An early “Lang-system” Chronoswiss split-seconds chronograph from Gerd-Rüdiger Lang’s extensive collection

Gerd-Rüdiger Lang’s 850-Piece Chronograph Collection: Likely The Most Complete Collection Of Wrist Timers In The World

Many of you are likely to be asking yourselves, “Who is Gerd-Rüdiger Lang?” Understandable. If we told you he founded Chronoswiss in 1983, you might then say, “Ah, yes.” But did you know that Lang, who sold Chronoswiss in 2012, owns a collection of chronographs that might well be the most complete themed collection of this type in the world? Elizabeth takes us through just a few of the treasures in Lang’s collection.

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

Selling Watches To Buy Watches: One Collector’s Story (Archive)

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

Parting shot: Patek Philippe Reference 5070P-013 “London” (left) and Reference 5170P

Heavyweight Bout: Patek Philippe Reference 5170P vs. 5070P (Plus 5070P-013 ‘London’ Edition) Chronographs

From the time GaryG revealed that he’d added a Patek Philippe Reference 5170P chronograph to his collection, he has frequently been asked two questions: how does it compare to his Patek Philippe Reference 5370P split-seconds chronograph? And how does it compare to Patek Philippe’s prior flagship chronograph, the platinum-encased Reference 5070P?

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

Exceptional Movements In History: Omega Caliber 321

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.

Dial view, Timex Marlin re-edition, 2017

Why I Bought It: Timex Marlin Re-edition

GaryG has said it many times: there are great watches to be had at every price point! Enter the Timex Marlin re-edition of 2017, a watch that he owns, wears, and loves.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Why I Bought It: Vianney Halter Antiqua (Archive)

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.

Day and night: two unique Kari Voutilainen chronographs

Behind The Lens: Two Unique Masterpiece II Chronographs From Kari Voutilainen

A generous friend recently offered GaryG the opportunity to shoot his white gold Kari Voutilainen Masterpiece Chronograph II so that Gary is able to share photos of both his custom pink gold Chronograph II in comparison to his friend’s custom white gold version.

Greubel Forsey Double Tourbillon Technique

Objects Of Desire: Greubel Forsey (Archive)

In the “Objects of Desire” series, I look at pieces that fall into the categories unobtanium and timenotrightium, as my Quill & Pad colleague Joshua Munchow might say. And, where better to start on the topic of desire than with the watches of Robert Greubel and Stephen Forsey?