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.
After years of thinking that a Nautilus wasn’t for him, in 2018 the Patek Philippe Reference 5740 was introduced and GaryG immediately asked for one. That started a four-year wait during which his gentle nudges were met by polite head shakes. And then . . .
GaryG has said it many times: there are great watches to be had at every price point! Enter the Timex Marlin Re-edition of 2017, a watch that he owns, wears, and loves. Find out why right here.
When GaryG encountered Konstantin Chaykin’s Joker, whose “face” is literally just that with two googly eyes showing the hours and minutes with their respective pupils and a lolling red tongue displaying the phase of the moon, he was transfixed. And moments later he placed an order. Find out why right here!
Under CEO Guido Terreni, Parmigiani Fleurier is on a roll. After many years of enthusiasts pondering the question, “With all that they have going for them, why hasn’t PF achieved breakthrough success?” GaryG explains how they did it.
If you’re just beginning to collect the works of independent watchmakers, GaryG suggests that you give careful consideration to watches from Habring2, the small independent Austrian watchmaking company founded and headed by Maria Kristina and Richard Habring.
When someone says “I’m no prude,” it is pretty easy to imagine what typically comes next: a prudish commentary on some aspect of modern society or youth culture. GaryG likes sex. There we go! To the point and leaves no doubt as to intent. That said, he typically tries to keep his interests in sex and watches somewhat distinct. But has the watch industry at large done that, now and in the past?
GaryG was delighted when his favorite local independent watch retailer brought out a very special piece, one of five HM9 Sapphire Vision watches in white gold with a vivid purple movement. And he was even more pleased when he was allowed to take some photos to share before the watch was delivered to its happy new owner.
When the 2023 set of Louis Erard X Silberstein watches came out, GaryG wasn’t entirely certain they were for him. Happily, he had the opportunity to see the Monopoussoir at his favorite local dealer, and within minutes had decided to take it home.
One of the great pleasures GaryG has of being a contributor here at Quill & Pad is that it gives him an excuse to set aside other priorities on a regular basis and immerse himself in the world of macro watch photography. Along the way, he has been asked by a number of people to reveal techniques that he uses to create the images you see in his articles, so here he shares some of his tips.