June gave us a handful of exciting releases, including Breguet’s polarizing new versions of the Breguet Type XX, Omega‘s 75th Anniversary Seamaster references in “Summer Blue,” Tissot‘s re-introduction of the Sideral, and Parmigiani Fleurier‘s Tonda PF Sport collection. In other news, an (extremely lucky) Australian surfer stumbled upon a particularly rare oyster, our Ripley Sellers visits Ulysse Nardin‘s Donzé Cadran enamel dial workshop, and our favorite brands pull out all the stops for Only Watch 2023. Let’s get into it!
1. Hands-On: The Breguet Type XX Watch Returns To Its Roots
When word spread that Breguet would be discontinuing its Type XXI and Type XXII pilot’s chronographs last year, many of us hoped that a new Type XX was on the way. The good news is that we received not one, but two new versions of the iconic chronograph. The bad news (according to many, at least) is that the brand opted to implement a highly controversial date display at 4:30, causing watch collectors across the Web to go into hysterics. In fact, one could argue that the date window was more talked about than the watch itself. I mean, I get it. The Type XX is a legend, and we wanted it to be perfect. Watches are about details, and this particular detail is somewhat ill-conceived. But as our David Bredan contends, while the new Type XX references aren’t perfect, they’re still pretty damn good.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
2. Omega Launches 11 New Seamaster Summer Blue Watches
In celebration of the Seamaster’s 75th anniversary, Omega just dropped 11 new variants of the classic diver — one for each different Seamaster model. All of the new references sport a handsome and vibrant “Summer Blue” dial color, which is achieved through varying layers of varnish, depending on the watch. What’s particularly cool about these pieces is that the shade of “Summer Blue” on each piece corresponds with its depth rating — the deeper the depth rating, the darker the color. It’s also exciting that Omega included a new version of the PloProf, as many believed that the cult classic diver would soon be discontinued.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
3. Visiting Donzé Cadrans: The Ulysse Nardin Enamel Watch Dial Workshop
As of the last few years, Ulysse Nardin has become known as an innovative, cutting-edge brand that has pioneered the use of silicon and released aesthetically modern, edgy-looking pieces like the FreakX and FreakS. While the brand is most often associated with this aggressive modern stance, it’s worth noting that Ulysse Nardin still produces classic, romantic dress watches with a decidedly Old-World appeal. Perhaps the best of these are those that feature dials from the brand’s very own enamel dial workshop: Donzé Cadrans. Last month, Ripley Sellers had the opportunity to visit the workshop and see for himself how UN’s exquisite handmade enamel dials come to life.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
4. New Release: Tissot Sideral Watch
It’s official: Tissot is giving the watch people what they want! Like the wildly successful PRX — a watch that arguably changed the entire energy around the brand — the new Sideral takes its inspiration from a vintage sports watch from Tissot’s back catalog. While the original Sideral featured a fiberglass case, the new Sideral features a case constructed of lightweight, durable, and handsome forged carbon. The piece also has other features that set it apart, including 300 meters of water resistance, an 80-hour power reserve, and a “water sports” bezel that incorporates two timing scales (a standard 60-minute timing scale and a secondary countdown scale for regattas). Upholding the pioneering spirit of the original, this piece has a fun, distinctive aesthetic and youthful energy that will, no doubt, speak to collectors and vintage enthusiasts.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
5. Australian Surfer Finds Rolex Submariner In The Pacific Ocean
When snorkeling off the coast of Noosa, Australian surfer Matt Cuddihy noticed a watch wedged under a rock in the water. While Cuddihy initially believed the piece to be a Rolex Submariner knockoff, it turned out to be the real thing: a Submariner reference 5513. Miraculously, the watch was still water-sealed and running! Best of all, it has what vintage enthusiasts might refer to as a “patina.”
Source: Fratello Watches
6. The 10 Best British Watch Brands Helping The Revival Of A Great Industry
While Swiss, German, and Japanese watch brands get the majority of the limelight, British watchmaking is back in a big way. While Bremont is perhaps the most widely known watch brand from the UK, there are so many other great, albeit smaller, British watch brands. For example, Scottish independent brand anOrdain has built a name for itself thanks to its impressive fumé enamel dials, while Christopher Ward continues to release interesting, innovative pieces on a yearly basis. This listicle takes a closer look at the very best in British watchmaking.
Source: Time and Tide
7. Parmigiani Fleurier Just Added Two New Sports Watches To Its Tonda PF Line
In recent years, Parmigiani Fleurier has become considerably more popular. In my opinion, you can trace it back to the release of the Tonda GT collection in 2020. An impressive entry into the integrated sports watch category, the Tonda GT immediately became the brand’s most relevant timepiece. When Guido Terrani took over in early 2021, he introduced a new collection: the Tonda PF. Though the GT and PF collections featured watches with similar designs, the Tonda PF has a more minimal, elegant appeal. Soon, the Tonda PF took the GT’s spot as the brand’s flagship line. This month, the brand announced the discontinuation of the Tonda GT collection and the introduction of the Tonda PF Sport collection. When compared to the Tonda GT, the new Tonda PF Sport pieces are more technically impressive and minimal in design, echoing a bit more of the flavor of the Tonda PF. While some will no doubt miss the sportier vibe of the GT, the Tonda PF Sport is arguably a more fitting complement to the brand’s other current offerings, as well as its desired design language going forward.
Source: Robb Report
8. Only Watch 2023: All The New Piéce Unique Watches To Go On Auction In November
One of the most eagerly anticipated watch events of the year, Only Watch raises funds for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research by auctioning unique watches designed expressly for this event. Each time around, the participating brands seem to take it upon themselves to be as creative as possible, using novel case materials, daring new designs, and innovative complications. This year is no exception, as evidenced by pieces like a Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon coated in green Verdi di Alpi marble, a white ceramic AP Royal Oak Tourbillon Openworked, a Gerald Genta Mickey Mouse Minute Repeater with a retrograde minute hand and jumping hours, and more. Check out all of this year’s lots at the link below.
Source: Revolution