G-Shock enthusiast Geesgshock leaked images of the upcoming G-Shock “GMW-BZ5000” with an MIP LCD display and a new type of case and bezel structure. The new structure appears to be a hybrid type with a stainless steel front and maybe a black resin (or probably a carbon fiber-reinforced resin) back, somewhat similar to a G-STEEL […]
G-Central G-Shock Watch Fan Blog
Japanese secondhand shops Komehyo and Rodeo Drive will be hosting the “Time Flies” pop-up event from June 7 to June 22, 2025, at Komehyo Shibuya (4th Floor) in the Shibuya Zero Gate shopping mall in Tokyo. The special exhibition and sales project will feature 200 rare G-Shock watches on display and available for sale. The […]
G-Central G-Shock Watch Fan Blog
Whether it’s a wedding, a gala dinner, an awards night, or a milestone birthday party, a tuxedo remains a timeless and powerful wardrobe choice. It’s not just about dressing up, it’s about dressing right for the moment. No matter the season or setting, a well-styled tuxedo helps you stand out with confidence and class. Here are practical tips to help you make the most of your tuxedo for any special occasion throughout the year. With looks arranged by SuitSupply.
Formal events come in many forms — some demand tradition, others welcome creativity. For black-tie affairs, stick to the classics: a black tuxedo with satin lapels, crisp white shirt, and a black bow tie. If you’re attending a semi-formal event, you have more freedom. Midnight blue, charcoal, or deep burgundy tuxedos bring subtle personality without losing elegance.
Outdoor weddings or themed parties might call for lighter or more playful styles. Velvet jackets, patterned tuxedos, or dark jewel tones like forest green or navy offer a fresh twist while still looking polished. The key is to understand the tone of the event and tailor your tuxedo look accordingly.
No matter how stylish your tuxedo is, it won’t work if it doesn’t fit. Make sure the jacket sits well on the shoulders, the chest isn’t too tight, and the sleeves show just a touch of shirt cuff. Your trousers should break just at the shoe.
Whether you’re renting or buying, always take it to a tailor. A few simple adjustments can turn an average fit into a custom-feeling look. Comfort matters, too — you want to look sharp and feel good for the entire evening.
Tuxedo fabric isn’t just about looks, it affects comfort, especially with changing temperatures. Wool is the go-to for year-round wear. It’s breathable, holds its shape, and works for nearly every occasion. For summer events, cotton blends or lightweight wool keep things cool without sacrificing style. In winter, velvet tuxedos offer both warmth and richness — perfect for indoor galas or holiday weddings. Choosing the right fabric lets you look refined while feeling comfortable, whatever the weather.
Accessories take a tuxedo’s style from basic to memorable. Start with the tie — a black bow tie is classic, but don’t shy away from color or texture. Silk and velvet bow ties in deep tones like wine, emerald, or navy can bring just the right amount of flair.
Cufflinks are small but mighty. Stick with silver or gold for formal events, or go bolder with personalized or themed options for something more relaxed. Pocket squares also add character — a crisp white one is foolproof, but a splash of color or a subtle print can make your look stand out.
Shoes should always be clean and polished. Black patent leather is the staple, but for fashion-forward events, velvet slippers or sleek loafers offer something different without going too casual.
For events during fall or winter, outerwear is key. A wool overcoat in black, navy, or camel complements a tuxedo and keeps you warm without clashing. If you’re attending something high-profile, you might even consider a coat with a fur-lined collar or a bold plaid pattern. Need something more relaxed for a creative or low-key setting? A well-cut leather jacket over a tuxedo can create an interesting contrast that’s confident, not careless.
Your tuxedo can only do so much if your grooming is off. Hair should be neat, and if you have facial hair, make sure it’s clean and shaped. Don’t overlook the basics like polished nails and well-cared-for skin — they elevate your whole appearance without much effort.
Tuxedos don’t have to be stiff or predictable. You can still follow the dress code while putting your spin on it. Maybe it’s a tux with subtle texture, maybe it’s a velvet bow tie in your favorite color, or maybe it’s standout cufflinks that mean something to you.
Mixing textures — like a matte jacket with satin lapels, or adding a touch of shimmer through your accessories — lets you play with contrast while staying sharp. Style is personal, even in formalwear.
A tuxedo isn’t just for the holidays. With the right fit, fabric, and finishing touches, you can wear it with confidence all year long. These tuxedo style tips will help you make the most of your tuxedo whether you’re heading to a black-tie gala or a rooftop wedding.
More details at SuitSupply.
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In recognition of Memorial Day, Casio America is offering 15% off G-Shock and Baby-G watches to U.S. military service members, first responders, and healthcare workers until May 31, 2025 (11:59 p.m. Eastern Time). Verification of qualifying status is required through ID.me. The offer excludes sale and outlet items and items over $999.99. Qualified persons will […]
G-Central G-Shock Watch Fan Blog
Famous whisky regions span the globe—from Japan to Ireland, Scotland to North America. In Canada, Black Fox Farm and Distillery is making its mark as one of the country’s leading whisky and gin producers. Run by fifth-generation farmers with a strong focus on sustainability and flavour, their Single Grain Triticale Whisky is a true standout.
Crafted from grains grown on-site and aged outdoors through Saskatchewan’s extreme temperatures (+40°C to –40°C), this rare whisky reflects Canada’s unique terroir. It has won gold at the Canadian Artisan Spirits Competition and was ranked Master at the World Whisky Masters.
Available at Black Fox Farm and Distillery.
The Port Askaig Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 15 Year is a highly exclusive drink, limited to around 900 bottles annually. Tasting notes include toasted vanilla and orange, sea salt and lemongrass, all warmed by brown sugar and light spice.
It’s a perfect blend of smokiness balanced by a subtle sweetness.
Available at Port Askaig.
The Lakes Distillery brings the art of whisky making to one of England’s most scenic national parks. Their Signature Single Malt — the distillery’s first permanent Sherry expression — features a rich profile of polished oak, dried fruits, pecan nuts, dark chocolate, and orange zest.
On the palate, expect baking spices, sweet sultanas, raisins, figs, stewed orchard fruits, citrus, and treacle layered over a strong foundation of oak.
Available at The Lakes Distillery.
GlenAllachie has claimed the top prize in the World’s Best Single Malt category at the World Whisky Awards — twice in one decade. The first was for their 10-Year-Old in 2021, and now again in 2025 with their exceptional 12-Year-Old.
This award-winning dram offers a perfectly balanced flavour profile: sweet spice, dark roasted coffee, stewed apples, and cocoa powder. On the nose, you’ll discover dark chocolate, treacle, heather honey, cinnamon, espresso, and sticky raisins.
Available at The GlenAllachie Distillery.
Even among House of Hazelwood’s prestigious and rare inventory, bottles sourced from Islay — also known as the Queen of the Hebrides — are among their most prized. This 36-year-old blended malt whisky is matured in American oak, delivering light tannins and a long, lingering finish.
If you’re unfamiliar, House of Hazelwood is a relatively new Scottish whisky brand that sources rare spirits from a private family collection, making each release exceptionally sought after.
Available at House of Hazelwood.
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If you’re up on your hypercar releases, the word ‘hybrid’ is pretty common these days. Pretty much every insane, adrenaline-fuelled monster on four wheels uses a hybrid drivetrain and the reason why – and the very concept of a hybrid – is pretty appealing. Petrol engines have power but take a while to ramp up; electric engines offer less horsepower but much greater torque and therefore acceleration. Put the two together and you have a recipe for breathless performance.
It’s a concept you can also apply to the watch world to a lesser extent. Mecha-quartz movements are essentially a battery-powered quartz movement with a mechanical chronograph on top. Kinetic movements swap battery for a mechanical rotor while retaining the accuracy of quartz. Even Grand Seiko’s phenomenal Spring Drive movement is a collaboration between the high-tech and the traditional. No brand however has taken the idea quite as literally as Technik 4X.
Technik 4X TwinTimer-GRILLE
To understand what Technik 4X is, you first need a glimpse into the man behind the brand, one Hans Peter Grädel. Grädel is a modern renaissance man, there’s barely an area of watches that the man’s 60-year career hasn’t touched. His most noteworthy accomplishment is the patented case suspension introduced in the racy Formex 4 Speed, something that’s now a core part of the brand’s collection. It was only a matter of time before the man lent his disruptive talents to a new project.
That project came in the form of the ultimate two-in-one, the TwinTimer. Inside one case you not only have two dials – making it an incredibly clear and legible dual-time watch – but two movements. Two different movements, at that.
Technik 4X TwinTimer-GRILLE Limited Edition
What sets the TwinTimer apart from other hybrid technology watches however isn’t that it has quartz and mechanical elements, but that it has two whole movements. Rather than being chronometrically linked, the watch has two distinct engines powering two distinct dials. This means that while the movement isn’t technically a hybrid – there’s no sharing of chronometric traits – the watch as a whole is the hybrid.
On the right side of the watch, you have an automatic movement, a Swiss Sellita SW100. It’s rotor-powered, workhorse accurate and one of the most reliable calibres on the market. On the left-hand side, you have a quartz number from the guys at ETA, specifically the 901.00. If a watch were analogous to the human brain, you have the creative right-brain and the romance of fine mechanics, and the logical left-brain with the electronic precision of quartz.
The TwinTimer’s a novel twist on the idea of combining quartz and mechanical movements and being able to track multiple timezones is always a good thing, especially when it’s as clear as this. Because the movements are separate, they’re also independently operable via the TwinTimer’s two crowns. Fun as that hypercar-inspired idea is though, the biggest and most obvious link between Technik 4X and high-speed horsepower is in their design ethos.
The TwinTimer-GRILLE more than lives up to its name with a striking grille-plate from a car radiator surrounding the two central dials which themselves look like they’ve been ripped straight off a dashboard. Whether it’s the high-contrast, eye-catching red version or the slightly subtler monochrome rhodium and steel edition, it doesn’t take more than a glance to understand the automotive leanings underpinning Technik 4X.
I say slightly subtler because no matter what, there’s no missing these watches, partly for the design but mostly because they are big. In a world of steadily diminishing diameters, the TwinTimer-GRILLE has gone the other way entirely, measuring in at 44.50mm across. It makes sense; that’s what you need to fit in two movements. And between the architectural depth backed by that grille, the dramatically machined case and the bold colours, it has serious wrist presence.
Technik 4X Skeletor Pro (ASD-44), CHF 549 (approx. £494)
The TwinTimer-GRILLE isn’t the only watch in Technik 4X’s collection. The ASD-44 model has had plenty of variations in the past, with everything from beautifully realised atlases and cool, lumed horizontal lines in place of that radiator finishing. But the GRILLE edition is the best encapsulation of what sets Technik 4X’s approach to watchmaking apart. It’s big, it’s bold and it’s uncompromising in its pursuit of a hypercar concept.
That all said, Hans Peter Grädel isn’t the kind of designer to rest on his laurels, and it’ll be intriguing to see where he takes the TwinTimer in the future.
More details at Technik 4X.
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Chinese watch brands can sometimes carry stigma with them in the west due to questionable quality. However, Hong Kong based microbrand Selten is in a completely different ballpark, inspired by the artistry and tradition of European watchmaking to create some impressive watches. Case in point, the new Selten Grand Feu Enamel Series Spiral Sunbird Blue, which we have here for a hands-on review.
I must admit that on first taking the watch out of the packaging my initial impression was that it is a very nice dress watch but not terribly original. The combination of elongated Roman numerals and a railway minute track in silver against a blue backdrop is about as classic as they come. Then I moved it into some better light and realised my mistake.
The dial is hand engraved with a spiral pattern consisting of 700 individually engraved lines produced by Selten’s master artisan Qin (there’s also a straight line version called Flair rather than Spiral). On top of that engraved base is then a layer of grand feu enamel, itself consisting of eight layers of enamel to create a rich colour and baked at 800°C. The enamel surface is then polished by hand to give it a high shine finish that stands out in comparison to the many matte enamel finishes you see.
That level of attention and detail forces me to totally re-evaluate my initial impression. Like the metaphor of the swan, while on the surface the watch appears calm and serene with those classical dress watch elements, the amount of effort that has gone into producing that appearance is impressive. Certain colourways also have thermally blued hands as an extra touch of refinement, though that would clash with the Spiral Sunbird Blue’s dial so they’ve wisely kept them silver here. The other colours are Rustique Red, Prism Violet, Moonstone Blue and Golden Fall.
On the wrist, it wears very comfortably too with a 39mm diameter and 10.9mm thickness. At those proportions it feels more like an everyday beater or casual sports watch than a super slim dress watch but I don’t hate that. It gives it a nice amount of heft creating a reassuring presence. Plus, the lugs have a nice curving arc down to the H-link steel bracelet with leaf spring butterfly clasp.
Powering the Selten Grand Feu Enamel Series Spiral Sunbird Blue is the Swiss Soprod M100 adjusted in five positions with a +/- 6 seconds per day accuracy. The 42-hour power reserve is perfectly reasonable, supplied by a rotor that’s available in two styles of finishing. There’s the standard version with Selten’s logo or, as we have here, an upgraded version with a floral pattern engraving.
As for pricing and availability, the Selten Grand Feu Enamel Series is available from today in an initial production run of 100 pieces. Within that 100, it’s limited to 10 of each of the five colours in the two styles of dial finish. For the Spiral models that initial run has a price of £1,658 and the Flair is £1,432 with the upgraded rotor adding an additional £100. Once the initial run is completed, they will be available strictly made to order at prices of £2,186 and £1,959 with the least popular colours set to be discontinued in time.
More details at Selten.
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Casio America released the all-new Casio AQS820W analog-digital series featuring Tough Solar power. The price is $55.95 each for the black AQS820W-1AV, green AQS820W-3BV, and brown AQS820W-5AV. The AQS820W has 100-meter water resistance and the same functions as the previous AQS810W, including world time, 5 daily alarms, hourly time signal, dual timers with up to […]
G-Central G-Shock Watch Fan Blog
Over the past year Tag Heuer have steadily increased their involvement in the top echelon of motorsport, Formula One. It’s a strategy that has clearly worked well for them as they’ve remained one of the most stable brands in the industry during a tumultuous time according to financial reports from Morgan Stanley. One of Tag Heuer’s biggest investments in F1 this year is becoming the title sponsor for the Grand Prix de Monaco, which is due to take place this weekend, May 24-25. As is tradition, the brand has released a new suite of their flagship Monaco Chronographs just in time for the event. There are three of them this year, so let’s get right into it.
Kicking things off is a new version of an absolute classic, the Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph x Gulf. The Monaco Gulf has been a staple of the horology and motorsport worlds ever since Steve McQueen wore the Monaco during the 1971 film Le Mans in which he raced for the Gulf team. Since then, there have been many iterations of the design, including a few years ago with the 2022 edition.
Typically, it features a blue dial with the Gulf stripes down one side but for 2025 they’re mixing up that formula by giving it a white dial. It gives the watch the look of the racing suit worn by McQueen that was also white with the Gulf stripes across one of his shoulders, which is also replicated on the Monaco Chronograph’s dial. Paired with black chronograph subdials, it’s almost as if a panda has a very colourful face tattoo.
The case is inspired by the 1969 edition of the Monaco, the version worn in the film. That means it measures a vintage appropriate 39mm in diameter with the crown mounted at 9 o’clock. However, it uses modern materials, crafted from Grade 2 titanium. Inside the case is the Calibre 11 automatic chronograph movement with 40-hour power reserve. It’s based on the Sellita SW 300-1 a. It’s priced at £8,300, putting in the same ballpark as other Monaco special editions.
Calling a watch a chronograph stopwatch is taxonomically redundant as all chronographs are stopwatches – they are functionally identical. However, the Tag Heuer Monaco Chronograph Stopwatch does it anyway because it’s inspired by a historic Heuer Stopwatch, a pocket watch style timepiece that could be mounted on the dashboard of a car to serve as a timer for motorsports.
The new watch takes the core aesthetic components of that heritage timepiece and presents them in the signature square design of the Monaco. That means a central black disc surrounded by a cream perimeter with a red scale and chronograph seconds hand. It’s a relatively simple display compared to the striped pattern of the Gulf, but it still has a lot of visual impact and look great.
To complete the appearance, the 39mm titanium case has been given a black DLC coating. It’s otherwise mechanically identical to the Gulf edition above even down to being powered by the Calibre 11. Though with that additional DLC coating the price is £8,600, an extra £300.
In addition to the two vintage inspired Monaco Chronograph, Tag Heuer is launching a futuristic one as well. It’s the Tag Heuer Monaco Split-Seconds Chronograph TH-Titanium, based on their haute horology rattrapante model. It debuts a new form of titanium, which Tag Heuer are calling TH-Titanium, because what’s more original than adding your own initials?
TH-Titanium is produced by taking another titanium alloy and subjecting it to a very specific series of thermal treatments. The result is that that very atoms in the metal re-organise themselves creating a different metallic structure. Which in turn results in a fractal, uneven texture across the surface of the material similar in some ways to the organic shapes seen in some carbon composites though with a much more rigid geometric feel. Yet it’s still titanium. Like those carbon watches, each TH-titanium case is utterly unique.
For the display, they’ve paired this new TH-titanium case with a brushed dial in a structured, layered design with black subdials and a combination of yellow and white accents. As a split-seconds chronograph there are two central chronograph hands that can be started simultaneously and stopped independently. The movement is the calibre TH81-00 with 65-hour power reserve when the chronograph is not running and 55-hours with it activated. Like all the previous Monaco Split-Seconds Chronographs, it’s price on request.
More details at Tag Heuer.
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Certina has got to be one of the most self-confident brands around. By which I mean they are quietly off in their own corner of the industry, doing their own thing and not really drawing attention to themselves and yet they produce some really solid watches that people love. No one really raves about them, they aren’t incredibly hyped, they simply offer good value and if you own one, you’ll get a friendly nod of approval from any other collector you meet. In fact, in the press release for the new Certina DS Action Diver 40.5, Certina haven’t even drawn attention to one of its greatest attributes.
The Certina DS Action Diver 40.5 has a shock resistance value of 10,000G at a price of £765 – £880 depending on the reference. Specs like that at a value like this are very rare indeed – it wouldn’t just survive a drop onto a hardwood floor, you could put a bit of force into it as well. That level of protection comes from the new DS (Double Security) Concept Extreme Shock Resistance. While the DS system has been around since 1959, this latest development improves on the design.
Building on the traditional elements of the DS system that include a scratch resistant sapphire crystal, reinforced caseback and sophisticated sealing system, the DS Concept Extreme Shock Resistance introduces a new method of screwing the movement into the case by means of a thin, ring-shaped nut to better secure it and protect it from vibrations. Additionally there’s a new metal plate between the dial and the movement, connecting the two and absorbing shocks between them. Lastly, the sapphire crystal has been redesigned to better distribute and diffuse energy thanks to a new, slightly domed shape. Perfect for sports watches and especially dive watches where bumps and scrapes are a daily hazard.
The DS Concept Extreme Shock Resistance isn’t the only new aspect to the DS Action Diver 40.5, the case has also been redesigned with completely new proportions. It measures 40.5mm in diameter, sitting comfortably between the existing 38mm and 43mm options. It makes a lot of sense to offer a mid-range size, more wearable than the large model but without sacrificing the practicality that a large tool watch offers with a wider, more legible display. The thickness sits at 14.1mm, which does make it quite a tall watch but that’s needed to accommodate the additional bulk of the shock resistance system.
As for the display and overall design, it remains comfortably Certina. No pushing the envelope here. There are four options available, three in steel and one in titanium. The steel versions feature two black versions on a choice of NATO strap or steel bracelet with the third being a white interpretation with matching white bezel. The titanium edition is presented on a matching titanium bracelet with a blue dial and bezel. All four of the bezels feature ceramic inserts for superb scratch resistance and colour retention.
Getting into the nitty gritty of the pricing, the steel with NATO strap is £765, the two steel bracelet options are £805 and the titanium is £880. While on the surface this is ‘just another Certina dive watch’, the improved internal structure and DS Concept Extreme Shock Resistance give it some serious bang for your buck. Plus it’s powered by a Powermatic 80 movement with 80-hour power reserve, which is always nice for quality of life.
More details at Certina.
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