FHH Mastery of Time ribbon-cutting ceremony in Tokyo on February 7

* Celebrating the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Japan, the FHH presents an exhibition called The Mastery of Time, the first in a series of events honoring friendship between the two countries.

The exhibition taking place February 7-12 in Tokyo guides visitors through the scientific discoveries and artistic crafts that have built the art of horology as we know it today. Entrance is free. www.hautehorlogerie.org

Boeing

* Bremont has announced the creation of a new collection in collaboration with airplane manufacturer Boeing. In addition to commemorating Boeing’s 100th anniversary, the range is set to explore the aerospace company’s expertise in advanced materials and technology.

Bremont has been granted extensive access to Boeing’s material and manufacturing technology at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Sheffield as well as its historical and archival materials. The line will be officially shown for the first time at Baselworld. www.bremont.com

Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek (left) in the Olympic Park activity hub

* Just a few days before the opening of the Olympic Games in Sochi, main sponsor Omega has cut the celebratory ribbon on its activity hub within the Olympic Park, set to host events that include watchmaking demonstrations and sessions with brand ambassadors. The grand opening was presided over by Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek, president of Omega Stephen Urquhart, IOC president Thomas Bach and former Olympic swimmer and IOC member Alexander Popov. www.omegawatches.com

Here at Quill & Pad, we will present you two weeks of themed stories surrounding the Olympic Games starting on Monday. Enjoy the opening ceremony this weekend!

Raymond Weil

* Mr. Raymond Weil, founder of the brand of the same name, passed away on January 26 at the age of 87. Having founded his eponymous company in the midst of the quartz crisis in 1976, his idea was to make watches affordable fashion accessories at a time when this was not yet the status quo. Today, the brand is run by his son-in-law Olivier Bernheim and his two grandsons Elie and Pierre Bernheim.

Weil was an enthusiastic participant in his chosen industry and during his lifetime held offices as president of the Geneva Watchmakers’ Union, vice-president of the CFH (a watch industry training center), and an active member of the FH (Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry). Until 1995, he was also president of the Basel Fair exhibitors’ committee, a position held today by Jacques J. Duchêne of Rolex. www.raymond-weil.com

The Glashütte Original Lounge at the Berlinale

* For the fourth consecutive year, Glashütte Original is a main sponsor to the Berlin Film Festival (the “Berlinale”), which opened yesterday with Wes Anderson’s film Grand Budapest Hotel. During the elegant affair, the Saxon brand maintains a lounge on the 24th floor of the Kollhoff Tower at Potsdamer Platz 1, which offers clients, journalists and festival participants a cozy and welcoming meeting point in the heart of the festival areal. The lounge is open until February 15. www.glashuette-original.com/de/news-events/glashuette-original-news/berlinale

Zenith El Primero 36,000 VpH

* Zenith has become the first partner of the Scientific Exploration Society (SES) Awards, whose goal is to search out rising stars in the field of exploration. In order to become the SES Zenith Explorer for 2014, an applicant must demonstrate an innovative objective in the fields of science, environment, conservation and exploration. The prize awards 8,500 British pounds in addition to a Zenith El Primero 36,000 VpH to the applicant with the best project. www.zenith-watches.com

* The German Watch Museum in Glashütte has extended its special exhibition entitled “Ludwig Strasser 1853-1917” until March 31 due to overwhelming demand. The exhibition honoring one of the Saxon pioneers of precision mechanics and scientific horology has already welcomed more than 7,000 visitors.

Richard Mille RM038 Bubba Watson

* Antiquorum celebrates its 40th anniversary with – what else? – an auction. This first sale celebrating the auction house’s round birthday this year will take place on February 22 in Hong Kong and encompass 250 fine timepieces.

Highlights of the auction include two Patek Philippe rarities: Reference 5004A in stainless steel with a split-seconds chronograph made in a limited edition of only 50 pieces and Reference 5004J in yellow gold with a black dial offered at auction for the first time. Another highlight is the Richard Mille prototype of the magnesium Bubba Watson tourbillon. It even comes with a set of golf clubs. www.antiquorum.com.

* And, on that note, you might also check out this excellent article on Hodinkee: Reference Points: Understanding The Entire Lineage Of Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronographs.

Sketch of the Greubel Forsey double tourbillon 30° proof-of-concept Meccano

* And in case you missed it, we are celebrating a fantastic first month for Quill & Pad with a huge prize giveaway. To enter, simply enter your e-mail in the ‘Subscribe’ box on the right of this page for the chance to win one of many fantastic prizes (full list here). Good luck!