Seiko’s story is much more complicated than most people might think. This is a manufacturer that not only followed a trend, but actually created some of its own, capitalizing on expertise, knowledge, and skills that were practically the mother of necessity for this manufacturer located so far away from the established European centers of watchmaking. Including its extraordinary Micro Artist Division.
As a great many watch lovers know, straps and bracelets have the ability to make or break a watch. While many might find the “vintage” appearance of mesh too delicate for today’s watches, for me mesh remains one of the most beautiful ways to dress up a watch, whether new or old. So what’s the attraction?
Kruse GWS Auctions’ Artifacts of Hollywood & Music auction is set to take place on May 11, 2019. The online-only auction comprises memorabilia from musical icons such Beyonce and Frank Sinatra and Hollywood actors like Marlon Brando and Marilyn Monroe. And two two wristwatches purchased by Elvis Presley as gifts.
“Insight Micro-Rotor is a haute horlogerie creation, but also a daily timepiece that can be enjoyed for its simplicity of use,” says Romain Gauthier. “You can wear it every weekday and almost forget that you have it on. It’s very comfortable, and the micro rotor winds the barrels quickly, efficiently, and silently so you don’t have to worry about winding them by hand.” Elizabeth Doerr is a fan and explains here why you should be too.
There is little more mythical in the world of horology than the existence of a handful of stainless steel watches by A. Lange & Söhne, a brand that only officially makes its timepieces housed in luxurious precious metals. And the unique piece Tourbillon Pour le Mérite in stainless steel is perhaps the rarest of them all. Read on to find out more about this exceptional collector’s item.
The watches Breguet has created using the exquisitely rare and beautiful cameo carving technique for its Cammea collection should remain heirlooms for the ages. Elizabeth Doerr explains why.
Around the halfway point of Baselworld 2019, Quill & Pad editor-in-chief Elizabeth Doerr got together with Marc André Deschoux of The Watches TV to chat about what they saw at this highly significant edition of the fair: they discussed things they liked – gorgeous, unique horology for the female wrist included – and watches seemingly important in the larger scheme of haute horlogerie. Sit back and enjoy the discussion illustrated by The Watches TV’s beautiful footage.
Here at Quill & Pad we are quite smitten by Romain Gauthier’s award-winning Logical One. But one thing that often gets glossed over somewhat is the subject of one of this watch’s four patents: the incredible high-precision chain made of synthetic ruby links. Combined with the snail cam, it is this element that provides the ingenious movement with constant force.
As humanity barrels toward the premier of the final season of HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’ saga and the highly-anticipated showdown with the Night King, various companies begin to roll out associated items to profit from the show’s massive fan base. But Elizabeth Doerr has yet to see anything equaling the chilling look and high quality of Montegrappa’s latest limited edition pen set recreating some of the show’s most gothic-looking characters.
Despite seeing aventurine in six new wristwatches at SIHH 2018 – more than the number of new tourbillons Elizabeth counted – it remains a decorative artisanal element used only by luxury watchmakers in small series or unique pieces for its beauty and decorative properties. While there is some public uncertainty about the origin of aventurine, it continues to add mysterious shine and scintillating glamour to watches. Here is what aventurine really is and where it comes from.