Season of Newness With Longines, Seiko and Tissot - Men's Folio
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Season of Newness With Longines, Seiko and Tissot

  • By Asaph Low

Season of Newness With Longines, Seiko and TissotA new season with Longines, Seiko and Tissot

A new season of watch novelties is upon us as major watch brands debut showstopping pieces that captivate and marvel. This first edition sets the tone for what to expect in the coming months.

Longines Pilot Majetek

Season of Newness With Longines, Seiko and TissotLongines always had the knack for creating desirable reissues evident in its ever-popular Longines Heritage collection. The latest of which sees the manufacture rekindle with its roots, the aviation world. The 1930s was one of the formative years of flight as aeroplanes transitioned from wood to metal. Longines was there throughout the transition, as its deep-rooted ties with the aviation world saw innovative designs that aided aviators on their expeditions. One of such creations bore a curious cushion case design that warranted a patent of sorts at the International Industrial Property Office in Bern, Switzerland, on 1 April 1935. This year’s novelty, the Longines Pilot Majetek, takes a leaf from that watch as a notable plate on the case side is engraved 1935. The curve case makes a reappearance, albeit in slightly larger dimensions (43mm), alongside another quirky feature from the 1935 variant — a starting time indicator. Designed to record elapsed time, a rotating red triangle pip sits below the sapphire crystal and rotates independently with the external fluted rotating bezel system. Unlike its predecessor’s construction that rotates along with the crystal, the contemporary version offers more security and robustness, and guarantees 100m water resistance. Other touches include the Longines L893.6 calibre equipped with a magnetically resistant silicon balance spring and chronometer certification to the entire watch.

Seiko Watchmaking 110th Anniversary King Seiko Collection: SPB365

It is 110 years since Seiko produced the Seiko Laurel, Japan’s first wristwatch in 1913. Seiko’s founder Kintaro Hattori’s vision for watchmaking revolutionised the country’s expertise in horology, earmarked by craft and technology evident in contemporary creations. A new King Seiko reference is released as part of the year long celebration for the Seiko Laurel. Following the revival of the King Seiko collection last year, the SPB365 shares notable influences that include a vintage case and bracelet design. The watch’s limelight is shared with its geometric dial pattern known as Kikkoumon based on hexagonal shapes of the tortoise shell. In Japanese culture, the tortoise symbolises longevity and prosperity, and is further associated with samurai armour, as an auspicious pattern signifying strength and victory. On closer inspection, the dial evokes a three dimensional feel — each chelonian pattern consists of three hexagonal insets, one deeper than the last. The SPB365 is housed in a refined and striking watch case, accentuated by refined polishing and angular lugs.

Tissot Chemin des Tourelles

Season of Newness With Longines, Seiko and TissotHeadquartered in Le Chemin des Tourelles, Tissot has been manufacturing watches in the watchmaking city of Le Locle, Switzerland since 1907. For the better part of 116 years, Tissot epitomised the values of ambition, devotion, innovation, timeless design and a forward looking spirit. It was the bedrock of the brand’s tradition that remains steadfast till today, one celebrated by the new Tissot Chemin des Tourelles. The physical embodiment of Tissot’s values sees a classic refined further as designers made adjustments on the drawing boards. A timeless creation greets viewers, defined by clean lines and meticulous details. Exquisite polishing to the 39mm stainless steel case is met with a soft sunray curved dial paired with a domed sapphire crystal for an effortless look on the wrist. Other meticulous details on the Tissot Chemin des Tourelles await to be discovered — curved hour indexes punctuate the beaded minute track, all read off with a pair of faceted watch hands. Tissot’s trusty Nivachron Powermatic 80 imparts a weekend proof 80-hour power reserve and is highly resistant to magnetism thanks to the Nivachron balance spring.

Once you are done with this story on Season of Newness With Longines, Seiko, Tissot, click here to catch up with our March 2023 issue.