Ken Gargett’s Run-In with the KGB at the Kremlin
Midnight in Moscow, in the 80s during the Cold War,and Ken Gargett thought it would be a clever idea to head off down a dark alley with two strange Russians. What could possibly go wrong?
Grönefeld One Hertz: A Collector’s Journey
GaryG has the pleasure of covering the wonderful Grönefeld One Hertz. For a watch fanatic, and especially for lovers of independent watch brands, it’s a dream come true to meet the makers of the watches that we admire.
Haute-Rive Honoris I: Incredible 1,000-Hour / 41-Day Power Reserve plus a Flying Tourbillon in a Very Wearable Watch
With 1,000 hours/41 days of power reserve, the Haute-Rive Honoris I is impressive yet doesn’t set any records, however, it outshines the competition because it’s so wearable.
Why I Bought It: Konstantin Chaykin Joker
When GaryG encountered Konstantin Chaykin’s Joker, whose “face” is literally just that with two googly eyes showing the hours and minutes with their respective pupils and a lolling red tongue displaying the phase of the moon, he was transfixed. And moments later he placed an order.
Omega Speedmaster 50th Anniversary Snoopy: The Beagle has Landed!
The Omega Speedmaster 50th Anniversary Snoopy has a wonderful story to tell. Its face and case back are pure fun with a mindful message of what was almost lost. All wrapped in the latest edition of what is without a doubt an iconic watch.
Cockfighting in Cuba: Visiting the Island’s Darker Side
Cockfighting is an undoubtedly barbarous sport and nothing here is intended to give it approval, however tacit, but in a land where the people are denied so much, where they have so little beyond music and dancing and their amazing love of life, it seems churlish to criticize from afar.
New Sartory-Billard SB04-E: an Eye-Catching High Quality watch from an Independent is More Affordable than You Think
The Sartory-Billard SB04-E offers many of the traditional benefits of the indie buying experience, including exclusivity, a unique vision, and the pleasure of knowing your watchmaker. At well under €5,000, these editions are proof that you don’t need an F.P. Journe budget to buy independent.
New Release: Raúl Pagès RP2 – White Agate follows Soberly Onyx. Independent Watchmaking at its Best!
Raúl Pagès goal for the RP2 was to design a timeless classic, where purity of form meets technical excellence. A watch that would serve as the foundation of his collection for years to come. Every detail, from the clean lines to the entirely in-house movement, reflects his pursuit of balance between apparent simplicity and absolute refinement.
Henschke Single Vineyard Wine Releases 2021: the Hype for These Wines is (rightfully) Deafening
After tasting the 2021 Henschke Hill of Grace, Ken Gargett noted: incredible length, creamy and seductive texture, silk tannins – this is an amazing wine which more than lives up to the hype. Well cellared examples should provide immense pleasure over the next 40 – 50 years. 100/100!
WatchCharts March 2025 Secondary Watch Market Update: Omega Seamasters and Rolex Daytonas and Air-Kings Slightly Up, Patek Still Down
Out of the Big Three, Patek Philippe prices fell the most in both the past month and past year. Audemars Piguet prices were effectively flat in February, and Rolex prices rose very slightly.