Anyone who visits online watch forums with any frequency very likely comes across at least a few heated discussions of “finishing,” a topic that seems to fascinate, and divide, enthusiasts. What is it and why are opinions divided?
Manufacture Royale doesn’t seek to be a small brand that does small things or a big brand that does all and knows all, but a brand that makes its own meaning and direction. The new 1770 Micromégas Revolution is a clear example of this thinking.
Impressively, the cathedral chimes remained audible as Stephen Forsey closed his palm completely around the Greubel Forsey Grand Sonnerie in a (knowingly) futile attempt to silence the gongs.
But how? And what else does this exceptional timepiece, one that I might call the best in the world, hold in store?
It is now a tradition for watchmakers to observe Chinese New Year by creating beautiful, decorative timepieces. The rooster is the eleventh sign of the 12-year zodiac cycle. According to Chinese astrology, the rooster is loyal and punctual – a great fit for a timepiece! Check out these pieces by Jaquet Droz, Ulysse Nardin, Vacheron Constantin, Piaget, Chopard, and Panerai.
I am a big fan of Portugal and Portuguese culture. I was therefore pleased to discover recently that the art of the filigree technique in jewelry, one of Portugal’s own traditional arts, is the main idea behind a luxurious 90-year-old jewelry brand called Eleuterio. And even more pleasing: I wore some of Eleuterio’s lovely jewelry to watchmaking’s biggest night, the 2016 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.
Can a watch with a tourbillon clearly visible on the dial side ever be understated? Common sense says no, but for the Traditionnelle Minute Repeater Tourbillon, Vacheron Constantin says yes! Find out why Martin Green compares this watch new to the Geneva-based brand’s arsenal of classic timepieces to a Tesla P100D with ludicrous mode.
The Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute Paillonnée is a fantastic example of the craftsmanship found at Jaquet Droz. The Petite Heure Minute Paillonnée showcases a style rarely found in watches today, proving that style is almost always an individual decision.
This is the second year in a row that I’ve had the opportunity to attend the November watch auctions in Geneva. On last year’s trip, a good friend and I had the pleasure of participating in several events organized by Patek Philippe as well as the biennial OnlyWatch auction. This year, we returned for the previews and salesroom action at major houses including Phillips, Christie’s, and Sotheby’s.
The DB11 is a true old-school Gran Turismo, a car to travel with from London or Paris to the Cote d’Azur in comfort, luxury, and most certainly style. And there is something magical about a V12 engine: its distinct sound and the knowledge that there is a mythical beast under the hood.
Fonderie 47 uses metal from AK-47s that they decommission in Africa to create parts for its products; the idea is to turn a tool of violence into a symbolic and inspiring luxury object, giving clients not only the feeling they are doing something good for the world, but seeing to it that they are actually doing good for the world.