It’s been a hot minute (or month) since I sent an email out, and there are a few reasons for that. First of all, the obvious covid-ennui that I’m sure many of you can relate to. Not going to go on about that – instead I’m going to do a top line about what has been going on in my little Australian corner of watchland.
Zoom.
First of all, a lot of Zooming. A few nights a week are typically taken up with this new pseudo-anonymous community forum-cum-press conference. And honestly, it’s not too much different from the sort of product presentations I’d sit through at SIHH. The most significant difference is the engagement is a lot more stilted (like a 5PM presentation at SIHH tbh), and you can’t see any actual watches.
Touch and Feel.
Luckily though, I have had a chance to see some of the brands drip-feed of new releases IRL. Honourable mentions include Bremont, IWC, Cartier and Longines. In the name of brevity, I’ll roll through my highlight from each (or at least the ones that aren’t still embargoed).
Bremont
The English chaps finally got around to updating their popular pilot, the MBII. I was initially hesitant about the dial design changes (RIP DAY), but after trying it on for size, I think it’s a smart move. Plus the online configurator is nifty.
IWC
The Porty 40 is killer. Proper wearable everyday dress watch. Lovely proportions all round and very grown-up. IWC nailed this one.
Cartier
Cartier can do something exceptional with their watches. Make them look so-so in renders, but absolutely stunning on the wrist. The manually wound Santos-Dumont is a case-in-point.
Longines
In a year when everyone else is holding, Longines goes all in. And with the new aviation-inspired Spirit (complete with Howard Hughes and Amelia Earhart tie-ins) the brand is onto a winner. The chrono has some quirks, but the 40mm time-only is perfectly pitched.
OT-aking Over The World
So the other major reason for my silence here is that I’ve been pretty noisy elsewhere. In addition to hustling for work in all sorts of odd places, just like every other freelancer in this *changing media landscape*. But really, the big one is OT: The Podcast, which Andy Green and I have been mulling over for a while. We kicked off in early April, and it’s been bonkers ever since, We’re now 17 episodes in, and have really positive feedback and growth (and lots of learning, obviously).
If you haven’t listened recently, you’ve missed out on some great stuff. Last week we spoke to Richard Harris, a cave-diving doctor who wears a Bremont and rescues soccer teams from Thai caves.
We also chatted to James Cox, who, until he sold it at Phillips, owned Paul Newman’s Paul Newman Daytona.
We bantered with Masterchef winner Diana Chan, tried to take down the Submariner and chatted to watch pod gods the Grey Nato.
We’ve also had a Dolly Parton-heavy guest appearance on Tenn & Two, and been covered by the almighty Hodinkee.
I thought I’d take this opportunity though to share some behind the scenes highlights.
Andy ‘on-air’ swearing for the first time about a Cartier bracelet of all things.
Receiving dozens of emails and DMs from people looking for us to find them a watch — and what’s even better is that several people have reported back saying that we were on the money.
One person discovered a brand from us — and bought a watch! SUF Helsinki in case you’re wondering.
We’ve had our first sponsor! The wonderful guys at Swiss Typefaces — thanks team!
Getting custom Casioaks for the team (of three). First time I’ve ever had a team watch. Lovely feeling (and a super fun watch).
So there you go, a quick update on OT. If you don’t subscribe, please consider it — and if you feel like reviewing and sharing, that would be wonderful, and it makes a big difference.
Reading list
OK, so there’s been a lot to read recently. If corporate intrigue is your jam, Ms Tweed has you covered with her series on Richemont. I had some thoughts about the new Chronomat over on Executive Traveller. Honestly, I’m sure there’s heaps of other gold I’ve forgotten about, but I’ve rambled on long enough for now. Until next time.