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For the best wristwatches, you need to look beyond Switzerland to German and Japanese brands
For the best wristwatches, you need to look beyond Switzerland to German and Japanese brands

Mint

timea day ago

  • Automotive
  • Mint

For the best wristwatches, you need to look beyond Switzerland to German and Japanese brands

In my last column, I had written about the importance of the Junghans Max Bill wristwatch and its ties with one of the most important design movements of the 20th century—Bauhaus design. Writing it got me thinking about the diversity of world-class watchmaking outside Switzerland, specifically in Germany and Japan. When we think of watchmaking, we (rightly) immediately think of the Swiss. That is historically fair, since Geneva has been a hub of the manufacture of timepieces since the 16th century, including the establishment of a watchmaking guild in 1601. The industry became even bigger with the Industrial Revolution. However, in this, the Swiss weren't alone. Since the 16th century, at various points, watchmaking has flourished in Germany, France, England and the US. Whether it is Nuremberg in Germany in the early 16th century, or Blois in Renaissance-era France, the art of watchmaking has had many founding centres. England made significant strides in the 18th and 19th centuries in precision timekeeping, and the US experienced a watch manufacturing boom in the mid-19th century, with new industrial processes posing a serious competition to Swiss manufacture for a while. And then there is Japan, where some of the best watches in the world are made these days. For watch lovers, Japanese high-end watchmaking, particularly that of the country's two powerhouses, Seiko and Citizen, has always been more about purpose than flex. Seiko has been making watches since 1892, and since the 1960s, it has been at the forefront of some of the most meaningful innovations and changes in global watchmaking. From the everyday Seiko 5 line of budget automatics to legendary dive watches like the Turtle and the Willard, Seiko filled every niche. It then beat the Swiss at their own game by releasing the world's first quartz watch in 1969, the Astron, causing the 'Quartz Crisis", where mechanical watchmakers either had to innovate or perish. Meanwhile, the brand continues to offer mechanical pieces that punch far above their price point. Seiko's crown jewel has been Grand Seiko, which began life in 1960 as the manufacture's attempt to make high-end wristwatches. It is perhaps the most precise articulation of the Japanese approach to craftsmanship. Created to rival the very best Swiss chronometers, Grand Seiko watches are not really about flash, but embody the Japanese principle of monozukuri—making things with a deep sense of pride and precision. A post shared by Watchout (@watchoutblog) Grand Seiko movements—whether mechanical, quartz or the uniquely hybrid Spring Drive—are built entirely in-house, often by individual watchmakers. A Grand Seiko always tells a unique story, and in the narrative-driven world of wristwatches, that is no mean feat. Meanwhile Citizen, which has been making watches since 1924, took quartz movements and spun out excellent watches—from legendary quartz divers to the class-leading solar quartz watches using the Eco-Drive technology. But this isn't all that Citizen does; it also creates the widely used Miyota automatic movements. Moreover, its high-end quartz watches are ridiculously accurate. The Chronomaster is accurate to within five seconds a year, while the Caliber 0100 is accurate to within one second per year! I started this column talking about the Junghans Max Bill. Well, Junghans is a storied old German watchmaker which began making timepieces back in 1861. In 1903, it had the largest watch factory in the world, and even till the 1950s, it ranked only behind Rolex and Omega when it came to manufacturing high-accuracy chronometer movements. But these days, when it comes to high-end German watches, you have to look to the secluded Saxon town of Glashütte, where you'll find some of the most lionised watch manufactures outside of Switzerland: A. Lange & Söhne and Nomos Glashütte. A. Lange & Söhne makes watches that are spoken of in the same breath as Audemars Piguet or Patek Philippe. The company's history dates back to 1845, when Ferdinand Adolph Lange set up shop in Glashütte to bring precision timekeeping to the Kingdom of Saxony. The company was nationalised after World War II and disappeared behind the Iron Curtain, only to be spectacularly reborn in 1994 after German reunification. It has since become one of the most respected names in global haute horlogerie. Lange watches are unapologetically German: sober, precise, almost architectural in their beauty. Think of the Lange 1 with its off-centre dial and outsized date window—an instant classic when it debuted, and still one of the most distinctive watches in the world. Or the Datograph, widely regarded as one of the finest chronographs in production. Every Lange movement is built, then dismantled, then built again—a double assembly process that ensures perfection. And their hand-engraved balance cocks, unique to each watch, are like signatures whispered rather than shouted. A post shared by Sean Song (@ At the other end of the Glashütte spectrum is Nomos. Where Lange is baroque precision and gravitas, Nomos is Bauhaus minimalism and youthfulness. Founded in 1990, Nomos is a modern brand with old-school ideals: in-house calibres, precise engineering, and clean, thoughtful design. Nomos watches like the Tangente or the Neomatik don't try to dazzle—they sit on the wrist like well-cut clothing. And beneath that stripped-down aesthetic lies serious horological ambition. Nomos designs and manufactures its own escapement—the 'Swing System"—a feat few watchmakers in the world attempt. When it comes to Japanese and German watches, these four brands make an incomplete list. Which goes to show that while the Swiss are the leaders in the world of watchmaking, they are certainly not alone in making the best watches in the world. Handwound is a monthly column on watches and watchmaking.

I won't be involved in the running of Siwelele FC
I won't be involved in the running of Siwelele FC

The Citizen

time2 days ago

  • Business
  • The Citizen

I won't be involved in the running of Siwelele FC

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie says he will not be involved in the running of Siwelele FC. The Citizen reports McKenzie had to clarify his role in the new club after his son Calvin Le' John bought the status of SuperSport United for a reported fee of R50m and renamed it Siwelele FC. 'Siwelele FC is a very small part of my family's portfolio and there's bigger things which I was not involved in. Why will I get involved in that? I would have been involved as a supporter, as a minister I'm not allowed to get involved,' McKenzie told the media as reported by SABC Sport. 'I'm just happy Siwelele Samasele is back in the Free State. My heart breaks when I saw the lies that people of the Free State have been told, every year, believe me. Every year there's some failed business man that wants to be famous, he'll tell the people, 'I'm bringing Siwelele back' and the people will be happy. 'Every year without fail and when they do bring it back, then they sell it. My son didn't bring it back for financial reasons, it's not gonna pay rent for the family, he brought it back because Siwelele is a culture, it's our heritage, there's something missing in my soul as a Free Stater if Siwelele is not back. 'I will not be involved in the running of Siwelele,' he added.

Provincial bill to kick out misbehaving councillors a good, but flawed start
Provincial bill to kick out misbehaving councillors a good, but flawed start

Ottawa Citizen

time2 days ago

  • Politics
  • Ottawa Citizen

Provincial bill to kick out misbehaving councillors a good, but flawed start

Experts, Ontario city councillors and a former employee of disgraced ex-councillor Rick Chiarelli told Members of Provincial Parliament on Thursday that Bill 9 is 'long overdue,' but still has its flaws. Article content If passed, Bill 9 would give Ontario municipalities a standard code of conduct with the power to remove council members from office for serious violations. To remove a member, a recommendation from a municipal integrity commissioner, approval from an Ontario integrity commissioner and a unanimous vote by the rest of council would be necessary. Article content Article content Article content This bill comes three years after former Ottawa Coun. Rick Chiarelli refused to resign and was docked a maximum penalty of 450 days of pay for various code of conduct violations. The city's integrity commissioner issued three reports between 2020 and 2022 that condemned Chiarelli's behaviour toward women who were on his staff or had applied to work for him. Article content Article content The Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy met at the Sheraton Hotel in Ottawa from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 17 for public consultations on the bill. Article content Stephanie Dobbs, a former employee of Chiarelli and complainant against him, told the committee that she never saw justice or accountability. Article content After telling the committee to not take her criticism of Bill 9 as a lack of gratitude, Dobbs called it 'ludicrous' to let the decision to remove a member from office rest in the hands of other council members. Article content Article content 'As the legislation currently stands, I'm doubtful of the ability to enact change,' Dobbs said. Article content She added that putting the decision in council's hands turns the situation into a 'political spectacle,' which she later told the Citizen is her biggest concern about the proposed law. Article content Article content Throughout the public consultation, speakers like Coun. Lisa Deacon from the Township of Russell, Robin Jones with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and University of Ottawa emeritus professor Barry Wellar all called for the voting requirement to be changed to a two-thirds supermajority. Article content Many speakers, including Dobbs, think the decision to remove a council member should be a matter decided by the courts. Article content 'My concern is (the committee) dismissing the many voices that have been really pushing today,' Dobbs told the Citizen. 'If they choose not to go with amendments and to make this improvement, they'll be met with a lot of criticism and a lot of unhappy constituents.'

Real Housewives Beverly Steyn Clears Friendship Drama
Real Housewives Beverly Steyn Clears Friendship Drama

The Citizen

time3 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • The Citizen

Real Housewives Beverly Steyn Clears Friendship Drama

Real Housewives of Cape Town star Beverly Steyn has broken her silence after her name was unexpectedly dropped during the explosive Real Housewives of Durban Season 4 reunion. Speaking to the Citizen, Beverly addresses her friendship with Nonku Williams and the' accusations' tossed around by Jojo Robinson. Shocked and blindsided Viewers were taken aback when Jojo Robinson suggested during The Real Housewives of Durban (RHOD) reunion that Beverly may have influenced Nonku's behaviour this season, contributing to the breakdown of their on-screen friendship. But Beverly, who was never part of the Durban franchise, says the mention of her name came as a complete shock. 'I was shocked to hear and see what played out on the reunion of The Real Housewives of Durban,' Beverly says. 'I am heartbroken about the way I was portrayed, in a matter I had no involvement in.' The businesswoman and Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: South Africa star was not featured on RHOD at all this season, but suddenly found herself in the crossfire. ALSO READ: RHODurban star Angel Ndlela buys a new home [PICS] 'Nonku is a grown, intelligent woman' Beverly firmly rejected any suggestion that she is 'in Nonku's ear,' calling the implication insulting to her friend. 'Furthermore, the notion that anyone is in Nonku's ear implies that she is influenced by other people and can't make decisions about HER life,' Beverly says pointedly. 'She is a grown, intelligent woman, and we are all adults.' The Cape Town resident went on to express her sadness over being painted as a behind-the-scenes manipulator. 'I am quietly living my happy life in Cape Town and am not even part of the Durban show,' she adds. 'Yet, I feel unjustly accused of causing a rift in a friendship during a show I wasn't part of, which has been deeply hurtful to me.' Jojo's block-and-delete move Beverly also revealed that, following the filming of the reunion, Jojo Robinson blocked both her and Nonku on Instagram a move that left her reeling. 'Jojo blocked both Nonku and me on Instagram, leaving me confused and hurt,' Beverly says. 'From my understanding, we have completely different relationships with Nonku, and it is not entirely based on our shared faith, but life experiences as well. We help each other to navigate life and provide wisdom where necessary and, of course, to pray with each other about various things.' 'It's absurd to dictate her friendships' As for claims that she had a hand in steering Nonku away from other cast members, Beverly dismissed them as 'absurd.' 'I have other friends outside of our relationship,' she said, 'and therefore it would be absurd to dictate who she can be friends with. I don't have any business giving my opinion about her other friendships.' The Cape Town-based star reminded fans that her relationship with Nonku began on more neutral ground, during filming of Ultimate Girls Trip: South Africa in Jamaica. 'I met Nonku on the Ultimate Girls Trip in Jamaica, and our friendship grew from there,' she explains. Respect, growth, and compassion More than anything, Beverly hopes the current drama doesn't overshadow Nonku's personal journey. 'Nonku has grown and matured as a person. She deserves respect, especially as no one truly knows what she has been dealing with in her private life,' she says with heartfelt sincerity. And in true Beverly Steyn style, she ends on a note of grace. 'I hope we can all find a way to resolve this with understanding and compassion.'

Black & Blue Never Looked This Good: New Drops From CIGA Design x Label Noir & Citizen
Black & Blue Never Looked This Good: New Drops From CIGA Design x Label Noir & Citizen

Hype Malaysia

time6 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Hype Malaysia

Black & Blue Never Looked This Good: New Drops From CIGA Design x Label Noir & Citizen

Crafting timepieces is no easy feat. From its intricate machinery down to the very art and design, you could argue that watchmaking is an art all its own and is for that reason alone why premium timepieces can fetch such a high price. There's a time when function reigns supreme above everything else but, at a certain price point, watches become a canvas for the artists' creative imagination. If you want proof, check out these stunning creations. CIGA Design x Label Noir Blue Planet II Black Star Edition The Blue Planet II Black Star Edition, a stunning partnership with Swiss atelier Label Noir, has been revealed by CIGA Design. It reimagines the Blue Planet series from a cosmic perspective. With a dial that evokes a black hole, the Black Star Edition departs from Earth-inspired themes and ventures into deep space. A void-like visual effect is produced by the Super Black pigment-coated 8.5mm concave pit at its centre, which absorbs 99.6% of light. This is surrounded by CMYK gradient-printed spiral galaxy patterns, with a bright polar star hand circling overhead to show the passing of time. The watch has a folding clasp, a black fluororruber band, and a 46mm Grade 2 titanium case with a black DLC coating. Its sapphire crystal glass has a 3 ATM water resistance rating and provides anti-reflective clarity and scratch resistance. The watch is powered by an internal Swiss-made CD-04-S automatic movement that makes use of CIGA Design's exclusive Asynchronous-Follow Technology. This mechanism provides a smooth and user-friendly single-hand time display by rotating the hour ring by 30 degrees and the minute ring by 390 degrees. The watch has a power reserve of about 41 hours at a frequency of 28,800 vph. The Label Noir-partnered Blue Planet II Black Star Edition watch retails for US$1,980 (~RM8,417) and can be purchased through CIGA Design's official website. Citizen's 30th Anniversary Eco-Drive Limited Edition Citizen has dropped a new, limited-edition watch in honour of the 30th anniversary of its Eco-Drive technology. The hand-dyed indigo Tosa washi paper dial of reference AQ4106-26L, which is limited to just 300 pieces globally, was made using the Murakumo shibori technique, which uses delicate compression and dyeing to create patterns resembling clouds. The brand's commitment to creativity and individuality is reflected in the distinctiveness of each dial. The piece, which is protected by a darkened Super Titanium and Duratect DLC-treated case, is also evidence of the brand's commitment to using high-quality, long-lasting materials. The watch has a light-powered Eco-Drive movement with high accuracy in addition to its eye-catching design. Additionally, it has a perpetual calendar with an instant calendar change at midnight and automatic adjustments until 28th February, 2100. An impact detection and lock feature further improves the watch and safeguards its fragile mechanism. Its constant accuracy is further guaranteed by an automatic hand correction feature. Citizen's 30th Anniversary Eco-Drive Limited Edition retails for US$3,300 (~RM14,029) and will be hitting store shelves later this August. For more information, visit CITIZEN's official website.

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