Technical Perspective: Understanding The Art of Guilloche Dials
Known under the French name Guillochage, engine turning consists of adorning wood or metal with intertwined lines. It is an engraving technique that originated over five centuries ago. Initially, it was applied to soft materials such as wood and ivory before being adapted to metals, particularly for the craft of goldsmiths and silversmiths. Allegedly first applied in watchmaking in the 1680s by Pierre Duhamel in Geneva on a case, guillochage was made famous on dials by Abraham-Louis Breguet, who introduced it as early as 1786. The intricate geometric patterns engraved on watch dials not only enhance their appearance but also improve readability. Guilloche dials add depth and texture to the surface of the dials. This depth creates visual contrast as light plays off the engraved patterns, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the watch. The different patterns can be used to delineate different subdials or to highlight specific indicators. Today, guilloche has become an integral aspect of w

Why The Omega Speedmaster 57 is a Great Alternative to the Moonwatch?
Anything that Omega can launch within the Speedmaster collection will be immediately compared to the one and only Moonwatch. It’s just the way it is… The original, classic Speedmaster Professional has such a formidable cult status that it has become a benchmark model for everything else Omega creates. And the comparison is hardly objective. But we have to keep in mind that the Speedmaster is more than just one watch; it’s an entire collection of chronographs. And although some might not have the same aura as the Moonwatch, there are nevertheless some true gems in the collection. Case in point; the recently revamped Speedmaster 57. And today, in our latest video, we make that difficult comparison with the Moonwatch. And, yes, it can be a great alternative to the all-time classic Professional model.Say you’re in the market for a luxury hand-wound watch (yes, because the Speedmaster 57 is no longer an automatic watch, and this is the main evolution compared to the

Baselworld 2012 - OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT and the Co-Axial movement explained - Monochrome Watches
Three years after Omega launched the Seamaster Aqua Terra Co-Axial GMT Chronograph, Omega now launches the Seamaster Aqua Terra GMT. Visually many similarities, however without the chronograph and now with Omega’s proprietary co-axial caliber 8605/8615 GMT movement.?In terms of function it still does the same as any movement based on an ETA 2893; hour, minutes, seconds, date and a central 24 hour (GMT) hand. Technically however, the movement is much nicer. But let’s first look at its appearance. Ad - Scroll to continue with article With a diameter of 43 mm, the case is 1 mm smaller than the Aqua Terra GMT Chronograph. It is available in red gold, stainless steel or in a TwoTone version of 18 Ct red gold and stainless steel, and it comes on either a bracelet or on a black, brown or blue leather strap.“The dial is distinguished by the teak patter

Hands-On - Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute to Rembrandt with Micro-Enameling (Specs)
When introduced back in 1931, the Reverso was designed with one purpose in mind: protecting its dial. It was a watch made for polo players, who needed to have the glass of their watches (at that time still mineral glass) hidden – hence the idea of a reversible case. Since then, such needs aren’t relevant anymore but the Reverso still plays with its hidden surfaces to display artistic adornments. After the Reverso Tribute to Piet Mondrian, another (major) Dutch artist is on display today with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute to Rembrandt – and with a stunning execution…Since the initial purpose of the Reverso isn’t relevant anymore, Jaeger-LeCoultre had a good idea to devote some of the hidden surfaces of the Reverso case to artistic crafts. There’s, of course, the typical engraving done on the caseback, with initials, an image of your choice or anything that will remind you of the reason why you bought this watch. There are some even more fascina

First Look: The New and Cool Tissot PR516 Powermatic 80
Earlier this year, Tissot introduced a revised version of its classic 1960s watch, the PR516 Chronograph Mechanical. Stylish with just the right retro touch, well-proportioned, featuring a hand-wound movement and offered at an accessible price, it got very positive reactions from the watch community – and from us, too. Lo and behold, another model is treated to the same winning formula, this time in a classic time-and-date version with even more affordability but still with a super stylish look. Here’s the new Tissot PR516 Powermatic 80, which could well be another home run.?The formula that has been used to create the PR516 Chronograph Mechanical has not changed much in the context of this time-and-date Powermatic 80 model. Still named after a 1956 collection, the Particulierement Robuste, for particularly robust (PR), the model is mainly known under its 1965 shape, designed by Lucien Gurtner, with its distinctive hollowed steel bracelet. While this style has already been