What time is it? Watches and horology

You forgot to ATMO.....

Arial is, essentially, a cheap knockoff of Helvetica, commissioned by Microsoft so that they didn’t have to pay any licensing fees for its inclusion in Windows, Word, etc.

In order to differentiate it from Helvetica (for legal reasons) they changed a few features, most noticeably the numeral 1 and the capital R (see pic). The main issue with Arial is that these changes (well, and the font as a whole to be honest) are particularly artless and ugly. It’s very digital-looking - the forms don’t look solid or substantial. As sans-serif “grotesks” go, it’s a shoddy job.

The smaller a letter or numeral is, the less you notice the individual shape. Very few people would notice any difference between a paragraph of 9pt Arial and 9pt Helvetica. But it gets much worse if you isolate the numerals, make them bigger and invite the viewer to focus on them. So putting them that large on the bezel is especially irritating (to my eye).

I really don’t mind or care if people in general don’t see it, most people don’t. The reason I drag watch designers for using it is because they are the sort of people who absolutely should see it, and care about it. Most of them are Swiss! The Swiss are supposed to be aware of, and good at, typography. And in particular, using Arial over Helvetica - the most famous Swiss font, literally named after Switzerland - is a bit embarrassing. I mean, I don’t think Helvetica works very well on watches either, or on most stuff for that matter, but that’s a different rant.

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You are right bro but have you considered therapy for your OCD?

Also publicly calling dibs on that schweet G shock, love it.

Rolex Submariner would be better if it had Arial on the bezel rather than that weird font. Not even deliberately trolling.

You say that like it’s a bad thing.

What model/size is that steiny?

It’s Friday and I have my Apple Watch rings closed ( important to me and no one else). At least I’m not posting my Apple Watch with the manky screen again.

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Nice new Orient divers. $235 on silicone, $255 on bracelet.

https://www.orientwatchusa.com/blogs/orient-blog/another-one-say-hello-to-kano-diver-collection

Meh. Don't ship to the UK.

I would be tempted by the red version.

Not keen on the bezel font.

If you genuinely want one, I can facilitate. Coming back on the 24th.

Hmm... There are two on eBay shipped from the US.

I assume the usual VAT and duty fees are applied on a eBay purchase?

Not a Londoner I'm afraid. 🙁

I have access to Royal Mail. PM me if you change your mind and yes, unless it's part of the eBay global shipping program.

Thanks. Appreciated.

Let me sleep on it.

We have a winner... Everyone else can go home...

On a fucking happier note, the pic above revealed a scratch on my face. I am fucking really annoyed by this and I am currently fit to be tied.
I know I can sort it out as it is Hesilite but I’m FUCKING ANNOYED!
FUCK FUCK FUCK

https://youtu.be/aBccr-aLu4I

Thanks for that! Lol

Oh I get that now! LOL

I have now patina and I don’t like it!!!

I'd be interested in some more details off thread on the Milgauss. Not sure I'm there yet but getting some details can't hurt.

As for moonwatches it's more wondering what the fuss is about.

It's about the the 'glass' which is softer than cheese... Ppl are proud of how quick it picks up scratches.

It was inevitable and not that bad in the grand scheme, wait till you twang the lugs.