I emerged from Oxford Circus Tube station full of excitement and anticipation. It had been a 3 and half hour journey by this point. I whipped the phone out, and straight to Google Maps for the destination. Upon crossing Oxford Street, I saw it. The watch brand signages peering through the window gave it away – it is the Time⨥Tide London Discovery Studio.
Making my way up, a much needed cold bottle of water made for a very warm welcome. Walking in, I was flanked by watch books and About Effing Time merchandise to your left and a Zodiac display to your right, in what would be known as the White Room. It looked like a busy day in the studio. Cameras and lights indicate they maybe doing a recording. I was approached by James, asking if there was something I specifically wanted to see. Truth be told there was, but I was encouraged to check everything out, with him pointing towards the different displays. I started my walkthrough, my inner watch nerd trying to contain itself for being able to finally see a lot of pieces that were only the preserve of images online, in my experience.
Back to James I went, tray on his hand, I asked for the one I really hoped to see – the Fears Jump Hour Raven Black. I mean, what a watch. With such a classy design and that dark yet lively brushed & sunburst dial, it is such a delight to see. As it settles on my wrist, I admired its beautiful face. One snag however; it felt big for my wrist. Disappointed, I asked for two other pieces that I have spotted. First, was the Serica Field Ref. 6190. The one thing I love about Serica is how recognisable their design language is. So much so, that their watches do not need to have the brand’s name emblazoned on it. Now whilst, the 6190 is considered a field watch, its looks can pass for what I need it for. So on the wrist, the California Field went, and it was every bit as good as I hoped it would be.
Jump Hour Raven Black
Roulette
Next, the Baltic MR Roulette. Baltic was one of the first microbrands I have followed as I really got into watches. The MR Classic and its micro rotor movement really made quite an impression on me. But I was more drawn to the execution of the MR Roulette’s dial hence the visit’s choice. As somewhat expectd, it looked and felt well-proportioned on the wrist. Sensing that I may have my doubts on the two, my gracious host suggested further options. Enter, Nivada Grenchen. As the display was opened to fetch some suggestions I asked for the F77 in blue as well. It was first on the wrist inevitably. With its sporty demeanour, and a slight overhang on my wrist I had to discount it despite its good looks.
F77 Blue
I then got introduced to the Antarctic, a Salmon dial variant and an ominously version called Spider. The Salmon had the right balance of pink and orange, as its lively dial played with the light. The Spider, however, was more eye-catching. With its eight indices connected by lines that converge down the centre making the shape of a Spider, it has vintage vibes aplenty. Striking and unique-looking, it’s a great dressy package, into whose web I was getting entangled with. This I have to say was the curveball in this discovery exercise.
All things considered, it went down to between the MR Roulette and Antarctic Spider. A decision is yet to be made between those two considering what else is in my collection. Ultimately, it will come down to which one best complements the rest of it rather than just individual brilliance. And with the ever growing choices and guest brands coming in, this decision will only ever tougher on my next visit! I would have not been able to make all these deductions had the London studio not been in existence, and with it, the brilliant assistance of the Time⨥Tide team. Such is the beauty of this space and the experience it brings. I am sure to pay many more visits in the future and perhaps bring home the right timepiece with me. For now, I have treated myself with some exclusive Bark & Jack straps.
I do not think I can emphasise enough how this is a must-visit place if you are into watches. If you are just starting out, or curious about learning more, I could not recommend a better place to enhance journey with. Since my visit, it has hosted a number of events like the Great British Weekender, new model launches and related events. It even hosted the reunion episode of About Effing Time coz you know, it’s about effing time! That is testament to the potential and dynamics of the space, furhter solidifying its reputation as one of the key destinations for great things in horology.
Now, if you’re curious about the reference to the studio recording that I mentioned earlier, here’s my unofficial role as the guy in the white shirt in the background, with Andrew McUtchen & Justin Hast talking about field watches in Time⨥Tide’s YouTube channel. There’s some great recommendations in this, so do enjoy!
The Timepiecer 
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