Watches, Stories, and Gear: Super-LumiNova and Patina, Google’s AlphaStar AI Crushes Starcraft, and More

Watches, Stories, and Gear is a weekly roundup of some of our favorite watch content, great stories from around the web, and cool gear that we’ve got our eye on. This week’s installment is brought to you by the Windup Watch Shop.

Fratello Watches – Will Super-LumiNova Discolor When It Ages?

Aged tritium—it’s one of the big reasons why vintage watches look the way they do. But tritium has gone the way of the dodo, replaced largely by Super-LumiNova and other non-radioactive compounds. But have you ever wondered what tritium might look like 20, 30, or 40 years from now? Our friends at Fratello Watches look at the history of luminous material, and what it may look like when you’re ready to pass down that LumiNova-adorned watch of yours.

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Worn & Wound – Hunting Down a Seiko 6105-8000

Jon recounts his hunt for the iconic Seiko 6105-8000, a watch he bought and sold, and then could’t stop thinking about once it was gone (we’ve all been there).

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Smithsonian – Four Types of Stars That Will Not Exist for Billions or Even Trillions of Years

The stars that exist today are not the only kinds of stars that will ever exist—granted, if the universe exists long enough for them to form. Smithsonian Magazine takes a look at four potential celestial bodies that may one day call our universe home.

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Vox – StarCraft is a Deep, Complicated War Strategy Game. Google’s AlphaStar AI Crushed It

Some are worried that AI is the harbinger of doom. On the one end, it has the potential to revolutionize the workforce both in amazing and terrible ways. On the other (more extreme) end, it will try to wipe us all out à la Skynet. In recent years, AI has been making significant strides, and recently Google’s AlphaStar AI participated in a Starcraft competition with some of the world’s best players. The results were astounding. I, for one, welcome our robotic overlords.

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J.Crew – FRONTEER – Ranger Hi Boots/Sneakers

This boot/sneaker hybrid is the perfect mix of versatility and casual style. They’ll be right at home on a morning hike and out to brunch later that day without skipping a beat.

Shop here – $120

Everlane – The Nylon Commuter Backpack

Water resistant, minimal, and spacious, the Nylon Commuter Backpack is a great everyday bag for when you’re on the go.

Shop here – $68