If you’ve not heard of the Cabot Watch Company (CWC) before now, you really owe it to yourself to check out their lineup.  Especially if you’re a fan of military timepieces, the way the British pull a watch together… or both.

To be sure, CWC is indeed a British company, located in London, and they’ve been producing watches for Great Britain’s military for over 30 years.  This means you’ve got one of two ways to obtain a CWC timepiece – join the military, or go though their one and only authorized reseller (more on that in a bit).

So, what do you get with their lineup?  It consists of thirteen wristwatches (in quartz or automatic), and one lone pocket watch.  They all share a sort of no-nonsense design, and all come with steel cases and black dials.  The one I’d like to focus in on is actually a reissue, their 1970 Chronograph Mechanical.

This particular watch spoke out to me the most, even over their newer chronograph styles.  It features a 29 jewel hand-wind Valjoux 7760.  With the two sub-dials, you’ve got a 30 minute chrono register at 3 o’clock, and the running seconds at 9 o’clock.

The 41mm stainless steel case (14mm thick) is polished, and holds the solid strap bars and acrylic crystal in place.  Wrapping up the whole piece is a military-issue strap, which just absolutely fits well to the aesthetic of the watch.  The other added benefit is that NATO straps are simple to change, and quite affordable, meaning you can change the look of the watch quite simply.

In the end, there’s a lot that I like about this piece.  It just comes together, and it is truly vintage military, even with being a reissue.  Short of what the folks at CountyComm are putting out, I don’t know where you’ll get this taste of authenticity.  Now for the bad news.  At current exchange rates, picking one of these up from Silvermans will set you back almost $1400.  Of course, if you like the style, you can get the quartz chrono for a hair under $500, or many of the other styles for less yet.

Today, we’re going to take a look at a watch from a brand we’ve not yet had the chance to feature here on WWR – the aviation-inspired Torgoen.

The model we were sent for review is the T30301, which, unsurprisingly, is part of the T30 family.  All watches in that group feature the following:

• Chronograph Swiss Movement (quartz)
• High Grade Stainless Steel Case with black ionic plating (45mm by 13mm thick)
• Screwed Down Stainless Steel Back
• Super Hardened K1 Mineral Crystal
• Italian Leather Strap with Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Buckle
• Polyurethane strap (a stainless steel bracelet is an option)
• Water Resistant for 10 ATM (330 feet)
• Non Radioactive Long Lasting Luminescent Indexes & Hand

Past these very nice specs, the four models in the family are differentiated by the color scheme in play.  The model we were sent for review, the T30301, features my favorite of the bunch, with a black dial, cream indices, and use of orange as an accent color.

The two orange hands in the center, I have to admit, threw me off at first.  I was expecting the arrow head to indicate GMT time (which is just about standard, it seems), and the narrow hand for indicating the alarm.  Turns out, it’s the exact opposite.  And, closer examination of the 24 hour hand will show a small 24, to keep you straight.  The alarm, while not deafening, is perfectly serviceable.

Rounding the rest of the dial out, you’ve got the larger subdial indicating the seconds, and oversized window for the date display, and skeletonized hands.  Even with the cutouts, I found the time readable (day or night).  This is one of a few watches that I’ve reviewed with the larger cutout for date, and I frankly don’t understand the appeal.  It’s not like you can’t figure out what day comes before or after the current day, right?

Overall, there’s a lot to like this about this watch, in terms of looks and functionality.  The one larger wrinkle with this piece is the price.  MSRP puts it a hair under $500.  I was able to find some online retailers I’ve never heard of selling it for under $300, but caveat emptor there.  For my money, when you get in the $500 range, your world really opens up a lot for watch options, and it’s harder to recommend a quartz.  Not that I’d say this is a bad watch, it’s just got a lot of competition for your cash.

Time for some more Ernst Benz news (you did see our earlier review, right?)  Ernst Benz and John Varvatos have teamed up before, and they’ve come together again to introduce some vintage-styled models.

Well, technically, it’s just one model (name the ChronoScope), with two color variations – the white shown up the top of this post, and the olive variant shown below.  Both models share a 47mm polished case (borrowed from the Great Circle collection) with rectangular pushers, as well as a sapphire crystal in the caseback so you can see the Valjoux 7750 (which is an automatic, and has day/date and chronograph complications) working away.

These models also differ from the standard EB ones in that they have special signed buckles that are on the straps.  And speaking of the straps, you’ll have your choice of four with each model.  The white features Matte Cayman Island Crocodile or Vintage Bison Aviator Strap; the Olive timepiece will be delivered on an Olive Bison Strap or Matte Alligator; if those aren’t to your liking, you can opt for a black alligator or bison strap.

I do think that these have a great vintage feel, especially with the antiqued lume that’s applied on the hands and numerals – it really sings on that white/brown model up top, doesn’t it?

Regardless of the options you end up selecting for either limited edition (250 piece of each color scheme), you’ll be putting down the same amount of money  - $6800.  These are available exlusively through Varvatos stores, or you can head here.

I really thought that I had brought this watch to your attention before, but it looks like I really hadn’t.  So, today we correct that oversight, looking at a model from the folks at Graf Zeppelin.

The particular model I want to focus in on is the LZ129 Hindenburg.  Perhaps not the most favorable name association for something mechanical you hope works for ages without issue, but so be it.  We’re more interested in the watch itself than the name, right?

Though the name inspiration is old, this is a thoroughly modern watch.  It starts off with a 40mm stainless steel case that’s only 11mm thick.  Up front, you’ve got a domed Hesalite crystal.  Hesalite itself is similar to an acrylic crystal, and has some interesting properties (you can read more here).

These two items, along with an exhibition caseback, are housing a modified Miyota movement.  Specifically, it’s the Miyota 9100, which allows for the 24 hour time indication at 6 o’clock, as well as the date display at 3 o’clock and power reserve at 12 o’clock.  The modifications to this movement were to remove the month and day of the week indications.  So, as you can see, this movement has a lot going for it.

This watch has plenty going on in the style department as well.  Overall, you’ve got a cream dial with black indices and hands (and those are about the largest hands I’ve seen on a watch in some time).  I think the cream color gives the piece an older feel, which meshes well with the fonts used on the dial.  That said, while the white subdial isn’t a deal breaker, it is a bit jarring.  Paired up with the 20mm leather strap, you’ve got a great casual and workday option.

All told, this is a rather intriguing watch that’s housing a movement that I’ve not really noticed in another watch as of yet.  Given that it’s a Miyota (Citizen), though, it should be plenty reliable.  If you want to pick up this watch (and why wouldn’t you?), you’ll need about $550 to get one from an authorized reseller.

Who?  G. Gerlach, that’s who.  They’re a new watch company based in Poland, and they’re making watches that are a tribute to crews of two submarines, the ORP Sokol and ORP Dzik.

Of course, if you’re going to honor the Polish Navy, and these specific vessels, you’ve definitely got some heritage to lean on, and G. Gerlach has definitely done that.  They acknowledge that the original Navy-issue watch was the Vostok Amphibian, and as such, they’ve drawn design inspiration from those watches.

Here, we’ve got a 42mm solid stainless steel case with strap attachment points part of the single unit.  So, rather than lugs, you’re actually attaching the strap in a slightly different manner.  It’s hard to tell without seeing the piece up close to know how this might impact fit and/or comfort, but it certainly looks interesting.

The uni-directional, lumed bezel is wrapping around a sapphire crystal that’s actually 2.7mm thick (to improve water resistance). This water resistance rating of 200 meters is also assisted by the screw-down crown and screw-in caseback.  This is all done to keep the Seagull ST 2551 automatic movement ticking away.

That particular movement can be hand-wound, and is hacking (this means the second hand stops while you set the time), and has an estimated 45 hour power reserve.  Frankly, I’m happy to see the Seagull movement being used by another small watch manufacturer.  Not so much because it’s a Seagull, but for the fact that it’s breaking from the norm of using an ETA or Miyota movement.  Variety is good, and will force some competition.

Last, but not least, the watch sits on a 22mm leather strap, and is available with either a black or white dial.  Depending on the dial selected, you’ll have different contrast stitching on the strap.  Frankly, both the white and black dials look good to my eyes, and overall presents a nicely sized and compact watch.

If you’re interested, you can pick up one of this limited edition (500 of each color) for under $300, at current conversion rates.  Just head on over here, and let ‘em know WWR sent you.

Just had some more news about new Swatch models cross my desk on my lunch break, so I thought I’d bring it to your attention.  And, hey, they’re chronographs!

It looks like there are three different color combos (black with red, black with fushia, and fushia with white).  Regardless of color, you’ve got a 40mm case (12mm thick) made of aluminum, as well as an aluminum bracelet.  Given that, it should be a fairly light quartz watch, even given the bigger size.

If you’re looking for a colorful chrono, this may be right up your alley, at $175.  For our part, we’re looking into getting a sample over for review to give you an up-close impression.

Swiss watch and jewellery maker Swatch unveils two new watches in its signature collection of Swiss made precision Irony chronographs. The Chrono Collection presents a pair of Irony Chronos featuring the popular model’s classic good looks and timeless style.

Polished stainless steel gives the polished 40mm case, brushed bezel and brushed bracelet a distinguished and self-assured look and feel, while sun-brushed black or red dials present a fashion-wise contrast, with the tone-on-tone counters adding just the right touch of cool, understated elegance to the design. Smart, poised and stylish-the Chrono Collection says it all.

Shop: Swatch Red Circle - http://bit.ly/SwatchRedCircle - $175.00

Shop Swatch Fuchsia Circle - http://bit.ly/SwatchFuchsiaCircle - $175.00

Though, it might just look like one if you’re not as massive as ol’ Ahnold… We caught wind of this tank-inspired piece going on sale at 12 Eastern today, courtesy of the folks at Uncrate.  At least when you drop a grand on this watch, you’re helping out a charity, according to the Gilt page.

 Following on the heels of yesterday’s new model announcement, I’ve got another new watch (and new watch company) to bring to your attention.  That picture up top grab your attention?  Read on! OceanArc is one of the newest British watch companies, with things being driven and designed by a watch enthusiast, Kevin Lambert.  His goal was to design an eye-catching piece.  And though I’ve only seen renders so far, that goal does seem like it will be accomplished with his Series One model.

At first, of course, that’s mainly by the use of the colors.  Thankfully, those aren’t just some coats of shiny paint – it seems that those will actually be luminous paints, so you should have a bit of a light show on your wrist when the lights go down.  Past the colors, you’ve also got an interesting multi-sided design in play on both the bezel and the case itself, a repeating wave motif on the dial,tridents at the cardinal points on the dial and what looks to be a stingray strap.

Of course, if the watch only looks interesting, but doesn’t have the guts to back it up, it’s not going to make you want to put your money on the counter, now is it?  Well, fear not, gentle reader, as this piece is shaping up to have some nice specs:

• 42mm Stainless steel, matte black DLC case
• Movement: ETA 2824-2 automatic (28,800 VPH; 25 jewels; 41 hour power reserve)
• Unidirectional bezel with Super-Luminova (SL) markers
• Dial has etched waves, and more SL indicators
• Hands:  green SL on hours/minutes; waveform seconds hand
• Limited Edition: 500 pieces, individually numbered
• 500 meter water resistance

So, as you can see, you have a very well-known quantity driving the watch, which should allay any concerns about purchasing from a new company (your local watch shop should be able to service it without issue).  I have to say, this watch has me interested.  I think the color combination is walking a very fine line between being attention-grabbing and being garish; if it’s done well, this will be an intriguing piece.

It does look like we’ll be able to have a review sample sent over when the watch is released later this year (summertime), so we’ll definitely give you an in-depth review at that time.  In the meantime, if you want to pre-order yours, you can head to this pageand get the ball rolling.

You’ll need to put 50% down, but you do get a 20% pre-order discount.  In short, if you order now, you’ll only need to lay out £1,999 (inc. Vat) / £1,665 (exc. Vat) ($3224 / $2685).  Once the pre-order closes, prices will go back up to £2,399 (inc. Vat) / £1,999 (exc. Vat).

It seems like it’s been awhile since we saw a new model come out from TokyoFlash, isn’t it?  Well, that oversight has been remedied, as I had news of another brand new model cross my desk.

The model in question is the Kisai Gravity, and my immediate reaction is that it has a similar look/feel to the Ziiiro Celeste that we reviewed back in March.  This is due to the fact that you’ve got two disks revolving around, and where they stop, the time is indicated (if that’s not clear, just look at the picture below).

Past that, though, the similarities to that particular model end (the acrylic disks to call to mind the Celeste, however).  One very welcome addition is the EL backlight, which is color-matched to the main color of the dial (blue or green).  This makes it much simpler to tell time at night (as well as looking pretty sweet).

The watch itself is labelled as a unisex piece, and with the stainless steel case (in silver or black) being 36mm in diameter, you can see it would work for most people.  The movement is a quartz one, powered by three(!) SR626SW watch batteries.  Finally, the bracelet will have the same finish as the case, and should fit your wrist unless it’s over 8.5″ in diameter.

Another design feature I like on this piece is the sort of domed look it has with the crystal.  Sure, it’ll add some height, but frankly, with a casual piece like this, you’re not necessarily concerned with how well it fits under a shirt cuff.  To me, it just makes it a little bit different than other pieces, even within the TF line.

To my eyes, this is perfect if you liked what you saw in the Ziiiro pieces I referred to earlier in the review, but want something a bit more affordable.  If you’d like to pick up one of these pieces, you’ll want to act quick.  They’ve actually got some pre-order pricing in play until May 11th, 11:30 AM Japan time:   $99 (€73, £60). After that, the watch goes up to its regular price of $129 (€95, £80).  (Here’s the product page.)

Timex has had a lot of new styles coming out, and we’ve been able to show you quite a few different styles.  Today, we’ll be looking at another model from their Originals line, the Dive Style.

Timex has a lot of affordable and stylish watches available, and the model we were sent to review, the T2N663, fits rather well into this existing lineup.  While the styling isn’t breaking any new ground, it is compact and useful.

Before we get too far into that, however, let’s take a quick look at the hard specs for the watch:

•  38mm stainless steel case with 18mm lugs
• Mineral crystal
• Quartz movement with date display
• INDIGLO Night-Light
• Silicone strap
• Count-down Timer Top Ring
• Water-Resistant to 50 meters

So far, no surprises, right?  Take a closer look at the bullet second from the bottom.  The moving bezel is actually labelled, and therefore counts, opposite of how we’re used to on most watches.  Rather than setting the bezel to the current time, and then checking later to see how much time has elapsed, you set how long you want your count down.

Simply twist the bezel to align the desired countdown time to the minutes hand, and let the movement do the work for you.  In the end, it’s an interesting twist on what we’d more commonly see, and I’m unsure of how useful it is or not.  Of course, that could just be my own preference for the count-up method.

The bezel aside, this is a fairly standard watch.  The lume on the hands is decent, though with the ever-present Indiglo backlight, that’s really not really much of a concern.  Where I think this watch fits, in terms of purchase, is someone who wants the reliability of a Timex quartz, and likes a dive-inspired piece.

Unfortunately, if your heart is set on the specific sample we reviewed, it looks like that one is no longer available.  The functionally similar T2N664, however, is – just in a blue color scheme, rather than black.  For the price of $85 (or $73 after discount), it’s another great affordable option from the folks at Timex.