TAG Heuer #MondayMonday - Santa Claus Rides Again!

We need sparring partners in life.  And a good sparring partner will give as good as they get.  Jean-Claude Biver is perhaps the last true giant of watch making.  Hayek and Stern the Younger have the benefit of fortuitous birth certificates, but Mr. Biver came from nowhere and over time has established himself as the last true legend of watch brand directors.  And I say that sincerely, he has done amazing things in his tenures with Blancpain, Omega, Hublot and of late Tag Heuer.  

But regular readers will also know that what makes your old pal Henki tick is good deeds!  And I congratulate Mr. Biver and his team for undertaking to do a particularly good deed!  In fact not just one!  So as I've said before, Santa Claus is alive and well, and working at Tag Heuer!

Every first Monday of the month will provide another opportunity to buy something cool, and to help benefit a worthy cause!  The first #MondayMonday will benefit Make a Wish of Switzerland.

Make a Wish is not just any other feel good charity.  At their heart, they exist to to help create a lifetime full of happy memories for children and families that will never have the benefit of a full lifetime to experience them.  It is a noble mission, and for this I sincerely thank Mr. Biver and his team for supporting them in their efforts with this fantastic initiative - Chapeau!  Un grand merci!

In all honesty, this is a pretty neat idea and I give credit to Tag Heuer for thinking outside of the watch box.  I am going to simply let them tell you about it in their own words:

TAG Heuer: Launch of Exclusive Sales

#MondayMonday

Every first Monday of the month, discover an exclusive

unique limited sale on tagheuer.com

Starting on May 1st 4PM Swiss Time: 50 books «Autavia: Story of an Icon»

autographed by Patrick Dempsey, Jack Heuer and Jean-Claude Biver,

will go up for on tagheuer.com.

 

Courtesy of Tag Heuer

#MondayMonday. This is the name given to the new operation launched by TAG Heuer on its e-commerce site. The idea? Limited numbers of unique items and experiences will go up for sale online, all over the world, on the first Monday of the month.

Announced during the weekend preceding the sale, the item will be sold at a fixed price, on a first come first served basis, or by auction. All the profits from each sale will be donated to a chosen charity. A new concept that will allow TAG Heuer to set a regular connection with its digital community. 

                                                                                                               

The first sales will take place next Monday on the 1st of May. 50 books «Autavia: Story of an Icon» autographed by Patrick Dempsey, Jack Heuer and Jean-Claude Biver, will be sold for 50 CHF each, on tagheuer.com. The sales will start at 04pm CEST. All the proceeds from this sale will be donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Switzerland which grants the wishes of children aged between 3 and 18 living with a serious medical condition to give them hope, strength and joy.

Link to the sales: http://tag.hr/MondayMonday

To Be Confirmed - Breitling Has A New Owner

To be 100% clear, I have not laid hands to a communication from Breitling and this is cobbled together from a few different news sources, but the word around the campfire is that the majority of Breitling has been purchased by CVC Capital Partners of (I believe) Luxembourg.

In an effort to clarify the stories posted in Tribune de Geneve:
http://www.tdg.ch/economie/breitling-vendu-cvc-capital-partners/story/11299208

I was able to find this update in the Press section of CVC Capital Partners:
http://www.cvc.com/Media-Centre.htmx?tabyear=2017&mediaitem=13751710044201

Essentially, CVC Capital Partners via the CVC Fund V1 have agreed to acquire 80% of Breitling SA.  Financial specifics remain under wraps.  Théodore Schneider will retain 20% of Breitling via a "reinvestment".  The dust is expected to settle on the regulatory requirements and should close in a few months - June.

Now this definitely is a bit of a curve ball, as rumors were flying at BaselWorld that perhaps Rolex (Tudor) and Breitling might be getting cozy owing to the shared technology, etc., in some BaselWorld releases from both brands.  So this does become an interesting proposition for the folks at CVC.

The watch industry is extremely challenging right now.  And it might be that ownership from outside the "closed empire" might have a more pragmatic view and approach.

We shall see.  Stay tuned!

A New Pharo DayDate

From Limes -

Courtesy of Limes

 Limes has brought an updated take on their Pharo DayDate.

Courtesy of Limes

 A more modern take on a true Limes classic.

Courtesy of Limes

Here are the pertinents -

Technical details

Movement	Decorated Swiss automatic movement Eta 2834 TOP DayDate, blued screws, Geneva stripes and Perlage, rotor with LIMES logo
Watch case	ICKLER made stainless steel case, polished and brushed, with elegant coined edges, diameter 40,5mm, thickness 11mm, domed sapphire crystal, mineral crystal display back, crown with Ickler logo, waterresistant 5 ATM
Dial	Silvered dial, fine Roman numerals, elegant Clous-de-Paris Guilloch pattern
Hands	Blue Breguet hands
Band	Black leather, width 20mm, wrist size: 18 - 22cm

March...

Would seem to be an improvement -

Courtesy of the FH

The March numbers are in, and as noted by the FH they seem to be a bit better.  But interesting to relate that the FH has taken to tempering their feedback of late, stating essentially that although this is an improvement, don't read too much into it.

But there are a few other indicators out there that might shed a wee bit of sunshine.  Per some reports, the total number of retail store closures in North America has been down this first quarter.  And that is a potentially positive development as well.  But these same outlets also report that the number of NEW North American retail stores is also down. 

Obviously, it is in the best interest of everyone involved if the industry rebounds.  But this has been a beat-down of nearly epic proportions for brands, distributors, retailers and yes, even customers.  A beat-down the likes of which we haven't seen since the "Quartz Crisis".  And while there were real lessons learned from that paradigm shift, it remains to be seen if this current paradigm shift will illicit the same level of introspection at the higher echelons.

And while the rate of decline is slowing, it does not necessarily mean that we are in blue sky territory. What it most likely means is that the rubber has finally hit the road and at least some of the brands, distributors and retail store owners are starting to realize that things are most likely not going to rebound back to the level that they were.  Production, sales forecasts and pricing might finally be getting closer scrutiny.  The perceived need to carry such large staffs both in Switzerland and in the "outposts" might be getting a second look as well. 

And we have anecdotal evidence that clearly shows that brands and those dependent upon those brands are starting to change their attitudes and approaches.  Some for sound business reasons, some just out of panic:

BaselWorld - will be reduced by 2 full days with participation fees (reportedly) to be reduced to reflect this change.  With attendance down again for retailers and journalists, this was most likely a very cold cup of espresso for the BaselWorld organizers to swallow, but the numbers just don't lie.  It was a bold decision to take, and one that I agree with.

SIHH - 'nuff said.  

Brand Managers - several found themselves let go just before and just after BaselWorld.  This is not exactly a new development, but the level and depth of these cuts was a little more marked this year. So brands are going to be REALLY looking at who is performing and who isn't.  Tough love time.

The "Soft Grey" Market - well known brands are clearly not selling at the level that the could or should, and growing portions of their stocks are being dumped into group buy sites.  Merchandise has to be moved, and this seems to be the most acceptable of a lot of really unacceptable solutions.

And then, as always, there will be holdouts:
 
The Brand Boutique - for a few independent brands, there is still a monumental disconnect on the realities of their given situations and they continue to insist on dropping more and more money into a boutique that can never really pay for itself.  For a group brand?  No big deal, it is a marketing expense.  For an independent brand?  It is an ego stroke and a fairly clear disregard for reality.  And it also reflects the Sunk Cost Fallacy (please refer back to the Sunk Cost Trap - http://www.tempusfugit.watch/2017/04/the-sunk-cost-trap.html for further examples) that is at work at the highest levels of some of these brands.  When you have sunk as much money as some independents have into these boutiques, it becomes harder and harder to walk away.

Now contrary to the frantic assertions of a certain watch industry writer, I am not the Antichrist.  I truly take no satisfaction in seeing the industry suffer.  But I also believe that just because you trim a donkey's ears, that doesn't suddenly give you a Shetland Pony.  

Some of the industry is moving to adapt, and some particularly sharp operators have been a few steps ahead and have done okay even during this downturn.  The real challenge now is for the remaining denizens of planet "Watch" to decide if they are ready to adapt or not.  

Because while a reduced loss is better than an increased one, it is still a loss. 

ABSOLUTEly -

LACO!

Courtesy of Laco

Sometimes you see something that just speaks to you.  And that is the case with Laco's Asbsolute 880101!

All too often watches get put into boxes - traditional, design, fashion, etc.  But there are some watches that really transcend those labels and stand out simply because they are, well, pretty great!

Courtesy of Laco

Here are the pertinents, straight from the source -

Specifications

Movement:

Automatic movement Laco 15 with second hand stop
basic movement Miyota 9015

 

Case:

Matte stainless steel case, flexible lugs, sapphire crystal, 5 ATM, case diameter 39 mm, height 9,65 mm, closed case back

 

Dial:

White with black and blue printing

 

Hands:

Hour and minute hand black, second hand blue

 

Strap:

Robust rubber band in black with folding buckle

Design Dietrich Labs - Made in Germany

The Gavox Squadron

I have certainly written about Gavox before, and while it is possible that I have written about the Squadron before, I think it is time to revisit it.

At the Wine and Time event there were a LOT of people.  There were a good number of brands, and quite a few writers and influencers.  And the one watch brand that managed to sell some pieces right there and then?  Gavox!  The Squadron was a hit.  A competitively priced watch with a great look and feel.  And an alarm!

And after hearing the glowing feedback from my colleagues, it seems that another Gavox is calling to me!

Courtesy of Gavox

The Gavox Squadron - as created for the Belgian Airforce.  It hits all the buttons for me!

41 mm in diameter, in stainless steel.  But with that extra little something, an alarm!  And throw in the Belgian livery to the sub-dial at 3 o'clock?  I'm hooked!

Here are all the pertinents, straight from the source:

Gavox Squadron Specifications:

Surgical stainless steel case
Case diameter: ø 41mm
Case depth: 12 mm
Screw down CrownLuminescent on hands and dial (Superluminova)Turning Bezel
Ronda MovementChronograph 12HDate displayAlarm 12hSurgical Stainless Steel BandWater resistant: 10ATM (300 feet)

MB&F Legacy Machine N°1 - Final Edition

Tempus Fugit!  And here's the proof, it's been six years since the first iteration of the Legacy Machine  N°1.  And now it's the final edition.

Courtesy of MB&F

Here are the pertinents, straight from MB&F -

Courtesy of MB&F

LEGACY MACHINE N°1 SERIES - TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Legacy Machine No.1 is available in 18k red gold, 18k white gold, a limited edition of 33 pieces in platinum, a limited edition of 13 pieces for the M.A.D.Gallery Dubai in titanium and the final edition limited to 18 pieces in stainless steel. The LM1 was also the base for two Performance Art editions with artists Xia Hang and Alain Silberstein.

Engine

Three-dimensional horological movement developed exclusively for MB&F by Chronode with bridge design and finishing specified by Kari Voutilainen

Manual winding with single mainspring barrel

Power reserve: 45 hours

Balance wheel: bespoke 14mm balance wheel with four traditional regulating screws floating above the movement and dials

Balance spring: traditional Breguet curve terminating in mobile stud holder

Balance frequency: 2.5 Hz / 18,000 bph

Number of components: 279

Number of jewels: 23

Superlative hand finishing throughout respecting 19th century style; polished internal bevel angles highlighting handcraft; polished bevels; Geneva waves; gold chatons with polished countersinks; hand-made engravings

Functions

Hours and minutes; completely independent dual time zones displayed on two dials; unique vertical power reserve

Left crown at 8 o'clock for setting time of left dial; right crown at 4 o'clock for setting time of right dial and winding

Case

18k red gold or white gold, platinum 950, grade 5 titanium or stainless steel.

Dimensions: 44mm diameter x 16mm height

Number of components: 65

Sapphire crystals

High domed sapphire crystal on top and sapphire crystal on back with anti-reflective coating on both sides

Strap and buckle

Black or brown hand-stitched alligator strap with 18k gold, platinum, titanium or stainless steel buckle matching the case.

The Classico Paul David Nardin

from Ulysse Nardin -

Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

A very good looking watch with hours and minutes, a sub-second at 6 o'clock with a date window set within that.  

The date function does offer an interesting feature as it can be set both forward and backward.

The price, given the specs (including the date function) provided seems a wee bit ambitious at CHF 9,500

Anyway, here are the specifics, straight from UN:

Reference:
3203-900

Movement:
caliber UN-320
Manufacture movement
Silicium escapement and hairspring

Power reserve:
approximately 48 hours 

Winding:
self-winding

Functions:
hours, minutes
small seconds and date at 6 o'clock
quick forward and backward setting date

Case:
stainless steel 

Dial:
silverized dial with arabic indexes

Diameter:
39 m

Water-resistance:
30 m

Crystal:
anti-reflective sapphire crystal

Case-back:
engraved

Strap:
brown leather strap with simple buckle

Price:

€ 9'500.-, CHF. 9'500.-
Prices are subject to changes without prior notice

The Sunk Cost Trap

I think we have all experienced this in one way or another throughout our lives.  For those of you not familiar, the Sunk Cost Trap is the tendency of normal, sane people to foolishly and (if we're being honest) irrationally follow a plan that is clearly not succeeding in its expected outcome.  

Why?

Well, because we feel that we have "SUNK" too much time, and or money into the exercise and we further feel that all of that time and money will be wasted if we changed course. 

Sound familiar?

The Sunk Cost Trap explains why we keep books that we'll never read, and clothes that we've never worn.

The Sunk Cost Trap explains why some brands continue to "sink" hundreds of thousands of dollars into failing partnerships, celebrity ambassadors and the on again, off again retention of the same PR firm that tends to get signed for a year, then replaced the next year, only to be signed again the year after that.  It's a bit like the Olympics or the World Cup, except that it's every two years instead of four.  Why?  Because they've sunk too much money into it now to walk away.

The Sunk Cost Trap explains why blogs and magazines will continue to keep a brand's ads running even though the brand has not paid for an extended period of time.  This is two-fold:
1.  Time spent and money not received
2.  Fear that walking away will ensure that the  brand will never advertise with them again - which is pretty silly when you consider that they are giving the brand free advertising already and not getting paid.  What exactly is it that they are afraid of losing?

The Sunk Cost Trap explains why someone who really only wants one nice watch will buy several discounted through the grey market assuming and hoping that the value of those watches will somehow magically increase in the not-too-long term so that they will be able to flip those watches and have a nice enough profit to then afford that one nice one.  Which never happens because - you guessed it - they are then trapped by the notion that if they sell the watches they bought on the grey market they will be losing money.  Which, of course, they will.  So they hang onto the not-so-loved watches in the hope that things will change.  

The Sunk Cost Trap explains why a retailer who continually hoses the brand manager by not paying their memo account when they actually sell something will not be confronted by the brand manager.  The brand manager has sunk too much time and too much money into the partnership, and even though they often wait a ridiculously long period of time to get paid (making several expensive trips to the retailer to count the safe and prove to them that, in fact, they have sold the watches and need to pay), this "partnership" will live on.  Often without the brand manager getting paid, and inevitably seeking new professional opportunities.

The Sunk Cost Trap explains why an honest retail  partner will get shafted by a brand who will not provide them with a limited edition watch to sell to their client (at full price) because they want to try to sell it at their own boutique.  Even though they do not have anyone who wants to buy it.  But the fear of having had it, and not selling it?

You get the idea.

 
 

 

Resolutely Modern Aplomb - Part the Second

From Ulysse Nardin -

Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

This is the Diver Le Locle from Ulysse Nardin.  It is a very nice looking diver which, apparently, is emblematic of 'Resolutely Modern Aplomb'.  I still have no idea what that is supposed to mean, but here's the press release, straight from the source -



D I V E R  L E  L O C L E
Paying homage to Ulysse Nardin’s past with new versions of beautiful classics

Since 1846, when naval commanders and merchant captains the world over came looking for Ulysse Nardin’s marine and pocket chronometers, the company has been building on his winning approach of timekeeping innovation and precision. 

Every decade since then has seen its share of prize-winning innovative timepieces come out of the manufacture in Le Locle, Switzerland.  

These mechanical timepieces provide a perpetual source of inspiration, both for collectors who appreciate their eternal beauty and continued performance, and for the watchmakers at the Swiss manufacture.

Today, the release of the Diver Le Locle timepiece celebrates this illustrious history with resolutely modern aplomb.  

Inspired by a 1964 model from the house collection, this diving watch might look like the vintage original, but the technology is pure 2017.  

A self-winding UN-320 manufacture movement integrates silicium technology. The timepiece has as well undergone the stringent Ulysse Nardin certification process.

A magnified date at 3 o’clock can be quickly set both forwards and backwards – Ulysse Nardin mechanical innovation at its best.  And the Diver Le Locle is a diving watch to its core, as the legible Super Luminova indexes, uni-directional bezel and 100 m water
resistance can attest. 

It’s a diver in the details as well: the case-back reveals a unique engraving of a diver in the depths of the sea, and the strap is durable sailcloth.

Time's Up - Wrapping up the Aquamariner

Time and tide, or something like that.  The point being it's time to wrap-up the review of he Hager Aquamariner.

As previous readers may recall, I was somewhat taken with the clasp of the Aquamariner.  And not to bang on and on, but I have to share some realities about "telescoping" wet-suit extensions.  A lot of watch brands out there are incorporating them.  And many of them simply do not work.  The clasp incorporated into the Aquamariner is smooth, precise, and secure.  And as the aforementioned spill on the deck attests - pretty damn strong.

But, a watch is more than just the bracelet that holds it to your wrist.

The watch face is clear and well laid out.  and yes, that is a wee small bit of lint I did not get off the crystal - but this is real life, not a posh photo studio ; )  

The date is visible in in everyday life and the red second hand is easy to follow against the black dial. 

And unlike a lot of divers, the lume on the Aquamariner is actually quite good. 

 
The bezel is clearly marked and easy to operate.  It is unidirectional, marked for 60 minutes with a 15 minute countdown.  But with a twist - you will note in the image above the number 20 is in red.  Doesn't need to be, and honestly I don't know what the design motivation was - BUT I LIKE IT!  Now you may recall that I said that black dialed, black bezel divers are what the people want?  Well, I stand by that statement.  BUT - when you add an extra little something, like a red number 20 on the dive bezel?  It's like a little wink, it's just that little something that adds to the overall look and feel of the watch.  

The case back is solid, and smooth on the wrist without the obnoxious deep texture of a monumental motif. 

Simple, and effective in communicating the pertinent information.  

Rated to 300 meters / 1000 feet this is a watch for the briny deep.  There was no diving for yours truly.  But several trips to the pool were made, and the internals remained safe and dry.

The screw down crown is smooth in its operation and easy to use and set.   And nicely branded to boot!

So it is solid, comfortable, legible, and water resistant.  

Great, but does it tell the time?

Yes!  As with many brands, Hager has turned to the folks at Miyota for a dependable, highly accurate self-winding movement, the 8215.  The power reserve went for 43 hours (and some change).  And the time keeping was very, very good.  Miyota advertises a fairly broad range for accuracy, but the average over several weeks was + 8/9 seconds per day.  Really not too bad.

Here are the pertinents, direct from Hager:

Aquamariner
Black

41mm Stainless Steel

$450.00

Stainless steel case with a satin finished stainless steel bracelet equipped with a slidelock extension. Uni-directional rotating 60-minuted stainless steel engraved bezel with a black insert. Black dial with luminous silver-tone hands and luminescent dot hour markers. Minute markers around the outer rim.  Automatic movement with a 42 hour power reserve. Date Display at 3 o'clock. Scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Screw down crown with tube.  Solid case back.  Water resistant at 300 meters / 1000 feet. Functions: hour, minute, second.  Case diameter: 41 mm.  Case thickness: 12.75 mm. Lug to Lug: 50mm.  Band width: 22 mm.

So what's the verdict?

Let's view this from a place I like to live in, it's called reality.  At $450 this watch does exactly what it says on the box.  It works really well and looks really cool.  I realize that those are pretty basic comments, but in fairness this (or any basic diver for that matter) is a pretty basic watch.  And yes, gentle reader, that is a positive thing.  A dive watch should not challenge your intellect or abilities to set, wear, use and enjoy it.  It should have a bracelet that you can adjust yourself (and this one does).  It should look good, and this one does.  And overall, it should not represent a choice between a year of tuition for your child (state university with in state tuition).  The Aquamariner is a remarkably well-made watch at wonderfully reasonable price.  It is not a show pony or something to shove in the safe and wear only on special occasions.  This is a real watch to be worn by real guys and girls living real lives.  And quite honestly, if you feel that you need to spend more, then that is a personal choice (and one that I don't really get, but then again it is not up to me to get everything). 

But given the fact that Hager has now sold out of the black and the blue versions of the Aquamariner, and has only 10 of the burgundy bezel versions left?  

Well I think it is safe to say that I am not the only one with this opinion, and I personally might need to make a move on the burgundy bezel version before they're all gone!

For the Men Reading Tempus Fugit Ready to Up their Game

Apparently Tempus Fugit is read by more than three of my immediate family members.  So this one is for the fellas out there.   Thanks to the suggestion of a good friend, I was directed to George Hahn's blog.  Which is known as, well, George Hahn!  

This is INVALUABLE reading for any of your men folk out there ready, and willing to take a hard look at yourselves and:

1.  Admit you can do better

2.  Recognize this fact

3.  Be willing to take on advice from someone perhaps a little wiser than yourself!


I have been wrapped up in this blog all day - check it out!

George Hahn

The Classic Dual Time Enamel

Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

From Ulysse Nardin


Here are the pertinents, straight from the source -

Reference 

3243-132/EO

Movement

Caliber UN-334, 11 3⁄4‘’’
In-house designed movement
Escapement in Silicium
Oscillator: patented inertial balance wheel I 8 with silicium hairspring 53 jewels 

Power-Reserve 

Approximatively 48 hours 

Winding 

Self- winding 

Functions 

Hours, minutes, small seconds
Patented quickset 2nd time display with permanent home time 
at 9 o’clock
Big Date display at 2 o’clock, quick setting forwards and backwards Simplified selection of winding, adjusting the 
date and time setting via an integral pusher crown
Small seconds-hand counter at 6 o’clock 

Case

Stainless steel, diameter: 42mm 

Dial 

white “Grand Feu” enamel

Water-resistance 

30 m

Crystal 

Anti-reflective sapphire crystal 

Case-back 

Sapphire crystal 

Bracelet 

Leather strap with folding buckle

Overtime Once Again...

With the Hager Aquamariner -

So apologies in advance, I clearly forgot the golden rule of
never starting a watch review just before BaselWorld.  Well, live and don't learn...

So now I am back, and have time to reflect not only on the Hager Aquamariner, but also on the watches that I saw in Basel's sparkling halls.  And ordinarily you might think that having seen everything that the big dog's have to offer, a "micro brand" might suffer by comparison.  Well, in the case of the Aquamariner you would be wrong.

I spend a lot of my free time not just reading about watches, but about fashion as well.  And one of my recent favorites was the (now) seminal tome on the vagaries of fashion - F*ck Yeah Men's Wear.  And it did have a brief section regarding watches.  And as so many before, it showed a wrist shot featuring a Rolex Submariner.  But what was interesting was that there were two wrists featured in this particular wrist shot.  On the other was an Ollech & Wajs.  And that got me thinking.  The look of what we consider to be the "classic" diver is pretty much universally held to be a black dial, uni-directional rotating bezel, stainless steel bracelet.  And if we are being really, really honest, this "look and feel" has been championed by several different brands both big and small for far longer than most of us have even been drawing breath.   

We have pretty much reached a point where you could almost call it a default "diver" style.  And if we are all being honest with each other, we're okay with that.  Olech & Wajs, Tag Heuer, Blancpain and others.  And it is clear that diver style watches with black dials and bezels are clearly what the buying public wants.

The Aquamariner is a good looking diver to be sure, but there are a lot of "pretty faces" out there in this particular category.  Where the Aquamariner truly differentiates itself is (at least in my opinion) in the price/performance proposition.  

So apologies for the "swirlies" on the clasp, but I will share with you that these were honestly come by over the course of the review.

 
And believe it or not, these marks serve to underscore the quality of the Hager Aquamariner.  

  

Although in theory, winter is supposed to be over by the time April rolls around, suffice it to say that when you live in the North East, your mileage may vary.  So it was a very unhappy morning that found me sprawled out on the driveway, metal thermos bottle in extreme disrepair, to say nothing of my un-gloved hands (hamburger is for eating, not for using as finger and thumb prints).  But a  very superficial swirl, not even a true scratch, was all the damage sustained but the spot where I literally landed, full force (and weight). 

Now I know that guys have this idea that a dive watch is a "bad ass" piece of "man gear" and that by putting the watch on they are going to be magically transformed  into the ultimate action hero and they'll be spending their spare time punching out Nazis on a Normandy beach.  The people buying these watches tend to bandy phrases like: "It's a beast!".  And it is there that it becomes painfully clear that the people marketing these watches fall into the same fallacy.  Let's be brutally honest - a dive watch is designed for, constructed for, and sold to customers for (spoiler alert) using to tell the time while under water.  

And to that end, Hager decided to add something that was ONE HELL OF A LOT MORE PRACTICAL than the usual "quadruple fold" dive suit extension which is typically as easy to use as the name might imply.
And that is a sliding wet suit extension that can be operated while wearing the watch using two push buttons on the clasp itself.  It is smooth and secure in its functions and offers a solution that several brands have done a half-ass job in implementing, but just not delivered on so far.  It is a REALLY great feature to find on a watch priced at the usurious level of $450. 

There is more to come, so stay tuned!