The watch enthusiast in us shares a special love for motorsports and Ollech & Wajs is giving us another reason to rejoice with the new Rallychron. The watch designed in a vintage appearance is born from love for racing and pays homage to the iconic race tracks in the world traced around its custom bezel.
The bezel of the 39.5mm stainless steel watch is the biggest highlight. It features the fabulous circuits that have been witness to some of the most memorable races in history. The markings on the bidirectional bezel denote hypothetical “perfect laps” of the 11 such race circuits of the ‘60s from the narrow, twisting streets of Monaco to the fast, flowing tracks of Monza, and the legendary Le Mans.
The perfect lap times for each circuit on the bezel are hypothetical times based on a set of criteria and variables formulated in collaboration with Hervé Charbonneaux, a classic car collector, rally driver, and author. The time stamps may not have particular functionality but it definitely gives the Ollech Wajs Rallychron its distinct character that would get racing buffs chatting at the first glance of it.
Within the distinctive black PVD-coated bezel, the Rallychron measuring 15.3mm thick features a tachymeter scale and gray dial with checkered baton hands that complement its motorsport inclination. On the dial, the watch has three typical register chronographs for small seconds, a 30-minute timer and a 12-hour timer with the date window and water resistance marked at the 6 o’clock position.
Themed in gray, black and hints of orange, the Ollech Wajs Rallychron runs an automatic Valjoux 7753 chronograph OW Precision 5 movement that gives the watch 54 hours of power reserve. The 300m water-resistant watch comes paired with the choice of a racing-style black leather strap or a M-Heritage stainless steel mesh bracelet that styles up fantastically with the steel watch casing. Your choice of strap will define the price of the watch is expected to begin retailing from March 30, 2024. With the leather strap, it will cost $2,650, while the steel bracelet will set you back $2,793.
In a new and essential medical advancement, a team of researchers at the Southern University of Science and Technology in China has devised a wearable watch that can non-invasively monitor a wearer’s blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation by clicking photos of the blood vessels in the skin. For this, the high-tech watch uses photoacoustic imaging and checks the user’s heart health in real time without much hassle.
Photoacoustic imaging machines generally use light and sound waves to see and hear inside the body and capture high-resolution imagery of blood vessels to estimate oxygen saturation, skin conditions, and even cancer. Presently, these machines are bulky and require the user to visit the hospital. With the help of the Photoacoustic Imaging Watch, Chinese researchers have been able to miniaturize the tech to monitor how the wearer’s heart is working in real time, anywhere.
The watch, developed by SUST captures images of the blood vessels using tiny laser beams in the skin in high resolution. The watch is the imaging device and it is attached to a backpack that houses the entire hardware. With the watch on the wrist and backpack on the shoulder, the user should be able to check blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels even while moving around freely.
The backpack containing the hardware – laser and power supply – weighs about seven kilograms. The lightweight backpack can be carried around with ease while it allows the laser to focus and capture images of the tiniest of blood vessels in the skin around a 3 mm field of view. The new imaging system is currently in testing under various conditions, and it has been seen as a successful, convenient, and mobile alternative.
This “miniaturized wearable imaging system” can be used in “community health centers for preliminary disease diagnosis” or for “long-term monitoring of parameters related to blood circulation.” Also, the system can be handy in “early detection of skin diseases.” The researchers are trying to make an even smaller laser beam to make the wearable photoacoustic imaging system more portable, maybe even small enough to eliminate the backpack from the design.
While most people are probably dependent on their smartphones and other digital devices to tell time, there are still those who would much rather tell time the old school way: through an actual watch. Those who drive a vehicle and want to know the time through their wristwatch sometimes have a bit of an uncomfortable situation as they need to twist their arm when their hands are on the steering wheel. Award-winning architect Eduardo Souto de Moura has a unique design solution to that problem which he created for Lebond.
The Lebond Souto Moura watch adjusted to the line of vision of a driver when his hands are on the steering wheel. The watchface was rotated 30 degrees “for optimal visibility on the wrist”. There are no numbers except for the 2 in the middle with a long straight line beside it which serves as the number 1. The other hours are represented by short and slightly longer lines (the latter for 9, 3, and 6) while the minutes are small dots. And if you’re not used anymore to telling time in the analog manner (as kids these days are), it can be a slight challenge.
There’s also a date function located beside the 3 o’clock position but it just shows the number date (hopefully you know what month it is already). In terms of the materials and specs of the watch, it uses grade 5 titanium with a 38.5mm large case with a 7.6mm thickness when the strap is attached. It weighs only 46 grams as they are also aiming for a lightweight device. The case has a micro-sandblasted finish while the caseback has a sapphire insert. It has a power reserve of up to 50 hours and runs at 28,800 VpH/4Hz.
There are two versions of the Lebond Souto Moura watch. The Original Edition has a navy blue Top Nappa leather strap and a matte beige dial. Meanwhile, the Dark Edition has a black strap with a matte gray dial. While it’s designed as a “driving watch”, even if you don’t actually drive but just don’t want to constantly twist your arm when you want to tell time, then this would be a nice one to have if you have around $3,000 to spend on an analog watch.
There’s a certain poetic beauty in seeing how well a 4.5 billion-year-old cosmic rock blends so seamlessly with some of the most brilliantly modern timekeeping technology in the world. A gadget that measures time, adorned with one of the oldest remnants of space-time ever.
Imagine strapping a piece of outer space to your wrist, where timekeeping transcends mere functionality and becomes a cosmic journey. Girard-Perregaux, the venerable Swiss watchmaker with over two centuries of horological heritage, has just unveiled its latest masterpiece, the Free Bridge Meteorite: a watch graced with a dial forged from an actual 4.5 billion-year-old meteorite. This wrist-bound marvel connects us to the silent ballet of our solar system’s past, offering not only an instrument for measuring time but also a tangible link to the unfathomable vastness of space itself.
The watch is housed in a 44mm diameter stainless steel case, striking a balance between robustness and elegance with its 12.2mm thickness. It features a highly domed box-style sapphire crystal that not only safeguards the dial but also enhances the watch’s visual appeal, offering a distinct view from different perspectives. The case showcases a harmony of brushed and polished finishes, reminiscent of the interplay of light in the cosmos.
Central to the allure of the Free Bridge Meteorite is its dial, where Girard-Perregaux’s craftsmanship shines brightest. The black flange and luminescent metallic hour indices offer a contemporary flair, improving readability while maintaining sophistication. The design forgoes a 6 o’clock mark to accommodate the variable inertia balance, with the GP logo at the 12 position serving as a subtle homage to the brand’s history and design ethos.
The crown jewel of the Free Bridge Meteorite, as its name suggests, is the inclusion of meteorite plates flanking each side of the barrel, secured by two screws. These plates, crafted from the Gibeon meteorite found in Namibia, bear unique Widmanstätten patterns, serving as a tangible connection to the cosmos. Composed primarily of an iron-nickel alloy and estimated to be approximately 4.5 billion years old, these meteorite inlays beautifully represent the enduring passage of time and the wonders of the universe.
Technologically, the Free Bridge Meteorite is no less impressive. The movement, visible through the sapphire crystal case-back, is the Girard-Perregaux in-house automatic caliber GP01800. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a 54-hour power reserve, embodying the brand’s dedication to precision and endurance. The use of silicon in the escapement and balance wheel components not only boosts the watch’s functionality but also its longevity, thanks to silicon’s anti-magnetic qualities and resistance to deterioration.
A black calfskin strap with a fabric-like texture and white stitching near the lugs, secured with a steel triple-folding clasp, completes the ensemble. This strap choice lends a modern vibe to the watch, ensuring it fits a wide range of settings, from formal gatherings to everyday wear. The watch boasts a price tag of 27,100 EUR (~$29415 USD), which may sound a little outrageous but hey, that’s the price of wearing a fragment of space and centuries-old Swiss timekeeping technology on your wrist. Girard-Perregaux does sweeten the deal with a 5-year extended warranty, though…
Embark on a journey through time with the Aera x Firmship P-1 Pilot – Titanium Edition, a limited-edition timepiece that’s not just a watch but a dynamic fusion of maritime elegance and contemporary craftsmanship. In a collaboration that transcends design boundaries, Yachtbuilder Firmship and Aera have crafted a timekeeping masterpiece that resonates with minimalist charm and functionality.
It is a T-5 Titanium case in Firmship’s signature grey, housing a dished dial embellished with a recessed Aero logo. It’s not just a watch; it’s a visual symphony. The watch’s heartbeat is the Sellita SW200-1 Elabore movement, ensuring precision, while the scratch-resistant sapphire domed crystal not only provides a clear view of time but also adds a layer of durability. Sapphire crystal is the most expensive type of watch glass as it is incredibly hard and therefore durable and perfect to protect the watch dial against shock.
The three-hand display, featuring white Swiss Super LumiNova on the hour, minute hands, and crown, transforms the classic tool watch into a contemporary marvel. This isn’t just a timekeeping device; it’s a wearable work of art.
Behind the creation of this edition are the visionary founders of Aera and Firmship, whose two-decade-long friendship has spawned this exclusive timepiece. More than a watch, it’s a shared commitment to craftsmanship and quality, etched into each piece with a collaborative logo and a unique serial number.
Included with the purchase of every Firmship Land Rover Defender, the watch becomes an integral part of the Firmship experience, harmonizing seamlessly with the silent strength of the vehicle and the sophisticated aesthetics of the Firmship 55 work ship.
The P-1 Titanium Edition comes not with just one, but two strap options, each telling its own story. The Smooth Mahogany Leather strap, inspired by the Firmship 55 work ship’s wooden decking, exudes elegance. Meanwhile, the Battleship Grey Rubber strap draws inspiration from the Land Rover Defender’s interior, adding a touch of modernity.
The best part is a quick-release function on both straps, allowing you to switch up your style effortlessly. It’s a watch that adapts to your vibe, ensuring compatibility with a full selection of quick-release straps across the Aera range.
The Aera x Firmship P-1 Pilot – Titanium Edition isn’t just a watch; it’s an invitation to sail through time in unparalleled style. As it graces the wrists of Firmship Land Rover Defender owners, it not only tells time but also weaves a narrative of collaboration, craftsmanship, and a shared passion for design. It’s more than a timepiece; it’s a testament to the artistry of Aera and the maritime mastery of Firmship.
Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming movie Dune: Part Two is creating quite a buzz before its March 1 release in the US. Hamilton Watch with its stint of creating watches for more than 500 movies since 1930, wasn’t going to let this opportunity go. The result is a collaboration with Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros to create a duo of exclusive Ventura timepieces inspired by the epic space opera movie’s prop watch. One of them is the Desert Watch carrying a minimalist charm while the Edge Dune Edition has a sci-fi character to it.
We found a fancy for the latter, so we’ll be talking about this sci-fi timepiece here. However, some things are common to both these watches including the commemorative ellipsoid packaging that represents the psychedelic drug in Melange and the water depicted by the blue section. On special request of Denis to create the timepiece in close association with the film’s prop master, Doug Harlocker, the watch turned out to be as unique as it gets. It defies the traditional watch norms resulting in a hardwearing wrist gadget well-suited for the Fremen. Designer: Hamilton Watch
The Hamilton Ventura Edge Dune Limited Edition has a case made out of black PVD coating and measures 51mm x 47.2mm. The 100-meter water-resistant watch mimics the 3D relief elements present in the original timepiece depicted in the movie. I particularly like the intricate circuit board effect and the amazing texture complementing it. On the face, it displays the time in cool blue digits and gets the quartz movement on the inside.
The time reading is done in a vertical formation, looking like a faint blue text that lights up at the push of a button. Also, the blue ring on the watch illuminates to complete the look. When the lights go out they go out with a slight brightness peak and fade into the dark, just like the original prop timepiece. The Hamilton Ventura Edge Dune watch will be limited to just 2,000 units and comes at a price tag of $2,500.
Not all watches are meant to have intriguing complications. A minimalistic watch with a black and white interface, accompanied by a briefcase is proving that right. Designed to let you navigate the world with time to your advantage, The Time Traveler Watch in discussion is created by Nik Bentel, a design-forward studio in New York City.
Nik Bentel Studio is a goal-oriented team of designers that thrives on releasing limited-edition performative objects, often through collaborative efforts. The Time Traveler is a watch that journeys from the wrist to a briefcase, as you travel between countries, has been created in close collaboration with Trio of Time (TTT) Watches by Anicorn.
Time zone wall clocks found a pace after the global trade kicked off post-World War II. These clocks with a simple typeface, clean white aesthetics, and a straightforward design became a staple with travelers who trotted between time zones. The Time Traveler Watch revives this timeless design with a combination bag, creating a no-nonsense time-telling narrative for modern globe trotters.
Rethinking how modern-day watches perceive global time; the Time Traveler, as previously iterated, is a two-part time teller. One part is a 39mm diameter wristwatch paired with a removable leather strap. The design language is black, white, and straightforward. The second part is the briefcase that is wearable without the watch. Its true potential is however realized when the wristwatch is defragmented (the strap removed from the dial) and it is placed inside the designated section on the bag.
The bag with crossbody woven strap has interchangeable city plates – for London, New York, Tokyo, and Hong Kong – made of chromed silver right below the watch slot. You can interchange the plates (that hold up to the bag using a magnet) to match the time zone your watch is following at a given point in time.
For the inquisitive, the Time Traveler has a stainless steel casing and a Japanese Miyota 2035 Quartz movement powers it. The straightforward dial is protected under mineral glass, and the watch itself is 50 meters water resistant. Aiming to simplify time telling in global locations, The Time Traveler intends to reinterpret the perception of global time zones, and I think it has pulled that off well. The watch is available for $349 right away!
Golf is generally considered a game of the elite and a passion of the aged. This notion has remained put for a very long time, but with younger payers adopting the sport, it is transcending with time into a youthful recreation. Malbon Golf has been an early adapter in this changing scenario with some fascinating smartwatches that infuse an unexpected twist and playful spirit on and off the course.
After giving the youth (and others who may fancy) a new perception of the game with streetwear-inspired watches, the brand has collaborated with TAG Heuer for a new interesting offering. The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45mm x Malbon Golf Edition is the latest smartwatch with a golf-focused approach that will have many heads turning not only for its looks and features but also for its considerably affordable price.
The new TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 x Malbon transcends the ordinary and brings a fashionable idea to embrace. This stands out in the choice of color combinations inspired by the golf course. Besides this, the watch is a robust companion for the players, and appreciators of the game, with a matte black DLC-coated titanium case that measures 45mm.
The sizable casing houses an OLED touchscreen dial with two new and interesting display options. The first watch face options put Malbon’s golf ball mascot in the center while yellow and dark green colors split in half occupying the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock sides respectively. The highlight watch face, which is exclusive to this watch is the elegant dark green accompanied by three chronograph-style sub-dials.
The golf-inspired ceramic bezel has 18-hole indicators marked in Arabic numerals with the Golf Edition label completing the bezel interface. The dark green dial of the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 x Malbon is embedded with the TAG Heuer shield emblem at 12 o’clock and comes included with sports and wellness apps facilitated by the Google Wear OS.
The most interesting part of the watch is reserved for its back where all the connected aspects of the watch – that give it the name – find space. The Connected Calibre E4 45mm x Malbon Golf Edition here has a suite of sensors for, a compass, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer, and heart rate monitoring. It’s here that a built-in microphone also rests, transforming the watch function standalone of your phone.
The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45mm x Malbon Golf Edition is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4100+ and features a battery that runs for a day after a 90-minute full charge, with all the apps and features running at full capacity. For the interesting match and color scheming, the 50-meter water-resistant watch comes with a choice of two straps. One is a dual-tone green and yellow and the other is a pure black rubber strap for a subtle look. With all its features, The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 45mm x Malbon Golf Edition is available now for 2,300 CHF ($2,600).
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.
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.
The BTF Nixie Watch is a remarkable combination of history and modernity, blending the nostalgic glow of Soviet-era Nixie tubes with contemporary design and technology. More than a mere timepiece, it’s a statement of style and innovation, offering a unique blend of retro charm and modern functionality. In this exploration, we uncover the features that set the BTF Nixie Watch apart, from its distinctive aesthetic to its user-centric features, making it a standout accessory for those who value both form and function.
The design of this watch prominently features the iconic glow of the Nixie tube, recognized for its warm orange light that adds a retro yet futuristic charm. This aesthetic is a purposeful homage to an era when technology was valued for its form and function, starkly contrasting the often impersonal feel of contemporary digital devices. The use of genuine Soviet-era IN16 Nixie tubes not only lends authenticity to the watch but also makes it a unique collector’s item due to the rarity of these components, which were phased out for more efficient display technologies.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it incorporates advanced features like gesture-based activation, which lights up the Nixie display with a simple wrist lift, eliminating the need for manual operation and enhancing the user experience. This feature adds a layer of convenience and contributes to the watch’s energy efficiency by ensuring that the display is only activated when needed.
Lift the wrist to wake the watch
The charging experience marries convenience with aesthetic harmony, featuring a bespoke wireless charger designed to mirror the watch’s unique look while delivering efficient power. This tailored solution underscores the watch’s seamless blend of form and function. Further enhancing its user-friendly appeal, the watch is fully compatible with all Qi-standard wireless chargers, ensuring you can keep your timepiece powered using any Qi-certified charging pad. Whether at home, in the office, or on the move, this universal compatibility ensures that your BTF Nixie Watch remains charged and ready, embodying the perfect fusion of retro design and modern convenience.
Easily recharge using any Qi-compatible wireless charging pad
Another cool feature is the timer, which combines the nostalgic charm of Nixie tubes with the practicality of modern technology. Initiating the timer is effortlessly intuitive; a quick double-tap on the watch’s lower button engages the timer mode, priming it for use with just a simple gesture. To start the timer, a single tap suffices, setting it in motion from zero and allowing for precise tracking up to 99 seconds. This feature proves invaluable for a myriad of everyday tasks and moments where precision is crucial, such as timing exercises during a workout or monitoring short intervals while cooking, showcasing the watch’s blend of vintage charm and modern utility.
Double-tap tap lower button to activate the timer feature
The BTF Nixie Watch offers flexibility in time display, allowing users to easily switch between 12-hour and 24-hour formats to suit personal preferences or cultural norms. This feature enhances the watch’s versatility, catering to a global audience and diverse user needs.
The designer combines ergonomic design with an intuitive user interface, ensuring comfortable wear and ease of use. Its thoughtful layout elements cater to user comfort, while the seamless interaction between its vintage and modern components provides a straightforward, enjoyable experience. This approach underscores the watch’s commitment to making advanced technology accessible and delightful to use.
The sapphire glass on the watch’s face ensures durability and clarity
Worn on the wrist, the watch transforms the concept of timekeeping into an art form, blending technological innovation with unparalleled craftsmanship. Including a sapphire surface on the watch’s face is an aesthetic enhancement that ensures durability and clarity. Known for its scratch resistance and hardness, sapphire glass protects the watch while offering a crystal-clear view of the Nixie tubes’ captivating glow, ensuring the time is always visible in its full, luminous splendor.
The sapphire glass is durable and scratch-resistance
The watch comes with two unique case options to cater to different tastes and needs. The 7-series aluminum variant, commonly used in aerospace and military applications, provides an excellent balance of durability and lightness. As a result, the watch can withstand daily wear and tear while remaining comfortable and unnoticeable on the wrist.
For those seeking an extra touch of elegance and resilience, the titanium frame is an ideal choice, offering high strength and corrosion resistance, which keeps the watch looking sleek and new over time, regardless of the environment. These carefully selected materials and customization options reflect the watch’s blend of luxury, functionality, and personal expression, making it a versatile accessory for any occasion.
Besides its technical specifications and customization options, the BTF Nixie Watch provides a distinct identity. Unlike a traditional watch, this timepiece stands out and speaks volumes of individuality, offering wearers the chance to express themselves through a piece that is as rare as it is handsome.
The BTF Nixie Watch combines style, engineering, and history that goes beyond telling time. It invites wearers to appreciate the precision and functionality of a high-quality timepiece and connect with the aesthetic and emotional resonance of a bygone era while enjoying the comforts and conveniences of contemporary technology.
