As watch lovers, we spend our afternoons poring over watches both new and vintage. When a new timepiece comes across our radar, one that particularly resonates with our tastes, we can’t help but obsess over it. So, here’s a taste of that process — three timepieces that our watch-loving staff are obsessing over right at this very moment.
1960s Zodiac Sea Wolf (Ref. 722-9546B)
Zodiac's Sea Wolf debuted just as Rolex's Submariner was also making its appearance on the world's stage. And though overshadowed by its contemporary, there's no denying that models from the 1960s feature some of the most eye-catching dials in the history of the dive watch. This particular example, with its wild pops of yellow and orange and its faded blue Bakelite bezel, is one of the coolest I've ever laid eyes on. — Oren Hartov, Associate Editor
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph with Blue Dial
I just binge-watched all four-and-a-half seasons (coronavirus-induced TV production hiatus) of Showtime's "Billions" and was enchanted by a particular blue-dialed watch worn by Damian Lewis' billionaire character, Bobby Axelrod. Of course it's the nearly $27,000 AP Royal Oak Chronograph, because what other watch does a multibillionaire wear? The Royal Oak is like the last normal-ish looking watch a rich person buys before they start investing in gaudy Richard Mille timepieces. I don't want the Royal Oak for prestige; I just like the blue face and those perfectly aligned screws. — Tyler Chin, Associate Staff Writer
Vostok Amphibian "Zissou"
For months I’ve been obsessing over this oddball Russian dive watch, the Vostok Amphibian “Zissou.” What is a “Zissou” you ask? Well if you’ve seen Wes Anderson’s 2004 film “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” you may recognize it being worn by Bill Murray. The watch, with its almost overly playful nautical theme, blends right into the quirky universe set in this film. — Hunter D. Kelley, Associate Designer
