After showing high complications such as minute repeaters and tourbillons at the SIHH for the past decade, 2019 saw the release of Cartier’s oldest men’s model in a surprisingly new and simple version that became the talk of the trade show. It is also quartz-powered. George Cramer explains why.
As a great many watch lovers know, straps and bracelets have the ability to make or break a watch. While many might find the “vintage” appearance of mesh too delicate for today’s watches, for me mesh remains one of the most beautiful ways to dress up a watch, whether new or old. So what’s the attraction?
To celebrate Jaquet Droz’s 280th anniversary, the brand wanted something very special: the unique piece Parrot Repeater Pocket Watch features miniature painting, oven-fired enamel painting, hand-engraving, bas relief engraving, paillonné, and gem setting. Every visible surface has been lovingly attended to in a rich pallet of arts and crafts. Job done!
The mechanical watch works just like a metronome, with its isochronic balance maintaining a steady rhythm and the delicate tick-tock of its pallet jewels providing a rhythmic beat to our oft-frantic lives. If we ramp up the power and swap the metronome for a drum kit and a few electric guitars we have rock and roll! But which watches do rock-and-roll icons wear?
In recent years there has been a push in the USA for the comeback of goods made in the United States. This has inspired artisans of all trades, including watchmakers, to seek the limelight by labeling their creations with the proud “Made in America” predicate. But what does this label really mean?
There was a time when the words “Penfolds champagnes” would have sent the Champenois into a frenzy far frothier than any of their fizz. No wine region on the planet has been more vigilant than Champagne in protecting its name (and reputation). Ken Gargett explains how the big Aussie wine producer pulled off the trick of making genuine French champagne and if it’s more than hype and bubbles.
Like explaining Dada without images or relating a dream, profiling De Bethune’s signature watch is a challenge – where does one start with a subject so alien? Tim Mosso not only makes a great start, he takes us through every detail of the flagship timepiece of this ultra-creative independent boutique brand.
If you have followed Joshua Munchow’s writing over the last five years, you will know that he genuinely loves the moon phase complication. Here he looks at the most accurate moon phase watches in existence. And their precision is out of this world!
Get ready to be blown away by the incredible Chopard L.U.C Full Strike, the brand’s first minute repeater featuring a pair of sapphire crystal gongs! Machined from a solid block of sapphire crystal, they are one piece with the front sapphire crystal. Holy smokes! Let’s just dive right in.
The upcoming twenty-fifth James Bond film will see Daniel Craig reprise his role as 007 for the final time. As shooting has commenced in Jamaica, set photos have emerged showing Craig wearing an unidentified Omega Seamaster. Master spotter Nick Gould takes a crack at what it could be.