“Watches, Stories, and Gear” is a roundup of our favorite content, watch or otherwise, from around the internet. Here, we support other creators, explore interesting content that inspires us, and put a spotlight on causes we believe in. Oh, and any gear we happen to be digging on this week. We love gear.
Share your story ideas or interesting finds with us by emailing our Managing Editor at [email protected].
Header Image Via: Field Mag
The general idea behind an electric vehicle is that they’re supposed to be environmentally friendly. But despite the fact that an EV dramatically reduces the amount of CO2 emissions that enter the atmosphere compared to a regular gas-power vehicle, the production of these cars still impacts the environment from the magnets used inside of their motors made out of rare earth metals. Well, it appears that 17 year old Robert Sansone has designed a solution to eliminate the use of these particular rare metals by substituting the current EV motor with an upgraded synchronous reluctance motor. A typical synchronous reluctance motor is found in everyday objects such as pumps and fans, and doesn’t generate enough power to be used in an electric vehicle. However, Sansone has found a way (15 prototypes later) to create a synchronous reluctance motor that generates more power by adding an additional magnetic field into the motor. It’s more complex than that, so we’ll let the Smithsonian Magazine feature article break it down for you. There seems to be a ways to go until his design sees the light of day in Tesla or any other EV for that matter, but Sansone is well on his way to potentially change the EV industry. Not bad for a guy who hasn’t even attended his senior prom.
We love vintage. But we love it even more when a design takes vintage cues and blends it with modern construction. That’s exactly what Ford is offering with their new Bronco and Bronco Sport Heritage Edition. Both models draw inspiration from the Bronco that launched in 1966, highlighted by a two-tone paint job, an Oxford white modular hardtop roof, Oxford white wheels and an Oxford white grille with red lettering. And although the Bronco Heritage Edition may resemble the Ford Bronco of old, it packs a modern mechanical punch. The Bronco Sport Heritage Edition sports a 181-hp 1.5-liter Ecoboost engine while the larger Bronco Heritage Edition comes with a 300-hp 2.3-liter Ecoboost engine. The Heritage Limited Edition models are based on the deluxe Badlands trim level which come with a higher powered engine (250-hp 2.0-liter for the Bronco Sport and 330-hp 2.7-liter for the Bronco), glossed black 17-inch wheels and vinyl plaid front seats. Prospective buyers will have their choice of five different colorways for the Heritage models and two colorways, being a Robins Egg Blue and a Yellowstone Metallic Yellow for the Limited Edition models. Keep a lookout for the Ford Bronco Heritage Edition models out on the road (or off it) by late next year.
In watch collecting, much like any other form of collecting, there is always the “journey”. With that there are the highs and lows, happiness and regrets and the people we meet and the connections we make along the way. In a recent editorial piece for online luxury retailer SSENSE, poet Hanif Abdurraqib wrote an essay dedicated to the culture of collecting and his love for sneakers that has the same sentiment that we watch heads will find relatable (some of you may like watches and sneakers one in the same). From telling white lies to our significant others about how much sneakers (or watches) we really have, to giving thoughtful gifts that connect our passions with the people that mean the most to us, it’s a thoughtful read that will hit close to home.
We live in a day in age where there are no more secret surf spots. Ok, that’s an exaggeration, but not by much. Social media and the internet has made it exponentially difficult to keep relatively unknown surf locations on the down low. And for those trying to search for unsurfed waves, the journey usually leads towards the far north where the weather is unpredictable and the surf conditions are unforgiving.
That’s where the story of Island X takes place. Situated between Alaska and Russia’s northernmost tundra, conditions don’t get any worse than the Bering Sea. Surfers Mark Mclnnis and Ben Weiland attempt to document an unknown wave off of a secret island located in the middle of the treacherous sea. Along with the help of fellow surfers Pete Devries, Noah Wegrich, Josh Mulcoy and film-maker Mike Nulty, as well as a guide by the name of Ricardo Merculief who happened to inherit a cabin right outside the island’s secret left point break, the group captures some epic footage and photos in a place where no one has ever documented surfing before. You can now relive the expedition through the Island X photo book that’s available for presale and the Island X film that is set to release digitally September 6th (or on tour near you starting later this month). Check out the full Field Mag article on Island X here.
Well, I nearly decided to bid on this beauty myself, but figured why not share it with our loyal readers instead? This vintage Mathey Tissot chronograph is simply stunning, and in near NOS condition. The 36mm wide steel case is a simple and classic, unpolished with nice sharp edges. The white dial looks to be original and pretty much perfect! With three subdials and nice black printing with blue outer track numbers. The large triangle hands are excellent with large lume plots that has a perfect patina. This beauty is powered by the venerable and highly sought after Valjoux 72 manual wind chronograph movement. The same movement is used in the vintage Rolex Daytona among others. The movement is clean as a whistle, and the seller states it runs as it should. Man, what more can I say about this one? If you’re in the market for a vintage chronograph…look no further!
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