TimeTexas

FYI, received an email yesterday this offer has been extended a few days...not sure exactly when its going to end.

Well, its 2024 and I'm finally back. Way too much excitement in my life the last few months. Changed jobs and was hoping to have a couple months off before starting the new position. Unfortunately the timing didn't work out and I left the previous position on a Friday and started Monday. Then I spent 3 straight weeks in an arbitration. But its a new year and looking forward to getting back into spending time on the forum and being MUCH better about updating it with the latest news and topics. I think Independents are poised for a big year in 2024 and interest will continue to grow. I'm hopeful the forum will continue to grow and encourage everyone to participate in discussions and post photos. I've been meaning to look at how to better organize galleries, so that's something I'll be working on in the near term. I also want to begin providing some unique content with interviews of some of the watchmakers, behind the scenes looks at their work, and hopefully some online member meetups in the coming months. More soon.

So Albert Villa just announced the Art in Time series, specifically the Casablanca will be returning. This was in response to one of my posts, so not sure if it is specific to the Fountain Blue or a new series. This is such a fantastic watch and I'm excited he's opening it back up.

Have is offering 25% off any watch with K1 movements. Promo Code K1 Happy Days. Ends February 1st

Interesting announcement about a new partnership between Moser and Alpine. There aren't many independent brands with the clout or resources to partner with an F1 team. I'm a fan of Moser, although I know some people feel like they are more of an insider than their "independent" status would normally represent. Regardless, it will definitely be increased exposure for Moser specifically and independent watchmaking generally. I'm excited to see what this partnership entails. Here's a photo of my Moser

Exciting news as @vitreumwatches has launched it's Core Collection with it's inaugural edition, the FH01 Arctic Blue. This is a stunning watch - check out their IG to follow the official release.

FYI, just received an email that anOrdain has reopened its waiting list. If you've been waiting, definitely jump in fast as I'm sure it will fill up quick. Small, non-refundable reservation fee of about $450 is required. http://www.anordain.com

Added another from Resin Watch Labs. From https://resin.watch/ subcutaneous: meaning situated or applied under the skin - SUBQ references 2 aspects of the watch, the manufacturing and the design. manufacturing SUBQ's are made using reaction injection molding. this is a subcutaneously injected urethane reaction into a soft platinum silicone mold of the watch case that has been pre-loaded with a nylon skeleton. this has to be done cognizant of gas infiltrations and within 3 minutes of the reaction. gas infiltrations can be intentional, the result of higher atmospheric humidity, or occur by poor technique of the subcutaneous injection method. the result of such a volatile process is a graveyard of rejects. not every injection process yields the demanded results and while variables can be tuned, there is a luck aspect. similar to how enamel dials are made, however there is significantly less chance of running a hypodermic needle through your hand in that process. design SUBQ also references the subcutaneous skeleton seen in the case body and the strap. the 3d printed nylon 12 skeleton is pre-loaded into the mold before the manufacturing reaction process of the case body. this skeleton provides a reinforcement of the strap and a visual design nod to the previous previous iteration of resin watch design, an octagonal case. the watch is a reverse monobloc case (reverse monobloc is made tf up but I'll explain it in a sec) powered by a ST2130 movement in a 60 psi forged urethane body that withstands 6 bars of pressure underwater. reverse monobloc (see i told you I'd explain it) means the case body is formed directly to the front crystal to get a pressurized and seamless fit. the case back is then gasketed and press fit. to service this watch or open it, follow the instructions that you would for any monobloc case watch. be sure to press the front crystal down on the table and wrap the watch case in a towel so the back crystal doesn't fly off when pressurizing the case body. Very cool and different.

Anyone get anything new over the holidays? I had 3 come in recently. If you're familiar with @holthinrichs, then you may have come across a side project for Michiel, Delft Watch Works. The Oostport is a beautiful watch. Satin finished case with beautiful lugs and scalloped side case. Applied indices and a circular brushed surround. An excellent all around watch that can dress up or down. I also got in a Typsim Noir. I met Matt in 2022 in New York for the watch events. At that time he had recently released a diver and was in the process of developing the Noir. I love the hobnail bezel and the negative relief gilt dial. Another great design that can dress up or down. I'm waiting on the bracelet that also comes with it but was delayed. It came with a very nice black leather strap but I put it in a funky lizard strap from @artifexleather The final watch is all sports watch. The Gorilla Fastback Bianco Aurelia. If you aren't familiar with Gorilla watches they are the brain child of two former AP designers who started a new brand and want in a completely different direction field by a passion for cars. This is my second Gorilla watch. You could see the attention to detail in the design on my earlier model, but the refinements on this new Fastback are a huge step up. Smaller and thinner it is incredibly comfortable. This just came in so I haven't had a chance to spend much time with it but I'm very happy and impressed with it out of the box. I'm a sucker for square shaped watches and I love the sporty look on this. I do have one more surprise that I'm hoping will arrive in the next few weeks which I'm very excited about. Kind of unexpected but an opportunity arose to get a limited edition so I jumped on it. Will update as soon as it gets here. So what NWAs did you pick up?

A nice home at the texture on the @OLIGO Blue.

Oooh, is actually gotten cold here. Loving this suede Strap from @artifexleather on my @holthinrichs RO.

Out at my daughter's Lacrosse game. Weather's gray and overcast so brightening things up.

Holthinrichs Raw Ornament Suede Strap by @artifexleather

Wearing the @sergey_churov Fortress II.

Moser Pioneer Midnight Blue Strap by @tailored_by_jb

Looking forward to seeing it in a couple weeks. What's the size?

Some shots of the upcoming release. DO NOT SHARE THESE OUTSIDE THE CLUB until after the announcement.

Spaceman!

Still supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month.

https://deployant.com/throwback-sunday-six-watches-revealed-in-dubai-watch-week/ On the wrist of Aldis Hodge

https://www.thetimebum.com/2023/02/arcanaut-arc-ii-fordite.html

From our own @th4tk1d (@natecho on IG) https://fifthwrist.com/arcanaut-arc-ii-fordite-review/

https://wornandwound.com/review/owners-review-the-arcanaut-arc-ii-fordite/

https://www.ablogtowatch.com/watch-review-arcanaut-arc-ii-fordite/