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Vacation Watches: Why Did We Choose Them?
It’s that time of the year, where a new year starts and we all venture back to the office for the classic 9-to-5. However, the weather is warming, the sun is out longer, and spring is just around the corner, and with it, the potential for a new vacation, if, of course, we have enough vacation days left.
It can be a surprisingly fun activity to choose watches specifically for your holiday, even if your non-watch collector friends think you’re completely insane. Going on a
thewatchbrief
Jan 13


Winter Watches: More Important than Summer Watches?
It is important for a winter watch to be slim, so that it can easily fit underneath a sweater sleeve or a thick jacket without protruding outward like you have something on your wrist that is very excited to see your significant other. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to have a dress watch, but it does rule out a lot of great, somewhat thicker divers like a Seiko Monster, Seiko Tuna, Seiko Arnie, Seiko - wait, I promise this isn’t an Anti-Seiko article!
The next is
Jilliano Romano
Oct 17, 2025


Formex Essence vs. Reef: Living with Two of the Best
Being in the watch media and brand collaboration space, I often get the chance to handle some incredible pieces.
Recently, I had the pleasure of spending time with two standout models from Formex: the Essence Chronometer (in that striking gamaret) and the Reef Diver Chronometer (in blue). While they share some DNA, they bring very different personalities to the wrist.
Let’s break them down.
thewatchbrief
Sep 26, 2025


Knis: The Japanese Microbrand That Deserves Your Attention
KNIS is a Kyoto-based Japanese microbrand founded by Niii Keisuke, offering high-quality automatic watches at affordable prices. With models like the KN001-RD, featuring a sunburst red dial, sapphire crystal, Miyota 8215 movement, and strong everyday wearability, KNIS proves that microbrands can compete with major players.
Jilliano Romano
Sep 12, 2025


Watch Microbrands: Are They Worth it in 2025?
Are you frustrated with the games and tricks from Authorized Dealers? Tired of the new dial colours on preexisting models being the centerpiece of a brand’s yearly releases? Has your bank account finally given in under the strain of $1,000 or more watch purchases?
If the above resonates with you, a microbrand might be the right fit. Microbrands offer some of the greatest value in watchmaking, along with innovative designs and a great deal of novelty.

Bryan
Sep 1, 2025


Vertex: The Revival of a Dirty Dozen Brand
An in-depth look at the revival of original Dirty Dozen brand Vertex, and how these over-engineered WWII field watches are poised to take the watch industry by storm.

Bryan
Aug 15, 2025


The Great Date Window Debate: Is Less Really More on a Watch Dial?
Watch lovers don’t always agree. That’s part of what makes this world of ticking hands and sweeping seconds so addictive. We argue about quartz versus mechanical, obsess over lug widths, and spend far too long wondering whether an exhibition caseback belongs on a dive watch. But one topic seems to split the room more than most: the date window.
Some see it as a practical touch. A little square of utility. Others see it as a design compromise, a blemish on an otherwise balanc

Bryan
Aug 8, 2025


Tag Heuer is on the Right Track
In March of 2025, Tag Heuer made the polarizing decision of re-releasing their extremely popular neo-vintage quartz Formula 1 watches to commemorate becoming the official sponsor of F1. If you can detect a touch of sarcasm behind that sentence, it’s because the writing had been on the wall ever since their limited edition collaboration with fashion brand Kith became a roaring success. However, the new and improved Tag Heuer F1 seemed to split the watch enthusiasts into two ca
Jilliano Romano
Aug 8, 2025






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