Grand Seiko Blue Snowflake: Why I Bought It (Despite The Strap And Buckle) – Reprise

After a week on the wrist, Chris Malburg had some issues with Grand Seiko’s Blue Snowflake Reference SBGA407. Even so, he pulled the trigger. Here Chris explains how he fixed those issues and why this watch just might deserve a place in your collection too.

Commissioning A Bespoke Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire: A Collector’s Personal Experience (Video) – Reprise

Dr. William Julien, an experienced watch collector, sent us a link to a video that he and his son, William Alexander Julien, made about the journey of his commissioning of a bespoke Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire. The nine-minute video is very moving and beautifully filmed and edited. I highly recommend that you pour yourself a glass of your favorite tipple and hit play: it will not disappoint.

The “big three” recent additions to the author’s collection

Selling Watches To Buy Watches: One Collector’s Story – Reprise

Wouldn’t it be splendid to have everything your heart desired? Well, it’s a nice fantasy but it’s not going to happen for GaryG. And, besides, he’s not so sure that the experience of “selling to buy” isn’t actually a significant part, albeit a bittersweet one, of the collecting experience. Find out why here.

Roger Smith Series 2 in stainless steel

Behind The Lens: Roger Smith Series 2 – Reprise

Roger Smith holds a special place in the pantheon of independent watchmaking, both on his own merits and as the man who worked most closely with the legendary George Daniels. While any Smith watch is rare, this particular Series 2 is unique: it’s the only watch in stainless steel that Smith has yet produced.

Patria Brigadier Tourbillon Subscription Edition: A Beautifully Hand-Finished, Swiss Made Tourbillon for 18,000 Swiss francs is the Bargain of the Year, perhaps the Decade!

Love them or hate them, one thing that most collectors know is that tourbillons are very expensive. That’s all changed with Patria’s Brigadier Tourbillon Subscription Edition costing ‘just’ CHF 18,000 for a beautifully hand finished Swiss Made tourbillon.

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique: Time to Move on From the Rolex Submariner?

Many think that the Rolex Submariner is the first modern dive watch, however that crown belongs to the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, which became the blueprint for all modern divers’ watches. 

Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph Reference 5968A on orange strap

Yes, You Must Pay Duties And Taxes On Your Personal Watches When Traveling, But Here’s How To Avoid The Worst – Reprise

Watch enthusiasts traveling into Switzerland, Germany, Japan, China, and the United States are targets of opportunity for border customs police. Here Chris Malburg shows how to avoid paying more in duties and taxes than necessary and the embarrassment of being suspected of smuggling legitimately purchased watches.

Why the Patek Philippe Nautilus is King – Reprise

After reading article after article discussing the virtues of Patek Philippe’s Nautilus, it became clear to watch enthusiast and Quill & Pad reader Perry Heim that none stated a self-evident truth that appears obvious to him. In this “letter to the editor” Perry explains in detail what he finds so appealing about the Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 5711. And he stacks the Nautilus up against some serious contemporary contenders.

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.

Hermès Watches: Why they are Worth Seriously Considering

Hermès needs no introduction. The name is synonymous with luxury, especially in handbags, leather goods and accessories. However, they are not a name that tends to come up when discussing luxury watches. Despite this, Hermès has a long horological, but only in recent years have they taken a leap forward in what they offer.