Grayson Tighe Series 5 for Blancpain

Can Writing Instruments Be As Collectible And Enthusiast-Infused As Watches?

A pen – like a watch – is a relatively small, mechanical object that adds some punch to the somewhat restrained category of “men’s accessories.” Each provides more than a little intellectual stimulation thanks to the respective brand histories, and they can both provide a generous hit of luxury. What else might they have in common? Or not?

Greubel Forsey Invention Piece 1

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

Many of you are likely to have come across at least a few heated discussions of “finishing,” a topic that seems to fascinate, and divide, watch enthusiasts. Like many people, GaryG’s starting point for serious watches was with a well-priced brand long known for its expertise in developing movements, justly viewed as offering good value for money – but not necessarily for the refinement of its movement finishing, at least on its less expensive pieces. Read on to discover what he has learned since then?

Shopping The Airports For A Luxury Watch: Customs, Duties, And Discounts Explained

Some people understand the benefits, limitations, and mechanics of duty-free shopping for a luxury watch at an airport: they know a deal when they see one. For these savvy individuals, shopping at the airport can and does make economic sense – sometimes. In this article Chris Malburg explains watch shopping at airports for the rest of us.

Rolex Sea-Dweller 43mm

5 Reasons Why I’ve Never Owned A Rolex, But . . . There’s A “But” (Archive)

John Keil has never owned a Rolex – despite the fact that he is a big watch nut – and here’s why. Firstly, though, he makes it clear that he hasn’t got anything at all against Rolex. The brand makes great watches . . . but there’s a but.

Vintage Jaeger "Panda dial 4 ATM"

Vintage Watch Restoration: Should You Or Not? A Guide To The Oft-Controversial World Of Making Things Worse By Trying To Make Them Better

Deciding whether or not to restore a vintage watch is a tough decision to make. The internet is awash with tales of watches butchered by an incompetent independent watchmaker or, worse still, the brand itself. Even more confusing is deciding which options offered should be accepted. Refinish the case? Change the hands? Replace the crystal? Here is some help for you.

Vallée de Joux style (and label), take two: reverse side of the Romain Gauthier Logical One

Why Romain Gauthier Is The Logical Heir Apparent To Philippe Dufour (Archive)

It’s no secret: GaryG an immense admirer of Philippe Dufour. Part of greatness, of course, is leaving a legacy; not only through one’s works, but in the skills and inspiration passed on to those who follow, which Dufour has liberally done. But who, if anyone, will history regard as the lineal heir to the Dufour tradition? I’ve reached what may seem a counterintuitive conclusion: Romain Gauthier.

You are there: ready to bid at the 2016 Only Watch Auction

Hammer Time: Expert Advice For Selling Your Watch At Auction

Many of us have seen and heard the auctioneer’s hammer crash down on the final bid of a famous well-fought-over item. What interests me – apart from the artifact itself – is the seller. Why the sale? Is this is a one-off event or does he or she have more to offer? What brought them to this hammer time? This article explores motives for and provides expert advice on selling a watch.

Breguet Marine Equation of Time Marchante Ref. 5887

Equation Of Time: What Is It And What’s The Attraction In A Watch?

In its simplest form, the equation of time is defined as the difference between the time displayed by the position of the sun (as by a sundial) and the time displayed by any modern clock or watch. But that’s just the beginning, and watchmaker Ashton Tracy explains more.

The NAWCC (National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors) in Pennsylvania runs regular courses on how to service a watch

Reduction In Wait Times For Watch Servicing Repair And The Disturbing Reality Of What It Means For You

It’s no secret that customers are frustrated with the time it takes to get things done in the watch industry and are making a lot of noise. But be careful what you wish for because the watch industry seems to be listening, with companies employing procedures to drastically reduce service delays. But there’s a dirty downside to it, which Ashton Tracy uncovers here.

You don’t need a garage: a selection of chronographs from GaryG’s collection

Collecting Watches And Cars: What’s The Same And What’s Different?

Cars and watches, watches and cars: they do seem to go together! Scratch almost any watch lover and you’re going to find a car lover just under the surface. GaryG talks with his pal “Enzo” in this interesting discussion about the similarities and dissimilarities of car and watch collecting.