Rarity plus condition: Tiffany-labeled Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona sold through Phillips

Year-End Auctions 2016: I Came, I Saw, I Learned, I Bought

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.

Aston Martin DB11

Aston Martin DB11: A Grande Complication

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 founder Peter Thum helping to decommission seized AK-47s in Africa

How Fonderie 47 Transforms AK-47s Into Luxury Watches, Jewelry, And Pens (Video)

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.

Romain Gauthier Logical One Enraged

Fast And Furious: Logical One Enraged By Romain Gauthier

There is a bit of a “wild and crazy” side to Romain Gauthier that’s usually not apparent at first sight. But we have an unprecedented view at the wild and crazy side of his personality when we gaze upon the new Enraged versions of his Logical One and Prestige HMS timepieces, which feature a rough and grainy new finish and an aggressive, spiky version of the logo. This is definitely worth a look and a feel!

Back of the new-T Chronopassion guitar

Chronopassion’s Laurent Picciotto And His Favorite iVee Guitar

Laurent Picciotto, owner of the Chronopassion watch boutique in Paris, has played the guitar since he was 14 years old. So why not unite his two passions – watches and guitars – in one luxurious and unique object? Ivan Mulia of iVee Guitars made the first customized piece for Picciotto’s shop on Paris’ famed Rue Saint-Honoré: the new-T Chronopassion guitar.

Alec Monopoly Joins The TAG Heuer Universe:  A (Street) Artist In Swiss Residence

Alec Monopoly was announced as a new collaboration for TAG Heuer in its art & music universe. Now, opinions have been divided on the cooperation with the famous graffiti artist so let’s take a closer look at what makes this particular collaboration a potential turning point in the modern history of TAG Heuer.

"Fine Watchmaking" Trivial Pursuit by the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie

Happy Holidays And Merry Christmas With Quill & Pad! Win Books And Fine Watchmaking Trivial Pursuit Here!

Without our readers there would be no Quill & Pad, so at this “giving” time of year we’d like to offer a few gifts to say thank you. Entering the draw to win one of these presents is easy: all you need to do is be a subscriber to our weekly newsletter. The draw will take place at 6:00 Central European Time on Sunday, December 18. Sign up to win!

Genuine fake watches

6 Ways To Spot A Fake Watch, Even If You Don’t Know How To Spot A Fake Watch (Archive)

One evening while we were sipping away at his ex-wife’s stock of 1945 Pétrus, my buddy Slippery Steve and I contemplated a few of the essential questions in life, the kind that rarely find a real answer. Where do I come from? Is there life after death? Can I wear brown shoes after 6:00 PM? Is my Audemars Piguet a fake? Following on that conversation, Slippery Steve and I offer you six easy ways to recognize if your watch is fake.

Fonderie 47 Cross Peerless Collector’s Edition Pen

Fonderie 47 Cross Peerless Collector’s Edition Pen Saves One Life At A Time

The Cross Peerless Fonderie 47 Collector’s Edition rollerball pen follows a limited edition fountain pen. And it, too, transforms an object of disdain into an element of hope, incorporating a bit of blackened steel from a melted-down AK-47 into the design of its cap crown. To further the message, the side of the pen’s cap reveals the unique serial number of the gun that was taken out of circulation and used to embellish the special edition pen. Its price makes it an ideal holiday gift!

Going upmarket: the author’s Vianney Halter Deep Space Tourbillon

Why I Bought It: Vianney Halter Deep Space Tourbillon (Archive)

I hope you’ll find this commentary on a collector’s mindset and the motivations, delights, and possible misgivings behind why I bought a Vianney Halter Deep Space Tourbillon interesting and helpful.