1. Grand Seiko SBGA011 “Snowflake”: an In-Depth Review
Grand Seiko and Seiko connoisseurs will very likely be familiar with the Grand Seiko SBGA011, which is affectionately nicknamed the “Snowflake.” For those who aren’t acquainted with this watch, get ready for what I consider to be one of the greatest horological bargains you can buy. The Grand Seiko SBGA011 is such a hallmark piece because of a couple of things, but its dial is probably its most attractive feature. It’s a uniquely textured dial that is said to be inspired by fresh snow that falls in the “Japanese Alps.” Another highlight of the watch is its Spring Drive electro-mechanical movement, which gives the watch remarkable accuracy and allows its seconds hand to sweep smoothly. For around $6,000, you would be hard pressed to find a watch that looks as distinctive and is as well put together as the Grand Seiko SBGA011.
Source: PuristSPro
2. Hands-on with the Mido Baroncelli III Heritage
It is hard to keep up with everything that’s new from Baselworld, and even now, I’m still learning and finding out about new pieces that I missed. One watch that I think has been largely overlooked this year is the Mido Baroncelli III Heritage. As you might be able to tell from its name, it has vintage-inspired looks, but more importantly, it is available in a 39mm or 33mm case. The latter is meant to be for the fairer sex, but I think if you like the looks of a vintage watch but prefer the reliability of a modern one, the 33mm model is worth checking out. To begin, I very much prefer the placement of the date window on the 33mm model, but most of all, its vintage-inspired looks mean that it doesn’t look out of place on a man’s wrist even if the case size is just 33mm.
Source: Worn & Wound
3. Dearer by the Dozen
Some time after the Second World War, the British military commissioned a group of watches that were commonly referred to as “W.W.W.” The meaning behind the acronym has since been lost, but it is believed to be either one of the following three: “Wrist Watch Waterproof,” “Waterproof Wrist Watch,” or “Watches Wristlet Waterproof.” In any case, this group consisted of 12 watches which together have since become known to watch lovers as The Dirty Dozen. These 12 watches were made by a variety of brands including IWC, Longines, Büren, Omega, Timor, and Cyma, and have become highly collectible. According to this article, only around 20 collectors have successfully amassed a full collection of these 12 watches. Have a look at these 12 watches here.
Source: Revolution
4. The Forgotten Story Of The Radium Girls
During the First World War, hundreds of young women went to work in dial factories where they painted watch dials with radium. Radium was used because it is highly luminous and when painted on a watch’s dial ensured excellent legibility in the dark. This was especially beneficial in warfare. But we all know now that radium is also highly radioactive, and by ingesting radium as part of the painting process, these young women would all soon face devastating consequences to their health. Unfortunately for them, their story to seek help and compensation from their employers would be an arduous one. But it is thanks to them that life-saving work regulations and policies are now in place. This is the forgotten story of the radium girls.
Source: Buzzfeed
5. Why I Pimped My Rolex
People customize stuff that they buy all the time. Petrolheads, for example, modify their cars with fancy rims, louder exhausts, enlarged intakes, larger turbos, and more. Audiophiles, might swap their cables or even add damping material to their favorite speakers or headphones. Modifications are a way of life for many hobbies, so why is it so frowned upon in watches? Why is the man who modified his Rolex by sending it in for DLC treatment or swapping the bezel for a diamond-studded one called a fool? This is the story of a watch lover who modified his Rolex Explorer II.
Source: Quill and Pad