Newsletter
Issue #288 | Buying Time - November 11, 2026
A $203 million auction weekend, independent watchmaking’s creative roots, and the many ways a watch earns its price.
New Watches
Albishorn Unveils the Voisin Aérosport, Its Art Deco-Inspired Second Model
Albishorn’s Voisin Aérosport is a compact Art Deco-inspired watch named after the Voisin C28 Aérosport. Available in Classic and Ice Blue dial versions, it features a 38mm stainless steel case, a distinctive two-sided wandering-seconds display at 4 o’clock, and a manually wound, COSC-certified movement
New Watches
The 36mm Orient Bambino Addresses Two Longstanding Complaints
The Orient Bambino Version 7 introduces a smaller 36.4mm case, addressing a longstanding concern with the collection’s larger proportions. Its clean, date-free dial features applied baton markers and dauphine-style hands, with four versions available in white, cream, muted green, and silver with a gold-tone case.
review
Review: A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual with Platinum Bracelet and Diamond Indices
The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual ref. 410.136E pairs the established perpetual-calendar chronograph with a platinum bracelet and discreet diamond hour markers. Its black dial with silver sub-dials recalls the original Datograph, while the substantial platinum case and bracelet give the watch a weighty feel. The
events
Horological Society of New York Launches Chronometry Talks at the Morgan Library & Museum
The Horological Society of New York will hold its inaugural Chronometry Talks on December 3–4, 2026, at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York City. This new annual symposium explores the history, science, craft, and future of timekeeping, including its influence on navigation, scientific progress, manufacturing, and society.
podcast
A Closer Look at German Watch Brands on Fratello On Air
Fratello On Air explores German watch brands, drawing on hosts Balazs and Mike’s personal experiences and appreciation for the country’s watchmaking. The conversation begins with Mike’s 1947 Breitling Chronomat 769 and a story about demagnetizing it, while Balazs wears an Albishorn Type X-Graph. The hosts discuss
auctions
Three Key Takeaways From Geneva’s Fall Watch Auctions
Geneva’s fall watch auctions underscored Phillips’ dominance, with a record $112.3 million sale, while Christie's also achieved a record Geneva total. Auction activity and attention appear to be shifting toward New York, reflecting its growing importance in the market. F.P. Journe watches delivered remarkable prices,
video
The Next Hard-To-Get Hype Watches - YouTube - A Podcast About Watches
Andrew and James discuss upcoming watches expected to attract strong demand. The conversation helps watch enthusiasts anticipate which releases may be difficult to obtain. The episode focuses on emerging interest in hard-to-get watches, though no specific models or details are provided.
video
I Got First Look At Tag Heuer's Secret Las Vegas Grand Prix Watches! - YouTube - ProducerMichael
Daniela and Sandy at TAG Heuer in Las Vegas offer an exclusive first look at two new Carrera watches created for the 2026 Las Vegas Formula 1 Grand Prix. The watches are very limited editions and will be available only at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace and the shops
News
Watches of Switzerland Group Raises Full-Year Forecast as Sales Grow 15%
Watches of Switzerland Group reported a 15% year-on-year increase in revenue to £974 million for the six months to November 1, 2026. The strong first-half performance led the company to raise its FY27 revenue growth forecast to 7–10% and its expected adjusted EBIT margin improvement to
News
Geneva Watch Auctions Set Record with $203 Million in Sales
Geneva’s November 2026 watch auctions at Phillips, Christie’s, and Sotheby’s generated a combined $203 million, setting records for total sales and several individual lots. Phillips led with $112.3 million, followed by Christie’s at $58.7 million, while Sotheby’s contributed more than $32 million. F.
Feature
Independent Watchmaking Pioneers Who Shaped the Industry
Independent watchmaking has grown into a celebrated field, shaped by generations of innovators who combined technical skill, personal vision and entrepreneurial independence. The AHCI, founded in 1985 by Vincent Calabrese and Svend Andersen, helped build a community for these makers. Their pioneering work spans inventive movements and complications, bold designs,
Feature
How Spacewalks Inspired Konstantin Chaykin’s SC02C Watch
Konstantin Chaykin’s SC02C is a limited-edition chronograph shaped by a Roscosmos research program that began in 2018. Watches developed through the program accompanied four spacewalks, including a six-hour outing in May 2026. Designed as a dependable backup when radio communication is interrupted, the SC02C features a clear
New Watches
Yema Introduces Its First Moonphase Watch and New Senans Collection
Yema’s Senans Grande Lune CMM.22 Limited Edition is the brand’s first moonphase watch and the opening model in a new collection. Its contemporary 38.5mm stainless steel case pairs stepped, alternating brushed and polished surfaces with a black guilloché dial and an oversized luminous moonphase display. Blue
Feature
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Eighth Collectibles Collection Celebrates Its American Watchmaking Legacy
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s eighth “The Collectibles” capsule collection explores the brand’s ties to the American market ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary. Its watches reflect how tariffs, local tastes, and demand for novelty shaped distinctive designs, including American-made cases, English calendar discs, and early sport watches. Product
events
Seiko Celebrates 145 Years of Japanese Watchmaking on Sydney Harbour
Seiko marked its 145th anniversary with an event at Watersedge in Sydney’s The Rocks, bringing together about 150 collectors, retail partners, media and guests. Attendees explored anniversary releases alongside Prospex, King Seiko and Presage, with interactive experiences including racing simulators, Japanese calligraphy and cocktail bars. The collection’s gold,
review
Venezianico Nereide Opale Blu Watch Review: A Decorative Diver with a Blue Opal Dial
The Venezianico Nereide Opale Blu pairs a 42mm steel diver’s case with a distinctive blue-and-green lab-grown opal dial made by Kyocera. Limited to 600 pieces, it has a 200-meter water-resistance rating, a tungsten bezel insert, a 120-click unidirectional bezel, luminous markers and hands,
comparisons
Omega Seamaster vs. Timex Deepwater: Comparing a $6,300 Luxury Diver with a $270 Quartz Watch
The $6,300 Omega Seamaster Diver 300M and the $270 Timex Deepwater Meridian 200 share a modern dive-watch aesthetic but take different approaches. Omega offers a METAS-certified automatic movement, a green ceramic dial and bezel, refined case finishing, and 300-meter water resistance. Timex pairs a dependable quartz
Feature
11 of the Best Time-Only Watches for Simple, Uncomplicated Style
Time-only watches strip away complications to focus on the essentials, letting design, proportions, and craftsmanship take center stage. Their simplicity also makes them versatile, from refined dress watches to robust everyday models. The selection ranges from affordable options such as the Timex Marlin to high-end pieces including the
New Watches
Albishorn Voisin Aerosport: A Retro-Futuristic Dress Chronometer Inspired by Aviation and Automobiles
Albishorn’s Voisin Aerosport expands the independent brand’s “imaginary vintage” collection with a dress chronometer inspired by Gabriel Voisin’s aviation and automotive designs, particularly the 1930s C28 Aérosport. Its 38mm stainless steel case combines fluid, aerodynamic lines with stepped surfaces and contrasting finishes. A three-layer sector dial
New Watches
Vacheron Constantin Updates Steel Fiftysix Models with Two-Tone Grey Dials
Vacheron Constantin has updated the Fiftysix Self-Winding and Complete Calendar with 40mm stainless steel cases, more varied brushed and polished finishes, two-tone grey sector dials, box-shaped sapphire crystals and grey nubuck straps. The Self-Winding has a light grey opaline centre that darkens toward the chapter ring,
New Watches
MB&F LM101 Gabriel Colliard: Three Limited-Edition Cloisonné Enamel Watches
MB&F has introduced three limited editions of the LM101 featuring cloisonné enamel dials by Gabriel Colliard. Each platinum watch depicts a colourful animal scene—monkeys in blue, macaws in red, or a crocodile in green—composed around the LM101’s suspended balance wheel and sculptural movement. To make
Feature
The Best Omega Speedmaster Releases of 2026
Omega’s Speedmaster lineup had a relatively quiet 2026, with new releases including the stainless-steel and 18K Moonshine gold “Reverse Panda” Moonwatch, a green-dial gold model inspired by Rory McIlroy, and seven updated Speedmaster 38 variations. The collection includes 92 of Omega’s 535 catalog references, following a
Newsletter
Issue #287 | Buying Time - November 10, 2026
Geneva’s record auction, independent watchmaking’s creative pulse, and a Vacheron that puts its calendar on display.
review
Orient Star Skeleton 75th Anniversary: A New Era of Craftsmanship and Technology
The Orient Star Skeleton 75th Anniversary Flagship Model RE-BR0001N celebrates 75 years of the brand and 35 years of its skeleton watches. Limited to 130 pieces, it introduces the F9B82 movement in a 40 mm stainless steel case with zaratsu polishing, an open-worked dial plate, and a distinctive
events
WatchPro’s Miami Event Highlights Women’s Careers and the Future of Watch Design
WatchPro’s Women in Watches event, held in Miami on November 6 in association with headline sponsor WOLF, brought together industry leaders, brand representatives and watch experts for discussion and networking. The first panel explored career progression, leadership, recruitment and pathways into the watch industry, highlighting transferable skills and opportunities
events
Miami Car & Watch Fest 2026: Where Cars and Watches Meet
Time to Drive Miami Car & Watch Fest debuted at Mana Wynwood on November 7–8, 2026, bringing around 25 watch brands, retailers, dealers, and collectors together with car enthusiasts. A VVIP lounge, cigar and drink service, and an Assouline Porsche book complemented the show floor, where the strong turnout
video
"Buy Once, Cry Once" | Ex-Hodinkee Editor's Personal Watch Collection - YouTube - Chrono24
Tony Traina, a former Hodinkee editor and creator of the Unpolished newsletter, shares the story behind his personal watch collection. The lineup is largely vintage and deliberately eclectic, spanning accessible brands such as Swatch and Seiko alongside notable pieces from Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Cartier. The collection also includes a
Feature
Four Watches With Engraved Cases That Tell a Story
Four watches showcase distinctive engraved or sculptural cases that turn a timepiece’s exterior into a storytelling element. Ralph Lauren’s American Western Cushion pairs aged, hand-engraved sterling silver with Southwestern motifs and, in one version, a turquoise dial; Grand Seiko’s limited-edition SBGZ011 extends a waterfall-inspired
comparisons
TAG Heuer Monaco vs Carrera Glassbox: Which Racing Chronograph Is Best?
The TAG Heuer Monaco and Carrera Glassbox are celebrated racing chronographs with capable automatic movements, 80-hour power reserves, satisfying pushers, and 100-meter water resistance. The Monaco stands out with its square 39mm titanium case, blue dial, and motorsport heritage, but its broad, flat shape proved difficult to wear
review
Hands-On Review: Two Golden Rado DiaStar Original Skeleton Watches
The Rado DiaStar Original Skeleton watches reinterpret the 1962 UFO-inspired design in two gold-colored versions: yellow gold tone (R12166159) and rose gold hue (R12159309). Both feature a 38 × 45mm stainless steel case, a faceted sapphire crystal, and a hard Ceramos bezel made from ceramic and metal. Their openworked
review
Breitling Superocean Automatic 42 Review: Bold Design, Heavy Bracelet, and Short Power Reserve
The Breitling Superocean Automatic 42 makes a strong impression with its vintage-inspired design, oversized geometric markers, excellent legibility, and distinctive lollipop seconds hand. Its 42mm stainless steel case wears comfortably, while polished and brushed finishes, a clear coated sapphire crystal, and a precise, grippy ceramic bezel add to its
New Watches
Ming 51.01 Halo: A Slim Dress Watch in Crystallised Titanium
The Ming 51.01 Halo is a compact dress watch with a 37mm crystallised grade 5 titanium case, finished in warm 5N rose gold tones. Its 8mm-thick case frames a minimalist black lacquer dial with rose gold-coloured hands and crystal-engraved indices, while the design omits luminescence for
New Watches
Awake Introduces Four New Silver Leaf Watches with Gradient Lacquer Dials
Awake has expanded its Sơn Mài Silver Leaf collection with three permanent dial colors—Java Green, Gentian Blue, and Indian Red—and Purple Viola, limited to 200 pieces. Each Vignette dial is made in Hanoi using silver leaf and roughly twelve layers of lacquer, applied and polished over more than
New Watches
Bell & Ross Unveils the BR-03 Green Radar Ceramic Watch
Bell & Ross introduces the BR-03 Green Radar Ceramic, a 41mm black ceramic watch that reimagines the brand’s radar-inspired design first presented in 2010. Its green-tinted display uses three rotating discs, with aircraft silhouettes indicating the hours, minutes, and seconds: a Falcon, a Rafale, and a
Feature
Watch Spotting at the Hodinkee Happy Hour: October 2026
Hodinkee hosted a Happy Hour at Grotta Local during New York Watch Week, bringing together guests for craft beer, pizza, conversation, and watch spotting. The gathering offered attendees a chance to reconnect alongside events including the FHH Watch Summit, WatchTime, Windup, and Indies.NYC. Watches on display ranged from a
News
Could New York Overtake Geneva as the Top City for Luxury Watch Auctions?
Phillips’ Geneva Watch Auction achieved a record $112.3 million from 217 lots, with an average price of $517,406. Yet New York’s average selling price surpassed Geneva’s at Phillips’ spring auctions, reaching $479,792 compared with $430,036. US import duties on Swiss watches, combined with a
News
Record $112 Million Phillips Geneva Auction Driven by Volume and Rare Watches
Phillips’ Geneva Watch Auction XXIV achieved a record CHF 92 million ($112.3 million), with all 217 lots sold, an average price above $500,000, and 24 world auction records. The total more than doubled the comparable May 2025 sale, as 17 lots exceeded CHF 1 million despite rare-watch
video
New Glashütte Original Vintage Seventies Collection | Hands On Review - YouTube - Time+Tide Watches
The Glashütte Original Vintage Seventies collection introduces three stainless-steel watches with slimmer, more compact proportions: a 39mm case measuring 9.6mm thick, a 43.7mm lug-to-lug span, and 100-metre water resistance. Their embossed hexagrid dials draw inspiration from 1970s hi-fi systems, tweed-covered amplifiers, and
podcast
Nomadic: An Irish Watchmaking Journey with Founder Peter McAuley
Nomadic Watches was founded in Belfast in 2021 by Peter McAuley, who combined his mechanical engineering and business experience to build a watch brand with a distinctly Irish identity. Its name honors the SS Nomadic, the Belfast-built tender ship associated with the Titanic, and the city’s shipbuilding heritage
Feature
Why Luxury Watch Brand CEOs Have So Little Power
Luxury watch brands once benefited from charismatic leaders who took creative risks, shaped products, built teams, and gave their companies a clear direction. Today, many CEOs at established brands have little authority over product decisions, budgets, hiring, marketing, or staffing because owners and investors distribute power among stakeholders whose priorities
New Watches
The Garrick S8: A Compact, Hand-Finished Skeleton Watch
The Garrick S8 is a compact, time-only skeleton watch developed by the British independent watchmaker for collectors seeking the character of the S3 in a smaller format. Its 39mm-wide, 8mm-thick case is made from 904L stainless steel or precious metal, with polished or frosted finishes and 100m
review
Sinn’s EZM 19: A Mission Timer for Emergency Command Teams
The Sinn EZM 19 is a mission timer designed for emergency command staff, developed with Hattingen Fire Department director Tomas Stanke. Its captive bidirectional bezel switches between a 35-minute briefing scale and a four-hour operations scale, helping wearers manage briefings, handovers, and shifts at a glance. Color-coded
video
The brands and watches that you should be considering today - YouTube - This Watch, That Watch
Mike considers the price hikes and what you should consider when shopping for a watch.
Newsletter
Issue #286 | Buying Time - November 9, 2026
From Geneva’s biggest winners to the watch you might design yourself, today’s BuyingTime explores what makes a timepiece matter.
Feature
The Unsigned Craftsmen Behind Historic Tourbillons
Historical tourbillon carriages were often built by specialist watchmakers whose names were omitted from finished watches, which carried the names of the firms that sold them. Records such as observatory reports, trade directories, costing sheets, obituaries, and occasional signatures reveal the work of Ernest Guinand, Auguste Grether, Albert Pellaton-Favre,
Feature
How Our Taste in Watches and Grail Watches Evolves
A grail watch is a personal ideal shaped by an enthusiast’s exposure, knowledge, and changing interests. Early ambitions may center on iconic designs and prestigious brands, but deeper study can shift attention toward movement architecture, complications, finishing, independent makers, and distinctive approaches to watchmaking. The grail is therefore a