Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 1

Does Hand Finishing Matter? A Collector’s View Of Movement Decoration (Archive)

Many of you are likely to have come across at least a few heated discussions of “finishing,” a topic that seems to fascinate, and divide, watch enthusiasts. Like many people, GaryG’s starting point for serious watches was with a well-priced brand long known for its expertise in developing movements, justly viewed as offering good value for money – but not necessarily for the refinement of its movement finishing, at least on its less expensive pieces. Read on to discover what he has learned since then?

Light, subject, composition, camera: Romain Gauthier Logical One as captured with the Hasselblad X1D

Watchmaker Of Historical Significance: Romain Gauthier

Throughout history, hundreds of talented watchmakers have left their mark on the science and industry of timekeeping. For the inaugural edition of WOHS (Watchmakers of Historical Significance), Joshua Munchow highlights an engineer that has used technology to push forward since his beginnings, creating a company that is not only a leading brand among independents, but also a supplier to many established brands: the incredible yet humble Romain Gauthier.

The laureates of 2017 GPHG award ceremony (photo courtesy Gregory Maillot/www.point-of-views.ch)

2018 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie De Genève (GPHG) Gets Underway – With Two Quill & Pad Editors On Jury

The first news from the 2018 edition of the “Oscars of watchmaking” – the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève – have arrived, and returning jury member Elizabeth Doerr thinks that overall things are looking very positive for the popular competition.

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.

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?

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.

Vintage Jaeger "Panda dial 4 ATM"

Vintage Watch Restoration: Should You Or Not? A Guide To The Oft-Controversial World Of Making Things Worse By Trying To Make Them Better

Deciding whether or not to restore a vintage watch is a tough decision to make. The internet is awash with tales of watches butchered by an incompetent independent watchmaker or, worse still, the brand itself. Even more confusing is deciding which options offered should be accepted. Refinish the case? Change the hands? Replace the crystal? Here is some help for you.

Vallée de Joux style (and label), take two: reverse side of the Romain Gauthier Logical One

Why Romain Gauthier Is The Logical Heir Apparent To Philippe Dufour (Archive)

It’s no secret: GaryG an immense admirer of Philippe Dufour. Part of greatness, of course, is leaving a legacy; not only through one’s works, but in the skills and inspiration passed on to those who follow, which Dufour has liberally done. But who, if anyone, will history regard as the lineal heir to the Dufour tradition? I’ve reached what may seem a counterintuitive conclusion: Romain Gauthier.

Louis Armstrong playing trumpet in 1953, wearing his prized gold wristwatch

Jazz And The Syncopation Of Fine Mechanics

Rebellion takes on many forms – like jazz music, which at one time represented an extreme deviation from musical tables and conventional styles of music – perhaps as much or even more so than rock and roll. What timekeepers did these musical giants prefer to wear? And which brands pay tribute to them today?

The NAWCC (National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors) in Pennsylvania runs regular courses on how to service a watch

Reduction In Wait Times For Watch Servicing Repair And The Disturbing Reality Of What It Means For You

It’s no secret that customers are frustrated with the time it takes to get things done in the watch industry and are making a lot of noise. But be careful what you wish for because the watch industry seems to be listening, with companies employing procedures to drastically reduce service delays. But there’s a dirty downside to it, which Ashton Tracy uncovers here.