Bell & Ross BR01-92 Skull Bronze

Fly-By Death: 5 Skull-Themed BR 01 Timepieces By Bell & Ross

Bell & Ross’s unique BR 01 Instrument stole the spotlight at its launch in 2005 thanks to its unusual circle-in-a-square case, becoming an instant hit. The BR 01 was then used as a jumping-off point for a variety of designs, beginning in 2009 with the then-trendy skull motif – which in Elizabeth Doerr’s eyes was a perfect addition.

Parting shot: Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 906 prototype with blue dial

Why I Bought It: Two ‘Unsalable’ Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 906 Prototypes

This is the story of the final watch – or, truthfully, pair of watches – that GaryG happened upon at a Sotheby’s auction in late 2017 and felt that he just had to have: two 1970s prototype pieces made by Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Aligned screw heads on the Jaquet Droz Grand Seconde Skelet-One

Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Skelet-One: One Of These Things Is Not Like The Others

Jaquet Droz has been creating beautiful pieces of horology and automata for nearly three centuries, and in that time there has been little to no emphasis on exposed or skeletonized movements. Yet here we have the new Grande Seconde Skelet-One! Check out why Joshua Munchow thinks this is a stunning piece of horology even though it may be outside the brand’s established design arena.

Vallée de Joux style: movement detail of the Philippe Dufour Simplicity

Does Hand Finishing Matter? A Collector’s View Of Movement Decoration (Archive)

Anyone who visits online watch forums with any frequency very likely comes across at least a few heated discussions of “finishing,” a topic that seems to fascinate, and divide, enthusiasts. What is it and why are opinions divided?

The H. Moser Cie Pioneer Center Seconds Cosmic Green on a Wimbledon-inspired NATO strap by Maurice de Mauriac designed by Miguel Seabra at the Mercedes Open 2018

Tennis And Timepieces 2018: Marketing Match Made In Heaven Or ‘You Cannot Be Serious!’? An Expert Weighs In

There is probably nowhere in the world you will find more information on the juxtaposition of tennis and wristwatches than right here at Quill & Pad. Unless, that is, you are an ardent follower of Miguel Seabra. In this article, Elizabeth interviews Miguel on the current state of tennis and timepieces, including new sponsorships, strategies, and Rolex’s recent patronage of the U.S. Open.

Corum Bubble Vintage

Why I Bought It: The Corum Bubble Vintage (Archive)

Ian has a fairly narrow frame of reference when it comes to buying watches for himself: his taste runs to independents, in-house movements, and superlative hand-finishing. So why on earth is he typing about the Corum Bubble, which is from a big (for him) brand and outfitted with an ETA 2892 movement with an industrial finish? Here he explains why.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time in polished on the wrist

Asking You: Advice Wanted For Collection Starter On Which Jaeger-LeCoultre Pre-Owned Under $12,000?

Oleg would like to start a collection with a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch and his budget is $6,000-$12,000. What should he buy? We ask readers for suggestions.

Louis Cartier Jumbo on the wrist

The ‘Unknown’ Cartier Tank: The Louis Cartier Jumbo

The Tank Louis Cartier Jumbo, which was available in the 1970s, is the only Tank Louis Cartier equipped with an automatic movement, Caliber 170, However, what really appeals to George Cramer is the Jumbo’s perfect size, coming neatly between the Classic and XL models.

Steve McQueen wearing a Rolex Submariner Reference 5513 with his Indian Chief motorcycle (photo courtesy Bonhams)

Update: Loren Janes/Steve McQueen Ref. 5513 Rolex Submariner Saga Redux Thanks To ‘The Hunter’

As Nick Gould highlighted in his previous article, the first time Steve McQueen was seen wearing a Rolex Submariner was during the 12 Hours of Sebring Race in 1970, a Reference 5512. Through more photographic research, Nick came across some very clear pictures of McQueen wearing a 5513 Submariner only from 1977 to 1979, which he shares here, proving his theory that McQueen did not give Loren Janes the Rolex Submariner Reference 5513 to be auctioned this December off his wrist, but rather a brand-new one.

Vintage Eberhard & Co. Les Quantiemes on the wrist

Vintage Eberhard & Co. Les Quantièmes: A Complete Calendar At A (Relatively) Affordable Price

In all the years that Martin Green has been active in the watch world, he has grown very fond of a wide variety of brands. Among these is Eberhard & Co. What he likes about this brand is that it has established itself over the years as a very consistent performer, highlighted by the vintage Les Quantièmes complete calendar that he recently acquired.