Swatch Group’s Nick Hayek Shows Optimism Despite Weak Sales Results For First Half of 2016
The Swatch Group released its half-year report for 2016 on July 21. The good news is that the Swatch Group has not laid off or fired even one employee despite the decrease in profit, a strategy that I believe will pay off in the end. Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek talked to Swiss television about the current situation, and he explains that his mood remains optimistic.
What Watch Is The “Duck” Wearing? Caption Competition #29
This week is easy, because today I’m giving you the caption: “Nice watch, duck!” What watch was “duck” wearing and why? I’ll give extra points for the best suggestion for his favorite watch and why in in the comments below.
Let Them Eat Cake: The Intriguing Story Of Marie Antoinette And Her Legendary Breguet Pocket Watch No. 160
In 1783, just as the queen of France, Marie Antoinette, was sitting for a portrait an officer of the queen’s guard visited Abraham-Louis Breguet’s workshop: Queen Marie Antoinette desired a pocket watch containing all known horological complications at the time. It took 44 years to complete and is perhaps the most famous watch in history; as much for its intriguing story as its ingenious mechanics.
Mercedes-Maybach S-Class: Surprisingly, Its IWC Dashboard Clock Is Its Least Luxurious Element
It must have been a horror for Mercedes to see its position as the ultimate German luxury automobile brand challenged by BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen. Its reaction was to bring the Maybach back as the ultimate version of an already ultimate car, the Mercedes S600 powered by the same twin-turbo as the S600, a 6-liter V12 that provides 523 HP.
Manufacture Royale’s Creative Spirit Of Enlightened Horology
The first Manufacture Royale was founded during the Age of Enlightenment by French writer, historian, and philosopher Voltaire (1694–1778). Launched in 2010, the modern Manufacture Royale inherited Voltaire’s independent spirit: the aim was to create a brand ahead of its time while expressing the same sort of offbeat humor the great poet was famous for.
Montblanc Meisterstück Ultra Black Special Edition
The past few years have seen the steady rise of the all-black watch, but this color trend is also in fashion and home décor . . . and at least one exceptional pen. Leave it to Montblanc to shake things up a bit with the latest introduction reaching Montblanc boutiques this month: the Meisterstück Ultra Black Special Edition.
Permanent Art Gets Inside You: Romain Jerome Tattoo-DNA By Xoil
People are always finding new outlets to express creativity because that is what humans do . . . right down to tattoo artists seeking new ways to create, leading to unusual collaborations. This is exactly the kind of thing that led to the creation of a watch featuring unique, hand-tattooed straps and a rather incredible juxtaposition of classic and modern watchmaking. I give you the Romain Jerome Tattoo-DNA by Xoil.
Why You Can’t Afford To Buy Your Watch If You Can’t Afford To Break It (Archive)
My first rule when it comes to collecting is to avoid setting too many exclusionary rules. If, however, I force myself to set criteria for what constitutes collecting to me, I keep coming back to passion and enjoyment. Nevertheless, there are lots of “safe queens” in the watch world. Yes, I’m looking at you, Mr. “Triple Sealed In Its Own Original Geneva Air And Never Wound Let Alone Chimed Patek Minute Repeater.”
Can You Lend A Hand? Caption Competition #28
Prosthetic limbs have come a long way since wooden peg legs and pirate hooks. Which explains why I was surprised by the fact that this arm below looks so evidently non-lifelike. What do you think this robotic arm might be for? Not what the arm is for per se, but the fictional story this photo might reveal in your mind.
All Watches (With Photos) Competing In The 2016 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève
It’s that time of year again when the list of watches entered in the next edition of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) is published. The GPHG is the “Oscars” of the watchmaking industry, and 2016 is the sixteenth edition of the red carpet event.
This list comprises all of the watches competing in the first round of the competition from which the jury will pre-select six in each of the 12 categories.