Replica Watches And Friends – March 2024
We take a retrospective glance at the standout red-carpet watches showcased at this year’s Oscars with Monochrome, while Fratello delivers insights on British Watchmakers Day. On the news horizon, we delve into the repercussions of recent litigation directed at Hermes and catch a glimpse of an upcoming assortment of replica watches belonging to the esteemed Michael Schumacher. On the domestic front, the ABTW team provides a roundup of major releases from Omega and acknowledges Tudor’s foray into the realm of sports. Meanwhile, on the SUPERLATIVE podcast, Ripley Sellers and ABTW founder Ariel Adams delve deep into the realm of G-Shock. Additionally, Mike Razak enlightens us on the intricacies of meteorite dials. Lastly, the team at Collective, joined by guest Zach Kazan from Worn & Wound, anticipates the watch world’s version of Woodstock – Watches & Wonders, commencing on April 9. To gear up for the event, they offer a behind-the-scenes peek into their latest Openwork Podcast. Let’s dive in!
In the hours leading up to Oppenheimer’s triumph, the red carpet outside the Dolby Theater transformed into one of the prime spots worldwide to witness exquisite copy watches. From the timeless elegance of Roger Federer’s Daytona and Cillian Murphy’s Omega De Ville Prestige to the more unconventional choices like Matthew McConaughey’s Jacob & Co. Bugatti, each wrist boasted something noteworthy. Renowned “watch guy” Robert Downey Jr.’s JLC Reverso Tribute Chronograph in pink gold even stole the spotlight during the main broadcast as he clinched the Best Supporting Actor award.
March witnessed significant developments for the Moonwatch and its variants. Perhaps the most notable release, in terms of media coverage, was the introduction of the new white-dialed Speedmaster. This refreshing addition not only revitalizes a classic but also comes without the constraints of being a limited edition, much to the delight of enthusiasts. Following closely, the fake Omega x Swatch collaboration unveiled its inaugural moonphase MoonSwatch, a captivating all-white rendition humorously named “Mission to the Moonphase,” complete with Snoopy’s paw-prints. Additionally, Fratello’s Robert Jan dispelled rumors surrounding Omega’s alleged discontinuation of the current “Snoopy” edition. Kudos, Robert!
After a hiatus due to unfortunate timing with their initial 2020 event, the Alliance of British Watch and Clock Makers orchestrated a triumphant return with their highly successful program this year. Hosted in Westminster, the event brought together an impressive array of 80 brands, a commendable feat for a debut gathering. Featuring prominent names like Fears, anOrdain, Christopher Ward, and others, the event’s success bodes well for the revival of British watchmaking’s prestige.
Does incorporating meteorite into a watch design render it truly unique? Certainly. But is its allure solely attributed to rarity? That’s debatable. As Mike Razak elucidates, while the extraterrestrial material undoubtedly adds aesthetic appeal, its portrayal as a scarce commodity may owe more to astute marketing than actual scarcity.
For avid watch collectors, phrases like “waiting list” and “purchase history” can evoke frustration. Hence, the ongoing lawsuit filed in California against Hermès International and Hermès of Paris warrants attention. Although the case revolves around handbags rather than watches, it could potentially influence how certain brands and retailers allocate coveted watches. Allegations of “unfair business practices” against Hermes, including obligating customers to purchase ancillary products before gaining access to the coveted Birken handbag, raise concerns regarding compliance with antitrust legislation, notably the 1890 Sherman Act.
As anticipation mounts for the upcoming showcase by Christie’s featuring the legendary F1 driver Michael Schumacher’s watch collection, enthusiasts are in for a treat. Noteworthy for their provenance, some pieces are truly one-of-a-kind, such as a Royal Oak Chronograph adorned with Ferrari symbology and an F.P. Journe featuring a wandering hours display reminiscent of a racetrack. Scheduled for May 13, this auction promises excitement for collectors and aficionados alike.
Competing for the spotlight alongside the white Speedmaster in March was Tudor’s pink-dialed Black Bay Chrono. Unveiled shortly after Tudor announced its partnership with brand ambassador David Beckham’s Inter Miami CF, this pale-dial chronograph makes a distinct impression. Notably, Tudor’s collaboration ventures into sports sponsorships have now extended to three, following the special Pelagos FXD models with Alinghi Red Bull Racing in June. The count rises to four if we include February’s ceramic blue dial Black Bay, although it’s not publicly available, spotted on Daniel Ricciardo’s wrist during the Visa Cash App RB F1 sponsorship promo.
Vintage watch enthusiasts take heed. In an informative primer shedding light on radium and offering prudent advice on owning watches with radium-painted dials in 2024, Thomas Van Straaten weighs the implications of adding such pieces to your collection.
When do self-proclaimed “amateur historians” transition into bona fide historians? With ABTW founder Ariel Adams’ book on G-Shock and Associate Editor Ripley Seller’s boundless curiosity delving into the realm of “evolutionary dead ends,” the duo epitomizes a wealth of knowledge on one of Japan’s most transformative watch brands. Tune in as they discuss Casio’s enduring legacy spanning half a century.
The convergence of watch collectors and coffee aficionados is nearly seamless. Hence, utilizing a chronograph to time an espresso shot feels natural. But what about executing this in space? Innovation in watch launches isn’t new, with examples like Fortis’ testing of its WERK 17 movement in space. However, Brew Watches took it a step further this month with their space-bound espresso extraction, in tandem with their Metric Chronograph.
Ever dreamt of being among the first to witness releases from esteemed brands like replica Rolex, Cartier, Grand Seiko, and A. Lange & Söhne? Brace yourself for a week of anticipation, jet lag, and grueling 20-hour days. With insights from the ABTW news team, Zach Kazan provides a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes frenzy at the world’s premier watch event.
