A pre-owned Omega Speedmaster on the wrist (photo courtesy Bob’s Watches)

Decoding Omega References: 14 Magic Digits And Codification Tables Revealed – Reprise

Many watch enthusiasts dream of owning at least one timepiece by Omega. And maybe even a second or a third. The Swiss brand definitely ranks among the most popular watch firms ever. To give you an idea of the overwhelming variety in the current Omega watch world, Sabine Zwettler has put together a guideline of references.

A brace of Patel Philippe Reference 5196 Calatravas

Death Of The Dress Watch: Is It Time To Write Its Obituary? – Reprise

As the resident gentleman of Quill & Pad, Martin Green feels that the time is soon approaching to write an obituary announcing the death of the dress watch. He thinks that its passing is coming and it’s not an isolated event, but it still hurts.

Piaget Upstream

Piaget Upstream: Why I Chose The Underdog

At a local used watch dealer, Martin Green came across the Piaget Upstream and a lightning bolt struck! He had found the upscale, stainless steel sports watch he had been looking for. So what’s its story?

Light, subject, composition, camera: Romain Gauthier Logical One as captured with the Hasselblad X1D

Why I Bought It: Romain Gauthier Logical One – Reprise

GaryG was sitting at his breakfast table on the morning of January 18, 2013, when during his morning scan of news he saw a photo of something breathtaking. It was Logical One by Romain Gauthier – a watch he immediately knew that he would own someday. He was captivated by the white gold version with frosted gold movement: this was “the one” for him.

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

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!

Viceroy watch winder by Wolf

Taking A Closer Look At The Wolf Viceroy Watch Winder (Spoiler Alert: Key Word Is “Enticing”)

George Cramer was so impressed by a photo of a Wolf watch winder in a magazine that within minutes he was browsing online through the company’s complete collection of winders. He found the large number of watch winders and other watch-related products like cases impressive. So impressive that he asked to review one.

The author’s Ludovic Ballouard Upside Down in platinum with blue dial

Why I Bought It: Ludovic Ballouard Upside Down (Archive)

Is it possible to make a watch providing a novel and entertaining display of time that is wearable in a variety of settings and will be respected years from now? GaryG believes that he owns such a piece: the Upside Down made by independent watchmaker Ludovic Ballouard.

ETA 2892

It’s A Date! Taking A Closer Look At The Most Popular Complication Of Them All: The Calendar

Date windows on wristwatches can be a touchy subject. Many feel they are downright ugly and destroy the look of a good watch, while others swear by them as the most useful and affordable complication. Whatever camp you may be in, the date function can be the cause of considerable grief, particularly the rapid set mechanism.

The author’s customized Tsunami by Hajime Asaoka

Why I Bought It: Hajime Asaoka Tsunami

This is the story of a daily-wear watch: the Tsunami by Japanese independent watchmaker Hajime Asaoka. It’s not a “beater” as it’s too beautifully made for that description, and some folks justifiably take offense at characterizing a five-figure expenditure in those terms. But it is a watch that GaryG suspects that he will be wearing a lot and in a variety of settings.

Unmistakable style: Haldimann H1 Flying Central Tourbillon

Behind The Lens: Beat Haldimann’s H1 Flying Central Tourbillon (Archive)

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 sets him or her apart. And, at the highest level, this style goes beyond “branding” to become an expression of the personality and artistic vision of the creator. In the picturesque Swiss town of Thun, 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.