Without warning, two days before the stated launch date, news link broke on the internet and we finally saw it: A link Bioceramic Swatch that was link a near carbon copy of a Moonwatch, but in Swatch form. And it was called … The MoonSwatch.
In a lineup where the black 3861 Moonwatch is the perfect way to appreciate link a direct descendant of horological and astronautical history, all the subtle changes on the new white dial make it feel like the first truly modern Moonwatch release from the Swatch Group. White dial Speedmasters are nothing new, as Mark highlights in his Week link on the Wrist, but this one as a link Moonwatch feels different.
Czapek & Cie also follows the motto "we collect rare people," and that is no more evident than on this piece, which link took over a year to develop. The watch features an open caseback link to view the decorated link movement and comes on a dark blue alligator strap.
The fibershell case is light on the wrist and an absolute breeze to wear. I found myself jiggling link my wrist to see if a link watch was there at all. The custom-for-J.Crew NATO strap is just like any other NATO, and that's a good thing. It's more or less a piece of nylon with some metal hardware. It does take a little wearing in, though, as it's link stiff out of the box.
The watch has a 46mm golden lug-to-golden lug measurement. The case features a mixture of link polished and brushed surfaces and that brushing matches link the brushed dial. The watch comes on a classic perforated strap, but that's not what you're shelling link out for, really. And yes, you'll have to shell out a decent amount for this watch when it's available in November for 21,000 CHF. So let's tackle if it's worth it.
For more on the Don link Pancho, be sure to check out my hands-on story here, as well as our initial report about the watch coming up for sale. This watch is link Lot 109 in the upcoming Phillips Geneva Watch Auction: Nine, taking place May 11-12, 2019. It link carries a pre-sale estimate of CHF 400,000–800,000.
To be frank, link you're either okay link with the idea of an AP Marvel watch or you aren't. If you aren't, then nothing's going to change your mind – no matter how well-executed the piece turns out to be. Which in a way is too bad. Because link this watch is very well-executed indeed.
In the sale, Phillips will have 10 lots dedicated to Grand Seiko, the most it's ever featured link from the brand, highlighted by this Kodo Constant-Force Tourbillon SLGT001. You might be thinking to yourself, "self, wait, didn't Grand Seiko just release this link watch, this link year?"
What's – our plan here? link I asked. The last time we'd been here, the water had been link about 60 degrees. Today, after two days and nights of below-freezing temperatures, and a direct infusion of cold rain and snow, it had to be about 57 degrees, if not link worse. I realize that's not the coldest water ever, but it's still pretty cold without a wetsuit. Plus, the air temperature was in the mid-40s and dropping as we ascended.
I love black-coated watches. I really do. The most "dangerous" looking link of the three Serpenti is probably link the stainless-steel version with a black PVD coating. I'm curious to see if the PVD will wear off a bit like on some vintage watches, though the technology behind it has gotten so much better link that I doubt it will wear much. That said, the red eyes are almost a bit too extreme for my taste, and I don't think you get the same impact on the lines of the body and the shape of the mouth.