🌟 Editor's Note
Watch500 Weekly reports on interesting watches, watch industry news, watch events and anything else that’s happening in the horological world. Got a new release to share with the global watch community? Promoting an event for the global watch crowd? Let us know at [email protected]
New (or soon to be) Releases
Photo-Bulova
Bulova has been working with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation since the 90s. This soon-to-be-released Usonian pays tribute to the Toufic H. Kalil House in Manchester, New Hampshire. 39mm case size, automatic movement, and priced at $650 USD/ £395 GBP, we suspect they will not last long. Frank Lloyd Wright fans can find release information at: https://uk.bulova.com/frank-lloyd-wright-usonian-brown-leather-strap-black-dial-98a330.html
We cannot believe this has never happened. Ever since Rolex introduced the Pepsi bezel on its 1950s GMT-Master, the design become an industry design standard. Now Pepsi has gotten into the collab game with the Seiko 5 Sports Pepsi-Pepsi (meta!) With a throwback Pepsi logo as well. 38mm (pictured, there is a 42mm version in black); with only 7000 available, they won’t last long. More info at Seiko: https://www.seikowatches.com/global-en/products/5sports/srpl99
Malaysian microbrand Revelot is an interesting company. They offer lots of affordable models (currently, 96 different watches for sale.) And their new watches can make a splash, as their Durian model did recently. The Hexmariner is something of a flagship for the brand; version three to be released later this fall. They look amazing; one features an Amazonite dial (whatever that is.) More info: https://www.revelot.com/collections/hexmariner-39-42-v3
Brand you should know: Aigi
Photos - Aigi
What are they? A Norwegian microbrand that might be the most northern watch company in the world. Started by three friends in 2017; Aigi, means “Time” in the language of Norway’s northernmost indigenous peoples.
What’s the vibe? Value and design, by our take. The brand’s design cues are ‘inspired by Artic light” and it shows in the dials and colours they use. The watches, dare we say it, are beautiful and refined: this is not some Norwegian brand channelling Big Viking Energy (and we apologise, unreservedly, for using that phrase.)
And $500 will get you… a lot actually; the handsome GMT for example (pictured above) is $479. And somewhat unusual for a micro, they have an excellent selection of women’s watches too.
Find out more at: https://aigitime.com/
In the News
(Tariff) Troubles in Switzerland. The Swiss were caught off guard by the whopping 39% tariff imposed upon them by the Trump Administration. Watch brands with the margin to absorb some (or all) of the cost will probably do so (think Rolex or JLC), but others almost certainly will be passing the costs on to buyers (think Swatch.) Hodinkee is on the case: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/swiss-watch-industry-fears-devastating-impact-from-39-us-tariff-with-hopes-for-last-minute-deal
(Family) Troubles at Swatch. Swatch is run like a family business. The problem is, it’s not and shareholders are losing patience. Jeweller Magazine has the story: https://www.jewellermagazine.com/Article/14201/Tensions-mounting-on-Swatch-board-in-strategy-dispute
A Pepsi, a Kermit and a Pussy Galore Please: Get to know Rolex watch nicknames (there are more than 40): https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/rolex-nicknames-watches
Watch or Condo?
If, hypothetically, you had $200,000 to spend.
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