As watch lovers and writers at Gear Patrol, we spend our afternoons pitching, researching and writing stories, poring over the new timepieces coming in and out of our office, and hunting for deals on used and vintage pieces online. And when a new watch comes across our radar, one that particularly resonates with our tastes, we can’t help but obsess over it. And not just obsess over them — we talk about them, debate their relevance, orate on their greatness and rail on their faults. So, here’s a taste of that: three timepieces are watch-loving staff can’t seem to shake, right this second.
Omega Seamaster Cosmic 2000
It seems every week I’m finding some semi-obscure watch from the 20th century and developing a bit of an obsession for it — that’s the case with the Omega Seamster Cosmic 2000, anyway. Released in 1972, it was among the earliest adopters of the integrated bracelet and case shape that became so iconic in the ’70s (think Royal Oak and Vacheron Overseas). Indeed, you get Royal Oak looks for a fraction of the price (many go for around $1,000) but it also used a great movement: a 4.3mm-thin automatic beating at 28,000 vph, relatively fast for the time. Though, the technical prowess of the insides and the great profile can only be matched in greatness by the watch’s name: Cosmic 2000, which is about as retrofuturistic as a watch moniker can get. — Andrew Connor, Associate Staff Writer
Seiko SARB065 “Cocktail Time”
It looks like the watch Jay Gatsby might wear. Unlike many art deco designs, though, it isn’t gauche in a modern setting. Its ridiculous sunburst dial can look understated from one angle and brilliant from another. Ignore the photo on Amazon; the dial isn’t ugly blue, it’s a perfect silver. I’m inches away from buying one (like any Seiko, it’s crazy affordable) and throwing it on a steel mesh bracelet. — Chris Wright, Associate Editor
