Rolex Twinlock winding crown

Here’s Why The Crown Is The Unsung Hero Of Watchmaking (And Why Rolex Wears The Crown) – Reprise

This is one of the most important yet underappreciated parts of a watch: the crown. The humble crown has played an extensive role in helping Rolex – and the rest of the watch industry – get to where it is today. Here’s why.

wristshot: Richard Mille RM27-02 RN on the wrist of Raphael Nadal

Richard Mille RM 27-02 For Rafael Nadal: The Quintessential Sports Tourbillon – Reprise

The quintessential sports tourbillon, the Richard Mille RM 027 RN, officially debuted at the 2010 French Open on the wrist of that year’s champion, Rafael Nadal. It was specifically created to stand up to the punishment of the tennis court. Then Richard Mille introduced the RM 27-02, which is even more high-tech, mechanically resistant, and expensive than the first edition. Read on to discover why.

Charles Heidsieck Champagne Charlie: A Man, A Bottle, A Legend

The 1985 Charles Heidsieck Champagne Charlie? Ken Gargett loved it. Score? 98/100 if you are playing the Grinch; 99/100 if you’d rather be Santa. Ken thinks that Charles Heidsieck should be a must for everyone’s cellar. Find out why plus what’s up with Champagne Charlie now.

The Story Behind Maurice de Mauriac’s Watch Honoring Stan Smith, The Tennis Champion Some People Think Is A Shoe

“Nice shoes you’ve got there!” Miguel Seabra was walking down Church Road with Maurice de Mauriac founder Daniel Dreifuss and his youngest son Leo when they heard someone behind them praise Daniel’s Stan Smith Adidas footwear. They turned around to find it was Stan Smith himself, the American tennis champion from the 1970s after whom the famous sneakers are named. And that’s how the plans for the new Stan Smith Signature Watch all started!

Montblanc High Artistry Homage To Emperor Kangxi: Honoring Chinese History

While the regular Montblanc collection already proves that it is one of the best in this field, the High Artistry pens make the case that there is much, much more to this maker. Please enjoy the outstanding High Artistry Homage To Emperor Kangxi comprising three bejeweled unique pieces and two limited editions.

Primer On The Most Divisive Of All Wines: Sherry

One of the wines Ken Gargett brought to a recent wine tasting with friends was a sherry, the Equipo Navazos La Bota de Manzanilla Pasada No 80, Bota Punta. Some among you will have no doubt that such a wine demands Grand cru status, while others will be horrified at the thought. And so it was at the dinner. But let’s just talk about sherry for a moment, shall we?

Book Review: ‘Patek Philippe In America: Marketing The World’s Foremost Watch’ By John Reardon

This richly illustrated coffee table book weighing close to two kilograms is both an invaluable reference tool and a fascinating read. The chapters do not scrimp in detailed information, expert opinion, and rich historical illustrations: even the book’s structure points are a pure joy to read or simply thumb through. Elizabeth would recommend it heartily for anyone with even a passing interest in the subject and here’s why.

The enticing Breguet Classique Chronométrie Reference 7727

Top 5 Least Useful Horological Complications (And Why They Are Still Awesome)

In the real world, some complications are pretty useless. And that’s not saying they aren’t cool. Here Joshua Munchow runs through his top 5 most useless complications and why they are simultaneously useless and cool.

‘Chronographs For Collectors’ By Sébastien Chaulmontet And Joël Pynson

Gifting A Watch Book This Holiday Season? Here’s A Selection Of Horological Tomes To Consider

Any time is an appropriate time to gift a watch lover with a book containing well-written words and beautiful photos of watches. At Quill & Pad we love reading books as much as we love writing them (on occasion). Here is a selection of books we have reviewed and written, suitable for gifting or reading at any time of year.

Pad printing at Glashütte Original

Focus On Technology: Pad Printing – Reprise

Have you ever wondered how Titleist gets its logo on bumpy round golf balls? Well this is your lucky day as Joshua Munchow discusses the secret of one very specialized printing process that goes on in the world and how it has its roots in watchmaking. In fact, you still see the results of this process nearly every time you look at your watch dial.