We have a handful of annual traditions here at HODINKEE, and one of them is capping off the year with a list of the 25 most popular stories from the last three-hundred-and-sixty-something days. To say we had a lot to sort through this year would be a massive understatement: we published over 950 stories in 2018, an all-time high for HODINKEE, covering everything from introducing new releases and analyzing auction results to in-depth reviews and collector profiles.
When we say that these are the “most popular” we mean just that – these are the 25 stories that were read the most by you this year. Some are going to seem obvious, while others might surprise you. Either way, this should give you more than enough reading (and watching) to keep you busy as we finish up 2018 and enter 2019.
Thank you to everyone reading this for a fantastic year and we can’t wait to share next year with you too!
25. Photo Report: Fashion And Watches At SIHH 2018
At SIHH it’s easy to get stuck in a pattern of looking exclusively into glass vitrines and at the wrists of passers-by. However, look up and you’ll notice that in addition to a lot of great watches there are some pretty stylish people walking around too. Here we highlighted a few of our favorite watch/look combos.
24. A Week On The Wrist: The Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000 Full Metal
This watch quickly earned the nickname “the full gold G-Shock” in most circle and for good reason: it’s a big gold G-Shock. Stephen, typically one for more understated expressions, both sartorial and horological, strapped this one on for a week and fell in love with it. Sometimes the heart just wants what it wants, logic be damned.
23. In-Depth: Tony Fadell & Benoît Mintiens Discuss The Ressence Type 2 e-Crown Concept
It’s rare that genuinely new technology enters the world of mechanical watches, but the e-Crown from Ressence is just that. Think of it like a robotic watch winder that lives inside your watch, keeping it on time and ready to go, even when the power reserve winds down. Here we got an inside look at how it came to be from the men who invented it.
22. Personalities: Jean-Claude Biver And The Making Of The Modern Watch Industry
It is impossible to understand the modern watch industry without understanding Jean-Claude Biver. When people zigged, he zagged, and he’s managed to be a monumental force in this business for 40 years. Joe’s incredible story is the definitive profile of the watch industry’s most definitive personality.
21. The Value Proposition: The Casio AE1200WH-1A World Timer, At Less Than One Dollar Per Time Zone
The headline says it all, really. This is about as “value proposition” as a watch can get – for less than the price of a dinner out in New York City you can have a fun, cool looking watch that can serve as an able companion no matter where your travels may take you. And with all that money you save, maybe you can spring for that flight upgrade too.
20. Talking Watches With Roger Smith
When one of the world’s two or three finest watchmakers (maybe the finest watchmaker) agreed to come by HODINKEE HQ with his own personal collection of watches, we knew we were in for a treat. There’s nothing more to say here – just watch the video. You won’t regret it.
19. Review: The Panerai Luminor Due 38
“Smaller” and “slimmer” might not be words you typically associate with Panerai, but the new Luminor Due collection embraces both ideas to great effect. The result is a set of watches that feel very much like classic Panerai models (think sandwich dials and crown locks) but in more manageable silhouettes for those who have small wrists or wear a lot of suits.
18. In-Depth: Diving With The Omega Seamaster Professional 300M
There might have been flashier releases this year, but the latest iteration of Omega’s flagship dive watch is a serious update with new tech and a more streamlined style. Jason decided to take it out into the ocean for a proper dive and there’s good news: this modern classic is much more than a desk diver.
17. Found: A $10 Gilt Dial Rolex Submariner Reference 5512
This is what we all hope for: finding a beautiful gilt-dial Sub in a discount bin at a thrift shop. It’s certainly not common, but it does seem to happen at least once or twice a year. If nothing else, here’s something fun to daydream about in front of the fire this winter.
16. Watch Spotting: Ellen DeGeneres Wearing A Paul Newman Daytona On Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee
By this point it’s no secret that Ellen DeGeneres is one serious watch collector. However, it was still exciting to see her rocking a seriously cool ref. 6241 Paul Newman Daytona on a new episode of Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.
15. Introducing: The Leica L1 And L2 Watches
We were one of very few publications invited to Leica’s headquarters in June for the launch of their very own watch collection. The L1 and L2 translate Leica’s aesthetic and pursuit of quality from the classic M cameras to something you can wear on your wrist. They definitely sparked some lively conversations too and are an early taste of where Leica hopes to go with this.
14. Three On Three: Comparing Entry-Level, In-House Automatics From Grand Seiko, Omega, And Rolex
Despite being published less than three weeks ago, this incredible in-depth piece catapulted into the top 15 stories of the year without breaking a sweat. Jack, James, and Jon look at what three of the most important large-scale watch manufactures on the planet are offering at the “entry level,” with an eye toward what sets each apart from the pack.
13. Hands-On: The Seiko Prospex SPB077 And SPB079
Wait, an extremely popular story about an awesome Seiko dive watch? Yeah, we’re not surprised either. These two new Prospex divers have a slightly more modern look to them, with sleek bezels and bold geometric hands. That they’re both priced right around $1,000 only makes them all the more appealing.
12. Talking Watches With Mario Andretti
Every episode of Talking Watches is special in its own way, but this one was something different altogether. Jon sat down with Mario and talked about everything from mid-century chronographs to what is likely the most impressive professional driving career of all time. Even if you’ve seen it before, watch this one again: it’s worth it, we promise.
11. Hands-On: The Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Now With White And Black Dials
Dial color updates are usually boring news – but not these updates. Rolex’s most basic three-hand watch, the Oyster Perpetual, got a major refresh this year with new black and white dial options that are flat-out stunning. Now the only real question left is which case size you want to go for…
10. A Week On The Wrist: The Cartier Santos
When you’ve got a brand with a particularly strong identity it can be hard to invent new things without veering too far off course. With the latest iteration of the Santos though, Cartier nailed it. The watch is everything you want a Santos to be, but with new lines, some new bracelet technology, and an in-house caliber too.
9. A Week On The Wrist: The Tudor Black Bay GMT
As far as in-depth reviews go, this is about as good as it gets. James took Tudor’s new travel watch on a little tour of California, enjoying a little adventure and snapping some great photos along the way. Spoiler alert: this isn’t the only place on this list that you’ll be seeing this watch either.
8. Editors’ Picks: Best New Watches Under $1,000
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: A great watch does not have to cost a lot of money. If you need more proof than just the Casio World Timer above, we’ve got you covered here with a round-up of five awesome new watches that come with no more than a three-figure price tag.
7. A Week On The Wrist: The Rolex Sky-Dweller In Stainless Steel
With all the attention that gets directed toward the GMT-Master and Daytona these days, it’s easy to forget that the steel Sky-Dweller is one of the hardest-to-find watches on the planet right now. Jack’s outstanding review gives you insight into the watch itself and why it’s just so darn desirable.
6. A Week On The Wrist: The Apple Watch Series 4
Even if you’re not a “smartwatch person” you need to pay attention to the Apple Watch. It’s not only the best-selling watch on the planet but also one that offers insight into what a watch can be and how modern technology can interact with a product we typically associate with tradition and old-school ways of doing things.
5. The Value Proposition: The Seiko SKX013 Dive Watch
Everyone reading this likely knows and loves the Seiko SKX007, the affordable dive watch that nearly every watch lover owns at some point in his or her collecting journey. This watch is that watch’s little brother, having all the same style and functionality in a smaller package. Stephen didn’t know this even existed until earlier this year, and when he found out he knew he had to get one ASAP.
4. Editors’ Picks: The Five Best Starter Watches
There are lots of ways to get into watch collecting. Some people dive right into the deep end, while others like to dip a toe first. Here we found five brand new watches from Baselworld that would help that latter group get their bearings while still offering them something that they could love for the long haul.
3. Introducing: The Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi In Stainless Steel Ref. 126710 BLRO
You had to know this was coming, right? The impossible-to-get steel GMT-Master is probably the single hottest watch of the year and for good reason. The moment news broke at Baselworld the watch community went crazy – the steel Pepsi GMT was officially back and it came with new technology and a killer Jubilee bracelet. What’s not to love about this one?
2. Hands-On: The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight
Okay, if the Pepsi GMT-Master was the hottest watch of Baselworld 2018, the second hottest watch of Baselworld 2018 was probably the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight. The latest Tudor diver is basically a vintage watch in size and style, but with an in-house Tudor movement and modern build quality. It’s the best of both worlds and one of the highest value-for-money watches you can buy today.
1. Editors’ Picks: The Best Everyday Watches Of Baselworld 2018
Here it is, people: the story you all read the most in 2018. Honestly, this isn’t a huge surprise considering the excellent watches that were released at this year’s big show and the focus on wearable, accessible watches. Here’s to hoping that we have a lot more reasons to do round-ups like this in 2019.
from Best Watches For Men http://bit.ly/2QXyfvs