Have. You. Checked. This. Out! Alright, first impressions – I'm totally vibing with those no-date dial variations. Feast your eyes on the Swatch X BlancPain Scuba Fifty Fathoms that just splashed onto the scene. Now, I've got a little confession: I'm not the biggest fan of watches with 4:30 dates. That's precisely why I'm crushing hard on those no-date variants (the orange and the gray/white, in case you're wondering).
This beauty is powered by a Sistem51 movement and comes in at around the $400ish mark. The big question on everyone's mind: Is it going to be the next big thing? Well, it might just be, but it's going to be a bit easier hunting for treasure come January or February. You know how these things go.
Now, here's the deal – the Fifty Fathoms doesn't have quite the same cult following as the Speedmaster, and it's a bit of a beast in terms of size. Don't get me wrong; it's one of my top picks from BlancPain, but it's a big fella overall. The Swatch X BlancPain Scuba Fifty Fathoms measures in at a substantial 42.3mm and a whopping 14.4mm thickness. Yep, it's a bold statement piece, alright.
But here's what's seriously cool about it – it's waterproof down to, you guessed it, 50 fathoms (that's about 300 feet or 91.440 meters for the landlubbers among us). Now, this watch runs on a Sistem51 movement, and that rotor? It pretty much owns the open caseback, which, in my book, is wicked cool.
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room. The Sistem51 isn't exactly what you'd call "serviceable." Translation: down the line, it's pretty much a one-way ticket to disposable watch land. While these watches are designed to represent the vast oceans, I can't help but wonder if they'll find their way back to the deep blue sooner or later.
Here's the lowdown – these babies aren't limited editions, but they're limited to specific stores, and they're playing the one-per-customer card right out of the gate. For more juicy details, head over to the Swatch website. Happy hunting, watch fam! 🌊⌚🔍
Watches:
Now, let's take a quick detour into the world of macro watches. First up, Tag Heuer unveils the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche, a collaborative chronograph born from an iconic partnership, and it comes with a twist!
The Chronosprint rocks a "glassbox" design, measuring 42mm and just under 15mm thick, with a domed crystal. This new glassbox design is an absolute stunner, especially in the 'Reverse Panda' and "Skipper'' releases. But what truly sets the Chronosprint apart is its chronograph features. Instead of a standard stopwatch, it mimics a car's acceleration, moving faster through the first part of the dial in 9.1 seconds (a nod to the original 911’s 0-60 time) before slowing down as you shift into higher gears. While it might serve no practical purpose, it's a cool homage to Porsche, especially since this watch boasts a brand-new movement! Prices range from $10k for steel with a silver dial to $26k for rose gold with a white dial.
Next up, Timex – a brand making a remarkable transition from your typical department store watches to a higher quality, more luxurious lineup. Brace yourselves for Timex Rewound, a new way to experience Timex. While details are still scarce, Timex promises to upcycle watches, giving them a second life as new products. What exactly that means, we're not sure yet, but it's intriguing! Who knows, maybe that old non-working Snoopy watch will become a stylish necklace? Stay tuned for more info!
Wheels:
Our wheels segment is light this week, but we have some updates and a hint of what's to come.
First, VW seems to be diving headfirst into the world of EV sports cars. After the ID.GTI, they're rumored to be working on an ID.X Performance model. This beast packs 551 horsepower, dual motors, a locking rear differential, and a 2.3-inch lower stance compared to the standard ID.7. VW seems keen on winning over car enthusiasts in the EV era by focusing on the fun aspect of driving – a factor often lost in modern EVs. Can they pull it off? Honestly the fact this is my second time in two weeks writing about VW is scaring me... Don't tell my subie.
On the topic of Tesla, Walter Isaacson's new biography "Elon Musk" has hit the shelves. Whether you love or loathe Musk, Walter Isaacson is known for his exceptional biographies, making this a must-read for many. However, with the internet being what it is, expect most of the book to be leaked online by Tuesday morning!
Lastly, an update on Toyota – the much-anticipated Century has been unveiled, and it's a hybrid crossover! Victory for those who guessed right! 🚗💨
And that's a wrap for Lap #2 of Wristmas & The W's!
We dove headfirst into the world of whiskey, where Elijah Craig Barrel Proof continues to astonish, and Bardstown's collaboration series with Goose Island's Bourbon County Stout has us craving more of that exquisite blend.
In the realm of watches, we explored the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronosprint x Porsche, a true marvel that mimics the thrill of acceleration. And the mysterious Timex Rewound promises exciting upcycling adventures for our beloved timepieces.
In the world of wheels, VW is racing into the EV sports car arena, while Elon Musk's biography by Walter Isaacson has us all buzzing. And who could forget Toyota's surprise hybrid crossover, the Century?
Stay tuned for more exhilarating content, reviews, and news from Wristmas & The W's. We're stoked to have you on this journey with us, and there's plenty more in store.
Rev those engines, sip that bourbon, and keep your wrists adorned in style. Until next time!
-Mark K
Chief Enthusiast, Wristmas & The W's
