It’s a unique time here at the Windup Watch Shop: Watches and Wonders has just concluded, we’ve seen a flurry of new releases, and our teams are getting back into the “normal” day-to-day rhythm. As usual, the anticipation was palpable, and the payoff was – well, it depends on who you ask. Whether or not you were impressed with the novelties, it’s no surprise that many of the new releases are, in reality, quite a long way off from being available, whether due to price or sheer exclusivity. That said, we’ve curated a selection of watches that offer a similar spirit and aesthetic, while also being available, either in our showroom or online. Without further ado, here are this year’s Watches & Wonders alternatives!
Tudor’s Monarch: The Laco Cuxhaven 39
Arguably the standout release for Tudor this year, the Monarch has been met with some vastly mixed impressions online. The Monarch boasts a range of new features, including sub-second movement, innovative finishing techniques for the brand, and a distinctive new bracelet design. Staying true to size and style, we think a faithful alternative to the new Monarch is the Laco Cuxhaven 39. Inspired by the classic navy pocket watches from the 1940s, the 39mm sizing is a perfect option for those seeking a more compact timepiece without compromising on the vintage charm that these watches exude. Inside the Cuxhaven, you’ll find a Laco 261, a hand-wound movement featuring a 45-hour power reserve that’s based on the Selita SW261. Decorating the white enamel dial is a black railroad-style minute track, thermally blued hands, and a healthy splash of Superluminova C3.
Cartier Santos-Dumont Obsidian: Dennison ALD Stone Dial
While it might not be the first brand that we think about or search for, Cartier is known for making very visually appealing watches, and the Cartier Santos-Dumont is no exception. With a 0.3mm thick obsidian dial, 15 link yellow gold bracelet, and what’s been described as “phenomenally beautiful finishing” on the case, it’s definitely a model to check out if you get the chance. That said, we’re taking a little bit of creative liberty here when we recommend the Dennison ALD Stone Dial, specifically the Black marble dial with the Gold PVD case. This variant retains a similar black and gold contrast while utilizing a Swiss quartz movement for low maintenance and reliable timekeeping. Coming in at 33.5mm wide, 37mm lug to lug, and just over 6mm thick, the ALD is reasonably sized and wears well on a number of different wrist sizes. Since the brand’s revival, the ALD collection has become a fan favorite, and one variant even managed to secure a GPHG Challenge award last year.
Grand Seiko SBGH376: Tissot Vissodate 39
The new SBGH376 or “Sakura-Wakaba” is exactly what we’ve come to expect from Grand Seiko: a dressier, reasonably sized, and expertly finished watch that draws inspiration from a hyperspecific moment of time or location around Japan.Inspired by the latter, the new Sakura-Wakaba pays tribute to the fleeting moment just after peak cherry blossom bloom through a light green patterned dial with a yellow hue, hi-beat automatic movement, and a healthy dose of zaratsu polishing. Our alternative pick, the Tissot Visodate, shares a similar vintage inspired design language, albeit at a more approachable price point. Coming in at 39mm in diameter, the refined Visodate features gold-toned accents atop a brushed silver dial, and alligator patterned leather strap, all powered by the Powermatic 80 caliber. As the name implies, the Visodate features an extremely legible date complication at 3 o’clock with a trapezoidal date window that mimics the original 1950s design.
Tudor Black Bay 54 Blue: Formex Reef 39.5
Let’s be honest, Tudor releasing some Black Bay variant is almost a guaranteed release each year. Admittedly, we weren’t expecting this specific variant, but a blue-on-blue diver is a staple piece that almost every brand has in its lineup, and one that everyone should own. For this alternative, we’re taking a look at our good friends at Formex and their Reef 39.5. Slightly larger than the BB54, the Reef 39.5 comes in at 39.5mm in diameter, 45.5mm lug to lug, and 11mm thick. Powered by a Sellita SW300-1 with a 56-hour power reserve, the Reef is a COSC-certified chronometer accurate to -4/+6 seconds per day. In addition to keeping time and looking phenomenal, the Reef has a secret trick up its sleeve: an interchangeable bezel. We’ll stand by the fact that everyone needs a blue on blue diver, but having the option to change out your bezel allows for a ton of interesting and unique combinations.
Windup Watch Shop
2026-04-26 16:00:00