Tag: #wristwatch

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

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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

Phone: +49 35053 32 00 0
Fax: +49 35053 32 00 99
info@grossmann-uhren.com

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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

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