⌚Dubai Watch Week's Releases Were Crazy!

Watch News

The BIG Winners At Dubai Watch Week 2023!

On the 16th of November, Dubai became the universal epicentre of horology for a week.

Most of the big boys were in attendance, many debuting all-new watches for presumably ‘dumb-struck-but-trying-to-stay-cool’ onlookers. Among the most interesting was the Bell & Ross BR-X5 Green Lum, which is made of a composite luminous material that looks even cooler in daylight than when fully glowing at night. H.Moser & Cie’s dangerously moody new Streamliner Small Seconds Micro-Rotor, takes the luxury sports watch aesthetic to new heights with its Grand Feu enamel dial, integrated build, and HMC 500 movement, complete with a platinum micro-rotor.

Finally, MB&F’s HM11 Architect probably caught the most attention for its ridiculously novel design, even though it’s more impractical than Flava Flav’s infamous clock necklace. I mean, at least Flava can tell the time at a glance, without having to tilt his head 90 degrees.

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Vacheron’s Custom Watches are Unbelievable!

Before handing its latest masterpieces over to their soon-to-be owners (some of whom have already paid astronomical amounts for their watches), Vacheron Constantin let the press photograph a few of their latest Les Cabinotiers creations. How charitable. Of the 9 pièces uniques that VC recently announced, two stand out - one is a tribute in blue to Art Deco, and the other is a white gold and textured black homage to Arabesque style. Both are minute repeater tourbillons, powered by the Caliber 2755 TMR. Both are defined by the exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail present on every millimeter of each watch piece of art.

While few people will ever own such impressive custom pieces, it’s fascinating to get insight into the techniques and materials that enable the haute Maisons to create such things. Who would guess that the Tribute to Art Deco uses wood marquetry on its dial to achieve a finish that resembles the Chrysler building? Wood. On a Vacheron Constantin watch face… I need a nap.

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Watch Fact

Before his monogamous relationship with the Omega Seamaster, 007 used watches from many brands, including Rolex, Breitling, and even Seiko!

3-Watch Collection

3 Watch Collection: Microbrand Edition

The past few years have been good for microbrands, many of which are exploring brave design cues and impressive engineering pursuits. Here’s a trio of releases that capture the best of modern microbrands.

Serica 5303 Diving Chronometer (Sport watch) -  For just $1,300, Serica, perhaps the most exciting French microbrand, has created a fresh take on the diving chronograph. COSC-certified and tastefully rendered, there’s little reason not to give the 5303 a spin. Just don’t get too attached - you know how aloof the French can be.

AnOrdain Model 1 (Dress watch) - The artisans at Scotland’s AnOrdain are known for their enameling, having mastered the process to a degree few can compete with. Their model one is classically understated with a twist, thanks to its unique fumé enamel dial. That’s a lot of detail for $2,750.

Autodromo Group B Series 2 (Everyday watch) - If you’re into racing, Autodromo’s rally-inspired Group B watches will tickle your petrol-headed fancy. Somehow it’s both simple and complex, with an integrated design and automatic Miyota movement. $975 gets you a long way these days…

Total Collection Cost (USD): $5,025

Watch News Bites

Quick Bites

• The Moonswatch craze continues with what is likely to be the last (or second-to-last) collaborative drop of 2023, the weirdly named ‘Beaver Moon’ edition. Once you’ve had your immature chuckle at the name (I’m guilty too), ask yourself “Is this different enough to warrant a totally new release?” I’m guessing we won’t be seeing crazy queues this time…

• Vulcain’s new 39mm Monopusher is just another example of the fantastic watchmaking that earned the brand its flawless reputation decades ago. 50s inspired, with a Pulsometer to boot, there are 3 colourways and each is as sexy as the last. I mean, one of the variations is already sold out, which says it all…

• Atelier Wen just beat capitalism’s final boss by highlighting the errors on 36 rejected guilloche dials from their manufacturing process for the original Perception watches, and selling these imperfect dials in new watches… For more than the originals. It’s a great idea, highlighting unique flaws to invent exclusivity.

• 12 o’clock date. Recessed, spiralled sub-dials. Pump pushers. Vintage-inspired, bezel-less design. The black, 39mm ‘Glassbox’ Carrera is the design revival that TAG fans have been waiting for. Thick but not chunky, this Sapphire-centric ticker contains the new TH20-00 automatic movement and is as impressive inside as it is on the outside.

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