Deployant
Top picks: Six novelties that piqued our interest this year
In today's Top Picks, we look back a the novelties released in 2022, and take note of six of those which piqued our interest.
Results for WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Educational Program)
40,046 articles · 235 videos found · page 803 of 1343
Deployant
Revolution
Zooming in with Ben Dunn from Watch Brothers London on Grail Watch 2
Watch Brothers London is not merely a retail platform for pre-owned watches of the highest quality but an outlet for founder Ben to share his passion. His vision is to build a community around this shared passion and the collective knowledge of the world of watches through reference quality articles and guides. It was through […]
Time+Tide
Platinum status: The psychological reason why we think heavy watches are more valuable
Platinum is the acceptable form of heavy metal. The reason for this isn’t just down to the lack of spandex trousers and apocalyptic imagery. It’s simply hard not to be seduced by a platinum watch. Here is the ultimate stealth-wealth material that visually offers the discretion of stainless-steel. And yet pick up a watch like … ContinuedThe post Platinum status: The psychological reason why we think heavy watches are more valuable appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Revolution
Zooming in with Silas Walton from A Collected Man on Grail Watch 2
Silas Walton, founder and CEO of A Collected Man, is a market mover and tastemaker who has always had a keen sense for watches that are timeless, very often before most people realise the perennial qualities those watches possess. He was one of the early few that identified the inherent value of Franck Muller chronographs […]
SJX Watches
Habring2 Introduces the Doppel 38
Habring² has scaled down its signature split-seconds chronograph to create the Doppel 38, which retains all of the key features of the original but in a more compact case. Still having the “bullhead” pusher layout that characterises the split-seconds chronographs of Habring², the Doppel 38 is smaller and thinner than its predecessor, but continues to be powered by the proprietary hand-wound A11R calibre. Initial thoughts Long one of the best values in terms of sub-US$10,000 chronographs, the Doppel is perhaps the archetypal Habring² watch since it’s descended from the complication Mr Habring invented at IWC three decades ago. Now vastly improved and refined by Mr Habring, the Doppel possibly the most accessible split-seconds chronograph on the market – in itself a major point of appeal. But the original Doppel was 42 mm, not massive but large enough to make someone who prefers smaller watches think twice. Personally I thought the larger Doppel was sized well for its particular type of complication, but the Doppel 38 is unexpectedly compact, especially at just 11.5 mm high. Beyond making it more wearable for more people, the new dimensions will no doubt give the Doppel 38 a slightly more retro feel, although the dial styles on offer are thoroughly modern. And it remains affordable as such things go, with a retail price of about US$7,900 before taxes. A value-proposition split-seconds Like many of the recent watches from the brand, the Doppel 38 is simple in sty...
SJX Watches
Highlights: Independent Watchmaking at Phillips Hong Kong Auction
With the curtain having just come down on the Geneva sale season, auction houses are migrating to Hong Kong for the second half of the autumn auctions. Going on the block at Phillips’ The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV are 270 lots that encompass heavy-hitters and “hype” watches, but as usual we’ll take a look instead at a few interesting watches, starting with a selection of independent watchmaking. We round up nine notable creations from the independents, mainly time-only watches with high-quality construction and unique design, such as a Voutilainen Vingt-8 with a skeletonised dial and the Ludovic Ballouard Upside Down. The auction takes place on November 28 (lots 801-938) and November 29 (lots 939-1070). The full catalogue and sale registration can be accessed on Phillips.com. Lot 829: Roger Dubuis Hommage H37 A modern-day chronometer heavily inspired by traditional watchmaker – the aesthetics are a practically a revival of styling from the good old days – the Hommage H37 is an easy watch to like. Living up to its name, the Hommage pays tribute to classical gentlemen’s watches. It’s a three-hander in a classically-sized 37 mm case that contains a Lemania-based self-winding movement certified as a chronometer by the Besançon Observatory. The Hommage case was modelled on the Patek Philippe ref. 1463 “Tasti Tondi” chrongraph, though the resemblance is less obvious on the time-only model. But the simple lines are undeniably appealing despite their sim...
Time+Tide
My top five picks from the Ineichen Complications auction
The auctions at Ineichen never disappoint and, on December 3, that track record continues. Because on that day, at 2pm CET, bidding will begin for their Complications: Dates & Calendars auction. Fifty lots of some of the most complicated and beautiful watches from storied brands like Vacheron Constantin, Breguet and JLC. So much complicated goodness that … ContinuedThe post My top five picks from the Ineichen Complications auction appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Revolution
Talking Grail Watch 2 at Franck Muller Watchland Part 3
Wei speaks to both CEO Nicholas Rudaz and Head of Design, Jean-Loup Glénat about the third piece for Grail Watch 2: Franck Muller’s ingenious double-sided split-seconds chronograph. We are immensely proud to have partnered with Franck Muller to revive these iconic chronographs to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the brand!
SJX Watches
Patek Philippe Introduces the Jewelled Ref. 5271 with Sapphires or Rubies
Patek Philippe has introduced two variants of its classic paired complication: the Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5271/11P and Ref. 5271/12P are set with blue sapphires and rubies respectively, with each having a graduated finish dial in a matching colour. Both new references retain the look and feel of the ref. 5270 but certainly pack a punch with their flamboyant jewelled cases. The first serially-produced gem-set variants of the reference in 11 years, the new pair joins the existing diamond-set ref. 5271P as the bling versions of Patek Philippe’s archetypal complication. Initial thoughts Much of the excitement over new releases from Patek Philippe tend to be centred on its sports watches nowadays but that’s not all that the brand has been doing. At Watches & Wonders in March, the brand launched a new version of the longstanding ref. 5270 that featured a smoked green dial that was widely applauded (no doubt in part due to the current popularity of the colour). But the recent launches left me wondering, what else can Patek Philippe do to up its game beyond its mastery of complications? Well, now we have an answer. In terms of the design, the new ref. 5271s retain the classic layout and distinctive feel of the perpetual calendar chronographs that the brand is known for, but with a few adjustments to the dial that give it a more contemporary feel. And then the coloured gemstones transform a watch that is ordinarily sedate into something over the top. While gem-se...
Time+Tide
The new TAG Heuer Carrera in yellow gold is a gentleman’s racing chrono
When you think of iconic Formula 1 liveries, the John Player Special hues of black and gold gracing Lotus’ cars through the ’70s and ’80s must surely come to mind. While the boosted, turbo monsters like Ayrton Senna’s 98T roared the streets of Monaco, Heuer was the name of the game in terms of wristwear. … ContinuedThe post The new TAG Heuer Carrera in yellow gold is a gentleman’s racing chrono appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Hodinkee
Auctions: Now's Your Chance To Own The Pope's Swatch
Or raid the collections of your favorite Talking Watches alumni. And it's all for charity.
Revolution
Up Close with Grail Watch 2: Franck Muller 30th Anniversary ‘Tribute’ Tri-compax Chronograph
Our very first collaboration with Franck Muller is a revival of three iconic 1990s chronographs; the brainchildren of one of the greatest creative minds to have ever worked in the watch industry. This black dial, three-counter chronograph is powered by the historically significant, NOS Lemania 1874 movement, which has been overhauled, tested and beautifully finished […]
Revolution
Up Close with Grail Watch 2: Franck Muller 30th Anniversary ‘Tribute’ Bi-compax Chronograph
Our very first collaboration with Franck Muller is a revival of three iconic 1990s chronographs; the brainchildren of one of the greatest creative minds to have ever worked in the watch industry. This silver dial, two-counter chronograph is powered by the historically significant, NOS Lemania 1874 movement, which has been overhauled, tested and beautifully finished […]
Revolution
We Collaborate with Franck Muller for the Very First Time for Grail Watch 2!
Grail Watch moves on to Chapter 2 of our ambitious project to bring to life the most extraordinary watches that can be considered grail-worthy. Chapter 2 is called ‘Revival of Past Icons’ and we are extremely privileged to be collaborating with Franck Muller for the very first time to bring back three iconic chronographs from […]
Time+Tide
Enough Birch: The Grand Seiko SLGH019 proves there is far more dial-ground to cover in Evolution 9
Evolution 9 was born to usher in a new era and tier of Grand Seiko watchmaking. It brought forth their most faceted case yet, with the most alternating hairline-brushed and Zaratsu distortion-free, mirror-polished surfaces. There were broader and sportier hands and indices, plus notably next-gen movements like the high-beat 9SA5 calibre. But while we have … ContinuedThe post Enough Birch: The Grand Seiko SLGH019 proves there is far more dial-ground to cover in Evolution 9 appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
SJX Watches
De Bethune Introduces Custom Regulation with the Sensoriel
De Bethune’s latest invention aims to customise the regulation of a mechanical watch to suit the individual owner. Dubbed the Sensoriel Chronometry Project, it takes the form of a electronic wrist instrument that measures the wearer’s activities and environmental conditions over a two week period – gathering two million data points per hour according to the brand. With this voluminous quantity of data, De Bethune will then regulate a DB28GS Grand Bleu sports watch specifically for the particular owner, optimising timekeeping based on the wearer’s activities. [Updated to include response from Denis Flageollet.] Initial thoughts On paper the Sensoriel is interesting and impressive, but on reflection it raises several questions. For one, the two million data points recorded per hour – for a two-week period – results in an extraordinary amount of information on the wearer’s activities. Can any mechanical watch be regulated to a fine enough resolution that makes even a fraction of that data useful? My knowledge of watchmaking is certainly inexpert but I am sceptical. Mr Flageollet points out De Bethune utilises an algorithm to process the data and sieve out the “elements specific to the wearer, in a way to bring out a specific chronometric DNA for each wearer”, allowing the watch to be regulated according to a smaller number of data points. The second salient point is more philosophical. Historically the pursuit of chronometry meant good timekeeping regardless...
Time+Tide
MICRO MONDAYS: The Varon Chiri Blazer is a dressy everyday watch for a remarkable price
It’s no secret that microbrands can often provide incredible watches for the money, but that doesn’t mean that they can get away with putting no effort in. Slapping together a list of specifications at a low price point might seem like the key to Kickstarter success, but it takes a lot of planning, intuition, and … ContinuedThe post MICRO MONDAYS: The Varon Chiri Blazer is a dressy everyday watch for a remarkable price appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Quill & Pad
Corum Golden Bridge Table Clock: A Macro Mechanical Sculpture Right In Your Living Room
The Corum Golden Bridge Table Clock isn’t just loosely inspired by the Corum Golden Bridge, it is made to be a nearly perfect replica of the watch at the scale of a table, and even doubling as a coffee table!
Quill & Pad
Behind The Lens: The Ultra-Rare Patek Philippe Reference 5070J-013 - Reprise
As most folks who follow Patek Philippe are aware, the brand has long been in the habit of making unique watches for special customers, including in recent times entertainment luminaries such as Eric Clapton and Michael Ovitz. It was not until 2015, however, that Patek Philippe publicly issued a number of small editions of previously discontinued references, each in previously unmade metal/dial combinations. This Patek Philippe Reference 5070J-013 is one of those ultra-rare birds. And GaryG wonders if it might bring yellow gold back into fashion single-handedly.
Time+Tide
INTRODUCING: The Ball Engineer M Skindiver III Beyond combines slick looks with rugged swagger
As a brand of both honoured heritage and cutting-edge design, we’re quite used to seeing a mix of looks from Ball. Generally, they have a sharp and sophisticated look, giving the impression that their watches could survive a year in the wilderness but still make it to dinner reservations in a respectable form. The latest … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Ball Engineer M Skindiver III Beyond combines slick looks with rugged swagger appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Quill & Pad
Jacob & Co. Opera Godfather 50th Anniversary: An Offer You Can’t Refuse?
Jacob & Co. went to Sicily for the launch of its latest opulent opus, the Opera Godfather 50th Anniversary, which features a rotating movement, triple-axis flying tourbillon, and double-cylinder music box playing the 120 notes of the theme song of 'The Godfather.'
SJX Watches
Editorial: The Geneva Auction Season, November 2022
A much-anticipated series of auctions just concluded in Geneva, the first sale season to take place after financial markets started to crack in mid 2022. All the major auction houses – Christie’s, Phillips, and Sotheby’s – staged sales in the Swiss city, and almost everyone who was anyone turned up (or took part by phone or online). The season’s top performer by the numbers was Christie’s, which sold CHF55.5 million of watches, fees included, largely thanks to the collection of former Ferrari Formula 1 chief Jean Todt. It displaced the traditional number one, Phillips, which sold CHF45.0 million. The Phillips auction at La Reserve. Image – Phillips A few takeaways are immediately apparent in the results. One was widely expected: “hype” watches have come off their highs, often by a third or more. Including obvious candidates like sports watches, namely the Nautilus, Royal Oak, and Overseas, but also brands that enjoyed massive run-ups in value during the pandemic like F.P. Journe. Values are still up from the pre-pandemic lows, but if prices overcorrected on the way up, then it is likely they will do so on the way down. Sotheby’s, for instance, had several dozen examples of various Nautilus and Royal Oak models in its sale, mostly with estimates close to peak values from late 2021. As a result, a third of the watches went unsold. The dip in values was also evident with F.P. Journe, certainly not a “hype” brand but one that enjoy a stellar run during ...
Quill & Pad
The Greatest Watch (Bracelet) Story Ever Told. Spoiler Alert: Lange Datograph Lumen Upgrade, What Could Possibly Go Wrong? - Reprise
CB thought it was a great idea to add a legendary platinum bracelet to his A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Lumen. At first it looked like it would be easy, but then there were a few unforeseen "issues." GaryG tells the up-and-down story of one man's search (and willingness to fight) for his dream grail.
Time+Tide
MB&F; Sequential EVO takes home the “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix prize at 2022 GPHG Awards
Editor’s Note: Yesterday, the 2022 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) was held. For those who don’t know, it is basically the Oscars of watchmaking. But while there are many prizes to win, one stands above the rest: the “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix prize. And this year’s winner is the MB&F;, Legacy Machine Sequential EVO. So … ContinuedThe post MB&F; Sequential EVO takes home the “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix prize at 2022 GPHG Awards appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Teddy Baldassarre
Best Forums for Watch Enthusiasts
For watch enthusiasts and collectors, nothing beats discussing the world of timepieces with like-minded folks who share their horological passion. Opportunities to engage in such sessions in person, however, can often be difficult to arrange in our modern, increasingly overscheduled lives. This is where online watch forums come in handy, offering platforms for watch nerds all over the world to connect - whether they want to share opinions on the latest models or industry news, delve deep into a specific brand, ask a question about a vintage model, find expert advice on a repair or refurbishing, or buy, sell, and trade watches. Here we’ve compiled a list of the best online watch forums in several categories. Brand Specific rolexforums.com "The Internet's Finest Rolex Community," where members worldwide can post photos, communicate privately, and gain access to classified ads. omegaforums.net Omega fans discuss vintage and modern models, buy and sell watches, and seek advice on all manner of enthusiast topics. seikoforum.com A community for fans of Japan's most storied watchmaker, with threads on watches, clocks, and all of Seiko's subsidiary brands including Credor. enicarforums.com Proving a historic but under-the-radar brand can still inspire passion, this forum welcomes Enicar owners to buy, sell, post and discuss. tapatalk.com/groups/vintagerolexforum This site is dedicated to vintage Rolex watches and those who refurbish them, with tons of member-generated con...
Time+Tide
INTRODUCING: The Hamilton Ventura L 14K Gold Limited Edition
If we’re being honest, most watch brands wouldn’t get away with releasing a watch like the Ventura today. It’s unashamedly weird, full of retro-futuristic quirks that wouldn’t look out of place on the wrist of George Jetson, and most of the references carry a taboo quartz movement. But Hamilton are not most brands. Although the … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Hamilton Ventura L 14K Gold Limited Edition appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
SJX Watches
Grand Seiko Introduces the Hand-Wind Spring Drive “Asaborake” SBGY011
Having launched several elegant and concise time-only watches this year, Grand Seiko has unveiled something once again simple but still unusual: the first regular-production, manual-wind Spring Drive 44GS, the Heritage Collection SBGY011 “Asaborake”. The SBGY011 combines two of the best elements of Grand Seiko (GS), namely the hybrid Spring Drive movement and the distinctive 44GS case. While the combination has been seen before, the SBGY011 brings something new to the table because the movement is manual wind, instead of self-winding as most Spring Drive calibres are. Initial thoughts I appreciate the SBGY011 because it retains the key features of the original, namely the 44GS case, silver dial, and hand-wind movement – but reinterpreted to incorporate contemporary elements such as the Spring Drive movement and patterned dial. Combined with the 44GS case, the silver dial gives the SBGY011 an aesthetic that’s close to the vintage 44GS of 1967. In fact, it’s essentially a modern, more technically-capable version of the original, which also contained a hand-wind mechanical movement. In fact, the SBGY011 is only the second hand-wind Spring Drive watch with a 44GS case, and the first and only one that’s not a limited edition. The hand-wind movement matters because the 44GS case is exponentially more attractive when it’s thin; in this case it is only 10.5 mm high. In comparison, a typical automatic Spring Drive is around 13 mm thick. Notably, despite being a regul...
Time+Tide
INTRODUCING: The Minase 7 Windows Hakose Urushi collection
For me, Minase are one of the few brands who can beat Grand Seiko in their level of artful dials, finishing quality and ingenuity. In addition, their originality extends to their case design as well. Add in their reasonably low prices, and this Japanese brand is probably one of the best value options out there … ContinuedThe post INTRODUCING: The Minase 7 Windows Hakose Urushi collection appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Teddy Baldassarre
100 Best Instagram Accounts for Watch Enthusiasts
There is tons of content on Instagram for watch enthusiasts - almost too much of it, some might argue. But how do you know you’re getting what you’re looking for as you scroll down your feed? For that matter, which of the many dozens of accounts devoted to engaging the #watchcommunity should you be following based on your own interests and favorites? After asking our audience for their favorite watch-related accounts, we’ve compiled the 100 best Instagram pages for watch lovers, divided into categories. There’s something here for everyone, whether you’re seeking out celebrity wrist shots, rare vintage pieces, specific brands in the spotlight, cheeky watch-world memes, or just really eye-catching watch-lifestyle photography. Affordables @affordablewristtime A showcase of watches under $1,000, linked to a review website. @practicalwatch Spotlighting watches with a price ceiling of $1,500. Brand Specific @billiosophy A Hong Kong watch collector shows off his collection, mostly German pieces, heavy on A. Lange & Söhne. @rolexaholics Just what you'd expect: a plethora of Rolexes from a variety of collections. @gshock626.socal Despite the handle, this page is all about showing Seiko. @creatingcartier A member of the Cartier family shares stories of watches and jewelry. @lapinist_watchrestoration Watch restorer of Grand Seiko cases and movements shows his work @rolex_lover Rolex photos and wrist rolls, updated daily. Celebrity Watches @insaneluxurylife Cel...
Time+Tide
Grand Seiko debuts the manually wound Spring Drive SBGY011 in a 44GS case
Grand Seiko is known for their colorful and textured dials born from natural muses. The Japanese philosophy of translating their surrounding nature into their craft has long distinguished their creations but, in regard to the Grand Seiko catalogue, has resulted in an ample menu of dial flavours to choose from. For the watch geek looking … ContinuedThe post Grand Seiko debuts the manually wound Spring Drive SBGY011 in a 44GS case appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.