and I write about watches. Let’s keep up-to-date on the outdated!
Hi, I’m Chris,
Photo by Sherlin Beckham
Find out what’s Poppin!
From Poutine to Prestige: My First Toronto Timepiece Show & Timepiece World Awards
RZE UTD-8000: A Rugged Digital Alternative to the Usual Suspects
My favorite New watches.
Paulin - Mara Blue
Paulin’s first venture into the minefield of dive watches is, in my humble opinion, a huge success in terms of unique design. The Mara Blue looks both familiar and retains the playful quirkiness of Paulin.
Holthinrich - Lab Series 1.24
Holthinrich captivated with their beautiful 3D printed cases, but they continue to impress with this gorgeous handmade patinaed dial with 24-karat gold leaf.
Isotope - Ovni Jumping Hour
Isotope manages to continuously impress. With science fiction inspiration from things like the Andor TV series and Lost in Space. This new twist on a jump hour movement is a sight to behold. The Founders Edition is on sale now, and ends September 13th.
Enthusiast of the Month
Enthusiast of the Month
James Crichton - @gearetal & @formandfunctionpodcast
What makes them awesome?
James is one of those people you meet online and immediately wonder, “Are we best friends?” I only crossed digital paths with him this year, but in just a few months, he’s dropped gems of wisdom about podcasting, EDC, and, of course, watches. He’s the host of The Form and Function Podcast, which has quickly earned a spot on my “never miss an episode” list. On the mic, James, Ken, and the occasional appearance from Vu form a trio that’s equal parts charming, sharp, and informative, like the horological equivalent of a well-balanced set of watch complications (but with more homework).
When he’s not podcasting, James is gracing the community with his killer photography over on Instagram at @gearetal. And as an added bonus, he shares my healthy skepticism (read: bitterness) toward certain Gérald Genta designs—so naturally, I knew we were destined to get along.
Here are some of James’s current faves:
Most Recently Acquired Watch - Kurono Tokyo Jubilee Sensu 2025. I have the previous Sensu reserve du marché and adore it, so I wanted to try this new version. Sadly, it’s not quite it for me, so it will be a catch and release.
Favorite Watch to Recommend to a Newb - Anything from the Seiko SNE 38.5 range. Loads of versions and colours. Total strap monster, so super flexible. The bracelet it comes on is junk, so either an aftermarket replacement or a good strap/ nato/ perlon does the trick for me. Solar quartz is so very reliable. Pretty much bomb proof and incredible value. So good I still have 2 after nearly 15 years of watch collecting.
Favorite Independent/Micro Brand - Saying Abinger feels like a cop out, but they offer the perfect combo of cracking watch and lovely founder. If I can’t say Abinger then I’m feeling the love for Ming at the moment.
Favorite EDC Item Outside Watches - This is an almost impossible question. I am into quite a number of things, but I think flashlights are probably the most inherently useful thing I enjoy collecting. I’ve been into them for more than a decade and have gradually moved up through the price brackets. I still enjoy lights from all price brackets, but it’s the custom stuff that really gets me. Like CWF flashlights.
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