Four Chronographs That Earned their Place In History

One of the most popular complications is the chronograph. This can be explained because the complication adds extra dynamic elements to the watch. Measuring the passing of time requires an extra seconds hand, subdials to show the minutes and hours, and pushers to operate it all. Aviation, car racing, and the exploration of space are just three areas in which (mechanical) chronographs made their mark, adding to their appeal. While there are a great many to choose from, the following four have earned their place in history:

By Martin Green

Watch of the Week: Rolex Sky-Dweller

As the world is slowly opening up again, traveling is once again the norm. Rolex has always been a loyal travel companion, combining robustness and water-resistant with style and elegance. In 1954 they added to that the convenience of displaying a second time zone with the introduction of the GMT-Master. This model, and its successors, has become the go-to watch of many globetrotters since but was in 2012 joined by the Sky-Dweller. While it can also show the time in different parts of the world simultaneously, this timepiece is another animal altogether. Its design is more reminiscent of the Datejust, with its distinct bezel, making it less of a tool-watch in comparison to the sportier-styled GMT-Masters.

From Omega And Ulysse Nardin To Breitling And Cartier, These Are The Watches Inside The Watches of Switzerland’s ‘Anytime, Anywhere’ Hamptons Airstream

An inside look into all of the precious timepieces being housed inside the Watches of Switzerland Airstream in the Hamptons this summer.

Four Watches For Fathers Day

It is almost Fathers Day again, that time of the year to surprise dad with something special to show our appreciation for all he has done and is still doing. The most precious gift is the time we spend together with him. However, to also give him a constant reminder of how you value him when you cannot be together, a watch might be an appropriate gift. Such as one of the following four:

Throwback Thursday: Rolex Ref. 6269 “Le Hibou Grand-Duc”

Gemstone set Daytona's made from precious metal are nothing new today, but in the 1980s, it was quite trailblazing for Rolex to offer its sports models in such a configuration. When you like that, it doesn't get much better than this Ref. 6269 "Le Hibou Grand-Duc." Made for the French market, it features on the caseback the French import marks and Rolex France's logo. Its name, meaning "the owl Grand Duke" is also inspired by the image shown in the French import mark.

Rolex Continues The Subtle Art Of Evolution In All Of Its New 2021 Models

Rolex has always been a brand that honors evolution. For this, they have a good reason, given the fact that many, if not all, of their watches have become the benchmark in their category. In 2021, they further refine their offerings, proving that evolution can be very exciting.

Five Hot New Watches From Watches & Wonders 2021

While digital, Watches & Wonders 2021 kicks off immediately in high gear, showing that the industry is still strong, even during a pandemic. Many exciting new watches have already been introduced, of which the following five in particular caught our eye:

Four Watches For International Women’s Day, And None With Diamonds

Today we celebrate International Women's Day, in which we not only honor women's achievements but also raise awareness for women's equality. The theme set for this year is 'Choose To Challenge,' as a challenged world is an alert world, and what you challenge will change. This change is also direly needed, as the world is currently facing challenges for which we can only find constructive, long-term solutions if everybody's full potential is utilized, and that can only be reached are equals. Here are four watches that might, each in their own way, facilitate this change.

Rolex Continues Its High-Speed Legacy At Daytona

For Rolex, the beach at Daytona plays an intricate part in their history. It was there that Sir Malcolm Campbell initially did his high-speed runs, breaking the world land speed record five times. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, was already in a very early stage interested in Sir Malcolm Campbell's achievements and recognized the potential of collaborating. They teamed up, and Campbell joined the Rolex family, achieving the vast majority of his records with a Rolex around his wrist. In 1965, Rolex officially named their chronograph Daytona, and it would become quickly more famous than the beach it got its name from.

Watch of the Week: Rolex GMT-Master II

In 1953, Pan Am executives asked Rolex-founder Hans Wilsdorf if he could develop a watch that could show two timezones at once. Always focused on innovation, Wilsdorf accepted the challenge and soon after penned down the first ideas of what would become the GMT-Master. Like nearly all the watches in the Professional-line of Rolex, was also the GMT-Master immediately embraced by the public. Demand was strong, and the GMT-Master would become one of the pillars of the Rolex collection. In 1982, Rolex debuted the GMT-Master II. The main difference between this model and the GMT-Master I was that you could pull out the crown and set the hand for the second-timezone individually.

Haute Time’s Hottest Watches Of 2020 Part II

Despite the pandemic, many brands did not hold back when it came to releasing new models. What usually would be launched at one of the fairs or during a special event was now presented by Zoom- and Skype-meetings. Fortunately, this doesn't make the watches any less impressive, as the following five prove;

The Passion For Watches Of Diego Maradona

A true legend has left us this week, as Diego Maradona passed away from heart failure. When the question is raised who was the greatest soccer player in the world, Pelé and Maradona are usually named. The two were close friends who openly admired each other. Maradona effectively utilized his small stature with his unsurpassed ball control and passing and dribbling skills on the field. This made it possible to make a goal after a 60-yard dribble, passing five England players in the 1986 Word Cup quarter-final. In 2002 this moment was voted 'Goal of the Century' at FIFA.com. Maradona and his team won that year the World Cup.

The Magic Of Owning A Celebrity’s Wristwatch

Owning a rare watch of exquisite quality is one of life's true pleasures. Most of these watches have been made by brands with a history spanning decades, if not centuries. This gives it quite a bit of pedigree, but if the previous owner of such a watch was also a well-known celebrity, its appeal increases on all levels.

Four Watches That Make You Want To Travel Again

The Covid-19 pandemic is still making it difficult for a lot of people to travel, either for business or leisure. Travel restrictions change on an almost daily basis, proving it to be challenging even to plan a trip to countries you are currently permitted to go. Staycations are the new normal. The following four watches where made for globetrotters, but can now be used to imitate that vacation feeling closer to home

Rolex Is Launching A Wide Array Of New Watches For 2020

With Rolex, the revolution is always an evolution. It what the brand does best and has made it a gold standard within the world of luxury goods. The Covid-19 pandemic made it unsure if Rolex would introduce any new models in 2020, but fortunately, they did, and they are phenomenal.

Rolex Supports The Arts With Free Concerts

Rolex has always had a great reputation supporting the arts, from cinema to music. In these challenging times, the brand stands side by side with the artists whose work and lives have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. In collaboration with three renowned Rolex Testimonees, tenor Juan Diego Flórez, soprano Sonya Yoncheva, and tenor Rolando Villazón, they bring three, unique concerts as a start of their 'Perpetual Music' series.

Proprietary Red And Rose Gold On A Rise

Gold prices have, in recent weeks, reached new record highs. In times of uncertainty, people tend to go back to old standards. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, we already saw a renewed interest in gold-cased watches. This trend was, to some extent, also fueled by watch brands creating their own alloys, which gave them a unique edge in a very competitive market.