⌚Is the Swatchpain a flop? Plus a new TAG and Tudor!

Watch News

Will the surprise Swatch x Blancpain collaboration flop or pop?

After the industry-shaking release of the Moonswatch, Blancpain and Swatch have teamed up to announce a drop that’s bound to get people lined up around the block again. The all-new Blancswatch (or Swatchpain, to some) shares some similarities with its Omega-inspired cousin, namely a bioceramic case and a design that’s more Blancpain than Swatch.

This is really just a Fifty Fathoms built out of fairly dinky Swatch materials. There are five colors available, each with a depth rating of exactly 50 fathoms (91m) and a case size of 42.3mm. Powered by Swatch’s Sistem51 automatic movement, with a date compilation on three models and a 90-hour power reserve, the anatomy of this release is definitely more appealing than the Moonswatch’s uninspiring quartz heart. We’ll probably still not be joining the line to get one…

P.S. We acknowledge that this is a collectible and will likely be worth 10x in 30 years. Still gonna pass…

Read more

Tudor’s new Pelagos FXD diver is damn-near perfect

Tudor’s latest version of the Pelagos might be a flawless dive watch. It’s simple, strong, and (dare I say it) sexy. The world’s most-used tool watch is something that, in its best analogue form, should be only three things: legible, robust, and comfortable on the wrist.

This US Navy-inspired ticker hits all of those markers in style, with a 42mm titanium case capable of withstanding pressure at 200m deep. A matte black dial, bold white indices, and signature snowflake hands place the new Pelagos squarely in ‘no fuss’ territory, as does Tudor’s self-winding, COSC-certified MT5602 movement. This is a watch for the ages - one that will never look old or uncool. And with a history tied to SEAL Team Six and the US Navy, you can bet your bottom dollar that this ticker gets the job done every time.

Read more

Tag Heuer get moody with their new Monaco Night Driver

If, like me, you watched Ryan Gosling in 2011’s ‘Drive’ and decided from that point on that you’d become a strong, silent getaway driver with impeccable retro style, then you’ll need the new Monaco Night Driver to complete the look. Not only is this one of the most emotive renderings of Tag’s legendary square racer, but it's also a return to form after confusing (and clunky) skeletonized versions.

Utterly legible and dangerously moody, the 39mm black titanium case hosts the HEUER 02 Automatic chronograph movement, which underpins an anthracite/grey opaline face subdivided by black gold-plated indices. Despite having a lume that can be seen from space, this watch is stealth luxury at its finest. You just need the right muscle car to drive it in. Don’t stall though - there are only 600 individually engraved pieces available.

Read more

Watch Fact

On watches with Roman numerals, watchmakers will use a 'watchmakers 4' which is ‘IIII’, instead of ‘IV’. They do this because they believe it creates symmetry.

3-Watch Collection

3 Watch Collection Edition: <10k

A sport, dress, and everyday watch for under $10,000? Impossible. Or not? This week, a unique French GMT, a two-tone Longines, and a versatile Seamaster.

Serica 8315 GMT Chronomètre (Sport watch) - Serica is definitely one of the coolest independent watchmakers, boasting high-end movements and considered designs. This GMT is no exception - with a 200m depth rating and a $2,000 price tag, it’s ready for action.

Longines Flagship Heritage L4.795.4.78.2 (Dress watch) - A subtle two-tone design and sub-seconds dial turn this simple, $1,900 ticker into something truly special and with a Swiss movement at its core, what more could you ask for?

Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 220.12.41.21.02.001 (Everyday watch) - No one needs to be convinced of Omega’s appeal. This Aqua Terra is edgy yet subdued, thanks to the contrast between its sporty design and traditional brown strap. For $5,400 it's not cheap, but neither are you.

Total Collection Cost (USD): $9,300

Watch News Bites

Quick Bites

• Glashutte’s Sixties Chronograph is looking pretty, pretty good. Soaked in vintage charm, thanks mostly to its unique dégradé dial.

• Cartier’s Baignoire is the Summer’s hottest timepiece, with stock on the firm’s website sold out and aftermarket prices going through the roof. Cartier is having a great run and this only adds to the brand’s modern momentum!

• Seiko’s re-interpreted 1968 Prospex Diver is a chunky yet charming sports watch that’s (almost) as refined on the outside as it is on the inside.

• There’s no bad time to get a head-start on the world’s largest watchmaking summit, Watches and Wonders. Get hip to early news on the 2024 event now so that you don’t miss a thing!

Pre-Owned Watch Deals

Watch Scout by Watch Bites

Watch Meme