. BRV294-BC-BR/SCA The Bell & Ross Bellytanker Ref. BRV294-BC-BR/SCA, on the other hand, is a limited-edition model designed for all the serious racers out there. This model comes with a stylish and handsome exterior that looks like it came straight out of a James Bond film. It also flaunts excellent functionality and robustness, making it even more appealing to collectors and professionals.  This Bell & Ross watch is housed in a 41mm bronze case, along with a black tachymeter bezel and a supple calfskin leather strap in black. The black dial shows off a sleek, sporty display with luminous stick hands and gold-tone hour indices, a small date window between 4 and 5 o’clock, and two sub-dials with bright champagne finishes for the 30-minutes and 60-secound chronographs. This watch runs on an automatic BR-CAL.301 caliber, which guarantees a 42-hour power supply.  For around $5,600 USD, you can experience this masterful Bell & Ross chronograph firsthand!  10. IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Ref. IW501005 Tenth on our list of bronze watches is the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Ref. IW501005. Even with its rather large size, this model is nothing short of sophisticated and classy. It has a versatile appeal, pairing well with both casual and formal styles. This IWC watch utilizes a sizeable 46.2mm bronze case and a rich brown calfskin leather strap. This softer exterior is contrasted against a matte black dial, which is decorated with Arabic numeral hour markers, stylish blued steel hands, a date complication, and an unusual seven-day power reserve display. Underneath this sophisticated watch face, you can find a well-crafted 52110 Caliber. This automatic movement has a whopping 160-hour power reserve. In addition, it is also protected by a soft-iron inner case that possesses anti-magnetic properties. This IWC Pilot watch retails at around $10,500 USD. 11. Omega Seamaster Ref. 234.92.41.21.10.001 Next, we have another luxury bronze watch in the form of the Omega Seamaster Ref. 234.92.41.21.10.001. This is an especially popular model among enthusiasts and collectors because it uses a unique, patented bronze gold material developed by the brand itself. This Omega Seamaster watch is encased in a 41mm case and elapsed time scale bezel made out of luxurious 9K bronze gold, coupled with a dark brown leather strap. As a dive watch, the dial of this timepiece follows an uncomplicated layout, comprising luminous triangular hour markers, muted orange Arabic numeral markers, and pronounced arrow hands. Driving this watch is an OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 8912, which promises an exceptional accuracy rate of +/-5 seconds per day. This classy Omega timepiece has an estimated price tag of $11,600 USD. 12. Zenith Pilot Type 20 Ref. 29.2430.4069/63.1001 The Zenith Pilot Type 20 Ref. 29.2430.4069/63.1001 serves as the perfect rugged and casual accessory. It is the ideal bronze watch for everyday use because it is both multi-functional and highly durable. On top of that, it flaunts a very laidback aesthetic that would go well with any daily wear.  This Zenith Pilot watch uses a 45mm bronze case, along with a khaki green calfskin leather strap. The luminescent dial, which comes in the same muted color as the strap, contains bold Arabic numeral markers in a stylized typeface, retro-style hands, and two sub-dials for the 60-second and 30-minute chronographs. Underneath this fashionable watch face is a Zenith Caliber 4069. This is an automatic movement with a solid 50-hour power reserve. Priced at $7,700 USD, this Zenith piece makes for a great luxury bronze watch option. 13. Oris Big Crown Ref. 01 754 7741 3166-07 8 20 01 Next up, we have the Oris Big Crown Ref. 01 754 7741 3166-07 8 20 01. Unlike most of the other bronze watches on this list, this Oris Big Crown watch shows off a lovely, monochromatic all-bronze exterior that is sure to catch the eyes of bronze watch fans. This Oris watch is presented in a 40mm bronze case and matching bracelet that exude old money vibes through and through. Its dark brown dial is furnished with luminous Arabic numeral markers, vintage-looking Squelette hands, a 31-day scale on its outer rim, and an additional red-tipped hand for the date indicator. While this dial is quite simple, its unique date display makes this watch even more appealing. This watch runs on the Oris 754 Caliber. Based on the SW200-1 Caliber, this self-winding movement has a 38-hour power supply and beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). This elegant bronze watch is available for just $2,600 USD. 14. Longines Legend Diver Ref. L3.774.1.50.2 The Longines Legend Diver Ref. L3.774.1.50.2 is one of the best-selling bronze watches offered by Longines. As a modern interpretation of one of Longines’ iconic divers from the 1960s, this watch hails from the brand’s nostalgic Heritage collection. It is an undeniably handsome timekeeper that is bound to captivate people.  This Longines watch is housed in a 42mm bronze case, paired with a dark brown leather strap. Its deep green dial stands out nicely against the bronze case and is adorned with luminous arrow hands and stick indices, along with painted Arabic numerals. Performance-wise, this watch is powered by a self-winding mechanical calibre with an extended 72-hour power supply. Retailing for around $3,000 USD, you simply cannot go wrong with this suave bronze watch.  15. Tudor Heritage Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79250BA-0001 Here, we have another model from Tudor — the Tudor Heritage Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79250BA-0001. This bronze watch gives off a very different vibe compared to the previous Tudor piece mentioned. While it still shows off vintage elements, this watch also has a more casual aesthetic that is perfect for everyday wear. This Tudor Heritage Black Bay watch comes in a 43mm bronze case, alongside a textured black leather strap and a rotating bezel with a ceramic elapsed time scale insert in black. Complementing the strap and bezel is a matte black dial, decorated with oversized geometric hour indices, Arabic numeral markers, and large snowflake hands, all of which are coated in lume. Inside this watch, you can find a Tudor MT5601 Caliber, which is an automatic movement with a substantial 70-hour power supply. It also possesses a 200-meter depth rating, making it a great choice for any of your diving adventures. This bronze watch from Tudor is priced at around $4,250 USD. 16. Hamilton Khaki Field Ref. H69459530 The Hamilton Khaki Field Ref. H69459530 is a military-inspired field watch for bronze watch enthusiasts who love going on outdoor adventures. This watch’s main selling point is its simple, straightforward functionality. What you see is what you get with this sturdy, robust timepiece. This Hamilton watch is encased in a 38mm bronze case, paired with a brown leather strap and a fixed bronze bezel that protects the watch face from any scratches and impacts. The dial, on the other hand, shows off a simple jet-black finish. It follows a very straightforward layout, consisting of white Arabic numeral markers in a neat typeface, luminous triangle hour indices, lume-filled syringe hands, and a 24-hour display. This Hamilton Khaki Field watch runs on a manual-winding H-10 Caliber, which has an outstanding 80-hour power supply. The best part is you can get this affordable bronze watch for just $825 USD. 17. Tag Heuer Autavia Ref. WBE5191.FC8276  The Tag Heuer Autavia Ref. WBE5191.FC8276 serves as another vintage-inspired model that comes with modern-day specifications. Its design was based on retro pilot watches which explains its warm colors and old-school style.   This Tag Heuer watch utilizes a 42mm bronze case, a rotating dark brown ceramic bezel, and a matching brown leather strap. The chocolate dial shows off a luminous display that allows for optimal readability. It contains bolded Arabic numeral markers, a date aperture at 6 o’clock, and large bronze sword hands. Beneath this watch face is a COSC-certified Tag Heuer Caliber 5. This robust automatic movement can last for 38 hours when fully wound. This Tag Heuer Autavia watch sells at around $3,850 USD. 18. Bremont Automatic Ref. BROADSWORD-BZ-SL-R-S The Bremont Automatic Ref. BROADSWORD-BZ-SL-R-S is probably one of the most unique-looking timepieces on this list. Its color palette is made up of contrasting bronze and grey hues that come together to create an unusual, visually appealing timepiece. This Bremont watch comes in a 40mm bronze case and a dark grey leather strap. Its soft bronze case stands out against the light grey dial, which is adorned with Arabic numeral markers in white, luminous sword hands, a date complication at 3 o’clock, and a small seconds sub-dial. Underneath this striking watch face is a modified Caliber 11 1/2″ BE-95-2AV. This automatic movement possesses a decent 38-hour power supply. If you want a more unconventional bronze watch, this Bremont model retails at just $2,880 USD.  19. Ball Engineer III Ref. NM2186C-L3J-BK The Ball Engineer III Ref. NM2186C-L3J-BK, on the other hand, is a more quintessential bronze watch option. Like many bronze watches on this list, it has vintage-inspired elements that give it a refined, elegant vibe.  This Ball Engineer III watch uses a 43mm bronze case coupled with a genuine leather strap in brown. This brown-bronze exterior contrasts sharply against the matte black dial, which is furnished with broad sword-shaped hands, a day-date display, and large Arabic numeral markers that are fitted with luminous tritium gas tubes. At the rim of the dial, you can also find green hour indices, which add a touch of playful color to this otherwise monochrome watch face. This watch runs on an automatic Caliber BALL RR1102-SL. Aside from having a decent water resistance rating of up to 100 meters, this movement also has a 38-hour power supply. If you are into rugged and casual bronze watches, you can get this Ball piece for around $2,700 USD. 20. Panerai Submersible Bronzo Ref. PAM00968 Finally, we have the Panerai Submersible Bronzo Ref. PAM00968 — a chunky bronze watch perfect for those who love larger timepieces. Despite the ruggedness that comes with its size, this watch still manages to achieve an air of robust elegance. This Panerai Submersible watch comes in a 47mm square-shaped bronze case. This is paired with a supple calfskin leather strap in brown and a bronze bezel bearing a dark brown elapsed time scale insert. The matching chocolate brown dial has a simple display that consists of luminous dot and rectangle hour indices, broad skeletal sword hands filled with lume, a compact date complication at 3 o’clock, and a small seconds counter. An automatic P.9010 Caliber powers all of the aforementioned functions. This movement also offers a 72-hour power supply and an excellent 300-meter water resistance rating. If you are a fan of oversized bronze watches, this $18,650 USD Panerai model will prove to be worth every penny.   Final Thoughts  Ultimately, bronze watches are for those who really love vintage-inspired pieces that will age well over time. Each and every model in this list can develop a gorgeous patina, making them the perfect heirloom gifts you can pass on to your future bloodline. Discerning eyes will note that this also means bronze watches have the potential to be valuable investments decades from now.  Photo Credits: WatchShopping and Official Watch Brand Sites Hooked on watch lists? Check out this article on the Top 10 Rolex Movements!

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  4. Editor’s Pick: 20 Blue Dial Watches Worth Buying

    Editor’s Pick: 20 Blue Dial Watches Worth Buying

    If there is any dial color as charming and versatile as black, then, without a doubt, it would have to be the color blue. Blue dial watches are a classic choice that deserves more buzz. These blue dials are incredibly adaptable and can be found in a wide variety of models, ranging from casual everyday watches to dressy timepieces and sporty tool watches. No matter what outfit you pair it with, a blue dial watch will never fail to look good on your wrist. Now, if you are interested in growing your collection of blue dial watches, then you are in luck! We have curated a list of the 20 best blue dial watches in the market worth buying. Stick around and see if some of these offerings might be to your liking. 20 Best Blue Dial Watches in the Market Considering the adaptability of blue dials, it is no surprise that blue dial watches are quite common. They are a popular choice of both watchmakers and watch collectors, and as a result, the market is home to an expansive sea of blue dial watches. Indeed, if we were to go through every single blue dial model ever made, we would be here for quite a while. To make your choice easier, we have narrowed it down to a list of the 20 best blue dial watches we know of. On top of sporting handsome blue dials, the watches shown below are all exceptional in their own rights, made from high-quality materials and with excellent features. 1. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 15500ST.OO.1220ST.01 Image By: Watch Shopping Our list starts with one of the most iconic blue dial watches ever created, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Developed by the watchmaking legend Gerald Genta, the Royal Oak is a true trailblazer, responsible for the popularization of luxury steel sports watches. The Royal Oak is so famous that, to this day, it remains the face of the Audemars Piguet brand. This is one watch that celebrities such as Brad Pitt, John Mayer, and Stephen Curry all love to wear. Over the years, Audemars Piguet has released numerous Royal Oak models. For this section, however, we will be looking at the modern Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 15500ST.OO.1220ST.01. This sophisticated timekeeper comes in a 41mm stainless steel case and bears the Royal Oak’s signature octagon-shaped bezel with eight screws. Its dial boasts a charming sunray blue Grand Tapisserie finish and is furnished with applique white gold hour indices, luminescent blunt hands, and a compact date window at 3 o’clock. Underneath this lovely watch face is the Audemars Piguet Caliber 4302. Comprising 257 parts and 32 jewels, this advanced self-winding caliber has a substantial 70-hour power reserve. You can get this Royal Oak watch for around $153,700 USD. 2. Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Ref. T137.407.11.041.00 Image By: Watch Shopping While the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak is an exceptional timepiece, its exorbitant price makes it out of reach for many. If you do not have the budget for a Royal Oak, do not worry, as Tissot has an alternative that will surely pique your interest. The PRX Powermatic 80 Ref. T137.407.11.041.00 is an excellent timekeeper for those who want a stylish yet affordable blue dial watch. This Tissot PRX timepiece is presented in a 40mm tonneau-shaped stainless steel case with an integrated stainless steel bracelet. Like the Royal Oak, this dial shows off an elegant Tapisserie finish, albeit in a darker blue hue. It is also adorned with slim hour indices, blunt hands, and a date window outlined in silver at 3 o’clock. On the underside of this watch is a transparent caseback, which gives you a clear view of the Powermatic 80 caliber inside. This renowned movement comes with a whopping 80-hour power supply. This Tissot PRX watch sells for just $640 USD. 3. Seiko Prospex Ref. SRPC25K1 Image By: Watch Shopping Seiko has a lot of blue dial watches. From its sporty and playful 5 Sports models to its elegant Mechanical timepieces, each collection is sure to hold at least one striking blue dial watch. One timepiece that especially catches our eyes is the Seiko Prospex Ref. SRPC25K1. With its unique dial, 200m water resistance, and affordable price tag, it is pretty hard to go wrong with an enticing dive model model like this one. This Seiko Prospex piece is housed in a 45mm stainless steel case, coupled with a stainless steel strap. It bears a two-tone elapsed time scale bezel in cool blue and black hues, a design which is reminiscent of the famous Rolex Batman. This bezel blends perfectly with the watch’s sunburst dial, which showcases a unique blue finish that fades to black as you veer to the sides. This dial also contains geometric hour markers and broad arrow-shaped hands, along with a day-date aperture at 3 o’clock. This watch is powered by an in-house Seiko Caliber 4R36, with its 41-hour power supply. The Seiko Prospex Ref. SRPC25K1 fetches a price of $480 USD. 4. Rolex “Bluesy” Submariner Date Ref. 126613LB-0002 Image By: Watch Shopping Whether you are a seasoned collector or newcomer to the watch community, you would surely have heard of the Swiss watchmaker Rolex. Worn by the likes of Sean Connery, Jennifer Aniston, and Robert Downey Jr., Rolex watches are the go-to for anyone who wants a recognizable and iconic luxury timekeeper. For those seeking a glossy blue dial Rolex timepiece, let us refer to one of its most sensational models, the Rolex “Bluesy” Submariner Date Ref. 126613LB-0002. Hailing from the coveted Rolex Submariner series, the Rolex Bluesy is probably the most famous of the blue dial watches in the market. It flaunts the lavish Rolesor style, using a 41mm Oystersteel case, a yellow gold unidirectional rotating bezel, and a two-tone bracelet crafted from Oystersteel and yellow gold. Fitted on top of the bezel is a rich blue elapsed time scale insert, which perfectly complements the royal blue dial. This metallic blue dial has a very simple and easy-to-read layout, comprising luminous applique indices, Mercedes-style watch hands, and a magnified date display at 3 o’clock. Powering this watch is the Rolex 3235 Caliber. This is a Superlative Chronometer-rated caliber, with an outstanding accuracy rate of -2/+2 seconds per day and a power reserve that can last up to 70 hours. Wearers can avail the Rolex Bluesy for around $29,500 USD. 5. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Ref. 220.13.38.20.03.001 Image By: Watch Shopping If any timepiece could rival the Rolex Submariner, it would have to be the Seamaster. As one of Omega‘s largest watch collections, the Seamaster series contains a wide and diverse selection of dive pieces. If you want a highly capable dive watch similar to the Submariner, but with a much more attainable price, the Omega Seamaster is your best bet. For a bold blue dial Seamaster model, check out the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Ref. 220.13.38.20.03.001 This Omega Aqua Terra timepiece utilizes a 40mm case crafted from high-quality stainless steel. Its case highlights curved lugs, an unguarded crown, and a sapphire caseback that gives a neat view of the watch’s Co-Axial Master Chronometer Omega Caliber 8800. Its sunray blue dial is also quite unusual, bearing a pattern of horizontal teak lines that resembles the wooden decks seen on luxury yachts. It is decorated with triangular hour indices, thick arrow-headed hands, and a trapezoidal date aperture at 6 o’clock. This Omega watch retails at just $5,400 USD. 6. Breitling Superocean Heritage B20 Automatic Ref. AB2030161C1A1 Image By: Watch Shopping Having precise timekeeping is important for divers, as it ensures they do not spend too much time underwater. This could make the difference between life and death. One brand known for offering extremely reliable dive pieces is Breitling. And yes, it offers a model with a stunning blue dial too: the Breitling Superocean Heritage B20 Automatic Ref. AB2030161C1A1 This Breitling Superocean Heritage model is encased in a solid 44mm stainless steel case, coupled with a stylish mesh bracelet made of the same material. Its sunray blue dial shows off a gorgeus brushed finish and comprises applique indices of varying sizes, pronounced arrow hands, and a rectangular date complication at 6 o’clock. This watch is driven by a Breitling B20 self-winding movement. Held together by 26 jewels, this caliber has a 70-hour power supply, a depth rating of 200 meters, and an accuracy rate of -4/+6 seconds per day. Although it does not top Rolex’s Superlative Chronometer, this is still considered extremely precise for a dive watch. You can purchase this Breitling watch for approximately $5,200 USD. 7. Grand Seiko “Shubun” Ref. SBGH273 Image By: Watch Shopping When it comes to designing cases and dial finishes, there are not many brands that do it quite like Grand Seiko. This high-end Japanese brand has built a reputation of crafting absolutely exquisite luxury dress watches. Returning to the realm of blue dial dress watches, we have the Grand Seiko “Shubun” Ref. SBGH273. This is a delightful piece that would elevate just about any formalwear you own. Based on the 1967 Grand Seiko 62GS, the Grand Seiko Shubun shows off a multi-dimensional 40mm stainless steel case, coupled with a box-shaped sapphire crystal and a three-link strap. The case and bracelet have both been treated with Grand Seiko’s signature Zaratsu polish, giving them a glorious, unparalleled luster. The dial of this watch is also exceptional. It flaunts a deep blue finish that replicates the clear night skies of the autumn equinox in Japan. Aside from that, it also contains silver-tone indices, dauphine hands, and a date display outlined in silver at 3 o’clock. Driving this watch is the Grand Seiko 9S85 Caliber, with its 55-hour power reserve. The Grand Seiko Shubun has an estimated price tag of $7,470 USD. 8. Tag Heuer Monaco Ref. CAW211P.FC6356 Image By: Watch Shopping A passionate watch brand dedicated to motorsports, TAG Heuer is a fan-favorite of every racing enthusiast. No matter what type of cool new racing watch you might be looking for, TAG Heuer is sure to have you covered. And yes, the brand also has a racing piece with a bold blue dial: the Tag Heuer Monaco Ref. CAW211P.FC6356. Hailing from the Monaco series, this TAG Heuer watch is presented in a distinctive, square-shaped 39mm case made of stainless steel. It shows off alternatively brushed and polished surfaces, adding to this watch’s sophisticated look. Its dial holds a matte blue finish and consists of two white sub-dials, applique sword hands, and a circular minute track in white indicators. Vibrant red accents are also dotted all around the dial, bolstering its sporty vibe. Inside this watch, you can find the TAG Heuer Caliber 11. This is an automatic movement with a power reserve that can last for approximately 40 hours. This Tag Heuer watch sells at $6,350 USD. 9. Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono Ref H38416541 Image By: Watch Shopping The best thing about wearing a vintage timepiece is that they never go out of style. Unfortunately, genuinely vintage timepieces can be hard to find. Furthermore, they tend to command high prices that could really take a chunk out of your wallet. Thankfully, you could settle for a vintage-inspired timepiece, which is the next best thing. For a retro-influenced watch that will not break your bank, take a look at the Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono Ref. H38416541. This Hamilton timepiece comes in a 40mm stainless steel case, paired with a handsome brown leather strap. Its matte blue dial carries a sporty, vintage-looking design, comprising baton indices, slender sword hands, two white sub-dials, a date display at 6 o’clock, and an internal tachymeter scale on the rim of the dial. Underneath this watch face is a self-winding Hamilton H-31 Caliber, with a solid 60-hour power supply. This Hamilton American Classic watch is worth around $2,195 USD. 10. MeisterSinger New Vintage Neo Plus Pointer Date Ref. NED417_SCF01 Image By: Watch Shopping German watches are highly coveted for their appealing minimalist aesthetics. By applying the principles of the Bauhaus art movement, these timepieces showcase simple designs where form meets functionality. The German brand MeisterSinger is highly-regarded for its Bauhaus watches, having been recognized with numerous awards. In particular, the brand’s MeisterSinger New Vintage Neo Plus Pointer Date Ref. NED417_SCF01 is a standout model. This New Vintage wristwatch utilizes a slim 40mm stainless steel case and a black leather strap. Its metallic sunray blue dial follows a very straightforward layout. It comprises double-digit Arabic numeral markers in a neat typeface, an unusual date display in the shape of a central sub-dial, and the brand’s signature: a single, long hour hand that sweeps across the dial. These functions are all run by a Sellita SW221 movement with a 38-hour power reserve. You can get this MeisterSinger watch for just $1,250 USD. 11. Maurice Lacroix Aikon Ref. AI6007-SS002-430-1 Image By: Watch Shopping Tapisserie dials are always exciting to see. We started off this article with the king of Grand Tapisserie dials, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. However, if you are looking for something that has the same style as the Royal Oak, but is a little more affordable, then the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Ref. AI6007-SS002-430-1 is a great option. Known as one of the best Royal Oak alternatives, this Aikon timepiece uses a 39mm stainless steel case, fitted with a fixed bezel that has claw-like structures seemingly holding it in place. Its blue dial boasts a glossy Tapisserie finish and is decorated with applique hour indices, luminous sword hands, and a date complication at 3 o’clock. Driving this watch is the brand’s in-house ML115 Caliber. This movement is held together by 26 jewels and has a 38-hour power supply. Wearers can buy this Maurice Lacroix watch for $2,000 USD. 12. IWC Portofino Automatic Ref. IW356522 Image By: Watch Shopping If you are set to go on a fancy night out, you would not want to leave home without bringing a dress watch. For a truly luxurious and sophisticated dress watch, take a look at the Portofino Automatic Ref. IW356522. This lustrous Portofino watch uses a 40mm case made of lavish 18K yellow gold, along with an elegant alligator leather strap in dark blue. It bears a refined sunray blue dial with a metallic brushed finish and is furnished with yellow gold stick indices, slim Feuille hands, and a date display at 3 o’clock. Inside this watch, you can find an IWC Caliber 35111, consisting of 163 components and 25 jewels. With its 42-hour power reserve, this movement is sealed behind a yellow gold caseback engraved with an image of the Portofino Harbor. This IWC watch has an estimated price tag of $12,800 USD. 13. Victorinox I.N.O.X. Ref. 241688.1 Image By: Watch Shopping Some people pick watches based on their practicality. They want timekeepers that can work efficiently through thick and thin while still looking good. And one of the best blue dial watches that promises exactly that is the Victorinox I.N.O.X. Ref. 241688.1 This Victorinox piece comes in a 43mm stainless steel case and a ridged rubber strap in sporty blue. Those familiar with the I.N.O.X series will be well aware of the feats of this watch, which include surviving a fall from 10 meters high and getting run over by a 64-ton tank. Indeed, durability is not something this watch lacks. And with its lovely dark blue dial, the Victorinox piece comes out of trouble with style. Powering this watch is an analog quartz movement, which promises top-notch accuracy and reliability. Get this incredible timepiece for just $480 USD. 14. Oris Aquis Date Ref. 01 733 7732 4135-07 4 21 64FC Image By: Watch Shopping With over a century of watchmaking experience, Oris is known for creating some of the best modern dive watches on the market. Oris dive pieces come in a variety of designs, with models that can look sporty, elegant, creative, or a mix of all three. Currently, Oris has three collections dedicated to diving: the Oris Divers, the Oris Prodiver, and the Oris Aquis. Our next featured wristwatch hails from the Aquis series: the Oris Aquis Date Ref. 01 733 7732 4135-07 4 21 64FC. This Oris Aquis Date piece is presented in a 39.5mm stainless steel case. This is paired with a black rubber strap and a matching black elapsed time scale bezel made from ceramic, which is highly scratch-resistant. Its blue dial flaunts an attractive metallic sunburst finish and is adorned with thick hour indices and sword hands, along with a date window at 6 o’clock. Ticking underneath this watch face is the Oris Caliber 733. Based on the Sellita SW200-1 movement, this caliber has a 38-hour power reserve and an impressive 300-meter depth rating. This Oris watch retails at around $2,000 USD. 15. Longines Conquest V.H.P. Ref. L37194969 Image By: Watch Shopping One of the oldest watchmakers in the industry, Longines has been making timepieces since 1832. Innovators at heart, Longines watches are known for their impeccable accuracy. Its most accurate models can be found in its V.H.P. sub-collection, which stands for “Very High Precision”. Luckily, the V.H.P. sub-collection also has a handful of blue dial watches. For this entry, we will be looking at the Longines Conquest V.H.P. Ref. L37194969. Hailing from the Conquest series, this watch utilizes a 41mm stainless steel case and a textured blue rubber strap. Its dial bears a matching matte blue finish and is decorated with baton hour markers, thick sword hands, a date complication at 6 o’clock, and stylish red accents that add a burst of personality to this watch face. The movement that makes this watch so precise is a quartz caliber, hidden behind a solid steel rear case. This Longines watch has an estimated price tag of $1,225 USD. 16. Glashutte Original Senator Sixties Annual Edition Ref. 1-39-52-14-02-04 Image By: Watch Shopping Refinement and elegance are the two things that Glashutte Original takes pride in. With their minimalist looks, reliable movements, and hardy cases, Glashutte Original watches truly speak for themselves. Anyone who needs a dressy timepiece with a bold and tasteful dial should definitely consider this brand. For instance, the Glashutte Original Senator Sixties Annual Edition Ref. 1-39-52-14-02-04, is an excellent timekeeper that makes a fine addition to any watch collection. This Senator model uses a 39mm stainless steel case and an aged grey leather strap. Its exclusive blue dial has an unusually elevated center, topped with stylized Arabic numeral markers, stick indices, and slender blunt hands. On the underside of the watch is a sapphire crystal caseback, which allows wearers to see the Caliber 39-52 in all its mechanical glory. Held together by 25 jewels, this movement can last for up to 40 hours. Purchase this Glashutte Original Senator watch for a price of $5,900 USD. 17. Franck Muller Vanguard Ref. V41 SC DT YACHTING  Image By: Watch Shopping Looking for a watch that can truly make you stand out? Check out the Vanguard Ref. V41 SC DT from the “Master of Complications”, Franck Muller. This Vanguard watch is sheltered in a slender 44mm tonneau-shaped stainless steel case, paired with a stylish blue alligator leather strap. Protected by a layer of sapphire crystal, its unique blue dial shows off pronounced, stylized Arabic numeral markers, a circular date section outlined in silver at 6 o’clock, and luminous stout hands. This watch is operated by a Swiss automatic movement, ensuring quality and reliable timekeeping at all times. This Franck Muller watch sells for about $6,550 USD. 18. Hublot Classic Fusion Ref. 540.NX.7170.NX Image By: Watch Shopping Hublot is another brand that many collectors and enthusiasts associate with adventurous designs. Today, however, we will be turning our attention to a more toned-down Hublot timepiece: the Hublot Classic Fusion Ref. 540.NX.7170.NX. This watch has a very classic, sporty design that goes well with both casual and formal looks. This Classic Fusion timepiece uses a 42mm lightweight titanium case and three-link titanium bracelet, which is just as resistant to scratches and impacts as stainless steel but weighs about 30% less. Its sunray blue dial comprises two large chronograph sub-dials accompanied by applique silver indices, long sword hands, and a square date display at 6 o’clock. Covering the back of the watch is a layer of sapphire crystal, which gives wearers an up-close view of the Caliber HUB1153 inside. Held together by 35 jewels, this movement can last for up to 42 hours. This Hublot Classic Fusion watch fetches an estimated price of $9,400 USD. 19. Sinn Diving Watch U1 B Ref. 1010.0102 Image By: Watch Shopping The brand Sinn is well known for its unparalleled tool watches. Whether you are looking for a handy aviation model or a durable dive piece, Sinn’s tool watches are state-of-the-art and guaranteed to survive all sorts of harsh conditions. For a blue dial Sinn tool watch, one splendid timepiece we would like to recommend is the Sinn Diving Watch U1 B Ref. 1010.0102. This Sinn Diving Watch comes in a 44mm case and three-link bracelet, both made of high-quality German submarine steel, which is highly resistant to impacts and seawater corrosion. Topped with a layer of anti-reflective sapphire crystal, this case is also water-resistant to depths of 1,000 meters, making this an outstanding dive piece that can be worn on all your deep diving adventures. The textured blue dial of this watch also features uniquely shaped, painted hour markers, syringe watch hands, and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. Both the hands and indices are generously coated with lume, allowing for optimal legibility in the dark. You can get the Sinn U1 B for $2,480 USD. 20. Panerai Luminor Due Ref. PAM00927 Image By: Watch Shopping The Panerai Luminor Due is a collection of watches based on the original 1950s Panerai Luminor. Released in 2016, this new selection of Panerai wristwatches showcases a thinner case structure coupled with modern in-house movements. For our final timepiece, we will be checking out the Luminor Due Ref. PAM00927. This Panerai watch is presented in a 42mm cushion-shaped titanium case paired with a blue alligator leather strap. On the right side of the case is the Panerai Luminor’s distinctive large crown, which is protected by a semi-circle crown guard. Its blue sunburst dial is simple but delicate, featuring gold-tone hour indices, pencil hands, a date aperture at 3 o’clock, and a small seconds sub-dial on the left. This watch is equipped with the Panerai Caliber P.900, which possesses an impressive power reserve that can run for three days. This Panerai Luminor watch is worth approximately $7,200 USD. Top Reasons Why You Should Get a Blue Dial Watch As many in the watch community know, watches are more than just a timekeeper you wear on your wrist. They also serve as fashion statements that can level up your style game while expressing your character. As with any timepiece, owning blue dial watches comes with its benefits. To provide you with better insight, here are some of the main reasons why you should consider purchasing blue dial watches. 1. Universal Design Blue is a color that can look good on almost anything. This applies to watches too. A blue dial watch will fit anyone well. On top of that, blue dials themselves have a certain charm that matches any sort of timepiece. You have seen them placed in daily beaters, sophisticated dress watches, and different kinds of sports watches, and they all fit wonderfully. The point here is: blue is a remarkably versatile color that will never go out of style. 2. Diverse Choices, Varying Prices Because of how broad the selection is, there is bound to be a blue dial timepiece just for you. Virtually every watch brand offers blue dial watches. And depending on the brand, the price of their blue dial watches ranges affordable, moderately-priced, entry-level luxury, or extravagant. So, whether you have a tight budget or are willing to invest in a grail piece, you have quite the assortment of blue dial watches to choose from. 3. Built by Brands You Trust Ultimately, all these blue dial watches are built by brands with years of experience. They are skilled watchmakers who pride themselves on their crafts, assuring wearers that the model they purchase is made with absolute quality, craftsmanship, and expertise. Of the blue dial watches listed above, you can rest assured that every single one is incredibly durable and reliable. Final Thoughts Whether it is an affordable quartz model, an automatic sports watch, or a complicated dress watch, it is hard to go wrong with a blue dial timepiece. Stylish and versatile, blue dial watches can be brought to virtually any occasion. The popularity of blue dial watches also means that there is a huge variety available in the market. Indeed, while the blue dial watches we have displayed above are some of the best available, they are only the tip of the iceberg. So, make sure to do your research and select a blue dial watch just for you. Featured Image By: Audemars Piguet Need a sublime green-dialed dress watch that will not cost you an arm or a leg? Have a look at the Seiko Alpinist SARB017 and see if this might be the exact timepiece you are looking for.

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  5. 15 Bauhaus Watches Worth Checking Out

    15 Bauhaus Watches Worth Checking Out

    One of the greatest things about watchmaking is how greatly it has evolved over the years. With the advent of industrialization and modern tech, this is especially true of the last century. While traditional, classic-style timepieces are still loved and used today, innovations in designs and technology have opened new doors for watchmakers. Today, collectors and enthusiasts have countless watch options to choose from, all with different aesthetics and specifications. A perfect example of this would be the rise of Bauhaus watches. These Bauhaus models do not necessarily follow the same stylistic codes as older, quintessential timekeepers, yet the Bauhaus watch style has been consistently gaining popularity and leverage in horology in the past few decades. Today, we will be focusing on this particular design phenomenon and everything you need to know about it. For those whose interests are piqued, we have also curated a list of the top 15 Bauhaus watches you should definitely consider adding to your collection. All About the Bauhaus Movement  The term “Bauhaus” can be used to refer to a number of different, but related, things. First of all, Bauhaus is both a design movement that originated from Germany back in the early 1900s and the name of the school that started this movement. It started out as a school dedicated to art, with the main goal being to bring together different forms of art whilst eradicating the social distinctions attached to them as well. Bauhaus designs are characterized by abstract elements like simple geometric shapes and contrasting colors. Today, Bauhaus in watchmaking is used to refer to a simple, minimalistic design that is highly influenced by the original design movement. One of the greatest things about Bauhaus watches is their ability to balance contemporary style with practicality. Bauhaus watches focus a lot on essential, abstract design elements instead of traditional ornamentations, stripping down models to the bare minimum in order to achieve a more elegant aesthetic and functional layout. Bauhaus watches have become increasingly popular today, especially with the recent rise of minimalism in art, lifestyle, and the like. Elements of Bauhaus Watches Before we get into the list of best Bauhaus watches proper, let us take a look at some common elements and characteristics typically found in these watches. Only the Bare Necessities  The beauty of the Bauhaus design lies in its balance of functionality and art. As such, one of the main characteristics of Bauhaus watches is that they use only what is deemed absolutely essential. This means that the watch face of a Bauhaus watch is very simple and typically has little to no ornamentations or complex complications. Instead of diamond-set bezels and heavily patterned dials, the dials of Bauhaus watches have straightforward, minimalist layouts with modern details instead. Slim Cases  This element is not something that applies to all Bauhaus watches, but it is definitely quite common. Oftentimes, Bauhaus watchmakers opt for relatively slim cases because that is what goes well with the simple and minimalist aesthetic of the Bauhaus watch’s dial. A slender case allows the already stripped-down watch face to still stand out and not be overpowered by the other components of the watch. In addition, it also adds a certain elegance and modernity to the entire timepiece.  Contemporary Dial Components  Finally, Bauhaus watches tend to possess more contemporary dial components. In a lot of watches today, you can find Roman or Arabic numerals in classic typefaces, oversized hour markers, and quintessential-looking hands with luminescent coatings. These are all traditional watch elements that have been used for centuries now. Bauhaus watches, however, favor a shift towards more modern, organic design codes. Slim fonts, simple and minimalist shapes, and subdued colors are some of the more prominent details found in Bauhaus watches. 15 Best Bauhaus Watches 1. Junghans Max Bill Ref. 027/3702.04 Let us start off this list with the Junghans Max Bill Ref. 027/3702.04, which serves as a classic representation of a Bauhaus watch. Thanks to its monochromatic overall design, it boasts a very sleek and contemporary look. This model comes in a 34mm stainless steel case paired with a quintessential black leather strap. The black dial features slim sword-shaped hands, Arabic numerals in a simple geometric typeface, and stick indices that make up the minute track on the rim of the dial. Underneath this straightforward exterior, you will find the J805.1 caliber, a manual-winding movement with a 42-hour power reserve.  If you are looking for a truly authentic Bauhaus watch, this Junghans Max Bill piece might just be what you need. Even better, it retails at an affordable price of just $729 USD. 2. Nomos Glashuette Tangente 38 Ref. 165.S4 Next, we have a striking model from one of the best brands for Bauhaus watches, Nomos Glashuette. The Nomos Glashuette Tangente 38 Ref. 165.S4 is a simple and lovely option for those who enjoy quieter timepieces. This watch comes in a 37.5mm stainless steel case and a leather bracelet in black. Its dial has a lovely pastel beige hue, with the minute track, in particular, having a pastel red backdrop. It is furnished with thin black hands, elongated Arabic numerals in a modern font, stick indices, and a small seconds counter at 6 o’clock. This Nomos Glashuette Tangente watch is powered by a manual-winding, Alpha manual caliber with a 43-hour power reserve. For $1,749 USD, you get this versatile and casual watch which makes for a great everyday accessory. 3. Skagen Melbye Ref. SKW6007  Even though Skagen is a Danish brand that draws inspiration from its Scandinavian roots and lifestyle, a lot of its models can pass as Bauhaus watches. The Skagen Melbye Ref. SKW6007, for example, is a rather minimalist timepiece that makes use of essential timekeeping elements in a creative way. This Skagen Melbye piece has a 40mm stainless steel case along with a sophisticated mesh bracelet of the same material. The grey dial features luminescent silver hands, slim indices, Arabic numerals, and an inner minute track in vibrant orange. You can also find a three-hand system and a day-date display, outlined in silver, both of which are driven by a quartz movement.  If you prefer unique, Bauhaus-inspired watches, you simply have to fork out $175 to get your hands on this lovely timepiece.   4. Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope Ref. 027/4008.04 The Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope Ref. 027/4008.04 is a more multifunctional and understated approach to Bauhaus watches. Since it makes use of just the bare essentials, the design of its watch face truly stands out. This Junghans Max Bill model has a 40mm stainless steel case and a calf leather strap in suave grey. The stark white dial showcases slim hands, Arabic numerals in a contemporary, compact font, stick indices, a day-date display, and two sub-dials. All these are powered by a self-winding, J880.2 caliber that boasts an excellent power reserve of 42 hours.  With a price tag of $2,059, this Junghans watch is a worthy and reliable investment for all true Bauhaus enthusiasts out there.  5. Nomos Glashuette Tetra Neomatik 39 Ref. 422 The Nomos Glashuette Tetra Neomatik 39 Ref. 422 serves as a distinct and more unconventional Bauhaus watch. Even at a single glance, it is bound to make an impression since it does not follow the build of a traditional timepiece. This Nomos Glashuette Tetra watch comes in a 46mm square-shaped, stainless steel case paired with a black leather strap. Its midnight blue dial consists of thin silver hands, slim indices, trendy Arabic numerals, and a small seconds counter at 6 o’clock, with a vibrant red hand that adds a striking contrast to the watch face. Underneath this stylish, modern watch face, you can find a DUW 3001 automatic caliber with a power reserve of up to 42 hours.  While Bauhaus watches are already considered somewhat unorthodox, this model takes it to a whole new level — thanks to its distinct shape and sharper colors. If you want a creative, unique accessory, you can purchase this watch for around $3,980 USD!  6. Sinn Classic Timepieces 1739 Ref. 1739.012 In comparison to the other models on this list, the Sinn Classic 1739 is probably the closest to a traditional analogue timepiece. It does not utilize typical modern-day elements, such as unique fonts or subtle pops of color, yet it fulfills the most important criteria of Bauhaus watches: using only the bare essentials for optimal functionality. This Sinn piece is presented in a 39mm stainless steel case along with a black calfskin leather bracelet. The matching black dial is furnished very simply, with just slim stick-shaped hands and hour markers in silver. This watch is powered by a self-winding DIN 8309 caliber. If you cannot decide whether to go for a traditional watch or for a Bauhaus model, the Sinn Classic 1739 serves as the ideal in-between. You can get it for around $2,329 USD!  7. Nomos Glashuette Metro 1112 Here we have another piece from Nomos Glashuette, but this time, in the form of the Metro 1112 model. This watch is the perfect combination of fun, casual, and straightforward. It boasts a stylish and versatile aesthetic that is easy to pair with any style and is sure to pop against any outfit. This Bauhaus watch comes in a sleek, silver 38.5mm stainless steel case with a quintessential black leather strap. Its dial has a dark grey hue. It is wonderfully contrasted against ultra-thin silver hands, pastel green geometric circles in lieu of hour markers, green Arabic numerals for the minute track, and a small seconds counter with a sharp red seconds hand. Underneath this handsome watch face, you can find an in-house Alpha caliber that follows a manual-winding movement. For around $1,825 USD, you can get this laid-back and well-crafted Bauhaus watch. 8. MeisterSinger New Vintage Ref. NE903N_SV12 The MeisterSinger New Vintage Ref. NE903N_SV12 serves as a vintage-inspired take on Bauhaus watches. This MeisterSinger New Vintage watch has a 36mm stainless steel case and a textured leather strap in dark brown that enhances its old-school look. The nostalgia-influenced ivory dial also stands out, with its Arabic numerals in a basic font, a minute track made up of stick indices, a circular date window at 6 o’clock, and the signature MeisterSinger singular hand. This model is equipped with an automatic ETA 2824-2 movement with a 38-hour power reserve. If you are a fan of both Bauhaus designs and vintage aesthetics, this watch is a perfect blend of both. You can get it for around $1,295 USD!   9. Sternglas Chrono White  Next up, we have the Sternglas Chrono White which is basically a Bauhaus version of the ever-so-popular panda dial. This watch has a slightly more sophisticated look, with a masculine vibe that is not often seen in Bauhaus watches. This model comes in a 43mm stainless steel case paired with a cattle leather strap in mahogany. The white dial consists of luminescent hands, boxy Arabic numerals, a subtle minute track on the outer rim, a square date window at 6 o’clock, and a chronograph display with two black sub-dials. All of these functions are driven by a quartz chronograph movement, the Miyota 0S21 caliber. Retailing at just $285 USD, this is a great option for those who want a Bauhaus watch with a robust and slightly sportier feel. 10. Stowa Antea Back to Bauhaus 365 Limited Silver The Stowa Antea Back to Bauhaus 365 Limited Silver is another retro-inspired Bauhaus piece. This is a simple and versatile addition to one of Stowa’s longest-running collections. It comes in a 36.5mm polished stainless steel case and a hand-stitched leather strap in grey. This is paired with a quintessential, solid silver dial adorned with Arabic numerals in a modern typeface, circular black minute markers, and sleek blued steel hands. On the underside of the watch, you can find a half-transparent caseback which gives you a glimpse of its automatic ETA 2824-2 caliber. With a price tag of approximately $1,300 USD, this is definitely one of the most authentic Bauhaus watches you should not miss out.  11. Defakto Kinetik Standard The Defakto Kinetik Standard is a very robust and powerfully-built Bauhaus watch. It stands out with its dark exterior, giving it a suave, masculine look. This model is presented in a 39mm stainless steel case, paired with a black leather bracelet. This is paired with a rugged black dial which consists of an hour and a minute track, both in the form of stick indices, along with skeletal bar-shaped hands coated in Super-LumiNova for improved visibility in the dark. A red seconds hand helps add a splash of vibrant color to this Defakto piece. The underside of the watch is comprised of a see-through caseback, allowing you to observe the watch’s automatic ETA 2824-2 caliber. If you want a cool and robust Bauhaus watch, you can get this piece for just $835 USD.  12. Uniform Wares M37 PreciDrive Next up, we have the Uniform Wares M37 PreciDrive, which is bound to be a hit with anyone who prefers customizable Bauhaus watches. It has a rather bare and simple watch face, so it can easily go with many different straps, For this particular model, you have 17 options to choose from like straps in grey, blue, black, tan, etc. This Uniform Wares watch comes in a 37mm stainless steel case with an interchangeable bracelet of your choosing. Moreover, its white dial is adorned with diamond-cut hands, slim applied hour markers, and a minute track with stick indices on the outer rim. This watch is driven by a powerful ETA F03.401 Precidrive movement. If you want a versatile Bauhaus piece that you can play around with, make sure to check out this piece for around $600 USD. 13. Junkers 9.11.01.03 Series 100 Years Bauhaus This Junkers 9.11.01.03 Series 100 Years Bauhaus watch is possibly the most complex-looking model on this list. What makes it a great Bauhaus model is that it showcases a perfect balance between multi-functionality and a minimalistic design which shows that you can have additional complications without your watch looking too busy. This Junkers piece has a 41mm stainless steel case paired with a leather band in brown and a scratch-resistant Hesalite crystal. The rustic silver dial has Arabic numerals in a modern typeface, long stick indices, luminous silver hands, a 24-hour counter, a power reserve indicator, and a date window. These impressive functions are powered by an automatic Miyota 9132 caliber with a power reserve of 40 hours.  This watch retails at approximately $575 USD. 14. Braun Gents BN0265 Classic Chronograph  Yet another highly functional Bauhaus watch is the Braun Gents BN0265 Classic Chronograph. This model has received critical acclaim for its excellent design, with actual awards like the iF Design Award in 2019 and Red Dot Design Award in 2020 to prove it. This Braun watch features a 40mm matte stainless steel case paired with a sporty leather strap in black. The matching matte grey dial comes with black stick hands, slim hour markers, a unique date window at 6 o’clock, and a chronograph display with two submerged sub-dials. It is equipped with a hybrid mesa-quartz movement which enables it to utilize both a quartz crystal movement and mechanical chronograph caliber in order to power the watch.  The best part is that you can get this award-winning watch for just $370 USD. 15. A.Lange & Sohne 1815 Thin Honeygold “Homage to F. A. Lange” Last but certainly not least, we have a gorgeous piece from A.Lange & Sohne, the 1815 Thin Honeygold “Homage to F. A. Lange”. This watch has a slightly more quintessential look, but it is a must-have inclusion on this list considering the German brand’s role as a key figure in bringing together Bauhaus designs and watchmaking. This particular model features a 38mm honey gold case paired with an aged alligator leather strap in brown. The white dial has copper hands and Arabic numerals in a fancy typeface. Underneath this elegant exterior, you can find a well-oiled Caliber L093.1 that keeps the watch running. This lavish Bauhaus-inspired piece retails at around $38,000 USD. Final Thoughts  Hopefully, the article has given you a better perspective of the true essence of Bauhaus watches. Even though classic timepieces are still the go-to option of many people, Bauhaus watches have been consistently gaining ground, especially with the modern shift towards minimalism. Indeed, the rise of Bauhaus timepieces is a strong example of the diversity and growth that the watch industry has undergone over the years. Photo Credits: WatchShopping and Official Brand Sites Want to read more listicles? Check out our piece on the 20 Best Hiking Watches in 2021!

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  6. ETA 2824-2 Movement: A Comprehensive Guide

    ETA 2824-2 Movement: A Comprehensive Guide

    ETA calibers are some of the most ubiquitous movements in all of the watchmaking industry. They are durable, reliable, and easy to produce, making them ideal for mass production. There are numerous ETA calibers to talk about, but for this article, we will be focusing on the popular ETA 2824-2. Known by the watchmaking community as an absolute workhorse, the ETA 2824-2 is an exceptional caliber that, if regulated correctly, can keep time just as well as the ETA 2892 movement. Join us in learning more about the ETA 2824-2 and what it has to offer. If your interest is piqued, we have also curated a list of some of the best watches that use an ETA 2824-2 movement. ETA 2824-2: What is It? Released in 1982, the ETA 2824-2 is a second-generation Swiss automatic movement based on Eterna’s 1427 Caliber. It has fairly standard dimensions, with a diameter of 25.6mm and a thickness of 4.6mm. This ETA 2824-2 provides a watch with its central hours, minutes, and seconds functions. It also has a date complication that can be located on varying areas of the dial, depending on where the window cutout is. Equipped with an Etachron regulator, the ETA 2824-2 movement has a beat frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). This Swiss caliber also uses a ball-bearing rotor which rotates bidirectionally and produces more energy for its power reserve. As a result, when fully wound, the ETA 2824-2 can stay powered for up to 38 hours. Although this caliber is self-winding, it also possesses manual-winding and hacking seconds capabilities. The movement’s Novodiac or Incabloc anti-shock system, which each consists of 25 jewels, helps keep every component of the ETA 2824-2 in place while also reducing wear and tear. Like most ETA calibers, the ETA 2824-2 comes in different grades: Standard, Elaborated, Top, and Chronometer. The standard variant has adjustments in two positions and uses an anti-magnetic nickel-plated balance wheel, a Nivarox hairspring, and a Novodiac anti-shock system with 25 polyruby jewels. This standard ETA 2824-2 variant has a precision rate of +/- 12 seconds to +/- 30 seconds per day. The elaborated model uses the same components as the standard ETA 2824-2, but is adjusted in three positions and has an improved accuracy rating of +/- 7 seconds to +/- 20 seconds per day.  Moving on, a top-grade ETA 2824-2 movement is adjusted in five positions and uses a Glucydur balance wheel, an Anachron hairspring, and an Incabloc anti-shock device with red rubies for its pallet jewels. These upgrades allow the top grade ETA 2824-2 caliber to produce an accuracy rating of +/- 4 seconds to +/- 15 seconds a day. Finally, chronometer-level variants of the ETA 2824-2 also contain the same components of the top-grade versions. However, they feature precision and reliability that match the criteria of the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).  A manual-winding version of the ETA 2824-2 also exists, known as the ETA 2804-2. This caliber is less thick and features seventeen jewels and a 42-hour power reserve. ETA 2824-2 vs. Clones In 2003, ETA’s rights to the design of the 2824-2 caliber reached their expiration date. As a result, some other watch manufacturers have created their own versions of the caliber. The Sellita SW200, one of the most recognized clones, is considered by many as the main rival movement to the ETA 2824-2. Since Sellita used to work hand-in-hand with ETA in the 1980s, it knows its way around ETA movements. In fact, both the Sellita SW200 and the ETA 2824-2 are quite similar in appearance. This does not mean, however, that the ETA 2824-2 and Sellita SW200 are completely the same. The main differences between these two movements can be seen from the design of their rotors and the number of jewels they each have. While the ETA 2824-2 contains twenty-five jewels, the Sellita SW200 has twenty-six. Operationally, the ETA 2824-2 and Sellita SW200 produce similar accuracy rates, even with their varying grades. Other examples of ETA 2824-2 clone calibers include the Seagull ST21, the Hangzhou 6300, the STP-11, and the Valanvron VAL-24. For the most part, each clone movement produces a comparable performance and precision rate as the ETA 2824-2. 10 Great Watches with the ETA 2824-2 Movement The ETA 2824-2 comes in many forms. If you have been a watch enthusiast for a while now, you will know that many watches use the ETA 2824-2. In fact, there are so many of them that it would be an arduous task to go through each one. So, instead of doing that, we have created a list of the ten best timepieces in the market that use an ETA 2824-2 movement. 1. Tissot T-Classic Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium (T127.407.11.051.00) Image By: Watch Shopping The Tissot T-Classic Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium stands as the ideal everyday watch. With its blend of sporty yet dressy looks, sleek and durable 40mm stainless steel case, and 100m depth rating, this Tissot T-Classic timepiece can accompany you anywhere, whether it is for a casual stroll, a dip in the pool, or a lavish occasion.  On its dial are silver sword hands and triangular hour markers applied with lume, which wonderfully contrasts the darker hue of the round jet-black dial. Next to the 3 o’clock marker is an outlined date window with a black background and white text. At 6 o’clock, the word “Silicium” is engraved on the dial, referring to the silicon balance spring used in the watch’s Powermatic 80 caliber. The Powermatic 80 is based on the ETA 2824-2 and comes with an improved 80-hour power reserve. Those who want to see the Powermatic 80 and its finely engraved rotor can view the movement through the see-through caseback.  You can purchase this Tissot timepiece for approximately $775 USD. 2. Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic Auto (H32515555) Image By: Watch Shopping Sophisticated and elegant are the two words that come to mind when looking at the Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic Auto. Sheltered by layers of scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on the front and back of its stainless steel case, wearers can admire the charming looks of this Hamilton watch’s modern silver guilloche dial as well as its reliable ETA 2824-2-based H-10 movement.  Accompanied by an aged brown calf leather strap, the 40mm stainless steel case of the Jazzmaster comes with polished surfaces with brushed lugs and 50m of water resistance. Its sector dial has a smooth outer ring, which holds the silver hour markers and outlined date complication, and is contrasted against the guilloche-style inner dial on which you can find luminous dauphine hands. Like the Tissot Powermatic 80, the H-10 automatic caliber that powers this watch is both based on the ETA 2824-2 movement and possesses a power reserve that can run for up to 80 hours. The Hamilton Jazzmaster costs around $725 USD. 3. Longines Legend Diver Date (L36744500) Image By: Watch Shopping Coming from the Longines Heritage series, the Legend Diver Date is a modern dive watch boasting a rich heritage along with some updated technical features. This Longines timepiece has a case made of polished stainless steel and is water-resistant up to depths of 300m. On the side of its 42mm case, you can find two crowns: one for adjusting the L888 movement and the other for controlling the internal bidirectional rotating dive bezel. The dial of the Legend Diver shows off a black-lacquered, polished surface with painted Arabic numerals and indices in white, and silver hands applied with a generous coating of Super-LumiNova. The L888 movement powering this watch is an ETA 2824-2 caliber that has been modified to produce only 25,500 vibrations per hour. This allows its power reserve to last up to 72 hours. It is protected by a solid steel rear case that is skilfully engraved with the logo of the Legend Diver. The Longines Legend Diver Date fetches a price of $2,300 USD. 4. Tudor 1926 Automatic (91450-0002) Image By: Watch Shopping The Tudor 1926 is a line of watches that pays tribute to Tudor’s early history as a watchmaker. Each piece from this collection carries a timelessness and elegance that sets it apart from other watches. One of the best models in this range that truly captures the essence of the Tudor brand is the 1926 Automatic 91450-0002. The 1926 Automatic comes in a 36mm polished stainless steel case. Its stationary bezel has a polished finish that adds nicely to the watch’s overall sleekness. With a secure screw-down crown on its right side, this timepiece has a water resistance rating of 100m. It is also topped with a layer of sapphire glass, which allows wearers to have a clear view of its embossed black dial. Adorning this dark surface are rhodium-plated hour markers and hands, along with a date complication at 3 o’clock. Below the watch face is an ETA 2824-2-based T601 self-winding caliber, complete with its twenty-five jewels and 38-hour power reserve.  This particular Tudor 1926 model is worth around $2,880 USD. 5. MeisterSinger New Vintage Neo Plus (NE408) Image By: Watch Shopping With a perfect balance of modern looks and a classy aesthetic, the MeisterSinger New Vintage Neo Plus is a minimalistic timepiece that hits all the marks of a Bauhaus-inspired watch. Its thin 40mm stainless steel case is expertly beveled and places the spotlight on the watch’s gorgeous blue dial. The hardened acrylic glass fitted on top of the case protects the watch face from scratches and impacts while also giving it a somewhat vintage aesthetic. The dial of this MeisterSinger New Vintage piece is very minimalist. It bears just the timekeeping essentials, with only double-digit hour markers, slim indices, a singular hour hand, and a circular date complication at 6 o’clock. It is powered by an ETA 2824-2 movement with twenty-five jewels and a water resistance capacity of 30m. This depth rating is not fantastic, but it is good enough for this MeisterSinger watch to survive splashes, rain, and a trip to the shower. The New Vintage Neo Plus retails at $1,370 USD. 6. Tag Heuer Aquaracer (WBD2110.BA0928) Image By: Watch Shopping If you are looking for a luxury diver watch, you cannot go wrong with the Tag Heuer Aquaracer Ref. WBD2110.BA0928. With its fine-brushed and polished stainless steel case, 300m water resistance capacity, and the iconic ETA 2824-2-based Caliber 5, this 41mm Aquaracer piece is a must-have for those who want something sophisticated and reliable, both on land and below it. When viewing this Tag Heuer timepiece as a whole, nothing else catches your eyes quite like its black sunray-brushed dial with a pattern of horizontal lines. Protected by a layer of sapphire glass, this watch features prominent silver hour markers, large pencil hands, a yellow-tipped seconds hand, and a magnified date complication. All of these components come together to make a watch face with a distinct and highly legible design. Underneath the dial is a Tag Heuer Caliber 5, which provides the same precision and reliability as the ETA 2824-2 movement it is based on.  You can purchase the Tag Heuer Aquaracer Ref. WBD2110.BA0928 for approximately $2,250 USD. 7. Junghans Max Bill Automatic (027/4701.02) Image By: Watch Shopping Like MeisterSinger, Junghans is another German brand known for its minimalist timepieces. As part of the brand’s outstanding Max Bill collection, the Junghans Max Bill Automatic is a watch that showcases modernity, refinement, and elegance. With its convex AR-coated sapphire crystal, its beauty remains timeless and unharmed by the outside world. The Junghans Max Bill Automatic utilizes a slim 38mm stainless steel case with thin lugs and an unguarded crown on its right. Its dial has a gorgeous dark blue surface with slender indices, applied silver sword hands, a date display, and luminescent pips on at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock. The J800.1 movement that runs the watch is based on the ETA 2824-2, with its twenty-five jewels and 38-hour power reserve. To complete the Max Bill Automatic’s smart and minimalistic look, Junghans pairs the watch with a simple black leather strap. The Junghans Max Bill costs just $1,280 USD. 8. Ball Engineer Master II Automatic (DM3108A-SCJ-BK) Image By: Watch Shopping Ball is a watchmaker known for making exceptional railroad timekeepers, but they also have a hand in making great dive watches too. For instance, take a look at the Ball Engineer Master II Automatic. The RR1103-C movement that operates inside this watch is not just any standard ETA 2824-2 caliber. It is based on a superb COSC-rated ETA 2824-2 movement with an accuracy rating of -4/+6 seconds per day.  Encasing the watch is a 43mm stainless steel case with a mix of polished and brushed surfaces. At the back of this Ball Engineer Master II timepiece is a solid stainless steel caseback that carries a detailed engraving of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Its matte black dial is rather simple, with indentations on its outer rim to provide space for the tritium gas tube hour indices. Adorned with thick syringe hands and a date window, this dial is incredibly clean and legible, as you would expect of a dive watch. In addition, it has a depth rating of 500m or 1,650ft. You can get your hands on this durable Ball dive watch for $2,280 USD. 9. Breitling Superocean Automatic 48 (V17369161C1S1) Image By: Watch Shopping A daring and bulky watch that can handle all the waves and currents of the Atlantic Ocean, the Breitling Superocean Automatic is the one timepiece you would always want to have when exploring the underwater world. With its robust 48mm DLC-coated titanium case, blue ceramic bezel with a tachymetric bezel, glare-proof sapphire crystal, and 300m depth rating, there are not many luxury dive watches that are as durable as this. Apart from being very resilient, this Breitling Superocean timepiece enjoys a striking ocean-inspired design. Its deep blue dial contains luminous applied hour markers and sword-shaped hands, with a vibrant red-tipped seconds hand for optimal legibility. The Breitling B17 Calibre that runs the watch is based on an ETA 2824-2 movement. Like its base model, the B17 produces 28,800 vibrations per second, has twenty-five jewels, and can last up to 38 hours when fully wound. As the most expensive ETA-powered timepiece on this list, the Breitling Superocean Automatic is worth approximately $4,320 USD. 10. Hamilton Ventura (H24655331) Image By: Watch Shopping To cap off our list, we have another timepiece from Hamilton known as the Hamilton Ventura Ref. H24655331. Based on the original Ventura model launched in 1957, the modern Hamilton Ventura is an intriguing timepiece that represents the bold and daring nature of the Hamilton brand. Its looks are definitely unconventional, but that is one of the main factors that adds to its mystique.  Its 46mm case is made from stainless steel and is wonderfully beveled to create a unique arrowhead-shaped build. The sapphire crystal fitted on top ensures that this exclusive dial remains protected from impacts and scratches. On the dial are applied dauphine hands and three luminous silver-tone hour markers that light up the watch in the dark. The upper corner of the dial and the second hand is coated in red to add a degree of stylish flair to the watch’s black and silver surface. Operating underneath is an ETA 2824-2 based H-10 movement. Its 80-hour power reserve mimics the lengthy power supply that the original Ventura was known to have. The Hamilton Ventura Ref. H24655331 fetches an estimated price of $1,345 USD. Why do many brands use ETA movements? Over the years, ETA movements have proven to be extremely reliable and accurate. In some instances, ETA movements have also been shown to outperform even in-house movements. For watchmakers that do not produce their own movements, ETA is a top choice too, especially since ETA movements are rather easy to modify. With their quality, affordability, and versatility, it is no wonder why many watchmakers choose to base their calibers on ETA movements. Furthermore, since most ETA calibers come in various grades, there are numerous options for watch brands to consider when choosing the perfect movement for their timepiece. Final Thoughts The ETA 2824-2 is arguably one of the most iconic automatic calibers in the entire watchmaking industry. Regarded as a “workhorse movement” by collectors, enthusiasts, and watchmakers alike, the ETA 2824-2 is a tried-and-tested caliber that is highly reliable and efficient despite its affordability and generic nature. And even when it does experience wear and tear, the ETA 2824-2 movement is cheap and easy to service, so you do not have much to worry about. Whether it is in its base form or a modified variant, the ETA 2824-2 can be found in many wristwatches worldwide. Of those models, the ten timepieces mentioned above are some of the best watches that house the ETA 2824-2 caliber. That said, it is by no means an exhaustive list, and there are plenty of other great timekeepers that utilize the ETA 2824-2. So, make sure you do your own research and select the perfect ETA 2824-2 watch that fits all your tastes and preferences. Featured Image By: Tag HeuerNeed another watch with an ETA 2824-2? Check out the Certina DS Action Diver and see if it has what it takes!

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  7. Tudor Black Bay Bronze: Everything You Need To Know (And More)

    Tudor Black Bay Bronze: Everything You Need To Know (And More)

    The Tudor Black Bay is one of the most iconic collections that the Swiss brand has to offer. This nostalgia-influenced line consists of watches inspired by Tudor diving models from the 1950s, in particular, the Tudor Submariner. Arguably considered Tudor’s flagship collection, the Tudor Black Bay is so popular that numerous variations, in a number of colourways, have been released since its launch back in 2012. Among the many Black Bay timepieces and sub-ranges is a beautifully crafted watch known as the Tudor Black Bay Bronze. It is the Black Bay Bronze that will be the star of this article today. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the gorgeous, well-crafted, and functional Tudor Black Bay Bronze. All About The Tudor Black Bay Bronze  The Tudor Black Bay Bronze is one of the many variations of the iconic Black Bay collection. At Baselworld 2016, Tudor officially launched the first model in this sub-range, the Heritage Black Bay Bronze. This original Tudor Black Bay Bronze immediately caught the attention of many since it was the first Black Bay model ever to be presented in a 43mm bronze case, and it was equipped with an in-house movement to boot. The Tudor Black Bay Bronze was an innovative marvel from the brand because virtually everything about it was a new experience for both Tudor and its fans. Tudor continued to experiment with the Black Bay Bronze, consistently exceeding expectations in the years that followed. With that being said, let us delve a little deeper into the detailed specifications of this iconic sub-collection. Exterior If you have encountered the Black Bay collection before, you probably think that the Tudor Black Bay Bronze is simply another variant that comes in a different color. Now, this is actually true to some extent, but there are also some other distinct differences present that you might not notice right away. In terms of its style and design, the Black Bay Bronze follows a similar aesthetic to the other watches in Tudor’s established diving range. It comes with the same, 1950s Submariner-inspired elements such as the familiar unidirectional rotating bezel, luminous hour markers made up of bold geometric shapes, and the iconic Tudor snowflake hands. It also has a winding crown with no crown guard at 3 o’clock, which was another classic trait of old Tudor watches. One difference that stands out between the Tudor Black Bay Bronze and its peers is that it is the only Black Bay watch to come in a 43mm-sized case. In addition, its unidirectional bezel tends to come in either black or bronze, to match the hue of its case, unlike other Black Bay models that offer Pepsi bezels or blue bezels. The Black Bay Bronze’s bezel is marked with a tachymetric scale that has gold indicators, and at the 12 o’clock position, you can find an inverted triangle with a luminous pip — another signature of the Black Bay collection. Meanwhile, when it comes to the strap, the Tudor Black Bay Bronze is usually paired with either a fabric or leather band. These straps feature modern, navy-inspired designs that aim to pay homage to the collection’s maritime heritage. Regardless of which material you select, both variants add a similar rustic effect to the entire Black Bay Bronze. That said, it is possible to get models that are equipped with a matching bronze bracelet, such as the Tudor Black Bay Ref. 79012M. Variants with the bronze bracelet tend to have a more professional air. They are best suited to those looking for versatile pieces that they can bring both underwater and into a boardroom. Material Without a doubt, the highlight of the Tudor Black Bay Bronze is its use of unusual materials. The Tudor Black Bay Bronze is primarily crafted from a quality copper-aluminum alloy, also known as aluminum bronze, that is both strong and very visually appealing. Its rustic hue adds to the Black Bay Bronze’s classy vintage-inspired aesthetic so that people often think that it is meant to be a simple dress watch. However, this aluminum bronze material is actually highly durable and resistant to scratches, impacts, and even corrosion, allowing the Tudor Black Bay Bronze to easily handle harsh environments too. Aside from that, this particular metal is also known to form a unique patina. In simple layman’s terms, this means that the bronze case of the Black Bay Bronze will develop into a darker, almost brown-bronze hue caused by oxidation as the years pass. While this may sound unappealing to some, good patination in watches equates to it ageing well, and watches that develop a good patina frequently gain in value over time. One thing to note is that in the early stages of patina formation, you might notice some green flecks on your skin after you wear the Tudor Black Bay Bronze for extended periods of time. You need not worry, however, because this “green effect” will stop as the patina becomes more developed. One way to avoid this green effect would also be to purchase a bund strap, which will ensure that the bronze case never touches your skin. Price Range  The Tudor Black Bay Bronze has a price range of around $4,000 USD to $5,000 USD which is relatively affordable for a highly-regarded luxury watch. The standard retail price of the Black Bay Bronze is $4,089 USD, but some models can come at higher prices, such as the Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze, which can be purchased for around $4,455 USD. You can also find cheaper models on the second-hand market, with prices differing depending on the reseller, the demand, the condition of the watch, and other such factors.  Reputation  As a model that offered something different from the usual Black Bay collection, the Tudor Black Bay Bronze was very well-received by Tudor patrons and watch enthusiasts from the get-go. It further broadened the scope of the brand’s flagship luxury watch collection by introducing new, impressive characteristics like the 43mm bronze case, Tudor’s in-house movements, and exceptionally durable, elegant robustness. With such an impeccable reputation, it is no surprise why people keep coming back to the Tudor Black Bay Bronze. Selection of Tudor Black Bay Bronze Models With all that out of the way, let us go through some of the best Tudor Black Bay Bronze models available in the market today. 1. Tudor Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79012M  First up, we have the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze Ref. 79012M. This is a sleek and elegant model that is not only sturdy enough to survive underwater depths but would also not look out of place on any occassions. Contrary to popular belief, this particular model actually belongs to the Black Bay Fifty-Eight subrange, which is why it comes in a slightly smaller case size of 39mm. This can be confusing for some, especially because this watch bears the “bronze” identification in its name despite not being a part of the Tudor Black Bay Bronze sub-collection. This Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze piece comes in a bronze case with a riveted bronze bracelet and dark brown-bronze unidirectional bezel. The dial comes in a matching chocolate brown hue and consists of luminescent hour markers, snowflake hands, and Arabic numerals that are also filled with lume. Its three-hand mechanism is powered by a COSC-certified mechanical caliber MT5400, which provides a 70-hour power reserve and a substantial 200-meter water resistance capacity. Retailing at around $4,500 USD, this Tudor Black Bay Bronze model is the perfect option for those who prefer classic, versatile bronze watches. 2. Tudor Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79250BM  Next, we have the Tudor Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79250BM. Although it has a very similar watch face to the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze, this model exudes a more casual, relaxed aura that is sure to elevate your everyday style. An interesting thing about this piece is that it was actually launched at the 2016 Baselworld, making it the first-ever Tudor Black Bay Bronze model ever released. Like the Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze Ref. 79012M, this model boasts a dark brown dial and an exquisite brown-bronze unidirectional bezel, with luminous hour markers, Arabic numerals, and snowflake hands. However, the Ref. 79250M has a more vintage look that leans towards the smart casual side, especially with its aged leather strap in brown. This is paired with a larger 43mm bronze case. This model is also equipped with a self-winding MT5601 caliber which yields a 70-hour power reserve, a 200-meter depth rating, and a frequency of 4 Hz. With a price tag of approximately $4,349 USD, this model is the perfect choice for those who want something robust and handsome to accompany them in their daily routines. 3. Tudor Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79250BA  The Tudor Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79250BA is the most recent release from this sub-collection. This watch shows off quite a different look from the first two Tudor Black Bay Bronze options above, but it has the same air of sleek sophistication. The Tudor Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79250BA features a 43mm bronze case, a rounded black nubuck leather strap with white stitching, and a unidirectional bezel in the same black shade. The dial, on the other hand, comes in a slate grey colour, with luminous hour markers and large snowflake hands. Just like its predecessor, this watch runs on an automatic in-house MT5601 caliber which is COSC-certified and has a power reserve of 70 hours. You can get your hands on this watch for just $4,100 USD. If you are not a fan of the black leather strap, you also have a choice of opting for a slate grey fabric strap, which retails at the exact same price. 4. Tudor Black Bay Bronze ‘Blue Special Edition’ Ref. 79250BB  Lastly, we have the Tudor Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79250BB, which was released in 2017 and is a special edition model developed for the retailer Bucherer. In a partnership with Bucherer, Tudor created this blue variation of the Black Bay Bronze to celebrate the famous retail shop’s 130th year in the industry. Design-wise, the Tudor Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79250BB looks very similar to the other models, but its interplay of bronze and blue definitely gives it a more regal, striking aesthetic. This watch comes in a 43mm bronze case along with a fabric strap and unidirectional bezel that both come in dark blue. Its dial features a matching shade of blue, with Tudor’s signature snowflake hands and luminous hour markers in geometric shapes and Arabic numerals. Powered by the MT5601 caliber, this watch has a 70-hour power reserve and a 200-meter water resistance rating. The Tudor Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79250BB retails at a price of $4,110 USD. Who Should Buy It?  Now, let us talk about those of you who should definitely get this watch.  Bronze Watch Enthusiasts. First of all, watch enthusiasts with an affinity for bronze timepieces will definitely enjoy the Tudor Black Bay Bronze. The patina of bronze watches, as described above, is considered very attractive, and many watch connoisseurs think that it adds to the watch’s collectibility. The Tudor Black Bay Bronze, in particular, is one of the most popular bronze models in the luxury watch market. It has all the great qualities of a bronze piece, like corrosion-resistant and beautiful ageing, but elevated to a whole new level of sophistication. If you enjoy bronze watches, be sure to check the Black Bay Bronze out.Lovers of Vintage-Inspired Models. The Black Bay collection, as a whole, is inspired by Tudor’s diving models from the 1950s. This means that the essence of the Tudor Black Bay Bronze is deeply entangled with the past, which is evident from its nostalgic design scheme, with snowflake hands and bold luminous hour markers inspired by 1950s Tudor watches. Aside from that, the use of bronze alloy also gives the Black Bay Bronze a gorgeous antique look that only becomes better over time. Fans of vintage-inspired watches will definitely love having a Tudor Black Bay Bronze piece in their collection. Tudor Patrons. Lastly, the Black Bay Bronze is recommended for all Tudor patrons out there. It is one of the best watches that Tudor has to offer because it is a perfect balance of elegance and reliability. In addition, it belongs to Tudor’s flagship collection, so it already carries a certain reputation and prestige in the watchmaking community. Simply put, the Tudor Black Bay Bronze is a model that clearly reflects Tudor’s unparalleled craftsmanship and heritage, and it is a great choice for any Tudor fan.Alternative Models to the Tudor Black Bay Bronze After all that information about the Tudor Black Bay Bronze, some of you are probably curious if there are other models out there with a similar aesthetic that might cater more to your taste. This is why we have curated a list of the best watches that can serve as alternative options to the Tudor Black Bay Bronze.  1. Omega Seamaster Ref. 234.92.41.21.10.001 Starting off with the Omega Seamaster Ref. 234.92.41.21.10.001, this is a sophisticated, dressy piece that is quite similar to the Tudor Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79250BA. Like the Black Bay Bronze Ref. 79250BA, this Omega Seamaster watch has a familiar, vintage-influenced look that works very well with a suit and tie ensemble. The Omega Seamaster Ref. 234.92.41.21.10.001 comes in a 41mm bronze gold case with a black unidirectional bezel and a supple leather strap in brown. Unlike the Black Bay Bronze, the bezel of this Omega watch is made of ceramic, which makes it even more resistant to scratches. It also has a brown-black dial which features luminescent arrow-shaped hands, arrowhead hour markers, and faded Arabic numerals that serve to enhance its old-school vibe. On the underside of the watch, you can find a transparent caseback that gives you a view of the self-winding OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Caliber 8912 that powers the watch. This caliber also gives the watch a 300-meter water resistance rating and a 60-hour power reserve. You can purchase this classic Omega piece for around $11,549 USD. 2. MeisterSinger Classic Plus Ref. ME917BR_SVF02-1 Next up, we have the MeisterSinger Classic Plus Ref. ME917BR_SVF02-1, which serves as a more laid-back yet equally robust alternative to the Tudor Black Bay Bronze. This is the type of watch that catches people’s attention in a subtle way. The MeisterSinger Classic Plus Ref. ME917BR_SVF02-1 comes in a slimmer 38mm bronze case paired with a vintage handmade leather strap with brown and long, well-defined lugs. Other than its bronze exterior, the highlight of this MeisterSinger Classic Plus piece is probably its sunburst blue dial. It features a truly unique handset with a singular hand, luminous Arabic numerals, a minute track, and a circular date window at 6 o’clock. Underneath the watch face, you can find a self-winding Sellita SW200-1 caliber with 25 jewels and a 38-hour power reserve. For those seeking a more low-key, casual bronze piece, this $1,569 USD MeisterSinger watch would be an excellent choice. 3. Rado Captain Cook Ref. R32504315 The last option on our list, the Rado Captain Cook Ref. R32504315 serves as a more striking and fun alternative to the Tudor Black Bay Bronze. It has a vibrant and lively exterior that will surely draw the eyes of fellow watch enthusiasts. This Rado Captain Cook watch features a 42mm bronze case with a deep green ceramic bezel and a black leather strap. This is paired with a matching sunburst green dial, which features large arrow hands, luminescent hour indices, and a small rectangular date window at 3 o’clock. The interplay of bronze and green hues go together incredibly well, making this a truly eye-catching timepiece. Meanwhile, the interior of this Rado piece is equipped with an automatic movement that boasts an impressive power reserve of 80 hours. Priced at just $2,100 USD, this is the perfect watch for those who enjoy colorful and sophisticated bronze timepieces. Final Thoughts Ultimately, the Tudor Black Bay Bronze serves as a reflection of Tudor’s consistent innovation when it comes to its flagship Black Bay collection. With the Black Bay Bronze, Tudor created an elegant, vintage-looking model that boasts a timeless aesthetic and excellent functionality. If you want something that was truly built to last, in terms of both durability and design, then the Tudor Black Bay Bronze is one of the best watches to check out! All images are credited to WatchShopping.com and Tudor’s official website. Interested in more diving watches? Check out our article on Citizen NY0040!

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  8. 15 Lesser Known Watch Brands You Should Consider

    15 Lesser Known Watch Brands You Should Consider

    If you are currently on the hunt for new members of your growing timepiece collection, chances are you know the names Cartier, Omega, Rolex, and TAG Heuer like the back of your hand. However, in reality, there are dozens of other watch labels out there that create outstanding timepieces with compelling designs, unparalleled precision, and superior longevity.  Perhaps you are the type of person who does not like settling for the mainstream, and who likes their time-telling accessories unique yet versatile. If so, here are fifteen obscure watch brands that should be on your radar. 15 Best Lesser-Known Watch Brands 1. Georg Jensen Georg Jensen Vivianna Ref. 3575655_0Established by its Danish silversmith namesake, Georg Jensen, is one of the most unknown yet extremely artistic watch companies today. Georg Jensen is better known for its amazing line up of well-designed jewelry, cutlery, gift products, tableware and other home items made out of pure silver. That said, the brand also makes some fine wristwatches using high-quality stainless steel and sophisticated Swiss automatic movements. As a company heavily influenced by Scandinavian principles, Georg Jensen’s timepieces are sleek, breathtaking and elegant. These watches embody simplicity and focus on just the essentials of timekeeping.  Famous Models The brand ventured into the horological realm in the late 1960s with the release of the well-acclaimed Vivianna Bangle, made in collaboration with talented Swedish silversmith Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe. Equipped with a mirror dial, an odd-shaped bangle bracelet, and a hand-wound movement made by Chopard, the timekeeper screams fanciness and timelessness all at once. Today, the Vivianna Bangle watch remains one of the most quintessential pieces from Georg Jensen. One modern variant is the Vivianna Ref. 3575655_0, which comes in a 34mm stainless steel case with a diamond-studded dial and bezel. Powered by a Swiss-made Caliber ETA E61.031 that has a battery life of up to 49 months, it costs around $13,500 USD. This makes it the most expensive piece from the obscure Danish watch brand today. 2. Giuliano Mazzuoli Manometro Compressed Polished Blue and Trasmissione Meccanica ChronographNext up, we have another luxury brand from Europe that excels in manufacturing fully-functional and stylish timepieces. This brand is perfect for sports timepiece lovers and those who have an eye for unusual concepts. Known as Giuliano Mazzuoli, this obscure watch company has a remarkable heritage under its belt. Its story began in 1949 when its namesake owner’s father decided to bring their family’s designs to life through various products. When Mazzuoli took the helm in the 1970s, the company shifted its focus to manufacturing planners, notebooks, and writing instruments with compelling appearances. Eventually, they also expanded to crafting bold watches with unique aesthetics. Famous Models One version that stands out is the Manometro Compressed Polished Blue. This watch comes in a 45mm chunky stainless steel case and a bezel made out of the same material. Secured with a brown calfskin Florentine leather strap, it also features a beautiful blue dial. This dial is adorned with white railroad-like markings on the outer ring, Arabic numeral indices and luminous baton-style hour and minute hands. Priced at around $2,900 USD, this Giuliano Mazzuoli watch is water-resistant up to depths of 30 meters and relies on a 25-jewel automatic ETA 2824/2 movement.  Perhaps you want something with a little more attitude? Try the Trasmissione Meccanica Chronograph instead, which costs around $6,720 USD. Taking inspiration from an automobile transmission, this piece with a black strap has a stainless steel case with unusual patterned edges. It tells more than just the time by having a handy chronograph function as well. 3. Junghans Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope Ref. 27/4500.49 and Junghans Force Mega Solar Ref. 18/1938.44Another obscure watch brand worth knowing is Junghans, which is a company based in Schramberg, Germany. The German brand began creating products bearing its own name in 1866 and soon became the largest clock manufacturer in the world, with around 3 million pieces produced yearly. Junghans finally decided to manufacture wristwatches in 1927, and eventually started crafting its own movements in the 1930s.  Oozing with precision, their watches are not only refined but also stylish enough to be worn at any occasion. With their vintage and commanding designs, extremely neat lines and impressive movements, it is no surprise why Junghans watches are popular among seasoned enthusiasts and lovers of classic aesthetics.  Famous Models Whether you are into chic dress watches or highly-robust timekeepers equipped with a few useful complications, Junghans has definitely got you covered. However, if there is one piece that encapsulates what the brand is all about, it would probably be the Max Bill watch. First produced in the 1950s, the Max Bill perfectly embodies the revolutionary Bauhaus art movement. It utilizes  a unique, minimalist blueprint and numerous functionalities that make its wearers’ lives simpler. One good contemporary example is the Junghans Max Bill Chronoscope Ref. 27/4500.49. This piece comes in a 40mm stainless steel case paired with a silver-colored Milanese bracelet. Protected by a plexiglass crystal, its black dial has luminous Arabic numeral indices and pencil-style hands, two chronograph subdials at 12 and 6 o’clock marks, and a date-day indicator at 3 o’clock.  In terms of durability, this watch runs on a self-winding Caliber J880.2 movement with 48 hours worth of power reserve. Priced at around $2,200 USD, this Max Bill piece is also water-resistant up to depths of 30 meters, meaning it can easily withstand a few accidental splashes and raindrops.  4. Komono Komono Ray Legacy Nato Lunar and Komono Mono SkyHailing from Belgium, Komono can be your next source of affordable watches made from superior materials. The youthful nature of this young and obscure brand is inspired by its founders Raf Maes and Anton Janssens, who are former snowboarders by profession. They officially introduced watches to their sunglasses and opticals brand in 2009, and have been making waves in the horological field since then.  Famous Models Eye-catching and stunning, the Komono Ray Legacy Nato Lunar is a great option if you are into understated and straightforward pieces that steal attention effortlessly. With its 38mm alloy case and nude-colored recycled webbing band, this dive watch can easily match any of your ensembles. Shielded by a tough mineral crystal, its black dial features white baton and Arabic numeral hour markers, stick-shaped hands, and a small seconds sub-dial sitting above the 6, 7, and 8 o’clock positions. In terms of its technical specifications, this $115 USD Komono watch runs on a reliable Japanese quartz mechanism and is water-resistant up to depths of 50 meters.  If the Ray Legacy is not enough to satisfy your thirst for minimalistic and versatile timepieces, you could always go for a slightly bolder choice, the Komono Mono Sky. The Mono Sky watch is available in many colorways, but the sky-blue piece is the most pleasing to the eyes. It comes in a polycarbonate case that complements the sky-blue silicone strap and dial, which is adorned with grey baton hands and hour markers. Protecting the watch’s quartz movement is a sturdy case back made out of stainless steel. You can cop this Komono piece for around $69 USD, making this one of the most affordable obscure watches out there. 5. Objest Objest Hach Grey Automatic and Objest Simple Black WatchIf a customized timepiece sounds appealing to you, then Objest might be the answer to your prayers. From the dial, hands, and strap, down to the buckle, rotor, crown, and date window down, almost every detail of Objest watches are fully customizable. You do not have to worry about the design process since Objest offers lovely colorway, finish, and material choices that will surely fit all your needs and preferences.  This company also houses ready-made pieces designed in London and assembled by veteran watchmakers from Switzerland. Boasting minimalistic aesthetics. These unisex Objest watches also use top-tier engines made by either Ronda or ETA, so you do not need to worry about their durability at all. Famous Models Looking for something that exudes a luxurious and an athletic vibe? The Objest Hach Grey Automatic is the right choice. Its 42mm DLC-treated stainless steel case guarantees protection from any kinds of scratches and bumps. Matched with a black numberless dial with three-dimensional patterns and thick rounded baton-style hands, this watch is effortlessly attractive. It also has a single vibrant yellow minute hand, which adds a youthful touch to the watch’s whole look. though the single vibrant yellow accent also adds a youthful touch.  This Swiss-made watch also has an exhibition case back and a grey strap made from soft Italian leather. Powered by a 25-jewel ETA 2824-2 automatic movement with 38 hours of power reserve, this Objest unisex watch will set you back by around $690 USD. 6. Shinola Shinola The Runwell 47mm Ref. 20223880-SDT-010752541 and Shinola Middle Child Detrola Ref. 20194499-sdt-008445313Let us take a break from European brands and take a closer look at this impressive but frequently unknown American watchmaker. Shinola‘s legacy officially started in 2011, with entrepreneur and former executive for Fossil, Tom Kartsotis. The founder had one goal in mind: to craft affordable and fully-functional American timepieces that could directly compete with watches produced by renowned Swiss manufacturers.  Famous Models From the build and finishes to the dial layout and style of the crowns, pushers and strap, everything about Shinola watches will remind you of the old times. One good example of a vintage-inspired timepiece from the brand is the Shinola The Runwell 47mm Ref. 20223880-SDT-010752541, which is priced at only $625 USD. As its name suggests, it comes in a 47mm case made out of sandblast PVD gunmetal and a hand-sewn brown Cattail strap. The matte velvet dial boasts a fierce midnight blue color, and is adorned with a small seconds subdial, silver Arabic numeral indices and sword-style hands.  As if these were not enough, this Shinola watch relies on a powerful Argonite 1069 quartz movement and has around 2 years worth of battery life. This striking piece is also available in many other colorways and sizes. It is an excellent, if somewhat obscure, choice for urbane men who wish to express themselves through their watch.  7. Skagen Skagen Ancher Ref. SKW6779 and Skagen Anita Ref. SKW2151Coming from the northernmost town in Denmark, Skagen has been in operation since 1989. This obscure brand offers pocket-friendly and trendy timepieces suitable for any occasion. As proof of its growth over the past few decades, the company now houses other goods in their product lineup, such as handbags, jewelry, homewares, decors, and other accessories.  Attractive and streamlined, Skagen watches are generally for people who appreciate sustainable and timeless concepts. Besides having thin cases that feel light on the wrist, most Skagen watches sport colors that fall on the monochromatic or neutral side. Endorsing variety, many models come with leather or NATO straps but loyal consumers also love the Milanese bands designed personally by Skagen. Though they showcase minimalistic concepts, these Skagen watches pack a lot of features, ranging from open-worked dials, date and day components, chronographs and dual time.  Famous Models If you have been looking for a good monochromatic timepiece, the Skagen Ancher Ref. SKW6779 is definitely an excellent choice. This men’s watch comes in a 40mm case and a thin fixed bezel made out of 50% recycled stainless steel. This matches well with the beautiful stainless steel mesh bracelet with a safety mesh buckle. As a Bauhaus-inspired watch, its charcoal-colored dial is tidy and pleasing to look at. It features silver baton hour markers and luminous hands that glow brightly in low-light conditions. Powered by a simple three-hand movement, this Skagen Ancher piece is one of the best Skagen watches you can get, costing around $135 USD only.  Next, we have another chic and graceful watch, but this time catered towards the ladies. The Skagen Anita Ref. SKW2151 comes in a 30mm rose gold stainless steel paired with the signature mesh bracelet of the brand. What makes this Skagen Anita watch especially popular among women is its stunning silver sunray dial, which is adorned with Arabic numerals and dot indices, and baton hands in rose gold. Much like other Skagen watches, this piece also runs on a three-hand movement and is water-resistant up to depths of 30 meters. You can get it for $135 USD as well. 8. Thomas Earnshaw Thomas Earnshaw Beaufort ES-8059-02 and Thomas Earnshaw Bloomsbury ES-8124-33English watchmaker Thomas Earnshaw was the man who simplified the production of marine chronometers back in the 1700s. This unknown brand, named after the esteemed watchmaker, excels in creating intricately-designed watches that fit the lifestyles of passionate adventure-seekers.  The dials and case backs of Thomas Earnshaw watches are mostly skeletonized and transparent, which lets users view the beauty of  their movements. As a brand which likes utilizing retro themes and techniques, you will also notice that its watches have cases and straps that come in quintessential silver, black, gold and white hues. When it comes to performance, most Thomas Earnshaw watches rely on automatic movements and have simple time-telling capacities only.  Famous Models One outstanding watch from the brand is the Thomas Earnshaw Beaufort ES-8059-02. This watch comes in a 43mm gold-colored case and a brown strap made out of genuine leather. Showcasing the brand’s mastery of watchmaking, its insanely intricate dial features subtle lines and skeleton parts that allow wearers to admire the beauty of its movement. As if this unique design is not enough, this Thomas Earnshaw watch also runs on an automatic movement and has a water resistance rating of 50 meters. Priced at around $601 USD, this is one of the best-seller pieces from the obscure brand.  9. Alpina Alpina Alpiner4 Automatic Ref. AL-525G5AQ6 and Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage Brown AL-525BR4H4Alpina is a lesser-known yet still impressive watch company that started making history in the late 1800s. It built its underrated reputation crafting exquisite and classy sports watches.  Today, Alpina continues to impress with its robust yet sophisticated watches, which are perfect for people who equally prioritize form and function. Every watch that comes out of its factory undergoes various tests to ensure its effectiveness and reliability while faced with tough conditions. Despite being rather obscure, Alpina is a brand you can definitely trust if you are on the hunt for masterful but budget-friendly pieces that do not disappoint. Famous Models If you are more of the old-school type, then you will surely love this brown diver from Alpina that is water-resistant up to a whopping 300 meters. The Alpina Seastrong Diver Heritage Brown AL-525BR4H4 has a 42mm stainless steel case in a bronze hue and a matching brown strap made out of leather. Protected by a sapphire crystal, its brown dial features rose gold indices and hands with beige luminous elements. Priced at around $1,827 USD, this Alpina Seastrong watch runs on a robust automatic movement that beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. 10. Ball Ball Engineer III Pioneer Ref. NM2026C-S15CJ-BK and Ball Engineer Trainmaster Standard Time Ref. NM3888D-S1CJ-WHAmong the lesser-known brands listed here, this next one offers some of the most advanced timekeepers. Ball Watch Company, better known as Ball, is known for pioneering numerous horological innovations over the last 130 years. Originating from Cleveland, United States, this unknown watch brand deeply honors the American railroad industry.  Today, the brand continues to release state-of-the-art timepieces, made for all kinds of professional pursuits. Tough and compelling, Ball watches are equipped with extremely legible dials, sturdy straps, useful functions, and high-performing movements. Many of Ball’s tool watches also embody an athletic appeal that men will surely appreciate. One of the major inventions of the brand is the helium escape valve system, which allows watches to operate more efficiently underwater. Famous Models For those of you who prefer subtle timepieces that are not too overwhelming, you can get the Ball Engineer III Pioneer Ref. NM2026C-S15CJ-BK, which retails at around $2,515 USD. It comes in a 40mm stainless steel case and a bracelet made out of the same material. Apart from the magnified date display, its black dial has baton-style and Arabic numeral indices, and dauphine hands, all fitted with tritium gas tubes. Together, they allow for great readability, especially in low-light conditions. The Ball Trainmaster Standard Time Ref. NM3888D-S1CJ-WH is also a great option if you like dials with a simple but organized design. This $2,924 USD men’s Ball watch bears a milky white dial that matches well with its stainless steel bracelet. Aside from the stylized Roman numeral indices, the watch face is also adorned with a date window and playful blued steel hands. Performance wise, this Ball Trainmaster watch runs on a Caliber BALL RR1105-C automatic movement and has shock-resistance rating of up to 5,000 gauss. 11. Festina Festina Chrono Sport Ref. F20439/1 and Festina Women’s Boyfriend Ref. F20403/1Another excellent watchmaker that has been continuously impressing everyone with its magnificent creations is Festina. Founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1902, this relatively obscure watch corporation now includes brands like Candino, Perrelet, Lotus, Jaguar, and Calypso. Festina also has a huge global presence, maintaining production hubs in countries worldwide and selling about 5 million units per year. Festina is also well-known for its involvement with the cycling industry and for being the official timekeeper for the Tour de France from 1992 to 2016. The brand specializes inelegant dress watches and practical chronograph timepieces, perfect for modern men and women.  Famous Models Moving on to a more dainty option, Festina offers delightful pieces suitable for the ladies. One of them is the Festina Boyfriend Ref. F20403/1, which has a silver and rose gold color scheme that endorses supreme elegance. Priced at $207 USD, this piece features a 36mm 316L stainless steel case and a matching bracelet with rose gold links. Protected by a mineral crystal, its dial has stone-studded indices and baton hands coated with luminous elements. This Festina Boyfriend piece runs on an analog movement and has a water resistance rating of 50 meters. 12. MeisterSinger MeisterSinger Circularis Ref. CC903 and MeisterSinger Classic N°01 DM303_SV02 Moving on, we have a relatively young, obscure brand from Münster, Germany, which produces distinctive and high-concept watches that fuse traditional and modern concepts. Known as MeisterSinger, this revolutionary company was established in 2001.  What makes MeisterSinger watches so distinct are its award-winning designs, vintage-inspired appearances, and contemporary details. Inspired directly by tower clocks from the 15th century, these watches only have one hand that tells the time instead of the standard two or three hands. While many of you may find this odd, this concept brought the brand fame and immense recognition among seasoned collectors. In fact, it also allowed the brand to win numerous awards from well-known horological award-giving bodies.  Famous Models For an affordable but highly dependable and solid option, the MeisterSinger Classic N°01 DM303_SV02 is the right choice. Its stainless steel case and domed sapphire glass guarantee protection from any kinds of scratches and impacts. Matched with an ivory dial and a thin black hand that sweeps smoothly over the Arabic numeral hour markers, this watch is effortlessly classic. Aside from a large, easy-to-grip crown that makes timekeeping easier for wearers, this Swiss-made watch has a water resistance rating of 50 meters. Priced at around $1,607 USD, this MeisterSinger Classic watch runs on a high-powered Sellita SW210 hand-wound movement. 13. Nixon  Nixon Sentry Ref. A356-502-00 Demonstrating what American watchmaking is about, Nixon began making waves in the industry in 1997. It started out by producing voguish yet dependable timepieces that would not break the bank. The brand started with only seven models, but slowly expanded its offerings in the succeeding years.  Nixon watches were initially crafted for a more youthful audience,  who enjoy thrill-seeking and  love being outdoors. Today, however, Nixon’s expanded selection of watches, along with its other fashion items like bags, accessories, and clothing, cater to people from different walks of life. These include professionals, casual wearers, and sports lovers. Famous Models The Nixon Sentry Ref. A356-502-00 stands out due to its all-gold color scheme, and its brushed case and bracelet that look good even from afar. Embodying the phrase “simplicity is beauty”, its dial only has a simple date-day component and baton hour markers and hands. Apart from a three-link bracelet, this watch also features a Miyota quartz movement at its core. You can get this 100 meter water-resistant Nixon Sentry watch for only $275 USD.  14. SevenFriday SevenFriday P-Series Ref. P1B/01 and SevenFriday S-Series Ref. S2/01If you are into futuristic and ultra-unique timekeepers that do not stick to the status quo, then you will surely love what this lesser-known Swiss luxury watch brand has to offer. Called SevenFriday, this young company lives by the principle of enjoying life as if everyday is Friday. Its products also embody this vision perfectly, which is why they are all unique and well-designed. As a lifestyle brand which prioritizes creativity and constant innovation, SevenFriday also offers eyewear, watch accessories, and apparels. Famous Models One of the most popular SevenFriday watches is the P-Series Ref. P1B/01. It is a piece that can instantly spark conversations with its 47mm square-shaped case, case back and bezel, all made out of polished stainless steel. What’s more, it is protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal and is powered by a high-caliber Miyota 82S7 automatic movement. Retailing at $995 USD, the focal point of this SevenFriday P-Series watch is its ornate dial, which is adorned with black markings and a delicately skeletonized portion that gives wearers a glimpse of its inner mechanisms. Another eye-catching timepiece is the 47mm S-Series Ref. S2/01, which costs $1,250 USD. Just like the previous model, it comes in a polished stainless steel case and bezel that match the embossed and padded black calfskin leather strap. Protected by a layer of anti-reflective mineral glass, its dial has antique brass PVD-coated metal all over its surface, as well as black texts that exhibit great legibility. With its tough machine-like exterior and extraordinary format, this SevenFriday S-Series watch is indeed worth getting. 15. Bremont Bremont ALT1-C Griffon-R-S and Bremont ALT1-WT-BL-R-SLast but not the least is another British luxury brand, Bremont, which specializes in creating chronometers suitable for the members of the aviation niche. Fueled by its passion for British engineering, Bremont started producing watches equipped with numerous groundbreaking technologies such as the TRIP-TICK case, Bremont Anti-Shock, and the like. Most of the brand’s watches are reserved for the members of the armed forces, which serves as proof that they are indeed robust and reliable.  As proof of the brand’s excellence and commitment to superior watchmaking, they have even won numerous awards with their commendable designs. If you are looking for an obscure brand that houses timepieces worth every penny, Bremont is definitely the way to go. Famous Models A good pilot watch from the brand is the Bremont ALT1-C Griffon-R-S, which costs around $9,220 USD. It comes in a 43mm stainless steel case and case back, with a black strap made out of leather. The dial is in a stark black color, decorated with Arabic numeral hour markers and Super-LumiNova-coated hands. Aside from bearing two-subdials for the chronograph function, it also has a date window at 6 o’clock and a sweep seconds hand. On the inside, this Bremont watch runs on an automatic Caliber 13 1/4”’ BE-50AE with 25 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve.   While the brand undoubtedly excels at creating pilot watches, they also make quality pieces perfect for dedicated explorers. One of them is the Bremont ALT1-WT-BL-R-S, which has a World Time function, in addition to its date, chronograph and UTC hand features. It runs on a Caliber 13 1/4”’ BE-54AE as well and is water-resistant up to depths of 100 meters. You can expect this hardy $5,000 USD watch to last you for years—perhaps even decades. Final Thoughts On the whole, lesser-known brands will make you realize that not all dependable timepieces worth collecting always come from acclaimed labels. They may be considered as underdogs for now but these obscure watch brands should not be underestimated. This is especially true given the massive amount of dedication, creativity, and meticulosity they put into their watchmaking process.  With their incredible passion for craftsmanship, it will be quite interesting to see how these unknown watchmakers will grow and what they will offer in the future. Given how these lesser-known watch labels give equal importance to design, performance, and innovation, it will not be surprising if they also become mainstream in the future. Either way, you can be sure that any piece that comes out from these obscure watch companies’ respective factories will deliver precise timekeeping and reliable dependability.  Looking for more timepieces worth adding to your growing collection? Better check out our articles on the Top Eco-Friendly Watches and the 7 Best Minimalist Watches for Men. Photos from the aforementioned brands’ official websites, unless otherwise noted

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  9. 16 Best Watches Under $2000

    16 Best Watches Under $2000

    You might not know this, but the most common entry-level price range for luxury watches happens to be somewhere between $1,000 USD and $3,000 USD. If you are looking for a sophisticated luxury timepiece, but you have a set budget of under $2,000 USD, then you have come to the right page. What do you look for in a luxury watch? Is it a product made from precious metals? Something that can last you for decades or generations? A watch that can elevate your public image? Indeed, luxury timepieces have a lot to offer, which is why they do not come cheaply.  Fear not, however! We have compiled 16 of the best luxury watches that fall entirely within your budget limit. Each timepiece in this list is famous for its classic style, reliability, and affordability. Watches Under $2,000: Our Top Picks 1. Monta Atlas GMT When you mix sophisticated with sporty, you get Monta’s Atlas GMT.This Monta watch’s stainless steel case is both polished and brushed, giving it a professional, gleaming sheen. It also comes with a sapphire crystal, applied dial elements, and several other quality parts like a signed buckle, rotor, and teeth-edged crown. Its striking black dial is its real highlight. It gives you a classy feel, with its sunburst black backdrop contrasted against silver appliques and vibrant red accents. In addition, the Monta Atlas GMT is equipped with a Swiss Sellita SW300 movement, which is an upgrade from the SW200. The SW300 variation comes with a GMT complication that allows for the tracking of a second-time zone. It also offers approximately 42 hours of power reserve, making it ideal for everyday wear. It is water-resistant up to  depths of 150 meters, meaning you can easily bring it to your casual diving activities. Just be prepared to fork out about $1,850 USD for this luxurious timepiece. 2. Seiko Presage Ref. SPB095  When it comes to pristine watch craftsmanship that comes at affordable prices, Seiko is second to no one. This has been proven with its Seiko Presage line, which offers meticulous in-house watchmaking, excellent value, and  flawlessly-made dials that showcase the legendary Japanese Shokunin culture.  One exceptional watch from this line is the Seiko Presage SPB095J1. This watch’s dial is made out from exquisite Arita porcelain, giving it an unusual, snow-white surface. This dial is made from the artistic brilliance of Hiroyuki Hashiguchi, and a team of expert craftsmen from the island of Kyushu. Moreover, the Seiko Presage SPB095J1 is powered with Seiko’s very own caliber 6R35 automatic movement. This is a powerful movement with a whopping 70 hours of power reserve. It also has a water resistance rating of up to 100 meters, making it a great collectible piece. For just $1,700 USD, you can buy this one-of-a-kind Japanese luxury watch. 3. NOMOS Club Campus Ref. 738 NOMOS Glashutte is a relatively small and independent watch brand. That said, it has managed to make a formidable name for itself in a surprisingly short amount of time. This is mostly because the brand continuously focuses on developing high-quality yet accessible watches. In particular, these NOMOS Glashutte watches come with  powerful in-house calibers that are priced quite reasonable. The NOMOS Club series is an ideal testament to that reputation. The Nomos Glashutte Club 738 has a price tag of $1,650 USD and offers customers a 38.5mm case made of polished steel. It boasts one of the brand’s signature calibers, the Alpha. This manual movement accurately tells the hours, minutes, and seconds. It also has a substantial 43-hour power reserve. This watch’s youthful and stylish approach makes it ideal for students or graduates looking for the best watches under $2,000. 4. Longines The Longines Master Collection Ref. L29094786  The Master Collection from Longines made its debut back in 2005 and has been a crowd favorite ever since. The beautiful Longines Master Collection L29094786 is a particular standout from this range. This stainless steel watch comes with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Its textured dial features blued steel hands that sweep majestically over painted Arabic numeral markers. This watch also has a 64-hour power reserve, so you do not have to worry about winding it over the weekends. The bracelet on this Longines timepiece is made of stainless steel, and has a buckle to keep the watch securely fitted on your wrist.  Today, the Longines Master watch retails at a price of $1,650 USD. It is a must-have watch for those looking for a simple yet luxurious piece at a budget-friendly price. 5. Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Tough Here is something that fits right in the budget range of the middle class. This Eco-Drive Tough watch from the Citizen Promaster collection features a basic watch design equipped with the latest quartz technology. This watch’s steel monobloc case is water-resistant up to depths of 200 meters. Along with the stainless steel bracelet and case comes a synthetic sapphire crystal and a secure screw-down crown. The watch is also eco-friendly and can be powered by light, thanks to the  Eco-Drive technology of Citizen. Retailing at $400 USD, this is a great and affordable all-rounder timepiece. 6. Bell & Ross Ref. BR V1-92  Like NOMOS, Bell & Ross is another relatively young, modern watchmaking brand. Launched in the 1990s, Bell & Ross has grown into one of the most well-known luxury brands out there today. The minimalistic and striking dial design of Bell & Ross Vintage BRV192 is what helps this watch stand out. This Bell & Ross Vintage piece also boasts a conventional round case with a slim size of 38.5mm.The Sellita SW300-1, a Swiss version of the more established ETA 2892, is what powers this regal timepiece.  For just $1,669 USD, you can own this handsome watch, which is also equipped with a water resistance rating of 100 meters. 7. Hamilton Khaki Aviation Ref. H64666155 Hamilton is a brand popularly known for its collection of top-notch and uniquely well-crafted watches. The minimalist yet sophisticated design of the Hamilton Khaki Aviation H64666155 makes it one of the most sought-after pieces of Hamilton. Its stainless steel case and bracelet perfectly match the striking silver dial. This is paired with luminous grey hands and three gleaming silver sub-dials to complete the whole exquisite look. This watch also comes with a sapphire crystal and a skeleton case back that allows you to view the watch’s movement at work.  What’s more, this Hamilton Khaki Aviation watch is powered by a first-class in-house caliber H-31. This is a type of movement crafted based on the ETA 7753 caliber. The H-31 movement delivers a power reserve of approximately 60 hours when fully wound. You can purchase this watch for around $1,139 USD only. 8. Tissot Heritage Navigator Ref. T078.641.16.037.00 Tissot remains at the top of its game when it comes to designing and creating a wide variety of functional and distinctive watches. Simply put, they offer all kinds of timepieces, whether you are looking for a classy automatic piece or a rugged sports watch. In particular, the Tissot Heritage T078.641.16.037.00 is one of the best timepieces worth having on your wrist. It is a watch that is exclusively designed to explore the world, and comes with a multitude of time zones. This watch was released during the celebration of Tissot’s 160th anniversary in 2013. It is aesthetically designed, with a 43mm round stainless steel case that perfectly complements the stunning silver dial. A brown leather strap is used to complete the watch’s eye-catching and timeless look. On top of that, this Tissot watch runs on a top-notch ETA caliber 2893-3 automatic movement. It offers 46 hours of reserve power, making the model in question an ideal, user-friendly timekeeper. In the end, what entirely makes the timepiece worth-owning is its first-class value. This Tissot Heritage luxury watch is available for just $1,729 USD, which is a very reasonable price considering its numerous superb features. 9. Tudor 1926 Automatic Ref. 91650-0001 Tudor is a brand highly coveted for its excellent craftsmanship,  and is known for inventing high-caliber watches at affordable prices. Although it was first always associated with the more prestigious Rolex, Tudor never gave up on establishing its own reputation in the world of horology. Over the years, the brand has  created several iconic timepieces like the Tudor Black Bay and Tudor North Flag. However, one variant we want you to take a closer look at is the minimalist yet exquisite Tudor 1926 91650-0001. Available at just $1,719 USD, it  is a beautiful casual timepiece equipped with top-notch features. The case and bracelet are made from stainless steel, which perfectly complements the striking silver dial. The dial itself is furnished with gold-tone lead hands and Arabic numeral indices. Finally, this Tudor 1926 timepiece is equipped with an in-house Swiss caliber 2824 automatic movement.  10. Tutima Glashütte Grand Flieger Ref. 6105-02 Tutima Glashutte has experienced many ups and downs in the years of its watch industry operation. Nevertheless, Tutima Glashutte has persisted, eventually establishing itself as a top-notch German watch brand. Perhaps its best-known achievement is its creation of the iconic Tutima Glashutte Grand Flieger 6105-02. This is a pilot watch that has gained a lot of attention from the watch community. Since its release, this luxury timepiece remains a sought-after collectible item among seasoned connoisseurs. Even at first glance, this Tutima Glashuette Grand Flieger watch is recognizable due to its striking black dial, which boasts power and practicality. It features a stainless steel case and bracelet with a see-through case back. It is powered by top-notch in-house caliber 330 movement, which has 30 hours of power reserve. For just $1,809 USD, anyone can own this legendary German watch under $2,000. 11. Meistersinger New Vintage Ref. VT903_SN02 The next German brand on our list is MeisterSinger. This is a brand famous for its collection of traditional watches equipped with contemporary,  state-of-the-art functions. The MeisterSinger New Vintage VT903_SN02 is one of its superior vintage-inspired timepieces furnished with excellent features. This watch offers a classic appearance with its ivory dial, which is complemented by a stainless steel case and brown leather strap. Like other MeisterSinger variants, this timepiece also comes with a sapphire crystal and a transparent case back. Its 38mm size is also ideal for anyone with a smaller-to-average size wrist. More than that, what ticks inside this MeisterSinger New Vintage watch is a high-caliber Sellita SW 200-1 automatic movement. It beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (“vph”) and has a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. You can purchase this vintage-inspired watch for just $1,579 USD. This is a very reasonable price considering its superior features and gorgeous quintessential aesthetics. 12. Oris Big Crown Propilot Ref. 0175477414065-0782022 If you love wearing durable stainless steel watches, look no further. We highly recommend the Oris Big Crown 0175477414065-0782022, which is available at $1,499 USD. This Oris watch boasts an incredibly elegant face. This is all thanks to its glamorous matte blue dial, which is furnished with luminous cathedral hands, painted Arabic numeral indices, and vibrant red accents. Its case and bracelet are all made from stainless steel. The Swiss movement that runs inside this Oris Big Crown watch is its real show-stopper. Oris utilised their very own 754 automatic movement, which is crafted based on  the top-notch Sellita SW200-1. Ultimately, this Oris luxury watch under $2,000 is aesthetically designed, with all the  functions you need in a timekeeper. 13. Sinn Instruments Watch Ref. 104.011 Sinn is another German watchmaker known for producing top-notch watches made to assist working professionals on their missions. Sinn is noteworthy for its watches’ robustness, ruggedness, and reliability. The Sinn Instrument Watches 104.011 is one of its most functional vintage-inspired watches. Its 41mm case is made from stainless steel, which matches the grandiose black dial, bezel, and brown cowhide strap. It also comes with a sapphire crystal to protect the dial from any kinds of external threats. Equipped with a first-class caliber SW220-1 automatic movement, this Sinn Instrument Watch watch offers unmatched precision. It also comes with anti-magnetic features and beats at approximately 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour. Do not worry about the price, as this watch is available at just $1,599 USD. 14. Frederique Constant Horological Smartwatch Ref. FC-285B5B6B If you are looking to own a timeless watch that will forever remain iconic and relevant, then Frédérique Constant has just the thing for you. The Swiss brand leads the horology industry with its expertly crafted luxury watches available at very budget-friendly prices. In fact, the handsome  Frédérique Constant Horological Smartwatch FC-285B5B6B is particularly accessible, retailing at $829 USD only. This watch features a stainless steel case and bracelet that ensures excellent durability. It also has a bold jet-black dial furnished with silver leaf hands and classy Roman numeral indices. It also comes with a solid steel case back and a high-quality, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal to protect the dial. This Frédérique Constant Horological Smartwatch watch relies on a precise MMT-285 quartz movement. This timepiece comes with a display notification feature to let you know if someone has called or sent you a message. It also offers health tools, such as heart rate tracking, that allows you to monitor your health status. 15. Grand Seiko 9F Quartz Ref. STGF265 Grand Seiko is a top-tier brand best known for its incredible  ±1 second day-to-day accuracy. The brand never fails to impress with its luxurious timepieces, which are equipped with uniquely Japanese styles and state-of-the-art watch technology. One variant that you may consider adding to your collection is the good-looking Grand Seiko 9F Quartz STGF265. At a glance, you can already tell how exquisite this watch is. Its case and bracelet are made of stainless steel, which match the lovely beige dial. It measures 28.5mm in diameter, a perfect size for women’s wrists. Equipped with a top-notch caliber 4J52 quartz movement, this Grand Seiko 9F Quartz watch is not only stylish but also remarkably accurate. For just $1,959 USD, you can own this beautiful and reliable timepiece. 16. Junghans Max Bill Ref. 027/4700.02 Junghans is the go-to watch brand for anyone seeking timepieces that incorporate cutting-edge technology with minimalist designs. As another German watch brand, Junghans is sought-after for its collection of Bauhaus-inspired watches packed with exceptional features. One luxurious piece it offers is the minimalist yet elegant Junghans Max Bill 027/4700.02. This watch is sold at a very reasonable price of $1,199 USD. It features a round stainless steel case, which matches the appealing matte silver dial. Like other Junghans models, this version is equipped with a sapphire crystal to protect the dial from any damage. This Junghans Max Bill watch is powered by a powerful caliber J800.1 automatic movement. When the watch is fully wound, it offers up to 38 hours of power. All in all, this is the perfect option for those looking for a good minimalist timepiece with a budget-friendly price. Final Thoughts Regardless of which type of watch you want to own, our lists of best watches under $2 000 USD will never disappoint you. Each timepiece in this rundown offers unique styles and aesthetics, all of which are equally functional and reliable. Though every brand  listed here has its own signature features,  they all have the same primary goal. That is, to provide you with the best timekeeping experience at the most affordable prices possible.  Want to know more about what are the most iconic watches today? Check our article about the 10 Most Iconic Watches. Photos credit to Watchshopping.com.

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  10. 20 Best Moon Phase Watches

    20 Best Moon Phase Watches

    Watch enthusiasts love to have at least one complication-laden timepiece in their collection. There are a wide variety of different complications often used in watches, with the most common of them being date windows and chronographs. However, one that often flies under the radar, which actually has quite a cult following in the watch world, is the moon phase complication. Not only do moon phase watches have cool aesthetics, but the engineering that goes into creating them is incredibly impressive as well. For those interested in this type of watch, we have curated a list of the 20 best moon phase watches available in the market today. 20 Best Moon Phase Watches for Men and Women 1. Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Ref. FC703N3S6B The Frederique Constant Slimline Moonphase Ref. FC703N3S6B is an absolute bargain. Not only do you get a gorgeous moon phase watch, but you also get a piece of the brand’s excellent reputation for just $2,419 USD. The design of this watch is very dressy and elegant, while also not being too basic. The color scheme of this Frederique Constant watch is a true highlight, with an analog dial boasting a gorgeous blue sunray finish and stainless steel bracelet. In addition to its delicate moon phase complication at 6 o’clock, you also get a day-date function. This function is aesthetically displayed as a circle of silver numerals around the moon phase indicator. Lastly, this watch uses the Frederique Constant Caliber FC-703, which is an automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. 2. Seiko Ref. SRX015P1 Photo from Seiko The next watch on the list is the Seiko Ref.SRX015P1. Hailing from the Japanese brand Seiko, this watch is incredibly unique due to the nature of its movement. On one hand, the Seiko SRX015P1 is a quartz watch priced at $1,054 USD. On the other, it can also be powered by winding and other forms of kinetic energy. While this type of hybrid mechanism is very uncommon, watch tech enthusiasts are sure to fall in love with it. This hybrid movement also powers the watch’s moon phase indicator, which you can find at the 12 o’clock position. Though it is one of Seiko’s most expensive options, this multi-functional timepiece is absolutely stunning and definitely worth considering!  3. Orient Star Ref. RK-AM0001S The Orient Star Ref. RK-AM0001S is another exquisite piece from a brand that usually provides more affordable options.  Like the Seiko model above, the dial of this $1,299 USD Orient Star watch is quite crowded, but still maintains an elegant and luxurious vibe. An interesting thing about it is that it has a small hole in its face which shows a glimpse of its automatic movement. It also has two other sub-dials, one of which is the moon phase and day-date indicator at 6 o’clock. Even with these complications, this Orient moon phase watch manages to look and feel like the perfect dress piece.  4. Longines Master Ref. L27394713 This $2,819 USD Longines L27394713 Moon phase watch from the Longines Master collection is one of the best moon phase watches on the list. There are two primary reasons for this. The first is just how complicated this watch’s dial is. The dial of this Longines watch consists of a 24-hour clock, a day of the week, day of the month, and moon phase indicator, all packed into a 44mm case. All these handy functions make timekeeping incredibly easy with the Longines L27394713 Moon phase. The second reason is how artful and uncrowded the dial looks despite all the complications it boasts. If you want a moon phase piece with a truly original design and concept, this is an excellent choice. 5. Omega Speedmaster Moon Phase Ref. 304.33.44.52.03.001 The Omega Speedmaster Ref. 304.33.44.52.03.001 is widely recognized as one of the most iconic timepieces of all time. True patrons of this collection would know that there are some intriguing Speedmaster models that have incorporated moon phase indicators. Luckily, Omega managed to add this complication without overcrowding the dial or changing the essence of the piece. Instead, these moon phase watches are as gorgeous as the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch should be, just with an added feature that serves a particular population of horology enthusiasts. If you are interested, this men’s moon phase watch retails at around $8,439 USD! 6. Jaeger LeCoultre Master Ref. Q1558420 Next up on this list is the Jaeger LeCoultre Master Ref. Q1558420. This moon phase dress watch is a minimalistic piece perfect for your next dinner party. What instantly caught our eye were the striking silver dial, dauphine hands, and gleaming numeral markers. Designers often choose contrast over sameness, but the geniuses behind this Jaeger LeCoultre watch managed to buck that trend and come out with a fantastic product. For approximately $8,879 USD, you get a moon phase complication plus a month, day, and date display, all in one small dress watch package. 7. A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Moon Phase Ref. 192.066 Photo from A. Lange & Sohne A. Lange & Sohne is a true master of luxury and this elegant moon phase watch from the brand serves as proof of that.  The A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Moon Phase  Ref. 192.066 boasts a luxurious white gold case and blue alligator leather strap.  The dial of this watch was kept simple, with just a date display, power reserve indicator, moon phase complication, and the standard hours, minutes, and seconds. The truth is that the craftsmanship of this piece speaks for itself. A. Lange & Sohne did not need to make any particularly outrageous statements with its appearance. If $43,000 USD happens to be within your budget, do not hesitate to purchase this gorgeous timepiece! 8. Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5740/1G-001 Here we have one of the most sought-after watches in the world right now, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5740/1G-001.  The standard Patek Philippe Nautilus timepiece does not come with a moon phase complication. Luckily for moon phase enthusiasts out there, however, they do have one fun model that has this complication incorporated. For $272,599 USD, Patek Philippe manages to add this feature without crowding the dial or taking away from the mastery that is the Nautilus. This timepiece boasts a white gold case material and gold-toned hands, making it one of the most lavish moon phase watches on the list.  9. MeisterSinger Meisterstücke Lunascope Moon Phase Ref. LS908_SG03 In 2018, a famous German watchmaker known as MeisterSinger produced the ground-breaking Meisterstücke Lunascope Ref. LS908_SG03. The Lunascope is notable for being the first-ever astronomical single-hand moon phase watch. It features a large moon phase indicator at the 10 o’clock to 2 o’clock position. MeisterSinger takes great pride in the accuracy of this movement, as it runs on a powerful ETA 2836-2 automatic movement and has a frequency of 28,800 vph. This movement is also modified with a MeisterSinger moon phase module, which is what allows for the watch’s moon phase complication. If you value reliability, understated aesthetics, and utmost craftsmanship, you can get this model for around $2,709 USD.  10. Fossil Minimalist Moon Phase Ref. FS5572 Photo from Fossil Fossil makes some of the best minimalist and most affordable watches in the market. For $125 USD, you get a Fossil Minimalist Moon Phase Ref. FS5572, which is a stainless steel watch with silver and gold-tone accents on the vase and bracelet. It also has a striking green mother-of-pearl dial with an analog time display and a moon phase function at 6 o’clock. With a water resistance capacity of 50 meters, this makes for a great everyday moon phase watch! 11. Cartier Drive de Cartier Moon Phase Ref. WSNM0008 The Drive de Cartier Ref. WSNM0008 is yet another outstanding moon phase timepiece. Despite having a moon phase complication, this Cartier watch still comes with the brand’s iconic oversized Roman numerals. For $6,390 USD, this men’s moon phase watch has a sizable 40mm cushion-shaped case. It features a classic gold and blue moon disc and a matching blued steel handset. All this is contained in a wave guilloché patterned white dial.  If you want to have a luxury moon phase watch at a reasonable price, then this Drive de Cartier timepiece is perfect for you!   12. Stührling Celestia 897 Moon Phase Ref. 897.01 Photo from Stührling This Stürhling Celestia Ref. 897.01 watch offers a clean dial and a fully designed, animated moon phase indicator at 6 o’clock. It looks simple yet stylish because of its unusual coin-edged bezel, onion-style crown, and black embossed leather strap.  Priced at around $189 USD, the Sturhling Celestia 897 Moon Phase is made with reliable materials such as a stainless steel case and a Swiss Ronda 706 quartz movement. You can also find a shatter-resistant Krysterna crystal covering the dial. This crystal is specially made for Stührling to promote legibility and provide this moon phase watch’s time display with excellent protection.  13. Baume & Mercier Clifton Club Full Calendar Moon Phase Ref. M0A10055 This moon phase wristwatch from Baume & Mercier features a sleek design inspired by vintage watches of the 1950s. Among its variations, we chose this silver model in a 43mm case because it is versatile enough to mix and match with any ensemble.  The $3,059 USD Clifton Automatic Silver Dial Ref. M0A10055 has a sunburst silver dial that boasts Arabic numerals, hands, and arrow-shaped indices in an exquisite gold tone. Below its logo are two apertures that show the day and month. Meanwhile, the dates are printed around the rim of the dial, and are indicated by the red-tipped arrow-shaped central hand. Of course, the highlight of this Baume & Mercier Clifton Club watch is the gold and black moon phase indicator just above the 6 o’clock marker. 14. Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Grande Date Moon Phase Ref. 51.2530.4047/78.C810 One of the most complex moon phase watches is the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Grande Date Ref. 51.2530.4047/78.C810. This men’s watch boasts a sophisticated skeletonized dial with a date window, a full moon phase function, a luminous time display, and an 18K rose gold bezel. All these features come at a price of around $9,389 USD. It may be a little  expensive, but this Zenith watch boasts impressive craftsmanship that is definitely worth the cost. Take special note of its unusual moon phase feature, which is shown through a pair of discs displaying the 59-day double-lunar cycle.  15. IWC Portofino Moon Phase Ref. IW516401 The next manual-winding moon phase watch on this list is from IWC. The $10,629 USD Portofino Hand-Wound Moon Phase Ref. IW516401 draws inspiration from the classic 1984 IWC Portofino models.  This 45mm stainless steel dress watch is equipped with highly-functional features including as an excellent power reserve of 192 hours. Its silver dial pairs perfectly with the leaf-shaped gold hands and slim indices. Lastly, the dial boasts the Côtes de Genève, a unique decorative pattern that makes the watch stand out from its peers.  16. Hublot Classic Fusion Aerofusion Moon Phase Ref. 517.NX.0170.LR As always, Hublot never fails to give its paterons luxurious, complex, and high-performing watches. This time, the brand showcases a Classic Fusion Aerofusion Moon Phase Ref. 517.NX.0170.LR watch with a price tag of $12,249 USD. This is a 45mm moon phase timepiece with triple calendar functions. It uses a classy titanium case with a polished finish, making it a great and classy dress watch without being too grandiose. Its moon phase feature is partially skeletonized, adding an air of sophistication to the already striking dial. This watch also comes with a black flange surrounding the bezel’s edge for a more rugged look.  17. Glashütte Original Senator Excellence Panorama Date Moon Phase Ref. 1-36-04-04-02-30 Take special note of this Glashütte Original timepiece, for it does not just have a customary moon phase design you can find anywhere. Though it gives a classic overall style, the Glashütte Original Senator Excellence Panorama Ref. 1-36-04-04-02-30 also possesses nice contemporary accents. This is shown through its flat-printed dial, large sword-shaped hour and minute hands, and silvery moon-shaped display between the 10 and 11 o’clock markers. Meanwhile, the panoramic aperture date window visually matches the gorgeous moon phase design. This blue-faced watch is versatile enough to be worn in a corporate environment, or as an everyday piece. If you are interested in this versatile moon phase watch, you can get it for just $9,009 USD. 18. Montblanc Star Moon Phase Ref. MB113645 Another exquisite dress watch with a moon phase function is this Montblac Star Moon Phase Ref. MB113645 timepiece. Other than the moon phase display, this Montblanc watch is also equipped with a triple calendar function and four hands for the hours, minutes, seconds, and date. It might be quite unusual to have a fourth hand for the date display, but this Montblanc Star watch manages to make it work. Its red date hand adds a splash of vibrancy to this mostly monochrome watch. For just $3,899 USD, you can own this luxury moon phase watch with a beautiful aesthetic.  19. Rolex Cellini Moon Phase Ref. 50535-0002 One of Rolex’s most elegant timepieces is the Cellini Moon Phase Ref. 50535-0002 watch. If you do not mind spending $25,149 USD, you can add this lovely dress watch to your collection. Unlike Cellini’s previous models which show off classic looks, this piece has a more modern and sophisticated vibe.  The Rolex Cellini Moon Phase watch comes with an 18K Everose Gold case with a crisp white dial. It has a unique moon phase feature which boasts a meteorite appliqué for the full moon and a silver-colored outline for the new moon. You can also find gold-toned baton-style indices with 5-minute markers labelled in between. Lastly, the numerals surrounding the rim of the dial serve as the date display, with a sleek blue-colored hand as an indicator. If you have the budget to spare, you should definitely invest in this luxurious Rolex moon phase dress watch. 20. Zenith Elite Lady Moon Phase Ref. 22.2320.692/80.C713 A beautiful moon phase watch for women is the Elite Lady Moon Phase Ref. 22.2320.692/80.C713, which retails at $10,399 USD. This wristwatch highlights your feminine elegance through its rose gold accents and the exquisite diamonds embedded in its bezel. The watch’s mother-of-pearl dial gives off a minimalist and clean look, featuring just the standard hours, minutes, and seconds, and the blue and gold moon phase indicator. This is an elegant ladies’ moon phase watch that is perfect for the dance floor.  Final Thoughts For those of you interested in the moon phase complication, taking a hard look at this list of 20 best moon phase watches is a great place to start. Moon phase watches range from simple and functional to opulent luxury. As such, we have made sure to include a wide range of prices so that you do not have to break the bank. All the choices we have listed above are top-notch options, so simply pick one that best fits your budget and preferences.  Do you want to know more about the best-selling moon phase watch? Read the Guide to Rolex’s Cellini Moonphase. Photo Credits: Images are from WatchShopping unless indicated otherwise. 

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