aBlogtoRead.com » Magrette

Magrette Chronograph Watches

admin — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 07:02:53 +0000

Magrette of New Zealand has just released two watches for pre-order that are the brand's first chronograph watches. The watches contain the same movement and share similar cases, but have their differences. The first watch is the Magrette Moana Pacific Chronograph PVD and the second is the Magrette Regattare Chronograph.

With their first chronograph watch Magrette did not want to alienate its loyal followers by pricing the watch too high. At the same time the movement needed to be interesting and useful. Magrette turned to the actually quite impressive Seagull TY-2901 manually wound 30 minute chronograph movement. This is a Chinese made replica of an older movement called the Venus 175. Another watch that used this movement was the Techne Sparrow Hawk that I reviewed here. The Sparrow Hawk sold very well and I attribute that to people liking the nice mixture of interest and value in the movement.

Through the exposed caseback you can see the movement - which has the fine look of a vintage chronograph (because it is). It is worth the price just for that. The watch cases are 44mm wide and in steel. The Moana Pacific Chronograph PVD has a black coated case and rotating diver's bevel. The bezel is actually in black ceramic - which is a first for the brand I believe. The flange ring on the Moana Pacific Chronograph PVD is of a minute scale. On the Regattare Chronograph it is a tachymeter scale.

Both watches have the same dial and both have the same depth rating of 500 meters - pretty cool with the sapphire crystal caseback. For water tightness, the chronograph pushers are screw down. It is interesting how Magrette released two chronograph models right at the same time - each with enough differences to be separate models, but also also similar enough to be in the same product family. They certainly did a good job at making the Moana Pacific version feel more like a dive watch and the Regattare version look more racing inspired.

While the prices are a bit different, fans of the chronograph watches from Magrette will ultimately choose the style that they like best. Be it the cleaner polished and brushed steel Regattare or the more sporty and black Moana Pacific Chronograph PVD. Magrette will produce each of them as a limited edition of 1000 pieces. Price for the Magrette Moana Pacfiic Chronograph PVD will be $545 and the Magrette Regattare Chronograph will be $498.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

No related posts.

Magrette Regattare Bronze Watch

admin — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 07:06:32 +0000

The newest limited edition watch from New Zealand based Magrette is this Regattare Bronze (technically called the Ragattare Vintage Bronze), and there is a lot to love here. The Regattare collection is one of Magrette's mainstay models that have seen numerous versions and revisions over the years. Now in bronze, collectors and style aficionado's get an interesting case material option at+ a solid price.

Bronze is not typically used for watch cases but 2010 and 2011 saw a range of bronze watches being released for the collector's market. It would be a tough material to sell to the mainstream given the metal's tendency to oxidize - which is exactly why some collector's like the material though. Bronze develops a patina over time (not that much time) that appears like discoloration on the metal. This is valued to some collectors as their watch will not only look unique (no two age the same) but also because the aging will help the timepiece look like a vintage item.

For the 44mm wide Regattare case Magrette uses CuSn8 bronze. It is an alloy of copper and highly resistant to ocean climate corrosion. It comes as no surprise then that bronze has traditionally been used a lot on boats where corrosion is particularly an issue to due ocean water and air. The Regattare Bronze will be at home on boat decks such as that.

Bronze looks a bit like gold, but the finish and color are not the same. Bronze of course is much less expensive and more "tool" than "luxury." In going along with the bronze case Magrette places an attractive brown colored dial on the watch as well. This warms up the look and offers a new style to the collection of Regattare watches out there. Another little change is the removal of the seconds hand. Here Magrette plays with the look of the dial to give it a more simple, minimalist feel. The term "BRONZE" is also added to the dial.

The case is water resistant to 50 meters (there are other Magrette watches with a lot more water resistance) and over the dial is an AR coated sapphire crystal. Inside the watch is a Japanese Miyota automatic movement. On the caseback is a unique piece of Ancient Kauri wood that has been "burned" with the specific number of the watch in this limited edition. You can read more about Magrette's use of Ancient Kauri wood here. The watch comes on a black leather strap but I think a brown leather strap would also look very nice. Magrette will offer the Regattare Vintage Bronze as a limited edition of 1000 pieces. Price is very reasonable at $385 plus shipping.

Learn more or pre-order/order here.

Tech specs from Magrette:

Model: Reggattare Vintage Bronze
Movement: 21 jewels (Miyota) Automatic
Case: Bronze, brush finish, 44mm excluding the crown.
Crown: Screw down
Crystal: Sapphire, AR (anti reflective) coated inside the crystal
Water-resistance: 5 ATM (approx 132ft)
Strap: 24mm Leather (black with black stitching)
Box: Eco pine
Vintage Style Roll Case: Canvas
Limited Edition: 1000 pieces
Price: $385.00 USD plus $30.00 shipping worldwide.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Magrette Kia Kaha Watch Review

admin — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 07:04:25 +0000

It has been a very interesting journey so far with Magrette.Â I first reviewed about their Regattare Kupe's Voyage limited edition watch here about a year and half ago, and today I am reviewing their new limited edition Kia Kaha. In just that short time the brand has come a long way from having a good product, to an even better product. It has been fascinating to see brand's product evolve. The Kia Kaha has numerous improvements over older models in terms of refinement and utility. Not that older Magrette watches suffer from significant problems, but rather that customers continue to get more and more for their money. The Kia Kaha shares the same basic theme which makes Magrette watches what they are - a simple, good looking case and dial, combined with beautiful hand-engraved Maori style art.

The Kia Kaha is a bit of a stealth nice watch. On the surface, its 44mm wide steel case is dark with black PVD coating, and a dial that likes to hide a bit in the case. The artistic magic of the watch isn't revealed until after the watch is turned over, and you can appreciate the large, detailed engraving that is lovingly hand-done in New Zealand. The Kia Kaha is actually part of a sibling relationship of two limited edition watches that came out at the same time. I initially wrote about the Kia Kaha, and its brother the Kiatiaki watch here. The different in the two watches is the case back. Kia Kaha's sibling watch has an exhibition caseback with an engraved rotor for the automatic movement, while here you get a solid steel caseback, with a larger engraving. The engraving is great, really great. I have been dutifully impressed by the handiwork of Magrette's engraver Andrew Biggs since the first day I laid eyes on his work. His talent, in combination with the tribal, Maori style designs are extremely beautiful and visually satisfying. Wearing and looking at them feels nice, and it is even better to know that they were done by hand versus a laser cutting machine.

Good looks carry over to the dial as well. American based LUM-TEC now does many of Magrette's dials, using their high-quality MDV GX luminant. In comparison to early Magrette dials, this is something much different. The hour indicators are cut into the dial, and there is lots of luminant applied in them and on the hands. You can see in the lume image how nice and evenly the luminant glows. There is also an embossed face on the dial in black-on-black right over 6 o'clock that is only visible in the right light. In fact, the dials are looking so good, Magrette will need to upgrade its hands. While lume on the hands is just fine, the detailing and quality of the hands themselves is due a bit of an upgrade given how well the rest of the watch looks.

Margrette uses a polished steel crown that isn't black - which contributes to an unique look, and I think works well. The crown has an engraved Magrette logo in it. Magrette matches the look of the crown with polished, as opposed to black screws in the lugs to hope the strap in place. Of course, the caseback is also polished, as opposed to black steel. Lastly, Magrette uses a polished steel buckle on the strap. So there is lots of black and polished steel throughout the watch. This two-tone style suits the design well.

The thick black 24mm wide leather strap is all black without any tw0-tone stitching. I wonder what the watch would look like with a contrast stitched strap. The reason I mention this is that when wearing the watch, it is very dark over all. It almost feels like one of those "phantom" watches, because there is much more black than steel tone on the watch. Some people will love this look. What I can say is that unlike most phantom watches, the dial isn't hard to read here.

The Magrette case shape and dial design that are loosely based items from Panerai and Anonimo are still faring well. Magrette uses a highly domed sapphire crystal over the dial. While legibility is there, it does create some glare and distortion when viewed from angles. My advice to Magrette is to experiment with more AR (anti-reflective) applications in the future and crystals that may help to reduce glare. Though, I should add that when looking straight on at the watch, legibility does not suffer at all.

Wearing the watch is a pleasure. The case and strap hug the wrist nicely. A quirk about Magrette watches is that when they use the large Panerai style buckle, the buckle is about as wide as the watch case. It isn't a complaint, but an interesting quirk about the brand that adds character. Size feels just right for the case, and Magrette could even go bigger in the future. Imagine a large 48mm wide Magrette watch that has a lot of engraving all over it. That would be something special. Inside the Kia Kaha is a Swiss ETA 2824 automatic movement. Magrette like to offer dials without date windows for visual attractiveness and symmetry. The watch case is water resistant to 50 meters.

I have to mention the box that the Kia Kaha comes in. Magrette always has impressed me with their product packaging, but their newest box style is the best. It comes in a large, hand-made New Zealand Kauri wood box with a hinged top. The new design and layout is very nicely done, and the wood has a fantastic finish to it. I love the almost intoxicating smell of freshly worked wood - it reminds you of being in a timber artisan's workshop. You'll certainly put you nose close to the box now and again for a serious whiff of the fragrance. Really one of the best looking (and smelling) watch cases on the market - certainly in this price range.

The Magrette Kia Kaha is limited to just 25 pieces with a very reasonable price of $1,550. These go quick, but there might be a few left. The secret sauce of the watch is that you can choose to share with people the "hidden" engraving. Everyone else will just see it the attractive exterior - leaving the engraved case, your little secret. See or order the Kia Kaha watch on Magrette's website here.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Magrette Kaitiaki & Kai Kaha Engraved Masculine Watches

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:08:30 +0000

The Magrette saga continues with two new watches. These new pieces serve a very specific purpose. They offer the beauty of Magrette's hand-done Maori style engraving, but in a more subtle manner. Allowing most of the visible PVD black case to be masculine and strong in appearance. Each comes in a limited edition set of just 25 pieces. There is just one master engraver responsible for each piece.

The Kaitiaka and Kai Kaha watches are very similar, each even being the same price. The difference is the caseback style and design. The Magrette Kia Kaha (meaning "be strong") has a solid steel caseback with a beautiful engraving on its polished surface. The design is masculine, with a strong looking figurine worthy of the title of the piece. Each caseback of course is hand-engraved. Here, the engraving is known only to the wearer. Not only can they appreciate it each time they put on and remove the watch, but they can impress fans of the watch, when they take it off and hand it to them for inspection. I promise you that most people who see the art on the back of a watch like this are generally wowed by it. There is also a hand engraved indication of the number of the watch in its limited edition.

While the Kia Kaha has a solid caseback, the Magrette Kaitiaki (meaning "guardian or protector") has a exhibition caseback with a sapphire crystal window. Here, you can see the Swiss ETA 2824 automatic movement, with a Magrette style engraved rotor. Back when I learned about New Zealand based Magrette I urged them to offer watches with rotors hand-engraved using the wonderful Maori style. Now you can see how lovely the result is after they decided it was a good idea. The Kaitiaki has another special feature. Buyers will get their names engraved on the back of the watch.

Aside from the caseback of the watch, the two pieces are the same. Set in a 44m wide PVD black steel case, they are story and stern, compared to their more decorate rears. Each is water resistant to 50 meters and has a sapphire crystal. Magrette now uses LUM-TEC as their dial maker and luminant supplier. The laser-cut dials are great looking with LUM-TEC MDV GX luminant. There is also an embossed black on black face image on the dial just above 6 o'clock. The watches come with 24mm leather straps. You'll also love getting your Magrette watch in the mail if ever buy one - as many of them (including these) arrive in beautiful hand-made wooden boxes that smell like a fine furniture store.

Price for a Magrette Kaitiaki or Kai Kaha watch is $1,550, with each being limited to just 25 pieces each.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Magrette Moana Pacific Diver Watch Review

admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:07:49 +0000

New Zealand watch brand Magrette has just released their first serious tool watch, this is the Moana Pacific Diver, with 500 meters of water resistance, a lume covered dial, and a rotating diver's bezel. Though it is not without a few quirks, this is one of the most capable timepieces the brand has released when it comes to function and style. It retains most of the retro charm of the Moana Pacific with a beefed up case and personality. While it shares the Moana Pacific name, dial design, and movement, I personally classify the Moana Pacific Diver as a totally different watch given how it feels and its function. I first discussed the Magrette Moana Pacific Diver watch when it was initially announced here.

The dimensions of the two watches are quite similar each being 44 wide in steel cases, but you can see that differences abound aside from the polish styles. Still, they both hold their own visually, being different types of models for different occasions. Magrette chose to replace its screw bars to hold the straps in place with a pin. Actually I am very happy about this as pins make it much easier to switch out straps. The lugs themselves are also different. The Moana Pacific Diver comes with two straps. A nice black rubber diving strap and a textured black leather strap with red stitching. Having the pin in the lugs made it really easy to switch out the two. I have been wearing it on the rubber strap to match the sporty nature of the piece - plus it is very comfy with the rubber strap. The leather strap is nice as well and the red looks quite good in combo with the dial colors - not much else out there quite like it. You really rarely see a combo of black, yellow, and red on a watch dial. I like that Magrette did that. I should also note that the straps get new a style of buckles. Instead of the sometimes amusingly large Panerai style buckles, the Moana Pacific Diver has a more trim steel buckle that is more utilitarian and has a nicely engraved Magrette logo on it.

The watch case is a bit beefier as well and it has a solid looking rotating diver's bezel. One issue with the bezel is that it is on the harder side to turn (though it wears in a bit with usage), but at least is isn't loose and does not wiggle at all. The watch also has an upgraded crown that is larger, more precision cut, and has the Magrette logo in relief (as opposed to a simple laser cut). It looks better all around and again is a screw-in crown. There is also a new caseback cover that has a good quality look to its engraving and fits nicely. Overall I can say that the improvements here are all in the right direction. Plus, it all works together to give the Moana Pacific Diver a water resistance of 500 meters.

Let's go to the dial. Comparing the shots of the classic Moana Pacific and the Diver you see that there is a lot of similarity. Though the indicators are thicker because they are applied with luminant, and that lume is high quality SuperLumiNova. Now the entire dial and the hands glow after being charged in some light. The yellow tones stand out and give the watch part of its retro sporty theme. I took a look at some older dive watches when thinking about that - and I get the whole "retro" style of it all. It is true that most older dive watches look still pretty modern, but it is also true that some modern dive watches have gone nuts with styling. So basically, conservative sporty looks are now mostly considered "retro." The dial is in typical Magrette style with is Anonimo themed look, taken in a polished, designer direction.

It looks like Magrette used a slightly flatter sapphire crystal, also with AR coating on the inside. Perhaps the crystal isn't any flatter (hard to tell), it still has a slight dome to it. Regardless, it feels as though it reflects less light than before making the dial easier to read. This is another of the many incremental refinement and overall "polishing" treatment the watch line is getting.

The watch contains a Japanese Miyota 8125 automatic mechanical movement that offers hand-winding. I feel it is always necessary to indicate that with Japanese automatics. I recall the first Japanese automatic watch I got years ago. I though it was broken because it would not hand wind. Then I realized that it just wasn't designed to hand-wind like every automatic Swiss movement. Thus, when I see movements such as the Miyota 8125 used, I want to point out that this is one of the nicer Japanese automatics out there. Magrette could have used a Swiss movement, but that just would have made the price appreciably jump. This way the watch, even with all its upgrades and nice features, the watch stays affordable. Like all Magrette watches, the Moana Pacific Diver is part of a limited edition - here of just 500 pieces. The brand from New Zealand continues to impress me as they move forward with quality and design, and staying true to the personality and laid-back spirit that makes their watches so easy to own. I do highly recommend the Moana Pacific Diver if you are looking for a capable sport watch that has an attractive style and good story. I mean just saying the watch is from a New Zealand company is often enough to get people interested I am finding. Keep it up Magrette! Price for the Magrette Moana Pacific Diver is $485 plus shipping.

Learn more about the Moana Pacific Diver or get one here from Magrette.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Magrette Moana Pacific Diver Watch

admin — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 08:02:27 +0000

Heads up Magrette fans, your favorite New Zealand watch maker is about to release a new limited edition model - their first diving watch. Being an enthusiastic lover of diving watches, I am thrilled. Best part is that in addition to the watch being a new model, the case and dial are much upgraded, taking the brand to yet another high level. The watch is the Magrette Moana Pacific Diver, the a new diving watch version of the Moana Pacific watch that I reviewed here. I continue talking about Magrette watches because I keep hearing from my reader that you love them - good thing I share the same sentiment.

One thing that became apparent to me as I studied this watch is that Magrette is finally getting a distinct character - which is a good thing. Branding is a complex endeavor (for new and old brands alike). In addition to getting a signature look, Magrette is getting real character. This is a type of personality that we mentally attribute to certain items and products. What personality do you give to Magrette watches?

Inside the watch is the same automatic Japanese Miyota workhorse movement that the initial Moana Pacific had. It has proven to be reliable and hardy. As well as cost effective.

The Moana Pacific Diver is in a 44mm wide brushed and polished steel case with a unidirectional rotating diver's bezel. The case is water resistant to an impressive 500 meters! Really good for a brand's first dive watch. Of course the watch has a screw down crown and thick double-domed sapphire crystal that is AR coated.

New for Magrette is a totally SuperLumiNovaÂ lume covered dial along with the hands. The retro chic looks of the Moana Pacific dial will proved easy to read in all light conditions. The mix of colors and textures really make the 1950's era look more modern. There is black and yellow on the dial, while the thick leather strap is black and red. Magrette also throws in a rubber strap cause it is a diver's watch after all. Price for the watch is very reasonable at $485. The watch is a limited edition and the first 100 pieces will be available starting in late January 2010. Magrette indicates that these initially available pieces will only be offered to its mailing list clients - and the remaining 400 will be offered more generally when that are released in April. If you are dying to get one, you should contact them now to pre-order. Below are more details (and some repeated information) about this great looking new Magrette Moana Pacific Diver watch.

Model: MOANA PACIFIC DIVER
Movement: 21 jewels (Miyota 8215) Automatic
Case diameter: 44mm excluding the crown
Case finish: Brushed sides and back with a polish finish on the top, crown and bezel.
Crown: Screw down
Bezel: 120 clicks unidirectional rotating with 12H lume
Crystal: Sapphire (double domed), AR coating.
Water-resistance: 500m/1650ft Water resistant
Strap: 24mm Leather (black with red stitching) plus rubber.
Buckle: Brushed stainless steel
Vintage Style Roll Case: Canvas
Limited Edition: 500 pieces
Price: $485.00 USD plus $30.00 shipping worldwide.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Magrette Moana Pacific Watch Giveaway Winner

admin — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:39:00 +0000

It is a definite indication that you readers are serious watch lovers when you are willing to kindly provide a photo update after winning a nice watch. Last month's aBlogtoRead.com watch giveaway was for New Zealand's own Magrette Moana Pacific watches, and winner Chris K. shares with us his thoughts and some 'wrist candy' for you see. Here are a few words from him, and images (he did his best to capture the watch. You can always see more pics in my review of the Moana Pacific timepiece here. Also, quick note to you all, the lovely box that you see the Moana Pacific in and resting on does not come with the standard Moana Pacific watch. It is an upgraded watch box that can be upgraded to. Magrette specially included it here for the winner of the aBlogtoRead.com watch giveaway. Here are some words from the winner himself:

"I have to say that the watch is a pleasure to wear and to look at, and my wife agrees it is both masculine and classy. I was a bit worried it would wear large on my smaller wrist, but the fluid case and lugs shapes blend it into the wearer comfortably."

Congrats again to Chris for winning the Magrette watch. For those of you who haven't won anything yet. I want to inform you that there will be a series of aBlogtoRead.com watch giveaways. I hope to make it a regular thing.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Magrette Taniwha Engraved Gold Inlaid Watch

admin — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:28:30 +0000

Before you is the latest limited edition watch from New Zealand watch maker Magrette. This is the first look at the now available Magrette Taniwha watch. Hours of hand engraving has gone into the beautiful fully decorated case, which has been taken up a step with gold inlay decoration. It is a long process with many steps to yield the final result. I personally love the Magrette engraved watches. Not only does no other watch company offer watches like this, but the engravings are beautiful. The designs have characters and scenes, with emotions and the high skill of the engraver.

If you aren't the type of person who is used to wearing "decorated" things, I suggest trying it out. There is a special feeling of worth you get from it. Living in an industrialized world, we are so devoid of things hand decorated, or even decorated at all. We are used to things being just good enough, or often not even good enough at all. Having some decorated object adorn our outfits is quite the exotic treat these days. That is unless you had a mother who hand-made clothes for you. In that case though, you likely ride a horse and buggy. You can still have a mechanical watches though, no electricity use there! In addition to the decorated case, Magrette has extended the use of engraving on to the strap buckle, a design decision that I like a lot. There is also the watch number in the limited edition engraved here.

The Taniwha watch case is 44mm wide in steel (with gold inlay). The crystal is sapphire, and the watch is water resistant to about 100 feet. The strap is soft leather in black and 24mm wide. There is a sapphire caseback window giving you a view into the Swiss ETA 2824-2 automatic movement. The overall watch is based on the Magrette Regattare model line. this includes the case shape and dial design. I find the design enjoyable to look at and quite easy to read. I've reviewed the similarly styled Magrette Kupe's Voyage watch here.

The Taniwha name, like the engraving design is derived from traditional New Zealand Maori people. Taniwha are mythical water based monsters that in certain instances were known to be guardians of the peoples' ancestral canoes. While the fantasy Taniwha monsters were enemies to some, they were often protectors to the native New Zealand people. A more in depth discussion of the Taniwha mythical creatures is on the Magrette Taniwha webpage. Price for each of the five pieces is $5,985, and is Magrette's highest value timepiece to date. Pricey for some of the internal components, but the value is all in the character of the design as well as the skill and many hours of hand engraving.

See the Magrette Taniwha watch available here.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Last Chance To Enter For Free Magrette Moana Pacific Watch

admin — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 01:56:02 +0000

Just to remind everyone that the Magrette Moana Pacific watch will be ending at the end of the month. If you didn't already enter, please take a moment to do so if you want a chance to win this fantastic timepiece. Next month, another watch giveaway.

Enter to win the Magrette Moana Pacific watch here.

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.

Free Magrette Moana Pacific Watch Giveaway

admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 07:16:16 +0000

Welcome to the next aBlogtoRead.com Free Watch Giveaway. This time around you have a good shot at winning a Magrette Moana Pacific watch, by sponsored by Magrette watches of New Zealand. the Moana Pacific is a very pretty watch, which is easy for me to say because I am a proud owner of one. It has an automatic movement and is part of a limited edition of just 500 pieces. I am not the only person loving this watch, everyone that seems to get their hands on a Magrette watch is impressed. See my initial article about the Moana Pacific here, as well as my personal Magrette Moana Pacific review here. Click the links to read all the nice details about the watch. The Magrette Moana Pacific has a retail price of $315.

To Enter You Must:

1. Comment on this post below with your valid e-mail address where required. In the body of your comment you can mention a few watches on your "to buy" or "wish list."

2. By entering you are opting in to receive occasional watch related news letters or announcements from the sponsor, Magrette. You may opt out at any time.

3. Wait until the giveaway is over on October 1st 2009 for the winner to be chosen at random.

A couple of basic rules. You can only enter once. You must comment with a valid e-mail address where you can be reached. Your comment must be confirmed and approved. You must complete the objectives to be considered. You are responsible for providing your contact shipping information if you are chosen. Giveaway watch selection based on sponsor's inventory and watch availability. All comments made after the end of the giveaway period will not be considered. For the full terms and conditions, please click here.

Good luck, and thanks to Magrette Watch, the sponsor of the Magrette Moana Pacific watch giveaway here at aBlogtoRead.com!

Written by Mr. Ariel Adams - aBlogtoRead.com, trusted independent watch media.