Welcome back to The Wind Up, our weekly round-up of all the horological happenings of the past week. In this latest edition, Urwerk unveils an anniversary edition of its much-loved EMC model, OMEGA celebrates the spirit of the America’s Cup, Glashütte Original gets a little festive with its dial colours and Tissot goes all-in on anime. Enjoy and have a great week ahead!
Urwerk EMC SR-71
- Brand: Urwerk
- Model: EMC SR-71
- Diameter: 47.50mm
- Movement: UR-EMC
- Water-Resistance: 30m
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Price: CHF150,000 (Limited to 10 pieces)
Urwerk celebrates the 10th anniversary of its innovative EMC series with the EMC SR-71, a watch that pays homage to the iconic SR-71 “Blackbird” spy plane. The EMC SR-71 is a technological marvel, combining a traditional manual-wind movement with a cutting-edge digital control unit that allows wearers to monitor and adjust the watch’s accuracy in real-time. This feature reflects Urwerk’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of horology, blending mechanical craftsmanship with modern technology.
The watch’s design is heavily inspired by the SR-71 plane, incorporating actual material from the aircraft in the crank handle used for winding the movement. This connection to aviation is further emphasised by the sleek, stealthy aesthetic of the watch, mirroring the plane’s design. Limited to just 10 pieces and priced at CHF150,000, the EMC SR-71 is a collector’s piece that merges history, advanced watchmaking, and futuristic design in a unique and highly exclusive package.
OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup
- Brand: OMEGA
- Model: OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup
- Reference: Ref. 210.30.42.20.04.002
- Movement: Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806
- Diameter: 42mm
- Power Reserve: 55 hours
- Water-Resistance: 300 metres
- Price: AUD$10,800
OMEGA has released a special edition of its Seamaster Diver 300M in celebration of the 37th America’s Cup. This model, crafted in a 42mm stainless steel case, highlights OMEGA’s advanced watchmaking technology with its METAS-certified Master Chronometer movement. The design features a distinctive white ceramic dial engraved with a wave pattern, symbolising the maritime event. Unique to this edition, the watch includes a regatta countdown bezel and a second-hand counterweight shaped like the America’s Cup trophy, merging functionality with nautical aesthetics.
The timepiece’s colour scheme, dominated by blue and white, reflects the spirit of America’s Cup and is further enhanced by its specialised elements tailored for yacht racing. Priced at AUD$10,800 and available on a bracelet, this Seamaster Diver 300M is not just a tribute to the prestigious event but also a testament to OMEGA’s legacy in precision and design, making it an attractive choice for both watch enthusiasts and sailing aficionados.
Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date “Swimming Pool” and “Watermelon” Editions
- Brand: Glashütte Original
- Model: Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date
- Reference: 1-37-02-17-02xx
- Diameter: 40mm
- Movement: Calibre 37-02
- Water-Resistance: 100m
- Power Reserve: 70 hours
- Price: From AUD$23,350 (Limited to 100 pieces each)
Glashütte Original has expanded its Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date collection with two bold new dial colours: “Swimming Pool” turquoise and “Watermelon” coral red. These vibrant editions feature a 40mm cushion-shaped stainless steel case inspired by 1970s designs and house the in-house cal. 37-02 movement. The movement includes a flyback chronograph, a Panorama Date, and a 70-hour power reserve, all presented with meticulous German-style finishing.
Despite its high-quality movement and unique design, the Seventies Chronograph has struggled to gain widespread popularity, possibly due to its retro styling and relatively thick proportions. However, with a price of AUD$25,150 on a bracelet and AUD$23,350 on a rubber strap, these new colourful editions offer both a strong visual appeal and exceptional horological value, appealing to those who appreciate the blend of vintage aesthetics with modern watchmaking excellence.
Tissot PRX UFO Robot Grendizer
- Brand: Tissot
- Model: PRX UFO Robot Grendizer
- Reference: T137.407.11.041.02
- Diameter: 40mm
- Movement: Powermatic 80
- Water-Resistance: 100m
- Power Reserve: 80 hours
- Price: AUD$1,335
Tissot has launched a special edition of its popular PRX watch, paying homage to the iconic anime character Grendizer. This release stands out with its distinctive design, featuring a dial that mimics Grendizer’s head and colour scheme, creating a strong connection to the beloved robot. The watch retains the PRX’s sleek, retro-inspired case and integrated bracelet, but with added playful details that appeal to both watch collectors and anime enthusiasts.
This limited-edition model showcases Tissot’s innovative approach to blending pop culture with traditional Swiss watchmaking. The brand has successfully merged nostalgia with modern aesthetics, making the PRX Grendizer edition a unique collector’s item. The watch not only serves as a functional timepiece but also as a tribute to a cultural icon, reflecting Tissot’s ability to create products that resonate with a diverse audience.
The Hour Glass Expands into Adelaide
Specialist watch retailer The Hour Glass has unveiled a new boutique in Adelaide, its first in South Australia. Located in Adelaide Central Plaza shopping centre on Rundle Mall, the new space offers local watch fans a rare opportunity to shop some of the biggest brands in the world; from Rolex, Tudor, Hublot, Bvlgari, Zenith, Chopard, Ulysse Nardin, Girard-Perregaux, and NOMOS Glashütte.
The new Adelaide boutique also brings The Hour Glass’ tally of national locations to eight, a figure that Michael Tay, group managing director of the retail business, described as a ‘historic milestone’.
“The opening of our Adelaide boutique marks the next chapter of The Hour Glass in Australia,” Tay said. “We’ve long been servicing Adelaide enthusiasts through our boutiques in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane; our presence along the famed Rundle Mall is a historic milestone in the evolution of The Hour Glass and our desire to further the appreciation for watches in Australia.”
Inside, The Hour Glass Adelaide boutique features an elegant, personalised experience, best characterised by a central, custom-made chandelier that pays homage to the city’s CBD grid. Named the ‘Temporal Grid,’ it was designed by ILANEL, a Melbourne-based multidisciplinary designer who specialises in bespoke luminaries and light-based installations. It’s a jaw-dropping entry point and the ideal exclamation mark on a boutique that watch fans have been eagerly awaiting for some time. The Hour Glass Adelaide is located at Adelaide Central Plaza, 100 Rundle Mall, Adelaide SA 5000.
