Technical Perspective - Going Beyond the Rattrapante Chronograph
If the chronograph is one of the most revered complications, the rattrapante (or split-seconds) function takes it to a whole new level. The word rattrapante translates from the French “to catch up”. Rattrapante chronographs feature two superimposed seconds hands that time two events of different lengths simultaneously. One hand (the rattrapante) can be stopped to read an intermediate time, while the other one (the trotteuse) keeps running. A second push on the rattrapante pusher allows the stopped hand to catch up with the moving hand. Joseph-Thaddeus Winnerl is considered to have developed the first split-seconds mechanism in the first half of the 19th century. The split-second chronograph however is not the only mechanism to time multiple events Here are a few original solutions.The Double-Split or Even Triple-Split ChronographIf rattrapante or split-second chronographs traditionally allow to measure split-times up to 1 minute, a major enhancement to this classic complica

Hands-On Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m GMT Master Chronometer
While the Speedmaster remains Omega’s most successful watch, specifically since the renewal of the collection recently, the other important pillar in the collection if, of course, the Seamaster. Past years have seen the brand focusing mostly on the Diver 300M. Yet, there’s another dive watch that deserves some attention, an even more powerful model with proper diving credentials, the Planet Ocean 600m. Recently, we got our hands on a model that we consider to be sort of a hidden gem in the collection… This is the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m GMT Master Chronometer and we give a closer look at it.?Neither the concept of an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m GMT nor this actual watch is new. In fact, the concept came on the market in 2013 and the watch we’ll be looking at today has been launched in 2016. Still, it is part of these watches that somehow didn’t get the recognition it truly deserves. This traveller’s PO 600M is a watch that has A LOT t

Review (Affordable) - Farer Aqua Compressor Endeavour (Specs & Price)
Dive watches are a dime a dozen these days. You can go high-end with a Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 or Omega Seamaster, or find something more affordable like a Seiko Diver's Automatic or Hamilton Khaki King Scuba. Whether spending USD 10,000 or USD 500, it's not hard to find a stylish and capable dive watch from a plethora of established brands. Ever since I got my first serious mechanical watch in the 1990s, an RGM Model 107-P Pilot, I've gravitated toward smaller, lesser-known companies. Dive watches have often been my style of choice, so I'm excited to review a Super Compressor from a newcomer that has already generated some waves: the Farer Aqua Compressor Endeavour.BackgroundFarer Universal, a British-based company manufacturing genuine Swiss watches via Roventa-Henex, has a handful of lines that have generated a lot of interest with their original, slightly quirky retro aesthetics. Bold colors and textures, multi-layered dials and signature bronze crowns have helped them sta

Patek Philippe to Discontinue 24 References in 2022
Products are introduced. Products have a commercial life. Products are discontinued. There’s nothing exceptional in this, it’s named a product life cycle… Regularly, for various reasons, watch brands add or remove some references from their collections, whether because of a need to innovate, because of the introduction of a new design, because a new movement is coming, or because the product isn’t successful enough. Classic business practices. And, of course, we don’t report on every discontinuation on the market. But when a brand such as Patek Philippe is about to remove 24 references from its collection, there’s something special happening. Indeed, you’ve read correctly. According to well-informed and usual very reliable sources, such as Jasem Al Zeraei a.k.a @patekaholic, 24 references, including all Nautilus 5711s and many more models, are about to disappear…?OverviewAs said, and of course this should be taken with precautions as Pate

Hands-On - 2022 TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 1000 Superdiver
TAG Heuer's new Aquaracer Professional 1000 Superdiver is a big brother to the Aquaracer Professional 300 with upgrades across the board. The depth rating of 1,000 metres is suitable for the most hardcore saturation divers, while a partnership with Kenissi Manufacture SA brings an all-new movement to the brand as well. This watch follows icons from decades ago like the Heuer 1000m diver from 1982 and Super Professional from 1984, both designed for professional divers and a bit ahead of their time. The brand is no stranger to pushing boundaries when it comes to deep-sea exploration.?The case of the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 1000 Superdiver is sizable with a 45mm diameter and height of 15.75mm, although that's rather decent for such a deep diver. The majority is made from grade 5 titanium with the caseback and a few small elements having different materials. This keeps it lightweight on the wrist for long dives and titanium is incredibly corrosion-resistant. The unidirectional rot