Close up look at the dial of the Ulysse Nardin Grand Deck Marine Tourbillon

The Retrograde: One Of My Favorite Complications

The retrograde indication is one of my favorite “Because We Can” (BWC) complications. Gears are an amazing invention and have allowed watchmakers to make incredible creations. Simple gear systems leave a multitude of openings for creativity. Look at some great examples of it here!

George Daniels

Book Review: ‘George Daniels, A Master Watchmaker & His Art’ By Michael Clerizo

George Daniels is a polarizing and fascinating figure. Several years ago, Michael Clerizo took it upon himself to spend the amount of time with Daniels needed in order to write a detailed book about his life, and the outcome is a pure joy to read with well thought-out words, logical organization, and gorgeous photos. I heartily recommend this tome to anyone interested in horology, and as a holiday gift as well!

Oblique view, Patek Philippe Reference 5078P

Behind The Lens: Patek Philippe Reference 5078P Minute Repeater

Recently, a good friend and avid collector gave me the mouth-watering opportunity to photograph two splendid Patek Philippe minute repeaters: the 5074P and 5078P. If you’re one of those people who believe in wearing a watch with your tuxedo, I don’t think you’d ever go wrong in pulling the 5078P out of the safe to wear. What else is interesting about it?

Montblanc Writers Edition William Shakespeare set with fountain pen, ballpoint, rollerball and mechanical pencil

A Pen By Any Other Name: Montblanc’s Writers Edition William Shakespeare

In an insightful move Montblanc chose this year, the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare death (or what the company delicately calls the “anniversary of his life’s achievements”), to honor him with an annual Writers Edition limited edition pen full of symbolism.

Earth: The Blue Ball. Is This How The Universe Works?

This is a photo of the movement of the Jacob & Co. Astronomia triple-axis tourbillon: even that one-carat diamond “globe” counterbalancing the earth rotates on two axes! I’m sure there are people who believe the fiction that this is a movement destined for a wristwatch, but I’m hoping you are not one of them. Let us know what you think this contraption is really for in the comments!

Brigitte, Nathalie and Elizabeth admiring the graphics in ‘The Magic of Watches’ by Louis Nardin

Book Review: ‘The Magic Of Watches’ By Louis Nardin

What strikes me again and again about Louis Nardin is his enviable energy and passion for the subject of watchmaking. ‘The Magic of Watches’ is one of the best books on the subject: it is written in easy, clear, and down-to-earth language. This would surely make for the perfect holiday gift.

‘The Wristwatch Handbook’ By Ryan Schmidt

Book Review: ‘The Wristwatch Handbook’ By Ryan Schmidt

Fans of the art of watchmaking are in luck: not only can they read a beautifully written and comprehensive overview of what goes into the making of a watch. Ryan Schmidt is a newly engrossed watch enthusiast – and his enthusiasm and knowledge permeates the tone of his book, a comprehensive tome called ‘The Wristwatch Handbook.’

Dashboard of a Pontiac Silver Streak at the 2016 Atlanta Concours d’Elegance

You Are There: Fantastic Vintage Autos At The Inaugural Atlanta Concours d’Elegance 2016

It’s usually difficult to fully grasp the changes that have occurred to the automobile from our modern perspective, but recently I attended an incredible event that unknowingly provided a detailed look into the history of the passenger car: the inaugural Atlanta Concours d’Elegance 2016.

Aussie GTG Desk Shot: Or Is It?

This photo was taken of just a few of the watches at a recent collector’s GTG (get-togtether) in Brisbane, Australia.

But what else could explain this diverse array of mechanical marvels?

And I’ll add bonus points for naming all of the watches correctly.

Astronaut on the Caran d'Ache and MB&F Astrograph

Ground Control To Major Tom, “Help Is On Its Way!”: Astrograph By Caran d’Ache and MB&F

Caran d’Ache is a Geneva-based manufacture of pencils and fountain pens. And Caran d’Ache is a manufacture in the true sense of the word ― much like MB&F, one of today’s most forward-thinking watch brands. Even though the two manufactures generally exhibit very different design language, they have come together more than successfully for the exceptional Astrograph, a pen that is also an MB&F Machine.