Watch of the Day: The IWC Aquatimer Split Minute Chronograph

Continuing on our exploration of eBay’s authenticate program once again—their buyer protection/authenticity verification program that launched a little while back—we’re onto another pre-owned gem that we’d just about forgotten about since its discontinuation back in 2009. We’re talking about the IWC Aquatimer Split Minute Chronograph, an out-of-the-ordinary diver chronograph with a total of three separate means of timing events. This sounds like overkill—and in many respects it is—but I’ve always had an interest in out-of-the-ordinary complications and this thing entirely fits the bill.

For those who follow IWC’s reference numbers, this is the 3723-04. In production for a fairly brief stint from 2004 to 2009, the line of GST Aquatimers was the brand’s follow-up to their collaborations with Porsche Design on the Ocean 2000.  It’s cased in titanium, and fitted with an integrated bracelet (as is oddly all the rage these days). The bracelet is fitted with a clean single-fold clasp, but it pre-dates the brand’s sleek micro-adjustment that came on later models. The lightness of titanium helps keep the Aquatimer from feeling like a behemoth on the wrist, though it’s worth noting that a rubber strap variant is also available.

Those used to smaller watches are often scared off of pieces like this based on their larger dimensions alone, but much in the same way that my Girard-Perregaux Laureato Evo3 wears much smaller than its specs would suggest (it’s also 44mm on paper), The way the integrated rubber strap drops down from the case makes this piece hug the wrist nicely, rather than being a big, broad, and flat wrist pancake (like some larger IWC models out there).

Functionally, things are relatively straightforward here. On the right, you have your traditional pusher and crown layout; the start/stop pusher is at two, screw-down crown for time setting at three, and reset pusher at four. The lower pusher has added functionality to it, as you may have guessed from its added knurling. rotating this pusher also rotates its inner timing bezel.

Aside from these two timers, there’s now the matter of its split minute complication. Basically the split minute allows for timing within a timing period, I’ve heard of the example of timing the exploring of an underwater cave while timing a dive, but let’s get real here and own the fact that 98% of us aren’t diving. Let’s say you’re on your way to a new job, and you want to see how long it takes you to get from door to door (presuming your commute is less than an hour).

As you step out the door you rotate the timing bezel to align with the minute hand in its current position. You’re half way to work, and suddenly your train stops due to some sort of nonsense—cue the split minute. Trigger the toggle switch at eight o’clock, and a secondary minute hand that usually runs beneath the standard minute hand is paused. When the train starts again, you’ll be able to see the number of minutes elapsed during the unforeseen incident, and subtract it from total time once you get to the office to see how long your commute should take on a normal day. Clever, right?

OK, so this isn’t the most practical complication in the grand scheme of things, though if you use your chronographs for timing things in the kitchen then an additional timer could also come in handy. No matter how many of the three functions you’re considering putting to use, the Aquatimer Split Minute Chronograph is a handsome tank of a watch, and one that’s usually pretty well priced on the secondary market.

Shop the IWC Aquatimer Split Minute Chronograph Here

 

The post Watch of the Day: The IWC Aquatimer Split Minute Chronograph appeared first on watchuseek.com.

Watch of the Day: Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Collection

Even though it’s been nearly four years since Peter Stas and his partner Aletta sold the business to the mighty Citizen Group, they still spend at least two days a week overseeing the entire Frederique Constant operation and deciding upon all the new creations.

While connected watches represent fully 15% of sales for FC, and is what helps the brand to keep afloat, Peter personally still feels a strong connection to the sea. So perhaps he can be forgiven for his latest indulgence, a new Yacht Timer collection comprising five new models.

Changes to the countdown system for yacht races were changed at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. With an increase in the number of boat categories over the years, the time for successive starts had become too long. It was therefore decided to reduce the intervening time gap from 5 – 10 to 3 – 6 minutes.

Introduced in 1997, the Frederique Constant Yacht Timer was the first watch to integrate these new racing rules. It was developed barely 10 years after the founding of the brand in 1988. Now, twenty-two years later, the Regatta has made a comeback to the FC collection.

The new Frederique Constant Yacht Timer collection is not merely inspired by a love of the sea but is designed to be a functional tool—a competition timer, operational in yacht racing conditions.

The Regatta Yacht Timer comes with a built-in timing mechanism that can count down the vital 5 or 10 minutes before the official start of a sailing race. Though the initial start structure shifted in 1996, many professional organizations maintained the 10-minute start until 2001. Some recreational/amateur organizations will still abide by the 10-minute start, and accordingly most regatta timers will maintain the ability to count down more than just 5 minutes. A bad start in yacht racing can be disastrous, and in many respects, the most important part of a yacht race unfolds in those 5-10 minutes before the action begins.

This is when sailors must maneuver their vessel into the best start position without overstepping the imaginary starting line or worse, hitting another boat before the starter’s gun. Such mistakes have been known to cost millions in fines in top races such as the Americas Cup. Proper boat control is paramount, and that control comes from a team effort and knowing when to anticipate the gun. It’s a game of tactics demanding a precision instrument that can be read at a glance since sails have to be raised and then lowered in order to hold the position as close to this line as possible.

A regatta watch is essentially a modified chronograph with a countdown timer, and at sea with strong sunlight and sometimes questionable weather conditions, good visibility is critical.  The five circles at the top of the white dial remain white when the chronograph is not in use, but when activated with the 2 o’clock pusher, one by one they are filled with blue for the first five minutes and then orange for the next five minutes. The indexes of the watch are faceted so as to constantly display a shiny polished side that can be seen regardless of the angle of the sun, while the hands and indexes are filled with luminescent material for dull and overcast days.

Five New Models To Choose From

There are three models in the new 42mm Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown Collection: One is finished in rose gold with a navy-blue dial on a matching navy-blue alligator strap. The second features a blend of steel and rose gold on a two-tone bracelet. The third is in a monochromatic color scheme, with a steel case and silver-plated dial on a black alligator strap. Prices start at US$3,195.

There are also two new Yacht Timer GMTs with a second-time zone function. One features a rose gold-plated case with indexes and hands on a white grained dial and a brown alligator strap. And there’s bicolor steel and rose gold-plated steel bracelet variation finished in rose gold with grained anthracite dial. The watches also come with an extra rubber strap to take the rough and tumble of strenuous activities. Prices for the GMT version start $1,995.

Surprising Practicality

Let’s be fair here—these things are mighty niche, and we know it. That said, a Regatta/Yachting Timer has its own practicalities in day-to-day life. People who like to cook or spend time in front of the BBQ (our EIC Justin Mastine-Frost, for one) find good use for a regatta timer when keeping an eye out for the perfect time interval on the grill or in the pot. Given the dressy design and leather straps on these models they’ll be less practical for things like interval training, but a more casual-wearing Regatta Timer on a rubber strap could also be turned practical during your workout routine too. There are far less practical complications out there—the moon phase, for example—so even though this complication might seem obscure at first glance, don’t discount it too quickly

Shop the Frederique Constant Regatta Countdown Collection

The post Watch of the Day: Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Collection appeared first on watchuseek.com.

Watch of the Day: Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Collection

Even though it’s been nearly four years since Peter Stas and his partner Aletta sold the business to the mighty Citizen Group, they still spend at least two days a week overseeing the entire Frederique Constant operation and deciding upon all the new creations.

While connected watches represent fully 15% of sales for FC, and is what helps the brand to keep afloat, Peter personally still feels a strong connection to the sea. So perhaps he can be forgiven for his latest indulgence, a new Yacht Timer collection comprising five new models.

Changes to the countdown system for yacht races were changed at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. With an increase in the number of boat categories over the years, the time for successive starts had become too long. It was therefore decided to reduce the intervening time gap from 5 – 10 to 3 – 6 minutes.

Introduced in 1997, the Frederique Constant Yacht Timer was the first watch to integrate these new racing rules. It was developed barely 10 years after the founding of the brand in 1988. Now, twenty-two years later, the Regatta has made a comeback to the FC collection.

The new Frederique Constant Yacht Timer collection is not merely inspired by a love of the sea but is designed to be a functional tool—a competition timer, operational in yacht racing conditions.

The Regatta Yacht Timer comes with a built-in timing mechanism that can count down the vital 5 or 10 minutes before the official start of a sailing race. Though the initial start structure shifted in 1996, many professional organizations maintained the 10-minute start until 2001. Some recreational/amateur organizations will still abide by the 10-minute start, and accordingly most regatta timers will maintain the ability to count down more than just 5 minutes. A bad start in yacht racing can be disastrous, and in many respects, the most important part of a yacht race unfolds in those 5-10 minutes before the action begins.

This is when sailors must maneuver their vessel into the best start position without overstepping the imaginary starting line or worse, hitting another boat before the starter’s gun. Such mistakes have been known to cost millions in fines in top races such as the Americas Cup. Proper boat control is paramount, and that control comes from a team effort and knowing when to anticipate the gun. It’s a game of tactics demanding a precision instrument that can be read at a glance since sails have to be raised and then lowered in order to hold the position as close to this line as possible.

A regatta watch is essentially a modified chronograph with a countdown timer, and at sea with strong sunlight and sometimes questionable weather conditions, good visibility is critical.  The five circles at the top of the white dial remain white when the chronograph is not in use, but when activated with the 2 o’clock pusher, one by one they are filled with blue for the first five minutes and then orange for the next five minutes. The indexes of the watch are faceted so as to constantly display a shiny polished side that can be seen regardless of the angle of the sun, while the hands and indexes are filled with luminescent material for dull and overcast days.

Five New Models To Choose From

There are three models in the new 42mm Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown Collection: One is finished in rose gold with a navy-blue dial on a matching navy-blue alligator strap. The second features a blend of steel and rose gold on a two-tone bracelet. The third is in a monochromatic color scheme, with a steel case and silver-plated dial on a black alligator strap. Prices start at US$3,195.

There are also two new Yacht Timer GMTs with a second-time zone function. One features a rose gold-plated case with indexes and hands on a white grained dial and a brown alligator strap. And there’s bicolor steel and rose gold-plated steel bracelet variation finished in rose gold with grained anthracite dial. The watches also come with an extra rubber strap to take the rough and tumble of strenuous activities. Prices for the GMT version start $1,995.

Surprising Practicality

Let’s be fair here—these things are mighty niche, and we know it. That said, a Regatta/Yachting Timer has its own practicalities in day-to-day life. People who like to cook or spend time in front of the BBQ (our EIC Justin Mastine-Frost, for one) find good use for a regatta timer when keeping an eye out for the perfect time interval on the grill or in the pot. Given the dressy design and leather straps on these models they’ll be less practical for things like interval training, but a more casual-wearing Regatta Timer on a rubber strap could also be turned practical during your workout routine too. There are far less practical complications out there—the moon phase, for example—so even though this complication might seem obscure at first glance, don’t discount it too quickly

Shop the Frederique Constant Regatta Countdown Collection

The post Watch of the Day: Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Collection appeared first on watchuseek.com.

Watch of the Day: Panerai Luminor Sealand 44mm Year of the Rat Limited Edition

In the Chinese Zodiac, the Rat is the first in the 12-year cycle of animals to be featured. 2020 is the Year of the Rat and those born in this year are said to be extremely industrious, thrifty, diligent and positive. But the soothsayers say to tread carefully, as the Year of the Rat for 2020 is predicted to be a time of unpredictability and uncertainty. Those born in the Year of the Rat are warned their luck will be full of ups and downs and it’s possible you will encounter many difficulties throughout the year.

Earlier this year Italian brand Panerai served up the Year of the Pig for its many delighted collectors, and now the new Year of the Rat piece follows in the same tradition with a special edition, again comprising just 88 units, and decorated using the ancient technique of sparsello, named after the tool used to decorate the cover.

The signature Sparsello style is achieved by first making grooves in the steel which are then inlaid with gold threads in multiple parallel layers. These are then beaten until they completely fill the grooves, The resulting ornate style is deliberately reminiscent of Chinese iconography.

Panerai first began the Chinese Zodiac series in 2009 with the Year of the Ox, so the Year of the Rat produced for 2020 is the 12^th and final animal in the Chinese Zodiac series to be produced using this unique floral style of engraved illustration.

The trusty base watch for all of this Chinese Zodiac magnificence is the Luminor Sealand 44mm (PAM 00863) model made of brushed stainless steel. The engraved cover protects a grey dial with Arabic numerals at 12 and 6, as well as linear hour markers and luminous dots. A small seconds’ dial is at 9 o’clock and the date window is at 3 o’clock. The cover also features a small signaling mirror on the back.

 

As with the other watches in Panerai’s Chinese Zodiac series, the Sealand 44mm Year of the Rat runs on the in-house P. 9010 Calibre with an ample power reserve of three days – the standard power reserve for Panerai watches. The power is supplied by twin spring barrels, fitted with springs that are wound by an oscillating weight operating in both directions. With automatic winding, the P.9010 caliber can be conveniently adjusted without interfering with the movement of the minute hand; most useful when changing time zones or moving between summer and wintertime. The date also changes automatically.

Water-resistant to 100 meters, the watch comes on a gold-colored semi-matt calf strap with beige stitching and features a trapezoid buckle clasp in brushed steel. Also available is a rubber strap in black along with a screwdriver and a special tool for changing the strap.

The Year of the Rat will begin on January 25^th, 2020, which is also the day the watch will launch in Panerai boutiques. The question is, does any Watchuseek reader have the complete set?

The new Year of the Rat watch will sell for US$23,600

Shop the Panerai Luminor Sealand 44mm Year of the Rat

 

The post Watch of the Day: Panerai Luminor Sealand 44mm Year of the Rat Limited Edition appeared first on watchuseek.com.

Watch of the Day: Panerai Luminor Sealand 44mm Year of the Rat Limited Edition

In the Chinese Zodiac, the Rat is the first in the 12-year cycle of animals to be featured. 2020 is the Year of the Rat and those born in this year are said to be extremely industrious, thrifty, diligent and positive. But the soothsayers say to tread carefully, as the Year of the Rat for 2020 is predicted to be a time of unpredictability and uncertainty. Those born in the Year of the Rat are warned their luck will be full of ups and downs and it’s possible you will encounter many difficulties throughout the year.

Earlier this year Italian brand Panerai served up the Year of the Pig for its many delighted collectors, and now the new Year of the Rat piece follows in the same tradition with a special edition, again comprising just 88 units, and decorated using the ancient technique of sparsello, named after the tool used to decorate the cover.

The signature Sparsello style is achieved by first making grooves in the steel which are then inlaid with gold threads in multiple parallel layers. These are then beaten until they completely fill the grooves, The resulting ornate style is deliberately reminiscent of Chinese iconography.

Panerai first began the Chinese Zodiac series in 2009 with the Year of the Ox, so the Year of the Rat produced for 2020 is the 12^th and final animal in the Chinese Zodiac series to be produced using this unique floral style of engraved illustration.

The trusty base watch for all of this Chinese Zodiac magnificence is the Luminor Sealand 44mm (PAM 00863) model made of brushed stainless steel. The engraved cover protects a grey dial with Arabic numerals at 12 and 6, as well as linear hour markers and luminous dots. A small seconds’ dial is at 9 o’clock and the date window is at 3 o’clock. The cover also features a small signaling mirror on the back.

 

As with the other watches in Panerai’s Chinese Zodiac series, the Sealand 44mm Year of the Rat runs on the in-house P. 9010 Calibre with an ample power reserve of three days – the standard power reserve for Panerai watches. The power is supplied by twin spring barrels, fitted with springs that are wound by an oscillating weight operating in both directions. With automatic winding, the P.9010 caliber can be conveniently adjusted without interfering with the movement of the minute hand; most useful when changing time zones or moving between summer and wintertime. The date also changes automatically.

Water-resistant to 100 meters, the watch comes on a gold-colored semi-matt calf strap with beige stitching and features a trapezoid buckle clasp in brushed steel. Also available is a rubber strap in black along with a screwdriver and a special tool for changing the strap.

The Year of the Rat will begin on January 25^th, 2020, which is also the day the watch will launch in Panerai boutiques. The question is, does any Watchuseek reader have the complete set?

The new Year of the Rat watch will sell for US$23,600

Shop the Panerai Luminor Sealand 44mm Year of the Rat

 

The post Watch of the Day: Panerai Luminor Sealand 44mm Year of the Rat Limited Edition appeared first on watchuseek.com.