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Grail Watch

The search for the grail is the search for illumination

Stephen Foskett, Publisher

Stephen Foskett is a wristwatch enthusiast, historian, and writer. He founded and publishes Grail Watch and the sister site, Grail Watch Reference. He is also a contributing editor for Watch Wiki and a contributing writer for Europa Star.

The History of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph

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The Royal Oak Chronograph was a latecomer to this celebrated line and has remained remarkably consistent throughout its two-decade life. All share the same movement and a single lineage passes from the original Ref. 25860 to the subtly-redesigned Ref. 26300, the up-sized Ref. 26320, and the new Ref. 26331. It was only this year that a second model, the 38 mm Ref. 26315, was added. Yet on closer examination, a world of differences emerges, from the City of Sails to the Leo Messi, to the new 41 mm dial. Through it all, the Royal Oak Chronograph remains one of the classiest and most comfortable watches available.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Gran’Sport: The First “Beefcake” Reverso

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Given the clever retrograde chronograph movement, the Gran’Sport Chronograph is the pick of the Gran’Sport lineup today. It’s really too bad that gorgeous Reverso Chronographe Rétrograde is out of the price range for most people.

Surveying the 2018 Seiko x Giugiaro “Speed Master” LCD Reissue Series (SBJG)

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Seiko has been collaborating with Giugiaro Design since the 1980s. The most famous fruit of this collaboration was the “Aliens” watch line, which have been reissued in recent years. In late 2018, Seiko introduced another reissue: The SBJG multi-function digital models we will discuss today.

Seiko Returns With Another Giugiaro SCED Series

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When Seiko reissued the 1980s-style “Aliens” Giugiaro watches between 2013 and 2015, collectors were thrilled. But after thoroughly exhausting color combinations on the “Ripley” and “Bishop” watches, where would Seiko go next? They turned to the less well-known 7A28-7A00 SBBJ “Speed Master” series, with angled faces inside a round case.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Gyrotourbillon 1: Grails Go Grey-Market

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Today we’re looking at something truly special: A groundbreaking movement in a limited-edition watch that retailed for well over a quarter-million dollars. But there’s another story here, too: The grey market for expensive watches that are a bit past their prime, and the steep discounts that follow. The result is a $150k discount on a basically-new piece of haute horology.

The Current IWC Ingenieur Lineup is a Travesty

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My enthusiasm for various watch models tends to wax and wane as I see something interesting, and lately my attention has turned to the IWC Ingenieur range. From the original Milgauss competitor to Gerald Genta’s remarkable Ingenieur SL to the chunky Mercedes-AMG racing models, the Ingenieur lineup has always been worth a look. Yet today’s lineup is beyond bland and not deserving of the name. Good thing, too, since IWC seems to be eliminating that, too!

Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX1 Alarm Titanium: Standout Sports Watch

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I fell in love with this Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX1 Alarm Titanium limited edition on first sight and still love it just as much today. That’s why it’s one of the final watches in my “Watch A Day” series. The dial is lovely, with different textures, materials, and depths all coming together as a cohesive whole. It’s wonderfully legible and sports a cool complication. It’s got an amazing history from one of the best brands. And above all, it’s a wearable, enjoyable watch. What more could you ask?