Omega Speedmaster Coaxial

Omegamania continues...with the new Coaxial Speedmaster

A watch which hardly needs introduction, is an essential piece in when a collector starts on his journey as a serious horology hobbist....the early version of this watch was selected, after vigrous testing by NASA to be the one which accompanies the astronauts to the moon...hence the black dial-ed Speedmaster is often called Moon Watch.

But today's feature is a bit more elegant, with a clean white dial, and equipped with the latest coaxial movement.

Interestingly, George Daniels, who had invented the coaxial escapement, chose to install his invention on the Omega Speedmaster and went on his way around the Swiss watchmakers, including Omega to pitch the idea of his new escapement. Equally amazingly, he was rejected by all the houses he went to, including Omega. Eventually, I understand on the third try, Hayek Sr at that time, agreed to take on the project, and the Omega coaxial line was born. Shown below, Daniels' modified Speedmaster carrying the original coaxial escapement hand made by Daniels.

Omega is one of the interesting large corporate watchmaking companies...who do not simply rest on their laurels. They continue to innovate with the almost lubricant free coaxial escapement and the use of modern technology to enhance the traditional craft of watchmaking. The movement is still traditionally finished...very nice engineering standard:

Nice watch..

Omega Proplof

The Omega Proplof is a fascinating watch to me...especially the original. I managed to photograph this through the display glass at a recent exhibition, where Omega brought some pieces from their Museum collection to Singapore as part of the Coaxial show.

The watch is massive. Made in 1970, the case is so massive that a helium escape valve is not necessary to ensure the crystal does not pop due to helium absorption as the case is impenetratable.

The case was actually tested to 1370m, the watch lowered on a wire to the deepest part of Lake Geneva, and it performed flawlessly.

The shark mesh bracelet is also an excellent design feature of this watch.

Please excuse the quality of the photograph, this was taken hand held in an exhibition case. As the watch was a museum piece, I could not have had it taken out to photograph due to insurance conditions.

Peter Speake-Marin

Speake-Marin watches are aching beautiful. I have featured this watch before, but I cannot help but to show it again...so photogenic.

Achingly beautiful. No other words needed.

Alain Silberstein I-krono

Alain Silberstein - architect, watch brand. Curious mix...and having met Alain himself, is an intriguing character. Recently, he decided to stop making the colourful, whimsical watches so characteristic of his name.

I always found his watches a bit whimsical, with strong character. Thick, colourful, and often with a sense of humour. A good fried recently bought this I-krono, and I found the watch somewhat appealing...in a fun sort of way.

Running on a standard Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement, the watch still manages to be full of character. The dial design, the choice of colour, the case design, the hands all fully characteristic of Silberstein.

The watch is rather large, but sits well on the wrist...in the photograph below, on the new owner's wrist...quite nice.

Harry Winston Opus 12

The Harry Winston Opus project is one of the daredevil projects which I do admire a lot. From the original days, when the project was helmed by Max Bussier and iconic pieces like the Opus 3 by Vianney, and Opus 5 by Urwerk, to the now just released Opus 13 by Ludovic Ballouard. But I digress...I feature Opus 12 today.

I find this piece quite magical. Beautiful. One can find how it works elsewhere on the web...much has been written about the complex mechanical aspects. What remains, is to just enjoy the beauty of the watch.

Beautifully finished movement

Another view of the magnificent dial side, and the innovative turning indices

Certainly, a cause for celebration...a champagne perhaps?

Photographed in situ at the Harry Winston showroom, with showroom lighting.

Panerai Bronzo

Panerai watches often fascinates. For me, they hold no special place, but they are an interesting company...one of the oldest watch companies in the world, their collaboration with the Italian Navy, and the unique design of their watches captivates many collectors.

This example, nicknamed Bronzo, started a mini craze on bronze watches. Bronze is not a usual material for watch cases, as they tend to tarnish over time...but the creative folks at Panerai found something interesting...the tarnishing is a kind of patina, and can be quite beautiful as well...as these pictures testify:

I am not going to say much about the watch...plenty of information on the internet that a quick google search can kick up. So enjoy the photographs of this very nice Bronzo, owned by my friend Timmy.

Happy 48th National Day, Singapore!

Buben&Zorweg One Perpetual Calendar

Buben & Zorweg are famous for their fabulous watch winders. This year, they decided to make a winder for manual wind watches, and as a show of virtuosity, they also decided to launch a small series of hand wound watches, which are quite exquisite.

The movement, designed and constructed by Antione Martin...by a good friend of mine, Martin Braun himself, is quite interesting.

Nicely finished in all traditional aspects, the movement is quite a sight to behold...and one which actually measures 39.5mm fitting in a case of 46mm, almost totally filling the case. This is a pure design. Very nice.

Available in Deluxe rose gold (with diamonds) as a limitation of 9 pieces, and another 49 examples in platinum, 99 in rose gold and 99 in white gold.

Hand wound, perpetual calendar, with a slow beat movement...18,000 bph, large balance wheel.

46mm diameter, 17mm height case is quite comfortable to wear...seen here on my wrist.

The watch is delivered in a hand winder in a special case.

Seiko Baby Tuna

Seiko watches are always interesting. I have featured some from my personal collection which are Grand Seikos...which I believe are probably the best value for money in the high end watch market today. But today's feature is on a rather more modest Seiko. A dive watch, nicknamed by fans The Baby Tuna.

Known officially as SRP453K1, the watch looks rather large, but at 42.5mm diameter, including the shroud, it is not really a huge watch by today's standards.

The bezel, shroud and dial has a very beautiful blue hue...quite a beauty.

The back of the watch, showing the insignia in blue. The watch is rated for diving up to 200m. The movement is an automatic Seiko Cal 4R36.

This watch is owned by my good friend Lionel who put it on an after market stainless steel mesh bracelet.

On the wrist...looks rather perfect.