The OCTO 3003 World Timer pairs a striking, 1970s "disco king" aesthetic with the hassle-free reliability of a modern quartz movement. Channeling a bold retro look with a distinct dual personality, it gives collectors the eye-catching visual flair of a classic analogue watch without the costly mechanical maintenance typically associated with true vintage timepieces.
Studiopjj
Discover P.J. Joseph's blog, your guide to colored gemstones, diamonds, watches, jewelry, art, design, luxury hotels, food, travel, and more. Based in South Asia, P.J. is a gemstone analyst, writer, and responsible foodie featured on Al Jazeera, BBC, CNN, and CNBC. Disclosure: All images are digitally created for educational and illustrative purposes. Portions of the blog were human-written and refined with AI to support educational goals.
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Friday, October 02, 2026
Retro 1970s Design Meets Modern Quartz Reliability In The OCTO 3003 World Timer
GIA Identifies First CVD Lab-Grown Diamond Shaped To Imitate Natural Rough Crystal
In a discovery detailed in the spring issue of Gems & Gemology, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) examined a near-colorless 6.87-carat synthetic diamond that manufacturers intentionally crafted to mimic the appearance of a rough natural diamond crystal. This piece marks the first known instance of a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) lab-grown diamond being deliberately shaped by creators to imitate natural, uncut diamond rough.
Miami Host To Curated Antique Jewelry & Watch Showcase
Produced by the Forge Jewelry Group—the team behind major antique events in Miami Beach and Las Vegas—the Coconut Grove Jewelry & Watch Show returns for its second edition, November 13–15, at The Hangar at Regatta Harbour. Set in one of Miami’s rapidly developing luxury waterfront districts, this intimate, public event features around 80 dealers displaying a curated selection of antique, vintage, and estate jewelry alongside fine timepieces. Visitors can expect to find exceptional period designs, notable unsigned pieces chosen for their provenance, and iconic items from prestigious houses such as Cartier, Patek Philippe, Van Cleef & Arpels, Rolex, and David Webb.
Thursday, October 01, 2026
A Community-Designed Homage To A Seiko Icon
The Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver's Watch Fan-Selected Limited Edition (Ref. HBC011J1) pays a modern tribute to the legendary 1965 "62MAS." What sets this exclusive timepiece apart is its striking "Daytime Blue" dial, a unique color choice voted on and selected directly by global watch enthusiasts through a worldwide Seiko campaign.
De Beers Returns To Frieze Masters 2026
Making its second appearance at the annual Frieze Masters art fair in London from October 14 to 18, De Beers will present Voyage Through the Diamond Realm, Chapter II: On the Birth of a Diamond.
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A Unique Treasury Of Earth And Sky
Housed in Vienna's historic Palais Mollard, the Globe Museum of the Austrian National Library is the world's only public museum devoted exclusively to globes. Its rare permanent collection includes more than 250 historic terrestrial, celestial, lunar, and planetary globes, along with intricate astronomical instruments such as armillary spheres and tellurions.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Luminescent Innovation: The Studio Underd0g 02SERIES Mantis
Marking the brand's first special edition for its second-generation field watch line, the Studio Underd0g 02SERIES Mantis draws visual inspiration from the praying mantis to deliver a bold, highly luminescent timepiece.
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Art And Heritage Along The Oulujoki River
Nestled on historic Lasaretinsaari Island beside Oulu's scenic Ainola Park, Hotel Lasaretti—the Nordic Art Hotel—offers a culture-rich stay just a short walk from the city center. This unique property seamlessly combines historic architecture with modern, art-infused comfort in a picturesque riverside setting.






