The Grönefeld 1941 Remontoire, introduced at Baselworld 2016, is the next step in the ongoing evolution of the Grönefeld brothers’ burgeoning dynasty. The watch’s concept revolves around a key feature, the remontoire, which also references the church clock. Read on to find out why.
Contemporary watchmaking has been making waves in the generally calm waters of traditional watchmaking for nearly two decades and has radically changed perceptions as to what haute horlogerie might be. But watching the superb Netflix series ‘Chef’s Table ‘ and contemporary haute cuisine, I can’t help but wonder if the pioneers and leaders of contemporary watchmaking are doing enough.
They say that money doesn’t grow on trees, but during a visit to Christophe Claret I discovered what appears to be the secret to the company’s manufacturing process: regular pruning. What story do you think explains the horological fruit that this tree bears? Please leave your suggestions in the comments.
Independence Day in the United States of America is celebrated on the 4th of July. In honor of this important day, I’d like to take a look at some American-themed wristwatches you may have forgotten or never even knew about. These timepieces proudly wear their red, white, and blue!
London-based watch and jewelry auctioneer Watches of Knightsbridge, a family business with more than 50 years of experience in trading, hosted its summer auction on July 2, 2016. It included more than 500 lots from major players such as Patek Philippe, Rolex, Omega, Heuer, and Breitling and there were some very affordable estimates on offer. Check out 12 of my favorite wristshots from the auction.
Have you ever realized that some people just don’t get jokes? When during Baselworld 2016 Hautlence released something unusual called Labyrinth, I knew things were about to get fun. And fun they got!
Given my recent musings on these pages about the relative roles of rarity and complication in driving the value of a watch, it seems appropriate to dedicate this “Behind the Lens” entry to a piece that is both complicated and limited in production: Patek Philippe’s Reference 5950A. What’s so special about this watch? Well, first of all it’s a split-seconds chronograph. What else?
A watch brand adding writing instruments to its repertoire is not breaking news, but it is notable when a company focuses the same amount of attention and care on its pens as it does on its watches. Such was the case when almost ten years ago now, Blancpain engaged Canadian pen designer and maker Grayson Tighe to produce its writing instruments.
To say that I was excited when I received the news that HYT had hooked up with Axl Rose is an understatement. For me, this news just clicked beautifully into place in my head: HYT with its rock-and-roll attitude and Axl Rose, the at times controversial front man of Guns ‘N’ Roses and now AC/DC. Hell yeah, this makes sense! Let me tell you why.
When Cartier introduced the Drive de Cartier at SIHH 2016, I did not expect to find a new addition to the Ballon Bleu family in one of the brand’s signature red and gold boxes. Especially not a Ballon Bleu with moon phase. In Cartier’s rich history, the moon phase has been largely and conspicuously absent. Why?