June 2023 Lookbook // New Member’s Pick

We’re already into the midst of the year 2023, and it is also when the latest novelties’ tide starts to calm down where they reach their retailers. While we here at Gnomon continue to add on those watches, we like to announce that we have a new member joining the team to bring you more watch goodies. Our new member Jolyn might be new to watches, but her passion could be felt when she gets into our nerdy hobby by picking them up and learning every piece we have in store. 

Therefore in June, we granted her permission the pick her current top five favourites from what she had encountered before during her training period with us. And boy, she curated five watches we would never have thought of. Although most of them are not the ones, we see in the latest news of 2023, they are relatively new in the market. We have Rado watches covering her love for Swiss-made, and Seiko with some Orient Stars as she leaned more towards Japanese crafts. Below are her favourite picks. She’s rounded up as a newcomer into the deep rabbit hole of horology.

Orient Star Contemporary Standard Black Ref. RK-AU0004B

Starting with her first pick was the Contemporary Standard Black from the premium Orient Star line. This collection began in 2019 when Orient continued its classic premium watches. They are a modern collection with everyday wear, a 100m water-resistance kind of watch, and a multi-finished bracelet topping off with a balanced yet intricate black dial.

What drew her the most was the case finishing and the unforgettable power-reserve indicator placed on the top of the glossy dial face. She loves the extra feature on the dial, done so iconically oriented while not disrupting its overall premium look. With a size of 39mm, she learns about unisex sizing with design ethos suitable for both males and females.

Rado True Automatic Blackout Ref. R27056162

During her crash course on our stable of Swiss Made watches, she was first drawn to Rado for its prowess in crafting glossy ceramic watches. No, we’re not talking about the bezel insert here. We are, in fact, talking about the whole case and bracelet being pimped out in this cutting-edge, durable material. Since its founding, Rado has fostered the philosophy “if we can imagine it, we can make it”, which still holds true today, reflected by the brand’s highly-durable, innovatively designed timepieces. Rado is best known for their innovative use of technologically advanced materials, being one of the pioneers in the watchmaking industry adopting high-tech ceramics in their watches. 

Unsurprisingly, she picked this brand for this month’s lookbook, where she went with a classic ceramic piece, the True Auto Ref. R27056162. What drew her was the black glossy sheen radiating from its case and bracelet and a neat dial that does not distract its wearer much from the ceramic works. The whole True Auto piece is as sleek and clean looking as one watch could get while bringing versatility.

Orient Star Contemporary Semi Skeleton Mother of Pearl Burgundy Ref. RK-AT0010A

Returning to Orient Star, the second pick from the brand was one that she caught on the first time when she saw it. The Contemporary Semi Skeleton is much more flamboyant with its M.O.P. surface and skeletonized dial than the prior. She finds underneath the flat sapphire crystal the burgundy mother of pearl shimmering in the light when viewed in different lighting conditions, exhibiting a breathtaking sheen and lustre.

Also, the skeletonized cutout at the 9 o’clock position displays the movement’s beating heart; viewing the moving parts of the movement is simply a joy for her to watch. What could draw a newcomer into watches than watching the escapement does its work?

Seiko Selection Solar Chronograph Panda Ref. SBPY165

Her fourth pick for this lookbook was another Japanese brand we know as a watch enthusiast, Seiko and its latest Solar Chronograph. When she was learning about chronographs, she couldn’t help being drawn to the “Panda” outlook, and we agreed with her on its lustrous resemblance. The black bezel and sub-dials played well with its sober white dial, perfectly balancing the monochromatic look.

While picking up the watch, she learns about its Seiko V175 movement. It is solar-powered and will thus not require battery replacements, bringing high accuracy, with a stated deviation of +/- 15 seconds per month. On a full charge, the movement can run continuously for six months without a light source. Solar calibres offer complete peace of mind and are a terrific alternative to quartz watches. 

Rado True Automatic Open Heart Blackout Ref. R27100162

She went back with Rado for the last pick as she couldn’t get enough of their advanced watchmaking. She told us she loved the blend of the entire black ceramic case with its bracelet, as they both showcase fluidity and sleekness. Like the Orient Star Contemporary Semi-Skeleton, she was drawn by the True Auto Open Heart edition, where she gets to see the Swiss beating heart and much more.

While this may not be the most effortless dial to read, as she admits, the sensational open-worked dial of the Rado True Automatic Open Heart Blackout is out of this world. It features precise cutouts on the dial, revealing the intricate, delicate inner workings of the Swiss-made automatic movement with beautiful pelage finishes. Being yet another key design attribute of the watch, Rado created a dial that breaks away from many of its simple, utilitarian dials with an offering that genuinely looks elegantly futuristic.