Blackened Rolex Explorer II

Why I Pimped My Rolex (Archive)

The watch nerd that WWMT is, he rarely immediately wears his new watches; he likes to put them aside for a few days and let the anticipation grow. But when the day finally came that it was time to wear his new Rolex, he took it out of the box and proudly put it on his wrist. And then horror struck. He didn’t feel anything, not a thing! Zilch, nada, niente! What to do?

E. Howard and Co pocket watch (photo courtesy Derek Weinberg)

Modern Horological Times And Practices Are Likely Much Worse Than You Think: A Reflection

In the society we live in, a society of technology-driven mass production and digital revolution, Derek Weinberg reflects on how a mechanical timepiece has evolved from a functional object serving as a faithful companion in a busy life to a collectible object satisfying its owner from behind a pane of glass.

Zenith Defy El Primero 21 for Only Watch

Here’s Why: The Chronograph Is The New Tourbillon (Archive)

Based on the most popular releases of 2017, it is possible that the almighty tourbillon may about to be usurped by something new and rather old at the same time: the chronograph. In this installment of Joshua Munchow’s “Here’s Why” series, he explores why the chronograph is the new tourbillon.

The One Hertz by Tim and Bart Grönefeld

Grönefeld One Hertz – A Collector’s Journey (Archive)

For a watch fanatic, and especially for lovers of independent watch brands, meeting the makers of the watches that we admire is a dream come true. With the Grönefeld brothers, it’s that pleasure multiplied by two. And then there’s the sensational One Hertz.‎

Parting shot: Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 906 prototype with blue dial

Why I Bought It: Two ‘Unsalable’ Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 906 Prototypes

This is the story of the final watch – or, truthfully, pair of watches – that GaryG happened upon at a Sotheby’s auction in late 2017 and felt that he just had to have: two 1970s prototype pieces made by Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Vallée de Joux style: movement detail of the Philippe Dufour Simplicity

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

Anyone who visits online watch forums with any frequency very likely comes across at least a few heated discussions of “finishing,” a topic that seems to fascinate, and divide, enthusiasts. What is it and why are opinions divided?

Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time in polished on the wrist

Asking You: Advice Wanted For Collection Starter On Which Jaeger-LeCoultre Pre-Owned Under $12,000?

Oleg would like to start a collection with a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch and his budget is $6,000-$12,000. What should he buy? We ask readers for suggestions.

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

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

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?

Object of desire: Contemporaine Phase de Lune/Jour by Vianney Halter (photo courtesy Horlogerie-Suisse.com)

How Not to Buy a Watch: My Misadventure

In 2006 GaryG spotted two objects of desire at a California dealer: Vianney Halter’s dramatic Antiqua and Contemporaine timepieces. They were out of his reach, but in 2007 he found a Contemporaine in white gold offered at a price that was about one-third its original retail value on eBay. What could possibly go wrong?

The Jaeger-LeCoultre Tribute to Reverso 1931

Why I Bought It: Jaeger-LeCoultre Tribute To Reverso 1931 (Archive)

Over the twenty-odd years GaryG been buying “serious” watches, he has purchased more pieces bearing the Jaeger-LeCoultre brand name than any other. By far. Within the Jaeger-LeCoultre pantheon, one watch subgroup stands out: the Reverso. He and his wife have bought a total of seven Reverso models. Given that, why add another? In this instance, the Reverso Tribute to 1931?