I really don’t like it when I make my mind up about something, only to slowly have to evolve my opinion based on addition information. I do it, but only begrudgingly. Such is the case with the latest watch project to come up on Kickstarter, the 1776 from Washington Mount Vernon. I was set to be really blase about the project, only to come around and like it.
Happy Mother's Day!
Welcome back to our weekly installment, where we have a quick look at some interesting watches and articles that have popped up over the last week, as well as taking a second look at what some of our more popular articles this week were. Today, we’ve got a DIY smartwatch and a new Italian watch that has an intriguing display. After those, we’ll highlight (as usual) some of our more popular posts from the last week. Read on to see what we’ve got in store for you.
If you’re even passingly familiar with my writing on watches, you’ll know that I’ve really been drawn to GMT watches over the past year or so. Add in the fact that I like showcasing good, affordable watches here on WWR, and our latest review on a Torgoen watch really clicks on a few different levels.
Do you celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day? Should you? Do you need a watch for it? Well, Ballast has you covered, along with anyone else who has a bit of the Pirate in them, with the Jolly Roger Watch. Adorned with the skull and crossbones of the Jolly Roger made famous by movie pirates everywhere, the watch adds a little edge, or playfulness, to your daily wear.
In general, I tend to see new brands go the crowdfunding route, or perhaps new-ish brands returning to the crowdfunding scene for a second or third model. The Techne SparrowHawk II Eco, however, is the second recent project I have seen that was launched by an established brand. Techne has been covered on these pages previously, and I own a Harrier model, so they are not unknown to us. The produce quality wristwatches with a military/aviation theme, and the styling of this project is not a departure for the brand.
I don’t currently own a chronograph, but have been temped to pick one up. Fjord Timepieces recently…
So, the other day I got an email from the winner of one of our previous AVI-8 giveaways. Todd and I had corresponded after he won, and he casually mentioned that he was a pilot, and would try to send a picture of the watch from the cockpit. Well, when someone tells me that, I generally think they’re flying something on the small side. Imagine my surprise to see the shots come in of something that definitely wasn’t a Cessna.
Magrette is offering fans a chance to order a new watch from them, the Leoncino (Little Lion), an automatic that takes its design cues from the styles of the 60s. The case is a squared off cushion style, with lugs that taper from the edges of the case to the strap. The finish is polished stainless steel (brushed on the sides), perfect to go with bright chrome fenders. The dial, however, that is pure Magrette DNA with a clean modern look.
Alright, I don’t know if this will be a regular feature or not, but I had a couple of great videos sent over by a friend this week (and I’ve a paucity of content for Historical Horology). So, I thought why not give you some easy viewing here for your Sunday.
