Lange 1 in stainless steel with black face

Here’s Why: Stainless Steel Is The Most Precious Metal – Reprise

In the world of watches, especially with regards to collecting, rarity is a large factor contributing to the cost of a luxury timepiece. The reason is because rarity is almost always an implied condition that seems beyond control (as if it just happens). In this article Joshua Munchow explains why he thinks that out of all the metals, especially the white metals like platinum and white gold, stainless steel is absolutely the most precious metal.

Rolex Submariner Reference 1680 from 1978

The Superficial Value In Refinishing/Refurbishing Rolexes: A Watchmaker’s Rant

A common question in watch servicing/restoration is, “Who does the ‘best’ work?” In a word (or three), what is meant here is superficial case refinishing. And in other words: huge chamfers on Rolex cases, perfectly flat surfaces, and well executed sunburst patterns. And that’s got Aston Tracy ranting. Find out why here!

Hublot rainbow

Here’s Why: A Watch Strap Is More Than Just An Accessory – Reprise

A watch strap is the ubiquitous “accessory” to a wristwatch that can completely change a person’s feeling about said timepiece. A strap is the single most functional component on a wristwatch that you interact with. Joshua Munchow takes a close look.

H. Moser Endeavour Centre Seconds Blue Lagoon

Baselworld 2019 Round Table: What We Liked And What We Didn’t Like At The World’s Largest Watch Fair (Warning: Modem-Burning Photofest!)

Please join our traditional Quill & Pad round table discussion on Baselworld 2019, where we discuss what we did and didn’t like at the world’s largest annual watch exhibition.

Hublot rainbow

Parting Thoughts (All 23 Of Them) From Baselworld 2019

Elizabeth Doerr arrived home exhausted from the extravaganza that was Baselworld 2019, but was still running on enough residual adrenaline to get a few words out and jotted them down. Here are a few of her thoughts from the fair while they are still fresh.

Tutima Tempostopp

Here’s Why: The Chronograph Is The New Tourbillon – Reprise

Based on the most popular releases of 2017, it is possible that the almighty tourbillon may about to be usurped by something new and rather old at the same time: the chronograph. In this installment of Joshua Munchow’s “Here’s Why” series, he explores why the chronograph is the new tourbillon.

Mido IBA Guggenheim

‘Arm’s Length Architecture’: Building Blocks To Watchmaking As Exemplified By Some Of Today’s Wristwatches Including Urwerk, Nomos, Mido And Girard-Perregaux

SIHH 2019 provided an instructive example to Tim Mosso of architecture’s low-key role in watch design relative to well-worn tropes. For him it was the third year in a row that parts of Geneva’s Palexpo felt like a Southern California cars-and-coffee event. But there are a few watch brands that do architecture well, and Tim takes a closer look at some of them here.

TAG Heuer Monaco Gulf 50th Anniversary Limited Edition on the wrist

Can We Still Take Limited Editions Seriously, Or Is That Already A Rhetorical Question? – Reprise

Limited editions used to be a rarity, but they started to become more popular in late 1980s and early 1990s, almost like a snowball rolling down a hill that gets bigger and bigger. Martin Green wonders if we can still take LEs seriously.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with blue Tapisserie dial

Trends: Not All Watches Are Created Equal – Reprise

Trends rule a larger part of our lives than many of us wish to admit. Sometimes we follow trends consciously, but often we are subconsciously influenced in the choices we make. All brands perform a delicate tightrope walk, but they differ in how successful they are. Let’s take a look at how trends affect or don’t affect now-iconic timepieces.

Two tone Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph chronogragh

For The Love Of Two-Tone Watches – Reprise

A discussion with fellow collectors that is bound to elicit interesting responses is two-tone watches. People tend to either love them or hate them. The lovers consider them the perfect mix between a sporty looking watch and a dress watch. People who don’t care for them may think of them as a weak compromise at best. What do you think?