1. Arrival of the perfect GS – SBGD001

Earlier this year at Baselworld 2016, Seiko unveiled the Grand Seiko SBGD001, which I think is the ultimate Grand Seiko. It’s a simple three-hander, but there’s actually a lot going on. The expertly finished case is made out of platinum, while the dial is covered with diamond dust to invoke the feeling of fresh snow that falls in the Nagano region where this watch is born. And inside, the eight-day Spring Drive movement is exquisitely finished and features a special bridge in the outline of Mount Fuji, and highly polished jewels that represent the lights of the city of Suwa, where the watch is made. This watch best encapsulates the saying that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.

Source: PuristSPro

2. Seiko 5 vs. Swatch Sistem51: Which Watch Is Better for the Budding Enthusiast?

For mechanical watches to thrive, watch companies need to engage a new generation of watch lovers. To do that, watch makers must make mechanical watches more affordable and accessible. Thanks to the rise of micro-brands, there’s no shortage of affordable mechanical watches these days. However, it is widely regarded amongst watch enthusiasts that two of the best examples of affordable mechanical watches are the Swatch Sistem51 and the Seiko 5. But how do these watches differ and which is the better buy? Here are some thoughts.

Source: Gear Patrol

3. Beyond Basics – The Tudor Heritage Black Bay

Tudor is one of my favorite and most admired brands. Their new watches from the past five or so years have been stunning, and I think that they are doing a good job of coming up with new products and improving their products to meet consumers’ needs and demands. Unlike their more staid elder sibling Rolex, Tudor is certainly more adventurous and daring. And one of their boldest moves yet is coming out with their own in-house movements, and then fitting them into the Heritage Black Bay, which is surely one of Tudor’s most popular watches.

Source: Revolution

4. Hands-On With The Limited Edition Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 GMT SBGJ021

The Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 GMT is a special watch. After all, the limited-edition version, the SBGJ005, won the “Petite Aiguille” award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2014. For 2016, Seiko is revisiting the Hi-Beat 36000 GMT and releasing another limited-edition piece that celebrates the beauty of the surroundings of its Shizuku-ishi Watch Studio in Morioka, Japan. According to Seiko, the unique earthy red dial and the special oxidized rotor of the Hi-Beat 36000 SBGJ021e are inspired by the scenes of nearby Mount Iwate during sunrise. And as you can see from the photos here, it is a dial that is unique in its hues and unlike any other. It is this unusual aspect of Grand Seiko that has won it so many fans around the world.

Source: Fratellowatches

5. Smartwatches Are Dying Because They Are Worthless

Should the Swiss fear the rise of smartwatches? Will we see a repeat of the Quartz Crisis? These are questions that many Swiss watch executives are asking themselves. After all, there’s some evidence to suggest that smartwatches could very well be the next big thing. Apple, a year after releasing its Apple Watch, became the number two watch company in terms of overall sales, second only to mighty Rolex. However, if this op-ed is any indication of general consumer sentiments, then it seems that there is absolutely nothing to fear.

Source: Gizmodo