Review: Aloha GMT 40 Gradient Dial (Prototype)

I recently had the pleasure of spending some time with a fantastic micro-watch brand coming out of the United States called Aloha started by a passionate watch enthusiast by the name of Spencer Leu. He is producing timepieces with an exceptional level of detail and quality that you don’t typically find when you look at other micro-watch brands. I can think of several mainstream entry level luxury brands that do not even come close in terms of movement, dial, and case finishing.

On the wrist: The Aloha GMT 40 (Prototype) with deep blue gradient dial displaying an orange 24hr hand, AM & PM with a miniature sun and moon indicator on the dial.

The caseback displays a finely finished top grade swiss made ETA 2893-2 movement with a bespoke rotor engraved with the Aloha logo and intricately painted “flower of life” motif.

A closeup of the nicely finished movement as seen through the exhibition case back with bespoke painted rotor and Aloha brand logo.

Hands and hour markers are filled with Super Lumi-Nova GBW9 making for easy reading in low light conditions.

Here are the technical details for the Aloha GMT 40 timepiece as well as alternative dial versions that are also available for purchase:

The proportions of the case and dial are very well done with a deep glossy blue shade for the dial which goes from lighter to darker in a seamless transition. The one thing about this watch that really impressed me was the depth and richness of the dial which changes colours depending on the lighting conditions. The other feature that I love is the fact that this is a GMT watch which is great for travel as it displays a second time zone via an orange 24hr hand. The use of the gradient to display day (with a sun) and night (with a moon) is also clever and adds to the aesthetics of the dial without making it look busy or over complicated. It should be noted that the final version of this timepiece will have Arabic numerals and a white sun and moon disc on the dial as well as top grade swiss made ETA 2893-2 movement, or alternatively if that movement is not readily available a top grade Sellita SW-330-1 will be used instead.

Photo Credit: @braindrain232

Retail price for the Aloha GMT 40 gradient dial: TBD but similar GMT models in the current collection start around $1,475 USD+applicable taxes.

For more information regarding Aloha watches as well as an overview of the current collection please visit https://www.aloha.watch

An Evening With Vacheron Constantin

Recently Vacheron Constantin hosted RedBar Vancouver for an exclusive evening to view their new flagship boutique that has been open for just over a month now. This boutique marks a first for the brand in western Canada.

Situated on Alberni Street it fits seamlessly with neighbouring luxury boutiques. Rich tones of dark wood, leather, and chrome accents adorn the interior of the boutique making it feel luxurious, but still warm and welcoming.

Leslie Kobrin: President, Americas for Vacheron Constantin sharing her passion for the brand with fellow watch enthusiasts. Photo Credit: Julian Fok

A fellow RedBar Vancouver member admiring the craftsmanship of a Vacheron Constantin timepiece. Photo Credit: Julian Fok

Passionate and attentive boutique sales professionals explaining the unique features and finer points that make Vacheron Constantin timepieces special. Photo Credit: Ryan Fowler

On the wrist: The Oversees Chronograph in stainless steel with a beautiful deep blue dial. Photo Credit: Julian Fok

The Oversees Chronograph in stainless steel with an intuitive “easy change” system that allows the wearer to swap out bracelets and straps at a moment’s notice with no tools required. Photo Credit: Julian Fok

The Oversees Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar in 18k pink gold. Photo Credit: Adrian Burke

The Oversees World Time: 37 time zones at a glance. The ultimate globe trotting timepiece. Photo Credit: Julian Fok

Oversees Dual Time: A high-end stainless steel sports watch with an easy to read AM/PM indicator and secondary time zone. Photo Credit: Julian Fok

The Oversees Automatic on a stainless steel bracelet. Maltese cross motif seen throughout the design of the watch from the bezel, to the bracelet, as well as the clasp. Photo Credit: Jason Mak

The Historiques American 1921 in 18k pink gold. A dial created with a 45 degree tilt designed for drivers to read at a glance when behind the wheel. Offset running seconds, bold track markers, gorgeous moon shaped hands, and classic Breguet style numerals. Photo Credit: Shawn Prashant

The Tradionnelle Tourbillon: With hand finished Maltese cross shaped flying tourbillon carriage in 18k pink gold. Photo Credit: Shawn Prashant

A closeup of the hand finished flying tourbillon escapement. Photo Credit: Julian Fok

Patrimony Minute Repeater Ultra-Thin Platinum: A beautiful platinum cased timepiece with minute repeater, even the stitching in the strap is weaved from solid 950 platinum! Photo Credit: Ryan Fowler

The beautiful open-worked caseback on the Patrimony minute repeater. A majority of Vacheron Constantin timepieces bear the Poinçon de Genève or the Geneva Hallmark stamp awarded by an independent Swiss organization that only stamps timepieces of the finest quality that meet the criteria of having provenance, craftsmanship, and reliability. Photo Credit: @lordnantucket (Instagram)

Among other things Vacheron Constantin is also known for gem setting and artistic craft. An example of meticulously hand set diamonds filling the dial, bezel, and lugs seen above. Photo Credit: Jonaton Montpetit

Historiques Ultra Fine 1955: One of the worlds thinnest mechanical hand-wound watches measuring only 4.13mm in thickness. Photo Credit: Jonaton Montpetit

The Historiques Triple Calendar 1942: A beautiful vintage inspired calendar watch in stainless steel. Photo Credit: Jonaton Montpetit

The Historique Cornes De Vache 1955. A classic mid-century inspired chronograph with distinct “bull horn” lugs. Photo Credit: Jonaton Montpetit

The Fiftysix Complete Calendar in stainless steel. Month, day of week, pointer date, moonphase indicator, and central running seconds all presented with a more modern look and feel. Photo Credit: Julian Fok

The Fiftysix automatic date in stainless steel. Introduced last year this is the most accessible timepiece in the Vacheron Constantin lineup with a more approachable price point targeting a younger demographic. The Fiftysix collection is a great introductory timepiece for those that want a timepiece from the brand, but perhaps they are not ready to invest in a more complicated piece. Definitely a great value proposition from a brand with a reputation for being one of the top 3 watch brands in the world. Photo Credit: Ryan Fowler

Photo Credit: Julian Fok

Thank you Vacheron Constantin and the Vancouver flagship boutique team for a wonderful evening.

For more information regarding Vacheron Constantin timepieces please visit: https//www.vacheron-constantin.com

Vacheron Constantin Boutique:

1055 Alberni Street

Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 1A1
Phone: +1778-309-4816

An Evening With Moritz Grossmann

The Backpage: A beautifully hand crafted platinum timepiece with a contemporary open-worked dial annealed to the perfect shade of deep blue. A unique timepiece where the movement has been taken from the back and brought to the dial-side or front of the watch, hence the name “Backpage.” Limited to just 18 pieces worldwide. Model reference #MG-001642.

Recently Moritz Grossmann graciously hosted an evening with RedBar Vancouver and presented the brand to an enthusiastic group of private collectors and watch enthusiasts.Moritz Grossmann Founder, Horologist, & CEO Christine Hutter introducing the brand to RedBar Vancouver. Photo credit: @montrelalonde (Instagram)

In 2008 Moritz Grossmann Uhren GmbH was established in Glashütte, Germany by Christine Hutter (An experienced watchmaker, and sales and marketing professional) who has worked extensively with Wempe, Maurice Lacroix, Glashütte Original, and A. Lange & Sohne.

In the 19th Century Moritz Grossmann was an exceptionally gifted watchmaker who developed technical, beautifully finished timepieces in his workshop in Glashütte.

More than a century later the brand has been revived with the vision of creating bespoke timepieces with an emphasis on limited production, technical innovation, and a very high level of hand craftsmanship.

The Benu Enamel: A stainless steel case with a beautiful enamel dial. Large blue Arabic numerals, and lance style hands with vintage pocket watch aesthetics. Limited to 18 pieces worldwide.

RedBar Vancouver members having a hands-on look at the Moritz Grossmann collection.

A diverse range of pieces are available in the collection all made to order in very limited quantities. A disclaimer: Pictures simply do not do this brand justice as the attention to detail from the cases, to the dials, and the exquisite movement finishing really needs to be seen in person to truly appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating each unique timepiece.

Photo credit: (@sherlocklim, @lordnantucket, @wis_604) (Instagram)

An example of the exquisite movement finishing. Signature features such as a three-quarter plate movement done in untreated German silver (that will develop a golden patina over time). A hand-engraved balance cock, snailing on the mainspring barrel, raised gold chatons, hand annealed screws, broad Glashütte ribbing (or stripes) vertically down the movement, as well as hand-chamfered edges. This degree of finishing really separates the brand from others at this level with very few high-end watchmaking houses that can compete with the very high standard adhered to by all of Moritz Grossmann timepieces that are meticulously created. The timepiece is transformed into something more special at this level, becoming a piece of wearable art. Photo credit: @lordnantucket (Instagram)

A group wrist-shot of the Mortiz Grossmann collection. Photo credit: @montrelalonde (Instagram)

A special thank you to Christine Hutter (Founder, Horologist, & CEO) and Stephen Yang (Brand Manager) for taking the time to present the brand to RedBar Vancouver.

For more information regarding Moritz Grossmann timepieces as well as authorized retailers please visit:

https://en.grossmann-uhren.com

Uferstrasse 1
01768 Glashütte
Germany

Oris Big Crown Pointer Date Bronze 80th Anniversary Edition.

The most iconic and recognizable watch produced by Oris dates back to 1938 when they released the Big Crown Pointer Date. A novel timepiece with a central pointer hand indicator that revolved around the dial to show the date versus the conventional date window which is present in 99% of watches out there.

The Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 80th Anniversary Edition. 40mm in a solid bronze case with a deep green dial.

The big crown pointer date collection has always been synonymous with Oris and is at the very heart of the brand’s authentic aviation heritage.The original Big Crown Pointer Date from 1938. Photo Credit: Oris

On the wrist the dark green dial contrasts perfectly with the richness of the bronze case and brown leather strap. Cathedral style hour and minute hands and red accented pointer date hand add just the right amount of 1930’s vintage charm to this piece. The curved, textured coin-edge style bezel and, double domed sapphire crystal, and oversized crown pull the aviation inspired look into perfect harmony.

Here are the specifications of the timepiece:

REFERENCE:

01 754 7741 3167-07 5 20 58BR

CASE:

Oris Big Crown, 40.00 mm, 1.575 inches, Bronze

MOVEMENT:

Automatic winding pointer date developed by Oris

DIAL:

Green

STRAP/BRACELET:

Leather (Sustainably sourced and produced strap materials).

PRICE: $1,900 USD.

For more information on Oris watches and their timepieces please visit:

http://www.oris.ch

The official authorized dealer for Oris timepieces in Vancouver, BC Canada is Time & Gold located at 565 West Georgia Street.

Phone: 604 683 1812

Website: http://www.timegold.ca

Review: The Oris Limited RedBar Edition Diver Sixty-Five.

This limited RedBar edition Oris Diver Sixty-Five was produced with an oxblood red dial that takes on different shades depending on the lighting.

Back in June it was announced by the RedBar Group (@redbarcrew on Instagram). That they would be creating a limited edition RedBar watch in collaboration with Oris. The timepiece seen above is #20 of 100 examples made and features an oxblood red dial and numbered case-back with the RedBar logo. This collaboration piece is available only to registered RedBar chapter members. A portion of the proceeds from the purchase go back to the RedBar fund: An initiative by the RedBar Group to give back to charities in communities where RedBar Chapters are active.

The case back on the Limited RedBar Edition Oris Diver Sixty-Five. Featuring the RedBar logo and production number.

The Diver Sixty-Five was a smart choice as it was released at Baselworld 2018 and features a 40mm stainless steel case, and a bronze bezel that will take on a nice patina as it ages.

The dial is done in the perfect shade of red that really has to be seen in person to appreciate. The rose gold hands and indices pair well with the creamy faux aged lume hour markers. It was a smart choice to do without a date window as I feel it would have taken away from the symmetry and simplicity of the vintage inspired dial. The dial is devoid of script with the exception of the Oris name, water resistance indication at six o’clock, and “Swiss Made” discreetly placed at the bottom of the dial.

The case is complimented by a dark chocolate brown suede calf skin strap with red accent stitching.

Specs of the watch:

Movement: Oris Caliber 733 (Sellita SW 200-1).

Case: 40mm Stainless steel.

Crystal: Double domed sapphire crystal.

Water Resistance: 10 Bar/ 100 meters.

Bezel: Bronze with aluminum insert.

Crown: Screw down.

Hands: Rose-gold plated hands and indices filled with Superluminova.

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds.

Power Reserve: Approximately 38 hours.

Winding: Automatic.

Frequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph).

Price: $2,100.00 USD.

Availability: Limited to only 100 pieces and with proof of registered membership with a recognized RedBar chapter.

It should be noted that after wearing the watch for nearly two weeks it has only gained +20 seconds keeping well within chronometer (COSC) specs even though it isn’t certified as such. This is a testament to the craftsmanship and quality of regulation of the watch movement by Oris’s watchmaking team.

A big thank you to Adam Craniotes, Kathleen McGivney, James Lamdin, and everyone else at RedBar who were instrumental in creating this awesome timepiece.

For more information regarding Oris timepieces please visit: https://www.oris.ch

An Evening With Omega At The Vancouver Boutique.

Photo Credit: @braindrain232 (Instagram)

Last night Omega invited RedBar Vancouver to view the 2018 novelties and Baselworld collection. Here are some photos from the event:

The Omega Speedmaster CK 2998 Limited Edition with “panda” dial brought back to life from the archives from 1959. This one is awesome. Limited to 2998 pieces world-wide.

Reminiscent of early 1990’s “wave dial” Seamaster Diver 300M series watches this one brings back nostalgia from the Pierce Brosnan era James Bond movies. This time it’s back with a modern Calibre 8800 Master Chronometer certified movement and a beautiful new glossy ceramic bezel. Photo Credit: @Braindrain232 (Instagram)

The limited edition Seamaster 1948: commemorating 70 years of the Seamaster family of watches and the military roots of this classic mid- century inspired timepiece.

The Omega Seamaster Railmaster “Denim-Inspired” timepiece symbolizing the industrial and innovative 1950’s this piece draws inspiration from mid-century designs with a casual blue jean textured NATO strap and brushed blue dial. Photo Credit: @braindrain232 (Instagram)

The Omega Seamaster Olympic Games Watch: Part of a new “Olympic Official Timekeeper Collection.” With design cues taken right from a high precision stop watch. Being the official timekeeper since 1932 this collection is a natural progression of Omega’s proud Olympic roots. Photo Credit: @braindrain232 (Instagram)

The Omega Speedmaster “Dark Side Of The Moon Apollo 8.” Featuring a black ceramic case and hand skeletonize dial. Commemorating The Apollo 8 mission to the dark side of the moon.

DeVille Trésor: An effortlessly elegant ladies timepiece. A collection inspired by classic styling of the past but with a more sleek modern design. Embossed Roman numerals add a vibrance and depth to the dials.

A special thank you to Chris Hollinrake President of Hollinrake Communications @rakepr (Instagram) And the team at the Vancouver Omega Boutique for a wonderful evening.

For more information regarding the timepieces above and a complete overview of the collections please visit https://www.omegawatches.com

An Evening With Oris Watches.

Some highlights from the Oris X RedBaryr event. Photo credit: @lordnantucket (Instagram)

Recently Oris watches spent an evening with RedBar Vancouver to present the 2018 Collection as well as Baselworld novelties. The Oris Big crown ProPilot World Time. The bezel, when rotated clockwise will advance the hour hand in one hour increments.

The updated Oris Diver Sixty-Five, and the original from 1965 on the right. Photo Credit: @lordnantucket (Instagram)

A pair of Oris Big Crown Pointer Date watches. Stainless steel on the left and a bronze variation on the right with an interesting mint green dial. Photo Credit: @lordnantucket (Instagram)

One of my personal favourites the Oris Big Crown Pointer Date 40mm with blue dial. Great vintage inspired looks in a modern case size.The Oris Big Crown 1917. With railroad track hour markers, cathedral style hands, and a bold oversized onion style crown this piece is a direct tribute to early century pilot watches.

Oris Chronoris Date: an updated model taken right from 1970 with roots in racing and motorsport this case is representative of typical 1970’s era styling. Bold, racing inspired design with orange accented hour markers and running seconds hand in a “compressor style” case.

A trio of vintage Oris timepieces made it out to the event worn by RedBar Vancouver members.

The Oris Regulateur ‘Der Meistertaucher’ dive watch. Photo Credit: @jestacey (Instagram)

A brief video of the Oris collection. For more information regarding Oris watches and a complete overview of the collection please visit: https://www.oris.ch

AVI-8 Watches: HAWKER HARRIER II

AVI-8 Watches has only been around for a few years now but has managed to create a very successful line of affordable and unique looking aviation inspired timepieces. They are crafting timepieces that pay tribute to historical British aviation themes but with their own modern twist.

The AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II Model Reference #AV-4047-03 Pegasus Concept Automatic. With a multi layered, hand finished dial.

The Hawker Harrier II model pays tribute to the 1960’s Harrier “jump jet” series aircraft used by the British Royal Air Force for stealth and reconnaissance missions because of its unique vertical takeoff and landing capability.

The stealthy black ion coated stainless steel case and gun metal style dial with Harrier aircraft cutout motif in the centre help to solidify a very instrumental and technical theme.

Here are some quick specs of the watch:

COLLECTION : HAWKER HARRIER II

MODEL : AV-4047-03

MOVEMENT : Heavily Modified Japanese (Miyota) Automatic 3 Hands

CASE MATERIAL : Stainless Steel

CASE DIAMETER (mm) : 45

CASE THICKNESS (mm) : 13

CASE SHAPE : Round

CASE COLOR : Ionic Plating – Black

DIAL COLOR : Gun Metal (Multi Layered And Hand Finished).

BAND : Genuine Leather Strap

BAND COLOR : Dark Green

BUCKLE : Strap Buckle

BAND WIDTH (mm) : 22

WATER RESISTANCE : 5 ATM

WATCH WEIGHT (g) : 120

This particular model uses a heavily modified 21 jewel japanese Miyota automatic movement and utilizes three rotating discs to tell the time. The outermost portion of the dial is the Hours indication, the centre disc is the running seconds, and the minutes are displayed just below the middle portion of the dial with orange markers accenting each corresponding indication. Reading the time this way will take some getting used to as this is not the conventional analog display that most people are accustomed to reading. Setting the time is actually quite simple as you only have to pull the crown out once (there is only one position) and start turning the crown until you line up the orange markers for the hours and minutes indications as the discs move.

A view of the see-through exhibition caseback with custom black AVI-8 rotor.

Final thoughts: If you like pilot watches and aviation themed timepieces but with a slightly edgy, non typical look this is a great option. The hand finished, multi layered, textured dial has alot of depth and personality that you will not normally find at this price point.

The retail price of this watch is $488.89 USD at the time of publishing this article. More information about this timepiece and a complete overview of the AVI-8 collection can be found at: https://avi-8.co.uk/collections/all And also on Instagram @avi_8

Oris Divers Sixty-Five Limited RedBar Edition.

Yesterday in Las Vegas the RedBar Group announced the release of a limited 100 piece “RedBar Edition” Oris Divers Sixty-Five watch. This piece is in partnership with Oris and is the second such collaboration that will be available to members of the RedBar Group and it’s affiliated chapters only.

The Limited Edition RedBar Oris Divers Sixty-Five with crimson red dial. Photo Credit: RedBar Group

Limited Edition numbered caseback with RedBar logo. Photo Credit: RedBar Group.

The Oris Divers Sixty-Five RedBar Limited Edition is $2,100 USD on leather strap and is limited to only 100 pieces.

Watch Specs:

• Case: 40mm diameter – stainless steel (Limited Edition Numbered Caseback) Multi-piece case, polished and brushed – Bubble-curved sapphire crystal on the front – Screwed stainless steel case back – screw-in crown – Diver’s unidirectional bronze bezel with black aluminium inlay – 100m water resistance.

• Movement: Oris Cal. 733, based on Sellita SW 200-1 – automatic – 38h power reserve – 4Hz frequency – hours, minutes, seconds.

• Strap: Brown leather strap with stainless steel pin buckle. Also available with stainless steel bracelet or NATO style strap.

The 2018 Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical.

For 2018 Hamilton released what I consider to be one of the best vintage inspired re-editions to date. Having previously owned a vintage Hamilton from 1982 I can say that the updated 38mm case from 34mm was a much needed, and welcomed addition to the collection.

A side-by-side comparison of my 34mm vintage U.S. Army issued Hamilton on the left from 1982 and the updated 38mm 2018 vintage inspired model on the right.

The Khaki Field Mechanical still has the same practical field watch look as the original issued to U.S. Army servicemen in the mid 20th century. Hamilton has a storied past serving as one of the main suppliers of watches for the U.S. military from the 1940’s up until the 1990’s. Doing away with any unnecessary clutter on the dial this is a no frills, no-date, manually wound tool watch with hours, minutes, and central running seconds for effortless legibility at a glance. Being a military watch it features a hacking seconds mechanism and both 12hr and 24hr time indication on the dial. This piece is the perfect weekend wear and looks great on the dark green nato strap with brown leather accents giving it just the right amount of personality adding to the vintage feel.The case features a rugged looking brushed finish. It is a proper tool watch through and through. The oversized crown is easy to grip and provides easy winding.

The luminous faux patina hands and hour markers work well and at first glance you could mistake this for being a vintage watch. At $475 USD and featuring a solid workhorse manually-wound Swiss movement with 42hrs of power reserve, this piece offers incredible value for money. If you are a fan of vintage inspired, mechanical military timepieces but you are looking for a more approachable, modern case size this one fits the bill perfectly.

Here are the specs of the watch:

MODEL REFERENCE: H69429931

CASE: 38mm Brushed stainless steel. 20mm lug width. Case thickness 9.5mm.

CRYSTAL: Sapphire.

STRAP: Nato with leather accents.

MOVEMENT: ETA 2801-2 (Hand winding).

POWER RESERVE: 42hrs approximately.

For more information please visit http://www.hamiltonwatch.com/

The official authorized retailer of this watch and Hamilton watches in the Vancouver, BC area is Time & Gold.

http://www.timegold.ca

Business hours:

Monday to Friday 9:30 to 5:30

Saturdays 10:00 to 5:30

Closed Sundays.

565 West Georgia Street

Vancouver, BC,

V6B 1Z5,

Canada

Telephone: (604) 683-1812

Fax: (604) 682-4961

Call toll free anywhere in B.C. @ 1800-399-1988

Email: info@timegold.ca

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