Belhamel Contra Aqua 39, £399 (Pre-Order £319)

Belhamel started life creating bespoke rubber straps for the Seiko SKX collection but a successful Kickstarter in 2023 brought their first wristwatch to market this summer. It’s called the Contra Aqua 39 and it’s inspired by the same accessible tool watch vibe and practical price point as Seiko with their own unique flair. It has a 39mm diameter steel case with a 120-click unidirectional rotating bezel and ultra legible dial. With its 300m water resistance it actually outperforms many of Seiko’s divers. Inside is the Miyota 9039 automatic.

Available at Belhamel.

Héron Marinor Seastorm Black, £495

Héron have recently restocked their core collection timepieces including the Marinor Seastorm Black, a gorgeous dive watch in a 39mm diameter hardened steel case with 300m water resistance. The style, with a domed sapphire bezel and large, lumed hour markers draws inspiration from legendary dive watches of the 20th century, but at a much more accessible price point. Powering the watch is the Miyota 9039, one of the Japanese manufacture’s premium movements with a 42-hour power reserve.

Available at Heron.

Primitive Haus Timekeeper Type-A, $369 (approx. £280)

Finding what inspires you is always the foundation of a good microbrand and Primitive Haus are clear on where their inspirations lie. Influenced by the German minimalist movement spearheaded by Bauhaus, they aim to bring colourful watches to live that blend style and function seamlessly. Recently with the TimeKeeper Type-A they’ve been exploring fresh colours and designs such as fumé blue, vibrant purple and this gorgeous dimple dial variant that looks like freshly fallen snow. They house the Miyota 82S5 with 42-hour power reserve.

Available at Primitve Haus.

Dejager Explorer, £225

DeJager is a British watch design studio with close ties to South Africa as that’s where the brand’s founder grew up, witnessing the atrocities of Apartheid and segregation first hand. As such, a portion of all sales go to SOS Africa, a charity helping disadvantaged children in South Africa. Their watches, such as the Explorer combine accessible automatic movements with practical designs, including a 40mm case in stainless steel. The display is very legible with Arabic numerals and a small seconds subdial at six o’clock with a vibrant red hand.

Available at Dejager.

Wrist Classics Omega Speedmaster Ref. 105.003 Ghost Bezel, €10,900 (approx. £9,050)

A huge part of the allure of vintage watches, beyond the cool styles of bygone eras of design, are the deeply personal stories they tell. These stories are at the core of what Wrist Classics focus on as a vintage watch dealer. They only stock watches with unique hallmarks and distinct features that make them stand out in the crowd. For example, this Omega Speedmaster from 1964 with a beautiful ghost bezel. Or a 1956 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Honeycomb Dial.

Available at Wrist Classics.

Aera C-1 Cloud Chronograph

After a year of relative quiet, cult British tool watch brand Aera is back – and in serious style. For their first complication they’re picking the ever-practical chronograph and, in keeping with their minimalist utilitarian aesthetic, they’re sleek and sharp. On the one hand you have the blacked-out Shadow, with some red flashes across the chronograph hands; on the other the stunning Cloud, with a calming, blue-tinged neutral look. With only the bare minimum of numerals and indexes, these are a world away from the usual, overly technical chronos and I personally love them.

More details at Aera.

Gaga Laboratorio Labormatic Cinquanta

What do you get when you pair a legendary tattooist with an Italian singer songwriter with a healthy obsession with all things retro? Gaga Laboratorio. Mo Coppoletta and Alessandro Ristori’s shiny new Italian watch brand dives deep on jazz age cool, with discs for both hours – visible through a date-like window at 12 o’clock – and the central minutes, a genuinely unique dial and a case with some of the most sculptural lugs this side of £5,000. It’s a little crazy, sure, but this is a pair of flamboyant Italian collectors living la bella vita; what else would you expect?

More details at Gaga Laboratorio.

Awake Sơn Mài

Let’s not beat around the bush here, Awake’s gorgeous new collection is all about the dials, and for good reason. While they might look like enamel or guilloche, or a mix of the two, they’re actually made using the traditional Vietnamese art of Sơn Mài (hence the name, obviously) which involves applying fine layers of lacquer over silver leaf. The result is a depth of colour and texture that’s hard to find in a watch – and especially one this accessible. That’s the kicker: despite a dial akin to something one of the grand old maisons of watchmaking would dabble in, this automatic, La Joux-Perret-equipped beauty will set you back just over £1,500.

More details at Awake Watches.

Brew Metric Star Chrono

New York based, coffee-laced, and painfully cool, Brew have been going from strength to strength, especially since the streamlined Metric came into play. So, seeing them graduate to a chronograph was genuinely exciting before we saw the watch and is even more so now. It has all that lovely 1970s flavour, with a lightly roasted golden dial and bright, zesty red notes across hands and peripheral minute track. It’s like a modern Pogue, which given Seiko’s recent ‘reissue’ is probably the best thing we’re getting. It’s also as affordable as ever, with a Meca-quartz movement for that perfect blend of accuracy and reliability.

More details at Brew.

Paulin Modul D Automatic

I absolutely love the shape and style of Paulin’s painfully retro Modul collection, from their cushion cases to their Bauhaus-adjacent dials. The colours though have been perhaps a bit much. Now though, the Glaswegian brand is embracing wearability with black and white editions dubbed the Module D & E. They’re not boring by any stretch, with plenty of coloured indexes – orange and blue for the white edition, light blue and yellow for the black. It’s also worth noting that these are Paulin’s first lumed dials, with a host of differently glowing colours on each. It’s one of those cases where the release itself isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but it is something that needs to exist. And it’s about time it does.

More details at Paulin.

The last couple of years haven’t been the best for investing in watches. Some of the biggest brands and models have been in a bit of a slump that’s yet to recover. But that, of course, is only for investors. For collectors on the other hand, it’s a great time to be a watch lover.

Gone are the hundreds of watch flippers out to make a quick buck, offering popular yet uninteresting watches for many times their retail price. Instead, it’s a collectors’ market. By that, we mean that there are some seriously cool watches you can get hold of for far less than you might have before. As the UK’s premier marketplace for fine watches, Watch Collecting knows a thing or two about that.

Over the past few months, the online platform has sold an incredible spread of watches. The choice ranges from undervalued bargains that should go for a lot more to insanely high-end pieces that just don’t crop up often on the open market. To give you just a snapshot of the watches passing through Watch Collecting, we’ve selected some of the most interesting that have been sold in recent weeks. That of course means that these exact pieces are no longer available but keep your eyes open. This isn’t the first time they’ve cropped up and it won’t be the last.

Rolex Cellini, £1,499 (1990)

Even after being discontinued, the Rolex Cellini doesn’t get nearly as much love as it should. It’s a perfect little dress watch and the unusual rectangular version here, with its President-adjacent gold-on-gold look, is a lovely counterpoint to modern Rolex. It’s pure minimalism except for the quirky minute markers notched directly into the bezel. It just goes to show the disproportionate spotlight that’s shone on Rolex’s steel sports models. A rare vintage Rolex for £1,499? On paper that seems insane. On Watch Collecting, it’s the norm for the underappreciated Cellini.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Platinum Number One, £14,500 (2000s)

As soon as you head off the beaten path of Royal Oaks, Daytonas, and Nautili, you’ll be surprised at the value you can get in pre-owned watches. Reversible case in point, a platinum watch with a magnificently skeletonised dial from one of the most long-standing maisons in Swiss watchmaking – for less than £15,000. Not only was this Reverso Jaeger-LeCoultre’s first series production in platinum, but it was also limited to 500 pieces, making this both a rarity and an important watch for the brand. Given how many collectors are sleeping on older JLC models right now, this was a fantastic buy – and there’s more where that came from.

Cartier Crash Skeleton, £85,000 (2017)

In recent years the asymmetrical Crash has become a touchstone among the artier of horological aficionados; yet another case shaped feather the Parisian tour de force has in their well-heeled cap. These days that makes it a bit of an auction regular, though rarely with quite the cache of the skeleton version. The way that the skeletonised bridges curve with the case is downright magnificent, even by Cartier standards and makes this model something of a stand-out among Crash references.

Richard Mille RM67-01, £120,000 (2021)

It’s hard to call any Richard Mille well- priced given the eye-watering numbers  the watchmaker tends to pull in, but the RM67-01 here is a genuinely fascinating piece. Most watches of this calibre either go to auction or pass between private sellers and seeing it here is a testament to Watch Collecting as a platform. Then there’s the watch itself, which is a beauty. Defined by its diamond-set case, it happens to be one of Richard Mille’s slimmest (it was the thinnest of all when introduced in 2016). It’s an exemplary Richard Mille and netted the seller £120,000. I’m sure the buyer agrees that it was worth every penny.

Rolex Daytona ‘Le Mans’, £133,000 (2024)

Sure, the market’s a little depressed, but that was never going to stop collectors jumping on the Daytona wherever it pops up. That’s especially true of the 2024 ‘Le Mans’, a special edition tribute to the famous endurance race, created in honour of the 2024 competition in the (almost) spitting image of the annual winners’ watch. It has all the modern bells and whistles – a ceramic tachymeter scale, a calibre 4132 Rolex movement, and a full white gold case. Understandably, very few of these are ever sold. Not only are they rare, but if there’s one in your collection, it’s likely never leaving. It achieved a sky-high price tag, but not nearly as much as it would have a few years ago.

More details at Watch Collecting.

Audio-Technica AT-SP3X Bookcase Speakers, £169

For listening to music in your study or office, Audio-Technica have got you covered with the new AT-SP3X Bookcase Speakers. They can be fully integrated with the brand’s turntable range, bringing the rich tones of vinyl to life. Alternatively, they have wireless, Bluetooth connectivity for modern versatility. They’re equipped with 3-inch woofers and 1.1-inch tweeters tuned to deliver full-range audio from the compact forms. They have a minimalist, industrial vibe that matches the rest of the Audio-Technica range.

Available at Audio-Technica.

Four Stories Gin Autumn, £34.75

While Four Stories Gin is a relatively new name to the premium gin market, they had substantial experience distilling, bottling and labelling gin for other brands before turning that experience towards their own product. Based in the UK, their inaugural series is dedicated to the flavours and stories of the four seasons. Story No. 1 Autumn features the warmth of a cosy blanket on a crisp autumn evening with tasting notes of Fuji apple, vanilla, lemon and cinnamon. In terms of style, it’s the perfect example of time-honoured techniques including hand applied labels and wax dipped seals at accessible prices.

Use code ORACLE for 20% off the entire range.

Available at Four Stories.

Sirplus Crew Neck Jumper, £150

By popular demand, SIRPLUS’s lambswool jumper is making a return this season in a brand-new range of colours. Inspired by the British painter Albert Irvin, this collection brings his vibrant colour palette and abstract shapes to their knitwear. Albert Irvin’s influence is present across the AW24 collection, showcasing bold hues and dynamic patterns reminiscent of his striking artwork. Their jumpers not only highlight the artist’s signature style but also offer a contemporary take on traditional styles. Explore Irvin’s legacy, reimagined in contemporary knitwear made from British lambswool.

Available at Sirplus.

Biokidé Baobab Moon Face Cream, €55 (approx. £45)

Whether for yourself or partner, Biokidé’s Baobab Moon Face Cream is a moisturising cream designed for dry skin with baobab oil, aloe vera, shea butter, hibiscus and honey. It’s the ultimate fusion of authentic African ingredients and French knowhow to bring you clean cosmetics you can trust. The brand is currently undergoing Butterfly Mark certification by Positive Luxury to prove their commitment to a positive social and environmental impact.

Available at Biokidé.

Pink Mahoghany Ned E. Williams Manukato, $210 (approx. £160)

Where timeless class meets priceless luxury, Ned E. Williams Manukato, eau de parfum, embodies a legacy of excellence, education, and astuteness. Rooted in a rich family heritage, this fragrance is designed for the discerning individual who values sophistication. Each bottle tells a story – elevated by a harmonious blend of bold blackberry, deep felt pen ink, rich leather, and warm cedar. Every spray evokes an air of refinement, creating a lasting impression of strength and elegance. Designed for those who effortlessly command the room, Ned E. Williams is more than a fragrance – it’s an experience, an ode to history and a tribute to those who live with intention.

Available at Pink Mahoghany.

Johnson’s of Lichfield Bespoke Winder Safe, £12,000

Johnson’s of Lichfield are a luxury safe retailer specialising in designing robust custom watch and jewellery safes for your home. This elegant, modern safe from their Luxe range includes custom chrome bolt pockets and hardware, as well as reliable Rapport Watch Winders. These beautiful pieces of furniture are all made to order, letting the client choose their exact specification. A practical and great addition to any watch collector’s home. Additionally, they are insurance approved.

Available at Johnson’s of Lichfield.

Bernard Favre Black Rings Watch Winder, CHF 1,590 (approx. £1,425)

A watch winder is often as much a decorative object as it is a practical one, and the Bernard Favre planetary winders demonstrate that perfectly. With rotating rings like an armillary sphere, it makes for a spectacular view as it keeps your watch topped up on power. The double-axis motion also prevents one of the perceived issues of watch winders, the fact that a constant rotation on a single axis puts uneven strain on the movement, which can damage it.

Available at Bernard Favre.

Bennett Winch Triple Watch Roll, £685

Keeping your watches safe while you transport them is important and the Bennett Triple Watch Roll is ideal for keeping a trio of timepieces protected. It’s handmade in London with panels of Tuscan leather arranged around an ultra-durable yet flexible Kevlar core. Cushioning the watches on the inside is an Alcantara suede lining, providing a soft protective layer. When closed, the structure becomes rigid, preventing the watches from getting crushed or damaged. It’s available in brown or black, offering classic and refined appearances with a distinctive hexagonal shape.

Available at Bennett Winch.

Joseph Bonnie Wool and Leather Strap, €129 (approx. £110)

Joseph Bonnie is a French brand dedicated to the fashion of wristwatches, producing a range of watch accessories and straps, as well as selling vintage watches. Their latest collection is based on straps that combine vintage wool fabrics and leather. There’s a beige/brown/green houndstooth edition and a grey/cream white windowpane check one – both available at 18mm and 20mm lug widths. They’re incredibly distinctive, offering a texture and pattern not commonly seen on watch straps, making them feel very personal and unique, which is what collectors want from a strap.

Available at Joseph Bonnie.

ZEALANDE Universal Rubber Strap, £135

The ZEALANDE Universal rubber strap offers the perfect blend of watchmaking heritage and innovation. It’s a straight rubber strap compatible with any watch and available in two different widths; 20mm and 22mm. Their four vibrant colours: black, red, blue, and white are suitable for a wide range of sporty timepieces. Made from high-quality vulcanised FKM rubber, these straps offer the perfect symbiosis of sportiness, lightness and all-day comfort. From the ocean to the city, the Universal adds a contemporary touch and unique character to your watch.

Available at ZEALANDE.

One of the biggest hassles with selling your watch is the pain of navigating the various sales platforms who, more often than not, want to take more than their fair share of the revenue that is rightfully yours. Thankfully eBay is on hand to make selling your watch easy thanks to their latest announcement that they are cutting seller fees across their major categories.

In short, eBay has simplified the process of selling on its platform by cutting all selling fees for private sellers across all categories (except cars, motorcycles and vehicles). This comes following a trial of fee cuts in the fashion category, which has now expanded that to the rest of its site.

What does this mean for people wishing to sell items? Well, in addition to no longer paying final value fees or regulatory operating fees, eBay has simplified the selling process with easier item listing, simplified delivery options and access to eBay Local and eBay Balance services. According to eBay, “Sellers can list items across categories within minutes using guidance about the best pricing and shipping options, alongside AI-generated descriptions and photo-enhancing tools.”

Plus, eBay is rapidly becoming a hotspot for luxury watches thanks to their authenticity guarantee. What this means is when a watch is bought for £1,500 or more, it’s sent to be vetted and verified by international repair and authentication giant Stoll & Co in London. They check everything from the dial and caseback to end links and reference number to make sure everything’s in order, even checking the item matches its seller description.

More details at eBay.

Who we are, how we live our lives and our perceptions of the world around us are heavily influenced by where we come from and the family we grew up with. You might not think about it on a daily basis but the decisions and character of your parents, grandparents or even great grandparents impact even the smallest decisions you make all the time. However, one watch brand that does think about this fact is Nostas, founded by designer Francesco Nostas who channels all he has learnt of his family history into the modern, brutalist design of the Audace collection.

While the watch brand Nostas is thoroughly Italian, the family Nostas has a heritage that spans the globe. Francesco’s father, Hermes, grew up on the other side of the planet in Bolivia, South America, and moved to Italy in 1990. However, he only did so because his father Pietro had moved to Bolivia from Italy in 1945, after the war, where he then married into the Nostas family, who were prominent fabric traders in Santa Cruz.

In the span of just four generations you have multiple examples of people willing to uproot their entire lives and set out across the world to discover their fortunes. And by doing so become newly ingrained in the cultures and lifestyles they discovered there. How then do you express this familial willingness to sacrifice safety and security in order to follow your passions in the form of a wristwatch?

Well, first of all you have ensure that if you decide to suddenly up sticks and head off into the jungles of South America or disappear along the coast of the Mediterranean, your watch can keep up with you. It has be versatile and a natural explorer. Secondly, the design simply cannot be conventional – a plain circular case is not an option – in order to push the edges of your comfort zone.

With all this and more in mind, in 2023 Nostas launched the Audace. A collection that today consists of the standard Audace and the Audace 500 (there was also a limited production GMT edition that has sold out). Each variant has a case heavily influenced by brutalist architecture, bold and imposing. There are few architectural movements that push the boundaries of people’s artistic comfort zones as much as brutalism. The brand is also partners with Roberto Conte, a photographer known for his book “Brutalist Italy”, which documents how brutalism and Italian style go hand in hand and so in a roundabout way brutalism is also part of the Nostas heritage.

In terms of design, the watches are octagonal in shape with large, flat surfaces sitting at sharp angles and prominent facets. In watch design terms we would classify this as a late 1970s, 1980s style of design that was spearheaded by prominent figures such as Gerald Genta. They also have a tapering body that leads into the bracelet giving it an integrated appearance despite being interchangable.

As for being versatile and keeping up with the daring, explorer attitudes of the Nostas family, the Audace couldn’t just look the part, it needs specs to match. The standard Audace has a 200m water resistance rating and is equipped with a reliable Sellita SW200 movement. It’s ready for life on the move.

Pushing the collection even further in the tool watch direction is the Audace 500, a true dive watch interpretation of the piece. It adds a dive timer bezel to the watch and increases the water resistance rating all the way up to 500m, which is seriously impressive for a family business microbrand. This model also houses the Sellita SW200 with 38-hour power reserve, a widely used movement among microbrands and independents.

Nostas really offer a great example in how to take a concept and translate it into a product. However, I think the greatest trick that Nostas have managed to achieve is that you can know absolutely zero of the heritage behind the brand or their reasoning behind certain design features and the Audace is still a great accessible timepiece. The standard edition costs £712 while the Audace 500 is £1,000. I would happily pay that price for a watch with fundamentals as rock solid as this. This is the kind of foundation that can set a brand up for multiple generations and as we’ve seen, that’s what Nostas is all about.

More details at Nostas.

Beaucroft Seeker 37mm, £425

Since 2020, Beaucroft has created classic mechanical watches with a fresh modern flair from the heart of Cambridge. The Seeker 37mm exemplifies this, offering bold colours and striking design details. Fully hand assembled and regulated in Great Britain, it blends traditional timekeeping techniques with modern watch design styling. Beaucroft brings the best of the old and new worlds together, creating both signature and bespoke watches that are affordably priced and beautifully finished.

Available at Beaucroft.

Primitive Haus TimeKeeper Type-A, $369 (approx. £280)

Finding what inspires you is always the foundation of a good microbrand, and Primitive Haus are clear on where their inspirations lie. Influenced by the German minimalist movement spearheaded by Bauhaus, they aim to bring colourful watches to life, blending style and function seamlessly. Recently with the TimeKeeper Type-A they’ve been exploring fresh colours and designs, such as fumé blue, vibrant purple and this gorgeous dimple dial variant that looks like freshly fallen snow. They house the Miyota 82S5 with a 42-hour power reserve.

Available at Primitive Haus.

Héron Marinor Seastorm Black, £495

Héron have recently restocked their core collection timepieces, including the Marinor Seastorm Black, a gorgeous dive watch with a 39mm diameter hardened steel case and 300m water resistance. The style, with a domed sapphire bezel and large, lumed hour markers draws inspiration from legendary dive watches of the 20th century, but at a much more accessible price point. Powering the watch is the Miyota 9039, one of the Japanese manufacturer’s premium movements with a 42-hour power reserve.

Available at Héron Watches.

Vesuviate Attivo-Duplex, $545 (approx. £420)

Vesuviate’s name is a reference to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, one of the most famous volcanoes in history. The modification of the volcano’s name into a verb, vesuviate, plays on the fact that the brand’s signature manufacturing technique is thermochemical surface treatment, which uses heat-related chemical reactions to give their steel an ultra-hard surface. The Attivo-Duplex uses this hardened steel in its 39mm x 46.2mm x 11.5mm case, which has a retro TV shape. The display features two independent time displays powered by separate movements, both of which are ultra-slim Peacock SL-7020s with 36-hour power reserves.

Available at Vesuviate.

DeJager Explorer, £225

DeJager blends timeless British design with their African adventurous roots resulting in classic styles for everyday and special occasion wear. No matter when you choose to wear your DeJager watch, you will be wearing your social and cultural impact on your wrist. DeJager Watches is proud to partner with SOS Africa helping disadvantaged South Africans get a great education. Every watch purchased triggers a donation to SOS Africa’s vital work on the ground. The Explorer ties a rustic brown leather strap with a modern blue face, aircraft propeller hands and a deep red seconds hand.

Available at DeJager.

Zealandic Iceborne

Microbrands have been killing the textured dial game recently, inspired (one assumes) by the nature-obsessed success of certain Japanese watchmakers but on a much smaller and less artisan scale. Case in point, Zealandic. This isn’t their first attempt at the Iceborne; their previous Kickstarter didn’t quite make it to their goal.

But after revisiting the design (and changing supplier) they’re back and the new Iceborne with its absolutely gorgeous light blue dial looks like a winner. It’s every bit the field watch, 39mm of stainless steel with the workhorse Miyota 9039 automatic movement, crowned with a glacial dial inspired by New Zealand’s Lake Pukaki. Yes, it’s a fun name to say. Priced just shy of $500 for now, it’s a tool watch yes, but one with some serious style.

More details at Zealandic.

Nuun Official Bora Bora Mai Tai

The long days of summer are pretty much over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reminisce about those sun-drenched, poolside times, especially when it comes in the form of Nuun Official’s cocktail-laced new colour. The lightweight White Resin Carbon X case still opts for the brand’s Nautilus homage case shape, but that orange gradient, going light at the top to dark at the bottom, is something that Patek Philippe would never touch.

It’s far too fun. It’s also built for the poolside, with 100m water resistance and a chunky, dial- matched rubber strap for cooling off in the heat – though Scuba diving might be beyond it. Backed by a quartz Miyota Cal.0S21 chronograph, it might be the perfect watch for a bit of upcoming winter sun.

More details at NUUN.

MECEXP MS1001

Where to start with this one? More an engineering project than a mainstream timepiece, MECEXP’s debut is a CNC driven, lithium battery powered watch the likes of  which Urwerk fans will salivate over. Self- described as a ‘linear flyback’ (retrograde may  be closer to the mark), the two indicators move up the precisely engineered columns then flick right back down to the start.

It’s inventive, dynamic and a little bit nuts. Hell, even the crown isn’t a crown in the traditional sense as it uses a sensor and chip to detect the inputs so that there’s no physical interaction with the, for want of a better word, movement. Oh, and the whole thing is lit by LEDS because by this point, why not?

More details at MECEXP.

Oceaneva OceanTrek GMT

After plumbing the depths (quite literally) of what an accessible dive watch can do with the kind of value that puts the rest of the industry to shame, Oceaneva are testing new waters. The OceanTrek is a whole timezone away from what the brand has done before, a lovely, pared-back, semi-dress watch pairing Roman numerals with a 24-hour GMT indicator towards the middle.

At 42mm it’s still not small, but it’s slimmer and much more elegant than a diver, especially with the host of new, sunray-brushed dial colours. The OceanTrek still lives up to its name with 200m water resistance and a slight tool watch flavour, but between the gorgeous green shown here and the Seiko movement, there’s a lot to love. And that legendary value for money? Yeah, the OceanTrek GMT will set you back £149. Try finding that anywhere else.

More details at Oceaneva.

There’s a chance that 10 years ago when the magazine was founded if the name Oracle Time was unavailable, we’d have ended up as some combination of Whisky & Watches. Twin passions that go hand in hand at the pinnacle of luxury. While we’ve stuck with the watches, we haven’t touched a bottle of whisky in a long while. That is, until House of Hazelwood unveiled their fabulous Third Collection, which you can experience through a virtual tasting experience by entering the competition at the bottom of this article.

If you’re unfamiliar, the story behind House of Hazelwood is a fantastic one. For over 100 years the Gordon family in Dufftown, Scotland, carefully curated a private whisky collection containing some of the rarest and most sought after whiskies. Today this collection is regarded as the largest inventory of aged Scotch whiskies in the world. It features casks from across the breadth of Scotland and beyond including exceptional rarities such as renowned’ first and last casks.

In 2022 House of Hazelwood was launched, a whisky brand owned by the Gordons and whose whiskies are sourced entirely from their private collection. As you can imagine, this makes every bottle exceptionally exclusive, released as they are in small batches that are carefully hand selected. For 2024 they’ve released the Third Collection, consisting of eight whiskies inspired by the theme of the Gordon family’s adventuring spirit. The collection is split into two, the Charles Gordon Collection and the Legacy Collection.

Charles Gordon Collection

Charles Gordon, a well-known figure in the Scotch whisky community as well as member of the Gordon family, helped to curate the Hazelwood collection in its early years, as such the collection named after him is dedicated to some of the oldest whiskies in the collection, all aged at least 40 years.

Legacy Collection

The second half of the House of Hazelwood Third Collection is the Legacy collection. It’s here that the concepts of blends celebrating the family’s global travels really come to the fore, featuring as it does bottles entitled The Transatlantic, Queen of the Hebrides and The Silk Traveller..

Virtual Tasting Competition

Discover the House of Hazelwood Third Collection first hand by entering this competition to win a virtual tasting experience. As part of the experience, you’ll receive a sample set of 25ml of seven of the Third Collection whiskies and be guided through the tasting by one of House of Hazelwood’s experts. Unfortunately, due to its extreme exclusivity, The Last Trace is not part of the tasting. This competition is only available to UK residents and closes on November 29^th, 2024, making it the perfect opportunity to win yourself a Christmas treat or offer the experience to your whisky loving friend as a festive gift. Whether you’re new to the whisky scene or a seasoned collector, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

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Winfield Watch Company Oconus GMT, £494

Winfield Watch Company is dedicated to the true art of exploration, with their watches being designed for high adrenaline activities including mountain climbing, skydiving, mountain biking, swimming and skiing. The outcome is watches like the Oconus GMT, a practical tool watch in steel with a large 44mm diameter. That size gives it a broad, rugged appearance while ensuring great legibility at a glance. Powering it is the Miyota 9075 GMT, a true GMT with a 42-hour power reserve.

Available at Winefield Watch.

House Of Khalsa Ocean Lion, £1,344

In many ways, wristwatches are all about personal representation. Whether that’s personal style or the ways in which we choose to live our lives that may necessitate the use of certain tool watches. House of Khalsa is a watch brand dedicated to the concept of representation, specifically the representation of faith through Sikh Khanda Sahib on the dial, seconds hand and bracelet clasp. However, it’s important to note that there’s also some serious watch design skills on display, as well with the Ocean Lion featuring a Swiss automatic movement and 500m water resistance rating.

Available at House Of Khalsa.

Vario Empire Seasons True GMT, £549

Art Deco design is most commonly associated with two geographical regions of the world, France and the United States of America, or more specifically New York. Between the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, the New York skyline is an ode to Art Deco design. It’s this that has inspired the Vario Empire True GMT with its stylised typography, sector style display and guilloche texture pattern. The Seasons limited edition series is made in Japan and houses the Miyota 9075 True GMT movement. Limited to 60-pieces.

Available at Vario.

Vesuviate Attivo-Duplex, $545 (approx. £420)

Vesuviate’s name is a reference to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, one of the most famous volcanoes in histoty. The modification of the volcano’s name into a verb “vesuviate” plays on the fact that the brand’s signature manufacturing technique is thermochemical surface treatment, which uses heat related chemical reactions to give their steel an ultra-hard surface. The Attivo-Duplex uses this hardened steel in its 39mm x 46.2mm x 11.5mm case, which has a retro TV shape. The display features two independent time displays powered by separate movements, both of which a ultra-slim Peacock SL-7020s with 36-hour power reserves.

Available at Vesuviate.

Oceaneva Oceantrek GMT, £150

Oceaneva are best known for their rugged and durable tool watches that offer amazing value. Now though, with the launch of the OceanTrek GMT they are expanding their aesthetic in a more refined direction. Measuring 42mm in diameter with a smooth steel bezel, the OceanTrek GMT is a versatile daily wearer suitable for every occasion, from the beach to the boardroom to an evening soiree. It features elegant sunray brushed finishing on its dial with Roman numerals and an inner 24-hour GMT scale. Powering the watch is the Seiko calibre NH34.

Available at Oceaneva.

Artem Straps PAM Style Strap, £114

Artem Straps are one of the most popular Australian watch strap brands on the international stage, specialising in sailcloth and fabric straps. Sailcloth is a type of tightly woven canvas developed to be weather resistant for use, as you might guess, in nautical settings. As such, it’s the perfect material with which to create dive watch straps as it can withstand submersion. These PAM Style straps are specially developed for Panerai watches, although they’ll technically work for any watch with a 24mm lug width. There are 14 colour and stitching options available.

Available at Artem.

Johnson’s of Lichfield Bespoke Winder Safe, £12,000

Johnson’s of Lichfield are a luxury safe retailer specialising in designing robust custom watch and jewellery safes for your home. This elegant, modern safe from their Luxe range includes custom chrome bolt pockets and hardware, as well as reliable Rapport Watch Winders. These beautiful pieces of furniture are all made to order letting the client choose their exact specification. A practical and great addition to any watch collector’s home. Additionally, they are insurance approved.

Available at Johnsons of Lichfield.

Tawbury Grove Watch Box, $159 (approx. £130)

The Tawbury Grove has a rustic feel to its design thanks to the matte finish of its dark brown Kassod wood exterior. Kassod is a tree from southern Asia with a distinct textured grain giving the piece a tactile feel. The Grove also doubles up as a watch display case with its transparent lid allowing you to view the six watches stored inside, even while closed. Protecting the watches from scratches is the micro-suede lined interior and soft pillows.

Available at Tawbury.

Modalo Ambiente Watch Winder, £1,529

Watch winders serve multiple functions in a collection. Most apparent is the fact they keep your automatic watches ready to wear at all times, meaning you don’t have to constantly reset them, something that is particularly important for high complications and calendar watches. At the same time, they also serve as great display cases, especially ones that are as dynamic as the Modalo Ambiente, which can hold up to nine watches at the same time. Sleek and modern with wooden styling, it’s as much an object of style as the watches it contains.

Available at Modalo.

Jonesintokyo Kudu Leather Strap, £92

JonesinTokyo is the project of Douglas Jones, a designer from the UK who moved to Japan in 2007 and who began to produce watch straps in 2014. Inspired by the rich leatherworking heritage of both the UK and Japan, he sought out renowned Japanese artisans to learn from and to become an expert in his own right. Take this beautifully crafted Kudu leather strap. Kudu leather is naturally very strong and develops a patina over time, meaning it will age gracefully with you and the watch it’s strapped to.

Available at Jonesintokyo.

Barcelona Gallery Weekend: 19-22 September 2024

Enjoy the last rays of summer by getting away from the UK and visiting Spain’s Barcelona Gallery Weekend from 19th to 22nd September. There are dozens of exciting exhibitions taking place across 27 galleries in the city and in L’Hospitalet highlighting regional and national artists. This year’s showcase marks the 10th anniversary of the Gallery Weekend, with every exhibition being completely free and open to the public. You can also attend talks, encounters and other activities at the galleries, the ARCO GalleryWalks guided tours, or follow the walks proposed by local curators.

More details at Barcelona Gallery Weekend.

Four Stories Gin Autumn, £34.75

While Four Stories Gin is a relatively new name to the premium gin market, they had substantial experience distilling, bottling and labelling gin for other brands before turning that experience towards their own product. Based in the UK, their inaugural series is dedicated to the flavours and stories of the four seasons. Story No. 1 Autumn features the warmth of a cosy blanket on a crisp autumn evening with tasting notes of Fuji apple, vanilla, lemon and cinnamon. In terms of style, it’s the perfect example of time honoured techniques including hand applied labels and wax dipped seals at accessible prices. Use code ORACLE for 20% off the entire range.

More details at Four Stories.

Biokidé Baobab Moon Face Cream, €55 (approx. £45)

Whether for yourself or partner, Biokidé’s Baobab Moon Face Cream is a moisturising cream designed for dry skin with baobab oil, aloe vera, shea butter, hibiscus and honey. It’s the ultimate fusion of authentic African ingredients and French knowhow to bring you clean cosmetics you can trust. The brand is currently undergoing Butterfly Mark certification by Positive Luxury to prove their commitment to a positive social and environmental impact.

More details at Biokidé.

GreenGent Co 2-in-1 Hair and Body Wash, £20.28

GreenGent Co is a relatively young brand in the men’s grooming space, developed specifically to tackle skin and hair issues with products dedicated to using only natural ingredients. Since their launch in January, their 2-in-1 Hair and Body Wash has proven exceptionally popular with its refreshing fragrance and multi-use simplicity – ideal for men who don’t like to spend too long grooming while also fitting perfectly alongside a dedicated skin and haircare routine for those who do. Other prominent GreenGent Co products include their acid face cream, face oils and eye cream.

More details at GreenGent.

Carmen Delprat Art Exotic Portraits And Surreal Landscapes

Carmen Delprat’s art transforms spaces with her exotic portraits and surreal landscapes, blending vibrant colours and intricate details into harmonious, dreamlike realms inspired by topics both natural and human. Her work goes beyond decoration, fostering serenity and introspection. Each piece is a portal to beauty and deeper meaning, making your home a sanctuary of inspiration. As an expansion to an existing collection of art, or the start of new one, her works make for a vibrant and exciting investment.

More details at Carmen Delprat.

Neotype LM02 Type C

Given that their debut was the most funded Kickstarter watch of 2023, Neotype’s follow-up has big shoes to fill. Well, I’m pleased to say that it measures up – and then some. It obviously has a lot more going on, but the bi-compax layout is about as streamlined as a watch like this can be, tachymeter and all. It shares the same indexes as the LM01 and a similarly profiled, if slimmer case. The biggest similarity? The LM02 is also supremely cool, in any of its four variations – although the old radium version in the steel case is our highlight. It’s just a shame they’re all limited to just 75 pieces.

More details at Neotype.

Haim Viajero

Worldtimers are such a tricky concept that most watch brands stick to GMTs and call it a day. The idea of fitting 24 time zones onto a dial and still having room for some personal flair is a tall order. Enter the Viajero (traveller in Spanish) from Chicagobased Haim, a svelte, 38.5mm worldtimer that does it all. It has the 24 time zones on an outer ring – which is available in three different colours influenced by land, sea, and air. It has a day-night indicating 24-hour ring and finally, the central dial is a stunning topographical map that’s much more realistic than most watches opt for. That realism isn’t a fluke; the map has been designed by data scientist Oğuzhan Köse exclusively for Haim and it’s a stunner.

More details at Haim.

Atowak Cobra Venom

From fun, cheap and colourful to… this. It’s not hard to see where ATOWAK have drawn inspiration from for their insane Cobra Venom. Its serious Urwerk vibes are intense, with that satellite hours across the lower half of the watch. The forged carbon case has been styled into a kind of snakeskin pattern which, paired with the faceted shape, gives it an almost aggressive, ready-to-strike look. It’s mesmerising and cool in a glam rock kind of way, right down to the pearl plates on the upper half of the case. It’s also an incredibly aggressive price, too – there’s not much out there that looks like this for a price this accessible.

More details at Atowak.

Bernhardt Starboard

Nailing that marine, seafaring vibe without relying on a diving bezel can be a tough act to manage, but Bernhardt’s latest, the aptly named Starboard, does just that. The wooden deckinspired black dial is a cool addition, but the real action is the gorgeous, rotating 24-hour daynight indicator at six o’clock, with a design stripped off old maps from the golden age of exploration. It looks even better in the dark, with blue lume across the (star) board except for a glowing yellow sun and green moon. Flip it over for a fitting nighttime sailing tableau and there you have it – and you can have it for even less with an early bird discount.

More details at Bernhardt.

2024 has been a landmark year for Oracle Time seeing the launch of our first collaboration wristwatch, the Christopher Ward x Oracle Time C65 Dune Shoreline. Now that the watch is out in the public, it’s great to see the interesting ways you’re using the watch to represent your personal styles. One of the easiest ways to personalise a watch is to give it an alternative strap. However, in our research we found that it’s surprisingly difficult to find appropriate straps as the conversation around straps focusses on style, pushing important practical elements such as lug width to the side. Hence, here’s a handy guide to some of the coolest alternative 20mm rubber straps to fit the Dune Shoreline, or any other 20mm lug daily beater.

Bonetto Cinturini 328 Premium Rubber One-Piece Watch Strap, £45

We’re starting with a duo of straps, the light grey and azure blue editions of the Bonetto Cinturini 328 Premium Rubber One-Piece Watch Strap. It’s effectively a rubber rendition of the traditional NATO strap design, which means it has a continuous loop that connects to the watch lugs and passes beneath the caseback.

This structure was originally designed so that in the instance of the strap breaking loose from one set of lugs, the body of the watch would still be attached to your wrist by the other lugs. Whereas on a standard strap, if the strap fails at any point, the whole strap and watch fall from your wrist.

In terms of colour, the grey edition works well with the steel of the case and grey dial while the blue emphasises the coloured hour markers and hands. Stylewise the strap has a fabric style texture that further emphasises the connection to traditional NATO design.

Available at Watch Obsession.

Hirsch JOHN Natural Rubber Performance Watch Strap, £81.95

The JOHN by Hirsch is part of their Performance range, meaning it’s dedicated to being practical and durable even in adverse conditions, making it the perfect sport and adventure strap for your timepiece. Or even to just give you piece of mind on the day to day for your daily wear tool or field watch.

In terms of sizing, it’s available for 20mm lugs and has a thickness of 5.9mm, which is fairly substantial for a strap. That’s because it has a large square grip on its inner surface that means your watch shouldn’t twist on your wrist while also allowing plenty of run-off areas for uncomfortable sweat.

Available at Watch Obsession.

TROPIC® Dive Watch Strap, £75

The Tropic strap is arguably one of the most iconic rubber straps of all time as it was popularised in the 1960s as a lightweight, inexpensive alternative to the streel bracelets on Rolex and Tudor dive watches. If it’s good enough for a Submariner, it’s good enough for your daily beater.

Characteristic elements of the design include the distinctive cross-hatched pattern on the outer layer of the strap and the off-set perforations along the strap’s length. Together, these allow the strap to wick away water quite quickly, hence its main use on dive watches.

As to colour, there are basically as many colours of Tropic rubber strap as you care to think of. For a daily wearer you might consider a more subtle colour like black or grey. Although if you have a dive watch like a Doxa with a brightly coloured dial, colour matching the strap to the dial is also a popular option.

Available at Watch Obsession.

Crafter Blue UX07 Turquoise FKM Rubber, £51.95

Crafter Blue’s UX07 Turquoise FKM Rubber is something of a hybrid. It’s made from the rugged rubber you’d typically see on a dive watch strap but is styled after a pilot’s watch strap. This gives it a blend of practicality and style, which is typically what people are looking for when searching for an alternative strap for their daily wearer.

Of course, we’ve complicated the matter further by pairing it with a field watch. But with the 20mm lug size, it still fits like a dream. Plus, the turquoise colour offers a satisfying parallel to the turquoise lume on the hands and hour markers.

I think the key take away from looking at these 20mm rubber straps is that once you know the size and parameters of the strap you need, there’s a huge variety of straps out there. Plus, when you put practicality first, you might discover some designs and styles you weren’t initially considering that could be the perfect match.

Available at Watch Obsession.

Oceaneva are an American watch brand making waves for their combination of accessibility and high specifications. Watches like the Deep Marine Explorer III are frankly astonishing with their combination of 3,000m water resistance rating and sub-£1,000 price point. However, if any criticism can be drawn to Oceaneva, it’s likely the lack of diversity in terms of style and design across their collections, which all follow a very traditional dive watch aesthetic. Pushing the envelope in terms of originality would go a long way. Fortunately, that’s exactly what they’ve done with the launch of the new Oceaneva OceanTrek GMT.

Gone are the big, chunky bezel and broad, lumed hour markers and in their place is a much more refined GMT wristwatch. It measures 42mm in diameter with a steel case that has a combination of brushed and polished finishing, adding a nice sense of contrast to the design. The bezel is smooth with a slightly stepped lip leading up to the sapphire crystal. It’s without question the dressiest design Oceaneva have ever produced.

However, I wouldn’t go so far as to call the Oceaneva OceanTrek GMT a purebred dress watch, as there are hybrid elements of sports and dive watch design present in its DNA. It has a 200m water resistance rating and the fluted crown is screw-down to create a watertight seal. On top of that, it certainly hasn’t kowtowed to the current popularity of vintage proportions, remaining appropriately sized for a sports or tool watch.

Looking to the dial, it leans much more completely in the direction of refinement. It has a layered appearance with a recessed 24-hour scale around the central portion of the display made through a hydraulic press method. The peripheral Roman numerals are presented in relief with a silver-tone finish that makes the shine. Speaking of finish, the majority of the dial is sunray brushed, catching the light in a lovely radial pattern that is very classy and classic. The same can be said of the central hour and minute hands, which are leaf-shaped and partially skeletonised.

The central hand stack also features a GMT hand that ends in a red-tipped crescent shape to point to the relevant time on the 24-hour scale. It allows the watch to display two time zones simultaneously, making it easy to keep track of local and home time if you are traveling or perhaps the time zone of an important client for your international business. It’s a complication less associated with adventure and diving because it serves no real function in those scenarios (unless you’re talking about the Rolex Explorer II), further emphasising the new direction that the OceanTrek GMT is leaning in.

We should also talk about colour. There are six versions of the OceanTrek GMT, not including the fact that five of them are offered on the choice of a brown or black crocodile strap. There’s a blue edition on blue leather strap, with the other five that come with the aforementioned choice of straps being silver, green, olive, grey and black. The black edition is unique in that its 24-hour scale isn’t monotone and instead features a red/black day/night indicator.

It’s a versatile everyday watch that’s suitable in the office or a party while at the same time being durable enough that it will be perfectly fine if you do find yourself in the water or a more extreme location. Powering the watch through whatever conditions you find yourself in is the Seiko NH34A GMT movement. An automatic calibre with a 41-hour power reserve that’s visible through the exhibition caseback.

While aesthetically the OceanTrek GMT is very different to Oceaneva’s other collections, it has the same great value. It has a pre-sale price of just £149, which is wild for an automatic watch and even wilder for a GMT – even if it uses a widely available work horse movement like the NH34A. The watches are only available in an initial limited production run with some colours only available in editions of 25 pieces, so secure yours quickly.

More details at Oceaneava.

Louis Cartel Charlemagne II Titanium Black

Europe has one of the most diverse and competitive microbrand and independent watch design scenes in the world. Making a name for yourself is no easy feat. However, despite facing many challenges, Louis Cartel have risen as one of the fastest growing European watch brands in the last two years, founded in Paris in 2022. Following sell-out first and second collections they’re back with their latest offerings in updated colours and styles.

One of the stand-out watches from Louis Cartel’s early collections was the Charlemagne I, which became the brand’s signature model. So, it’s no surprise to see a follow-up in the form of the Charlemagne II. It’s a tonneau timepiece that measures 40mm in diameter with a thickness of 15mm, giving it the same bold and urban aesthetic favoured by hyper luxury brands like Bianchet and Richard Mille at a drastically more accessible price point.

Louis Cartel Charlemagne II Rose Gold

Its steel case is available in a handful of coloured coatings including rose gold and titanium black. Compared to the Charlemagne I, the biggest visual update comes on the dial. It’s still modern and openworked but the Charlemagne II has big Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. As a result, the level of openworking is much more intricate and architectural, revealing the Miyota 8N24 with 42-hour power reserve housed inside.

Louis Cartel Suvari Forest Green/Navy

Second in the new collection is a new edition of the Suvari. It’s a quartz timepiece that pays tribute to the legendary works of designers like Gerald Genta. A broad octagonal bezel sits atop a 41mm steel case with integrated steel bracelet. The new selection introduces forest green and navy blue dials, which are much more intense and vibrant than the original ice blue, black, gold and olive green versions.

Louis Cartel Tinera De Louis Cartel Midnight

Last up is a quartet of new Tinera De Louis Cartel references. Similar to the Suvari, these are integrated bracelet sports watches with quartz movements. The shape though is a cushion case design instead of an octagon and it’s also much wider at a diameter of 43mm. As for colour, there’s a blue, red and black, called the CEO, Cherry and Midnight respectively. The fourth watch in the collection is called Royal Blue with a blue dial and rose gold PVD case.

With such confident style available for £196-£247 depending on the model, it’s little surprise that Louis Cartel rank in the top 10 fastest-growing watch brands in Europe. The Charlemagne II in particular shows great promise in terms of being an accessible mechanical timepiece with room to help Louis Cartel develop their individual style further, something which is important for all young brands finding their place in the industry.

More details at Louis Cartel.

International watch fairs offer the best opportunities to discover new brands and learn more about the world of watches. The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME Exhibition is the perfect destination for watch lovers of all stripes this autumn, September 3-7. Whether you’re a collector looking for your next purchase or interested in networking on behalf of your own brand, there’s a lot to be discovered.

The theme for this year’s shows is “Be on Time”, which is a motto some people I know could probably do with learning. There will be a huge number of watches on display including luxury and high-fashion designs as well as technologically advanced and sustainable models. The diverse lineup will also include collaborative timepieces, limited editions, customised watches, and creations by independent watchmakers.

On the Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair side of things, the event is split into several exhibiting categories. Those are: “Pageant of Eternity”, “Complete Watches”, “Pre-owned Watches”, “Clocks”, “Machinery & Equipment”, “OEM Smart Watches”, “Packaging & Display”, “Parts, Components & Accessories” and “Trade Services”. Making it easy for businesses in attendance to find the right services and suppliers or to simply become immersed in the industry as a collector.

Salon de TIME will also be separated into five themed zones centring on World Brand Piazza, Chic & Trendy, Craft Treasure, Renaissance Moment and Wearable Tech. These respectively relate to your classic prestige brands, fashion watches, haute jewellery and crafts, independent European brands and smart watches. Selected watches will also be available for sale, so as a collector you’ll want to swing by, potentially with a card at the ready.

Other highlights of the event include the Hong Kong International Watch Forum discussing the state of the industry and global trends. There’s also a wide range of seminars, prize draws and watch parades. One of the most intriguing events is the Watch & Clock Design Competition which sees local watch and clock designers compete across a couple of awards. There are both student and open categories with an emphasis on “Made-to-Sell” encouraging a focus on marketability and practical innovation.

The Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and Salon de TIME Exhibition are being hosted at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center on September 3-7. See you there.

More details at Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair & Salon de TIME.

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