These Are the Watches We’re Obsessing Over in March 2019

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 — six timepieces that our watch-loving staff are obsessing over right at this very moment.

Seiko 4520 Astronomical Observatory Chronometer

I’ve written about my obsession with the Grand Seiko “45 GS” models, but this example is just bonkers. It’s not technically a Grand Seiko, but a 45 GS-style case with a movement certified to Neuchâtel Observatory standards (more about that here). There were only 73 original 4520 Astronomical Observatory Chronometers that made it to market in 1968. The movement is a 36,000bph movement encased behind a dial signifying its rarebird status. With only 73 examples made and an unknown number still in existence, it’s safe to say I’ll never see one in person. But one can dream, right?— AJ Powell, Project Manager, Gear Patrol Studios

Omega 2471/1 “Cosmic” Moonphase

A manually-wound, triple-date calendar watch with an elegantly designed moon phase, this reference, the 2471/1 (also called a “Cosmic”) is one of my favorite complicated watches, full stop. Examples were made in both steel and gold, but this particular one, with a stunningly preserved white dial, has to be one of the most beautiful watches I’ve ever seen. Is it overpriced, even in this condition? Possibly. But there’s no denying how good-looking this watch is.— Oren Hartov, Assistant Editor

TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 16 Chronograph

I’ve been eying this Carrera since it was introduced at Baselworld in 2018. One of the sportier looking models in the current Carrera collection, this motor racing-inspired watch has everything I’m looking for in a chronograph. Calibre 16 movement, 41mm case, perforated leather strap with a folding clasp, two-tone dial & sporty red hits — it takes clear aesthetic cues from the Monza Calibre 17. It’s very bold and totally different from anything I currently own. With that said, it would fit well in my rotation so I can’t promise a purchase isn’t imminent. — Alyx Effron, Account Executive

Athos Yachting Chronograph

Athos watches fall into a strange little corner of history replete with brands long extinct — a forgotten name in a glass case somewhere, overlooked by collectors on the hunt for a patina’d Heuer or scuffed Breitling. But as my research revealed, this watch was one of millions produced in the 1970s and 80s using steel Incabloc cases and ETA Valjoux movements, leading to a bevy of playful, sturdy and heavily undervalued vintage sport watches on today’s market. Not only is the watch made with some of the best components you could get at the time, it’s also astonishingly unique, and the playful colors, interesting sub-dials and neoclassical Athos logo make me genuinely giddy. I suspect this thing will come to haunt me.— Andy Frakes, Editorial Assistant

Patek Philippe Calatrava 6006G-001

We talk a lot about the Calatrava here at Gear Patrol, mostly because it’s the platonic ideal of the dress watch, but also because it has one of the most fascinating origin stories in horological history. Most of the references in this line are so refined and elegant that they fly under the radar, but that’s absolutely not the case with the 6006G-001. As the children might say, this watch has sauce. It features an ebony black dial with silvery accents that looks like a maniacal Art Deco roulette wheel, complemented by a dastardly offset sub-seconds dial and a pointer date complication that must keep our friends in Holstein up at night. I haven’t stopped thinking about this watch since the first time I tried it on two years ago, and I probably won’t for a long, long time.— Justin Fenner, Senior Associate Editor

Seiko Presage SJE073

Possibly the one watch I’ve been waiting for, this unusually thin (9.8mm) and superbly finished Seiko Presage has caused me to ache with watch-desire for over a year. People immediately compared the SJE073 to the immensely popular Grand Seiko Spring Drive “Snowflake” when it came out in 2018. But that is a different watch that’s cool for different reasons, as well as significantly more expensive. Sure, the Presage’s automatic movement is more associated with lower-range Seikos, and it’s still pricey — but I’m undeterred. There is no real competition I’m aware of for the complete package of its incredibly refined details, beautiful dial texture, fascinatingly complex but thin case, and utterly perfect proportions.— Zen Love, Associate Staff Writer

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  These Are the Watches We’re Obsessing Over in January 2019

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