Steve McQueen wearing a Rolex Submariner Reference 5513 with his Indian Chief motorcycle (photo courtesy Bonhams)

Update: Loren Janes/Steve McQueen Ref. 5513 Rolex Submariner Saga Redux Thanks To ‘The Hunter’

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

As Nick Gould highlighted in his previous article, the first time Steve McQueen was seen wearing a Rolex Submariner was during the 12 Hours of Sebring Race in 1970, a Reference 5512. Through more photographic research, Nick came across some very clear pictures of McQueen wearing a 5513 Submariner only from 1977 to 1979, which he shares here, proving his theory that McQueen did not give Loren Janes the Rolex Submariner Reference 5513 to be auctioned this December off his wrist, but rather a brand-new one.

Read more
Blasting off: composite photo posted online by a Harry Winston Opus 3 owner

Sex Sells – But What, For Whom, And To Whom? (Archive)

/6 Comments/in , /by

When someone says “I’m no prude,” it is pretty easy to imagine what typically comes next: a prudish commentary on some aspect of modern society or youth culture. I like sex. There we go! To the point and leaves no doubt as to intent, I’d say. That said, I typically try to keep my interests in sex and watches somewhat distinct. But does the watch industry at large?

Read more
TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Forged Carbon Bamford Edition

TAG Heuer Monaco Chronograph Forged Carbon Bamford Edition: LVMH & Bamford, A Match Made In Heaven Or . . . ?

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Martin Green has a confession: he has never understood why somebody would buy a watch from an esteemed brand and then have it “customized.” However, when it comes to companies customizing watches, the Bamford Watch Department is in a league of its own. How and why did LVMH join forces with it? And how does Martin feel about this team-up?

Read more
Van Cleef & Arpels Heure d’ici & Heure d’ailleurs on the wrist

The Retrograde: One Of My Favorite Complications (Archive)

/0 Comments/in , , /by

The retrograde indication is one of Joshua Munchow’s favorite “Because We Can” (BWC) complications: gears are an amazing invention and have allowed watchmakers to make incredible creations, leaving a multitude of openings for creativity. Joshua looks at some great retrogrades here and explains why he likes this display.

Read more
4N Sapphire Planet

The Jump Hour: A Love Story (Archive)

/0 Comments/in , , /by

The jump hour has a long history, but first things first, it can’t technically be called a complication since the accepted definition of complication is a mechanism that provides information other than the time. However, anyone who gives a hoot will say in the same breath that there are many complications that don’t fit that definition and Joshua couldn’t agree more.

Read more
Omega Caliber 321 chronograph movement (photo courtesy WatchGuy.co.uk)

Exceptional Movements In History: Omega Caliber 321

/11 Comments/in , , , /by

Asking vintage watch enthusiasts which chronographs they might pick as their favorites, one movement quickly comes to mind: the Omega 321. Caliber 321 is an exceptional movement that certainly deserves the praise and attention it receives, most likely stemming from the fact that it was used in the first Speedmasters.

Read more

Online Sales Aren’t The Future Of Watch Retail, They Are The Past (Watch Brands Are Just Slow): The Future Of Online Sales Is Dynamic, The Future Of Watch Retail Is Flexible Pricing

/9 Comments/in , , /by

Dynamic, or flexible, pricing for new watches might seem crazy at first glance and a radical retail strategy, but Ian Skellern thinks it could be the future of retail. Here’s why.

Read more
Geneva Seal certified - as are all Vacheron Constantin timepieces - Traditionnelle Minute Repeater Tourbillon

The Geneva Seal, Is It Really A Big Deal? (Archive)

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

The Geneva Seal is very old, having been proposed on November 6, 1886 by the Grand Council of the Republic and Canton of Geneva as a way to certify a level of quality for which the canton was becoming known. Every piece produced with the Geneva Seal is equally outstanding, so let’s have a look at what goes into attaining this coveted seal.

Read more
Alain Silberstein De Stijl

Is Independent Creative Horology Dead? WMMT Thinks It Was Until 1998 And . . . (Archive)

/5 Comments/in , , , /by

In the early 1990s, WMMT was facing the same dilemma as today: modern or vintage? Problem was that modern watches actually all looked vintage, right down to the sizes. There was something lacking. Enter Vianney Halter in 1998 with the Antiqua Perpetual. And then what happened next: the birth of ICH (“Independent Creative Horology”).

Read more
Bought pre-owned: the author’s Vianney Halter Antiqua

Why I Bought It: Vianney Halter Antiqua (Archive)

/3 Comments/in , , , , , /by

A long-term keeper for GaryG is the wonderful Antiqua by Vianney Halter. He fell for the Antiqua when he first saw one more than a dozen years ago; while many of his friends will freely confess that at the time they were at first put off by its looks, Gary was smitten from the start. But that’s not all that he loves about this watch.

Read more