Hey readers,
Alex here from the Time+Tide Watch Discovery Studio in the heart of Melbourne with my top five picks of watches in the studio.
As a manager, favoritism is typically frowned upon so I will take the opportunity to indulge with this list. Don’t bother emailing me about the subjectivism either, I believe I am objectively correct at least 50% of the time. Let’s get into it.
Hamilton Khaki Field Auto 38mm on Bracelet.
This is my favorite watch in the studio, which isn’t an easy decision to make. A versatile daily wear made more contemporary from its military history inspired siblings by utilizing a brushed steel bracelet. With a modified ETA movement, 80 hours of power reserve, a simple date window and an astoundingly affordable price point, what’s not to love? This could be any budding enthusiasts one watch collection, unless you need a diver.
Studio Underdog 02 Series Midnight
A powerhouse of design and eclectic aesthetics, Studio Underd0g never fails to deliver watches that inspire imagination. Out of the 02 range, the Midnight is the only reference that does not have a fully lumed dial. Not for lack of creativity, instead the underside and top of the handset and indices are lumed, giving an illusion of neon light reflecting off a dark pool. This visual delight is only made possible by the sapphire sandwich dial bolted into the case, an ingenious point of design.
MIDO TV BIG DATE Blue Dial on Bracelet
The BIG DATE balances complexity and simplicity effortlessly. A rounded square case that hugs the wrist, a dial subtle in colour but a flashy polished bracelet. The large date window hides two rotating number wheels that fly across one another in a fantastic display and is able to command attention without consuming the balance of the watches design.
The MIDO TV BIG DATE stands its ground in the steel sports watch world and is an easy favorite in the studio for me.
Furlan Marri x Time+Tide Outback Elegy
Yes I’m biased. Getting to work for Time+Tide means I got to see and handle this gorgeous dress watch before the rest of the world but my love for this limited edition was instant.
I’ve seen watchmakers take on the “Australian red dirt aesthetic” to varied degrees of success, often going over the top and missing the mark (that’s a footy reference).
In the case of the Outback Elegy its combination of dark rich browns, rose gold roman numerals and a tastefully subtle red/gold shimmer effect across the dial makes for one of the most beautiful watches I’ve ever seen. Furlan Marri are an exciting brand, it’s like being a fan of a musician before the blow up and being able to proudly present our very own collaboration with them is beyond satisfying.
NORQAIN Wild ONE
Pick up ONE and you won't put it down. NORQAIN are a relatively new company, Swiss to their core, family owned and with collaboration from Jean-Claude Biver the Wild ONE was born.
Stacked with patented components and materials like Norteq, a carbon fiber case that is six times lighter than steel.
Apart from wearing like a dream, the 25 part case has been rated to an insane 5000G shock test. In laymans, if you were to experience this level of impact all that would remain would be dust, pulp and the NORQAIN Wild ONE.
You’d think I sell these for a living. Truthfully, these are the only option for an elite, luxury level sports watch that will genuinely survive whatever you have to throw at it.
