Australian drone company makes it big in Hollywood
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Man of Many
16 hours ago
- Man of Many
The Wind Up – Watch News #330
By Mr Dimitri Tsilioris - News Published: 28 Jun 2025 Share Copy Link 0 Readtime: 10 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. Welcome back to The Wind Up, our weekly series highlighting the newest watches of the past seven days, and what a week it has been! Alongside the expected (but still very welcome) chronograph and GMT inclusions, we've encountered a real-world incarnation of a video-game prop worn by none other than Norman Reedus' digital alter ego, as well as an always exciting new effort from our friends at Ressence. The further addition of a Sparkling Rainbow timepiece from Ulysse Nardin means this has been a far-from-standard week in the wonderful world of horology. With that, happy reading and have a great week ahead. Hamilton American Classic Boulton Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition | Image: Hamilton Hamilton American Classic Boulton Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition Brand : Hamilton : Hamilton Model : American Classic Boulton Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition : American Classic Boulton Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition Reference : Ref. H13605130 : Ref. H13605130 Diameter : 36mm : 36mm Thickness : 13.7mm : 13.7mm Material : PVD titanium : PVD titanium Movement : Three-hand automatic movement : Three-hand automatic movement Power Reserve : 80 hours : 80 hours Water-Resistance : 50 metres : 50 metres Price: AUD$2,550 It is no secret that the worlds of cinema and horology are invariably linked (just look at what James Bond did for the OMEGA Seamaster), but heritage stalwart Hamilton is staking its claim on a new frontier. The iconic watchmaker, revered for its stellar assortment of field watches and dress ensembles, has unveiled a new collaborative project with renowned video game designer Hideo Kojima, the mastermind behind cult classic Death Stranding. As part of the joint venture, a futuristic Boulton-inspired Hamilton timepiece is set to appear in Kojima's long-awaited sequel, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, in addition to being released as a limited-edition reference. This week, Hamilton finally gave us a first look at the video game-themed American Classic Boulton Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition, and it must be said, it is a bona fide stunner. For video game fans, Death Stranding 2 could well be the most anticipated game of the year. Featuring world-class voice talent such as The Walking Dead's Norman Reedus and James Bond's Léa Seydoux, Kojima's latest effort is said to push the narrative and experiential boundaries of gaming. The accompanying timepiece follows a similar theme, arriving in a futuristic titanium case finished with a black PVD treatment. What's more, for Kojima, the partnership with Hamilton represented more than just a sharing of ideas. 'More than half a century ago, in the late 1960s, one of my favourite film directors, Stanley Kubrick, commissioned Hamilton to create the watch that appears in his film 2001: A Space Odyssey. I feel very honoured to have been able to create the watch that appears in my latest work, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, together with Hamilton,' Kojima said. 'Both 2001: A Space Odyssey and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach are set in a slightly futuristic world beyond the actual time period in which they were created. Hamilton, which has provided watches for many films, was a perfect choice as a partner to design and create a product set in the near future, which is an extension of the present. Please take this watch in your hands and experience the product that connects the world of the game and the real world.' According to Hamilton, design cues from the Boulton are seen in the sleek, arching lines of the titanium case, a material that reduced the watch's weight by 45 per cent while also improving its anti-corrosive properties. Remarkably, the watch utilises seven sapphire crystals: one primary viewing window with two columns of three on each side, matching the lines of the case. This unique, never-before-seen case shape creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, which is matched by the minimalist grey indicators on the face and contrasting orange lacquered seconds hand and 12 o'clock index. Inside, you'll find a three-hand automatic 25-jewel movement with an 80-hour power reserve and a Nivachron balance spring. Limited to just 2,000 pieces worldwide, each with individual case back numbering, the Hamilton American Classic Boulton Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition is the ultimate collector's piece. Complete with packaging inspired by narrative elements from the game as well as a bespoke cleaning cloth unique to the collaboration, the timepiece does an incredible job of bringing the Death Stranding world from the screen to the wrist. Ressence Type 9 S75 | Image: Ressence Ressence Type 9 S75 Brand: Ressence Ressence Model: Type 9 S75 Type 9 S75 Diameter: 39mm 39mm Thickness: 11mm 11mm Material : Titanium : Titanium Movement: Calibre ROCS 9 Calibre ROCS 9 Power Reserve: 36 hours 36 hours Water Resistance: Splash resistant Splash resistant Price: CHF15,500 (Limited to 20 pieces) To celebrate Ahmed Seddiqi's 75th anniversary and its long-standing partnership with the esteemed retailer, Ressence has unveiled the Type 9 S75. In true Ressence form, this unique timepiece has a lot more to it than meets the eye. The masterful creators of the world's most remarkable and innovative watches have again revisited the dial design, capturing the very essence of Ahmed Seddiqi's home in the U.A.E—in more ways than one. Limited to just 20 pieces, the TYPE 9 S75's dial is filled with real sand sourced in equal proportions from the dunes of all seven Emirates of the U.A.E. The result, according to Ressence founder Benoît Mintiens, is an inimitable, fully functional mechanical watch that brings the texture of the desert into motion, without compromising the purity and clarity of the dial. 'Central to this project is the idea of measuring time through the motion of sand grains,' Mintiens explained. 'This watch stands at the crossroads between the ancient hourglass, the organic dome of the dial echoing the texture of dunes, and the regional origin of the piece, symbolised by a blend of sand gathered from all seven Emirates. All expressed through a contemporary watch design for the 21st century. That's a lot for a 39mm watch.' From a technical perspective, the TYPE 9 S75 is a marvel of modern engineering. Once the grains of sand are sourced, they are then bonded to the rotating titanium discs, creating a one-of-a-kind textured finish. That, coupled with Ressence's incredible patented ROCS 9 displaying hours and minutes layout, makes for a serious piece of horological excellence. Mido Ocean Star GMT | Image: Mido Mido Ocean Star GMT Brand: Mido Mido Model: Ocean Star GMT Ocean Star GMT Reference: Ref. M026.629.37.291.00 Ref. M026.629.37.291.00 Diameter: 44mm 44mm Water Resistance: 200 metres 200 metres Movement: Calibre 80 Calibre 80 Power Reserve: 80 hours 80 hours Price: AUD$2,375 As a proud owner of a Mido Ocean Star 200, I can attest to the brand's build quality and general sensibilities. A no-nonsense, to-the-point daily driver, the Ocean Star collection is an ode to mindful utilitarianism, affordability, and real-world applicability. The latest iteration of the Ocean Star GMT offers all that and more. From the yellow gold-coloured PVD-coated case to the added GMT function, the Mido Ocean Star GMT looks and feels far more expensive than its AUD$2,375 price tag lets on. The dial layout is clean and legible, with the GMT function clearly displaying the time in two different time zones without cluttering the aesthetic. Interestingly, Mido has also engraved time-zone indications on the back of the sporty Swiss watch, providing extra clarity and a little easter egg for those lucky enough a snag the timepiece. Insde, the Ocea Star GMT is powered by the calibre 80 automatic movement, which offers a power reserve of up to 80 hours and supreme accuracy for the price. As always, the rubber band fares well on the wrist, and it offers a certain nostalgic charm thanks to its warm colourway. Love it. Ulysse Nardin Blast | Image: The Hour Glass Ulysse Nardin Blast Brand: Ulysse Nardin Ulysse Nardin Model: Blast Blast Reference: Ref. 1720-400B1LE-9A-RAIN/3A Ref. 1720-400B1LE-9A-RAIN/3A Diameter: 45mm 45mm Thickness: 13.35mm 13.35mm Material : White gold : White gold Water Resistance: 50 metres 50 metres Movement: Calibre UN-172 Manufacture Skeleton Movement Calibre UN-172 Manufacture Skeleton Movement Power Reserve: 72 hours 72 hours Price: AUD$781,400 Fresh off releasing the world's lightest mechanical dive watch, Ulysse Nardin has again stepped into the world of high engineering. This time around, the result borders on the absurd. The brand's latest effort, the Blast , is an exceptional eight-piece limited-edition watch that is set with a bevy of rainbow-coloured sapphires. Audacious, intricate and overly luxurious, this timepiece is a perfect example of the company's watchmaking savoir-faire. According to Ulysee Nardin, the new 45mm white gold Blast is decorated with 211 coloured sapphires invisibly set into the case, bezel, crown, dial and clasp, totalling 13.33 carats. Together, these stones transform the Blast from a piece of horological excellence to a high-jewellery masterpiece. Inside, the craftsmanship is just as exquisite. The timepiece is powered by Ulysse Nardin's independent integrated UN-172 manufacture skeleton movement. This self-winding power source features a flying tourbillon with a platinum micro-rotor (visible at 12 o'clock), a silicon escapement and hairspring, and a 72-hour power reserve. The Ulysse Nardin Blast is, in a word, incredible, and it has a price tag to match. The new timepiece will set you back a cool AUD$781,400, provided you are one of the lucky eight people to snag one. Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph | Image: Jaeger-LeCoultre Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Chronograph Brand: Jaeger-LeCoultre Jaeger-LeCoultre Model: Polaris Chronograph Polaris Chronograph Reference: Ref. Q9028651 Ref. Q9028651 Diameter: 42mm 42mm Thickness: 13.39mm 13.39mm Material : Stainless steel : Stainless steel Movement: Calibre 761 Calibre 761 Power Reserve: 65 hours 65 hours Water Resistance: 100 metres 100 metres Price: AUD$24,400 When Jaeger-LeCoultre unveils a new timepiece, the watch world takes note, and the latest variation of the Polaris Chronograph is no exception. Reference Q9028651 sports the same unique and funky Ocean Grey aesthetic that we saw on last year's Polaris Date and Polaris Geographic, a look that arrives courtesy of a complex lacquering process that involves 35 layers and meticulous polishing. However, despite the timepiece's visual similarities, there are some undeniable differences with this year's release. The 42mm chronograph is powered by the in-house Calibre 761, which Jaeger-LeCoultre promises will deliver 65 hours of power reserve. The integrated chronograph movement is best characterised by its column wheel with vertical clutch design, which provides enhanced stability and accuracy. On the dial, Jaeger-LeCoultre has adorned the Polaris Chronograph with a central chronograph seconds hand to enable more precise reading. This is then balanced by the 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, the sub-dial at 9 o'clock serves as a running indicator with a small seconds display. Offered with a pair of interchangeable straps in black rubber and blue-grey fabric, the Polaris Chronograph is an awesome bit of kit that combines all of our favourite things from JLC: quality, workmanship and an eye for details. Greubel Forsey GMT Balancier Convexe | Image: Greubel Forsey Greubel Forsey GMT Balancier Convexe Brand: Greubel Forsey Greubel Forsey Model: GMT Balancier Convexe GMT Balancier Convexe Diameter: 44.90mm 44.90mm Thickness: 17.60mm 17.60mm Material : Titanium : Titanium Water Resistance: 50 metres 50 metres Movement: GMT Balancier Convexe GMT Balancier Convexe Power Reserve: 70 hours 70 hours Price: Price on request At the very end of the wide-ranging spectrum of horology sits the newest piece from Greubel Forsey. The GMT Balancier Convexe is an exploration of horological endeavour, taking watch development to its extremities and delivering supreme accuracy, design and innovation in the process. If you ask me, this is less of a new release and more of a dimension revamp, with Greubel Forsey opting to shave off a few millimetres from its existing GMT Balancier Convexe model. Improved wearability from the case size reduction comes alongside a new escape wheel that boasts more decoration with thinner spokes and contrasting grained finishing. Another addition is a power reserve indicator, but all eyes are on that immense spinning globe, which thankfully hasn't been changed. Insane stuff.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Perth Now
John Wick director Chad Stahelski to produce movie adaptation of controversial comic Calexit
Chad Stahelski is to produce a movie adaptation of the comic Calexit. The 56-year-old director - who helms the John Wick series - is attached to produce a film version of publisher Black Mask Studios' controversial 2017 comic, which details a fictionalised Californian resistance. Calexit - which was written by Matt Pizzolo - is set in a near-future America where the president has signed an executive order to deport all immigrants. In response, California declares itself a sanctuary state and sparks a fierce struggle against an autocratic regime. Amid the chaos, the story follows Jamil, a courier and smuggler navigating war-torn zones, and Zora, a rising leader of the Mulholland Resistance, as they fight to escape Occupied Los Angeles - a city locked under martial law. Calexit proved popular upon its release in 2017, going through seven printings and launching the spin-off comics Calexit: All Systems San Diego, Calexit: Our Last Night in America and Calexit: The Battle of Universal City. Pizzolo - Black Mask's co-founder and president - has written the movie's script, and is also set to produce. The writer will be producing Calexit alongside Stahelski and his 87Eleven Entertainment cohorts Alex Young and Jason Spitz, while Brett Gurewitz and Brian Giberson of Black Mask also serve as producers. Stahelski is currently working on his Highlander reboot for Amazon MGM Studios, which will star Henry Cavill as Connor MacLeod - who was previously portrayed by Christopher Lambert in the original fantasy series. The Ballerina producer previously revealed he managed to convince the Man of Steel star to sign on to Highlander by pitching the project as a martial arts-focused flick that centred around an intense character arc for the Scottish swordsman. Speaking with The Direct, Stahelski said: 'My selling point was, to [Cavill], look, you've got a guy that's been alive for over 500 years. He's the last person in the world that wanted to be in this situation. 'So you get to cover quite a broad spread of a character arc there. And you get to experience someone that's trained over 500 years and sort of played [with many types of] martial arts.' The filmmaker added his Highlander movie would be set 'beyond present-day New York and Hong Kong', teasing that it's 'a bit of a love story, but not how you think'. He explained: 'We're bringing it forward from the early 1500s in the highlands to the beyond present-day New York and Hong Kong, and seeing how it goes. 'There's big opportunity for action. There's a chance to play a character that not a lot of people get to play. And it's a bit of a love story, but not how you think. On John Wick, I learned a lot on how to bend the storytelling a little ... another kind of myth.' The Highlander reboot will also star Russell Crowe as Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez - previously played by Sir Sean Connery - and Industry breakout actress Marisa Abela in a new, unnamed role. After Abela was announced as the newest cast member for Highlander, she said it was a 'real honour to step into such a legacy', and emphasised she was 'looking forward to working with Henry and Russell on something this iconic'.
9 News
5 days ago
- 9 News
The Aussie drone technology helping make some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Watching Tom Cruise drive off a cliff is a stunt etched in Hollywood history. It was real, it took months of training, and it was filmed by Melbourne's XM2. "We make the impossible possible," quipped chief executive Stephen Oh from the company's headquarters, hidden in Melbourne's eastern suburbs. XM2 co-founders Stephen Oh, Aidan Kelly and Luke Annells met flying hobby helicopters. (Nine) He was controlling the camera that tracked Cruise off the cliff. "The environment was very difficult - the pressure was immense," Oh said. "It was millions and millions of dollars for a 20-something-second clip and there was a chance that we could only do that once." They ended up filming it six times. XM2 o-founder Aidan Kelly was piloting the drone itself. "We took quite a while to build up to that shot," admits Kelly, who trained with Cruise at a quarry in the UK before attempting the stunt in Norway. "As Tom got more comfortable with the drone and as I got more comfortable with what Tom was doing, there was this iteration as we rehearsed and figured out the exact angels and speed we wanted to do it at. "It just came together slowly into this one shot which is one of the biggest stunts in film history. "It was awesome to be a part of it." When visited XM2, Kelly was gearing up to film the next Spider-Man film. It adds to the company's growing resume of blockbusters, including Jurassic World , John Wick and The Fall Guys , which shut down Sydney Harbour Bridge for a full day. "I was in the back of a ute controlling the drone, flying at 60-70km/h, weaving through traffic," Kelly said. "We were weaving through traffic, weaving left and right … we flew up inside the bridge and then back down the other side. It was super intense." "It's one of the highlights of my career." Oh and Kelly and their co-founder Luke Annells met flying hobby helicopters. They started XM2 in 2011 to build a drone that could carry a 25 kilogram camera. They quickly found work with David Attenborough and on Kate Winslet's The Dress Maker , but it wasn't enough when the director of Pirates of the Caribbean 5 came knocking. "He said we want something bigger and better and I said that's not possible," Oh said. "[For the camera he wanted], that drone will need to carry about 40 kilos and he said, well, if you can't fly it, don't worry about it. "We put our heads together and developed exactly what he wanted very quickly, the world's first 40-kilo drone. "It was supposed to be for three weeks, but they loved it so much that we ended up staying for six months." XM2 quickly found work with David Attenborough and on Kate Winslet's The Dress Maker, but it wasn't enough when the director of Pirates of the Caribbean 5 came knocking. (Nine) Since then, the company has expanded to Los Angeles and London, and designed stability rigs for everything from cars to motorbikes and even horses for the Michelle Payne movie, Ride Like a Girl . That technology caught the eye of Ridley Scott and drew support from the Victorian government's creative industries minister, Colin Brooks. "Full credit to this company, they are so innovative and so agile," Brooks said. "It doesn't seem like there's a challenge that they won't take on." Soon that challenge will extend well beyond Hollywood. The company is developing tethered drones that can fly for weeks to restore network signals in areas devastated by natural disasters. XM2 is also working on a prototype that can feed native animals, stranded without food, for Parks Victoria. Oh believes "this is Melbourne technology, that's going to save lives around the world". Melbourne Australia national Victoria Hollywood Movies drones CONTACT US Auto news: Why Australians are still driving around without insurance.
