the complete online watch database
After an inspiring visit to BaselWorld 2016 and a wonderful meeting with the Nomos crew, I just started updating our Nomos collection. First order of business: the exquisite Lux collection, including my favorite: the Lux Zikade. Check out the full Lux collection right here!
For 2016, the Tudor Black Bay is updated with Tudor’s in-house movement. The versions fitted with a stainless steel bracelet now have one in ‘rivet’, enhancing the vintage feel of one of Tudor’s best sellers.
I just finished uploading the six distinct references to our database; there are 10 in the picture above, as all are delivered with an additional fabric strap. For the Red version, it seems that your choice is either burgundy or black. Links below!
Tudor Black Bay Black 2016 on bracelet
Tudor Black Bay Black 2016 on strap
Tudor Black Bay Red 2016 on bracelet
Tudor Black Bay Red 2016 on strap
It’s been a while since my last update but we have been keeping busy – our database now includes over 11.000 watches and more than 1.200 distinct calibers. So, what’s new?
Our JLC database now features most, if not all, models from the current collection – including 100 different Reverso’s. Most are uploaded including pricing information.
I’ve also been working on updating our Bremont collection, which now holds more watches and better images. I might have to tweak our set-up a bit though, as I am not sure whether the Special & Limited section in its current form is such a great idea; after all, it holds watches from several lines.
Omega has been fine tuned here and there, with a few new (or missing) models added and pricing information updated on the most important references. I created a separate page for the Museum Collection, with 1 to 10 all listed.
Our Patek Philippe database now also holds all ladies watches. Piaget is mostly complete. Oh, and I’ve started working on Girard-Perregaux.
We’re slowly gearing up towards BaselWorld 2016, so stay tuned!
[The Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo 17 40th Anniversary 311.30.42.30.99.002 pictured above? You’ll find it right here.]
I’ve just updated the IWC SIHH 2016 Pilot’s Collection with the latest pricing information – straight from IWC.
The full list with links:
Mark XVIII:
IW327001
Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII (black dial / leather strap)
IW327002
Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII (silver-white dial / leather strap)
IW327004
Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Ed. “Le Petit Prince”
IW327011
Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII (black dial / bracelet)
IW324702
Pilot’s watch Mark XVIII TOP GUN Miramar
Pilot’s Watch Chronograph:
IW377709
Pilot’s Watch Chronograph (leather strap)
IW377710
Pilot’s Watch Chronograph (bracelet)
IW377714
Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Ed. “Le Petit Prince”
IW377719
Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire
IW389001
Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN
IW389002
Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Miramar
Pilot’s Watch Timezoner:
IW395001
Pilot’s watch Timezoner Chronograph
Big Pilot’s Watch:
IW500912
Big Pilot’s Watch
IW500916
Big Pilot’s Watch Ed. “Le Petit Prince”
IW500917
Big Pilot’s Watch Spitfire
IW502001
Big Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN
IW502003
Big Pilot’s Watch Ed. “Btq. Rodeo Drive”
IW510301
Big Pilot’s Heritage Watch 48
IW510401
Big Pilot’s Heritage Watch 55
Pilot Watch Complications:
IW379108
Pilot’s Watch PPC Digital Date-Month Spitfire
IW371808
Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Ed. “Antoine de St Exupéry”
IW503801
Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Ed. “Antoine de St Exupéry”
IW502701
Big Pilot’s Watch Annual Calendar Ed. “Le Petit Prince”
Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36
IW324001
Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 (grey dial / alligator strap)
IW324002
Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 (silver dial / blue numerals / bracelet)
IW324004
Pilot’s Watch Automatic 36 (grey dial / bracelet)
YES! All but finished uploading the SIHH 2016 releases, I’ve just added the first BaselWorld 2016 watch to our database: please welcome the Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Chronograph Master Chronometer 304.33.44.52.03.001!
Alwin and Dion have been working on some new and exciting features for WatchBase: there is now a share button on each watch and caliber page, there is a ‘report data error’ button and we now have a separate information page for those interested in our data feed.
Arguably the most important new feature is the ‘report data error’ button. It allows you to send me an email directly when spotting an error in our watch and caliber databases. Please use it – it will help me keep our data as precise, up-to-date and exact as possible.
Besides Alwin and Dion’s work, I’ve of course been keeping busy uploading more watches. We now have a great catalogue of H. Moser & Cie watches, including the Swiss Alp Watch and many more. Our Rolex database now has 642 watches in it, including many rare variations the Daytona. And to kick of the day, I just uploaded the stunning Oris Divers Sixty-Five Carl Brashear Limited Edition.
Yesterday marked the introduction of IWC’s Big Pilot Heritage 55 and Big Pilot 48 and I’m sure by now you’ve all seen and read about them. But pssst… we’ve already uploaded 9 other 2016 IWC Pilot’s watches:
–IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Annual Calendar Edition Le Petit Prince IW5027-01
–IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph IW3777-09
–IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Blue IW3270-04
–IWC Pilot’s Watch Miramar Chronograph 44 IW3890-02
–IWC Pilot’s Watch Top Gun Chronograph IW3890-01
–IWC Pilot’s Watch Mark XVIII Miramar IW3247-02
–IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire IW3777-19
–IWC Pilot’s Watch Spitfire Double Chronograph Antoine de Saint Exupery Tobacco IW3718-08
–IWC Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Chronograph IW3950-01
–IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition Antoine de Saint Exupery IW5038-01
Got any additional info and / or corrections? Please share!
We’re still awaiting images for some 17 others. I’m particularly curious about the Timezoner Chronograph ref. IW3950-01 – I can’t wait to see how IWC finally implemented the Vogard patent they acquired in late 2014…
EDIT – Timezoner and many others added!
EDIT 2 – I’m sorry – IWC Schaffhausen kindly asked me to put the pictures on hold till January 18th. Stay tuned!
Last week I finished uploading the current Rolex collection on Watchbase – the models that are available through their own website that is. Including the vintage watches, our Rolex database currently stands at 504 tall, which will provide a good starting point for feature expansions.
While the entry-level watch is not always that exciting, with Rolex the Oyster Perpetual is actually worth a closer look – especially the striking new ’39’ in either Blue, Red Grape or Dark Rhodium. I will work on adding the infamous Day-Date II soon, but for now it must be said that the newer Day-Date 40 is such a stunner! I’ve uploaded over 20 different configurations but have yet to decide which one is my favorite… My hope for the future is that the smooth bezel will not be platinum-exclusive: doesn’t it looking stunning in rose and yellow gold too, especially with these Oyster bracelets? And psst.. those fancy stone dials fetching big sums in vintage references are still available today!
Last but not least: most watches in our Rolex database are uploaded with their current prices. Have fun browsing and let us know if you spot an error!
While the first prototype of the Breitling B55 Exospace was shown to us at BaselWorld 2015 and uploaded shortly thereafter, the final production version was not officially introduced until yesterday – and is now live on WatchBase in all three versions including pricing information.
While the BaselWorld prototype was more or less a B50 with a different strap and logo’d dial, the final production version of the Breitling B55 Exospace Connected is a Aerospace on steroids, building on the design language of this pilot’s favorite and Breitling icon first introduced in 1985.
For now, the Breitling B55 Exospace Connected is available in three distinct configurations, all fitted with a Black Titanium case. Click the links for more information – including the latest prices;
In a follow-up on Alon’s Casio factory visit last month, I got presented the honor of interviewing Mr. Etsuro Nakajima by email. Nakajima-san spent an impressive 39 years at Casio, starting only a few years after the release of the original CASIOTRON watch, only to celebrate his last day the very day he and Alon met – his last function at Casio being Senior Manager of the Module Development Department at the Timepiece Devision. After a well-deserved holiday with his family, Nakajima-san now serves as Representative Director of The Horological Institute of Japan. I think you can imagine I was very curious to hear about his career and his view on watches!
Nakajima-san, I was told you worked at Casio for a staggering 39 years. Can you tell me a little bit about how you first got to work with the company?
Right after I graduated from university, I entered Casio. I started my career as a watch module engineer.
Can you tell us a bit about the various positions you have had at Casio?
After two years of experience as a watch module engineer, I moved to the planning group, then went to US office in NJ to work as a planner. I proposed the idea of the running watch to R&D in Tokyo , then came up with the first runner’s watch with lap timer function. I spent almost two years in US, and since then I was involved in a planning for both watch modules and watch brands for 35 years in Japan.
What was it in watches that drew your attention?
All factors such as brand, design, technology, material, and of course price. I believe that they will be the same for all customers, but only the ratio is different.
Can you tell us about some of the projects you have worked on?
An altimeter and depth meter watch in 1986, first radio control watch for Casio in 1994, easy touch series in 1995, radio control watch for China market in 2007, bluetooth low energy watch in 2012, and lots and lots of failed projects.
What is the project you are most proud of?
The projects such as altimeter using low power sensor which lead to the creation of brand called PROTREK, and radio control technology which resulted in the brand creation of OCEANUS. We have proved within Casio that the key technology has been used to strengthen the existing brands such as G-SHOCK, but also could be the core value for new brands.
Last week you celebrated your last day at Casio. What made you stop after all this time?
I decided to leave Casio because I thought it would be easier for younger generation to work freely, though I had three more years to retire at age 65. I had a feeling that I have done what I had to do at Casio.
Can you tell us a little bit about your personal watch collection?
I do not have a big collection of watches. Only a few pieces.
That’s interesting.. so what is the watch you wear most?
Right now, I wear OCEANUS OCW-G1100 special version with my name and the date of my last day engraved.
What is your favorite Casio watch?
The W87 leather strap version.
What would you consider to be your ‘dream’ watch, if money were no object?
Either a mechanical or electronic watch which lasts for more than 100 years with no maintenance to be worn by generations.
I have to ask: the Apple Watch. What is your opinion?
This is my personal view; Apple watch will be successful in 2-3 years and will become a number one watch brand in the world in sales amount. But I assume that the sales of Apple watch is not a main goal for them, they are trying to capture the big data for payment and health or other personal info which is not that easy now. I guess that Google is in the same game.
Do you think it will change the horological landscape like quartz did?
I heard years ago that it will change the watch distribution, it is a revolution of the watch industry. We all remember what happened to CD shops in the past. We buy songs through online store now. This could happen to watch industry in a smaller scale. Because there are still millions of customers who want to buy Swiss brand or non smart watch brand at the watch stores, the impact of Apple watch may be marginal.
We understand you will now be joining the Horological Institute of Japan. Can you tell us a little bit about this institute? What are its objectives?
I work as Representative Director at Horological Institute of Japan since the beginning of 2015. We have some annual event such as Micromechatronics Annual Meeting, Inspection tour, and workshops. The Horological Institute of Japan has a long history. It has been a place for an exchange of technical ideas among members from timepiece industry and those who are engaged in its applied technology. The members from both watch industry and universities have been primarily engaging the activities for survey or research on timepiece and its technology at the Horological Institute of Japan. We are open not only to watch and clock manufacturers or universities, but to the parts or device makers, timepiece distributors, after sales service industry, and all other interested parties.
What will be your position at the Horological Institute of Japan?
Currently, Representative Director
Do you see any major differences in watch buying & collecting in Japan versus other parts of the world?
I do not know much about the difference in watch collecting or the collection itself, but buying should be definitely different depending on where you are.
How do you see the future of digital & high-tech watches?
Since Casio started a watch business with digital model in 1974, world market share of digital watch remained the same. I believe there will be a certain market for more advanced digital watch with better display and other values. When I am running, I prefer to wear digital watch with connecting feature with iPhone. It is easy to read pace, distance, heart rate, on digital display.
High-end watchmaking is very much focused on mechanical movements. Do you think Casio should venture into this area?
Why not?
Last but not least: Do you have any insiders-tips on new Japanese watchmakers and watch brands we should be keeping an eye on?
No, not yet!
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I would like to thank Nakajima-san for answering the questions we cooked up. Best of luck on your new endeavor!
