As a blogger myself, I frequent a number of other watch blogs and websites, one of my favorites is Hodinkee. They have a beautiful site (check it out), and do an excellent job of covering the watch industry as a whole, from top to bottom and everything in between. They have a reoccurring feature that I really enjoy called “Talking Watches”, where they interview some famous collectors and see their collections. I typically view, enjoy and move on, but this episode really caught my attention. It featured a titan in the watch industry, one Mr. Jean-Claude Biver. Continue reading
Category Archives: Omega
Omega “bullhead” Chronograph
This is an absolutely swell watch re issued from omega this year. Its a great funky looking watch with one of their new coaxial movements in. I love the vintage look of many of these watches being issued lately, but this one is one of the most interesting to look at, I especially like the red stitching and lettering and the racing strap. Re blogged from Hodinkee:
The late 60s were an exciting time for Omega. The Constellation line was in full stride, the Speedmaster was heading into space, and the Seamaster Bullhead was finding love in a growing sea of sporty chronograph fans. More than 40 years later, the Speedmaster is still on top of its game and the Constellation is… well it’s still here (though a far cry from the 561s of the 60s). The Bullhead however, was been but a faint memory, only discussed within the nerdiest of WIS “watch idiot savant” circles (you know who you are). That’s about to change though, thanks to a faithful re-issue of the 1969 Bullhead Chronograph unveiled in Basel this year.
The Omega Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial
It seems as though everyone making watches these days, especially the ones on the cutting edge of technology, are looking to the past for design inspiration, and I like it! Vintage-inspired pieces were all the rage at this year’s Baselworld, and from one of my favorite watchmakers came the remake of an absolutely iconic divers watch. Omega introduced the new Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial, based on the original Seamaster 300 from 1957. It has a 41mm case, sapphire crystal and exhibition back, and the distinctive broad-arrow hour hand. It is also water-resistant to 300m, hence the name. Continue reading
Timekeeping 101: How to Read a Bezel
I have written a lot about watches, it is something I enjoy. I spend a serious amount of time reading about, looking at and playing with watches. I am always on looking at what is called “watch porn”, the same way one might go to Motor Trend or Hemmings to check out the motor in the latest corvette, I go to International Watch or Hodinkee to see the inner workings of the calibre 9001 in the Rolex Skydweller-oooh, aaah check out that Ssaros gear system!, look at those perlage’ bridges!
So with all of this writing about watches I’ve addressed a few tool watches as well, and I thought I should really do a How-to on using the bezels and complications of some of these watches. Well, the great guys at Gearpatrol have already done it for me. I found this recently, and thought it the perfect tutorial for How to be Swell readers. So I am sharing it here for all of you. If you want to read the original check it out here. I also suggest that you go visit the site and browse around, it is a great resource for all sorts of things from food and drink to watches, clothing, outdoor gear and personal care, they write about everything. So here it is the best guide to deciphering those cool looking rings courtesy of Gearpatrol.com: Continue reading
Omega Aqua Terra 15000 Gauss
Omega has recently unveiled a fantastic new watch that will drastically improve timekeeping for almost everyone. The Aqua Terra 15,000 Gauss is a revolutionary way to address the major flaw in mechanical watches. Through history the one Achilles heel to a mechanical watch was magnetism. Even a small amount of magnetism (measured in units as a Gauss) can drastically affect or even stop a mechanical watch. The parts of a watch movement can become magnetised and begin to move erratically due to their magnetic attractions to one another. Continue reading
Omega Co-Axial Advertisement-A Journey Through Time
Omega recently released a fantastic and visually striking advertisement for their Co-Axial movement. Proof positive they have thrown their full weight behind the movement. The coaxial movement replaces a typical lever type escapement with a revolutionary wheel design which Omega claims reduces friction, improves accuracy, extends the time between service intervals, and is more durable.
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JFKs watches
Our 35th president was a man who exuded style and class. John Fitzgerald “Jack” Kennedy became one of the most popular presidents and his administration was refered to affectionately as Camelot. He garnered respect from politicians on both sides of the aisle, but he also had a fair share of detractors. Some disliked him so vehemently that they were able to take his life on November 22 1963. Of course any discussion of JFK can go in so many directions; His politics are open for debate, his storied personal life, and many rumored trysts make for sordid conversation. He without a doubt left a huge legacy here in america and depending on your perspective will decide the degree of said legacy. I wont be addressing those topics here, I want to talk about Jack’s personal style, specifically his taste in watches. There are four specific watches related to JFK that tell stories of their own. Four distinguished pieces belonging to the president that he wore for various reasons in noteworthy situations. Continue reading
Omega Seamaster- Bond Skyfall edition
As this year trudges on, I am looking forward to the blockbusters that are coming out in the latter part of the year, specifically the 23rd release of a James Bond film called Skyfall. I am a Bond fan, and I like Daniel Craig in the role, you can be sure I will be seeing this one right away.
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Top Ten Watches of Historical Significance
I was searching on the internet the other day, stopping at my usual haunts and watch blogs. I was reading all of these great stories of watch histories and it struck me, where can I find the top watches that have really made a mark in history? I did a quick search and I didn’t find any satisfying list compiled, so I took it upon myself to do it.
Here it is; the first thing you’ll notice is that there are more than ten here. Well I took some liberties, and I can, because its my list. I wanted to choose pieces that made an impact, that was he first at something, or contributed something to its legend. I didn’t want to base it on popularity, although the two #10 watches kind of are. Continue reading
Omega Speedmaster
I lived a milestone recently, a few weeks ago I graduated from the Gemological Institute of America and I am now a Graduate Gemologist (I get to put the cool little G.G. after my name). I thought this was the right reason to give myself a graduation gift. There has been one watch that I have pined for, to add to my collection, for quite some time. Being the Omega fan that I am, it won’t surprise you to find out that it is, of course one of their models- The Speedmaster professional. So I rewarded myself with a 1968 “Pre-moon” Omega Speedmaster. There are a number of reasons I chose this particular watch, but one very important one I’ll tell you about later on. For now we will dissect why I like this model.
It is a Chronograph:
Men like machines; gauges, speed, and technology. The chronograph captures all of this in one package all available on your wrist. The chronograph balances aesthetics, technical prowess and utility all effortlessly and equally. They are typically masculine timepieces waiting to spring into action metering; Le Mans races, Olympic track events, and medium-rare tenderloin. No other watch allows you to connect with the movement the way the chronograph does. Starting the timer, you’ll hear a solid click of the clutch engaging and the sweep hand smoothly journeys around the dial. The Speedmaster testifies that its wearer is both capable and refined. Continue reading
How to be Swell 