Today is the 50th Anniversary of the Chronomatic – Our Top 10 Chronomatic List

In a recent installment of This Week in Watches, we mentioned that Jeff Stein – noted Heuer collector and creator of “On the Dash” and Fred Mandelbaum – noted Breitling collector would be hosting a bit of a celebration for the 50^th anniversary of the Chronomatic movement.  Their respective Instagram accounts (@on_the_dash and @watchfred)  will serve as “ground zero” for the events, but we have a feeling that some others will get in on the act.  As a reminder, begin using the #chronomatic50 hashtag starting on March 3^rd through the 10^th to participate.  First, though, we thought we’d provide a little background on the famous movement and I put together a brief Top 10 Chronomatic list of my favorite pieces that used the Caliber 11 or one of its offspring (you can read about the variants here).

Caliber 11 Variants (photo courtesy of onthedash.com)

To refresh your memory (and I’d seriously recommend you check out Jeff’s article on Project 99 – the skunkworks project name used during the development of the Chronomatic Caliber 11), the Caliber 11 debuted on March 3, 1969. The creation of the movement was as a result of collaboration between Heuer, Breitling and Hamilton.  The movement, technically, depended on Buren (Hamilton) and Dubois-Depraz and is famous for its left-mounted crown; a signal to the owner that once the time was set that the crown was no longer needed.

The Chronomatic is significant, of course, because it ranks as one of the first automatic chronograph movements in existence.  It’s well-noted that Seiko and Zenith also debuted their automatic chronograph movements in 1969, but experts and fans alike have given up trying to convince each other of which brand struck first.

While watch collectors can debate which movement was best, there’s little doubt that the Chronomatic found itself in some of watch history’s most beloved models.  Of particular note, and (shocker!) it’s in the Top 10 Chronomatic list, is the 1969 Heuer Monaco 1133B made famous by Steve McQueen in the movie “Le Mans”.  Whether the watch is your bag or not, it’s hard to argue about its cultural impact on both watch collectors and novices.

Amazingly, the Chronomatic soldiered on until the mid-80’s in some Heuer models (Breitling ceased using them when it shuttered in 1978).  Ultimately, it was even found in brands such as Dugena, Bulova, Bucherer, Stowa, Elgin, and others.  The fact that the movements were widely used makes finding one rather easy and often rather affordable with some models around the $2,000 mark or below.  Servicing them can be a chore (especially on early Cal 11 models), though, so find a watchmaker who is willing and Abel (pun intended, Mr. Court) to get them back into shape.

The Top 10 Chronomatic List

Regarding the Top 10 Chronomatic list, this was a tough one to pull together because there are so many models to choose from.  Now, I am a noted non-lover of these movements due to their inherent thickness (they are modular) and also because I am a hand-wind curmudgeon, but it’s hard to argue with either the significance of these engines or the bold designs that they helped foster.  For sure, companies using these movements foften elt the need to take their designs into the next era and we are still enjoying the influence of many of these watches today in newer models.  While the Heuers are well-known, what I hadn’t realized was that there are so many Breitling references that used a Caliber 11 or variant (you can certainly see more in our Breitling Expert Interviews article).  I actually asked Fred for some suggestions, so he did have some influence.  For sure, this list isn’t exhaustive and may even start a few arguments, but if you’re at all interested in a Caliber 11 family watch, perhaps this will get you even more excited.

The Heuer Monaco ref.1133B “Steve McQueen” (photo courtesy of analogshift.com taken by Atom Moore)

Heuer Monaco ref.1133B

No Top 10 Chronomatic list would be complete without the Heuer Monaco ref 1133B (aka the Steve McQueen watch).  It was and is a true design triumph.  With a bold, and large, square case (the first water resistant square crystal watch), the watch is a head turner that’s still made today by TAGHeuer.  Made in several color schemes (and also versions with the Caliber 15 and a couple manual wind movements), the signature red, white and blue is what most people consider when they think of a Monaco.  Personally speaking, I don’t own a Monaco (they’re quite slabbish and not a fit for all wrists), but buying one is always in the back of my mind.  They’re watches that deserve a lot of attention when purchasing as fakes, redials, and damaged dials are ever present, but it’s such a statement watch that it makes all the effort worthwhile.  When I started to get into watches in the late 90’s, it felt like Heuer was undergoing its first craze.  If I’d had the money, I should have purchased one then…

The Breitling Chronomatic Super Ocean ref.2105 (photo courtesy of Fred Mandelbaum) 

Breitling Chronomatic Super Ocean ref.2105

A truly recognizable (and massive at 47mm in diameter) Breitling that makes the Top 10 Chronomatic list is ref. 2105 Super Ocean.  Launched in 1969, this brightly colored beast carries on the bold looks of prior manual wind watches that has made them highly prized in the eyes of collectors.  I had my hands on a similarly cased 7651 recently (by the way, it was a watch that was on its way to none other than Jeff Stein!) and these are truly huge, but very different watches.  The large-cased Breitlings have crept up in price, but still don’t come close to the top name Heuers from the era in terms of pricing. I’d call that a rare win for collectors.  While they were never worn by famous racers, their high-quality dials and unique cases make them just as unique.

The Hamilton Chronomatic Fontainebleau (photo courtesy of analogshift.com taken by Atom Moore)

Hamilton Fontainebleau

Our next entrant on the Top 10 Chronomatic list serves as this brand’s wildly designed entrant using a Cal 11-variant movement.  If Heuer threw down the gauntlet with its square-shaped Monaco, Breitling answered with the enormous Super Ocean (and more references using the case), then Hamilton truly went the eccentric route with its audacious Fontainebleau.  Often called an acquired taste by some and “love it or hate it” by others, the Fontainebleau features a highly unique case with a crystal shape that rivals the Monaco in being innovative for the period.  At 47mm, these watches come with a stark black and white dial that calms down what would otherwise be a nutty piece.  The Fontainebleau is a seriously affordable early Chronomatic due to the polarity of its design, but trust me, if you own one, you’ll stand out in a crowd just as much or more than the flock wearing Monacos.  Plus, since it debuted in 1969, it has just as much historical credibility as pieces from the other two brands.

The Heuer Silverstone (photo courtesy of gregoriades.com)

Heuer Silverstone

Another Heuer makes the Top 10 Chronomatic list and that’s the Caliber 12-powered Silverstone.  In 1972, Heuer launched yet another model named after a famous race circuit in its attempt to replace the Monaco.  With another massive case and a mineral crystal in lieu of the Monaco’s acrylic, it was a definite update in terms of both materials and styling.  Available in blue, fume, or a burgundy color, this is another watch that TAGHeuer reissued a few years back.  Clay Regazzoni, the popular Swiss F1 pilot, was a well-known wearer of the Silverstone, which gives it even more street cred with collectors.  Silverstones are popular but have leveled off in recent years in terms of values.  The dials often exhibit serious aging and that gives them a unique character that some find charming.

The Breitling Chronomatic ref.2130 (photo courtesy of Fred Mandelbaum)

Breitling Chronomatic ref.2130 

In my opinion, one of the most classically designed (let’s hope that isn’t a bad word) watches to make the Top 10 Chronomatic list is the Breitling ref. 2130.  Introduced in 1977 (and only made for a year), the watch featured the higher beat cal. 12 along with gorgeous “lyre-shaped” lugs: think Speedmaster lugs and you are on track.  Plus, at 39mm, it qualifies as a watch that could actually be worn day to day. These pieces came in both panda and reverse panda variants and both are really lovely to behold.  The 2130’s due to their rarity, don’t come up often in the discussion of top Chronomatics, but they’re a favorite of Fred’s and he always brings at least one example to dinner when we meet; he’s sold me on their relevance.

The Breitling Chronomatic ref.2117 Pult/Pupitre “Bullhead” (photo courtesy of Fred Mandelbaum)

Breitling Chronomatic Pult/Pupitre “Bullhead” ref.2117

While they’ve never taken over the traditional right-handed pusher designs of normal chronographs, one can’t debate the form factor of a “Bullhead” type chronograph.  They’re just so easy to use, so why wouldn’t there be one of these types of watches on the Top 10 Chronomatic list?  Well, there is and it comes in the form of the Breitling Chronomatic ref.2117 Pult/Pupitre otherwise known as the “Bullhead”.  Available in either blue or brown, these very 70’s styled chronographs are hard to ignore.  Originally released as manual wind watches, Breitling adapted them to use the automatic movements.  At 42mm, they’re actually not so huge and they feature a sloping case that thickens dramatically towards the top.

The Hamilton Chronomatic ref.11002-3

Hamilton Chronomatic ref.11002-3 

I own precisely one Caliber 11-equipped watch and, therefore, it makes the Top 10 Chronomatic list.  To me, the Hamilton Chronomatic ref.11002-3 isn’t just a great looking Cal. 11 watch, it’s a timeless chronograph.  Whether you like it in blue like mine or the equally attractive panda scheme, there’s no denying the traditional looks of this round workmanlike piece.  Some would say that Hamilton simply stuck to its designs preceding this model and that it lacks the craziness of many other designs, but I like the fact that the adapted the styling of their manual wind Valjoux models to the new platform.  At 37mm, this Hamilton wears supremely well despite its very thick case.  Values have definitely come up in the last few years, but these can still be found for very reasonable money.

The Breitling Chronomatic ref.2116 (photo courtesy of Fred Mandelbaum)

Breitling Chronomatic ref.2116 

Chronomatics were made in a variety of case materials including steel and PVD, but very pieces came in solid gold.  We’d be remiss if we failed to include the Breitling ref. 2116 on the Top 10 Chronomatic list because it’s a lovely watch.  It comes in at a highly wearable 38mm and contains a highly traditional case with long, slender lugs.  In fact, I’d say the case qualifies as a bit “un-Breitling” like.  With its black ovoid sub registers, orange/red hand and corresponding tachymeter track, this is a gorgeous watch.  It’s also a rare watch that has essentially remained under the radar and was definitely in the shadow of the next watch that we’ll mention on our list.

The Heuer Carrera Chronomatic ref.1158 (photo courtesy of onthedash.com)

Heuer Carrera Chronomatic ref.1158

The other gold watch on our Top 10 Chronomatic list comes in the form of the Heuer Carrera  Chronomatic  ref.1158.  Heuer made this 38mm watch over a period of years and in a number of different variants.  It’s been publicly stated that this is Jack Heuer’s favorite watch of all time and perhaps due to this, the pieces were gifted to several drivers.  If we want to talk rare, take a look at the early first execution model we’ve pictured above with the “Chronomatic” script above the Heuer logo.  It’s a gorgeous piece and if I am not mistaken, I can still recall when Jeff located and bought this rare piece.

The Heuer Autavia GMT Automatic ref.1663 (photo courtesy of onthedash.com)

Heuer Autavia GMT ref.1163 

I’d be remiss if I had forgotten to mention the Heuer Autavia GMT Automatic on our Top 10 Chronomatic list.  It’s hard not to like a watch with a Pepsi bezel, but these Autavias bring a lot more in terms of styling with their colorful handsets.  These watches add a GMT feature with a 24-hour hand to the Cal. 11 movement and they’re highly priozed by collectors.  Whether in the original 1163 guise, later 11630 or final 11063, these watches are real lookers.  Head here for a great rundown on all the models.

But Wait, There’s More

In America at least, when you hit the bakery and order a dozen of something, you usually walk away with a freebie.  I’m a fan of that little surprise, so let’s add a few more pieces to our Top 10 Chronomatic list.  Let’s call these the oddities because they are very different, but well worth a mention!

The Heuer Bundeswehr Caliber 12 Prototype (picture courtesy of Darren @go_chrono_go)

Heuer Bundeswehr Caliber 12 Prototype

Let’s kick it off with the Heuer Bundeswehr Caliber 12 Prototype, a rare piece that never made it to production.  Based on the regular manual 1550 SG, a number of these were made and somehow were kept.  A few of leaked into private colelctions.  Rare and tremendously expensive, it takes the eyes a bit of time to get used to seeing such a familiar chronograph with its crown on the left side.  A big thanks to Darren (@go_chrono_go) for sending us a picture of his lovely example!

The Bulova Chronomatic Chronograph (photo courtesy of Fred Mandelbaum)

Bulova Chronomatic “Parking Meter”

Next up, we have the uniquely styled Bulova Chronomatic from 1973 that has earned the nickname of “Parking Meter” for obvious reasons.  Like the Breitling we mentioned before, this piece features a Bullhead style with its pushers up top and crown at 6:00.  Unlike the Breitling, though, the Bulova contains an anodized “bezel” on top of a stainless case.  Bulova made a number of collectible watches in the 70’s and this one ranks near the top.  A nice little article can be found here – out of Poland!

The Hamilton Count-Down Chronomatic Echo Chronograph (photo courtesy of matthewbaininc.com)

Hamilton Count-Down Chronomatic “Echo”

Finally, in what might qualify as the zaniest Caliber 11-based watch, we have the Hamilton Count-Down Chronomatic “Echo” Chronograph from 1975.  Extremely rare and valuable, Hamilton shifted the caliber 14 180 degrees to come up with this wild watch.  The crown sits on the right and is flanked by 2 crowns that rotate an internal timezone bezel and 24 hour bezel for use with the GMT hand.  At 48mm, this is a massive watch, but one can’t deny the great colors and the kooky functionality.  Once again, head to Poland for a little rundown.

There’s no doubt about the significance of the Caliber 11 and its variants.  We hope you’re similarly impressed by the wide breadth of models featured on our Top 10 Chronomatic list.  Still, we’d implore you to go out and research other models from the brands we mentioned and the list of others who chose to employ these groundbreaking movements.  For now, though, don’t forget to post your #chronomatic50 pictures on Instagram!

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Weekend Round-Up: Dark Forces, Ultralight Backpacking, And The Return Of F1

A Swiss Town Built On The Number 11, For Good Reason – BBC

Solothurn is a small town outside of Bern, Switzerland, with a fascination surrounding the number 11. The town has 11 churches, 11 chapels, 11 fountains, 11 towers, 11 museums, and a town center clock displaying 11 hours on the dial. This fascination goes even deeper: Solothurn’s Cathedral of St. Ursus was built in 11 years, has 11 rows of steps, 11 doors, 11 altars, and pews in rows of 11. And to really drive the point home, one of the altars is made from 11 types of marble. None of this is a coincidence, the town was planned with the number 11 in mind from the beginning. To learn the reason behind Solothurn’s fascination with the number 11, be sure to read Mike MacEacheran’s fascinating BBC article.

– Nicholas Manousos, Technical Editor

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Crafter BLue Mechanic Ocean | Watch Review

Crafter BLue Mechanic Ocean

Crafter Blue started out making custom rubber straps for a few popular Seiko and Tudor watches and have not crossed over into producing watches as well. Their fitted rubber straps are great no doubt and can really change the look and comfort of your watch. Let’s face it, most Seiko rubber straps leave a lot to be desired. Entering the extremely crowded (some would say overcrowded) microbrand watch world is a whole different game though. Competition is fierce and there are some fantastic microbrands out on the scene, a lot that compete at the same price point CB is selling for. That brings me to the Crafter Blue Mechanic Ocean, which is what this review is all about. A big old chunk of Steel at 45mm, it takes design cues from a few different watches, uses a Seiko  NH35 movement and either a fitted rubber strap or solid steel bracelet.

Crafter Blue Mechanic Ocean Specifications:

Case: 316L Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 45mm

Case Length: 52mm

Lug Width: 22mm

Thickness 15.8mm

Case Back: Stainless Steel

Dial color: Grey

Crystal: Domed Sapphire Crystal

Movement: Calibre 3531 (based on Seiko movement, stop-seconds function,  21,600 vibrations

Water Resistance: 300m / 999 ft

Price: $499 on Rubber Strap; $599 on Steel Bracelet

Save 10% at checkout using code Watchreport

https://www.crafterbluewatches.com/mechanic-ocean

Crafter Blue operates out of Hong Kong, so of course, their watches are made there as well, and they are upfront about it. I wish other brands would be more transparent these days, but a watch having a Swiss Made label is enough to sell it on that merit alone, so I guess it might be some time before all brands admit to Far East Manufacturing. Countless brands have their watches partially or fully manufacturing their watches and have been doing so for many years. The days of “cheap crap” when it comes to watches is long gone. That area of the country knows what they are doing and Crafter Blue chose to have their first watch manufactured here because of that.

I really enjoy the color of the dial and the texture and overall it is easy to read. The Mechanic Ocean has a little too much dial text for my personal tastes and I wish the date wheel was black on white to match the dial more a little more. The other issue I have is the second hand is too short, so it does not reach the second markers, something that has always been a pet peeve of mine. With such a large watch, the dial is smaller than I would like to have, and that is because of the steel ring that is between the crystal and bezel. I am not sure why they went with this design choice, and that is all it is design. It has no functionality at all whatsoever. The text on it is garish as well and makes an otherwise nice watch look somewhat cheap.

These days and I feel like a broken record having to say it all the time, but a 45mm by 16mm watch such as this Crafter Blue Mechanic Ocean is a large and chunky beast of a watch for me. Going back a decade ago, this would have actually been small for what I liked to wear, so it is funny how things change over time. As I type this, I am wearing a 42.5mm watch that is under 12mm thick, and I love it, so you can see why something like this CB is daunting for me. That all said, I was pleasantly surprised at how well this watch wears. The left side screw down crown made it comfortable to not have that big protrusion digging into the back of the hand and despite the dimensions, I could easily wear this a few days without hesitation, especially on the rubber strap.

Speaking of the rubber strap, it is the same vulcanized rubber that Crafter Blue has been selling for a few years now on their strap website. Dual color rubber with fitted end pieces that line up perfectly to the 22mm lugs. These straps are fantastic and if I ever find myself with a Seiko or a Tudor and want a rubber strap, I know where I will purchase one. This one is obviously custom for this Mechanic Ocean and while the orange color is a good shade lighter than the orange on the aluminum bezel insert, I still think it is a great look to have a two-tone strap that matches the colors of the case. If you have a large wrist, you will be very happy as these straps are long and have many holes to accommodate up to a 9-inch wrist with ease.

The bracelet is a brute as well, solid stainless steel oyster style links, screw bars that hold them together for easy link removal and a clasp reminiscent of some Rolex models, though this does not have a sliding adjustment, but I have to say the bracelet is very well made and suits the case very well. The bracelet is not as big though as the rubber strap, so if you have a wrist larger than 8 inches, I would request extra links at the time of ordering.

The case has nice separation to it, meaning it is not a giant monoblock of steel, even though the bezel is aligned with the case, it doesn’t look like a Boschett Cavedweller for example, which is just about the same exact thickness as this Crafter Blue Mechanic Ocean. The Boschett has a flat crystal and this crystal sits up high off the dial of course, though I feel this watch wears better. If you have both the rubber strap and bracelet, or any other strap, changing them out will be easy due to the inclusion of the drilled lug holes, which is always a plus. One thing I have never really seen before with a watch that has crown guards is a crown tube, similar to what you see on a Tudor Black Bay, and it does prevent the crown from sinking into the crown guards fully. Again, this is another thing that made me scratch my head, but my best guess is that it is another form of protection for the crown stem. With a crown this big it is of course very easy to manipulate and turn, though being right-handed, I have to flip the watch around to change the time and date, just the way my left hand is. My left hand is for driving only apparently, not much other use.

If you are going to make a dive watch over 200 meters, it seems to be the norm these days to include a helium release valve. I think it is pretty well known at this point my feelings on this, so I will just leave the picture below and stop there. 

The case back of the Crafter Blue is what I expected with a dive watch such as this, and does remind me of Seiko watches in a way, it just has a similar look and feels, though it is not all high polished as most Seiko case backs are. Beating below it would be the Seiko NH35, a capable but low-beat movement that has become one of the three choices for watches in this price range, along with the Miyota 9015 and Eta 2824. These are the 3 most popular movements for the most part used in microbrands under $1000 and while I normally say that I prefer something a little more capable in watches at this price, I understand why they went with it; to keep the cost down. Had they put in one of the other aforementioned movements, this watch would probably cost $100 more.

The Crafter Blue Mechanic Ocean has a familiar look, but still has its own identity and is definitely not an off the shelf factory case that we see with a lot of up and coming brands. To keep the weight down, I do prefer it on the rubber strap and I have enjoyed wearing it, but it is not a watch that I would personally choose to buy these days, it is just a little too large and too chunky for me. That said, I know many will probably like this watch, there definitely is a segment of watch nuts that will like this look and style and beyond a few things that I think could have been done better aesthetically the watch is solid and well built. I look forward to seeing their second release.

Like this watch? While I am never here to “sell” you on a watch, if you do want to pick one up, Crafter Blue has graciously offered a discount code-Watchreport. Enter that code at check out to save 10%. Thought I forgot about the lume didn’t you? I didn’t. Check it out below. 

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This Week in Watches – March 2, 2019 – More Than Watches

Hidy ho there, it’s This Week in Watches for March 2, 2019!  This week, we once again bring you some real variety on what went in this past week in the watch world.  And, as we’re wont to do, we have a couple topics that are a bit off topic.

The Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase “25^th Anniversary”

Way back on January 12, 2019 in a prior episode of TWIW, we showed you the Lange 1 “25^th Anniversary” watch.  The brand is continuing on with its 25^th anniversary celebration with the similarly hued Grand Lange 1 Moon Phase “25^th Anniversary”.  It’s a limited edition of 25 pieces that features a solid silver argenté dial with a white gold, hand-engraved lunar disc.  The watch comes in at 41mm and the lunar disc is “programmed” to be correct for the next 122.6 years, so ensure that you hand it over to your next in line to keep things rolling along. Another cool feature is the balance cock with a “25” stylized in the manner of a typical Lange date window.  And hey, it’s surrounded by a floral pattern that reminds me of the “bembels” that hold the “Ebbelwoi” I enjoy so much here in Frankfurt.  At 45,800 Euros, this special Lange & Söhme features the L095.3 caliber, which makes it similar in price but more of a manual than the new BMW 3-series.  More info can be found here.

Nomos “Doctors Without Borders” 

My German isn’t that great, but I can tell you that “Doctors Without Borders” translates to “Arzte ohne Grenzen” and it’s an organization that a very good friend (his German is fantastic by the way) worked for in the past.  They come to the aid of those in need – typically those in countries in conflict or suffering some sort of epidemic.  Nomos has made watches in support of this organization and they’re back again with two different limited edition Tangente Neomatiks (the 35mm and nearly 39mm) and each will be offered on bracelet and in a run of 250 pieces.  Nomos will donate 250 Euros to the organization for each watch sold.  The smaller is available for 2,740 Euros while the larger is 2,880 Euros.  Th watches come with a red “12” up top and feature the name of the organization in small writing below 6:00.  Nomos has the watches up on their site, so have a look!

TAG Heuer & Aston Martin  

In order to celebrate its partnership with Aston Martin, TAG Heuer has announced a limited edition watch, the TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02 Special Edition Aston Martin DBS Superleggera.  Powered by the in-house Calibre HEUER 02 automatic movement, the watch will be made in a series of 50.  The catch is that us mere mortals won’t be able to get our hands on one unless we buy the new Aston DBS Superleggera TAG Heuer Edition which, surprise surprise, will be made in a series of 50.  The watch contains a dial with hexagonal cut-outs that mirror the look of the car’s grill, while the black leather strap with red stitching mimics the interior.  Oh, and if you’re wondering, the Aston pricing starts at somewhere around 295K GBP.  For those with an itchy trigger finger, consider waiting until after Brexit to order and that Pound may swing more in your favor.

Montegrappa Elmo 01 

Ok, I told you we’d show you some off topic things this week and here’s one of them.  I like pens and own a number of them, but as one who flies all the time, I do struggle with carrying a fountain pen at all times.  They leak!  Still, they’re lovely to write with and garner all kinds of eyebrow raises from your colleagues.  Montegrappa is an Italian pen company and they sent us a press release on a new fountain pen named after the nickname of their first technical director, Heinrich Helm.  Called the Elmo 01, this 175 Euro resin fountain pen looks great and recalls Bauhaus styling.  I’m a little angry that Robert-Jan sent this to me because I now want one.  More information can be found here.

Tissot T-Race MotoGP Automatic 2019 Limited Edition 

Let’s say you’ve been rocking something like a $20 digital Casio or perhaps an inexpensive and basic Timex for most of your life.  Then, one day, you wake up and decide that you’re going to the show the world that you’re really an extrovert and that YOU like to shake things up!  Well, I have the watch for you in the form of the new Tissot T-Race MotoGP Automatic 2019 Limited Edition.  Yes, that’s a serious mouthful, but have a look at this watch!  It is nothing short of wild and crazy.  I’ll be rather frank with you that this watch is pretty far away from what I’d buy, but the 45mm 7750-powered piece will retail for 1,240 Euros and will be made in 3,333 pieces and becomes available in April.

(photo courtesy of the United States Mint)

The US Mint Celebrates the Apollo 11 50^th Anniversary 

While in Florida a little over a week ago, in addition to riding on Space Mountain in Disney World, Epcot’s Mission: Space, and Spaceship Earth, I did visit Kennedy Space Center.  As a Fratello member, it’s sort of required to like space stuff and so while I was bumbling around on the web, I came to realize that the US Mint recently announced its Apollo 11 Anniversary Commemorative Coins.  Unlike some cheesy commemoratives offered by third parties, these are real currency and the coins appear curved, which is a truly neat thing.  Unfortunately, I saw these a bit late (less than a week after they were announced for sale) and all of the gold versions are gone.  That leaves you with the opportunity to buy a one-ounce silver dollar or a clad half dollar.  For roughly $60, I’d say that this is a pretty neat keepsake that will always hold some sort of value.  I ordered one for each of the Fratelli and will pick them up later in the year.  Head to the US Mint for more information.

Well, that’s about it for this week – enjoy your weekend and we’ll be back next week with more of This Week in Watches!

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Introducing: The Omega Seamaster Exclusive Boutique New York Limited Edition

Omega has honored one of the world’s greatest cities (if I may say so myself) by releasing the Seamaster Exclusive Boutique New York Limited Edition. Only 399 examples of this gradient-dialed Seamaster are being made, and they’re available exclusively at Omega boutiques in the Big Apple(there are two); each is individually numbered too. Paying tribute to a city that never sleeps, the watch features a detailed engraving of the city’s iconic skyline along an inner ring that runs the circumference of the Omega Master Chronometer Caliber 8800. Peering through the display caseback, the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan Bridge, as well as the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Rockefeller Center, and Empire State Building are all visible. The charm of this limited edition is in the details, and they don’t end with the skyline engraving. 

The grey dial is slightly domed and lacquered, accentuating the gradient. A date window sits at six o’clock and the date wheel matches the color of the dial itself; the hands, applied Omega logo, and indices are all made from white gold. 

The watch is part of a larger series, with five global centers recognized: Paris, London, Singapore, New York, and Switzerland. The City Editions are all based on the Seamaster platform and feature dials specific to each cultural capital. 

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Finding The Oldest Longines Watch In The Netherlands

Together with Longines we are looking for the oldest Longines pocket watch in The Netherlands. Anyone from The Netherlands with a vintage Longines pocket watch can enter the competition.

The winner will be invited by Longines to visit their headquarters in Switzerland, where they also have their impressive museum. Longines will take care of the costs of this trip, for two persons.

All information can be found on our special campaign page.

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Happenings: You’re Invited To Join Us For An Evening At Todd Snyder In New York

February is finally over and the ice is starting to thaw. To celebrate the coming spring months and our continued partnership with Todd Snyder, we are hosting a meet-up with our friends on Wednesday, March 6. The event will take place at Todd Snyder’s New York City flagship store on Madison Square Park from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. We will be there with a handful of our editors and will warm up with some Balvenie scotch and patinated vintage watches fresh from the HODINKEE Shop vault. 

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