Chronos Japan January issue (Vol. 112) on sale now!

Chronos September issue (vol. 112) on sale August 3rd

■First feature: New innovations in shape, color, and performance New materials that have changed watches

New materials and technologies are unveiled almost every year. Although they may not be as prominent as they were a generation ago, they are fundamentally changing the nature of mechanical watches.

Of particular note are silicon and the LIGA process, which have dramatically improved the performance of movements, titanium and carbon, which are making a comeback, and sapphire crystal, which is finally becoming more widespread. We take a closer look at the latest developments in new materials and technologies through the testimony of industry insiders.

■Second Feature: 80 Portraits of Iconic Pieces: Sinn "EZM Series"

Since its founding in 1961, Sinn has been producing high-quality tool watches. The company's flagship model is the professional EZM series. As the name Einsatzzeitmesser (meaning "measurement equipment for deployment") suggests, this series was born from the requests of two special forces. Since then, each EZM model has undergone significant changes in every respect, reflecting the evolution of Sinn.

■Third Feature: The Third Wave of Non-Watch Manufacturers

With the exception of a few brands, watches from non-specialized watch manufacturers used to be little more than badge engineering. However, that is no longer the case. Among fashion and jewelry manufacturers, the number of companies producing products that overwhelm specialized watch manufacturers is increasing at an astonishing rate. Let's take a look at their unique strengths.

■Watch Paranoia Chronicles No. 57 "Otsuka Low-Tech, a Small, Independent Japanese Brand That's Highly Rising"

In recent years, independent, small-batch microbrands have been gaining attention in the watch industry. Most of these models are expensive due to their rarity. Among them, the Japanese microbrand Otsuka Low-Tech excels with its affordable price range and unique mechanisms and designs. By visiting their workshop, we uncover the secrets behind their watch design and watchmaking, and discover why they are currently garnering so much attention.

https://amzn.to/3J4pM28