Write Ups

Zodiac’s 1960s Sea Wolf is a vintage Fifty Fathoms of the people: every bit as storied, much less recognized, and way more fun. It gets overlooked often, but the Sea Wolf was one of the earliest commercial dive watches, released in 1953 alongside the Fifty Fathoms at Basel Fair. Its commercial availability and dependable reputation in the US saw it become the choice of many soldiers during the Vietnam War and was standard kit for many SEALs, though never issued. That said, it’s not what you’d call subtle. One of the joys of Zodiac as compared to...

Unless your idea of wild night out is casually browsing GPHG nominees with a negroni in hand (don’t worry, you’re in good company), you probably won’t have heard of Lyrique. They started last year and have made 70 watches in total, so don’t feel bad. Lyrique is really less a brand at this point and more a collaborative effort, a company with 51 ‘founders’. Yes. There are almost as many founders for this brand as they’ve made watches. How? Lyrique is the name of a group who sought to source Swiss-made components around a more-reasonable value, apply...

When one of my friends who’s just dipping their toes into our world asks me to recommend a vintage watch that’s affordable, interesting, and just cool, I struggle these days. Ten years ago, I’d answer Heuer and UG. Five years ago, I’d point to 90s Cartier (hah! definitely not today) or the Dirty Dozen. With every year that passes, it seems like I lose another option to rising prices. There are a few bastions holding out though, even today. Early Omega Constellations. Devil Divers from Caravelle or Bulova. Polerouters (iffy, not for much longer). Vintage Grand Seiko....