Omega Seamaster 300

2012 April 23

Omega is one of the top Swiss brands in the world today, and is increasingly becoming a serious competitor against Rolex. The brand has evolved considerably in the last 10 years, and is gaining in popularity each year. The new series of watches are making use of finely engineered in-house calibres that offer a lot of watch for the money. It used to be that Omega was the more reasonable choice for a fine Swiss watch – less expensive than Rolex and the like, but exceptionally well made and very reliable. This was especially true from the 1950 to mid 70s - Omega’s golden era.

Bell & Ross BR01 Red Radar

2012 March 30

Matt Baily was the first Bell & Ross retailer in Canada, and we have witnessed the evolution of the company from a quirky producer of professional watches into a powerhouse brand driven by distinctive industrial designs. Their BR01 and BR03 Instrument series are still the benchmark for modern military-industrial watches. To keep the design fresh, Bell & Ross has introduced numerous colour variations and complications over the years; the Red Radar limited edition in particular has garnered a lot of press in the watch media as a seriously cool design that takes the Instrument to another level.

Graham Chronofighter RAC

2012 February 20

I’ve written about Graham watches in the blog before. It’s an interesting brand that has its roots in classical English watchmaking (though nowadays everything is made in Switzerland). What I have here is the prototypical Graham Chronofighter RAC, a classic design that, along with the Swordfish, has come to define the Graham style. While most people are familiar with the Oversize series of gigantic watches, not that many are aware of Graham’s more modestly sized offerings. While the Oversize is a sport watch that will dominate the wrist, the classic Chronofighter is an elegant, distinctly English design that straddles the line between classic and sport.

Oris BC4 Retrograde Pilot Watch

2012 February 06

This week we here at Matt Baily received a new line of Swiss watches – Oris. Continuing our tradition of seeking out interesting small brands that offer good value for nice timepieces, we took on Oris as a way to round out our collection of cool sport watches. And the brand doesn’t disappoint – they offer a number of interesting models that are well made, good looking, and reasonably priced. One model in particular caught my eye – the BC4 Retrograde, a pilot-style watch with a cool complication that sets it apart from the crowd.

Alpina Extreme Sailing Automatic

2012 January 23

Alpina has been on a roll lately, after introducing several cool new models (including the Startimer and Extreme Sailing, and the upcoming Heritage Pilot) that have really put the spotlight back onto the brand. The new theme seems to be better design, better quality, and lowered retail prices overall. The new Extreme Sailing Automatic in particular offers exceptional value; it’s a clean, functional and good-looking watch that appears far more expensive than it is.

Pre-Basel 2012 : Frederique Constant Carrera Panamerica Limited Edition

2012 January 19

Frederique Constant unveils their latest limited edition series - the Carrera Panamerica - to honour its namesake, a classic road race held in Mexico.

Pre-Basel 2012 - Alpina Heritage Pilot 50mm Limited Edition

2012 January 18

Alpina introduces its new 50mm Heritage Pilot model, a limited edition watch inspired by 1930s aviation designs set to debut at the Baselworld 2012 show.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Safari

2012 January 16

When it comes to big, bold, haute-horlogerie sport watches Audemars Piguet is the brand to beat. Since 1972 their signature Royal Oak series has become a legendary model that has aged gracefully and received numerous evolutionary updates over the decades to keep it fresh. The Royal Oak Offshore, in particular, has become a huge hit for the brand since it was introduced in 1993, and it remains their signature model. This week I will be profiling one of the most popular Offshores, the so-called “Safari” edition.

Orbita Watchwinders

2012 January 09

Rado D-Star 200 Diver Announced

2012 January 05

Matt Baily is Montreal’s latest Rado retailer, and we brought in the brand in anticipation of their new releases for 2012 that promised to bring the brand into the fore of the high-tech watch market after years of conservative design. Now we have our first glimpse of the direction that Rado is going with the new D-Star 200 diving models, announced this week on the Rado website.

Rolex 16710 GMT Master II

2012 January 02

When it comes to Rolex sport watches, the GMT-Master is one of the top choices among collectors and watch lovers the world over. More elegant and functional than the Submariner, and more popular than the Explorer, the GMT-Master is a modern classic that has been a brand favourite for over 50 years. The example we have here is the last of the traditional GMT-Masters, the 16710 with “coke” bezel.

New Rado Sintra XXL Skeleton Chronometer

2011 December 19

The latest addition to the Matt Baily lineup is Rado, a favourite brand among fashion conscious trend-setters who want avant-garde design and high-tech materials. A pioneer in the field of composites and ceramic watch cases, Rado has made a name for itself by innovating in a traditionally conservative Swiss watch market. One of the centrepieces of the Rado collection is the Sintra, a tonneau-shaped model available in a variety of ceramic colours with an integrated bracelet. And the flagship of the Sintra collection is the new XXL Skeleton Chronometer, which showcases a beautifully skeletonized automatic movement.

New U-Boat U-42 Chronograph and 47mm Limited Editions

2011 December 12

Last year U-Boat came out with the U-42 limited edition series, a 53mm titanium monster based on a diver’s watch designed in 1942 by Ilvo Fontana, grandfather of company president Italo Fontana. The U-42 was a very distinctive watch that offered a totally unique look in the U-Boat line, one that competed more with the likes of Panerai and Audemars Piguet (but for much less money). This year U-Boat has expanded the U-42 lineup to include an automatic chronograph, as well as a midsize 47mm model to suit more average wrist sizes.

New Bell & Ross WW1 Military and Heritage

2011 December 05

Bell & Ross watches have long been a Montreal favourite. We were the first dealer in Canada for the brand, and had them before they released their iconic Instrument series. Nowadays the Instrument is BR’s flagship, but they also produce a series of interesting round designs in the Vintage series. The latest additions to the Vintage line are the WW1 wristwatches, a series inspired by very early military watches that were adapted from pocketwatches.

A.Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Timezone

2011 November 21

When most people think of fine haute-horlogerie, they think of Switzerland. Rightly so, considering that Switzerland has some of the finest brands in the industry and the vast majority of modern watchmaking talent resides there. There is, however, an exception to this trend – in the Saxon countryside of Germany lies the city of Glashutte, a tiny town that has become the hub of German watchmaking. Here is where you will find the factory of A. Lange & Sohne, one of the best timepiece manufactures located outside of Switzerland.

Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Grande Date

2011 November 07

In the annals of watchmaking history, Jaeger LeCoultre is one of the powerhouse manufactures that has enjoyed steady success for over a century by producing top-tier timepieces and distinctive pieces that have led the market in quality and style. Today JLC is a true manufacture, producing all of its components in-house and finishing its watches to the highest level while maintaining competitive pricing. Quality and value have long been the tenets of JLC; they are also known for their innovative models that have become icons of classic design, such as the Polaris, Memovox, Atmos, and the famous Reverso.

New U-Boat U-51 46mm Limited Edition

2011 October 21

In the realm of big watches, U-Boat is king. Starting around 10 years ago, U-Boat was the first company to produce huge watches in 50mm plus diameters. At the time big watches were just beginning to come into vogue, since then big watches have become the norm and U-Boat has flourished. However, there are some folks (myself included) who just don’t have the wrist size to pull off a massive watch. Up until now there have been the 45mm Classico and Flightdeck models for people who want a big watch without going into the 50mms, but the limited edition pieces were always in the bigger size range. This year U-Boat has addressed this by introducing several new series of 46-47mm limited editions, including the U-1001, U-42, and the subject of today’s blog, the U-51.

Rolex Explorer I 214270

2011 October 10

Rolex has many storied models that have become legendary among watch aficionados and collectors alike. There are the ubiquitous Submariner and Sea-Dweller models, and the pilot’s favourite GMT Masters, and of course the ever-popular Datejust and Day-Date models that have become symbols of classic style and distinction. But one model range is often forgotten in favour of its more glamourous siblings – the Explorer series. Reaching back over 50 years, the Explorer has long been an understated and rugged sport model that has a rich history that should put it into the pantheon of other Rolex sport models.

New Hamilton Jazzmaster Auto Chrono

2011 September 26

Hamilton has long been a Matt Baily favourite here in Montreal, offering superb value for reasonable money. Hamiltons have elegant designs, are well built, nicely finished, and offer exceptional bang for buck compared to most Swiss brands. The latest Jazzmaster chronograph continues the tradition, while offering a subtle evolutionary upgrade of the existing series.

Bell & Ross Military Ceramic

2011 September 12

Ceramic is the latest trend in watch technology, having been dormant for many years (ceramic watches first emerged in the 1960s). The recent popularity of ceramic watches like the Chanel J12, not to mention the ceramic accents on high-tech watches from Hublot and Audemars Piguet, has created a demand for more and more ceramic designs from a variety of manufacturers. Entering the fray is Bell & Ross with a variety of new ceramic models, including the BR03-92 Military Ceramic (green, as we have here, and blue due later this year) and the upcoming BR01-92 Ceramic.

Frederique Constant Peking to Paris Chronograph

2011 August 22

Frederique Constant (and sister company Alpina) have a history of interesting sports sponsorships. Alpina sponsors the 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race, while Frederique Constant has been a part of the Lake Geneva Regatta for classic boats (commemorated by the Runabout series), and has also worked with the Austin Healey owners club for the Healey line. The latest limited edition from Frederique follows that same idea of a classic watch for a classic event – the Peking to Paris chronograph commemorates the legendary automobile rally between China and France.

New Alpina Startimers

2011 August 01

Since we introduced Alpina to the Montreal market some three years ago, we here at Matt Baily’s have seen the brand evolve from a small manufacturer of quirky sport watches into a well-respected marque producing very desirable watches for very reasonable prices. This year Alpina has introduced a slew of new entry-level models that are very reasonably priced while still showing a marked improvement in quality. Chief among these new models is the Startimer Pilot series, which was announced earlier this year alongside the Sailing collection. After several months of anticipation, we finally have the Startimer collection in store, and they do not disappoint.

New U-Boat U-1001 47 In Store

2011 July 25

This week on the blog we introduce the U-Boat Classico U-1001 47mm Limited Edition, a scaled down and dressed up version of the U-1001 diving watch, now available in-store at Matt Baily's.

New Frederique Constant and Alpina Models In Store

2011 July 04

New in-store are the latest offerings from Matt Baily favourites Alpina and Frederique-Constant. We have received a number of new luxury watches that run the gamut from supremely elegant to casual sport, including the much-anticipated Frederique Slimline Automatic and Alpina Startimer Chronograph.

New In-Store: Rubber B Straps for Rolex

2011 June 23

New in store is a very cool product for your Rolex watches – Rubber B straps. Made in Switzerland with high quality vulcanized rubber, these straps are designed to perfectly match Rolex cases with form-fitted lugs and special end-pieces that connect to the Rolex OEM fliplock clasp.

New Hamilton Thin-o-Matic In Store

2011 June 06

As I’ve mentioned in the blog before, we are seeing a return to classic and simple designs in the luxury watch industry after years of huge and bold sporty watches... A perfect example of this trend is the new Hamilton Thin-o-Matic, an updated re-edition of a classic dress watch from Hamilton’s golden age.

Vacheron Constantin Historique Toledo 1952

2011 May 30

Vacheron Constantin has always been a traditional luxury manufacture, preferring to make classic haute gamme timepieces rather than bowing to the market fads. They have made sporty designs in recent years, but they are still best known for their elegant dress watches that combine impeccable quality with a timeless understated style... Case in point – the Toledo 1952 annual calendar, which is part of the Historique collection of classically inspired timepieces...

VIDEO: New U-Boat Classico U-1001 47mm

2011 May 22

A video presentation of the new 2011 U-Boat Classico U-1001 limited edition watches in 47mm, from this year's Baselworld show in Switzerland.

U-Boat Titanium Flightdeck

2011 May 11

The U-Boat range is divided into three main models – Classico, Flightdeck and Thousands of Feet. One of the most popular models is the Flightdeck Chronograph which has become one of U-Boat’s signature designs, featuring an automatic Valjoux chronograph in a sporty case with very legible dials. Traditionally the Flightdeck features a stainless steel case, but a few lesser known variations exist – the ceramic and titanium models. What we have here is one of my favourite U-Boats and the latest addition to the Flightdeck line – reference 1881 in titanium...

Rolex Patent Pending Double Red Sea Dweller

2011 May 02

This week, Jason profiles one of the most significant collectible Rolex sport watches - the "Patent Pending" Double Red Sea Dweller ref 1665.

Jaeger leCoultre ATMOS Clocks

2011 April 25

The most fascinating clock in the world that you can buy - the Jaeger leCoultre ATMOS clock is the closest thing to a perpetual motion machine you can own.

A Brief History of the Rolex Daytona - Part III

2011 April 11

In the final instalment of his Rolex Daytona profile, Jason reviews three modern examples of the Daytona - two 116520s in stainless steel and one 116509 in 18K white gold.

A Brief History of the Rolex Daytona - Part II

2011 April 04

In part two of his profile of the Rolex Daytona, Jason explains why the Daytona has become one of the top collector's pieces in the vintage watch market.

A Brief History of the Rolex Daytona - Part I

2011 March 28

In part one of three part series, Jason gives a brief history of the Rolex Daytona - a watch that is celebrating 50 years of production in 2011.

IWC Da Vinci Chronograph Review

2011 March 21

Vacheron Constantin Royal Eagle Chronograph

2011 March 14

This week Jason returns to his profiling of interesting pre-owned pieces with a look at the Vacheron Constantin Royal Eagle Chronograph.

Azimuth Round 1 Regulator Retrograde

2011 February 26

In this week's blog Jason profiles the cool and quirky Azimuth Round 1 Retrograde Regulator, a very distinctive dress watch from a small manufacturer of interesting complications.

New for 2011 U-Boat Watch Models in Store

2011 February 17

Jason profiles the latest additions to the U-Boat lineup, including the new Titanium Ceramic Classicos, the U-51 Chronograph, the U-42 limited edition, and the U-1001 IPB.

New Bell & Ross Vintages in Store

2011 February 16

In this week's blog, Jason takes a look at the new Bell & Ross Vintage series of watches.

New Marvin Malton and Loeb Models in Store

2011 January 27

In this week's blog, Jason gives a brief profile of the new Marvin Malton and Sebastien Loeb watches now available in store at Matt Baily's.

Paul Picot Technograph

2011 January 12

For this week's review, Jason has a look at the unique Paul Picot Technograph. Read more...

Panerai Pam 233 vs IWC Big Pilot 5002 - Part III of III

2010 November 17

This week, Jason wraps up his head-to-head comparison of the Panerai PAM 233 1950 GMT and the International Watch Co. Big Pilot ref 5002.

Matt Baily Blog Cage Match - IWC Big Pilot 5002 vs. Panerai 1950 GMT PAM233

2010 October 11

Vacheron Constantin 6115 Ultra Slim

2010 September 24

This week Jason profiles the stunning Vacheron Constantin 6115 Ultra Slim, one of the thinnest and most elegant wristwatches ever created.

U-Boat U-51 Rattrapante Video Review - Literally Awesome

2010 August 24

A Full HD video presenting U-Boat's most complicated model (as of August 2010), the U-51 Rattrapante.

Video Review of the Alpina Extreme Regulator Manufacture

2010 August 20

A video that we uploaded presenting the cool and sophisticated Extreme Regulator Manufacture by Alpina watches.

Video Presentation of the BR 01-92 Radar Limited Edition

2010 August 19

A video presentation of the Bell & Ross BR 01-92 Radar, a peculiar, high-grade timepiece. Shot at Bell & Ross headquarters it tells us about the inspiration behind the watch and about its special features.

Marvin M109 Presentation - Everybody Loves Marvin M109

2010 August 18

A presentation of the M109 by Marvin Watch Co. This fantastic timepiece is at once classic and modern, elegant and bold.

Graham Silverstone Flyback GMT

2010 July 16

Graham Silverstone GMT Jason profiles the beautiful Graham Silverstone Flyback GMT Chronograph in this week's blog.

A Video Review of the Hamilton X-Landing Limited Edition Watch

2010 July 14

During Marco's visit to Hamilton headquarters in Biel/Bienne, he was able to film the watches in a full 1080p HD. In this Baily Blog entry, we present the limited edition X-Landing.

Extreme Regulator Embodies Alpina's Uniqueness - With Video Review

2010 July 13

The Extreme Regulator is a fine example of the Alpina's personality and unique style. The quality of the mechanical movement and Swiss manufacturing are the base for a gorgeous, robust watch. In this entry we also present a quick video presentation of the Extreme Regulator in Full 1080p HD quality.

Review of Marvin Watch Co° M112 - Inspired By A Great Past

2010 July 12

The M112 collection captures both the past and present of Marvin Watch Co°. Its dial is symbolic of the Fifties and Sixties, an era when watches were meant to be elegant accessories, while the wide, 44mm case and modern materials represent the demands of today's luxury watch enthusiasts.

Video Review of Frédérique Constant Open Heart Manufacture Moonphase

2010 July 08

Not every watch manufacturer makes their watches from the ground-up. Many of the best known Swiss companies purchase ébauches, which are blank or unfinished, high-grade movements produced by third-party companies such as Sellita or E.T.A. Once a brand is able to create their own, in-house mechanisms, it enters a select circle of companies dubbed the Manufactures. A manufacture is able to control the quality and look of their watch mechanisms. This often leads to the creation of amazingly finished spectacles of horology in as the manufacturer attempts to distinguish them from the more common third party ébauches. Frédérique Constant is a remarkable case, because few companies serving the entry-price level luxury market have ventured into manufacture territory. In 2004 the company released an in-house movement with a skeletonized components allowing a clear view of the beating balance assembly, and giving it the name Heart Beat. Since then the Heart Beat has evolved into four distinct calibres including the automatic-winding moon phase version that is featured in the video below.

Alpina Official Timekeeper 12 Hours of Sebring 2010 Limited Edition

2010 February 02

Now in its second year of collaboration with the exciting endurance race, Alpina is celebrating this year's event with a new, limited edition, chronograph watch. The Official Timekeeper 12 Hours of Sebring 2010 commemorates the 58th anniversary of the race, which attracts over 150 000 spectators every year and kicks off the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) season. The decisively sporty allure of this new limited edition of 158 pieces will appeal to motor-racing fans thanks to its themed styling and specifically selected features.

Hamilton X-Mach - A Modern Tribute to Aviation and Speed

2010 January 26

What kind of "American Brand" would Hamilton be if it did not obsess with aeroplanes and speed? The company has an entire family of watches that are dedicated to flight, containing some popular models like the X-Wind and X-Copter. The newest addition to the Aviation family of watches is the X-Mach; able to calculate your Mach number (how fast you are going relevant to the speed of sound). I would love to hear stories of individuals putting this function to the test in real life while I will be content to measure what Mach number I am able to reach on my flight simulator.