A finished diamond pallet beside a match head for Derek Pratt's John Harrison H4 reconstruction

Making The Diamond Pallets For Derek Pratt’s Reconstruction Of John Harrison‘s H4, The World’s First Precision Marine Chronometer (Part 2 of 3)

Here we present the second part in a three-part series about the making of Derek Pratt’s reconstruction of John Harrison’s H4. This part was written by Carl Murray of Frodsham. This article was first published in ‘The Horological Journal’ (HJ) in March 2015, who we thank for permission to republish on Quill & Pad.

Grayson Tighe Zirconium Dong Son fountain pen

Pen Maker Grayson Tighe And Watchmaker Peter Speake-Marin Utilize Creative Dong Son Theme

It’s not just the Đông Sơn drum theme of these two quite different collector’s items by watchmaker Peter Speake-Marin and pen maker Grayson Tighe that caught my eye: it was more than that, it was the actual pieces themselves inspired by the indigenous people of the Red River Delta of Vietnam.

What a beautiful theme to decorate such rare and interesting objects with.

Reconstruction of Jhon Harrison's H4 by Derek Pratt, which was finished by Frodshams (image courtesy British Horological Journal)

Derek Pratt’s Reconstruction Of John Harrison’s H4, The World’s First Precision Marine Chronometer (Part 1 of 3)

Here we present the first part in a three-part series about the making of Derek Pratt’s H4 reconstruction. This part was written by Roger Stevenson, chief watchmaker at Frodsham. This article was first published in the ‘The Horological Journal’ (HJ) in February 2015 and we thank them for the gracious permission to republish it on Quill & Pad.

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.

Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Classique in stainless steel

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

In the world of watches, especially with regards 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 – like it just happens. In this article Joshua explains why he thinks that out of all the metals, especially the white metals like platinum and white gold, stainless steel is absolutely the most precious metal.

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.

Cover of "Cartier Magician High Jewelry and Precious Objects" by François Chaille

Book Review: ‘Cartier Magician: High Jewelry And Precious Objects’

‘Cartier Magician: High Jewelry and Precious Objects’ is a book is dedicated to a new collection of high jewelry and precious objects called Cartier Magicien. It is a stunningly illustrated book and the photos and text are equally as good and enchanting. This is well worth a look!

"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!

PVD black case of the Ulysse Nardin’s InnoVision

Looking Back On 10 Years Of Ulysse Nardin’s Pioneering InnoVision Technology

Ulysse Nardin is the watch world’s pioneer in “new” technologies. Though it might seem anachronistic that a 163-year-old company famed for its marine chronometers would be the one to start a revolution of this type in mechanical watchmaking, that is just what Ulysse Nardin did by leading the search for the perfect materials and advanced geometery. Here we take a look back at the technologies leading up to the introduction of 2007’s InnoVision and why that particular concept watch was so notable.

The Urwerk EMC Time Hunter on a well wrapped wrist in Iceland

#MYIceland: Adventures In Iceland With An Urwerk EMC Time Hunter

I recently embarked upon an adventure to Iceland, a land offering the most incredible, contrasting landscapes rich in volcanic matter and geothermal properties. One big motivational aspect for this holiday was my desire to photograph the country, which involved traveling more than 2,000 kilometers across it. I fell in love with Iceland instantly, so much so that I would move there tomorrow. And it’s even better with an Urwerk EMC Time Hunter on my wrist.