Gear

Watch Series: Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso 976

Today I want to share with you guys one of my favorite watches. It's a watch that I always wanted to own from the time when I was just learning more about horology and gaining interest in watches as a whole. The JLC Reverso's history is probably one of the most interesting that I have ever read. The watch was designed in the 1931 originally as a sports watch for polo players at the time that needed a more robust watch that could take an impact without breaking. That's why JLC made a watch that could have a case that reversed to a solid stainless steel back during polo play and then be reversed back to the watch face once you were done playing. The reference that I own is a modern take on the original Reverso hence the increased grande size to the inclusion of a sapphire exhibition display back. Beyond the interesting history, there are many things that made me adore the Reverso and they are all rooted in it's unique design queues. As a photographer and engineer the Golden Ratio based on the Fibonacci Sequence has always interested me. The Golden Ratio exists not online in nature but also in some of the world's most famous art work like the Mona-Risa by Leonardo Da Vinci. It's said to have magical properties and that when something is design with the Golden Ratio in mind that it will be pleasing to look at. So it's interesting to know that the JLC Reverso's length and width of the rectangular case and even the small running seconds sub-dial is all based off the Golden Ratio. Maybe that's why I feel like this watch's design is so timeless. I also love the art deco queues that come from the 1930's period that still remain in the design of the watch even today. There's so many more smaller details about the watch I could talk about from the beautiful circular graining on the carriage of the case to the stain brushed dial or maybe even the blue hour and minutes hands but I have to say it's the beauty of the in-house 976 movement that has me mesmerized and checking the exhibition back every time I wear this watch. What else can I say other than this watch is truly one of the all time greats! You rarely will find a watch or anything with this level of timeless design. This is definitely a piece i'll keep in my collection until i'm ready to hopefully pass it on to one of my daughters one day. 

Watch Series: Rolex Submariner

Today I want to share about my beloved no date Rolex Submariner reference 14060. This watch is so special to me for so many different reasons. I'll be the first to admit that for the longest time Rolex wasn't a brand that I really was into at all. I wrongfully viewed it as an older person's watch company for quite some time. I'll even admit that to this day there are definitely certain Rolex watches that don't appeal to me at all but the Rolex Submariner is one of my absolute favorite watches. This watch was my first Rolex and although I hope to one day have more Rolex pieces this watch is currently the only Rolex in my collection. I have so many fond memories that are associated with this piece. It's the watch I wear when I give my girls a bath or take them to the pool. It's the watch I wear almost always on all my travels and when I shoot most of my engagement and family sessions. The watch was designed to be a tool watch and I definitely treat it as so. From a design stand point, I love the simple and almost completely unchanged look of the no date sub. I prefer the reference 14060 or any of the older models to the current references that all have a ceramic bezel. The ceramic is more durable and won't scratch as easily as the metal bezel but I feel the glossy look of the ceramic bezel makes the watch look much more like a jewelry piece than the more utilitarian design of the original watch that I love so much. To top it off who doesn't love Mercedes hour hands and a lollipop running seconds hand. To this day, it's definitely one of the watches you will see on my wrist most frequently and I can't wait to watch the tritium dials patina over the next several years. 

Watch Series: Omega Speedmaster Reduced

This is my Omega Speedmaster Reduced reference 3539.50.00. Ever since I have been interested in watches the Omega Speedmaster line has been one of favorites. There's something about the beauty and the history behind this watch that draws me to it. I love how the watch dial in most models have barely changed through the years. This reduced model holds true to the original look with the classic black tachymetre bezel, the 3 lowered registers and beautiful large sweeping seconds counter. I think my favorite thing about the Speedmaster as a whole is just the versatility of the watch. I could wear it with this dark brown leather strap and the beautiful made Omega bracelet it comes with for two completely different looks and feel. The reduced model is particularly great because of a few things that set it apart from it's big brother. First, it has a smaller form factor sitting at only 38mm in case diameter which makes it idea for smaller wrists like mine or anyone that is use to more vintage watch sizes. Second, it has an automatic movement that makes everyday wearing much easier not having to remember to wind your watch. Lastly, the watch has a rounded sapphire crystal display glass that makes the watch much more scratch resistant when compared to the classic hesalite crystal on most original Speedmaster watches. This piece is a special one to me because it was the first Speedy I ever owned and it's definitely the piece that solidified my love for Speedmaster watches both vintage and modern.