Shopping The Airports For A Luxury Watch: Customs, Duties, And Discounts Explained

Some people understand the benefits, limitations, and mechanics of duty-free shopping for a luxury watch at an airport: they know a deal when they see one. For these savvy individuals, shopping at the airport can and does make economic sense – sometimes. In this article Chris Malburg explains watch shopping at airports for the rest of us.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso tribute to Ferdinand Hodler

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Métiers Rares Enamel Tribute To Ferdinand Hodler: Artistic Grandeur, Very Swiss

In 2018, Jaeger-LeCoultre pays homage to one of Switzerland’s most significant artists of the nineteenth century, Ferdinand Hodler (1853–1918), with a Reverso Tribute Enamel available in three versions limited to eight pieces each: ‘Lake Geneva with Mont Blanc in Morning Light’; ‘Lake Thun, Symmetric Reflections’; and ‘Lake Thun with Symmetric Reflections Before Sunrise’ (Sabine’s favorite).

Breguet Marine Chronographe Reference 5527 in pink gold

New Breguet Marine Models: All Hands To Battle Stations!

Breguet has updated its Marine collection with three new models offering a wide range of styles and case materials to suit all tastes. Martin Green explains why he thinks this is a winning strategy.

Up close and personal: Philippe Dufour Duality dial desktop photo

Independent Watchmaking: A New Trend Or Just A Trendy Term?

The word “independent” is used frequently in connection with watchmakers and brands that couldn’t be more different in their scope; and we seem to be seeing more “independent watchmakers” and “independent niche brands” pop up. In this new age of “independents” how can we determine who actually is and who isn’t (but claims to be) independent?

Zenith Defy Zero G in red gold on red gold bracelet

Zenith Defy Zero G: A Lesson In Miniaturization

The 2018 Zenith Defy Zero G miniaturizes in an astonishing manner: this is a next-generation watch coming a nice round ten years after the original Defy Xtreme Zero G was introduced in 2008.

Independent art: Tourbillon Souverain from F.P. Journe

Behind The Lens: The F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain (Archive)

As part of my “enthusiast collector” role here at Quill & Pad I will be taking a look at watches that strike my fancy, and sharing the visual results with you along with a few observations on photography, the watches themselves, and the collectors who own them.
Let’s get started, shall we? Our subject for this episode: the F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain with remontoir d’égalité.

The Louis Moinet Compteur de Tierces

Louis Moinet Compteur De Tierces: The World’s First (Known) Chronograph (Archive)

The Louis Moinet compteur de tierces is one of the most remarkable finds in horological history in an extremely long time: it was the very first chronograph ever made.

For the children: Unique Homage to Walter Lange to be auctioned for charity

Hands On With The Unique Piece A. Lange & Söhne Homage To Walter Lange In Stainless Steel: Tribute Through Charity

As you might expect, the Homage To Walter Lange In Stainless Steel feels light, but not overly so. At 40.5 mm in diameter it is not a small watch, but the black face and generous bezel make the watch wear a bit smaller – certainly a much tidier size than the Double Split!

Rolex Sea-Dweller 43mm

5 Reasons Why I’ve Never Owned A Rolex, But . . . There’s A “But” (Archive)

John Keil has never owned a Rolex – despite the fact that he is a big watch nut – and here’s why. Firstly, though, he makes it clear that he hasn’t got anything at all against Rolex. The brand makes great watches . . . but there’s a but.

Silicon: A Closer Look At The Material That Unleashed A Refreshing Range Of Haute Horlogerie Ideas

Following the recent article on silicon balance springs by watchmaker Ashton Tracy called ‘Is Silicon Here To Stay In (Rolex) Watch Movements?’ Timothy Treffry decided to take a closer, more technical look at the intriguing silicon material from which the components are made.