Opinion Archives - Time and Tide Watches

Close but no cigar: Why I welcome horological deal breakers

Opinion

22.06.23

5542

Close but no cigar: Why I welcome horological deal breakers

At this specific moment in my life, there’s no way I should even think about buying another watch. On the back of a series of…

When “tropical” and “ghost bezel” don’t cut it. Describe the condition of this Rolex salvaged from the bottom of the ocean

Opinion

15.06.23

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When “tropical” and “ghost bezel” don’t cut it. Describe the condition of this Rolex salvaged from the bottom of the ocean

For people selling watches, “vintage” is the polite word for “old”. It’s easy to understand why this has become such a necessary euphemism when it…

Opinion

04.06.23

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WHAT IF… Universal Genève was revived?

Universal Genève’s story is one of the highest of highs and lowest of lows. The brand experienced fruitful periods for much of its lifetime, only…

Opinion

30.05.23

3837

Why Boldr is the enthusiast brand that you should have on your radar

Their name may not be as recognised as Rolex by the hoi polloi, but Singaporean microbrand Boldr Supply Co. has long been something of an…

WHAT IF… TAG Heuer created their own MoonSwatch moment with a retro Formula 1?

Opinion

28.05.23

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WHAT IF… TAG Heuer created their own MoonSwatch moment with a retro Formula 1?

Welcome to another episode of WHAT IF…, where we ruminate on the alternate reality of a watch industry in a parallel universe. For this installment,…

Can you ever really retire from being a watch collector or enthusiast?

Opinion

28.05.23

3266

Can you ever really retire from being a watch collector or enthusiast?

As I always say, I was a watch enthusiast long before I was a watch journalist. I will always first and foremost be a watch…

Lists

27.05.23

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The 10 best lume dial watches

The formula is simple. Lume is cool, so that must mean the more lume, the better. Rather than pointing out any potential flaws in my…

WHAT IF… There were no more Rolex waitlists?

Opinion

21.05.23

10313

WHAT IF… There were no more Rolex waitlists?

If you ask the average person to name a watch brand, they’ll most likely say Rolex. Such is the power of the company which arguably…

5 reasons you need to be familiar with the Omega Speedmaster Reduced

Opinion

21.05.23

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5 reasons you need to be familiar with the Omega Speedmaster Reduced

It’s fair to say that the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch is one of the most famous watches of all time, up there even in the minds…

Should watch brands cancel orders placed with the intention of immediately flipping them?

Opinion

19.05.23

3403

Should watch brands cancel orders placed with the intention of immediately flipping them?

Watch flipping. The practice, depending on which side of the coin you are on, poses one of the biggest problems or opportunities within the watch…

WHAT IF… Grand Seiko finally made a smaller dive watch

Opinion

10.05.23

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WHAT IF… Grand Seiko finally made a smaller dive watch

Editor’s note: What if? It can be a prefix of imagination, wonder and hope. On the other side of the coin, it can also provoke…

Opinion

20.04.23

1933

Say goodbye to the Rolex Milgauss

Coming up to Watches and Wonders, many were excited to see a new Rolex Milgauss model or an updated version of the one running since…

Opinion

17.04.23

506

The Audemars Piguet Skeleton BA4266P002 is an intriguing vintage piece that demonstrates the brand’s history and craftmanship

Humans are strange creatures. We flock to what’s “hot” and turn our noses up at what’s “not” in order to feel a part of something.…

New releases show platinum is the heavy metal that it’s still OK to like

Opinion

13.04.23

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New releases show platinum is the heavy metal that it’s still OK to like

The English physicist and mathmatician Sir Isaac Newton believed that for every action there is an equal opposite reaction. Chinese cosmology stands by a similar…

With the new Tudor Black Bay 41 and Black Bay 54, is the BB58 in danger of becoming obsolete?

Opinion

11.04.23

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With the new Tudor Black Bay 41 and Black Bay 54, is the BB58 in danger of becoming obsolete?

The response to the new Tudor Black Bay 54 has been massive, with many on our Instagram dubbing it the release of the fair and,…

Opinion

09.04.23

1267

Why watch puns tick me off

In the world of horological journalism, where centuries-old companies lord over a multi-billion dollar industry and push the boundaries of mechanical engineering and art simultaneously,…

Big Watches, Small Wrists Part 6: Hublot big love

Opinion

07.04.23

1256

Big Watches, Small Wrists Part 6: Hublot big love

Today we enter the world of the Hublot Big Bang, yes that’s right, Hublot one of the most polarising watch brands on the market. They…

Big Watches, Small Wrists Part 5: The best deep divers for slim wrists

Opinion

25.03.23

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Big Watches, Small Wrists Part 5: The best deep divers for slim wrists

If the moon was the frontier of the 1960s, then the deepest sea has been the frontier ever since – specifically the Mariana Trench in…

Invicta on pole position with a marketing masterclass in Formula 2

News

20.03.23

6408

Invicta on pole position with a marketing masterclass in Formula 2

Editor’s note: As soon as Invicta is mentioned in the presence of watch enthusiasts, jests and jeers are inevitable. The brand has long strayed from…

Opinion

18.03.23

4788

How Swiss is “Swiss enough”?

According to the BBC, the Swiss chocolate bar, Toblerone, is being forced to remove the image of the iconic Swiss Matterhorn mountain peak on its…

Big Watches, Small Wrists Part IV: Will I ever be able to pull off the Moonwatch?

Opinion

17.03.23

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Big Watches, Small Wrists Part IV: Will I ever be able to pull off the Moonwatch?

Frank Sinatra had it right with Fly Me To the Moon. The closest neighbour to planet Earth is the place to be, in fact, in…

Big Watches, Small Wrists Part III: Can I pull off a pilot’s watch?

Opinion

10.03.23

9637

Big Watches, Small Wrists Part III: Can I pull off a pilot’s watch?

When I was young, just like many other kids, I dreamed of being a fighter pilot. Perhaps it was the infectiously catchy Kenny Loggins song…

Some reflections on female watches on International Women’s Day

Opinion

09.03.23

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Some reflections on female watches on International Women’s Day

For me, this International Women’s Day feels somehow different or perhaps more poignant to previous years in our horological microcosm. That’s because, I think, perhaps…

You are not a flipper: Three perfectly good reasons for selling a watch right after buying it

Lists

05.03.23

14110

You are not a flipper: Three perfectly good reasons for selling a watch right after buying it

Though I love the watch community as a whole, there are times where I couldn’t disagree more with the direction of its ire. One such…

Chopard L.U.C and the challenges of outgrowing a household name

Opinion

04.03.23

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Chopard L.U.C and the challenges of outgrowing a household name

If I asked you what attributes are necessary for a brand to be elevated to the echelons occupied by the likes of the holy trinity,…

Big Watches, Small Wrists Part II: Can I manage a Panerai?

Opinion

03.03.23

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Big Watches, Small Wrists Part II: Can I manage a Panerai?

Welcome back to Big Watches, Small Wrists, a series where we look at those big beauties and their size-restrained counterparts to allow you, small-wristed reader,…

Lists

26.02.23

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10 signs you’re becoming a watch snob

Watch enthusiasts do not always share the Swiss philosophy of neutrality. Being enthusiastic about something inevitably leads to hot takes, strong and stubborn opinions and,…

Opinion

25.02.23

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The 5 watches you’ll regret buying

Making mistakes is often credited as the best way to learn, but in the case of watch collecting your mistakes can be both emotionally and…

Big Watches, Small Wrists Part 1: Rules of Engagement

Opinion

24.02.23

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Big Watches, Small Wrists Part 1: Rules of Engagement

Editor’s note: Zach has long carried the torch for the #tinywristtribe, advocating on behalf of all watch lovers with smaller wrists. But today the torch…

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere: My ill-advised quest to pair beer with watches

Opinion

10.02.23

5306

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere: My ill-advised quest to pair beer with watches

They say necessity is the mother of invention. Well, this would be more a case of “idle hands are the devil’s playground”. There is absolutely…

WHAT TWEAKS MY TOURB: Enough with the digital renders – brands need decent photography

Opinion

07.02.23

8258

WHAT TWEAKS MY TOURB: Enough with the digital renders – brands need decent photography

One of the most common tips given to watch shoppers is to go and see their potential purchases in the metal before buying them. Not…

The ‘other’ pink watch: Why I bought the Grand Seiko SBGA413 instead of waiting for the pink Rolex OP 36

Opinion

07.02.23

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The ‘other’ pink watch: Why I bought the Grand Seiko SBGA413 instead of waiting for the pink Rolex OP 36

Editor’s note: Zach originally wrote this article back in January 2021, in which he digs into why he bought the Grand Seiko SBGA413 instead of waiting for…

Is your expensive watch a turn-off for lovers and friends?

Opinion

03.02.23

9042

Is your expensive watch a turn-off for lovers and friends?

It was Henry Kissinger who famously claimed that “power is the ultimate aphrodisiac” and, given the philandering of countless politicians, it’s hard to argue with…

Opinion

30.01.23

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OPINION: I am simultaneously fawning over, yet frustrated with, the new Grand Seiko SLGA021

Grand Seiko has issued a standard production Lake Suwa sequel to the limited edition SLGA007, the new SLGA021 Includes an Evolution 9 case and bracelet, 9RA2…

What a scene from The Recruit teaches us about gifting a watch

Opinion

28.01.23

10399

What a scene from The Recruit teaches us about gifting a watch

A story as old as time(pieces). I’m sitting at home on a Saturday night. My son and wife are asleep. I’ve got the Netflix all…

Unholy Grail: Why the comically dated TAG Heuer S/el is a true guilty pleasure

Opinion

21.01.23

10308

Unholy Grail: Why the comically dated TAG Heuer S/el is a true guilty pleasure

No matter how tasteful your watch collection, no matter how stuffed your portfolio is with blue chip stocks like no-date Subs, pre-Moon Speedys, or the…

WHAT TWEAKS MY TOURB: You’ve been misusing the word “bicompax”

Opinion

17.01.23

8530

WHAT TWEAKS MY TOURB: You’ve been misusing the word “bicompax”

I’m sure you’ve come across the term before – hell, of course you know what a bicompax chronograph is! Just remember offerings from Baltic ,…

Making the case: The term ‘integrated bracelet’ is being commonly misused

Opinion

15.01.23

13733

Making the case: The term ‘integrated bracelet’ is being commonly misused

Within the watch space we have our own dialect. Terms like “workhorse”, “beater”, “strap monster” and more increasingly become a part of your speech the…

Opinion

14.01.23

9098

Which watch brand won 2022? Borna picks Parmigiani Fleurier – here’s why…

Editor’s note: During one of our final editorial meetings of the year, the question was posed: which watch brand won 2022? This then raises the…

Ruminations on my Rolex GMT journey that took me from Batman to Root Beer with a few diversions along the way

Opinion

10.01.23

11595

Ruminations on my Rolex GMT journey that took me from Batman to Root Beer with a few diversions along the way

Back in 2014, I wrote my first article for Time & Tide. It was a review of the Rolex GMT Master II, reference 116710BLNR which…

Lists

09.01.23

8470

Which watch brand won 2022? Ricardo picks Vacheron Constantin – here’s why…

Editor’s note: During one of our final editorial meetings of the year, the question was posed: which watch brand won 2022? This then raises the…

Opinion

08.01.23

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Which watch brand won 2022? D.C. picks Tudor and here’s why…

I’m sure that everyone on the Time+Tide team has valid reasons for why their pick won 2022. And they’re wrong. The correct answer is Tudor.…

Opinion

05.01.23

6629

Which watch brand won 2022? Luke picks Omega – here are five reasons why…

When asked to give my thoughts on which watch brand “won” 2022, I feared for a second that it might be a trick question. That’s…

What will be the watch colour of the year in 2023?

Opinion

04.01.23

10970

What will be the watch colour of the year in 2023?

A couple of years ago, the watch world became flooded with a sea of green. Dials were awash with the colour in multiple shades –…

Opinion

03.01.23

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Which watch brand won 2022? Zach picks Cartier – here’s why…

Editor’s note: During one of our final editorial meetings of the year, the question was posed: which watch brand won 2022? This then raises the…

The three watches I wore most in 2022: Grand Seiko, MoonSwatch and Tudor

Lists

30.12.22

34509

The three watches I wore most in 2022: Grand Seiko, MoonSwatch and Tudor

This will go down as the year that completely changed my life. From growing my passion for watches. To balancing life as a writer and…

The three watches I wore most in 2022: Seiko, Omega, and G-Shock

Lists

27.12.22

47117

The three watches I wore most in 2022: Seiko, Omega, and G-Shock

Any watch worth keeping in the collection has a story. Or at the least, a defined purpose. Some are sentimental: an heirloom, a gift, or…

Confession of a terrible watch collector: Mistakes, I’ve made a few…

Opinion

11.12.22

7629

Confession of a terrible watch collector: Mistakes, I’ve made a few…

I am a terrible watch collector. I’ve been collecting watches terribly for about 10 years now with no end in sight. It admittedly consumes much…

Risky business: Are we ready for more microbrands going upmarket?

Opinion

10.12.22

8138

Risky business: Are we ready for more microbrands going upmarket?

One of my favourite watch brands, Farer, recently added a new chronograph to their line-up. Called the Chrono-Classic, it follows a long line of chronographs…

Making the case: The importance of watch packaging

Opinion

07.12.22

5842

Making the case: The importance of watch packaging

Editor’s note: Making the case is a new column in which the author delivers a heartfelt argument on a watch-related theme. A tick-tock trial if you will. Today…

GADA-OFF: The Longines Spirit Titanium vs the Tudor BB58. Which is the better daily wearer?

Opinion

27.11.22

12240

GADA-OFF: The Longines Spirit Titanium vs the Tudor BB58. Which is the better daily wearer?

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published back in January earlier this year, but, with our recent list of the team’s GADA (go anywhere do anything)…

OK, we’ve found the perfect watch for an eccentric but jaded billionaire…

Opinion

26.11.22

8382

OK, we’ve found the perfect watch for an eccentric but jaded billionaire…

You know that people-watching game that you sometimes play. The one where you speculate – ideally with a partner – on the complex inner lives…

Why the Cartier collection of Tyler, The Creator matters

Opinion

19.11.22

7693

Why the Cartier collection of Tyler, The Creator matters

It’ll be no surprise to you to hear that another rapper has been on record showing off their watch collection. Tyler, The Creator, however, is…

How I learned to stop worrying and love bolder watches

Opinion

10.11.22

8830

How I learned to stop worrying and love bolder watches

It’s a bit similar to haircuts. Looking back at photos from my youth recalls all sorts of misadventures in the barber’s chair. There was the…

The Apple Watch is the enemy of mindfulness – mechanical watches will keep you sane

Opinion

07.11.22

14943

The Apple Watch is the enemy of mindfulness – mechanical watches will keep you sane

You know what sounds nice? Mindfulness. You know — being in the moment. Noting your breath, checking in on the breeze, and focusing on the…

OK, cool… But who is the new 50mm titanium Rolex Deepsea Challenge really for?

Introducing

02.11.22

15429

OK, cool… But who is the new 50mm titanium Rolex Deepsea Challenge really for?

Today, inspired by the experimental watch that accompanied filmmaker James Cameron on his historic 10,908-metre (35,787-foot) descent into the Mariana Trench on March 26, 2012, Rolex…

The new 5711 successor – the 5811/1G Nautilus – is a bit of a letdown. But it is our fault, not Patek’s

Opinion

26.10.22

8079

The new 5711 successor – the 5811/1G Nautilus – is a bit of a letdown. But it is our fault, not Patek’s

“Anticipation, I suppose, sometimes exceeds realisation,” Amelia Earhart once said. Ever since the final swan song of the Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711, which, at…

The changing reality of wearing a watch in New York City

Opinion

25.10.22

10272

The changing reality of wearing a watch in New York City

It’s a Saturday morning in New York City. For years, I’ve enjoyed the comfort and privacy of driving around the city as my form of…

The many drawbacks of watches and why they make us love them even more

Opinion

20.10.22

6500

The many drawbacks of watches and why they make us love them even more

One of life’s great ironies is that the pursuit of perfection often leads to disappointment, even when it is achieved. Your average smartphone may have…

We glow with the flow, but is lume really necessary?

Opinion

05.10.22

7942

We glow with the flow, but is lume really necessary?

Radium was discovered by Marie Curie in 1898, and it was already showing up on the dials of wristwatches by the early 1900s. This goes…

Should you buy a low-end mechanical or a high-end quartz?

Opinion

27.09.22

21251

Should you buy a low-end mechanical or a high-end quartz?

Watch shopping on a budget can be extremely frustrating, not least because of watch media outlets like ours that routinely describe watches costing well over…

The less-is-more appeal of 10 minimalist watches

Lists

23.09.22

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The less-is-more appeal of 10 minimalist watches

I first encountered the term “minimalist” at the tender age of 10, trying to figure out why anyone would enjoy staring at a wonky, red…

Why would anyone put a dive watch on a leather/synthetic hybrid strap?

Opinion

20.09.22

11240

Why would anyone put a dive watch on a leather/synthetic hybrid strap?

The debate has raged on for years over putting dive watches on leather straps. It’s a fairly straight-forward argument for and against, with compelling reasonings…