Collecting and Patronage: Two Unique Watches from Independent Watchmaker Christian Klings

GaryG had the good fortune to photograph two sensational unique timepieces from independent German watchmaker Christian Klings.

Why I Bought It: A. Lange & Söhne Odysseus – A Photofest!

If you’re at all a Lange enthusiast like GaryG, you’ll likely understand the most compelling reason for buying the Odysseus is that it’s an A. Lange & Söhne watch you can wear every day.

Big Fish: Behind the Lens with Unique and Rare Salmon-Dialed Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendars

GaryG enjoyed the opportunity to check out three of his friends’ rare Patek Philippe pieces, all with salmon-colored dials: Reference 5059G-018 and Reference 3940G-029 perpetual calendars from Patek Philippe’s Vintage Collection and a unique piece Reference 5270G. He shares his thoughts and stunning photos with us here.

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

Selling Watches to Buy Watches: One Collector’s Story

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.

Unlikely to inflict pain: A. Lange & Söhne’s Datograph

Living Beyond Your Means as a Collector: How to Avoid Getting Hurt

When collectors gather anywhere and talk about their collections, recent purchases, and executed or potential sales, there’s a term that comes up more often than not: “getting hurt.” Here GaryG provides a masterclass in how not to get hurt in the world of watch collecting.

Why I Bought It: A Bulova Like Mobster Bugsy Siegel

Watch collector Quentin R. Bufogle was determined to add a piece to his collection harking back to those dust-strewn days of early Las Vegas, a time when the occasional tumbleweed still ambled along what would one day become the famous Las Vegas Strip. And he found it in a 1946 Bulova Aviator B. Here’s how and why.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore T3 Chronograph

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore T3 Chronograph: The One That Got Away

We’ve all got our “fishing” stories regarding “the one that got away.” John Keil’s involves an Audemars Piguet that arguably started the Limited Edition Offshore craze and starred in a movie to boot: the Royal Oak Offshore T3.

Yes, You Must Pay Duties and Taxes on Your Personal Watches When Traveling, But Here’s How to Avoid the Worst

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.

WatchCharts May 2024 Watch Market Update: Rolex Secondary Prices Still Declining

With Watches & Wonders and the associated speculation around discontinuations and new releases firmly in the rearview mirror, the secondary watch market in April 2024 has continued to follow the longer term trend of decline. In this report, we summarize the high level trends from last month, give an update on the Rolex Pepsi, and cover some of the best and worst performing collections in April.

10 Watches Under $500 – and Some Under $200 – That I Love

While we tend to focus on the upper end of the watch market on Quill & Pad, the vast majority of collectors have much more limited disposable income to satiate their desires. However, as American college student and founder of the Campus Watch Chronicle blog, Sam Loiterstein explains here, there are a plethora of great options available for less than $250. Here are 10 of his favorites.