Author: thewatchwriter_bxif3w

 

Man with beard wearing Timeless watch

I dare you to find a Swiss-made automatic watch with a more intricate dial design for under $1,500 USD.  From the board room to date night or even a night out with the guys, this is the watch for you.

Timeless Swiss Watch

The Highlights:

  • Guilloche-style dial, done remarkably. There is a semi-skeleton feel due to the custom hour wheel in the center.
  • Unique lugs with rose gold rings where they meet the case.
  • A dependable STP1-11 automatic Swiss movement.
  • Speaking of Swiss, Timeless is the real deal. Designed in Switzerland by a Swiss horologist, it is a true Swiss-made watch.
  • A perfect size case, 13 mm tall and 41.5 mm wide. While the watch was primarily created for men, the size is perfect for most women’s wrists too.
  • Details everywhere you look, from the 3-piece crown to the subtle, engraved hour marks on the case.
  • Oh, and there are only 500 of each watch made. So when you own one, you’re one of the proud few who do.

Timeless Swiss watch next to Western cowboy boot

Let’s start with the dial. I mean, come on. It’s freaking fantastic! It may be the most attractive dial I’ve laid eyes on. The guilloche dial work is out-of-this-world – every tiny angle in perfect placement. It really is one of Timeless’ most unique attributes. After I gawked at the dial for a few minutes, I went back to my closet and looked at my other watches with sadness in my eyes. Nothing else measures up; not even close.

Timeless Swiss watch and other daily gear

One thing I don’t think many realize about Timeless is that it’s not just a pretty face (pun intended). This watch was designed and made in the heart of quality watches – Switzerland. Swiss quality oozes from Timeless starting with the STP1-11 automatic movement made by Swiss Technology Production.  The movement has a power reserve of 44 hours and is made with 26 jewels.  The STP1-11 is Swiss-made and has been used by Swiss watchmakers for over 15 years (SwissTP.com, n.d.)

.STP1-11 Swiss Automatic Movement

The movement is customized with a decorative hour wheel in the center of the dial, giving the watch a pseudo open-heart feel. This movement is built into a case that is less than 13mm tall.  The watch is durable enough to last life’s adventures with 50m of water resistance, which is not always the case on a high-end dress watch. 

Timeless Swiss watch blowout 3D rendering

Aside from the dial and overall quality, the details seal the deal for Timeless Watches. The emblem on the side, the rose gold rings around the lugs, the unique caseback that mimics a sand dollar… I could go on and on. Not all watchmakers get the details right, since they are sometimes missed by casual watch wearers. But Timeless takes care of horologists better than that by nailing every detail. 

Caseback of Timeless Swiss watch

The bottom line is that Timeless is a gorgeous and versatile watch that is made with Swiss quality.  As a new brand, it’s sure to make a splash in the watch market very quickly.  Be sure to grab your limited edition HMS 001 or HMS 002 (Hour-Minute-Second) before they’re all gone!

Timeless Swiss watch with cigar and hard cider

Resources:

https://www.swisstp.com/en/products#cbp=/cfc/Products.cfc?method=showProduct&id=STP1-11

 

 

 

One of the most satisfying feelings I have as an horologist is when I turn off my closet light after it’s been on for a while and I see my watches that have glow-in-the-dark features.  Although I love looking at them glowing, not all my watches have the same effect.  This ability to glow, usually referred to as luminosity, can vary from watch to watch.  But luminosity in watches…  What is it and why should you care?  Let’s take a little time (pun intended) to break it down.

Jack Forster, Editor In-Chief of Hodinkee, describes the luminosity of watches as follows:

While the exact quantum mechanical description of photoluminescence is complicated, the basic idea is simple: if an electron orbiting an atom in a certain material absorbs a photon, it will be excited to a higher energy state, and when the electron “relaxes” to its ground state, it emits a photon which we see as visible light. (Forster, 2018)

Luminosity describes when various parts of a watch dial “glow in the dark.”  Often the hour/minute/second hand are illuminated, as well as some markers on the dial to give the wearer a frame of reference (12 o’clock, for example).  While luminosity has been present in watches for most of the twentieth century, technology has advanced significantly in the last 30 years.  The main problems scientists and watch designers must tackle with luminosity are degree of lighting, a power source, decay, and radiation or adverse effects.

Luminosity began in 1908 with radium paint, a highly radioactive material that led to radiation-related health problems for many watchmakers/ who worked with it.  Based on the same, the watch industry began looking for other alternatives.  The appeal of the radium, though, was the ability for the watch to shine even when it was not exposed to light.  Watch creators found alternative forms of luminosity in two different forms.  The first used safer radioactive materials to produce light even without exposure to a light source.  Promethium was the first such material, a much safer alternative to radium but one that dims and decays extensively.  Tritium, a gas that glows stronger and longer, came next. 

The second alternative form of luminosity consisted of materials that store up energy from the sun and reflect it back to the watch wearer.  LumiNova and Super-LumiNova are the two forms of this energy storage.  While it boasts very bright luminosity, it still requires to be “charged” by an outside light form. 

 

“Ok, now I understand luminosity.  Why should I care?” you may be asking?  I’m glad you asked.  The degree of luminosity is an important factor to many watch consumers.  For those who work at night – say, police officers or soldiers – being able to check the time at a glance is very important.  Or if you’re simply someone who loves adventure or forgets to take their watch off at night, seeing the time in the dark is a major benefit. 

The only problem is…  Jewelry stores have crazy good lighting.  You may need to check reviews, online photographs, or find a buddy who has one to get a feel for the luminosity’s reliability.  Sometimes paying close attention to the markings on the dial and on the hands of the watch can be telling as to the degree of luminosity but that is not always a safe bet.  Your best option would be to buy a watch built for viewing in the dark or one that’s highly rated for the same. Looking for a specific recommendation? The 3 watches pictured in this article have pretty phenomenal luminosity – my Invicta Lupah 0434, Invicta Sea Hunter 10719, and Invicta Hercules 35579.

Resource:

Forster, J. 2018.  https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/luminous-dials-what-makes-them-glow-and-how-to-spot-their-differences

6.

Epos is about dropping jaws and blowing minds…

Close-up of epos dial

In its intricate and fine-tuned movement mechanics…

In its innovation into the possibilities of mechanical complications…

In how much mechanical prowess can fit into a watch a fraction of the cost of its Rolex or Breitling peers…

In just how far a family-run business can soar…

 

Epos Logo

I recently got my hands on an Epos to observe firsthand and I’ll give you my thoughts momentarily. But first – let’s introduce a brand you may have never heard of. And no – it’s not because they’re newbies.  In fact, Epos is about to hit 40 years in business. It was started as a Swiss watch company in one of the most daring entrepreneurial endeavors I’ve ever seen – it was started as a brand exclusively focused on mechanical movements during the “quartz crisis.” Much like sailing out to sea as a hurricane comes into harbor, Epos was a mechanical watch lover’s dream unleashed into a horological nightmare wherein dozens of watchmakers had to conform to quartz or go bankrupt.

 

Close-Up of Epos Movement

 

But Epos didn’t drown… In fact, much like Epos’ diving watches, the company took whatever water the rainstorm sent and came out the other side unscathed. Why did Epos succeed where so many others failed? Maybe it had to do with their unwavering commitment to the horological art of mechanical movements – both in continuing successes of the past and of constantly innovating upon them… Maybe it was the focus on value, in making sure the price tag didn’t inflate to the level of some other luxury watch brands… Maybe it was their focus on family values; Epos was started by husband-and-wife team Peter and Erna Hofer and was later passed on to Ursula Foster and Tamdi Chonge – another husband-and-wife duo… Or maybe it was a combination of all the above.

 

 

 

 

 

Regardless of the reason, I’m delighted that Epos is here. And not just here as a scared survivor but here with gusto, bringing with it watch collections that are as breathtaking as they are unique. Collections (8 in all) that range from classic to daring, and everything in between. For a full list of the collections and timepieces in each, check out www.epos.ch. The timepiece I’m reviewing below is from the Sportive collection.

Sportive Logo

I know what you’re thinking – this review is about to tell you to buy the watch because all of the above good stuff about Epos, right? Wrong. Buy this watch because it’s freaking awesome.  Let me introduce you to the Epos 3441SK.

Here’s why you need to add one to your personal collection immediately:

  • Orange is the new black… just kidding, but if you love orange, it doesn’t get better that this. At least not without spending double or triple on a high-end luxury brand. Orange isn’t your cup of tea? Did I mention that the 3441SK comes in various mixtures of blue, yellow, and black? Other Sportive watches with similar skeleton dials contain accents of green, yellow gold, and silver too. So no matter your hue, they’ve got one for you.

 

  • The movement moves me. The movement is a mechanical and horological powerhouse. It consists of a SW200 movement and is bad to the bone (get it? It’s a skeleton dial).

 

  • It’s complicated… the date complication, that is. I’ve been around the block a few times and I have never seen the date presented in such a unique and attractive way. Gone is the magnifying bubble over the digit window. This method of displaying skeletal numbers is hotter than hell.

 

  • Faster than the speed of light. The luminosity is intense and will keep you on time regardless how late at night or the weather.

 

Overall, the watch is magnificent. You know you want one. Before you click the link to buy it (http://www.epos.ch), let me wrap things up…

 

  • Should you buy an Epos? Yes. An impressive brand with potentially unmatched Swiss quality for the cost. And if you’re not in the market for a dive watch, I dare you to go check out their Oeuvre D’Art (French for “Masterpiece “) or Sophistiquee collections. If you don’t find one you love, you might want to check your pulse.

  • Should you buy a Sportive Skeleton Dive Watch. Also yes. There’s no question that I’ll be buying orange. Which one is going to be yours?

Check it out here: https://epos.ch/en/product/3441-135-99-15-52/#

Cross-posting from prior Wix blog, 09.04.22

The X-Wing. Aside from sharing its name with the famous Jedi-led spaceship, the X-Wing watch by #Invicta has gained some fame of its own.

Part of the #CoalitionForces subcollection, the X-Wing offers a gorgeous timepiece in a durable exterior. But forget for a second that I’m a huge Star Wars nerd (Grogu will be making an appearance on this blog within the next month or two). I love my Invicta X-Wing for other reasons. The unique shape of the watch itself and the contrast of the black and the red on this watch are both phenomenal. And then comes a surprise on the dial which serves as the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae that is watch. Before we name it, let me take you on a journey to understand its origination. #SuspenseTime.

 

Rewind 75 years. Aside from gold, pearls were one of the most popular components in feminine jewelry. The strand of pearls around one’s neck became a quintessential symbol of the American housewife — made popular by some of the earliest sitcoms produced. Men had virtually no interaction with pearls, aside from buying them for their wives, but the men of the 40’s and 50’s had no qualms with that.

 

Snap back to today. Pearls are still a symbol of femininity but are a lesser part of American culture. A major factor in that was the push for more colorful jewelry. Femininity in the late 20th century and into the 21st century became fiercely unique and women needed more than the simple off-white pearl could offer. Alternate colors of pearls were developed but the pearl itself has still taken a back seat to other forms of jewelry. However, while pearls have slowly faded from the forefront of culture, they have been eclipsed by a close relative. You could say that the pearl has been upstaged by its parent. We are, of course, talking about mother of pearl (hereafter referred to as “MOP”).

Bear with me for a few seconds here, lest you fall prey to the idea that MOP is but a shimmery paint that is applied to a watch dial. MOP is actually an organic substance made from nacre, which is a composite material secreted by oysters and pearl-producing mollusks. To put it plainly, nacre is the canvas on which a pearl itself is painted. The oyster or mollusk creates a layer of nacre that spans the entire interior of the creature. From that point, pearl-producing oysters or mollusks proceed to create the relatively small pearl. As the nacre is what allows the creature to produce a pearl, it literally is the parent (the mother) of the pearl. There’s your fun fact of the day to use at your next cocktail party…

MOP is more plentiful than pearls themselves, allowing for a lower cost and larger “canvas” than its pearl descendant. Not only are MOP jewelry pieces typically larger in size than a pearl, but they also have more color variation. The result is a piece of jewelry that is both dramatic in size and stunning in appearance. And not only that, MOP has become a large part of men’s jewelry creation. This is where we come full circle back to our discussion of the watch.

Now on to the star of the show, the Invicta Coalition Forces X-Wing, model #31685. This dial on this X-Wing is covered end-to-end with dark-tinted MOP and red accents. Depending on the lighting, the overall dial color has a charcoal or green hue to it and is very reflective. While pictures can’t fully do the dial justice, you can see hints of the iridescent reflection on the above. While MOP is front-and-center on the dial, there are nearly a half-dozen other winning elements on this X-Wing. The “points” in the top and bottom of the dial give the watch its unique “X” design. The chronograph subdials are controlled by bumper/pusher switches that take the badass level of this watch up a few notches. The dial and glass are moderately smaller than the bezel, which further serves to make the dial the focal point of the eye. With an attractive crown and a soft silicone band, this watch isn’t here to play.

 

Suffice it to say, Invicta’s X-Wing is the droid that you’ve been looking for. After all, how many other watches can give such a subtle homage to Star Wars? Sidebar — want something less subtle? Peruse Invicta’s Star Wars-themed X-Wings and dozens of other models. Plus, the gorgeous MOP work and a unique X-shaped design…

 

 

 

 

 

Strap one on and you’ll be ready to head to a galaxy far, far away…

Cross-posting from prior Wix blog, 08.22.22

Let me tell you a little story about how a watch changed my life (or at least played a role in life change). The year was 2021, I had been at a corporate job with my then-company for 11 years. And while I would love to say it was all rainbows and unicorns, nothing could be farther from the truth. It was a toxic work environment and I knew I needed out. But the last time I got a job it was entry-level all those years ago. Things were different now.

Dozens (heck, maybe hundreds) of job applications later, I finally landed an interview at a stable company through a former peer of mine. Yes! But then came the hours of dread and worry. It was my first interview in many years AND it was my first virtual interview. I decided to wear my old suit – it barely fit my dad bod but I figured nobody would notice the gym shorts I was wearing under the desk. But then came an important decision – and typically one of my favorite decisions of the day. What watch do I wear? My current watch collection is about 30 watches deep, so I had a variety of looks and colors at my disposal. But this decision was huge to me, because my watch says a lot about me and is one of my primary drivers of confidence. So which one to pick?

After standing in the closet for what must have been a half-hour, I decided to wear one of the earlier watches in my collection – my Invicta Project Abda SubAqua Noma III (which I dub “The SubAqua” for short). This gorgeous automatic timepiece is the perfect blend between business and play. The classic black and white appearance allow it to fit nicely with any suit and tie; however, the 200m water resistance and the unique dial with a SubAqua “S” monster pattern make it clear that I’m also here for adventure and fun.

It may seem silly that a watch makes me feel like that but it’s 100% true. Adding it to my wrist before that interview, I felt professional, adventurous, and fun (not to mention dashingly handsome). You can probably guess the rest of the story. I nailed the interview and was scheduled for a second interview with the department AVP. Sporting the same SubAqua on my wrist, I aced that interview too and started the new job a month later.

A watch changed my life? Yeah, I think it kind of did. I have since dubbed it my lucky watch and it’s helped me on other endeavors too – including my first freelance copywriting client meeting. My challenge to you is to find your life-changing watch. If this sounds like your lucky, life-changing watch waiting to happen, search it out and snag yours. It’s a rare find and is sold out many places but as the good book says, search and you will find. Good luck and Godspeed.