Summer Rewind: 2023’s Most Compelling Watch Collabs (So Far)
The best watch collaborations present an opportunity to own something that is not only relatively unique but also something that, as a whole, is greater than the sum of its parts. Here at Watchonista, that concept is simply irresistible.
By Watchonista
While the famous Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup “You got chocolate on my peanut butter!/You got peanut butter on my chocolate!” television ad from 1981 might be the most enduring pop culture meme for successful collaboration, the watch world has been revealing product collaborations (with each other, and with industry outsiders) for many, many years.
That is why, today, we are revisiting the watch mash-ups of 2023 that feature cameos from unexpected but apt designers and influencers, as well as out-of-the-box inspirations, like coffee and beloved kiddie icons.
So, without further ado, here is Watchonista’s list of the most compelling collaborative timepieces of the year (so far). Enjoy!
Chopard x Bamford: The Mille Miglia GTS Power Control Edition “Desert Racer”
By Ash Longet
PR & Business Development
Released at the end of June, the 50-piece limited edition Mille Miglia GTS Power Control Edition “Desert Racer,” with its bead-blasted titanium construction and flashy design elements, unites George Bamford’s and his eponymous company’s, Bamford Watch Department, sharp taste and uncompromising commitment to creating timepieces that defy conventions and Chopard’s passion for the world of motorsports.
Building upon the success of their 2021 collaboration, the combination of orange, gray, and black details, which showcase Bamford’s signature color scheme, adds a dynamic aesthetic to the watch and evokes the adrenaline-fueled atmosphere of the racetrack. Plus, the oversized Arabic numerals at 6 and 12 o’clock, enhanced with black Super-LumiNova, further improve the timepiece’s legibility.
Yet, despite its obvious good looks, what struck me the most was…
To read the rest of Ash’s review (including pricing and availability) or check out more of our original imagery, read our article The Bold & the Beautiful: Chopard x Bamford Unveil the Limited Edition Mille Miglia GTS Power Control “Desert Racer” from June.
Oris x Kermit the Frog: The ProPilot X Kermit Edition
By Mike Espindle
Executive Editor
Released by Oris at Watches & Wonders 2023, the ProPilot X Kermit Edition, with its 6 o’clock date window displaying a tiny portrait of everyone’s favorite banjo-playing frog rather than the date on the first of each month, can be described as nothing less than unabashedly joyful.
Full disclosure: I fell hard for this piece. But whether you decide to call it your “Kermit Day,” like the brand advocates, or “Me Time,” you should definitely call it a chance to start your month on a fun, unexpected note.
As for the rest of the story, this whimsical new execution has all favored hallmarks of the ProPilot X line but with a delightful croak in its throat…
To read the rest of Mike’s review (including pricing and availability) or check out more of our original imagery, read our Oris Goes Green and Gets High at Watches & Wonders 2023 (Not that Way, Sheesh!) article from March.
Armin Strom x Horomariobro: The Pure Resonance Ultimate Sapphire
By Ash Longet
PR & Business Development
In the world of horology, where timekeeping meets craftsmanship, there are individuals like Horomariobro whose passion for watches transcends the ordinary. Based on the West Coast of the US, this distinguished watch collector is renowned for his discerning taste and a keen eye for fine hand-finishing thanks to his eye-opening macro photos and videos published on his influential Instagram account.
Currently focused on the captivating world of independents on his watch-collecting journey, Horomariobro doesn’t shy away from candidly scrutinizing his own collection, but by sharing his warts-and-all assessments, he provides an insightful context that sparks engaging discussions among his dedicated followers on Instagram.
In our exclusive interview with him, Horomariobro gives us a glimpse into his fascinating world of watch collecting and reveals the story behind his recent collaboration with esteemed independent watchmaker Armin Strom to create the 10-piece limited edition Pure Resonance Ultimate Sapphire.
However, before the interview, let’s take a quick look at the Pure Resonance Ultimate Sapphire itself, which stands out for being the brand’s most minimalist resonance watch so far. That’s because, in accordance with Horomariobro’s wishes, it dispenses with…
To read the rest of Ash’s review (including pricing and availability) or to check out her interview with Horomariobro, read our Horomariobro Discusses Collaborating with Armin Strom article from June.
Hublot x Nespresso: The Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin
By Steven Rogers
Contributor
Hublot and Nespresso are two iconic Swiss companies located on the shores of Lake Geneva. Both born during the 1980s, this pioneering pair have now teamed up to release a “ground-breaking” new limited-edition watch, if you pardon the pun, in terms of sustainability, recycling, and circular manufacturing: The Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin.
The first-ever timepiece to feature a case and strap made from recycled Nespresso capsules and coffee grounds, the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin’s 42mm brushed and polished anodized green case – in addition to its bezel and chronograph pushers – is made from recycled aluminum, 28% of which comes from Nespresso coffee pods.
Likewise, recycled coffee capsule cast-offs are used for the watch’s two strap options. First, there is a green lined rubber strap, and to create it, Hublot had to combine 4.1% coffee grounds and 8.2% recycled white rubber made from the usual Hublot formula. Second is the green S.Café fabric strap made from 5% coffee grounds and 95% recycled polyester, and its Velcro fastener works with a sport buckle made of anodized green titanium.
However, the circular and recycled nature of the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin doesn’t stop with the timepiece…
To read the rest of Steven’s review, including pricing and availability, check out our Cool Beans! Hublot & Nespresso Serve Up the Eco-Friendly Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin article from May.
Thinking Inside The Box: Six Of The Best Square Watches
By Rhonda Riche
, Editor-At-Large
Late summer days are best spent laying on the grass, looking up at the clouds and pondering life’s big questions. Like, what are the best square...
Summer Rewind: The Terroirs of Time
By Watchonista
How does where a watch is made influence how a watch is made? To find out, you’ll need to take a look back at our Terroir of Time series.
Summer Rewind: Our Favorite Pilot Watches of 2023 (So Far)
By Watchonista
When it comes to watches for those who dare to soar to the highest heights, more traditional design cues are now being joined with thoughtful, modern...