Only the most expensive, and often also the most complicated, watches are fitted with platinum cases. But should this be the case? And, most importantly, is this true? Martin Green takes a closer look at the myths and truths of platinum.
General everyday contact with magnets isn’t going to cause your beloved wristwatch any real harm, but overdoses of magnetism may still present a problem, causing erratic timing and even stoppage altogether as watchmaker Ashton Tracy explains. What to do when this happens?
The components of a mechanical watch movement are little more than a series of springs and wheels, held together by plates and/or bridges. No matter the configuration, complication, or finish, the ensemble is secured by the humble movement screw. So, it’s a pleasant surprise that several watchmakers have boldly ventured beyond the thread and the slot to reimagine the movement screw.
The Lamborghini Urus going into production is very similar to that of the prototypes that Lamborghini has been showing us for the past couple of years. And that’s a good thing because it is a beautiful car, containing a lot of Lamborghini DNA. And there are a few elements here worth going into closer detail over.
Ming was fast out of the gate in establishing itself as a serious new contender at the more affordable end of independent watchmaking, and I believe the debut of the all-new 17.03 GMT indicates that this young brand is on a roll. This latest model was designed to be the new entry level star for Ming, checking all the boxes that the team behind it would want in a sub-$2,000 travel watch.
“I have no secrets as past watchmakers had. There are graveyards full of secrets and that’s enough,” said Philippe Dufour in 2014. Have you heard of him? Chances are if you have been collecting watches for any significant period of time, his name is well known to you. If not, let me enlighten you.
Today, many premium watch brands look for that certain “extra element” to get ahead of the competition, and one hot item now is straps. If it is true that shoes make the man, then the strap must make the watch. Here is a selection of interesting partnerships.
In 2016, Richard Mille announced it was the new watch partner to carmaker Aston Martin, effectively taking over the spot that Jaeger-LeCoultre had occupied for 12 years. Which makes this a great time to review the sporty Jaeger-LeCoultre Amvox line.
It was dandy aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont who talked his friend, Louis Cartier, into making a wrist-borne watch for him so it would be easier to see the time while flying. After a moving century-long history, in 2018 Cartier has reinvented its Santos.
As a great many watch lovers know, straps and bracelets can make or break a watch. While many might find the “vintage” appearance of mesh too delicate for today’s watches – for me mesh remains one of the most beautiful ways to dress up a watch, whether new or old.