Entries by GaryG

Why I Bought It: Vacheron & Constantin Reference 4560 Triple Calendar – Reprise

June 20, 2021 /0 Comments/in , , , /by

Oh, those Geneva auctions! While GaryG’s intention is usually to browse the rare pieces on offer, gain an education from his auction-house friends and escape unscathed, it seems that more often than not there is a piece that puts him into bidding mode. And sometimes that piece is entirely unanticipated as was the case of the Vacheron & Constantin Reference 4560 triple calendar that he stumbled across at a Sotheby’s preview. Here is why he bought it.

H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Tiger’s Eye: When Less Is More

June 19, 2021 /0 Comments/in , , , /by

Cracking the seal on the box of the H. Moser & Cie Endeavour Tourbillon Concept Tiger’s Eye revealed a deep and constantly shifting play of light as the stone dial caught the afternoon light coming in through the window. Over the days that GaryG had the watch for shooting, it became his quest to capture the variety of moods conjured up by this dial. And we think he has done just that.

Why I Bought It: Patek Philippe Reference 2526 ‘Gobbi Milano’ – Reprise

June 6, 2021 /5 Comments/in , , , /by

A good friend of GaryG’s owns a cream-dialed Reference 2526, and Gary has often admired it over the years but hadn’t really understood the role that the 2526 plays in Patek Philippe’s history until talking with him and other watch pals and doing some late-night online research. Read on to learn why he bought this special “Gobbi Milano” edition from 1954 in an exciting spur of a moment.

Why I Bought It: A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Honeygold Homage to F.A. Lange

June 4, 2021 /9 Comments/in , , /by

It’s a bit unusual for GaryG to be writing this soon about a newly acquired piece – this one only arrived a little over a week ago – so he will reserve the right to add pluses and minuses in future articles once this watch has gotten substantial wrist time. Already, though, there are several reasons why he can say that he’s smitten with this watch. Read on to discover what he likes and whether he has any quibbles.

Big Brand Investments In Independents: Sellout Or Salvation? – Reprise

May 22, 2021 /2 Comments/in , , /by

GaryG has already written about the struggles that independent watchmakers face simply to survive. Expressing oneself through horological art may well be a noble calling, but it’s definitely one of the tougher ways to make a living. Chanel’s very recent investment in F.P. Journe caused Gary to think about the pros and cons of outside investment into indies, and he shares his thoughts here.

Behind The Lens: Vintage Patek Philippe Reference 3450J

May 15, 2021 /2 Comments/in , , , , /by

Despite the virus restrictions, GaryG has managed to venture out from time to time for brief, top-secret rendezvous in parking lots and on park benches to receive and return the generous loans of friends’ watches to photograph. Recently, he had the chance to shoot a true classic: a second-series Reference 3450J perpetual calendar made by Patek Philippe, which he shares with us here.

False Scarcity And Steel Sports Watches: A Collector’s View – Reprise

May 8, 2021 /28 Comments/in , , /by

The “unobtanium” phenomenon isn’t limited to watches from the past, there are a variety of references for which supply seems to lag demand. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the current market for select steel sports watches. Here GaryG highlights some interesting dynamics caused by that imbalance, led by a loud chorus of complaints from prospective buyers.