MCT Frequential One F110 with black bridges

In Memoriam: Brands And People Who Left Us In 2017, Including Roger Dubuis, MCT, DeLaneau And Walter Lange

Every year people working in the watch industry pass away, and brands come and go. This year I’d like to highlight a few of those we’ve lost, but will always remember.

Restricted area: Blancpain erotic watch

Our Top 10 Most Popular Posts Of 2017 . . . And, Again, They Weren’t All About Rolex!

As read by you,­­ here are the top 10 most viewed articles on Quill & Pad for 2017. There are likely to be a few surprises. Drum roll, please: in no particular order, our top ten most viewed articles of 2017 were . . .

Atmos 568 by Jaeger-LeCoultre designed by Marc Newsom

Talking With Marc Newson: Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Favorite ‘Clock Designer’ Styles New Atmos 568

The ‘perpetual’ Atmos by Jaeger-LeCoultre is made even more interesting by collaborations with celebrated designer Marc Newson; the Swiss manufacture and the Australian designer have done three Atmos variations together. I had a chance to speak with Newson upon the release of the latest collaborative clock, the Atmos 568. And some of his answers to my eager questions were a bit surprising.

The Intriguing Tale Of Hollywood’s Iconic Sign, Hugh Hefner, eBay, And RGM

Here is a story of neglect, replacement, and resurrection in Hollywood spanning nearly a century and involving Hugh Hefner, eBay, and the last American watch manufacture, RGM. It’s a fascinating journey leading to where we are now, and it is chock full of truly American entities. Meet the Hollywood 1923 watch by RGM, which incorporates a piece of American history.

Vintage fun: two pieces from Analog/Shift’s extensive inventory

Connecting Collectors And Watches With Digital Reach And Analog Touch: A Discussion With Analog/Shift Founder James Lamdin

During a visit to the Big Apple, GaryG had the chance to meet Analog/Shift’s founder, James Lamdin, and was pleased to sit down with him for a talk and borrow a couple of watches to take home and photograph.

MB&F M.A.D. Gallery in Geneva

End-Of-Year Cheer From MB&F: Watches Stolen Earlier In 2017 Recovered, 3 Countries Involved

This is a bit of an unusual article, but the story surreptitiously fell into my lap(top) just days before Christmas, and I thought that there is no better time of the year for publishing good news. Charris Yadigaroglou, MB&F head of communication, told me the happy ending to a scary incident earlier in the year at the MB&F M.A.D.Gallery in Geneva.

Bentley Continental GT 2018

2018 Bentley Continental GT: A Learjet For The Autobahn (With Video)

With its Matrix LED headlights and prominent folds in the hood, the front of the 2018 Continental GT looks more organic, effectively shifting Bentley’s traditional styling a little bit closer to the future. But it’s what’s under the hood that may want to make you forgo your Learjet for a long ride in the luxurious wood-infused cabin.

The “Industrialization Of Arts & Crafts”: Is This The Unspoken Tagline Of Many (Most?) Haute Horlogerie Brands Today?

There was a small horological polemic recently out of Geneva caused by an employment advert from a high-end watch brand looking for a “chargé d’industrialisation métiers d’art.” First they industrialized horological crafts, now it’s the arts. What’s next?

Cartier Ballon Bleu Tourbillon on the wrist (photo courtesy George Gramer)

Cartier’s Ballon Bleu Tourbillon: Bigger Is Not Always Better

Unlike many tourbillon watches that come in fairly straightforward round cases, the Ballon Blue Flying Tourbillon de Cartier combines high-end watchmaking with a more daring and very comfortable case design. It also has quite a story to tell about the brand’s complicated pieces in the modern era.

Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Military with eggshell-colored dial on the wrist

Ulysse Nardin Adds A Casual Military Look To The Marine Torpilleur Collection

Delighting fans of Ulysse Nardin’s sporty side, the Marine line was enriched by the new Torpilleur in the summer of 2017, whose raison d’être was to introduce an entry-level price point to the line. Now, new limited editions of the certified chronometer with a decidedly new vintage feel and some military inspiration add a salty breeze to the new line.