www.blajournal.com
Russell Crowe Showcases the New Toledano Chan b/1.3r on TikTok
Russell Crowe, the esteemed Oscar-winning performer, recently brought attention to Toledano Chan, an independent watchmaker, through a series of videos on TikTok. He proudly displayed the brand's newest creation, the b/1.3r, in three separate posts, demonstrating his appreciation for unique and high-quality timepieces. This move signals that the 61-year-old actor stays current with contemporary trends, particularly in the realm of sophisticated wristwear.
Introduced in February, the b/1.3r is the fourth watch from Toledano Chan, a brand established by artist Phil Toledano and watch designer Alfred Chan. The company quickly gained recognition in 2024 with its innovative steel watches, characterized by their bold, Brutalist-inspired cases and exquisite stone dials. Following the success of earlier models like the b/1 and its successors, the b/1.2 (featuring mother-of-pearl) and the b/1m (with meteorite), which consistently sold out rapidly, the b/1.3r continues this legacy of desirable designs. This latest iteration is distinguished by its titanium construction, a departure from previous steel models, and features an 18-karat gold 'ripple dial' instead of a traditional stone face. Limited to just 350 pieces, each watch is priced at $10,200.
Crowe's personal touch with the watch further highlights its user-friendly design. In his unboxing video, he noted the bracelet's need for adjustment and, in a subsequent post, showed himself making the necessary modifications with a jeweler's screwdriver to achieve an optimal fit. His caption, "Link removal successful. Now I can really feel the beauty and balance of the B 1.3," perfectly encapsulates his satisfaction. The actor also revealed that he often wears his personal timepieces in films, including his upcoming projects, Beast and Bear Country, leaving fans to wonder if the Toledano Chan will make a big-screen appearance.
The passion displayed by Russell Crowe for his new Toledano Chan watch, and his willingness to share it with the world, exemplifies the joy found in appreciating finely crafted objects. It reminds us that true elegance lies not just in ownership, but in the personal connection and experience these items bring to our lives. This enthusiasm encourages us all to seek out and celebrate the unique artistry that enriches our daily existence.
JUST FOR YOU
Top 5 Alternatives to the Rolex Daytona in 2026
Daizoh Makihara: A Japanese Watchmaker's Journey of Craft and Nature
RZE Resolute Type A: A Modern Reinterpretation of the Classic Pilot's Watch
Maen x Horoverse Brooklyn 36 Mahjong Limited Edition Watch Unveiled
Dryden's Second-Generation Chrono Diver: A Vintage-Inspired Timepiece for Modern Enthusiasts
latest news

King Seiko VANAC Titanium Collection: A Bold New Direction for the Sub-Brand
King Seiko is launching three new VANAC Titanium watches, aiming to carve out a distinct identity within Seiko's diverse offerings. These timepieces blend the angular 1970s aesthetic of the original VANAC with contemporary materials, fresh color palettes, and an innovative new in-house movement, the 8L45. The collection's dial design, inspired by Tokyo's highways, promises captivating visual depth and play of light, particularly highlighted by a striking purple-dial variant. This release is poised to generate significant excitement among watch enthusiasts.

Awake's Son Mai Silver Leaf 'Atlantis Blue' Limited Edition Watch
Awake, a Parisian brand, introduces a limited edition 'Atlantis Blue' watch, part of its eco-friendly Son Mai collection. This timepiece features a hand-lacquered dial by Vietnamese artisans and a unique luminous display, powered by a La Joux-Perret automatic movement. Crafted from recycled steel, it embodies sustainability and exquisite artistry.

The Influence of Resale Value on Watch Enjoyment
This article explores how the secondary market value of watches impacts collectors' enjoyment. Experts discuss whether strong value retention enhances the ownership experience or detracts from the pure pleasure of wearing a timepiece, concluding that while resale value is a factor, personal connection remains paramount.

Citizen Eco-Drive: A Half-Century of Innovation and Craftsmanship
Celebrating 50 years of its revolutionary Eco-Drive technology, Citizen introduces The CITIZEN 50th Anniversary Model, AQ4091-56W. This watch features a unique Japanese washi paper dial in a vibrant green, embodying the brand's commitment to sustainability and precision. The article explores the journey of Eco-Drive, from its inception during the 1970s oil crisis to its current status as a symbol of advanced watchmaking, blending traditional Japanese artistry with cutting-edge solar-powered movements.

Citizen Eco-Drive Photon: A Celebration of 50 Years of Light-Powered Watch Innovation
Citizen commemorates five decades of pioneering light-powered watch technology with the release of the Eco-Drive Photon collection. This article explores the brand's journey from the early Crystron to the advanced Eco-Drive movements of today, highlighting the continuous innovation in energy capture, battery life, and dial design. The new limited-edition Eco-Drive Photon watches pay homage to this legacy while looking towards the future, featuring a unique dial inspired by the double-slit experiment and Super Titanium cases. This release underscores Citizen's commitment to sustainability and technological advancement in horology.

Citizen Eco-Drive 50th Anniversary Edition: A Half-Century of Solar Watch Innovation
Citizen commemorates five decades of pioneering light-powered watch technology with the limited-edition Eco-Drive 50th Anniversary watch. This exclusive timepiece, part of The Citizen collection, showcases a unique Japanese washi paper dial, a Super Titanium case, and a highly accurate Cal.A060 Eco-Drive quartz movement, capable of operating for 18 months in darkness and featuring a perpetual calendar.