Deeper, Further, Faster: Why do Some Dive Watches have Helium Escape Valves?
Humans have long had a fascination with the depths of the ocean, striving to go ever deeper, ever further, and ever faster by pushing the limits of the human body, technology, and advancing modern science. But like all things, we are often faced with limits. And the helium escape valve was invented to push one of those limits as watchmaker Ashton Tracy explains.
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Split-Seconds Chronograph Ultra-Thin: Restrained Glamour and Understated Excellence
Some watches are so perfect there isn’t a thing you want to be changed about them. For Martin Green, this was the case with the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Split-Seconds Chronograph Ultra-Thin Collection Excellence Platine. Apart from its name, which he thinks is decidedly too long. But a look through the display back more than makes up for that.
My Highlights of Watches & Wonders and Geneva 2024: There were Many!
After each visit to Geneva, Thomas Brechtel adds a few micromechanical, handcrafted works of art to his personal long-term archive because they stand out. Fere are a few favorites from 2024.
The Diving Bezel: The Most Versatile Watch ‘Complication,’ Even if You are Not a Diver
Thanks to its bezel, as Dietmar W. Fuchs explains, the diver’s watch is a much more versatile timepiece than many people think. Aside from teaching you how to use it on land, in the skies, and under water, here he answers the perennial question of who made the first true diver’s watch: Blancpain, Rolex, or Panerai.
Behind The Lens: Roger Smith Series 2
Roger Smith holds a special place in the pantheon of independent watchmaking, both on his own merits and as the man who worked most closely with the legendary George Daniels. While any Smith watch is rare, this particular Series 2 is unique: it’s the only watch in stainless steel that Smith has yet produced.
WatchCharts June 2024 Watch Market Update: Decline in Secondary Market Continues, Plus Best Value Steel Rolex Daytonas
The long-term decline in secondary market prices continued over the course of last month. In this update, we cover the Big Three in detail as well as the performance of all key secondary market brands.
Tim Mosso Builds a Custom Road Bike Part III: The Parts
Up to up to eighty percent of the weight of modern road bike is in the parts. Researching and sourcing each part can be an adventure unto itself as Tim Mosso explains here.
Watch Investment Funds: Show Me The Money!
There are more than a few people investing in watches that they can’t touch, wear, or wind: welcome to the sometimes murky world of watch funds. Here, Brendan Cunningham takes a look at what they do and their impact on secondary-market prices and scarcity.
New Release: Louis Moinet Geopolis Opal Flying Tourbillon: A Horological Kaleidoscopic of Color
As an Australian, Ian Skellern is partial to the magical changing colors of opals. While there have been quite a few watches with fantastic opal dials, none are a match for showing the incredible range of hues as the Louis Moinet Geopolis Opal.
Rolex Air-King: Cool Idea, Poor Execution
The Rolex Air-King has in the Rolex lineup since 1945, but the most significant change to the watch came in 2016 with the release of ref. 116900. The Air-King divides opinions, and Raman Kalra is one of those that doesn’t understand it. Here’s why.