Top 10 most popular posts for 2022

As we kick off our first publishing day for 2023, we take a moment to review what you told us were what you wanted to see on this site over the last 12 months. These are the most popular posts for 2022.

Top 10 most popular posts for 2022

And here are they, in order of the highest views on the top.

Six of the most remarkable chronographs in the last five years

At the very top of this list is the list of chronographs. Our fascination with chronographs have been an aspect of our love for mechanical watches – the ability to measure bits of time, the wonderful mechanisms all play a part.

The image of the Chopard Alpine Eable XL Chronograph shown above is for visual interest. But also it is one of the most interesting chronograph watches to be released in recent years. Not only has Chopard created a high horology instrument showcasing excellence in design, good functionality and high end finishing, they have kept the Alpine Eagle collection at an even keel in terms of reasonable pricing.

But the other watches in the list are equally captivating, and include the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Apollo 11, the Patek Philippe Ref. 5470P, the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton, the Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date and the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph “Everest”.

I feel the need, the need for speed: Six pilot’s watches buy after watching the new Top Gun movie

Top Gun fever inspired this list, especially with the release of the latest in the franchise – 36 years after the original Top Gun movie. Still with the lead star role being Tom Cruise.

Top Gun has a long history of collaboration with IWC, and we led the story with the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun “SFTI”. And especially so, for a watch which is commercial release of the STFI – Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor watch.

Also making the cut for the list is the Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition, the Laco Leipzig, the Breguet Type XXI 3815, the Hanhart 417 ES, and the Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time.

Our pick of 6 excellent GMT watches which are great alternatives to the Rolex GMT-Master II

Next up, another list! This time, Rolex fever grows strong. Over the last few years, especially, availability of Rolex watches have become as scarce as hen’s teeth. Getting your hands on one is like obtaining a prized possession, requiring that you become eternally grateful to the authorised dealer who allowed you to buy one. This is strange retailer-consumer relationship dynamics, with the tables turned. But such is the current state of affairs. Sigh.

The article lists 6 alternatives to the GMT-Master II, a superb watch, but an unobtainable one due to its extreme popularity. So our list comprise of suggestions of 6 alternatives.

The alternatives are the Tudor Black Bay GMT, the Chopard L.U.C GMT One, the Bell & Ross BR05 GMT, the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo S Chronograph GMT, the Grand Seiko SGBM221, and the Greubel Forsey GMT Sport.

Review: The New Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5270P-014 

And in fourth place, we finally have a review. We do pride ourselves as one of the few remaining websites to offer long form, detailed and comprehensive reviews with our own photography. These reviews take a long time and a lot of effort to prepare and publish. But it seems to us that our readers continue to prefer lists, and easier to read briefings.

And it takes a magnificent perpetual calendar chronograph from the venerated maison of Patek Philippe to make the cut.

Perhaps its the magnificent degrade green dial which stole the cake. But we think its the continuation of the fascinating combination of the perpetual calendar measuring long periods of time in juxtaposition with the chronograph designed to measure short periods of time which captivates the imagination. Of course, the mystique of the Patek Philippe maison, and the superbly excellent design and finishing are also critical.

Review: The New Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5226G-001 

And as if to prove the mastery of the Patek Philippe house to captivate imagination, next on the list is another Patek. This time, the time only Ref. 5226.

But this Calatrava is perhaps atypical of Patek. A new design language utilising their signature hobnail pattern, but on the case side instead of the bezel or dial, and choosing a very interesting textured surface for the dial makes the Ref. 5226 a much more casual Calatrava than ever was before. And truly an very interesting direction from this grand maison.

Seiko Prospex Speedtimer Chronograph World Athletics Championship 2022

Then comes along the Seiko Prospex. The people’s choice, we feel. This review is of the release of an automatic chronograph with automatic column wheel chronograph with vertical clutch. And one released to commomerate the World Athletics Championships in 2022.

Retro styling. Handsome good looks. And a very functional automatic winding chronograph constructed in a traditional fashion seems to be very compelling reasons for the popularity of this watch, and hence this review.

Review: Grand Seiko SBGE285 “Mistflake”

And another Seiko follows. This time, the Grand Seiko SBGE285 “Mistflake”. Despite the large numbers of special edition releases, Grand Seiko does no wrong. And the Evolution 9 collection seems to be a great masterstroke in the house’s ability to keep within the sights of collectors.

And there is no need to second guess why this Grand Seiko, and indeed many Grand Seikos, are so popular. The watch is intelligently designed, wears well and fits nicely on the wrist. The titanium case and bracelet is light and comfortable. And the detailing and finishing on the case, dial and hands are exceptional, as always. With the big bonus of the unique Spring Drive movement, which has proven to be a great performer. Very attractive indeed.

Review: Tissot Seastar 2000 Professional 

No 8 goes to a Tissot. The Seastar 200 Professional is a hard hitter in the entry level scene. And though our personal preference lean towards the incredible PRX and PRX Chronograph, it appears that the Seastar takes the prize.

This is a magnificent dive watch, which in our review we had difficulty to find fault with. It puts many more expensive dive watches to shame. The build quality is excellent and price point very modest.

Our pick of top six great watches with incredible dials 

And on spot No 9, we are back to lists. This time, a list of 6 watches where the dial takes one’s breath away. And we featured some magnificent dials.

The Moritz Grossmann Tremblage is one prime example. The dial exudes finesse and subtlety. Completely hand made by applying thousands of little dents with a technique is where an engraver sets one corner of the burin into the metal and constantly moves it, almost as if his or her hand is trembling.

Others in that list include the Louis Erard Excellence Guilloché Main, the Grand Seiko SBGA011/SBGA211 Snowflake, the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Thin in Copper Blue, the Breguet Classique 7137 and the Vacheron Constantin Métiers D’Art Tribute to Great Explorers – Vasco da Gama.

Review: the new Tudor Black Bay Pro

And just in at No 10, the Tudor Black Bay Pro makes its appearance. The Black Bay collection has been Tudor’s flagship model. Over the years, we have seen quite a number of iterations for the model. Some have said that the new Black Bay Pro may be seen as the Tudor equivalent to the Rolex Explorer II. So we investigated.

And indeed this is a beautiful timepiece. Perhaps a chip off the old block, we might say…a great alternative to the Rolex Explorer II.

Concluding thoughts

And there we have it. What you told us you wanted to see more of. And we will strive to deliver. More lists. More long form comprehensive reviews.