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EACH WEEK, we’ll be taking a look at the hottest news, developments and rare sightings in the watch world—what’s ticking, what’s trending and what’s causing jaws in various corners of the watch internet to drop. We’ll highlight new brand releases, celebrity watch spots and general news for all you horologically-minded enthusiasts.
Another week, another Hollywood Walk of Fame induction. This time, it was heartthrob Zac Efron who was honoured with the 2,767th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Efron gathered with family and friends to accept the award—which included the likes of Jeremy Allen White, Sean Durkin and Miles Teller—and to celebrate the occasion, the actor was spotted looking suave wearing a special IWC timepiece.
Continuing on with the theme of Hollywood and watches, Jason Mamoa was in London promoting his new film, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and was spotted wearing a stunning IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar.
Zodiac watches and Rowing Blazers team up to design a seriously-cool GMT watch inspired by the cult-classic film, Trading Places. And in industry news, Swiss watchmaker Breitling this week dropped the proverbial mic when it announced it would purchase Universal Genève, a now-defunct watch brand revered by the community, for a rumoured US$70 million.
Keep scrolling for all that dropped in the watch world this week
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Zac Efron wears IWC during Hollywood Walk of Fame induction
The Iron Claw star attended his official induction on the renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame this week wearing an Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42 Boutique Edition, paired perfectly with his tailored navy peak-lapel suit. Joining the 36-year-old, who rose to fame after his High School Musical debut, was longtime friend and collaborator Miles Teller (Top Gun), as well his upcoming Iron Claw co-star Jeremy Allen White and director Sean Durkin. We know from previous outings that Efron is somewhat of a luxury watch aficionado, so it’s no surprise he chose such a beautiful—and understated—timepiece for the occasion; the man has taste!
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Breitling just acquired legendary watchmaker Universal Genève… So what’s next?
In what is perhaps some of the biggest news to drop in the watch industry in 2023, luxury Swiss watchmaker Breitling this week announced it had purchased Universal Genève, a watch brand, now defunct, with a history that dates back to 1884. While the news comes as surprising, many watch enthusiasts, particularly collectors, will be thrilled at the news that the history of Universal Genève will be revived in some manner by Breitling. What that looks like is still unclear, but we’re all eager to see how this story unfolds in the year to come.
“As excited as we are, we are also fully aware of the task at hand and the profound heritage we are set to uphold,” says Breitling CEO, Georges Kern, in a press statement. “Rebuilding a brand with such a rich narrative is not a quick endeavour—it is a meticulous labour of love that we anticipate will unfold over the coming years.”
It is believed Breitling will aim to establish Universal Genève to a point where it can operate once again as its own Maison. Watch this space…
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The Zodiac x Rowing Blazers Super Sea Wolf GMT feat. Adam Scott is totally awesome
You might have seen images surface this week of Severance star Adam Scott dressed up in slightly bizarre clothing that bears great resemblance to the clothing worn by Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd in the film, Trading Places. Well, that’s because the actor was tapped on the shoulder to promote the latest collaboration between Zodiac and Rowing Blazers who, once again, have teamed up to design a collaborative timepiece—the Super Sea Wolf GMT World Time. This new GMT draws inspiration from the 1983 classic comedy, Trading Places, and is a tongue-in-cheek release that is based on the fictional GMT watch that Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd) pawns off in the film. Scott poses as Aykroyd’s fictional character through a series of mugshots from the film recreated for this campaign. The timepiece is stunning, and comes equipped with up to 200 metres of water resistance, as well as a Swiss-made STP7-20 movement.
