Tag: Watches

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, 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.