Shinola Detrola The Champ: Benefiting Detroit’s Healthcare Workers Amid The COVID-19 Crisis

Shinola’s Detrola collection is geared more toward color, materials, and fun than serious watchmaking. It balances style with affordability much the same way Swatch does. And the brand’s new Detrola The Champ has one more thing going for it: it has turned a setback into a strength to benefit COVID-19 relief in the Detroit area.

Pol Roger 2012 Champagnes: Grand Releases For Perhaps The Grandest Vintage

It was the wonderful 1975 Pol Roger that first ignited Ken Gargett’s love of great champagne. Here he looks at (and tastes) the 2012 releases and they do not disappoint: the great vintages of this century have been 2002, 2008, and perhaps now 2012!

Tell Us Your Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève-Worthy Contenders: The 2020 GPHG Nominating Academy Members (Well At Least A Few Of Them) Are Listening

The GPHG Academy will soon be making its submissions for the 2020 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. As Ian Skellern began putting rough lists of watches together, he realized that he was likely only aware of a fraction of watches that are both eligible and noteworthy. And as his favorite niche sectors are likely to be different than yours, many of you will know about watches that he, and perhaps other Academy members, don’t. So please let us know your favorite new watches in the categories here and we’ll take them into consideration.

3 Scintillating Watches For 2020 Highlighting Just How Much Difference Diamonds Can Make

Diamond-set watches can be objects of art, Martin Green argues. And here he highlights three 2020 launches that caught his eye with their scintillating fire and great use of the precious stones.

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Diabolus In Machina: Cursed Inspiration?

BAM! POW! THWACK! Loud and brash is sometimes the best way to make the world sit up and take notice (you can show your more refined side later). Which brings Joshua Munchow to the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Diabolus in Machina, a watch created as much for shock value as to display watchmaking prowess.

Distinguished pieces: Patek Philippe 5078P and 5074P minute repeaters

Patek Philippe Minute Repeater References 5074P And 5078P: The Great Chime-Off! – Reprise: The Great Chime-Off! – Reprise

GaryG had the pleasure to handle, listen to, photograph, and write about two truly splendid minute repeaters, both property of a good friend: Patek Philippe Reference 5074P and Reference 5078P. They both look great, but you’re probably most interested in how they sound. Well, here’s your chance. Welcome to the great Patek Philippe chime-off!

London montage (photo courtesy Wikipedia)

A Horological Guide To London – Reprise

London is one of the world’s metropolises that can very easily stand its ground against the others by doing what it does best: being profoundly British. There are plenty of sensational timepieces in London if you know where to look, and in this article Martin Green shares a few of his favorite places.

Rolex Submariner Reference 1680 from 1978

The Superficial Value In Refinishing/Refurbishing Rolexes: A Watchmaker’s Rant – Reprise

A common question in watch servicing/restoration is, “Who does the ‘best’ work?” In a word (or three), what is meant here is superficial case refinishing. And in other words: huge chamfers on Rolex cases, perfectly flat surfaces, and well executed sunburst patterns. And that’s got Ashton Tracy ranting. Find out why here!

Lange 1 in stainless steel with black face

Here’s Why: Stainless Steel Is The Most Precious Metal – Reprise

In the world of watches, especially with regard to collecting, rarity is a large factor contributing to the cost of a luxury timepiece. The reason is because rarity is almost always an implied condition that seems beyond control (as if it just happens). In this article Joshua Munchow explains why he thinks that out of all the metals, especially the white metals like platinum and white gold, stainless steel is the most precious metal.

8 Horological Highlights From The June 2020 Dr. Crott Auction: Beautiful Rarities By Prestigious Brands

The auction world is in some disarray right now, but the 2020 Dr. Crott spring auction in Mannheim, Germany will take place online and/or in place with a date moved from the usual May position to June 29, 2020 at noon CET. Elizabeth Doerr shares eight of her highlights here.