As the new millennium dawned on the watch world, and with it an unprecedented interest in mechanical timepieces, re-editions of past timepieces wiggled their ways back into Jaeger-LeCoultre’s collection, providing flares of nostalgia along with a bit more diversity. One such timepiece is the Geophysic 1958. Let me tell you a bit about it.
Hermès, whose 177-year-old roots are in saddles and harnesses, has “grown up” to become a multifaceted luxury brand whose oeuvre today includes leather goods, fragrances, serious watches . . . and now the new Nautilus pen collection, which was designed by Marc Newson in conjunction with Pierre-Alexis Dumas.
Man’s journey through life has been millennia in the making, and it all started on those two little appendages at the bottom of our legs called feet. Now, thanks to some very passionate people over at Romain Jerome and the inspiration from the newest form of transportation – the spaceship – we have the appropriately called Spacecraft.
I am a big fan of MB&F’s crazy Horological Machines and think that they make world of watchmaking much, much richer. Despite that, I have had a hard time imagining one on my own average-sized, conservative wrist. Whereas previous Horological Machines have been high-tech, miniaturized machines, the curved case and eye-like domes make HM6 feel organic and corporeal. . . a nice, friendly and (despite the titanium case) soft animal begging to be touched.
In this final round table discussion, my Quill & Pad colleagues Ian, Joshua, Gary and I discuss the amazing night that was. I am glad to talk about this incredible event and provide a few behind-the-scenes insights. Being on the jury for the third time in a row this year, I knew what to expect and could relax enough to enjoy the discussions and preparations.
Marc Jenni is a watchmaker. But more than that, this profession is also his vocation and he takes pride in being able to continue his family’s tradition. If you are visiting SalonQP on the weekend, it will be your last opportunity to see the Marc Jenni brand name on a dial, though. Jenni has lost his name to a larger, more powerful Swiss brand and must cease using it on dials from January 1 onward.
There were new models launched in Hong Kong at the second edition of Watches & Wonders from Jaeger-LeCoultre, Richard Mille, Vacheron Constantin, A. Lange & Söhne, Montblanc, Audemars Piguet, IWC, Roger Dubuis, and Panerai.
Now we get to the real nitty-gritty at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.: the Aiguille d’Or. There are no ifs, and or buts any more, just a decision on which of the 72 pre-selected watches is the best overall timepiece of the year. It is the most prestigious of the awards given.
Which could be our panel’s favorite to win? The Margot by Christophe Claret? Urwerk EMC? Perhaps the De Bethune DB29 Maxichrono Tourbillon? Or will it be something else entirely?
Christie’s is holding an auction on November 9 called the Patek Philippe 100. One watch is lot number 65, a Reference 2508 Calatrava. What makes this particular time-only Patek Philippe so special? Is it its condition? Its provenance? Its perfect dial and case? Its rare hands? Or perhaps all of the above?
The Petite Aiguille category is for watches under 8,000 Swiss francs (approx $8,500). The contenders are Bell & Ross BR03-92 Ceramic Black Matte, Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Chrono, Montblanc Meisterstück Heritage Moonphase, Seiko Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36,000 GMT, TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 1887 Chronographe “Racing,” and the Zenith El Primero Synopsis.