We like Xetum watches here at WWR, and, as a matter of fact, we have another review…
Yes, that’s right – we have gone “hands off” with our review of the Mr Jones Chatterbox. Well, sure, we have spent time with it, so we have truly gone hands on. But the watch itself, you see, does not have any hands. Then again, since you read our earlier writeup you already knew that. Maybe a better appellation would be hands free. Not that there is any tech involved here, bluetooth or otherwise, just a simple automatic movement with some rather clever art. Ok, that is about enough of my rambling around, let’s get on with the review of the Mr Jones Chatterbox.
This week’s edition of Historical Horology is something a bit out of left field, as it focuses around art and an artist. When it comes to watches (or clocks) in art, you probably think about the Picasso melting clocks. Well, far less bizarre, but no less awesome, is this art (above) by Gerald Murphy.
Welcome back to another edition of our Saturday feature, Watching the Web. In it, we take a spin around to other web sites and find recent articles that have piqued our interest. We also use this as a chance to highlight the articles from our site that managed to grab the most views over the last week or so. First, from the wider world of watches, we have a pair of pocket watch articles, a new smart watch from Timex, and a photo essay on Bremont. From our own site, the reviews of the ManchesterWatchWorks Westminster and Vergennes watches was once again popular, as were our articles on Benrus and Hexa.
I have never owned a Steinhart, nor have I had the chance to check one out in person, but the general reputation of the brand is that they produce well made timepieces that are affordable. Based on what I am seeing with the Steinhart Ocean Titanium 500, you can add a host of premium features to the mix of quality and affordability. Clocking in at just over $550 (based on exchange rates and no VAT), this is a classic diver that will not break the bank.
While it’s been awhile since we reviewed the Boschett Reef Ranger and Cave Dweller, when word of this sale came up, I knew I needed to share it out.
The big date complication is one of those things that I never really expected to like – or see a need for – but it certainly has grown on me. Then again, my eyes are aging a bit, so perhaps that is the impetus. Whatever your reasoning may be, it is of note that our friends in Poland, G. Gerlach, now have big date models back in stock.
Dual time complications are handy in the modern world, where we may be traveling, have loved ones in a different time zone, or need to work with colleagues across the country or even further afield. One way to track two time zones is with a GMT hand, but most of those are 24 hour hands, which requires a bit of mental arithmetic. Another way to do it is with dual dials, but those are tough to get aesthetically right. The Helgray Hornet takes a third way, with an internally rotating bezel that provides a second chapter ring.
You have probably noticed that Patrick and I both like dive watches. Myself, I am a diver (though I am lucky to dive once a year); Patrick, I think he just likes the look. But we both like Hexa Watches, which are hand assembled right here in the U S of A. And right now, Hexa is running a contest where you could win a new Hexa Osprey, or you can just buy one with a $250 limited time discount.
WT Author is one of those brands that I have been pleasantly surprised to run across. Along with some rather unique styling (as shown on the WT Author 1905), there is an overarching storyline that accompanies that watches; this is something we explored a bit with our review of the WT Author 1914. As we noted in that review, the watches (and their stories) jump forward in time. With their latest release, the brand is going ahead 15 years, with the introduction of the WT Author 1929.