G-Shock and Land Cruiser tie-up for Dakar Rally-inspired Mudman rugged watch

Collaborations in the top tech echelons are routine. Some are hard stretched but few are like a match made in heaven. A meaningful partnership in the latter type is the Toyota Land Cruiser’s tie-up with G-Shock. I am sure this collab, which marries high-end watchmaking with automotive genius, would need no introduction. But if you mean why, the companies thrive on their ability to go anywhere and take what you throw at them, so why not?

The partnership marks the 30-year history of Team Land Cruiser Toyota Auto Body competing at the Dakar Rally. The watch for the occasion is designed to embody the spirit of resilience and adventure, which are the main stakes of the iconic motor sporting event renowned for its challenging and exhausting terrain.

Designer: G-Shock x Land Cruiser

Dubbed the GW9500TLC-1 Mudman ‘Land Cruiser’ limited edition, it is based on one of the most rugged G-Shock watches, the Mudman GW9500. Aptly chosen to represent the most extreme motorsports event, the G-Shock Mudman in the collaboration is inspired by the TLC racing team and the Dakar Rally itself.

That said, the new watch is as close as it can be to the Mudman GW9500 in features and style, except for a few tweaks that make this G-Shock a Toyota companion for the desert. The primary distinction is the use of stainless steel for the bezel and the custom color theme of black and red ion plating that make the timepiece and keeps it in theme with the rally car, Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport’s color scheme. For its distinction, the collaborative G-Shock x Land Cruiser Mudman, reference GW9500TLC-1, is priced about $60 higher than the base Mudman model at $440.

Besides all that, this G-Shock x Team Land Cruiser Toyota Auto Body Mudman has all the same features as the GW9500. It has a Carbon Core Guard interior that’s resistant to dust and keeps the watch tough yet lightweight. The watch is solar powered, has a dynamic dual-layer LCD, features 6 radio-controlled timekeeping, and 200-meter water resistance. The digital compass, altimeter, barometer, and thermometer make the watch an ideal partner for the 10,000km Dakar Rally.

G-Shock has ensured perfect branding to render the watch appropriate for The TLC racing team. The caseback wears the TLC logo. The G-Shock x Team Land Cruiser Mudman’s rugged case comes paired with a black rubber strap which has a brown sand-splashed pattern for camouflage in the desert.

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Strictly limited Hublot MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium is futuristic time teller with vertical display

There are a few in the haute horlogerie that do futuristic, fiercely unconventional timepieces like the MB&F. The LVMH Watch Week is a place of reckoning for the best watchmakers, and it’s here that we see them going beyond the usual. Hublot for 2024 has gone seriously unconventional with the novel MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium watch that sways afar with its display and functioning.

Over the years timekeeping machines in the higher echelons have evolved from analog and digital to the other variants of time telling. An example of such futuristic watches is the new Hublot which has a wraparound sapphire crystal over what you would consider the dial, revealing all the innards of the skeletonized movement components. This interesting layout ensures even the otherwise unorthodox time-telling is super legible.

Designer: Hublot

MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium’s interesting layout is designed in a way that the watch with its fluid, natural movement has to be read from top to bottom. The vertical time display is the first of its type for the Swiss luxury watchmaker complemented by an oversized micro-blasted titanium case emitting innovation from the first look.

The casing measures 41.5mm wide and 54.1mm from lug to lug. The watch has an integrated lug design with an otherwise large crown at 12 o’clock. The casing of the MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium is little a talking point. The standout here is the most technically complex crystal wrapped around the watch sides. On the one side, you can see the 6 o’clock tourbillon, while the visible vertical movement can be seen running through from 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock.

On the top of the watch face is the rotating hours scale with the rotating minutes display just alongside. Fascinating however is the power reserve indicator just below, which has red and green indication for movement winding and seconds. The MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium is equally compelling within where the brand’s in-house HUB9013 automatic tourbillon movement runs the show. Comprising 592 pieces, the inventive movement offers 48-hour power reserve and beats at the rate of 21,600 bph.

For me personally, the caseback of the Hublot Tourbillon is more enticing than the front. The simple transparent caseback has a side cutout to accommodate the crown and tourbillon, and gives a nice view of the brushed and matte blasted skeleton bridges. MP-10 Tourbillon Weight Energy System Titanium watch paired with an integrated black rubber strap is only 30-meter water resistant; if that is not much of a concern, you can get one of the exclusive 50 watches for 250,000 CHF or $290,000 each.

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Limited edition Bell & Ross BR 03 Cyber watch in matt black ceramic has an interesting lug-less design

Bell & Ross is a watchmaker that draws attention time and again by exploring beyond traditional watchmaking. Through the years it has been the skulls and open-worked dials that have paved the way and now adding another innovative watch to the sprawling cyber epoch, the French watchmaker, with roots in Switzerland, has launched the all-new BR 03 Cyber Ceramic.

For the BR 03 Cyber watch in matt black ceramic, Bell & Ross has challenged itself and transformed the OG BR 03 in a high-tech, lightweight material. No wonder then the intricate timepiece is made in a strictly limited edition of only 500 examples with the interesting in-house movement within a reworked skeletonized dial.

Designer: Bell & Ross

According to the watchmaker, the BR 03 Cyber Ceramic features a dial inspired by the stealth aircraft design, taking the invisible in the skeletonized dial to the next level. The black 43mm case reveals all but still hides the calibre BR-CAL.383 behind the skeletonized dial with faceted bridges in the same theme and balance at 6 o’clock.

Within the dial, under the sapphire crystal, you have the microblasted minute and hour hands filled with grey Super-LumiNova for better visibility in the dark. The black ceramic watch with a crown has a see-through sapphire caseback providing a gaping view of the black oscillating weight.

As informed, the BR 03 Cyber is powered by the BR-CAL.383 self-winding automatic movement which offers a power reserve of two full days. The design aesthetic of the watch is maintained by the interesting lug-less concept which aligns with the BR 03 Cyber’s stealth theme. The rubber strap is meant to disappear in the case ensuring that there are no spaces in the snug outlook.

The limited-edition Bell & Ross BR 03 Cyber watch made in striking matt black ceramic is priced at $ 13,400 each. It is water resistant to 50M and is now available for the taking. If you have a liking for sharp-edged cased watches that shout opulence all the way to the matte black PVD steel buckle, this is the one to go for.

 

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Casio Baby-G celebrates 30th anniversary by getting a Hello Kitty 50th birthday design

I still have a pretty clear memory of me begging my parents to buy me a Baby-G watch when I was still a teenager and I didn’t have any money yet to get my own. I also remember buying anything that has a Hello Kitty design that I could afford back then, which wasn’t a lot since, as I mentioned, i didn’t have my own money just yet. Now that I am a full grown adult earning my own keep, my dreams for both may be about to come true as Casio is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Baby-G and Hello Kitty is turning 50.

Designer: Casio

Casio and Sanrio have announced a collaboration for the two brands with the brand new Baby-G model, the BGD565KT which features all the Hello Kitty things that you can fit in a watch. The watch design itself is based on the BGD-565 which sports the very first design of the Baby-G model which was launched back in 1994. It still has the usual watch features including shock resistance, 100M water resistance, LED backlight, multi-function alarms, stopwatch, countdown timer, and a 3-year battery life.

But of course, the star of this model is Hello Kitty herself. The entire watch has a total of 50 Hello Kitty details so you’ll get a kitty overload. This includes the band which has printed faces of the 1970s version of the cute feline as she’s laughing, winking, and looking surprised. You’ll also see her on the LCD when the backlight is on, with her distinguishable eyes, nose, and whiskers. The dial itself has a ribbon design so you get a Hello Kitty face on your wrist.

Since we’re celebrating milestones for both brands, the watch itself has a retro design which users like me wouldn’t really mind since this is all about cute nostalgia. Even the packaging is Hello Kitty-fied as it has a cloth pouch based on the design.

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In a world saturated with flashy smartwatches, this one stands apart with its retro-futuristic design and smart features

Even when technology is evolving at a rapid pace, there’s something captivating about the fusion of old and new. Simply put, it’s a symphony of nostalgia and a celebration of timeless design. And at the heart of this intriguing blend is the remarkable smartwatch, purposely known as JUSTWATCH because, it is what it is.

A design meant for the discerning individual who appreciates style and function for futuristic design, this retro-futuristic watch is only an amalgamation of elegance and intelligence. The smartwatch exterior exudes a sense of classic beauty defined by clean lines and a sleek profile. While the dial is a timeless facade aligned with smart features waiting to be explored.

Designer: Jacek Janiczak

The JUSTWATCH draws its inspiration from the icons of the past, infusing a subtle vintage vibe into its modern functionality. It’s like a trip down memory lane, where the beauty of yesteryears meets the convenience of today on the analog dial complemented with a monochrome display.

The watch’s body is crafted from premium plastic, ensuring a comfortable fit for all-day wear. But it’s not just about comfort – it’s also about style. Subtle metallic details adorn this masterpiece, elevating its aesthetic appeal to new highs. And to add a touch of modern sophistication, fiber elements have been seamlessly incorporated into the watchband.

Its rectangular dial within the comfortable plastic casing enchants with its functionality. Three circular functions grace the top half of the dial, two dedicated to analog watch time and one serving as a trusty compass. The bottom half of the dial features a rectangular digital watch display, effortlessly merging the past with the present.

For those who appreciate tactile controls, the right side of the dial offers a delightful surprise. A roller wheel for the analog section and a crown wheel for the digital section stand as a testament to the watch’s dedication to user-friendly design. In that, JUSTWATCH is not just a watch; it’s an intuitive companion that helps you navigate through life with ease, and connects to your mobile device to present notifications and alerts. In a world saturated with flashy smartwatches, this one stands apart as a statement of retro-futuristic design!

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ScanWatch 2 with temperature tracking tools has got your health covered courtesy an arsenal of precise metrics

In a world where smartwatches continue to push boundaries, the ScanWatch 2 emerges as a beacon of innovation at IFA 2023. Boasting continuous body temperature variation tracking with an extraordinary 30-day battery life, this smartwatch has your health and well-being covered around the clock.

The smartwatch not only tracks your workouts and sleep, it also keeps a vigilant eye on your body temperature throughout the day and night. The ScanWatch 2 serves as an early warning system, flagging unusual temperature fluctuations that may indicate the onset of an illness or a health condition. It’s like having a personal health detective on your wrist.

Designer: Withings

One of the most impressive aspects of the classy hybrid smartwatch, the ScanWatch 2, is its exceptional battery life. With a long-lasting rechargeable battery that can keep up with you for 30 days, you can confidently track your health without the constant worry of recharging.

For fitness enthusiasts, the ScanWatch 2 offers a unique advantage. In addition to monitoring and providing baseline temperatures, that could be indicative of an illness onset, the watch can manage performance and recovery through temperature variation zones during exercise. It therefore provides a complete health view, and helps the wearer avoid potential issues like heat exhaustion.

Equipped with advanced sensors and regulatory-compliant health metrics, the ScanWatch 2 also boasts a sleek design. Appearing in a choice of either a 38mm or 42mm case size, the watch is water-resistant up to 5ATM and runs HealthSense OS 3. The dial is topped with a grayscale OLED screen and durable sapphire glass, to ensure it can handle the rigors of daily life.

At the core of the ScanWatch 2’s capabilities is its heat-flux sensor, working in tandem with a temperature sensor, heart rate monitor, and accelerometer input calibration. Along with the array of such extensive health-tracking features, there are options for basic activities like sleep tracking, ECG, SpO2, and menstrual cycle tracking.

At a price tag of $349.95, the ScanWatch 2 delivers exceptional value for those seeking a cutting-edge hybrid smartwatch that goes beyond the ordinary.  Withings has also developed a low-key model of the ScanWatch dubbed the ScanWatch Light, which shaves off some features like the temperature-tracking, ECG, and SpO2 from the ScanWatch 2, to trim the pricing down by 100 bucks.

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MB&F HM9 Sapphire Vision in two fabulous colors stands testament to its exclusivity

Blinging up the world of horology yet again, MB&F has taken the veil off its latest creations – the HM9 Sapphire Vision editions. Transporting us into a realm of unparalleled craftsmanship, these timepieces are adorned in two resplendent colors that redefine luxury.

HM9 Sapphire Vision boasts two enthralling models, each exclusively limited to five pieces. The first variant is adorned with an 18K white gold frame, its elegance accentuated by a PVD-coated blue engine. The second variant, ensconced in an 18K yellow gold frame, showcases a PVD-coated green engine that exudes an air of opulence.

Designer: MB&F

The Horological Machine N°9 aka HM9 masterpiece was kicked off in 2018. MB&F took another leap of faith with the inaugural series of HM9-SV editions in 2021. This collection was an ode to the intricate symphony of horological mastery by the watchmaker. These mesmerized with their encasement – a sapphire crystal that opens up every facet of the caliber for enthusiasts to admire.

The pièce de résistance of the HM9 Sapphire Vision editions is the presence of two fully independent balance wheels, coupled with a planetary differential on its engine. Embracing the idea that transparency is the ultimate form of luxury, MB&F has graced each of these timepieces with a total of five sapphire crystals, each treated with an anti-reflective coating.

The case components, the dial, and even the dial’s covering crystal have been meticulously crafted to provide an unobstructed view into the intricate heart of the watch. Functionally, the HM9 Sapphire Vision editions are endowed with a power reserve of 45 hours and water resistance of up to 30 meters, marrying aesthetics with practicality seamlessly.

The display showcases hours and minutes, elegantly presented on a vertical sapphire crystal dial, adorned with anti-reflective treatment. Super-LumiNova detailing on the numbers and indexes ensures legibility even in the darkest of hours. Completing the ensemble, the timepieces come adorned with hand-stitched brown or black alligator straps. The straps harmoniously unite with the white or yellow gold folding buckle, mirroring the case’s tones with finesse. As a testament to its exclusivity, each HM9-SV Edition carries a price tag of CHF 490,000 (approx. $550,000).

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Top 10 Apple Watch Accessories To Give Your Favorite Smartwatch A Fun Upgrade

The Apple Watch is probably one of the most popular smartwatches globally, and it’s not much of a shocker when you consider the number of people you see walking or jogging on the street with their Apple Watch wrapped around their wrists. Apple is constantly innovating on the go, and its Apple Watch Ultra is the latest addition to its arsenal of techy goodies. And, we’ve curated a collection of innovative and nifty accessories to perfectly complement your Apple Watch. From the Elago W3 Stand that will teleport users onto a nostalgic journey of time and functionality, to NASA-themed Apple Watch bands – these innovative accessories are a must-have for Apple Watch fanatics!

1. The RSTR Case

The RSTR Case has a stunning transparent crystalline design that is made to be shown off. Designed by Golden Concept, it transforms your Apple Watch Ultra into a shimmering jewel that you can wear on your wrist, and show off. Available in four beautiful colors, the case has been crafted using 50 meticulously engineered parts. The home and action buttons are made from stainless steel and are designed to be slightly larger, making them more accessible through the otherwise chunky case.

2. Sandmarc’s Apple Watch Ultra Band

The Sandmarc’s Apple Watch Ultra Band is an Oyster-style band built from grade-2 titanium, with the perfect color and finish to completely match the Ultra. You simply need to slip the band on, and it transforms your extreme smartwatch into a luxurious-looking haute timepiece. It looks like it was designed by Apple!

3. Mark_B_Case

The innovative Mark_B_Case is designed to power your Apple Watch and keep it functioning without missing a beat. It features a 450mAh battery, which extends your Apple Watch’s utility by three times more. It is designed to be more than a Powerbank case, it is a sleek masterpiece that integrates with your Apple Watch as a case.

4. Y24 Apple Watch Cases

Designed by Y24, this collection of Apple Watch cases is a price-friendly collection inspired by the lifestyle of Tokyo, and truly this echoes in the cool vibe each of them possesses. Y24’s cases are specially designed to uplift the young generation’s style for a unique and innovative identity without compromising on or sacrificing Apple’s originality.

5. NASA-themed Apple Watch Straps

MobyFox’s Apple Watch straps feature seven different NASA-approved designs to choose from, along with 20+ watch faces to match. The straps are crafted from sweat and UV-resistant silicone, and feature a large range of graphical elements surrounding NASA’s rebranding over the ages and the iconic meatball and worm logo styles. The strap-loop also has the year 1953 printed on it, which marks the day NASA was founded.

6. Nomad Sport Band

Nomad is quite well known for its innovative accessories, and its latest limited-edition glow-in-the-dark Apple Watch Sport Band features a cool green phosphorescence that will redefine the way you approach intense workouts and everyday style. It is designed to perfectly complement your athletic and modern journey during the day and night.

7. The Apple Watch Pillbox

The Apple Watch Pillbox is designed as a simple silicone strap and sleeve that can be swiftly attached to your Apple Watch. It offers a tiny pill container right underneath the watch body, allowing you to easily store and carry your medications with you wherever you go. Since you will be almost always wearing your watch, the chances of you forgetting to carry and consume your meds are significantly lowered!

8. The PZOZ Convertor Case

The PZOZ Converter Case is an innovative and ingenious product that you can snap onto your Apple Watch, and convince fool people into thinking that you own an Apple Watch Ultra. Built using polycarbonate, and not titanium, the strap of the watch remains unchanged, while the Action Button on the side is a dummy button that manages to look super real!

9. The W3 Stand

The W3 stand by Elago wirelessly charges your Apple Watch under the guise of a classic Macintosh. It can be placed on your nightstand to charge the Apple Watch’s latest version. It features a Nightstand Mode which allows it to function as an alarm clock, and display the time and messages.

10. The Anker 3-in-1 Cube

The Anker 3-in-1 Cube has MagSafe, allowing it to hold three devices all at once. Don’t be fooled by its simple appearance, because it’s been amped with a ton of functionality. The charging section for your Apple devices can be accessed by lifting the lid like a little treasure box, except that the opening is facing in the direction opposite you. This ensures that your phone can be tilted to face you.

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Casio Watch Rings are a tiny wearable tribute to the Japanese timekeeping legacy

Imagine if you could wear your favorite Casio watch on your finger, capturing the essence of timeless style in a tiny, wearable form? Enter the enchanting realm of miniature watch rings designed as part of the Casio Watch Ring Collection.

This is a result of a delightful collaboration between Casio and creative minds at Toymaker Stasto Stand Stones in Japan. The Casio watch rings are no ordinary trinkets: these are meticulous reproduction of the watchmaker’s larger wrist-bound counterparts.

Designer: Casio  and Stasto Stand Stones

These shrunken pieces of horological art are nicely encased as wearable treasure. To that accord, they carry the iconic digital display, have intricate dials, and other notable complication such as calculator elegantly scaled down to ring size 18 for your finger.

Whether you’re a Casio fan, a fashion aficionado, or simply someone who loves a touch of whimsy, Casio x Stasto Stand Stones give a chance to wear time on our fingers but for an aesthetic appeal only. They look functional, but the watch rings are a playful homage to horology and capture our imagination while adding a dash of style to the fashion statement.

The Casio Watch Ring Collection has been available since the mid of July, 2023, through retail outlets, toy stores, and home-appliance shops in Japan. Interestingly, the watch rings are also available through vending machines across Japan.

So, a few coins and a touch of anticipation are all it takes for one of these tiny treasures to drop into your grasp. Once you have them, these watches will keep you enchanted one glance at a time!

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If Apple and Casio ever collaborated for a smartwatch, this would be it

Sweden-based Teenage Engineering is no stranger to creating stranger things! This smartwatch, however, is not a new concept from their inventive camp. Rather, it comes courtesy of a design house from another part of the world – Japan to be precise.

Amalgamating the elements of a digital watch with that of the good old mechanical timepiece, the concept design holds a lot of weight when it comes to satiating the lust of the pickiest of geeks.

Designer: Carl Hauser

The inspiration for this unique timepiece comes from the craving for the best of both worlds. That is, the reliable Apple Watch and rugged Casio watches. Carl never felt amused by the battery life of Apple’s smartwatch and ultimately switched to a Casio. Then came the realization of a hybrid watch that has a big dial with physical buttons to set the timer or navigate the menu. Also, these buttons could double as watch hands to denote the current time. The display with more than the desired notch (remember there are physical buttons on top) shows the current time in either analog or digital format.

Keeping the hybrid element of the two inspiring brands alive, the smartwatch has a square dial with a robust build for the toughest of adventures. The silver watch dial and buttons are contrasted with the slightly darker silver strap. To keep the industrial-styled design going, the watch gets prominent screws on the front on each of the three sides. The fourth one is a reset button completing the look with a bit of quirkiness.

There are vents on either side of the watch, signifying the presence of inbuilt speakers to answer calls or else, just to keep the innards cool. Either way, the designer has not detailed its purpose. In fact, there are scanty details about the features, and we would have loved specific information. That said if ever a collaborative smartwatch between Apple and Casio is made, this would be it!

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