  Cases The two D1 Milano timepieces we have from Italian company D1 are pretty much housed in the same identical cases with different finishes, and the XRAY has a exhibition caseback while the P701 contains a solid steel caseback. The dimensions are very wearable at 41.5MM in diameter with a case thickness of a very slim 11MM. These dimensions fit very comfortable on my 6.5" wrist with ease and can definitely slip under a cuff if it were to be worn with a suit or shirt. Now, in terms of design these pieces generally take hints from watches such as the Patek Philippe Nautilus and contains some Royal Oak DNA in the integrated solid steel bracelet. However, when combined it happens to create a nice elegant and sporty everyday look at the same time which I found quite nice. The finishing is all brushed very smoothly on the P701 whilst the XRAY has a nice black DLC coating, giving it a stealthy and clean look. Some nice details include the polished sides of the stationary scalped bezels.    Dial The P701 Dial is matte black with neatly applied brushed indices and a date cutout at the 3:00 position in black which matches the dial quite nicely. In terms of the XRAY - the dial features a nice skeletonized pattern with black hands and markers to match the chapter ring. It is definitely still legible, But I would not say it is as legible as the standard automatic P701. A nice detail is the black logo printing on the genuine sapphire crystal featured on the XRAY while the P701 boasts an AR coated Mineral Crystal. If there is one thing to improve here, at a pricepoint of $600+ USD - one nowadays really does expect a Sapphire crystal on a watch. Other than that, the dials are clean without any error or QC issues and can be read clearly.  Movements UsedNow, D1 Milano chose to go with Seiko made automatic movements which is a good thing. These movements are robust, tested, easy to function and maintain and last quite some years without a regular service interval from my many experiences with them. The P701 is rocking a standard NH35 caliber movement. This movement features 24 jewels - hand winding - hacking - and can hold up too 40 Hours of power reserve. They also are relatively accurate even when not regulated in the factory. My example is gaining around 4 seconds a day which is really good for a watch at this price point. The XRAY features a customized rotor and the rare Seiko NH70 movement. This is a time only movement and beats at the same 3 HZ ( 21,600 BPH ) as the P701. The power reserve is also a bit longer at around 44 hours which is pretty sweet for the end user. I do appreciate that they did go the extra mile and include some nice striping decoration on the NH70 as well as a nice exhibition caseback for a glimpse into the mechanics of the NH70. Integrated Bracelets Both of these models utilize the same exact integrated solid stainless steel bands. They are indeed comfortable and do not seem to pull hair from my arms which is good to see. I have not had an issue adjusting the links via standard push pins. The finishing is decent in a nice brushed finish while the clasp really stands out as well for me. The clasp is just really firm and snaps down with a nice feeling. This one definitely wont be coming loose while on wrist from what I can tell. The clasp also conforms perfectly without adding extra bulk which I do appreciate in terms of comfort. Overall, they are good bracelets for the pricepoint of the watch, and I do not see a problem here.  ConclusionFurthermore, I believe D1 produced two quality timepieces with useable and reliable movements. It really checks all the boxes for me in terms of case cut and finish, solidness, and also a very robust feeling while still maintaining a rather classy yet sporty look which can be used in a number of dress situations.    
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 Case Sternglas Zeitmesser based out of Hamburg, Germany has released their latest offering the Kanton - a nice take on a casual/dressy bauhaus designed swiss made marked automatic watch. I have taken a look at a few of their other releases in the past, and they are pretty much on point in terms of design and materials used for this sector of watches. The Kanton features nice and modern wearable dimensions of 39MM x 10MM thick with a nice highly polished solid 316L Stainless Steel case. The finishing is smooth and the lugs transition nicely to curve to the wrist which I found helped with comfort on my 6.5" wrist. If we flip over to the caseback we get a traditional screw in caseback with a nice exhibition window displaying the customized Swiss automatic caliber they chose to utilize in the Kanton. Overall, the case is very circular and plants flat on the wrist but bubbles up a bit which makes it easy to read the time at a flick of the wrist. Now, this is not a dive watch nor a field watch so 30M of water resistant with a pull/push crown is typical for this style of timepiece.   Dial The dial is where we really see the German Bauhaus design come to life with its neatly small printed numerals and evenly placed lumed markers at 12-3-6-9 for legibility at night. The dial itself is a nice curved Satin silver finished colour. It really gives the watch a bit of a vintage bauhaus and classical look in my opinion, which personally I think fits the persona of the brand itself. Long evenly sized hands filled with green lume at the tips are a nice touch as well as the date window placed at the 6:00 position. I think a date was really needed here, and the watch would of been almost too plain without substance if they had not implicated a date window in white. Legibility is insanely good with a nice domed sapphire crystal featuring anti reflective coating...outside on a sunny day it almost seems the dial becomes even more legible. This watch does feature the "Swiss Made" marking so we can assume the movement was installed in Switzerland with Swiss hands and tuned for the least. Overall, it looks nice on the wrist and definitely can be worn with a suit or casually. Movement The movement is quite a stunning one, with its' custom Sternglas rotor and blued screws. This is the fossil group STP 1-11 which is becoming popular lately due to ETA production restrictions that are taking place. In my opinion, just as a Selitta SW200 - these are also swiss made and run just as good or equal as an ETA 2824. This one features 26 Jewels, 44 Hours of Power Reserve,Hacking and Hand Wind, as well as beautiful perlage work on the plates/geneva striping on the rotor. In terms of accuracy from this sample model I have gained an average of 3 seconds per day which is extremely good! These movements are robust, tough, and can last a lifetime if properly serviced every 5 years or so. Leather Band Genuine Italian leather was the choice here on this configuration supplied, and I am quite content with the comfort level and Quick-Release ends. The strap conforms nicely after a couple of wears and even features a nice slim and polished custom buckle. The brown really does match nicely with the silver dial and I honestly would not change it out, as it is indeed a good quality band.   ConclusionFurthermore, this watch is definitely a step up from previous models produced by the Hamburg company and it does show they are willing to take things to the next level. It is a German designed Swiss Powered watch which kind of combines the best of both worlds in a little package. These watches are available immediately through the Sternglas webshop linked above and ship free with DHL worldwide, which is pretty sweet. RRP $904.    |
ROLEX HISTORY
Rolex is a Swiss luxury watch brand that was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, England. The company originally began as Wilsdorf and Davis, but it was later renamed to Rolex in 1908.
The first Rolex watches were not manufactured in-house, but instead were made by other watchmakers and then branded with the Rolex name. However, Wilsdorf had a vision of creating a wristwatch that was both reliable and accurate, and he set out to develop his own movements.
In 1910, Rolex became the first wristwatch to receive the Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision, which was a testament to the accuracy of the watch. Over the years, Rolex continued to innovate and develop new technologies and features, such as the first waterproof wristwatch in 1926, the first self-winding mechanism in 1931, and the first wristwatch with a date display in 1945.
Rolex has also been associated with several famous individuals, including explorers, athletes, and celebrities. For example, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay wore Rolex watches when they became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. Rolex has also been the official timekeeper of several sporting events, including Wimbledon and the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Today, Rolex is one of the most recognized and respected luxury watch brands in the world, known for its quality, precision, and timeless style.
The first Rolex watches were not manufactured in-house, but instead were made by other watchmakers and then branded with the Rolex name. However, Wilsdorf had a vision of creating a wristwatch that was both reliable and accurate, and he set out to develop his own movements.
In 1910, Rolex became the first wristwatch to receive the Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision, which was a testament to the accuracy of the watch. Over the years, Rolex continued to innovate and develop new technologies and features, such as the first waterproof wristwatch in 1926, the first self-winding mechanism in 1931, and the first wristwatch with a date display in 1945.
Rolex has also been associated with several famous individuals, including explorers, athletes, and celebrities. For example, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay wore Rolex watches when they became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. Rolex has also been the official timekeeper of several sporting events, including Wimbledon and the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Today, Rolex is one of the most recognized and respected luxury watch brands in the world, known for its quality, precision, and timeless style.
OMEGA Watches History
Omega is a Swiss luxury watch brand founded in 1848 by Louis Brandt in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The brand initially operated under the name La Generale Watch Co. and produced pocket watches.
In 1894, Omega revolutionized the watch industry with the introduction of the 19-ligne Omega Calibre, which was more accurate and reliable than any other watch movement of the time. This innovation earned Omega numerous awards and accolades, and the brand quickly became known for its precision and quality.
In 1903, Omega was chosen as the official timekeeper for the Gordon Bennett Cup, an international balloon race. This marked the beginning of Omega's long-standing relationship with sports timing and its reputation as a reliable and accurate timekeeper.
In 1932, Omega became the first brand to be awarded the Olympic Cross of Merit for its outstanding contribution to sports timing at the Olympic Games. Since then, Omega has been the official timekeeper for numerous Olympic Games, and its timekeeping technology has continued to evolve and improve.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Omega's watches were worn by famous explorers and adventurers, including Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay during their ascent of Mount Everest in 1953, and Jacques Cousteau during his underwater expeditions.
In the 1960s, Omega introduced the Speedmaster, a chronograph watch that was originally designed for motorsports but became famous as the first watch worn on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. The Speedmaster has since become one of Omega's most iconic and sought-after models.
Today, Omega continues to innovate and produce high-quality watches, including the Seamaster, Constellation, and De Ville collections. The brand also continues to be the official timekeeper for numerous sporting events, including the Olympic Games and the America's Cup.
In 1894, Omega revolutionized the watch industry with the introduction of the 19-ligne Omega Calibre, which was more accurate and reliable than any other watch movement of the time. This innovation earned Omega numerous awards and accolades, and the brand quickly became known for its precision and quality.
In 1903, Omega was chosen as the official timekeeper for the Gordon Bennett Cup, an international balloon race. This marked the beginning of Omega's long-standing relationship with sports timing and its reputation as a reliable and accurate timekeeper.
In 1932, Omega became the first brand to be awarded the Olympic Cross of Merit for its outstanding contribution to sports timing at the Olympic Games. Since then, Omega has been the official timekeeper for numerous Olympic Games, and its timekeeping technology has continued to evolve and improve.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Omega's watches were worn by famous explorers and adventurers, including Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay during their ascent of Mount Everest in 1953, and Jacques Cousteau during his underwater expeditions.
In the 1960s, Omega introduced the Speedmaster, a chronograph watch that was originally designed for motorsports but became famous as the first watch worn on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. The Speedmaster has since become one of Omega's most iconic and sought-after models.
Today, Omega continues to innovate and produce high-quality watches, including the Seamaster, Constellation, and De Ville collections. The brand also continues to be the official timekeeper for numerous sporting events, including the Olympic Games and the America's Cup.
BREITLING Watches History
Breitling is a Swiss luxury watch brand that was founded in 1884 by Léon Breitling in the town of Saint-Imier in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland. Initially, the company specialized in producing chronographs and other precision timepieces for scientific and industrial purposes.
In 1915, Breitling introduced the first wrist-worn chronograph with a separate pusher to control the start, stop, and reset functions, which made it easier to use than previous models. This innovation helped establish Breitling as a leading maker of chronographs and other precision timepieces.
During the 1930s and 1940s, Breitling continued to innovate with the introduction of the first chronograph with a second independent pusher, which allowed for the recording of multiple elapsed times. The company also developed the Huit Aviation Department, which produced wristwatches for pilots and other aviation professionals.
In the 1950s, Breitling introduced the Navitimer, a wristwatch with a built-in slide rule that allowed pilots to perform complex calculations in-flight. The Navitimer became an instant classic and remains one of Breitling's most popular models to this day.
In the 1960s, Breitling continued to produce innovative timepieces, including the Chrono-Matic, which was the first automatic chronograph movement with a micro-rotor. The company also introduced the Emergency, a wristwatch with a built-in distress beacon that could be activated in case of an emergency.
In the years since, Breitling has continued to produce innovative and high-quality timepieces for a variety of applications, including aviation, diving, and sports. The company has also maintained a strong commitment to precision and accuracy, with many of its watches featuring COSC-certified movements. Today, Breitling is recognized as one of the world's leading luxury watch brands, with a reputation for innovation, quality, and style.
In 1915, Breitling introduced the first wrist-worn chronograph with a separate pusher to control the start, stop, and reset functions, which made it easier to use than previous models. This innovation helped establish Breitling as a leading maker of chronographs and other precision timepieces.
During the 1930s and 1940s, Breitling continued to innovate with the introduction of the first chronograph with a second independent pusher, which allowed for the recording of multiple elapsed times. The company also developed the Huit Aviation Department, which produced wristwatches for pilots and other aviation professionals.
In the 1950s, Breitling introduced the Navitimer, a wristwatch with a built-in slide rule that allowed pilots to perform complex calculations in-flight. The Navitimer became an instant classic and remains one of Breitling's most popular models to this day.
In the 1960s, Breitling continued to produce innovative timepieces, including the Chrono-Matic, which was the first automatic chronograph movement with a micro-rotor. The company also introduced the Emergency, a wristwatch with a built-in distress beacon that could be activated in case of an emergency.
In the years since, Breitling has continued to produce innovative and high-quality timepieces for a variety of applications, including aviation, diving, and sports. The company has also maintained a strong commitment to precision and accuracy, with many of its watches featuring COSC-certified movements. Today, Breitling is recognized as one of the world's leading luxury watch brands, with a reputation for innovation, quality, and style.
Longines
Longines is a Swiss luxury watch company that was founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz in the town of Saint-Imier, Switzerland. The company has a long and prestigious history in the world of watchmaking, and has been responsible for many innovations and milestones in the industry.
In the early days, Longines primarily produced pocket watches, and quickly gained a reputation for precision and accuracy. By the end of the 19th century, Longines had become one of the leading watchmakers in the world. In 1912, the company introduced the first chronograph wristwatch, which was quickly adopted by the military and aviation communities.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Longines continued to innovate with the introduction of the world's first quartz clock and the first wristwatch with an automatic winding mechanism. During World War II, Longines produced wristwatches for the British Royal Air Force, and continued to produce military watches for several decades afterwards.
In the post-war years, Longines became known for its elegant and sophisticated watches, particularly its "Conquest" line of watches. In the 1950s and 1960s, Longines was a favorite of celebrities and politicians, and its watches were frequently seen on the wrists of Elvis Presley, John F. Kennedy, and other famous figures.
In recent years, Longines has continued to produce high-quality watches that combine traditional Swiss craftsmanship with modern technology. The company is particularly known for its sport watches, including its "HydroConquest" line of diving watches and its "Conquest Classic" line of chronographs.
Today, Longines is owned by the Swatch Group, and remains a leading brand in the luxury watch industry. Its watches are prized for their precision, reliability, and timeless style.
In the early days, Longines primarily produced pocket watches, and quickly gained a reputation for precision and accuracy. By the end of the 19th century, Longines had become one of the leading watchmakers in the world. In 1912, the company introduced the first chronograph wristwatch, which was quickly adopted by the military and aviation communities.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Longines continued to innovate with the introduction of the world's first quartz clock and the first wristwatch with an automatic winding mechanism. During World War II, Longines produced wristwatches for the British Royal Air Force, and continued to produce military watches for several decades afterwards.
In the post-war years, Longines became known for its elegant and sophisticated watches, particularly its "Conquest" line of watches. In the 1950s and 1960s, Longines was a favorite of celebrities and politicians, and its watches were frequently seen on the wrists of Elvis Presley, John F. Kennedy, and other famous figures.
In recent years, Longines has continued to produce high-quality watches that combine traditional Swiss craftsmanship with modern technology. The company is particularly known for its sport watches, including its "HydroConquest" line of diving watches and its "Conquest Classic" line of chronographs.
Today, Longines is owned by the Swatch Group, and remains a leading brand in the luxury watch industry. Its watches are prized for their precision, reliability, and timeless style.
Tissot
Tissot is a Swiss watch brand that was founded in 1853 by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son Charles-Émile Tissot in the town of Le Locle, Switzerland. The company has a long and rich history in the world of watchmaking, and has been responsible for many innovations and milestones in the industry.
In the early days, Tissot primarily produced pocket watches, and quickly gained a reputation for quality and precision. By the end of the 19th century, Tissot was one of the largest watchmakers in Switzerland, and was exporting its watches to countries around the world.
In the early 20th century, Tissot continued to innovate with the introduction of the first non-magnetic wristwatch, the first dual time-zone watch, and the first watch with a plastic case. During World War II, Tissot produced watches for the Allied forces, and continued to produce military watches for several decades afterwards.
In the post-war years, Tissot became known for its elegant and sophisticated watches, particularly its "Tissot Visodate" line of watches, which featured a date function and a distinctive "T" logo on the dial. In the 1970s, Tissot was one of the first Swiss watch brands to introduce quartz watches, which quickly became popular due to their accuracy and affordability.
In recent years, Tissot has continued to produce high-quality watches that combine traditional Swiss craftsmanship with modern technology. The company is particularly known for its sport watches, including its "T-Touch" line of watches, which feature touch-screen technology and a range of functions such as altimeter, compass, and thermometer.
Today, Tissot is part of the Swatch Group, and remains a leading brand in the watch industry. Its watches are prized for their quality, durability, and stylish design, and are worn by watch enthusiasts and collectors around the world.
In the early days, Tissot primarily produced pocket watches, and quickly gained a reputation for quality and precision. By the end of the 19th century, Tissot was one of the largest watchmakers in Switzerland, and was exporting its watches to countries around the world.
In the early 20th century, Tissot continued to innovate with the introduction of the first non-magnetic wristwatch, the first dual time-zone watch, and the first watch with a plastic case. During World War II, Tissot produced watches for the Allied forces, and continued to produce military watches for several decades afterwards.
In the post-war years, Tissot became known for its elegant and sophisticated watches, particularly its "Tissot Visodate" line of watches, which featured a date function and a distinctive "T" logo on the dial. In the 1970s, Tissot was one of the first Swiss watch brands to introduce quartz watches, which quickly became popular due to their accuracy and affordability.
In recent years, Tissot has continued to produce high-quality watches that combine traditional Swiss craftsmanship with modern technology. The company is particularly known for its sport watches, including its "T-Touch" line of watches, which feature touch-screen technology and a range of functions such as altimeter, compass, and thermometer.
Today, Tissot is part of the Swatch Group, and remains a leading brand in the watch industry. Its watches are prized for their quality, durability, and stylish design, and are worn by watch enthusiasts and collectors around the world.
