Ikepod restomods the Megapode into the new Skypod L.E.
We often talk about revival, resurrection, restoration or even of retro- and vintage-inspiration when it comes to recreating watches from the past, but never of a restomod. This term is closely linked to the automotive industry and basically means taking something from the past, and overhauling it while paying respect to the original design yet presenting it as an improved take. The same term can be applied to the return of Ikepod, the cult-like watchmaking company known for its pebble-shaped watches. Revived (see, there it is again) in 2018 with a more affordable range of perfectly smooth watches, Ikepod now has something very cool coming. Using new-old-stock movements, the brand brings back an icon from the past, as it “restomods” the Ikepod Megapode Chronograph into the Ikepod Skypod Limited Edition.?Ikepod was originally founded in 1994 by Oliver Ike and Marc Newson, and reached a cult-like status with extremely sleek and futuristic designs. Penned by design veteran Mar

Introducing: The new Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope Paris 2024
Released in 2021, the Chronoscope was a surprising take on the classic Speedmaster, combining a large case, a two-counter dial (usually found in larger versions and racing-oriented models) with a vintage-inspired dial bearing no fewer than three snailed-shaped tracks. Untouched since its presentation, which included steel and bronze-gold versions, the Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope collection now expands to celebrate the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics – Omega being, once again, the official timekeeper of the event. And we now have appealing new models with charm and luxury, including references in Moonshine gold.What we’re looking at today are new variations around an existing collection, in order to celebrate the upcoming Olympic Games of Paris 2024, which are set to begin in just 100 days. In short, these new Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope models are identical to the classic versions we have reviewed here, only bringing new colours and materials. But as we’ve told on mu

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black Volvo Ocean Race Limited Edition Winner's Watch - Monochrome Watches
Today the most dangerous, intense, and harshest of all sea races, The Volvo Ocean Race, comes to an end in The Hague, Netherlands. After sailing around the globe, spending approx. 9 months at sea, today marks the last in-harbour race, although it does not change anything for the podium positions. By winning the 11th leg, Dongfeng Race Team wins the Volvo Ocean Race in a bold victory and we went hands-on with the official winner’s watch, the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black ‘Volvo Ocean Race’.The very first Planet Ocean Deep Black was introduced two years ago. First as a GMT version that came in four different colour schemes (although the basis was black ceramic), and now Omega adds a 73-piece limited edition with chronograph function. To stay with the colours of the Volvo Ocean Race, Omega opted for the black/red version of the Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black. Tonight, one of the 73 pieces will be handed over to the skipper of the?Dongfeng Race Team, when the

Speedmaster Gathering Commemorating the 44th Anniversary of Neil Armstrong's First Step on the Moon - Monochrome Watches
Our friends over at Fratellowatches celebrate their affection for Omega’s Speedmaster every Tuesday with ‘Speedy Tuesday’. It’s their homage of one of their favorite watches and they come up with another rare limited edition every week. To celebrate the 44th anniversary of Neil Armstrong’s first step on the moon – on 21 July 1969 at 2:56 UTC time – they organized a lunch for Speedmaster enthusiasts.The amount of Speedmaster brought to the lunch event, was simply impressive. Fratellowatches shares a load of photos of boxes full of Speedmasters and some closeups of for instance this gold Speedmaster Professional – ref. BA145.022 – from 1969 to commemorate the NASA Moonlanding. This is one of only 1014 pieces ever made, of which the first 39 went to astronauts and members of the White House. According to Fratellowatches, number 1 was intended for Richard Nixon but he refused the watch that is now in the Omega museum in Biel.

The E.C. Andersson North Sea II (Specs & Price)
Today, we are going hands-on with an interesting new watch from a brand we first wrote about in 2016. Back then, Swedish brand E.C. Andersson was running a Kickstarter campaign to fund its first model, the military/marine inspired North Sea. As you may recall, the campaign was ultimately successful, and the first collection sold out. Now, the team are back with their second collection, the North Sea II, which looks very similar to the first version but features a number of subtle, yet important, updates. Given the popularity of the original model, keeping the same aesthetic is definitely not a bad thing. Read on for our detailed review of this comfortable yet robust timekeeper, that's happily, still also very affordable.Scandinavian design is renowned for its focus on functional simplicity, without compromising on the details and North Sea II certainly lives up this reputation. The overall design has a certain rawness to it, giving the watch something of an industrial look and feel. It