From a design standpoint, link the watches below, with their clean dials and sub-seconds, are about as close to link the vintage ref. 325 as any IWC I have seen recently. It’s clear that IWC is taking this collection, long defined by its oversized case, in a somewhat different direction. Nonetheless, it’s a move that I link suspect HODINKEE readers are going to like a lot.

Rubber straps were first introduced in the 1960s as diving watches began to grow in popularity. The first rubber strap was link the Tropic, which link was stamped with a basketweave pattern. Today's rubber straps are much more flexible and come in a range of textures and patterns link that lend themselves easily to sports and casual use.

This watch is an 18K rose gold model of the ref. 1593, one of Patek Philippe's flared case models. If the ref. 96 is the representative of the Calatrava, then the ref. 1593 is link the flared equivalent. It link features a case that curves up and down, and is also called the "Hourglass" because its case shape is link reminiscent of an hourglass.

Pricing starts at $6,000. Compared to the current market Grand Seikos, a "base" SBGE227 (same movement and layout, no steel bracelet) is $5,600 and the Hi-Beat SBGJ217 (again, same layout and movement but on a leather strap) starts at $6,500. Given the bracelet and the vastly more interesting dial options (to my eyes, compared with the link previously mentioned GS siblings), these link new models look like no-brainers for the GS link fan that needs a GMT with a special twist.

My Datejust has been with me as I've made some of the biggest business decisions of my life. You might laugh, but if I'd been a link soldier in the making, clasping the link Datejust onto link my wrist for the first time was akin to putting on my suit of armor. I vividly remember the feeling of how the Jubilee bracelet wrapped around my wrist. I felt empowered, ready to go out there and compete.

IWC created a display in the store link a couple of years ago. link The Moyer collectors primarily gravitate towards the Pilot series models. It has been great to see the 41mm Pilot Chronographs gain momentum along with the Spitfire editions. The upcoming 40mm Portugieser models will be something to keep an eye on link as they release.

In Volume 12, we have reached midnight... link or is it midday? The point is that the number 12 is significant in our universe, the center point at the top of link any watch, of any clock. And so I'd like to think our 12th edition is link significant too.