Crafter Blue CHRONO SUIT for ROLEX [suit up]

It’s rubber protection but for your watch! 

Now here’s an interesting new product that has been engineered for all your beloved 40mm Rolex sports and diver’s models.

It’s a product that is guaranteed to divide opinion, too but for just 25USD it might be one that is worth trying nevertheless. Crafter Blue has a new product range called the Chrono Suit which is a molded rubber protection shield for that expensive Rolex of yours. Available for Rolex 40mm Submariner, GMT Master I & II, Explorer II and Yacht Master, the Chrono Suit protection case can be used in any number scenarios where you might want to baby your Rolex. It is also the first ever rubber case designed exclusively for Rolex watch protection, preventing your precious timepiece from scratches, damage and general wear and tear. Whether you’re traveling long haul, working out in the in the gym where you’re surrounded by a ton of equipment that could potentially ding your watch, or perhaps you’re just pedantic about scratches. We all know those types of people. Like those that leave the case-back stickers on the back of their new watch or the covers on their sofas or even make you take your shoes off on their new carpets – well perhaps not them. The new Chrono Suit from Crafter Blue is available now priced 25USD however it currently discounted to just 20USD. Follow the LINK for more info.

Thoughts? I usually just wear the living crap out for my Rolex for a few years and then take it in for a good buff and polish at the local spa but that usually costs a few hundred bucks. 

Maybe one of these would have been the answer? What do you think? 

 

OLLECH & WAJS OW M-110 [from the ocean to the field]

Ollech & Wajs has a new tactical diver come field watch drawing on more than six decades worth of military and diving know-how. 

Equipped with a 360 degrees compass bezel engraved with the cardinal points, more typically found on a field watch – 

this new reference brings together several historic design characteristics along with the same high degree of water-resistance that OW’s dive watches are known for.

The M-110 pays homage to the enduring legacy of military personnel who have historically worn OW watches; specifically that generation of US soldiers who during the 60s relied on OW watches while on tour in otherwise unfamiliar and often hostile terrain. 

The ability to determine direction is a prerequisite of any military maneuver and is vital in an escape and evasion or survival situation. 

In the absence of a compass, the US Army Ranger Handbook provides infantrymen detailed instruction on how to use the ‘watch method’ to get a bearing.

This is a simple technique that involves lining the hour hand up with the sun, and then bisecting the distance between the hour hand and 12 o’clock position, to discover south. 

Compass bezels are a simple yet ingenious tool that (in a world where we are constantly tethered to GPS satellites) we are unlikely to ever have to rely upon; 

however it is these satellites that would likely be disabled by our enemies in times of conflict, so just as in diving where an old school mechanical diver’s watch serves as a back up to your modern diving computer; 

an old school compass bezel just might be your only option if for example you’re brought down over hostile territory and you want to know which way home is!

Another distinctive feature of the M-110, which military users will recognize, are the radio silence period markers on the dial. 

These are three-minute periods immediately after each quarter hour, reserved exclusively for making – and listening for – distress calls. The M-110, as the first OW watch to carry the new Soprod Newton Precision movement, also sets a new bearing for Ollech & Wajs.

The result of a close collaboration between OW and Soprod, the new movement is a bespoke version of the Newton P092, modified to OW’s own specifications and adjusted in five positions.

It has been finished in accordance with our rugged aesthetics, and ‘OW Zurich 1956’ is engraved into the nickel- plated base, on which sits a co-designed, custom rotor in the shape of the OW marque. 

The inimitable new movement will carry OW’s own ‘PRECISION’ rating, reserved for movements of only the highest quality. 

The M-110 also sees the return of the classic ‘skin diver’ case, first used on early OW models such as the 1964 Aquaguard and the 1965 Early Bird. 

The M-110 will come on either a yet-to-be-revealed strap option or a heavy-gauge, Stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet with reinforced ends and hand-brushed finish.

A great amount of care has gone into the development of this new bracelet, in line with OW’s historical approach. As well as being virtually indestructible and fit for professional use, OW believe it is their most comfortable bracelet to date. 

The sturdy milled and engraved clasp is extendable up to 22 mm, and a double pusher-release system provides extra security against accidental opening. 

As has become a new OW tradition, the first 56 m100 watches will be offered with numbered crowns. The M-110 will be available in late 2022 and priced between CHF 1,456 and CHF 1,596.

 

BLANCPAIN Fifty Fathoms Bathscaphe Flyback Chronograph [NEW RG or G23 Ti]

Blancpain introduces two striking new variants of its Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph watch for 2022; 

giving their popular diving chronograph a couple of exciting new looks thanks to the use of Red Gold (ref. 5200-3640) and Grade 23 Titanium (ref. 5200-1210).

These two completely different looking case materials now adorn the Flyback Chronograph model, a mainstay of the Bathyscaphe family for almost a decade. 

Almost seven decades after its launch in 1953, the Fifty Fathoms (lauded as the first modern diver's watch) – has been continually updated and re-developed by Blanpain giving rise to numerous variations of their legendary diving tool.

The Bathyscaphe watch created in 1956 is perhaps one of the finest examples. Lesser in stature than the Fifty Fathoms and featuring a calendar, this diver became the daily Fifty Fathoms. 

The flyback chronograph joined the modern Bathyscaphe family in 2014 and was the first complication to equip Blancpain's "urban diver" model. 

The Manufacture is now returning its Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph model to center-stage, housing one of the watch industry’s most renowned chronograph movements.

Blancpain Caliber F385 is one of the latest in a line of Blancpain chronographs that have often been world firsts over the past 30 years. 

This in-house movement draws on Blancpain's refined vertical clutch design that ensures smooth engagement of the chronograph mechanism, eliminating the problem of the chronograph seconds hand making sudden, abrupt jumps.

Control of starting, stopping and resetting the chronograph is done via a column wheel, enabling smooth and comfortable operation of the pushers. 

The F385 beats at a frequency of 5 Hz, which is a considerable advantage in terms of timekeeping accuracy compared to lower frequencies.

It has an inertia-regulated balance wheel with a silicon balance spring, whose geometry and lightness help ensure excellent chronometric performance. 

The luxuriant Red Gold watch is a bold presence on the wrist, while the almost humble by comparison Grade 23 Titanium iteration flies under the radar with its subtle anthracite dial.

Recently introduced into its collections by Blancpain, Grade 23 Titanium – also known as Grade 5 ELI (extra low interstitials) – is the purest type of titanium available. 

It notably contains less oxygen than the "standard" titanium used in watchmaking. This reduction in the amount of oxygen improves the metal's resistance to breakage and corrosion.

In addition to its unfailing strength, Grade 23 Titanium is also anti-allergenic and its biocompatibility has made it a favorite in the medical field. 

Whether in Red Gold or Titanium G23, the dial comes with a sunburst pattern throughout and a snailed motif on the chronograph counters, designed to create a sense of depth and contrast.

The new Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph models are naturally framed by a unidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic inlay, a family trait of all the modern Bathyscaphe watches. 

The blue inlay on the Red Gold version sports a glossy finish and a Ceragold™ time scale, while the anthracite inlay of the G23 Titanium watch is satin-brushed and features a Liquidmetal™ scale.

The cases of both watches measure 43mm in diameter and are water resistant to 30 bar (approximately 300 m). They are paired with a NATO or sailcloth strap matching the dial color. 

The sail canvas strap of the red gold version comes with a choice of pin buckle or folding clasp, while the grade 23 titanium model is also available with a titanium bracelet.

 

GLASHÜTTE ORIGINAL SeaQ CHRONOGRAPH [prominence and prowess]

Glashütte Original debuts the new SeaQ Chronograph which is robed in a sultry dark blue, from its handmade dial to the ceramic inlay of its unidirectional rotational divers bezel. 

All of which including hours, minutes and stop second hands as well as the indexes have been coated with copious amounts of Super-LumiNova®, ensuring optimal readability even where the sun doesn’t shine (if you know what I mean)!

A selection of four strap options are offered: a dark blue rubber strap, a Stainless steel link bracelet with a fine adjustment mechanism, and two synthetic fabric straps made from recycled fishnets, in grey or blue. 

The watch looks absolutely divine however its beauty isn’t merely skin deep, this is a highly competent diving instrument as all SeaQ models are and so boasts many technical features.

You can’t see it but GO has placed a hollow hexagonal socket screw in the center of the dial. It is placed over the hand shafts, thus fixing the dial to the plate before the hands are mounted. 

Thanks to this small but effective detail, the dial remains securely in place, even in the event of a shock from dropping, knocking or otherwise.

The SeaQ Chronograph’s features a flyback function, a central stop-second, and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock; all are operated using the two pushers on the edge of the case. 

In addition, our signature Panorama Date is found just above 6 o’clock.

These displays are easily set via the crown: in position 1 (the crown is unscrewed), the automatic movement can be wound. 

In position 2 (the crown is pulled out once), the date can be corrected and in position 3 (the crown is pulled out twice), the time can be set while the second stop is activated.

This design made it possible to do without a separate date corrector on the side of the case, thus enhancing the water-resistance of the watch. 

All watches in the SeaQ family are subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they meet the ISO 6425 and DIN 8306 standards.

They must withstand extreme temperature changes, resist saltwater corrosion, ensure optimal legibility in the dark and have a unidirectional rotating bezel with a scale allowing the diver to determine how much time remains for the dive.

The automatic movement Calibre 37-23 with column-wheel switch combines maximum resistance, precision and user-friendliness with a running time of over 70 hours. 

The silicon balance spring offers enhanced resistance to the influence of magnetic fields, for example, and thanks to its steady oscillation, greater rate precision.

The balance was given more space, allowing it to oscillate unhindered and thus gain a few degrees of valuable amplitude. 

The entire movement is elaborately decorated by hand with great skill and dexterity, and can be admired through its sapphire crystal case back – certainly not a given with a certified diver’s watch.

The SeaQ Chrono’s MSRP in Germany is 14’100 euro for the strap variant (+300 euro folding clasp) or 15’300 euro for eh Stainless steel bracelet variant.

Thoughts? A diving chrono that is technical as it is beautiful but would you take one over a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chrono? 

I would because there’s something special about watches from Glashütte; perhaps it’s because they are kind of sleepers in the watch world – only known by those who know and that in itself is very appealing. 

 

AUDAZ King Ray [rugged majesty]

Audaz pays tribute to the majestic manta ray with its latest model, the all-new King Ray collection, a new cushion-cased diver. 

Constructed from 316L Stainless steel, the King Ray’s 42mm in diameter case extends up to 48mm in length allowing for an assured yet comfortable ride against your wrist.

The robust cushion case is attached to an elegant three link, brushed and polished Stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp. Meanwhile the King Ray offers a remarkably clean and clutter free dial, displaying only the time-keeping essentials along with a date at 3 o’clock. A generous helping of Super-LumiNova can be seen on the diamond cut hands and applied indices, ensuring legibility even in poorly lit spaces. King Ray dials boast a Sunray finish that fits perfectly with its polished hands and indices, or a sporty matt finish with matching matte hands and indices. Its unidirectional diver’s bezel features a Stainless steel inlay with raised polished graduations and numerals, contrasting against its matte background. King Ray diver’s watches are built to take up to 20atm of atmospheric pressure underwater, the watch also features a charming Manta Ray motif embossed onto its solid screw-in case-back.

All King Ray models are powered by 24-jewel, precision-engineered TMI-NH35 automatic movement dubbed the workhorse automatic movement. 

MSRP is 400USD. Please follow the link to view the entire KING RAY collection from AUDAZ.

 

BREMONT Waterman APEX & Laird Hamilton [sharks and surf]

Bremont partners with the legendary big wave rider, Laird Hamilton and the Bimini Shark Lab for its newest Supermarine model. Following in the footsteps of the Limited Edition WATERMAN of 2018, Bremont has finally introduced its much anticipated successor, the Waterman Apex. Embracing life on and under the water, the Waterman Apex is Bremont’s high-performance mechanical diver’s watch forming part of the brand’s iconic Supermarine range. Limited to only 250 pieces, the Waterman Apex like any model hailing from the Supermarine family was purpose built as a tough diver – however with proceeds from the sale of the watch supporting oceanic research for the pioneering non-profit organization Bimini Shark Lab it also has a gentle side. When you think of world-renowned waterman, you could not fail to think of the big wave charger Laid Hamilton who Bremont has enlisted to help wear-test the Waterman Apex watch. Laird is an American big wave surfer, waterman, pioneer, and innovator who now joins Bremont’s impressive line-up of Brand Ambassadors. As a celebrated innovator of tow-in-surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and hydrofoil boarding, Laird is the archetypal extreme Waterman, continually pushing the boundaries of these oceanic pursuits. In line with Bremont’s most technical dive watches the Waterman Apex incorporates an automatic Helium Escape valve and crown protector as well as boasting a 42 hour power reserve with GMT and date functions. The 43mm Stainless steel Trip-Tick® case incorporates a scratch resistant sapphire uni-directional bezel paired with a matt black dial subtly decorated with a shark fin motif amongst waves, a nod to the partnership with Bimini Shark Lab. The Super-LumiNova® filled applied indexes and hands are complemented by a red seconds hand and blue GMT hand which matches the integrated Harbour Blue rubber strap. Upon turning the watch over an open Sapphire case-back reveals a custom rotor repeating the same shark fin motif in blue found on the watch face. Despite having an open case-back, the Waterman Apex is water-resistant to 500m with the movement being protected by Bremont’s patented anti-shock vibration mount technology. The new Limited Edition celebrates the work of The Bimini Shark Lab with Bremont donating a percentage of all Waterman Apex watch sales to support and continue their work. Its MSRP in the UK is £4,795.