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King Seiko SPB365J | Image: Seiko

The Wind Up – Watch News #253


Welcome back to our weekly edition highlighting all of the notable watch releases of the past seven days, the Wind Up. This week is as stacked as ever, with a huge assortment of new and exciting watches being released over the course of the week. We’ve got new watches from the likes of Ulysse Nardin, Roger Dubuis, Ball and Seiko. Happy reading gents!

King Seiko SPB365J | Image: Seiko
King Seiko SPB365J | Image: Seiko

Seiko Celebrates Japan’s First Wristwatch

Seiko has commemorated Japan’s first-ever wristwatch with its latest piece, aptly named the King Seiko. A celebration 110 years in the making, the new King Seiko series features in stainless steel with either a white, dark blue or green dial. There is a limited edition piece, which features a Kikkoumon stylised dial, a design inspired by traditional geometric patterns based on the hexagonal shape of the tortoiseshell which symbolises longevity and prosperity.

Each of the new non-limited pieces are powered by the maison’s new Calibre 6R55 which boasts an improved power reserve of 72 hours, while the special limited edition model will be powered by the Calibre 6R31. The main point of difference here is the reduced power reserve as well as the lack of a date window. My pick of the four would definitely be that limited edition piece, brilliant stuff.

Check it out

Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon | Image: Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon | Image: Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin Blast Tourbillon

Ulysse Nardin has unveiled its latest variation on the acclaimed Blast Tourbillon. This highly skeletonised work of haute horlogerie art boasts an airy look and feel about it, thanks to the maison’s extensive openworking of the dial and bridges. Propelling this piece to new heights is the new combination of rose gold and blue, a first for the collection. The blend of warm and cool tones adds another element to the aesthetic brilliance that is the Blast Tourbillon. But the focal point remains: that fantastic UN-172 calibre and its flying tourbillon.

Brand: Ulysse Nardin
Model: Blast Tourbillon
Reference Number: 1725-400-3A/3A
Diameter: 45mm
Water Resistance: 50m
Calibre: UN-172
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Price: CHF63,500

Check it out

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The Wind Up – Watch News #252

Ball Engineer II Moon Calendar | Image: Ball
Ball Engineer II Moon Calendar | Image: Ball

Ball Engineer II Moon Calendar

New from Ball is the highly legible and equally as wearable Engineer II Moon Calendar. Available in a variety of dial colours, the Engineer II Moon Calendar is a lovely blend of practicality, functionality and affordability. Distinct in its design and sound in its execution, for AUD4,900 there is little else you would expect to be had here.

I particularly like the dial layout and how Ball has integrated all of its functions. Two discreet apertures that sit just below the 12 o’clock marker show the day and the month, a red crescent moon-tipped hand indicates the date, and an indicator at the bottom of the dial in its own register displays the moon phase.

Brand: Ball
Model: Engineer II Moon Calendar
Reference Number: NM3016C-S1J-WH / WHGR / BE / GR
Diameter: 40mm
Water Resistance: 100m
Calibre: BALL RR1807
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Price: AUD4,900

Check it out

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Blacklight Spin-Stone Monobalancier | Image: Roger Dubuis
Roger Dubuis Excalibur Blacklight Spin-Stone Monobalancier | Image: Roger Dubuis

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Blacklight Spin-Stone Monobalancier

Roger Dubuis has just dropped one of its most colourful and innovative pieces yet, the Excalibur Blacklight Spin-Stone Monobalancier. Capitalising on the already super popular Excalibur Monobalancier base, the new Excalibur Blacklight Spin-Stone Monobalancier exhibits a lighting display unlike anything else.

Encased in Eon-Gold with a matching Eon-Gold bezel, the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Blacklight Spin-Stone™ Monobalancier’s dial features vivid spinels, a gemstone that gives off a variety of colours. Each spinel used in the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Blacklight Spin-Stone Monobalancier has been coated in Super-LumiNova, thus giving it an incredible look regardless of the lighting environment.

Brand: Roger Dubuis
Model: Excalibur Blacklight Spin-Stone™ Monobalancier
Reference Number: RDDBEX0950
Diameter: 42mm
Water Resistance: 100m
Calibre: RD720SQ
Power Reserve: 72 hours
Price: AUD230,000

Check it out

If you enjoyed The Wind Up and would like to continue reading about watches, you can head on over to my blog, Haulogerie, where I delve a bit deeper into the wonderful world of horology.

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The Wind Up – Watch News #252
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