Collecting And Patronage: Two Unique Watches From Independent Watchmaker Christian Klings
GaryG had the good fortune to photograph two sensational unique timepieces from independent German watchmaker Christian Klings.
Entries by GaryG
Behind The Lens: Beat Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon – Reprise
In GaryG’s view, every successful independent watchmaker has elements of a “house style” that may attract some buyers and put off others, but nonetheless set them apart. And, at the highest level, this style goes beyond “branding” to become an expression of the personality and artistic vision of the creator. Beat Haldimann and his small team distinguish themselves by focusing on technical virtuosity of the highest order as typified by the Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon.
Why I Bought It: Vianney Halter Deep Space Tourbillon – Reprise
GaryG outlines why he bought a Vianney Halter Deep Space Tourbillon, providing commentary on a collector’s mindset and the motivations, delights, and possible misgivings. And, of course, there are amazing photographs.
Why You Can’t Afford To Buy Your Watch If You Can’t Afford To Break It
GaryG’s first rule when it comes to collecting is to avoid setting too many exclusionary rules. With watches, he believes that it’s the passion that separates collectors from investors and accumulators. Which brings him to another rule: deriving the full enjoyment from the things you own.
Why I Bought It: Jaeger-LeCoultre Tribute To Reverso 1931
Over the 20-odd years that GaryG has been buying “serious” watches, he has purchased more pieces bearing the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand name than any other, by far. Within the Jaeger-LeCoultre pantheon, one watch sub-group stands out for him: the Reverso. Between his wife and he, they’ve bought a total of seven Reverso models. Given that, why add another? In this instance, the Reverso Tribute to 1931?
You Are There: Breitling Launches The Limited Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute And Collectors Strut Their Stuff
Just when GaryG thinks he knows a little bit about watches, a portal opens to a whole new facet of our hobby he hadn’t previously appreciated. So it was when he recently joined collectors and journalists from around the world for Breitling’s launch of the Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute, a tribute piece marking the sixtieth anniversary of astronaut Scott Carpenter’s orbital trip.
Big Fish: Behind The Lens With Unique And Rare Salmon-Dialed Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendars – Reprise
GaryG enjoyed the opportunity to check out three of his friends’ rare Patek Philippe pieces, all with salmon-colored dials: Reference 5059G-018 and Reference 3940G-029 perpetual calendars from Patek Philippe’s Vintage Collection and a unique piece Reference 5270G. He shares his thoughts and stunning photos with us here.
Mixing Money And Watches: A Collector’s Lament On The Current State Of Our Hobby – Reprise
Once upon a time, it was possible to have an entire discussion about watches without once addressing the prospects of the price of a given watch growing or shrinking over time. Those were the days!
Why I Bought It: A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus (A Photofest!) – Reprise
If you’re at all a Lange enthusiast like GaryG, you’ll likely understand the most compelling reason for buying the Odysseus is that it’s an A. Lange & Söhne watch you can wear every day.
Long-Term Keepers: Three Watches I Can’t Bear To Sell – Reprise
If GaryG wants to buy a watch of any significance it requires that he sells one or more other pieces. The bad news is that all of the watches he doesn’t really love were sold off a long time ago! As a result, the discipline of asking “What watch in his current collection do I love less than this potential new purchase?” has become tougher and tougher. Here he shares three watches that he feels are long term-keepers and why.