Cool Hunting

De Grisogono Meccanico dG
Contrary to its appearance, the Meccanico dG has no digital components. Below the more conventional analog portion of the two-timezone watch is a numerical display driven by the intricate interplay of 651 strictly mechanical components. Numbers are formed by the motion of 23 cams, which are connected to gears and a synchronization system. To prove it, the watch's back features a transparent dial plate...

Korona K1 Prototype by Stepan Sarpaneva
Helsinki watchmaker, Stepan Sarpaneva, nephew of the famed Finnish mid-century designer Timo Sarpaneva, has produced yet another stellar timepiece, the Korona K1. Following the success of his very limited and sold-out Supernova series (featured on Watchismo), Stepan is quickly forming a significant body of work.At 44mm wide and 9.6mm tall, the nearly full-Finnish production is made entirely of stainless steel including the dial, date...

1986 Seiko Speedmaster by Giorgetto Giugiaro
If you've ever asked yourself, "What was that amazing watch Lieutenant Ripley wore in the 1986 movie 'Aliens?'" I have the answer for you. It was a Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed Seiko Speedmaster Chronograph. The vertical stopwatch pushers placed inside the asymmetrical case extension are what makes the watch entirely unique. Personally, I think he may have been influenced by the design of the 1973 LIP...

Ikepod Black Hole
With the new Ikepod Black Hole, a limited edition of 66, Marc Newson's iconic watches are back—this time with more expensive materials, extensive (re)designs and overall exclusivity. Only advertised as silhouette, no images are shown until the potential owners buy it. I met with new owner and prominent art collector Adam Lindemann in his New York office to discuss the rebirth of the brand...

Max Bill Chronoscope for Junghans
In 1962 Swiss artist Max Bill (1908-1994) created a few mechanical watches for the German company Junghans. Reissued in recent years, most were and are very simple-looking, too understated for my personal tastes. But this rare Chronoscope model has a certain something. Its minimalism is just plain attractive. Apparently this particular version isn't sold anymore and the only one I could find was here...

Bullhead Chronographs
Bullhead Chronographs feature the crown and pushers on top of the case instead of the side. Due to the rarity of this configuration more liberties are taken in regards to the overall design. Many dials are angled up for a drivers style and feature unusual dials. They are some of the most original and coolest watches made in the sixties and seventies. The 1970...