My colleague Derek Weinberg shared his views on Quill & Pad recently regarding the way he sees things in the modern watch industry (spoiler alert: he is deeply saddened). Joshua once held similar beliefs, however today he sees things differently.
As Martin Green became ever more impressed by the performance of the Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement, he also found himself ever-enamored by its little quirks and the variety of watches it has been tapped to power. Here he outlines the history of a classic automatic movement.
In the society we live in, a society of technology-driven mass production and digital revolution, Derek Weinberg reflects on how a mechanical timepiece has evolved from a functional object serving as a faithful companion in a busy life to a collectible object satisfying its owner from behind a pane of glass.
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.
The political scene in Germany currently shares a number of issues with other countries around the world, including the rise of the extreme right. Without going into the politics, Elizabeth Doerr highlights this particular interview with Nomos Glashütte managing director Judith Borowski because she feels it is incredibly courageous for a manufacturer to clearly state a definitive side and speak out on what it thinks is right (and wrong), despite the fact that might cause a few potential customers to look elsewhere for their watches.
Anyone who visits online watch forums with any frequency very likely comes across at least a few heated discussions of “finishing,” a topic that seems to fascinate, and divide, enthusiasts. What is it and why are opinions divided?
As Nick Gould highlighted in his previous article, the first time Steve McQueen was seen wearing a Rolex Submariner was during the 12 Hours of Sebring Race in 1970, a Reference 5512. Through more photographic research, Nick came across some very clear pictures of McQueen wearing a 5513 Submariner only from 1977 to 1979, which he shares here, proving his theory that McQueen did not give Loren Janes the Rolex Submariner Reference 5513 to be auctioned this December off his wrist, but rather a brand-new one.
When someone says “I’m no prude,” it is pretty easy to imagine what typically comes next: a prudish commentary on some aspect of modern society or youth culture. I like sex. There we go! To the point and leaves no doubt as to intent, I’d say. That said, I typically try to keep my interests in sex and watches somewhat distinct. But does the watch industry at large?
Martin Green has a confession: he has never understood why somebody would buy a watch from an esteemed brand and then have it “customized.” However, when it comes to companies customizing watches, the Bamford Watch Department is in a league of its own. How and why did LVMH join forces with it? And how does Martin feel about this team-up?
The retrograde indication is one of Joshua Munchow’s favorite “Because We Can” (BWC) complications: gears are an amazing invention and have allowed watchmakers to make incredible creations, leaving a multitude of openings for creativity. Joshua looks at some great retrogrades here and explains why he likes this display.