Weekend Wind Down No°4
A weekly note on watches, travel, tools, and collecting well
As expected, the first full week of July has been a quiet one in the watch world. Media outlets are looking to fill out their editorial calendars, and brands are preparing for their Geneva Watch Days novelties before the industry eases into summer break.
I’ve been thinking about summer—and more specifically, about summer watches. I’m talking about watches that can handle the heat and humidity, endure pool days, lake swims, or ocean adventures with young kids, and still feel right at home on your wrist during weekend barbecues or early morning hikes.
It’s opened up a whole new lens on my own collection. In my current mindset—less, but better—I’m thinking not only about durability but also about which complications really make sense for everyday summer wear.
Industry Watch: What’s New
Ianos Watches
I think I first saw Ianos pop up on the Watches of Espionage Instagram feed, and Hodinkee ran a story Ianos Dytis. Ianos caught my attention for their OYK project: a titanium dive watch made exclusively for the Greek Underwater Demolition Teams, never to be sold publicly. It’s a niche, almost romantic approach to storytelling, and it got me curious about the rest of their collection.
Offered in Grade 2 Titanium, I like the look of the watches, they have a pitted and rough, almost as if weather worn by the sea vibe. I’m especially drawn to their summer-ready rubber NATO strap, which features ridged channels on the back to help with airflow and comfort in the heat. While not an independent brand, Ianos is a rising microbrand powered by Sellita movements, and the growing attention they’re receiving is good for the ecosystem overall.
What I’m Loving
The Photography of Sebastião Salgado
I was recently introduced to the photography of Sebastio Salgado, who sadly passed away in May. His black and white photography is visually stunning — it’s raw, emotional, and timeless. From his early work as a photojournalist covering war, famine, and the hardship of many lives, Sebastião turned to focusing on nature and the beauty of the landscapes that surround us in his project Genesis. If you’re drawn to monochrome photography, Genesis is a must. It’s a reminder of just how powerful images can be when they’re made with intention.
Rolex presents: Cristina Mittermeier – Turning the Tide
Rolex is a dominant force in watchmaking, but what sets them apart is who they choose to support. Beyond the usual realm of brand ambassadors, they’ve long backed explorers, conservationists, and creatives. This short film highlights photographer and environmentalist Cristina Mittermeier and her address at the World Economic Forum in Davos. In it, she speaks to the power of photography as a force for conservation and storytelling, accompanied by a selection of her stunning images.
Rolex remains one of the few brands in the industry thinking beyond watches, and the work of the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation is a subject I’d like to explore more deeply. Their support of meaningful projects shows just how far-reaching a watch brand’s impact can be when aligned with purpose.
Visual Notes
A few highlights from WindUp Watch Fair in Chicago - more to come once film gets developed.
On display: Sunflowerman, Artefkt, Vortic, Citizen, Astor & Banks, Marathon, SpaceOne, and Benrus.
If you were at WindUp in Chicago and saw something special, I’d love to hear what caught your eye.
In Case You Missed It
In case you missed it, last week’s piece was Thinking About Less, a meditation on paring down your collection and rediscovering meaning in the search. Two key takeaways I’ve learned along the way:
The joy is in the search—not the acquisition.
Watch collecting has never been about the watches, but truly about the people.
I’ll let you read the rest.
Coming This Week
This Thursday I am writing about camera considerations for the watch collector. I’ll share the three most likely candidates, and talk a little more about gear and my recommendations for the collector community.
Stay Connected
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Thanks as always for reading and for being part of a community that knows that there are still great stories in watchmaking beyond the hype.
—Todd