Author: vinnievandyk

The mighty Omega Speedmaster, variations there are many. What makes this one special?  I’ve owned the Moonwatch in its traditional form, the one we all know and love with its steel case and tri-register layout. This hulking 44.5mm blue ceramic, aventurine dial, coaxial automatic Speedmaster could not prove to be any greater contrast by appearance, but (spoiler alert) I’ve found it far more enjoyable to own. With a more literal interpretation of the world beyond our atmosphere, the Blue Side of the Moon (BSOTM) gives you a glimpse into the cosmos with its stunning blue aventurine dial and 18k laser ablated moonphase disc.     We Have Lift-Off The OG Moonwatch looks and feels like an instrument where the BSOTM is an ode to exactly what the Speedmaster's reputation has been b...

We are back with another review! Which is great news for all of us, me as I have found a watch worth writing about and you the reader who can agree or disagree with each of the sentiments I have regarding microbrands and the Serica 5303-2. Serica shot into the microbrand limelight with its dirty dozen-esque design that is the 4512 series, riding the wave of momentum from its collaboration with the WM Brown Project and author of enthusiast favourite book "A man and his watch" Matt Hranek. The 5303 moves away from military inspired pieces and offers a dive watch conjured with the 1950's in mind. While there is no shortage of vintage inspired dive watches, Serica's charming design language and enticing specifications for under $1500 AUD makes this a formidable option amongst a long list of a...

Thanks to Chamath (@champsg @watchadvice www.watchadvice.com) for letting me borrow his Ultraviolet Zenith. The generosity of the watch community never ceases to amaze and to experience this piece over the last month has been incredible.  You’ve been sensible all week. You’ve endured meetings, workshops, team building exercises. Everyone dresses the same, looks the same, speaks the same. You get home on a Friday evening and take off your suit or dress, flick off your shoes and relax. The weekend is here. It’s time to have fun, let your hair down. You put your sensible, classic, work friendly timepiece on the dresser and live a little. Let go of the professional persona for 48 hours and when guilty pleasures are a little less guilty, what watch is on your wrist? Introducing the Zenith D...

The Omega Speedmaster, we all know why this watch is important but what is it like to own? There comes a moment in every enthusiast journey where you discover the Moonwatch for all its historic significance and are coerced by watch media, fellow enthusiasts or your own self that no collection can be complete without a Speedy. A first watch for many, an "only watch" for some, I have always admired Omega's quintessetial timepiece and took the leap to purchase one for myself in November 2021. Reference 3592.50 There are a plethora of Speedmaster to choose from and I mean that quite literally, it took me so long to commit to a Moonwatch due to the vast array of limited editions, off-shoots and vintage pieces. I landed on the 3592.50 as it was close enough to birth year, consisting of a hesal...

Several trends have emerged in recent years within the watch industry, one being steel sports watches (you know what I’m talking about) but more surprisingly, micro brands! Whether they begin as a passion project or kick starter campaign, micro brands have been able to deliver what the community wants when the big brands could not. Halios is the result of Jason Lim’s unbridled love for watches and one quick search of their website will convey exactly that. Many of us readers live, breathe and dream watches but very few make the leap to make it more than just a hobby. Whether it is a career change or part time project, I tip my hat to anyone who is so brave to create an entire brand. Jason’s watches tend to drop in limited runs and if you’re lucky enough to snag an allocation, he is w...