Watches

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 26, 2025

Why The Chronograph Is The Ultimate Automotive Watch

The chronograph has long since distinguished itself as a cornerstone in both automotive history and watchmaking, even making its mark as the first watch to land on the moon’s surface. Regarded as one of the most versatile timepieces ever created, with the ability to function as a stopwatch and a traditional watch, the chronograph has become a staple for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its everyday usefulness and historical significance. Historically, the chronograph has been associated with influential figures like Paul Newman and Steve McQueen, further cementing its position in the timeline of luxury watches with examples like the Rolex Daytona Cosmograph and TAG Heuer Carrera. For automotive aficionados, the chronograph represents that bridge between the realms of competitive racing and haute horology. Whether for gauging lap times or fine-tuning a race car’s on-track capabilities, the chronograph offers multiple levels of accuracy that are indispensable for both drivers and teams. Roger Dubuis Understanding how a chronograph works reveals why it’s such a valuable tool for racing. Functionality is what sets it apart from all other wristwatch variations, which is why its technology has been adopted by Swiss watch icons like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, TAG Heuer, and so many others. While it maintains the basic features of a standard wristwatch, additional complications allow it to measure elapsed time with remarkable accuracy. This is achieved through extra sub-dials and pushers that control the stopwatch function separately from the primary time display. For pioneering and modern-day drivers, this is important for tracking lap times and analyzing other performance metrics. The origin of the chronograph dates back to 1816, when Louis Moinet, a French watchmaker, created the first modern chronograph. His invention could measure time to 1/60th of a second and is still recognized as the significant advancement in precision that laid the groundwork for future developments in timing technology. Without Louis Moinet and his ingenious creation, the watch world would be without coveted models like the Zenith Chronomaster Original and Omega Speedmaster. TAG Heuer In the context of racing, the chronograph’s ability to provide detailed timing information is invaluable. Accurate lap times and performance measurements help teams and drivers make strategic adjustments and improvements. Imagine standing trackside at the 24 Hours of Le Mans while carefully monitoring lap times from your wrist to guarantee a victory at the checkered flag. Despite technological advancements, the chronograph’s straightforward design and accuracy continue to make it a relevant tool in motorsport today. The chronograph offers a compelling entry point for those interested in luxury watch collecting, with a vast range of price points and styles that are sure to fit the needs of any watch lover. Its historical significance, combined with its practical functions, makes it a noteworthy piece for both seasoned collectors and newcomers. The chronograph’s blend of functionality and heritage ensures its place as a respected and enduring part of the world of fine watches.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 08, 2025

Phillips’ New York Watch Auction XIII Sets $43.5M U.S. Re...

It was an event filled with record-breaking moments. If there was any lingering question about the status of the luxury watch market, Phillips’ New York Watch Auction: XIII put it to rest. Closing out the auction house’s 10th anniversary year in association with Bacs & Russo, the sale totaled a jaw-dropping $43.5 million, making it the highest-grossing watch auction ever held in the United States. Adding to the excitement, the auction achieved a 100% sell-through rate by lot and value, extending Phillips’ streak of “white glove” New York watch auctions to five consecutive years. For collectors watching closely, it represents the continuation of a steady, confidence-driven climb at the very top of the market. Francis Ford Coppola The clear headline was F.P. Journe’s unique FFC watch from the collection of Francis Ford Coppola, a 1-of-1 prototype developed in collaboration with the legendary filmmaker. Designed to tell time using a single human hand, the watch sits comfortably in the history of true horology. After more than eleven minutes of competitive bidding from around the world, it hammered at $10.8 million, setting a new world auction record for both F.P. Journe and any independent watchmaker. The result also marked the most expensive watch sold at auction in the U.S. since Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona crossed the block in 2017, quietly reinforcing the idea that modern legends now sit alongside vintage icons. Top 10 Auction Sales F.P. Journe – Francis Ford Coppola FFC Prototype (2021)Sold for: $10,775,000 F.P. Journe – Chronomètre à Résonance “Sincere Fine Watches” (2006)Sold for: $3,690,000 Philippe Dufour – Duality “No. 1” (circa 1999)Sold for: $3,085,000 F.P. Journe – Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription No. 17” (2000)Sold for: $2,843,000 F.P. Journe – Octa Chronographe “Souscription No. 19” (2003)Sold for: $1,572,500 Philippe Dufour – Simplicity “No. 1” (circa 2002)Sold for: $1,168,400 F.P. Journe – Tourbillon Souverain, Steel Set (2015)Sold for: $1,130,300 F.P. Journe – Chronomètre à Résonance, Steel Set (2015)Sold for: $927,100 F.P. Journe – Octa Réserve de Marche “Souscription No. 17” (2003)Sold for: $774,700 F.P. Journe – Chronomètre à Résonance, Pink Gold (circa 2002)Sold for: $685,800 F.P. Journe – Francis Ford Coppola FFC Prototype (2021) Beyond that singular moment, the auction stressed just how deeply collectors are embracing independent watchmakers. F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour accounted for nine of the top ten lots, with Journe’s Chronomètre à Résonance “Sincere Fine Watches” example reaching $3.7 million, more than ten times its low estimate. Limited-production souscription pieces followed, proving that rarity, history, and mechanical integrity continue to trump hype. The same held true for Philippe Dufour’s Duality and Simplicity, both numbered 01, which together brought spirited bidding and strong results. Taken as a whole, The New York Watch Auction: XIII offered a clear look at where serious collectors are placing their attention, and why independent watchmaking continues to define the top end of the market. F.P. Journe – Octa Chronographe “Souscription No. 19” (2003) Source: Phillips' New York

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 03, 2025

TAG Heuer x fragment Reveal an Exclusive Carrera Chronogr...

TAG Heuer and fragment have the type of relationship that’s effortless and almost natural. Their collaboration began in 2018, and since then, Hiroshi Fujiwara’s minimalist vision has consistently aligned with TAG Heuer’s racing heritage. The latest release, the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph x fragment Limited Edition, is a perfect example. At a comfortable and modest 39mm, it’s a watch that balances clean and simple design with high-performance chronograph functionality, proving that less can really be more. Fujiwara’s design cues, like the subtle lightning bolt at 1 and 11, rhodium-plated hands, and black-and-white contrast, bring a quiet confidence to a model already saturated in motorsport history, making it a must-have for both collectors and enthusiasts. The Carrera itself has always been a canvas for reimagination. Originally launched in 1963 for drivers tackling the legendary Carrera Panamericana, it prioritized legibility and precision, and that spirit remains intact today. The glassbox chronograph adds depth without being overdone. A domed sapphire crystal sits over a black opalin dial, paired with a curved white flange and silver-tone subdials that highlight every detail with clarity. Even the bracelet gets a subtle update, with TAG Heuer’s classic “beads-of-rice” design transformed in black PVD links to mirror the dial’s contrasts. Every characteristic feels deliberate, a product of Fujiwara’s principle that nothing should exist without purpose. It’s a modern, restrained take that still pays homage to the Carrera’s racing DNA. Under the hood, the watch delivers on both performance and style. The in-house TH20-00 movement offers an 80-hour power reserve, smooth chronograph function via a column wheel and vertical clutch, and bidirectional automatic winding. Small details like the oscillating weight shaped like a shield and the Victory Wreath engraved on the caseback tie the watch back to TAG Heuer’s motorsport legacy, while the fragment logo printed on the sapphire crystal stamps Fujiwara’s touch on the piece. Limited to just 500 individually numbered watches, this edition is like a conversation across cultures, decades, and disciplines. It’s a reminder that when design and heritage align, a chronograph can be both understated and iconic. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TAG Heuer (@tagheuer) Source: TAG Heuer

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 26, 2025

URWERK x Ulysse Nardin Debut Its $122K UR-FREAK Collabora...

Independent watchmaking has always been built on small teams doing big, sometimes bold things, but genuine collaborations between major independents are surprisingly rare. That’s what makes the 2025 UR-FREAK such an enjoyable moment in haute horology. Ulysse Nardin and URWERK are two names that helped shape the modern era of experimental watchmaking, starting in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The tech optimism of that time, with new modeling software, more flexible machining, and a willingness to break long-held traditional rules, sparked both the Ulysse Nardin Freak (2001) and URWERK’s satellite display system. Today’s UR-FREAK isn’t trying to recreate that era, but you can notice the shared roots. What makes the new release so unique is its actual level of collaboration. A lot of high-end partnerships amount to swapping dials or colors, but Ulysse Nardin and URWERK built an entirely new mechanical system together. The UN-241 movement combines the Freak’s carousel design with URWERK’s wandering satellite hours. The three-hand satellite system travels along the minute scale, each hand carrying a domed jumping-hour disc, while the whole mechanism orbits the dial with an oversized silicon oscillator at the center. That oscillator owes its existence to Ulysse Nardin’s early push into silicon micro components, which is exclusive to them. While the display and the signature electric-yellow colors feel unmistakably URWERK. More than 150 new parts were created for this single project, which is about as far from a superficial collaboration as you can get. The case begins with the 44 mm Freak silhouette, which is crownless and bezel-set, but rendered in sandblasted titanium with URWERK-style fluting. The bezel is still used to set the time, unlocked by the familiar tab at six o’clock, and the Grinder® automatic winding system adds efficiency without changing the Freak’s identity. You get the sense that neither brand tried to overshadow the other. Instead, the UR-FREAK reads like a mechanical handshake between the two brands. For collectors who follow independent watchmaking, it’s one of the rare collaborations that genuinely deserves the word. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ulysse Nardin (@ulyssenardinofficial) Source: URWERK/Ulysse Nardin

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 21, 2025

Audemars Piguet Debuts An AI Setting Box for Royal Oak Pe...

AP just took watch tech to a whole new level. For as much love as perpetual calendars get, there’s always been the painstaking process when it’s time to set one. Collectors will never admit it out loud, but most have had at least one afternoon ruined by accidentally skipping past February or nudging the moonphase the wrong way. So the idea that Audemars Piguet just debuted a device that basically takes the stress out of that routine feels oddly overdue. Two years into its partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation, AP is unveiling an intelligent watch box, debuting at Dubai Watch Week, that automatically sets and winds its 41 mm Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar. It’s a mix of robotics, computer vision, and AI, wrapped in a watch case that still feels very AP, marking one of those small but meaningful shifts in how the brand thinks about making complicated watches easier to live with. AP already took a big step in this future-forward direction earlier this year with its Calibres 7138 and 7136, which finally allowed every correction through a single crown. The new setting box builds directly on that breakthrough. You drop the watch inside, close the lid, and the machine takes over, reading the dial, identifying which indicators are out of sync, and adjusting everything in around five minutes. Inside the device, there’s a system at work. A mechanical module handles the movements, replicating how a watchmaker would control the crown. A module keeps all the components talking to one another, while a small camera captures the dial layout and hand positions. That data is fed into a machine-learning model trained on a variety of Royal Oak QP configurations, letting the device adapt to each watch rather than forcing everything into a fixed routine. The collaboration behind the box is its own story. AP’s partnership with the Dubai Future Foundation, and specifically Dubai Future Labs, has become a melting pot where traditional watchmaking meets advanced robotics and software. The finished product feels like something designed to make owning a perpetual calendar a little less intimidating and a lot more enjoyable. Source: Audemars Piguet

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 14, 2025

Roger Dubuis Revives a Classic with the Limited-Edition H...

The new Hommage La Placide brings back Roger Dubuis’ early charm. There are watches that make a splash the moment they arrive, and then there are watches like the all-new Hommage La Placide, which feel like they’ve been waiting for their moment to shine. The original Hommage line was Roger Dubuis’ personal thank-you note to the watchmakers who shaped his early years, back when the brand was still finding its footing in the independent watch world. This new 28-piece release doesn’t come in with hype; it’s more like flipping through an old sketchbook you forgot existed, full of personality and history. It’s a subtle reminder of who Dubuis was and the hands-on, slightly bold approach that set his work apart. Rather than building something entirely new, Roger Dubuis went back to its own history, taking original RD14 movements from the early 2000s and giving them a full refresh. Each one was examined, rebuilt, and paired with the RD72 perpetual calendar to create the hybrid RD1472. The result feels like a carefully restored mix of original and remade parts that carry the same care and attention Dubuis himself would have used. The biretrograde display, a long-time favorite complication of his, is a small nod to the founder’s love for refinement in motion. The dial mirrors that same philosophy. Mother-of-pearl arcs, a deep “Leman Blue” main plate, and an aventurine moonphase all together in a way that feels hand-crafted. The name “La Placide,” drawn from Dubuis’ childhood scout nickname, adds a touch of personality that makes the 38mm pink gold watch feel human. Even offering original Hommage owners a complimentary strap is just that, a gesture, not a campaign. In an era of grand anniversaries and bold statements, the Hommage La Placide quietly celebrates decades of craft and character without needing to shout. Source: Roger Dubuis

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 12, 2025

$17.8M Patek Philippe Sets a New World-Record at Phillips...

The Patek of all Pateks just made its mark on the watch world. There are auction moments that feel bigger than the final hammer price, and the recent Phillips Geneva "Decade One" event offered one of those, with a sale that rocked the watch world. When it came time for the steel Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 to make its grand debut for all to see, the room held its breath. Only four of these watches are known to exist, and this particular example, believed to be the very first steel 1518 ever made, carries a kind of significance that exceeds numbers. Originally sold in 1944 to a Budapest collector, it tells the story of a company inventing the modern complicated wristwatch as we know it, back when the idea of a perpetual calendar chronograph was still something close to science fiction. What makes this reference so important isn't just how few exist, but how complete the story feels from day one. Built in 1943, the watch retains all the original details, including crisp lugs, authentic pushers, and a beautifully aged dial crafted by Stern Frères. Its movement even displays hand-engraved touches that today feel almost impossibly personal. Collectors have long called the steel reference 1518 a "holy grail," but that term only hints at its weight. It's the kind of watch that sits in the same space as a first-series Ferrari 250 GTO, not because it's shiny or expensive, but because it changed what came after it. To hold one is to touch a piece of how Patek Philippe defined modern watchmaking, and how Geneva itself became the heart of horological artistry. The eight-figure sale reminded collectors why watches like this matter in the first place. Looking past the record price and headlines, Patek Philippe's Ref. 1518 in steel represents an era when a wristwatch could both measure time and write its own history. For anyone who loves vintage horology, it's a moment worth pausing for, just to appreciate how far the craft has come and how pieces like this keep its story alive. Source: Phillips Watches

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 17, 2025

Travel Made Tangible: Richard Mille Debuts Its New RM 63-...

Beyond being a stylish luxury accessory that just so happens to tell time, the wristwatch has spent more than two centuries evolving as a true functional tool. From tracking oxygen reserves in the deepest depths of the ocean to accompanying astronauts to the surface of the moon, every watch truly serves a purpose through design, ingenuity, and craftsmanship. World travelers are among those who share a niche space in haute horology as they command the most complex movements to help track and shift timezones depending on where you're jet-setting. The all-new Richard Mille RM 63-02 Automatic Worldtimer is that nod to travel. Limited to just 100 pieces, it’s a watch that speaks to those who find meaning in the rhythm in an on-the-go lifestyle. Its circular case comes crafted from a mix of red gold and titanium, with a rotating bezel that turns it into something quietly brilliant. Instead of the usual pushers or crown, the worldtimer function works through an oddly satisfying and simple twist of the bezel. The system connects directly to the movement, adjusting the local time to whichever city rests at 12 o’clock and automatically shifting the rest of the world’s zones with it. A two-tone day and night disc helps ground your sense of time, even when your body’s unsure of what hour it really is. Inside, the RM 63-02 runs on the in-house CRMA4 automatic calibre, built from grade 5 titanium for strength without adding unwanted weight. Much of its design is visible from the dial side, bridges brushed and rhodium-coated, gears moving in plain view, and a large date at 12 o’clock, operated by a gold pusher at 11. The RM 63-02 doesn’t try to reinvent the idea of the travel watch but instead it refines it, making the experience of changing time zones as easy as glancing out an airplane window. For those who live their lives between destinations, it’s a reminder that the measure of time can still feel human. Source: Richard Mille

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 15, 2025

OMEGA Debuts The New Speedmaster Dark and Grey Side of th...

The next evolution of the Speedmaster. Since its successful mission as the first Omega in space aboard the Sigma 7 in 1962, the Speedmaster has only soared in popularity amongst watch enthusiasts and horological purists. It's a model best described as quintessential to the watch world, representing a literal breakthrough in the industry and the possibilities of what wristwatches can truly achieve. Now, decades after its spotlight in space, Omega continues to honor its flagship model with modern renditions that highlight new materials and movement technology as part of its ongoing evolution as an icon. Today, that legacy continues with the debut of the Speedmaster Dark and Grey Side of the Moon Collection, featuring seven distinctive versions that showcase an all-new ceramic finish. Twelve years after the original Dark Side of the Moon turned heads, Omega's 2025 finally found its next step. After the Apollo 8 model earned Master Chronometer certification, the new Dark Side pieces build on that precision but also feel lighter, sharper, and more deliberate on the wrist. The biggest changes are in the details. OMEGA has refined its ceramic work to create bevelled, polished surfaces that play with light in subtle ways, and the cases have been slimmed slightly while keeping the familiar 44.25mm case size. Bezels and crowns now use Liquidmetal™ for extra durability, and the two-layer ceramic dials are laser-brushed. The Black Edition Co-Axial Master Chronometer 9908 offers a slimmer, manual-winding option with a matte dial and a red chronograph hand for a sporty touch. The classic Dark Side of the Moon has been reworked with a layered ceramic dial and Liquidmetal™ tachymeter. At the same time, an all-black version pushes the stealthy look even further with darkened movement parts and Super-LumiNova indexes. And for those drawn to space history, the Apollo 8 edition is a little showstopper, with the lunar surface etched into the movement, so you can see both the near and far sides of the Moon. Straps get a subtle but thoughtful update too. Nylon now has a rubber backing for comfort, and the new rubber options even feature lunar patterns on the reverse side as a quiet nod to Omega's space legacy. The 2025 Dark Side collection is now available at authorized boutiques worldwide. Source: Omega

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 14, 2025

Zenith Debuts Its All-New $207,500 DEFY Zero G Sapphire C...

As the luxury watch world grows larger by the day, with innovative new brands and watchmakers with a fresh take on an age-old art, being a pioneer with over a century of history adds that extra layer of heritage and authenticity. For Zenith, and its now 160-year legacy, watchmaking has transformed into the perfect balancing act between tradition and innovation. The new DEFY Zero G Sapphire limited editions take one of Zenith’s most mind-bending complications and wrap it in crystal-clear artistry. Offered in two variations, one transparent and one in deep blue sapphire, each model is limited to just ten pieces worldwide. At the heart of it all is the Zero G movement, a concept Zenith introduced back in 2008 that still feels ahead of its time. Instead of using a tourbillon to average out positional errors caused by gravity, Zenith’s system eliminates the issue by keeping the regulating organ perfectly level through a gimbal-mounted “Gravity Control” module. Think of it like a ship’s chronometer scaled down to wristwatch size, with a miniature system of gears guaranteeing constant torque no matter the position. It’s one of those mechanisms that you could stare at for hours, not just to admire the complexity, but to appreciate how something so technical can feel perfect in motion. The sapphire design turns that motion into a show. The transparent model lets light pour through every angle of the El Primero 8812S movement, while the blue sapphire edition, with its lapis lazuli dial sprinkled with gold-like pyrite, is almost celestial. The 46mm sapphire case might sound bold, but it looks surprisingly light on the wrist, another illusion that fits the Zero G’s theme. Zenith has managed something more subtle in a world where many brands chase spectacle. Source: Zenith Watches

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