Collecting And Patronage: Two Unique Watches From Independent Watchmaker Christian Klings

GaryG had the good fortune to photograph two sensational unique timepieces from independent German watchmaker Christian Klings.

Unmistakable style: Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon

Behind The Lens: Beat Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon – Reprise

In GaryG’s view, every successful independent watchmaker has elements of a “house style” that may attract some buyers and put off others, but nonetheless set them apart. And, at the highest level, this style goes beyond “branding” to become an expression of the personality and artistic vision of the creator. Beat Haldimann and his small team distinguish themselves by focusing on technical virtuosity of the highest order as typified by the Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon.

Big Fish: Behind The Lens With Unique And Rare Salmon-Dialed Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendars – Reprise

GaryG enjoyed the opportunity to check out three of his friends’ rare Patek Philippe pieces, all with salmon-colored dials: Reference 5059G-018 and Reference 3940G-029 perpetual calendars from Patek Philippe’s Vintage Collection and a unique piece Reference 5270G. He shares his thoughts and stunning photos with us here.

Behind The Lens: Unique Reference 28 Inverse By Kari Voutilainen

GaryG won’t soon forget the pre-opening independents party at Baselworld in 2019 where Kari Voutilainen wasted no time in showing him and a few friends a breathtaking timepiece: his 28ti, number 0, in titanium. Gary shares what happened next here and how it resulted in him photographing this unique piece.

Behind The Lens: MB&F Horological Machine No. 9 Sapphire Vision In White Gold

GaryG was delighted when his favorite local independent watch retailer brought out a very special piece, one of five HM9 Sapphire Vision watches in white gold with a vivid purple movement. And he was even more pleased when he was allowed to take some photos to share before the watch was delivered to its happy new owner.

Hip to be square: rectangular Jaeger-LeCoultre watches

How To – And Not To – Photograph A Watch – Reprise

One of the great pleasures GaryG has of being a contributor here at Quill & Pad is that it gives him an excuse to set aside other priorities on a regular basis and immerse himself in the world of macro watch photography. Along the way, he has been asked by a number of people to reveal techniques that he uses to create the images you see in his articles, so here he shares some of his tips.

Behind The Lens: Three Black-Dialed Gold Treasures From Patek Philippe, Akrivia, And A. Lange & Söhne

When GaryG recently took a good look at the current state of his watch collection, he was surprised by the large proportion of dark-dialed pieces in the mix. He has enjoyed – and photographed – each of three of these watches a great deal, but it isn’t until recently that he pulled them together in one place for side-by-side shooting and direct comparison. The results (and the watches) are simply stunning.

Which one for you? Invention Pieces 2 and 1 by Greubel Forsey

Mothers Of Invention: Behind The Lens With Invention Pieces 1 And 2 By Greubel Forsey – Reprise

GaryG was delighted to take possession of an Invention Piece 1 with its inclined double tourbillon, while a good friend of his replied in kind with a purchase of the quadruple-tourbillon Invention Piece 2. Ever since, he has been dying to get these two gorgeous monsters side by side in the light tent. And the time has finally come!

Behind The Lens: Patek Philippe Rare Handcrafts Ref. 5089G-018 Geneva Harbor Wood Marquetry Watch

What does Patek Philippe mean to you? For GaryG, Patek Philippe is a firm both mindful of the traditions of horology and clearly focused on its own legacy. This is exemplified by the brand’s Rare Handcrafts: watches and clocks displaying traditional arts, including engraving, enameling, micro mosaics, and a favorite of his: wood marquetry. Here Gary gets behind the lens to shoot Reference 5089G-018, a 175th anniversary limited edition with wood marquetry dial.

A close up look at the dial of the Patek Philippe Advanced Research Reference 5550P Perpetual Calendar

Behind The Lens: Patek Philippe Advanced Research Reference 5550P Perpetual Calendar

Welcome to a new installment of “Behind the Lens.” This time our subject is the Patek Philippe Advanced Research Reference 5550P, a truly lovely perpetual calendar with some interesting technical twists.