- Watchesandart - watch blog

FREDERIQUE CONSTANT Vintage Rally, La Carrera Panamericana

2012-02-15T05:34:00.000-08:00

FREDERIQUE CONSTANT Vintage Rally, La Carrera Panamericana

Already a longstanding partner to many vintage and classic car rallies, Frédérique Constant is taking its commitment to an even higher level by sponsoring the legendary Carrera Panamericana. The brand commemorates the 24th race with two renditions of a single timepiece, each limited to 1,888 pieces. Frédérique Constant also takes this opportunity to reveal the new hand-wound FC-435 calibre. The watch comes with a 43 mm polished steel case and a silver-toned dial, engraved with the race name. Distinguishing the two versions are the applied hourmarkers, in steel or pink gold-plated.

Movement	Hand-wound, FC-435 calibre, 17 jewels, 42-hour power reserve, blued screws, bridges with "Côtes de Genève" motif
Functions	Hours, minutes and seconds
Case	Polished stainless steel, 43 mm Domed sapphire crystal and transparent back Water-resistant to 50 m / 5 ATM
Dial	Silver-toned with guilloché "Clous de Paris" motif Applied hourmarkers in steel or pink gold-plated Small seconds at 6 o'clock
Bracelet/Strap	Brown crocodile-pattern calfskin with folding clasp

(Text and photo courtesy of Swisstime)

Metropolitan Art Exchange in Chicago

2012-02-14T16:04:00.000-08:00

Not often does it happen that I blog on art, but this one I cannot miss, of my dear friend in Chicago, who is a wellrespected artdealer in the community.

welcome artists art poetry broadsides books links jewelry art adventures news contact

Salvador Dali (1904-1989)

"SURREALISTIC ANGEL"

"LOVE" by Boris Pjanic

Happy Valentine's Day!

Boris Pjanic's original painting "LOVE" is being offered in honor of the season of love. Please contact us for price:

tel: 312.852.8200 or info@metroartexchange.com

"THIS IS HOW I FELT THE FIRST TIME I MET YOU" by Arica Hilton

Limited edition graphic on paper or canvas (30" x 24")

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

Quick Links

Limited Edition Graphics

Glossary of Definitions

Sculpture

ART ADVENTURES

-Catalan Spain & Mallorca

-Ancient & Modern Turkey

-Himalayan Journey-Ladakh/Zanskar

MORE ABOUT US

How to sell your art

How to buy art

MetArtNews

Metropolitan Art Exchange makes its Debut in Chicago!

Metropolitan Art Exchange, an all encompassing fine arts organization specializing in paintings, limited edition graphics, glass art, sculpture, photography, poetry broadsides, jewelry, antiques, and classic and exotic cars, makes its debut in Chicago at the historic Metropolitan Tower across the street from the Art Institute on Michigan Avenue.

With over 25 years experience in the art industry, we work with an international database of artists, photographers, private collectors, galleries, dealers, publishers and jewelry designers. We also work with collectors to help them acquire or sell parts or entire collections privately and safely. Contact us today to help you sell your art.

In addition to the visual and literary arts, we offer fine art adventures that are meant to expand the experience base of our collectors and artists by offering comprehensive journeys unlike any you have or will experience. This year we have two trips planned. One to Catalan Spain (Barcelona & Mallorca) and the second, to Ancient and Modern Turkey. These journeys will be hosted by artists, architects, poets, writers and experts in the arts and history of the regions.

Located in the heart of the museum district of Chicago, the Metropolitan Art Exchange offices are across the street from the Art Institute of Chicago, Grant Park and two blocks from Millennium Park. By appointment only.

Tel: +1.312.852.8200 or email: info@metroartexchange.com

1951 Ferrari 212E by Scott Jacobs

Scott Jacobs' work is remarkable for its photo realistic excellence. Depending on the size, each of Scott's paintings usually takes more than one hundred hours to complete. Much of the work is done with a brush that is so small, it is like using a pencil point. He has found this to be the only way to render the necessary detail which allows the work to earn the title "Photo-Realistic". Famous for painting sportscars and Harley-Davidson's, Scott Jacobs has chosen this rare 1951 Ferrari 212E as his latest subject.

HISTORY:

Ferrari's early commercial success started with the 166 and, from 1951 onwards, relied on the 212 for continued prosperity. While the factory focused on their larger 340 America for overall wins, the 212 was put in the hands of wealthy clients and spread the Ferrari name abroad.

Being a dual purpose car, the 212 was built in two distinct states of tune. For the serious enthusiasts, 27 examples called the Export model were built for racing in the GT and sports classes. These cars featured a large fuel tank and radical carburetion that sometimes included the thirsty triple setup Weber 32 DCF setup from the 340 America. Power produced by the Export 212 varied from 150 to 170 bhp......click for more information....

FEAR NO ART: THE DINNER PARTY

Elysabeth Alfano, host of Fear No ART, is branching out with a new show and new format. In addition to Fear No ART which will continue to air, The Dinner Party is a monthly show broadcast live on the internet in front of a live audience at the Mayne Stage. Alfano invites 3 creatives (mostly artists, but also entrepreneurs and inventors) to join her for dinner. Each monthly dinner is created by a different celebrity chef. While the chef is preparing the meal (and our cameras capture the culinary art), the 4 diners sip wine and the conversations flow!

Buy tickets to be a part of the audience for the filming of the 1 hour show and then STAY for a sampling of the chef's creation and a continuation of the conversation with Elysabeth and the artists. Don't live in Chicago? Invite your friends over, watch The Dinner Party on FearNoArt.tv and have a dinner party of your own, while tweeting in your questions or comments during the show.

If you miss the live broadcast, snippets will be posted on FearNoArt.tv and youtube later, but wouldn't you rather be a part of it? Tickets go on sale on December 14th for the January 30th show. Details for this multi-sensory show are below. See you at dinner!

Fear No ART

presents

THE DINNER PARTY: the last Monday of every month at Chicago's Mayne Stage Theatre. Click here for more information

VANISHING CULTURES by DENNIS MANARCHY

Over 10 years in the making, Vanishing Cultures is an audacious 20,000-mile mission to capture the uncommon beauty and individuality that defines the American people in a way that has never been done before. The means will be one of the WORLD'S LARGEST FUNCTIONING FILM CAMERAS capable of producing timeless images in microscopic detail not possible in the digital world.

Dennis Manarchy, renowned as one of the world's top photographers and commercial directors, has built by hand a mammoth-sized prototype camera that stands 35 feet long, 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide. It is a fully functioning prototype...and it works in spectacular fashion.

The result will be stadium-sized traveling outdoor exhibitions featuring 24-foot portrait prints in captivating detail, documentaries, educational materials and cultural celebrations....

click here to read the rest of the story and to see the video.

We look forward to an exciting new season of art and adventure with you!

Cheers!

Metropolitan Art Exchange

Happy Valentines Day: FREDERIQUE CONSTANT Black Beauty

2012-02-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

FREDERIQUE CONSTANT Black Beauty

Frédérique Constant presents Black Beauty. This elegant new interpretation in the Heart Beat collection once again lends full significance to the expression, "the movement's beating heart." A hallmark of the brand, two openworked, interlacing hearts in the dial offer a glimpse of the automatic movement. The black mother-of-pearl dial with shimmering blue accents, the diamonds that circle the bezel, and the satin strap add the final touch in reflecting the values and aspirations of women today.

Movement	Automatic, FC-310 calibre, oscillating weight with “Côtes de Genève” motif, sunbrushed bridges, 42-hour power reserve
Functions	Hours, minutes, seconds
Case	Stainless steel, 34 mm Bezel set with 48 TW VS diamonds (0.74 ct) Convex anti-reflective sapphire crystal and transparent back Wate-resistant to 60 m / 6 ATM
Dial	Shimmering black mother-of-pearl "Heart" guilloché in the centre 8 applied TW VS diamond hourmarkers (0.08 ct) Double Heart Beat opening at 12 o'clock
Bracelet/Strap	Black satin with buckle

(Text and photo courtesy of Swisstime)

MAURICE LACROIX Masterpiece Lune Rétrograde

2012-02-14T06:34:00.000-08:00

MAURICE LACROIX Masterpiece Lune Rétrograde

Crafted from steel, the Masterpiece Lune Rétrograde adds to the Masterpiece line with an automatic movement, manufactured entirely in-house. Matching modern styling with authentic expertise, it showcases two complications which are close to the brand's heart: moon phases and retrograde displays. The moon prevails over the royal blue dial at 6 o'clock, where it parades across a black disc in a striking contrast of light and dark that puts the heavens within reach. The date display takes up residence at 10 o'clock in a sweeping retrograde arch, while the power reserve cuts a dash at 2 o'clock. This collection lends itself to dials in slate grey or a combination of silver and gold tones, and bears the hallmark of the finest Swiss watchmaking tradition.

Movement	Automatic, exclusive Maurice Lacroix ML 192 manufacture calibre, 18,000 vib/h, 59 jewels, rhodium-plated, vertical brushed finish, "Grand Colimaçon" decoration, 52-hour power reserve
Functions	Hours, minutes, day, date, moon phases and power-reserve indicator
Case	Satin-brushed and polished stainless steel, 43 mm Domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal Screw-down sapphire crystal back Water-resistant to 50 m / 5 ATM
Dial	Solid 925 silver, deep blue, sunbrushed satin finish Retrograde date at 10 o'clock Moon phases and day at 6 o'clock, power-reserve indicator at 2 o'clock
Bracelet/Strap	Large-scaled black crocodile, black calfskin lining, blue top stitching, steel buckle

(Text and photo courtesy of Swisstime)

Mondani: 100 years Rolex book and Karl Heinz Rummenigge

2012-02-14T05:35:00.000-08:00

I think many people know that the former German soccer stat Karl Heinz Rummenigge loves vintage Rolex. He wrote this as a recommendation for the Editore Mondani book "100 years Rolex".

You can order the book directly from me via the above email. I ship quickly within the German speaking countries. Other countries take longer and you may be better advised to order straight from Editore Mondani if speed is paramount.

This is from Mr. Rummenigge:
It is a great pleasure for me to write the introduction to the book “1908-2008” 100 YEARS OF ROLEX”, realized from the Editor Guido Mondani to celebrate Rolex’s one hundredth anniversary.
Guido Mondani has been an “AC Milan supporter” since he was born, while I am clearly an Inter Milan supporter, as I played 107 matches and scored 42 goals wearing the black and blue jersey.

The level of conflict arising from our interest for two rival football teams can only be equalled by the passion which unites us for another world, that of Rolex watches. I could not in any way compare myself to my friend Guido Mondani, one of the greatest Rolex watch collectors in the world, however I can boast my own rather important collection.

My passion for watches began when I played for Inter, even if my purchases were limited to modern watches from different brands.
Then, as I had the opportunity to read books about Rolex, published by Mondani and written by authors such as Osvaldo Patrizzi, Lele Ravagnani or Guido Mondani himself, I was overwhelmed by this very exciting and involving world. When I am “on the tracks” of a nice rare Rolex watch, I feel the same spur, which I had when I played and looked for the chance to score a goal.
For all my life I have been in the football world, passing from the field to the management sector. Whilst in the case of the world of Rolex, I began from zero.

Thanks to the books by Guido Mondani, and to the expert advice from Lele Ravagnani, I can safely say that I ’ve progressed from an “amateur” almost to a “professional” (using football terms).

I’m a Rolex Submariner and GMT-Master enthusiast and, it is not just by chance that the editions by Mondani already exist for these two types of watches. Now I will be able to fully develop a truly global interest, because with this new edition it is possible to learn everything there is to know about all Rolex models: from the professional ones to the classic Day-Date and so on.

So in which direction will my passion develop and what will be my next purchases? ONLY ONE THING IS CERTAIN: THEY WILL BE ROLEX WATCHES!

KARL-HEINZ RUMMENIGGE (KALLE)

MANUFACTURE RODOLPHE CATTIN Witness One

2012-02-13T04:28:00.000-08:00

MANUFACTURE RODOLPHE CATTIN Witness One

The Manufacture Rodolphe Cattin introduces Witness One, a resolutely singular men’s watch. The openworked Tourbillon movement heights the depth effect created by the gear wheels and the pure mechanics of the movement, already dictated by the absence of a dial. The finely sandblasted surfaces, bevelled and diamond-polished hands, black gold-treated bridges are exactly the kind of finishes that forge the character of MRC timepieces. Finally, the Tourbillon placed at 6 o’clock and marking off the seconds dominates the front, while the three-arm “octopus spring” operating the pull-out piece, click and lever governs the movement visible through the caseback.

Movement	Hand-wound tourbillon Calibre MRC800, 21,600 vph, 19 jewels, lever escapement, skeletonised plate and bridges, 72-hour power reserve
Functions	Hours, minutes and seconds
Case	Steel, 18K white gold or 5N 18K pink gold, 45 mm Cambered anti-reflective sapphire crystal and transparent caseback Water-resistant to 30 m / 3 ATM
Dial	Polished and blued facetted hands Seconds hand on the tourbillon at 6 o’clock
Bracelet/Strap	Black alligator with folding clasp matching the case (Text and photo courtesy of Swisstime)

HARRY WINSTON Histoire de Tourbillon 3

2012-02-12T02:53:00.000-08:00

HARRY WINSTON Histoire de Tourbillon 3

Act 3 in this Histoire de Tourbillon leaves no doubt as to the visionary path taken by this collection, which Harry Winston launched in 2009. Proposed as a 20-piece limited series, Histoire de Tourbillon 3 draws the eye deep into the mesmerising meanders of its perpetually rotating mechanisms, framed by a case in white gold and Zalium®. The dial's three openings are completely independent yet intimately linked. Resplendent at 9 o'clock is the bi-axial double tourbillon whose outer cage makes a complete revolution in 120 seconds whereas the inner cage makes its revolution in 40 seconds. At 6 o'clock, a single-axis tourbillon rotates in 36 seconds. The off-centre hours and minutes are displayed on two rotating discs, while seconds regularly tick by. The third zone is for the power-reserve indicator, on a disc set with sapphires and citrines. An architecture dictated by avant-garde design, set free by time in all its dimensions.

Movement	Hand-wound, 479 parts, circular-grained, polished and microblasted finish, 50-hour power reserve
Functions	Hours, minutes, small seconds, power-reserve indicator
Case	Polished and satin-brushed 18K white gold, 65 x 45.9 mm Satin-brushed Zalium® case middle 5 anti-reflective sapphire crystals 18K white gold and rubber crown Water-resistant to 30 m / 3 ATM
Dial	Black opaline Circular satin-brushed finish on the hour and minute discs Power reserve shown by 11 sapphires and 6 citrines
Bracelet/Strap	Hand-stitched black alligator with polished 18K white gold double buckle (Text and photo courtesy of Swisstime)

Daniel Roth: BULGARI Papillon Voyageur

2012-02-12T02:43:00.004-08:00

BULGARI Papillon Voyageur

The new Daniel Roth Papillon Voyageur is an exclusive Haute Horlogerie timepiece with an essential feature for inveterate travellers: a second time zone. Graduated over 24 hours, the local hour appears in a vertical window at 12 o'clock by means of a jumping display. The second time zone is indicated by a central, openwork hand that sweeps a guilloché disc, also graduated over 24 hours. Minutes are read from the Papillon® mechanism. Positioned in the centre of the dial, it counts the minutes on a bearing disc. Two independent and pivoting lozenge-shaped hands move across two 180° segments in turn. One measures the 60 minutes in the hour while the other counts ten-minute increments. 99-piece limited series.

Movement	Automatic, DR1307 calibre, 11½ lines, 26 jewels, 28,800 vib/h, 45-hour power reserve, bimetallic oscillating weight, "Côtes de Genève" motif, circular-grained finish, chamfered and hand-polished bridges
Functions	Jumping hours, minutes and second time zone over 24 hours
Case	18k pink gold with double ellipse Curved anti-reflective sapphire crystal on both sides Water-resistant to 30 m / 3 ATM
Dial	Split-level, white lacquer on the top, satin-finish black gold on the bottom Jumping hours window at 12 o'clock Second time zone disc over 24 hours in the centre Papillon® mechanism showing 60 one-minute increments and 6 ten-minute increments
Bracelet/Strap	Brown alligator with 18k pink gold folding clasp with triple blade (Text and photo courtesy of Swisstime)

Harry Winston presentation: HdT3

2012-02-11T05:55:00.000-08:00

The most explosive “ highlight “ of these Genevan festivities was not in a hotel, at the GTE or at the SIHH.
It was presented absolutely “ off the record “, directly at the Harry Winston manufactory, located at Plan-Les-Ouates, during the “Histoire de Tourbillon 3” presentation.
It is the blast of this “ Wonder Week “, when creativity seems to be rather idle; this “Histoire de Tourbillon 3” arrives with audacity and comes seamlessly after the outstanding Opus Eleven of Baselworld.

From a mechanical standpoint, it is a synthesis between the inclined Double tourbillon with differential of “Histoire de Tourbillon 1” and the bi-axial flying tourbillon of “Histoire de Tourbillon 2”.
“ Histoire de Tourbillon 3 “ comprises two escapements: one rotary and one single axis, both connected through a differential. If the technical side is an evolution from the previous “ Histoires de Tourbillons “, the outside borrows a lot from the Opus series, by proposing something never before seen in the domain of rotary tourbillon with Grande complication.

A video, without sound, let’s play your favorite music, and enjoy the show:

The layout, the volumes and design in general were intended to highlight the tourbillons.
While the technology of tourbillon exploded throughout the last 10 years, always pushing further the concepts of mobility and tri-dimensional architectures, the exterior designs were never overhauled in order to match these technological feats.
Sometimes, one perceives the typical Helvetian temptation to close the dials, in order to “ cover that regulating organ which I can’t endure to look on” (remember all these classical or tridimensional tourbillons, with dark grey dials screen-printed with an austere light gray “Tourbillon” label).
The logic of the creators of Harry Winston was totally different: instead of drawing from the Swiss functionalism, they drew from the lively New-Yorker culture in order to exalt the complication, by providing it with a case worthy of the sculptures displayed in art galleries from the Chelsea district.

Beyond volumes and prospectives, the weight is surprising. The watch comprises white gold for the top part and Zallium (an alloy of Zirconium) for the middle; as one can expect, it weighs more than 250 grams.
It is bulky; its weight as well as the movements of the three tourbillons make it unforgettable in everyday life.
It is a bit of the horological equivalent of a Supercar, ill adapted to cities; however, the road would be utterly boring with city cars only. In the same way, here we are in the domain of the Super-Watch.

The TV screen shaped watchcase, dear to some independents, makes for a good distribution of the mass along the wrist (the watch is 65mm by 45.9mm), and in spite of its bulk, the watch remains wearable;
However, do not expect it to slip under the cuffs of your shirt.
In all likelihood, if you can bear the superlative price of this watch, you will be able to afford a wardrobe adapted to this machine.

The time display is a model of simplicity: the hour/minutes are displayed at 12 o’clock and 1 o’clock, while the Power reserve sits at 5 o’clock.
You will notice that the indicators are in French, a proof that Harry Winston is eager to demonstrate that the brand is rooted in French-speaking Switzerland. While the texts are written in French (a reminder of the Swiss roots of HW) and the complications in Romand, the design is resolutely New Yorker.
Of course, the shape borrows from science fiction, Cyberpunk leading the pace, with its technical and chromed look.
However, critics will inevitably see this design as that of electronics from the 80’s, from the Ghetto Blaster to the NES joystick. It is nonetheless an excellent alternative way to interpret this styling.
This design unquestionably borrows from the Pop ‘art, whose roots are mainly New Yorker-like, same as Harry Winston.
For that matter, the exterior of this piece takes more after Contemporary Art than after watchmaking.
Andy Warhol wouldn’t have disavowed the raked shapes, the salient angles and the absolutely stunning tridimensional look of the watch when one wears it.

As a matter of fact, when one sees the Triple Tourbillon, the hour display (at 12 and 1 o’clock) becomes totally peripheral.
It is the ultimate avatar of the luxury mechanical watchmaking! Indeed, by getting rid of the traditional getup of watchmaking, the HdT3 highlights the movements of the triple tourbillon.
Since the advent of quartz, the utilization of mechanical solutions falls under aesthetics and/or dandyism.
Here, more than ever, the precision time is no more than a pretext to erect a mechanical cathedral.
The builders are the same as for the HdT1 & HdT2, Steve Forsey & Robert Greubel, via CompliTime; the exclusive tourbillon developed for Harry Winston works in way a bit different from the regulating organs inclined at 24°, from GF.
The principle would be closer to a mix of the bi-axial tourbillon from Thomas Prescher and of the rotary escapement block from the Officine Panerai.
The work on the « main » tourbillon is more than astounding: the external tourbillon carriage rotates 360° every 120 seconds. Quite common.
But! A second tourbillon carriage going around in 40 seconds is fitted perpendicularly and carries the balance and the escapement wheel. Hence, this last item continuously rotates in three dimensions.
This double tourbillon is paired with a classical tourbillon, which goes around in 36 seconds on a single axis (located at 6 o’clock). The energy yielded by the two escapements combines through the ingenious differential gear, in order to transmit an average power to the display.

Finally, if certain parts of the device have already been tested (especially in the HT1 & HT2), it is the first time a tri-dimensional tourbillon is connected with a single axis tourbillon through a differential gear, revolutionary!

In a period when the watchmaking industry minimizes the risks, Harry Winston creates the sensation with the HdT3, which, like the Opus11, is more than a “talking piece”: it is a reference to philosophical and artistic concepts unexpected in watchmaking.
Nevertheless, regarding HW, it is first and foremost the moment when the exceptional Opus series fuses with the other collections. To be continued…

(courtesy of Picpaf)

HALDIMANN H9 Reduction: where is the time?

2012-02-11T05:03:00.000-08:00

I promised to write and present every day until Baselworld a new watch at least. Not only that, I want to present watches, that have some unique characteristics, that are different, unusual, maybe even questionable. So here I continue with the new timepiece from Beat Haldimann.

Beat Haldimann, one of the grandest watchmakers in Switzerland, is presenting two new timepieces for Baselworld 2012. One is called the H2 Resonance which I will describe in another blogpost, and then he is introducing the H9 Reduction.

From everything I have been able to read about this new timepiece, it is measuring time, but not displaying it. Why would anyone create such a watch? Well, you better ask Mr. Haldimann. Meanwhile, I found a quite interesting article written by a gentleman in Switzerland, and he has described his musings about this watch in a very interesting manner. Enjoy the read, and click here.

HALDIMANN H9 Reduction

Art with a capital A. The H8 from Beat Haldimann displayed none of the conventional watchmaking functions at all and celebrated the beauty of the complication in a manner entirely in harmony with historical techniques. It also raised the issue of the necessity of showing the time. The H9 goes much further by actually answering this question. While the hours and minutes are displayed and combined with a superb complication – a proprietary central triple-barrel flying tourbillon – they are nonetheless not visible. Concealed by an opaque glass, time can thus be imagined, dreamed, invented. Independent watchmaker Beat Haldimann thereby raises his H9 to the rank of a truly exceptional creation testifying to the ephemeral nature of time.

Movement	Hand-wound, H.Zen-1 calibre, proprietary central triple-barrel flying tourbillon, 18,800 vib/h, hand-engraved
Functions	Hours and minutes
Case	950 platinum, 39 or 42 mm Cambered and opaque sapphire crystal Sapphire caseback Water-resistant to 30 m / 3 ATM
Dial	Black Central flying tourbillon
Bracelet/Strap	Hand-sewn black alligator with folding clasp or buckle in 950 platinum	(Text and picture courtesy of Swisstime)

CUERVO Y SOBRINOS Historiador Pequeños Segundos 130° Aniversario

2012-02-11T04:51:00.000-08:00

CUERVO Y SOBRINOS Historiador Pequeños Segundos 130° Aniversario

Prestigious watchmaker Cuervo y Sobrinos celebrates its 130th anniversary with the Historiador Pequeños Segundos 130° Aniversario. This splendid, extra-thin timepiece in pink gold instils Swiss quality with Latin soul. It is also a heartfelt tribute to Havana, the birthplace of the brand and a bustling city where, in the early 19th century, intellectuals rubbed shoulders with seafaring adventurers. Cuervo y Sobrinos commemorates this milestone with a classic timepiece characterised by studied sobriety: an ageless masterpiece. The movement is hand-wound, the dial velvety black. Seconds sweep a counter at 6 o'clock, flanked by the years 1882 and 2012. The first three hours are materialised by the symbolic numerals 1, 3 and 0. A shining tribute to as many years of horological tradition, Latin-style. Proposed as a 130-piece limited series.

Movement	Hand-wound, ETA 7001, 17 jewels, 42-hour power reserve, bridge with fan-shaped “Côtes de Genève” motif, anthracite finish
Functions	Hours, minutes and seconds
Case	18K pink gold, 40 mm Curved anti-reflective sapphire crystal and transparent back Water-resistant to 30 m / 3 ATM
Dial	Velvet black Applied baton hourmarkers and "1 3 0" numerals Applied CyS coat of arms in particles of gold Luminescent hour and minute hands Small seconds at 6 o'clock
Bracelet/Strap	Shiny black Louisiana alligator with 18K pink gold buckle	(Text and picture Courtesy of Swisstime)

2012-02-10T09:26:00.000-08:00

VENTURA SPARC MGS®

The inventor of the Automatic Digital Watch introduces another significant advancement: The multifunctional SPARC MGS®, which contains two separate manufactured movements. While the mechanical Micro-Generator-Sytem (MGS®) transforms wrist-movements into electric energy to power the digital time-module, the ingenious EasySkroll® operating system governs the multiple functions, such as the 100-year perpetual calendar or dual time zone, alarm, countdown or chronograph in a most intuitive way by a single scroller. The ergonomic architecture of this unusual timepiece was awarded with the international Good Design price 2011 in Japan.

Movement	Automatic with Micro-Generator-System and tungsten rotor, powering a digital Ventura VEN_10 Calibre, 45-day power reserve
Functions	EasySkroll® operating system with the following functions: T1/Date, T2/Date 2, T1 and T2 Alarm, perpetual calendar, chronograph, countdown, choice of display - 12 or 24 hours and 3 dates formats
Case	Scratch-resistant tempered Durinox® stainless steel, with or without black PVD-coating, 56.3 x 38 mm Upper part with MGS®; lower part with digital display Sapphire crystals Water-resistant to 30 m / 3 ATM
Dial	High-resolution digital liquid crystal display, LED backlighting
Bracelet/Strap	Rubber, or Durinox® steel with or without black PVD treatment, with safety folding clasp

(Picture and text courtesy of Swisstime)

BALL WATCH Trainmaster Worldtime Chronograph

2012-02-10T09:17:00.000-08:00

BALL WATCH Trainmaster Worldtime Chronograph

The Trainmaster Worldmaster Chronograph is a perfect combination of two masterful horological complications: the chronograph and world time. Entirely in keeping with the values of the Trainmaster collection – precision, reliability and tradition - , the Worldtime Chronograph associates day and date functions with a 24 time-zone display. Coupled with an ETA 7750 movement, an additional module drives a disc engraved with the names of the world’s main cities, automatically rotating counter-clockwise in order to provide a simultaneous indication of the time along 24 longitudes. The emblematic luminescent hourmarkers and hands equipped with the signature Ball Watch micro gas tubes ensure peerless readability. This masculine, cutting-edge and sturdy timepiece also radiates an elegant sense of understatement and clearly meets an impressive range of technically and aesthetic demands.

Movement	Automatic, BALL 352 Calibre
Functions	Hours, minutes, seconds, day, date, chronograph and 24 time zones
Case	Stainless steel, 42 mm Anti-reflective sapphire crystal and transparent caseback Water-resistant to 50 m / 5 ATM
Dial	Black or white Equipped with 15 micro gas tubes on the hands and hourmarkers for peerless night-time readability 30-minute, 12-hour and small seconds counters at 12, 6 and 9 o’clock respectively Day-date window at 3 o’clock
Bracelet/Strap	Black crocodile with pin buckle	(Text and pictures Courtesy of Swisstime)

We are coming close to Baselworld 2012: CLERC Hydroscaph Limited Edition Central Chronograph

2012-02-10T06:25:00.000-08:00

As we are coming closer to Baselworld 2012, I will present some of the new upcoming watchmodels from different watchmanufacturers. Probably one per day as time permits.

CLERC Hydroscaph Limited Edition Central Chronograph

Clerc has forged a reputation for tradition and innovation, and this chronograph is no exception. In an original display, two central hands measure chronograph seconds and minutes for maximum legibility. Counters at 3 and 9 o'clock indicate small seconds and day/night over 24 hours. Invention is the key to this 500-piece limited series.

Movement	Automatic, exclusive CO608 calibre, 47 jewels, 28,800 vib/h, chamfered bridges with “Côtes de Genève” motif, 44-hour power reserve
Functions	Hours, minutes, seconds, date, central chronograph and day/night indicator
Case	316L steel or with black DLC coating, 43.8 / 49.86 mm including lateral protections Crown releases and blocks the rotating bezel Anti-reflective sapphire crystal, front and back Water-resistant to 500 m / 50 ATM
Dial	Black Hourmarkers and hands coated with Superluminova Seconds and 60-minute counters by a central hand 24-hour day/night counter at 9 o'clock Small seconds at 3 o'clock, date at 6 o'clock
Bracelet/Strap	Black Hourmarkers and hands coated with Superluminova Seconds and 60-minute counters by a central hand 24-hour day/night counter at 9 o'clock Small seconds at 3 o'clock, date at 6 o'clock (Information and picture courtesy of Swisstime)

Max Büsser and friends MB&F: MAD Gallery in Geneva

2012-02-10T03:13:00.000-08:00

Max Büsser and friends MB&F: MAD Gallery in Geneva

MB&F is primarily inspired by machines. The watches of MB&F are called horological machines, and the connection between these machines and the artistic component behind it has lead Max Büsser to open his first gallery in Geneva.

You may ask yourself, how does a watch manufacturer come to open a gallery? He cannot be selling paintings, antiquities or similar things?

I was invited to visit MAD Gallery in early January during SIHH. The meeting with Charris Yadigaroglou, Head of communication at MB&F, was extremely interesting and impressive. It clearly showed the passion behind their watches and the whole venture of Mb&F.

I quickly realized that not only the watches are unique pieces of art as as well as machines but that there is a deep inspiration of machines that goes throughout the gallery, from the watches to the pieces of art that are displayed and also for sale.

For example, the extraordinary lamp creations by a Berlin artist who makes his lamps completely with his hands, true manufacture. There is also a really amazing bicycle, and a few other pieces of art that has always a machine background. My visit was characterized by the fascination of the creativity and passion which stands behind MB&F. Well, take a look at the photos to get a glimpse.

The entrance and front of the MAD Gallery:

The horological machine: derived from the Thunderbolt A10.

Actual timepiece Legacy Machine Number 1:

The unbelievably unique bicycle design:

MB&F is always looking for artists around the globe that do something extraordinary and that have a link to machinery. They actually help unknown artists to gain popularity like that.

Handmade lamp designed and created by Frank Buchwald, the artist in Berlin. The work behind this lamp and his other creations must be incredibly high, as it is all handmade.

This construction comes from a Chinese artist, and you can actually pull it out and then the whole thing like like a crazy bicylce or something like that. The studio of this artist looks amazing, like chaos, but really impressive.

And finally, one more look at this beautiful machine, the latest: Legacy Machine Number 1. Watch the video, it is very interesting.

The Legacy number 1 is a unique timepiece in many ways. There is the hidden part of the movement that someone who is not an engineer or watchmaker my not see, however, there is the front with two timezones on the dial. And the implementation of these two timezones is unique, as it allows to set the two timezones completely independent, they can vary by one minute, 10 minutes, 4 hours, any timedifference is possible. That is unique and this is the only watch that I know of to be capable of this.

Some other interesting machines that actually work.

I am excited and looking forward to my next meeting at Baselworld.

GTE: Geneva Time Exhibition 2012

2012-02-09T16:09:00.000-08:00

Every year in January, Geneva becomes the hub for watchdealers, jewelers, watchenthusiasts and colletors from around the world. Two large fairs, one primarily organized by the Richemont Group is taking place in the Palexpo Center and is called the SIHH (Salon International of Haute Horlogerie), the other is representing rather independent watchmakers and less known watchbrands and is a pool of creativity.

It is called the GTE, Geneva Time Exhibition.

You can see the red building from far away which is located not too far from SIHH and Geneva airport.

There is parking in front of the entrance which is very comfortable.

Walking through the entrance, there is a counter at the left where you can pick up your entrance ticket.

You are required to possess an invitation by one of the exhibiting watchmakers. I was lucky enough and had received an invitation from Quinting, the watchmaker that is known for his invisible movements as you can see in the photo below.

Quinting is an old watchmaking firm, as far as I remember many famous people including some American presidents have worn them. I know that President Clinton wore a Quinting and actor Gerard Depardieu did, so did Kofi Annan to mention a few.

However, there are a lot of rather unknown brands exhibiting, many of which I have never heard of and which I have seen for the first time. In addition, there are quite a few watchmakers who are presenting timepieces for pretty high entry prices. Sometimes you ask yourself, how they can even do it, and how they find buyers for their watches.

Not always are these very highend priced timepieces justfying their pricelevels. Some however do, as they are marvels of Swiss watchmaking, for example, Eric Coudray who developed the Jaeger LeCoultre Gyrotourbillon. He also developed a new Cabestan timepiece of which I unfortunately did not get a good photoshot.

Nevertheless, walking around GTE made me meet some very interesting people, I had great conversations and saw some wonderful ideas. One watch that really is strikingly interesting was the Demonaco Quantieme Perpetuelle, a perpetual calendar which is really easy to adjust over the crown. It looks like that the Prince of Monaco likes this watch as well.

(picture taken from official pressrelease CD)

Last but not least, Reuge, a Basel based mechanical music manufacturer who is worldwide renowned, showed some of his great pieces.

One of the few American watchmakers, RGM, was also presenting their new timepieces. I had a long and very pleasant conversation about their watches with the founder, Mr. Murphy himself.

The above pictures shows the latest creation by RGM as it is derived from an airplane clock which you see behind the watch.

I wanted to give a quick insight into this interesting watchfair which may just be considered a side event compared to the really large SIHH fair. However, I do not think that this is just a side event as there are more than a few attractive watchpresentations. I enjoyed my visit at GTE.

Greubel Forsey GMT

2012-02-09T14:40:00.001-08:00

The GMT, the first true Greubel Forsey with complications.

Stricto Sensu, a large Power reserve or a tourbillon are not complications.
Complications are defined as extra functions, not as improvements of the HMS functionalities.

Besides a flimsy power reserve and in spite of a superlative work of builders, Steven Forsey and Robert Greubel had never added complications to their horologic cathedrals. Even a quadruple or double technical tourbillons did not bring any extra functionality, despite their outstanding accuracy (CF the victory at the Chronometry contest).
This GMT, summarily named, discloses a complexity whose plumage’s interest is inversely proportional to the sobriety of its song.

The watch is the next step in the work of three-dimensionality that Greubel-Forsey has been pursuing until now.
While the classic elegance tends toward super-flat cases, GF always presented very thick watches, totally against the trends. GF’s quest for accuracy via inclined toubillons significantly impacted the thickness of the watchcases.
Internally, the main discussions must have focused on how to make an optimal use of these volumes, almost never before seen in watchmaking.

Digression: Maybe GF should comprehensively overhaul their design (as it has been the case for “Histoire de Tourbillon 3”, a watch produced by Harry Winston together with GF’s design office, Complitime).
Because the classic circular watchcases are offbeat compared to the iconoclast design of the movement from GF.

Hence, in order to speed things up, GF had to exploit their outstanding talent for tridimensional designs into their new creations.
It paid off with this GMT, which sports a gigantic globe made of electroplated titanium.
Now, of course, the electroplating is not really glamorous. However, to compare the plating performed on this map of the World to a chemistry class, is akin to comparing the work of a micro-surgeon to that of a veterinarian.

The globe was engraved with precision drills, while the continents were covered with a protective coating. Then, the exposed areas, aka the oceans, were attacked with acid. These parts were then coated with several electroplated layers, in order to produce these magnificent lacquered blue oceans.

An approchant technic used in this tourbillon 24sec, rememeber also the HW Opus VI:

This mini earth fitted on an axis at its south pole, accomplishes a counter-clockwise rotation in 24 hours, like our planet.
The pusher located at 11 o’clock enables the advancement of the time zone also displayed at 11 o’clock, whereas the disk sitting on the case back displays the 24 zones, as well as the summer and winter times.
The cities in black don’t have summer time, contrary to the white ones.
The summer time is featured on the central ring, while the «standard » time sits on the peripheral one.
This device indisputably takes time to get used to, which should not be a problem for the lucky owners of this beauty.
As per its layout, the disk is somewhat a reminder of the Pirata GMT from Cuervos y Sobrinos, and more than many GMT watches, this piece is an invitation to travel.
Who, here, and without searching on Gogol, knows of Astana, Apia or F. de Noronha ?

More than ever, the overall design utilizes concentric circles; this device, akin to a planetary gear, features the earth at the pinnacle, of course. The Power reserve indicator sits at 3 PM, the second time zone at 10 o’clock and the universal time of course displayed between 6 and 8 o’clock, indicated by the globe’s rotation. The watchcase measures 43.5 by 16mm, but it is bulkier than Luminor 44mm, as, because of its aperture and its thickness, it appears to be 45mm. Indeed, this watch is not intended for lovers of refined extra-thin pieces, and moreover, the twisting of the 25° inclined tourbillon and its very fast 24 sec. rotation reminds us of dreams turned to reality.

Digression: Like most of the productions by GF, the watchcase features an aperture on one side, which allows the globe to be visible through a transparent sapphire.
Now, let’s imagine that the globe is covered dial wise by a polarized glass, which would let the light out but not in; the light would only come in sideways, and therefore the globe would be lit in the same way the sunrays illuminate the Earth.

The only serious flaw of this watch is its price, about half a million Euros, knowing that it competes with many other dream watches, very fine collector’s pieces, as well as with the very top of the line of the watchmaking industry. Collectors will judge by themselves.

When one cannot further increase the surface area, one increases the volume, like buildings (especially those in New York, whose design is one of the main sources of inspiration for watchmakers).
In their quest for renewal , the independent watchmakers, from MB&F to Greubel-Forsey through Hautlence, have shaken-up the designs of complications and displays by adding height as an extra dimension.

With this GMT, their first watch with complication, tridimensional, GF reaches a turning point in its evolution, at least as important as it did with the Invention 1; without disavowing the initial concept, they could create new standards in watchmaking, if the traditional complications like chronographs or calendars, were reinterpreted in a new dimension.

(Another aricle courtesy of Pifpaf)

PANERAI SIHH 2012

2012-02-08T16:30:00.000-08:00

PANERAI SIHH 2012

World Poker Tour. Last year, I had announced flat out (no bluff at PifPaf’s) that it would be the Officine’s best year.
Incidentally, the title of the article was « the apogee ». Unless there‘s a miracle (but it is just a business), one would inevitably be disappointed.
This year’s disappointment is relative, because we are far from the perigee, and it is even the most interesting SIHH of Panerai since 2006 (except for 2011, of course).
This Panerai presentation at the SIHH 2012 stays within the continuance of last year’s, with many neo-vintage pieces.
This content knocks a hole in the theories about some Officino-Paneristic conspiracy like “Reopen 1940”, theories stating that frustration would be used as a marketing technique.
Because, for the second consecutive year, the beautiful Italian spreads her legs widely, totally offered to the unsatisfied desire of Paneristis.

One could even conclude that the Officine’s product policy is the result of random factors (how we could explain the avalanche of Radiomirs?). But also of political factors, linked to an internal shake-up in Neuchatel headquarters.

For the « Laboratorio Di Marketing », it is also an in vivo test for the fabulous PAM399 « 1940 », the last big paneristic fantasy, which could trigger a frenetic debate among auto proclaimed historians, for many days, in order to determine if the watch looks more like the 6152 V1 or less likely the 6154…
It does not matter; the essentials are here, a vintage Luminor watchcase, without crown-guard and featuring the inscription « Radiomir ».
It is an almost perfect synthesis of the most arousing vintage codes, the missing link between the Pithecanthropus-Radiomirus and the Lumino-Sapiens-Sapiens.

But all this verbiage would be to no avail if the song did not match the plumage. On the wrist, it is to die for, it is the perfect mix between elegance and savagery.
The dial, even if it is not conforming from an historical standpoint, is perfectly balanced : the large “small second hand” perfectly matches the bold font and the large indicators.
The choice of hands is perfect, the OP has clearly utilized the same “double pencil” design as the Radiomir from last year , and it is just as well, as the hands fitted on the PAM372 are downsized.
The dial is dark brown, which leaves some room to dream about an ochre one, in the same vein as the 6154’s, burnt by radium. Regarding the crystal, it is made of Plexiglas; I prefer sapphire, but again, all the better as it leaves some room for the future.

The watchcase, with its edged middles, almost as thin as that of a PAM232/2499 (hence far thinner than the PAM372’s case), its full but nonetheless thin lugs, and above all the absence of the plain (and notoriously uncomfortable) crown-guard, with the crown from the 40-50’, is of course the highlight of this PAM399, difficult to forget it since the design is such a success!

The design is almost perfect (with an ochre dial, a different font and without the small second hand, it would have made it), but because of the price, the number of copies available, the caliber and the poor waterproofing, one stands in the realm of the “Officine di Umorismo”. The announced 30 meters discredit the piece as a real sports watch (let’s imagine a Watchonicar clamped to 50km).
But most of all, the Minerva caliber (large balance, 18,000v/h, 55h Power reserve), does not feature the level of finishing that could justify the outrageously high advertised price (about 20k€).
The profile turning is excellent (on the brass wheels), but the lack of interior angles, or the average finishes of the Cotes de Genève and of the beveling in general, cannot justify a price three time higher than that of very similar models from the OP.
Obviously, a caliber by Karsten Frässdorf would be a better match for the price of this beauty…

The watch will be delivered with or without the PAM398, depending upon the local market.
With 100 copies (why not 1940 ???, damn !) and a entry price of 20k€, as with the PAM300, the watch might not be seen very often in the Paneristic GTG, a vault PAM to be stored beside the 300, that’s too bad.
However, the toughest part of the psychological work is performed by the Officine, and one could (and will !!) speculate for months or even years on the future mass market version, fitted with a P.3000 and featuring a waterproofing worthy of a diver.
The Panerai PAM399 for a buzz lasting 1000 years !!

This PAM399 is also available in rose gold, still in 47mm, still without crown guard, still featuring the Minerva caliber.
As much as I adore the rose gold Radiomirs, this one barely made me aroused; maybe I didn’t wear it for long enough.
Nonetheless, it is very attractive and costs about 35k€ (it stings, compared to the price of an American 1921, 20k€ at Vacheron).

To go on with the Radiomir (which should be an easy task regarding this SIHH2012), the PAM449 « 2533 » is the other unforgettable Rad of this year’s event.
It outshines the PAM373 (by the way, I heard some teeth grinding for distributors, there obviously were cancellations regarding the PAM373 and 376).
The 449 offers magnificent blued hands, which are a better match for the « prototype » design and the fineness of the indicators, for far cheaper (thanks to the 47mm stainless steel case).
The contrast between the beige Luminova, the blued hands and the font borders on (reaches ?) perfection.
When one wears this PAM449, one realizes that the gold hands previously fitted on the « 2533 » dial were a bit too-much.
The watchcase still features the ungraceful thickness of the 2011 Radiomir’s middles; and, as a general tendency with the Radiomir, the case back looks even thicker…

However, the overall design is a total success, the watch looks furiously vintage, and for a short while, I thought I was trying on a collector’s piece pulled out of a hat at Christie’s.
It is even one of the nicest vintage-like Radiomir in the history of the Officine since the 232.
Its only flaw: only 500 copies are available, chronicle of fights in boutiques foretold.

The PAM448 « Cali », its twin sister, ironically named, because since it follows the 249 and the 349, one would legitimately expect it to be named PAM449 “Cali”, but no.
This new Cali looks a lot (too much?) like the PAM249, featuring a similar black dial and large blued hands.
On this model, the Plexiglas crystal is not domed (but “Top Hat”, like the one fitted on the PAM449) and the waterproofing is increased up to 100 meters; the watchcase swells up like all the Rad fitted with a P.3000 (and yet, the slight extra thickness of the P.3000 compared to the Unitas 6497 does not justify this plumpness).

It is a new launch window for those frustrated with the PAM249 and who do not want to pay top-dollar (about 6800€ for these PAM448-449).
Panerai is currently the only watchmaking brand where buying from the catalog is more attractive than from the second hand market!
However, with only 500 copies available, you will have to be in good terms with your dealer (I emphasize this last word).

If these SL fit into a certain logic the OP as been pursuing for quite a long time, the mind-blowing pieces of this event are the PAM424 and 425 (about 6500€).
Producing “Historical” Rad on a regular basis is a first in the history of this brand recently relocated to Neuchatel.
It is quite disconcerting, because after many lean years, the Officine presents four historical Rad simultaneously;
It seems that the commercial “cannibalization” of the PAM232 by the 249 in 2006-2007 does not frighten the OP at all.
Indeed, it is a surprising strategy. Scandalmongers would think that the PAM449 and 448 could serve as bait for the PAM424 and 425.
Using the SL as a booster for a catalog series , only the OP could have dared to do it ! « Memento audere semper » is more than ever a hot topic !

I will have the Paneristic fundamentalists howling. Nevertheless, I liked the PAM424.
Then, it is indeed a pure product of transgenesis by the Officine-Montsanto laboratory. Of course.
I will go even further; I find this watch more attractive and efficient than the PAM448.
Prior to the stoning or even the stake, let me argue:
I never liked the blued hands of the previous California…. Even if the PAM349 was superb, the titanium case spoiled the piece a bit.
Furthermore, my favorite Cali is unquestionably the PAM376 in white gold presented last year; the combo of the chocolate dial with gold hands provides the indicators “Cali” with the warmth they needed.
Now, with these gold hands, one finds a lot of this combo in the PAM424 (only two people in the back of the room may still be following ☺).

Finally, when the watch is on one’s wrist, the date that causes such a stir blends into the décor.
As for the logo, it is impossible to miss it; But finally I like this juxtaposition of vintage+modern, there is a touch of Californian bad taste to it, a watch that Mr. Lebowsky would not disavow.

Let’s talk about the other one, the PAM425, which killed the orders on the 373 at Panerai dealerships.
It is well designed, it is attractive, and it satisfies tremendous expectations from the Panerists.
However, the watch did cut little ice with me. When compared with the PAM449, it agonizingly suffers, go figure.
The final version will feature a pig in the dial, at the usual location.
To compensate for this omission on the prototype, our team of graphic artists hammered away, “nightanday”, to create a rendering conforming to the final product; it is l’Ard (and pig).

Now, let’s talk about a singularity, the PAM395, Radiomir, rose gold 45mm.
It belongs with this line of generational descent of dressed up Radiomir, and like all its precursors, it is almost a complete success. This PAM395 almost made it.
It is fitted with a P.2002, of course. But with a P.2002/10 featuring an extensive openwork.
Aesthetically, the result is excellent, even though the finishes are far from academic. It somewhat reminds us of the famous PAM348-350 Tourbillon.
In short, it is beautiful, a little messy and very original. A real achievement for a movement made in OP.
The watchcase is also a nice surprise, the thickness of the middle is moderate despite the height of the P.2002, thanks to a good work performed on the bezel, which features a somewhat « Top Hat » shape.
Panerai managed to improve the Rad 45mm cases just as the model is about to exit the series? The Rad 45mm’s swan song, so to speak…
The third surprise is the dial; indeed, it is iridescent, a style more commonly seen with Chopard or Piaget.
Finally, this highly dressed up dial is very coherent with the stated purpose of this watch.
The stumbling block is the linear Power reserve indicator. This military layout has nothing to do with a dressed up watch.
With this PAM395, Panerai almost managed to achieve the perfect dressed up PAM…

Last I'd widely speak about the PAM372, the 422, is less or more a 372 but nicer, cause of the great second and the saphire... In fact, I'd love this 422 a great achievement.

The fronter between the perfection and the heresy is thin. The 423 is undoubtly the biggest joke of this 2012, its a 372 with a face power reserve like in the old Betarini case, why not a great second? To finalize the joke we could hope a striped dial, like on the PAM028... Cheesy. That's barely work on the 424, absolutly not here.

The other main theme of this SIHH2012 is the ceramic, a technique the providers of the OP seem to have mastered at last (Still Bangerter?).
First reactions: astonishment, stupor, disappointment.
But why, oh why, “billions of bilious blue blistering barnacles of ten thousand thundering typhoons”, why is there no ceramic vintage Radiomir??

The big novelty is of course the PAM438 « Tuttonero ».
If the case is the same as the new « 1950 » 44mm, the watch is different in that it is all black, from the wristband entirely made of ceramic (and not ceramic + steel or rubber, as usual), to the bridges of the P.9000/B, also blackened;
However, the treatment of this caliber looks more like electroplating than the PVD featured by the PAM317.

The watch revisits the PAM359’s « instrument » dial, with aged indicators, and like the “automatic” inscription and other superfluous letterings dear to the Officine, the label “ceramic” is soon forgotten.
The result is really convincing thanks to the wristband, whose extreme lightness is puzzling (ceramic is about one third as dense as stainless steel). Only regret, the crystal is not domed.
It is such a shame, owing to the fact that ceramic is expensive to produce and that it would only have added an extra 1000€ to the current price, of about 9000€…

The other « ceramic » presented this year is the PAM396, which comes on the sly to stop the torrent of rumors and speculations that struck the Paneristosphere a few years ago.
At last, a 1950 47mm case made of ceramic! John Rambo’s watch finally embodied!
And like the Pre-V PVD (the other Panerai from the movie « John Rambo »), it will remain relatively unaffordable (95000€), because it is fitted with the fabulous and costly P.2005 movement.
A cost that is relative, since this Tourbillon features the best technicality/price ratio of the watchmaking industry.
Akin to the 438, the bridges seem to be electroplated.
The contrast between the brass wheels, the escapement block and the blackened finish is tremendously beautiful and efficient.
The dial features aged indicators on a black background, which is classic enough; one could talk at length about the “Tourbillon”, using literature, but Patek or Parmigiani do the same… Of course, the watch is fitted with a domed crystal.
It is one of the few clear rounds of this SIHH Panerai (yes, I like the rotary Tourbillon from Panerai).
Moreover, it opens a conjecture about a possible skeletonized version, like the PAM348-350.

The title of the article comes after “The Bomb”, because: the SIHH2011 was such a relief, such an explosion of post-neo-vintage creativity, after dreary years of Betarrinistic case, that the novelties from the Officine will never taste the same.
Obviously, the Paneristis’ high standards, irradiomired like a vintage dial by the presentation of 2011, underwent the same growth rate as the imperishable Hulk.
Hence, this SIHH almost entirely composed of Radiomir 47mm is a bit indigestible.
It feels as if one were hiding in a bunker after the Bomb, locked down with eight tons of canned foie gras, as an appetizer, main-course and dessert, for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

]

(written by Pifpaf aka Malik)

Two brothers

2012-02-07T02:38:00.000-08:00

Laco timepiece made in Germany

2012-02-06T02:49:00.000-08:00

A German made Laco timepiece

This watch is a German made timepiece from Fa. Laco (Lacher & Co.) in Pforzheim which is the German capital of Gold, jewelry and partly watches while Glashütte may be the new center of watchmaking since the wall came down. Pictures courtesy of my old friend P.

Vintage: Rolex Submariner Reference 1680

2012-02-03T15:07:00.000-08:00

The Rolex Submariner is one of the most iconic watches and it is most likely the most iconic Rolex watch.

I am a big fan of the Submariner. The Submariner has been made for close to 60 years now. The basic looks of it have not really changed. Although what is inside has experienced improvements that are maybe not all that noticeable. The Submariner, or the Sub as many enthusiasts tend to call it, combines history of diving, movies, James Bond, Steve McQueen and other famous people who used to wear them, all in one timepiece.

Rumor has it that a Submariner was also tested at the time when NASA decided to use the Speedmaster for the first flight to the moon. The only reason the Submariner did not make it back then was because of its automatic movement. Back then they were not sure if the watch would generate enough energy in space. Well, now they know better.

The reference 1680 has a non quickset date function, and caliber 1575 is a true workhorse from the Rolex manufacture. It is one of those movements that run very precisely, for a very long time without a revision.

I heard of 1680s that never had a revision and are still running accurately after 40 years.

Well, here you find some nice pictures from all angles of the vintage Submariner 1680.

Vintage Rolex Submariner from 1977

2012-02-03T02:49:00.000-08:00

Rolex: Is it the Best Watch Brand?

2012-02-02T08:22:00.001-08:00

Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis could have not foresaw that the small scale business of importing Swiss movements they started in London, England could have grown into this multi-billion watch enterprise known as Rolex. The brand has long been synonymous with excellence and has been consistently associated with a pioneering and inventive spirit relating to the world of horology. Rolex designed and manufactured the first “certified chronometer”. They also introduce the first efficient waterproof and dustproof watch casing. Rolex also produced the first wristwatch with an automatic changing date including the perpetual watch.

Hans Wilsdorf at a young age and when he was older:

(Source: watchhabour.co.uk)

The “rule” of the generation of baby-boomers in the 1980s brought about a dramatic change in the reputation and popularity of Rolex watches. The new wealth enjoyed by these Young Urban Professionals (yuppies) led to the sale of anything and everything that is worth buying as indication of their affluence. Rolex was all part of the buying spree. In the early 1980s, a stainless Rolex DateJust was pegged at only US $900. Ten years later its price rose to US$2,350 even if the model basically remained the same. Prices of models in finer metals enjoyed greater increase. Today a low end Rolex DateJust is pegged at US$ 5,550, mid-range model at US$8750 and a high-end model fetches at US$10,500.
Over-rated? It depends. There are several myths that have been linked with Rolex and it is deemed best of these myths are dismissed.

Myth 1: Each Rolex watch is handmade - A great number of Rolex models are mass-produced by precise machines especially designed by Rolex. The watch company produces around one million watches per year. However, there are high-end models that are handcrafted by skilled watchmakers.

Myth 2: rolex watches are the most accurate timepieces - A cheap quartz watch could very well tell time more accurately than a Rolex. The steep price of a Rolex buys more jewelry feature rather than precise time.

Myth 3: A Rolex timepiece takes at least a year to make. This is a claim made by Rolex but it is purely for marketing purposes. Rolex aimed to conjure a throng of dedicated craftsmen laboriously working on Rolex watches.

Myth 4: A Rolex watch is a good investment as they have a good resale value- True they do sell at a higher percentage rate of their original price. However, this does not mean that Rolex holds this distinction. Moreover, watches, like cars, depreciate over time. Most fine wristwatches resell at 40% to 80% of their original price.

Myth 5: Rolex is the best brand of wristwatch in the world- Rolex is a very popular and quality brand but it is definitely not the best watch or the best investment or the only option one has in choosing a luxury brand wristwatch.

It is best to research; lay out options and requirements before deciding on which brand and type of watch to buy.

Guest Post by Anthony Charles content editor from watch harbour

Devon Tread one - what an amazing timepiece, watch the video!

2012-02-01T07:20:00.000-08:00

(Source: youtube.com: Steve Halik, President of MB&F North America made this video.)

A look at the Devon Tread 1 watch. This is a battery powered watch with motors and belts that tell the time, and it is not a mechanical watch. Steve's blog can be found at www.ticktocking.com.

This is a really great piece of technology. Just watch the video, you will be amazed.

Ladoire

2012-01-30T05:29:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure to meet Joanna at the booth of Ladoire at the GTE. These are unique and exceptional looking timepieces, I do not recall any other watchmaker making anything similar. The finishing appears to be very high level, and last but not least, there is something about these watches that makes you turn your head.

Joanna gave me a very nice USB kind of card the size of a creditcard, just abit thicker which contains a lot of pictures and descriptions. It would be too much to show all pictures, but I am just presenting two watches, the Black Widow Mr. Race and the Red Gold RGT.

Ladoire features inhouse movements, developed, designed and built inhouse.
The case is rather large of this limited edition of 12 pieces: 50.84mm.

The Microrotor is quite impressive. An interesting feature that you do not see very often aside from Patek Philippe watches.

From the pressrelease:
Endowed with an extraordinarily complex display mode and unusual
dimensions, the innovative concept of the H M S Planetary® complication
is duly protected by a patent.
The entirely offset Hour, Minute and Seconds indications of this Regulatortype
model are displayed by three cages mounted on ceramic micro ball
bearings. The RGT also features a GMT function with a central hand that
can be rapidly adjusted via a dedicated corrector push-button at 2 o’clock.

The asymetric case possesses an interesting integration of the strap.

Visit at Vacheron Constantin manufacture and maison

2012-01-30T03:14:00.000-08:00

La Maison Vacheron Constantin:
The workbench is really small, and was used by I think the son or nephew of Vacheron as far as I recall. I may need to be corrected on this. It was so small, that he could carry it around on his back and fix watches.

While in Geneva I visited the Vacheron Constantin manufacture. As luck wanted it, I also had a chance to visit the Maison Vacheron Constantin in the heart of Geneva. That is where I took the pictures of all the machines to manufacture watches. I hope you enjoy the impressions.

The visit to the manufacture showed me how hightech the processes are, and the watchmakers are working in a dustfree environment.

The Maison displays largely machines used in the past as well as the oldest Vacheron that they know of and many other beautiful timepieces and pocketwatches.

Video: Bremont MBII

2012-01-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

(Source: Youtube)

This is a very interesting video about Bremont.

Heritage watchmanufacture

2012-01-27T13:31:00.000-08:00

I met two German gentleman at GTE 2012, who are the founders of Heritage Watchmanufacture.

While master watchmaker Karsten Fraessdorf is the mastermind behind these timepieces of excellence, designer Eric Giroud is responsible for the design of the watches. It was a pleasure talking with them and seeing how much passion goes into their work.

There are three lines, the Centenus, the Magnus and the Tensus.

The company was founded in 2010, but they already won some very highly regarding prices of swiss watchmaking. Well, I will let pictures speak, from their USB stick they handed me.

Demonaco: Quantieme Perpetuelle Perpetual Calendar

2012-01-26T05:43:00.000-08:00

The new Demonaco Perpetual Calendar is unique in that it can control all settings just via the crown at 3 o'clock. This watch is made in red gold and Titanium. I had the Titanium timepiece on my wrist, it is light, and feels very well finished and executed. I really liked it the way it is made. And the easy adjustments of the perpetual calendar are a great feature that separate this watch from other perpetual calendars.

The Demonaco is made in Monte Carlo. Robert van Pappelendam, Peter Stas and Pim Koeslag are the watchmakers at the Ateliers deMonaco which also created the Ateliers deMonaco tourbillon. It is a very young watch company which was founded in 2009.

The decoration of the movement looks very interesting.

The illustration shows how time, date, day, month, leapyear are set on this watch:

Come and view the Demonaco blog for updates.

(Pictures from GTE and pressrelease, courtesy of Demonaco)

Update: The Rolex Hillary Tenzing Edition package has been revealed.

2012-01-24T13:36:00.000-08:00

The Rolex Hillary Tenzing Edition package has been revealed.

All items that come with 3 Rolex watches in the Hillary Tenzing Edition package have been revealed on the website www.hillarytenzingedition.com, in the newly opened Camp 6, the summit of Mount Everest on our interactive website.

The Hillary Tenzing Edition (HTE) is a special limited edition honouring Hillary and Tenzing, two of the greatest mountaineering families of all times. HTE also acknowledges Rolex as prime watch brand at the forefront of exploration.

HTE unique content
The Hillary Tenzing Edition series is limited to 88 packages. Each package comes with various custom-made items commemorating the 1953 Everest expedition.
Centrepiece of each package is a set of 3 Rolex Explorer models with the personalized vintage HTE look-and-feel to represent the unrivalled history of Rolex in exploring the world’s final frontiers.

HTE spring event Hong Kong
Friday evening 30 March 2012, Peter Hillary and Jamling Tenzing Norgay will lecture in Hong Kong to share their personal perspective on their fathers’ accomplishment and give insight on what it takes to get to the top of the world. They will also highlight the Rolex watches their fathers wore.
During an exceptional exhibition of vintage watches on Saturday 31 March, HTE Initiator Philipp Stahl will use his vast know-how and usual wit to pay special attention to the history and heritage of Rolex.
Not to be missed! Mail us for more info.

Please see attached press release and pictures of the Hillary Tenzing Edition.

Hillary Tenzing Edition Team
Peter Hillary
Jamling Tenzing Norgay
Philipp Stahl

For more information on Hillary Tenzing Edition please go to www.hillarytenzingedition.com or send an email to info@hillarytenzingedition.com for specific inquiries or more, high resolution pictures.

And lots more pictures coming here:

Geneva: visiting FP Journe

2012-01-24T13:17:00.000-08:00

I arrived at Geneva in the afternoon after a long drive from Germany.

I had an appointment at FP Journe first. FP Journe is located in the heart of Geneva, in a beautiful old industrial building. At the entrance, you are greeted by an elegant gentleman opening the doors for you.

This clock is standing across from you when you are walking up the stairs to the entrance hall:

Take a look at the ceiling at FP Journe. Stunning astronomic art.

This was my first visit at FP Journe in the heart of Geneva today and I was greeted very kindly and warmly. A one hour tour around the manufacture was showing me all the steps in the production process of an FP Journe watch. It was interesting to see how one watchmaker is responsible for his watch until final assembly and testing has concluded and the watch is ready for delivery. The high grade and level of finishing, the perfection of assembly, the high technology used to make all the parts of a movement was quite impressive and it teaches us how the manufactures are now able to deliver high quantities of such perfected timepieces. FP Journe is currently delivering 900 timepieces per year, and they plan to raise this to about 1200 pieces per year.

My tour of the manufacture was concluded with a presentation of each current timepiece. I really have to state that these watches deserve every bit of recognition.

Moreover, FP Journe introduced recently a more sporty timepiece. This timepiece is light as a feather as it is made of aluminum, the case, the movement, the base of the movement, everything but the rotor is made of aluminum. The only part that is made of Aluminum mixed with Tungsten to make it a little bit heavier, is the automatic rotor. Otherwise, the rotor would not be able to generate enough energy. The weight of these watches felt like nothing on your wrist, well, 53 grams is not a lot for sure.

(This timepiece is called the Centigraphe which can measure 1/100th of a second.)

While these new timepieces are in a world of their own, there is no reason to neglect the core watches made by FP Journe.

It was a great pleasure to visit FP Journe, and I am thanking Brigitte for the kind reception and for taking time to show me around the manufacture.

(Final edit 1/24/2012)

(Source: Youtube)

The Rolex Submariner: A Diver’s Watch

2012-01-24T12:14:00.000-08:00

The Rolex Submariner: A Diver's Watch

Rolex was the first watch company that came up with a fitting design for
a waterproof watch in 1926. The watch series was called the Oyster
Collection as Hans Wildorf; the head honcho of Rolex then was having
dinner, prying open an oyster when the news of the successful endeavor
came. The Rolex Oyster Collection was so watertight they were displayed
not in glass cases but in aquariums.

A great watch company never stops inventing and creating. Rolex's
continuous researches and innovations led to new horologic technologies.
The Perpetual watch was perfected by Rolex which resulted in furthering
the design of a diver's watch. Thus, the Rolex Submariner was introduced.
The first batch of Submariner watches was introduced to the public in
1953. It is watertight for up to 100 meters or 330 feet. This new line
of waterproof diver's watch was an instant success as professional
divers (such as Jacques Cousteau) and avid hobbyists all wanted one.

Current models are waterproof at a depth of 300 meters (1,000 feet).
Note that though are other brands that have come up with their own
versions of a diver's watch, the Submariner is still the most widely
imitated in terms of aesthetic design. What makes the Submariner Collection so popular?

The Submariner is the first elegant yet rugged sports watch. It is a
diver's watch with a rotating bezel so a diver can see how much time has
elapsed and for him to calculate dive time and decompression time. This
counter-clockwise movement of the bezel ensures that the diver will not
over or under estimate the oxygen tank's capacity. Even in the most
light-deprived setting, the capsule is luminescent. Its Guidelock Clasp
allows the diver to adjust the bracelet up to 21 mm.

The first upgraded models of the Sub in 1959-1960 were the 5512-5513
with its black bezel, luminescent dial and "Mercedes" hands and the
Triplock winding crown. Through trial and error, Rolex came up with the
unparalleled Triplock winding crown for the watch's protection against
water and dust. There are 10 elements used in the triple seal system.
When these are screwed down to the Oyster casing, they become an
integral part of the casing, akin to a submarine hatch. Sometime in
1965, model 1680 is the first Submariner Date.

The two-tone and gold models of Submariner are stylish and elegant
enough to wear with a suit. The initial usage of a Submariner as a
diver's watch no longer applies as the blue bezel and blue dial
combination is one if not, the most popular Submariner. However, the
traditional stainless steel remains the most practical choice. A Rolex
watch is classic and timeless.

The batches of Submariner timepieces up to the ones manufactured prior
to 2010 were made from stainless steel. Two years prior to December 2010
Rolex came out with the Submariner 116619 and Submariner 116613 made of ceramic.
The latest model to date is the Submariner 116610. This model has the Cerachrom Bezel
which is in true black at all angles. The dial has larger markers and hands ditto with the
crown guards and case lugs. The case is 40mm diameter with an anti-reflective
coating on the crystal of the date bubble for greater legibility.

Each watch is tested by 200 technicians before the Rolex seal is stamped
on the watch. These details take time that the company only yields
650,000 watches a year which is way below consumer demands. After close
to a century of being in the business of watch-making, Rolex still
adheres to its motto of "quality before quantity".

Guest post from Anthony Charles the content editor at the watch harbour blog.

Geneva: meeting with Rudis Sylva and Jacky Epitaux

2012-01-18T17:33:00.000-08:00

After visiting FP Journe today, I attended a press conference at Rudis Sylva who developed a new concept called the harmonious oscillator. This concept has accomplished what no Tourbillon did in a wristwatch.

While a Tourbillon is able to help reduce the effect of earth's gravity on a pocketwatch, it cannot really eliminate the gravity on a wristwatch. The harmonious oscillator however is able to completely eliminate earth's gravity's effect on a wristwatch by having two balances that work together. I am visiting the manufacture on Monday and then I hope to come up with a more accurate and precise explanation than I am giving now at 2.30 am. Photos to come in a couple days as well.

The CEO Jacky Epitaux took a lot of time to explain the watch and its functionality. In addition, his watchmaker gave a lot of explanations.

There are currently two models, one square model, and one round one. The square model has a sapphire glass on the left side to give insight into the movement. Both watches are stunning, and wait until I come back with a proper mechanical explanation of this new concept that is implemented for the first time in watchmaking history in a wristwatch. This is basically a watchmaking revolution that compares to the development of the Tourbillon by Louis A. Breguet about 200 years ago.

I am looking forward to visiting the manufacture in the region of La Chaux de Fonds. Stay tuned.

SIHH: Roger Dubuis

2012-01-17T12:03:00.000-08:00

For this SIHH 2012, the tendency instilled by Georges Kern the previous year gains momentum. Thus, the corollary of a general tendency that involves the whole industry (especially automotive engines and computer technologies), far beyond watchmaking, is that we are witnessing an overall downsizing. This tendency, inspired by obvious ecological necessities, corresponds also to the comeback of a certain conservatism from the “30 glorious”.

Therefore, the new watches from Roger Dubuis will be a mix between Roger Dubuis phase 1 , with the more-than-classic “Bulletins d’Observatoires”, and the phase 2, that of the exuberant pieces from the euphoric new watchmaking.In the continuance of “La Monegasque”, three new collections are presented at this SIHH.

First, an interesting creation intended for women, the Velvet. It brings some freshness to the universe of women’s watches, with a dedicated design. The versions featuring metallic wristbands are the most comprehensively designed, because the bracelet’s central link is an extension of the built-in “fore links” integrated to the bezel at 6 and 12 o’clock.
This type of neo-classic design, or even iconic, is the kind of work one could almost expect from a corporate company like Cartier.
The watch should reach its declared target. Because it is an exclusive watch, due to its caliber and its finishes, but whose design remains sufficiently mass market, or even emblematic, to please a majority of women, typically as a gift.
The watch is 36mm across; it features a RD821 automatic caliber, 25.5mm by 3.43mm, set at 28,000 v/h with a 48-hour Power-reserve. As some pointed out in the article on “La Monegasque”, a “par epargne” work on the counterweight would have fitted the watch better than the current screen-printing. However, it is only a detail; this movement is an excellent choice for a woman’s watch without complications. Moreover, it benefits from the “Poinçon de Genève”, a standard hallmark at RD. A feature almost unique in this niche. This creation shatters many prejudices regarding women’s watches. Misconceptions that state it is impossible to fit high quality mechanical calibers in such pieces, because of the constrained dimensions as well as lack of interest women have for mechanical beauties.

The Excalibur collection more or less revisits the design of the previous Excalibur from Roger Dubuis, but as I said earlier, in a downsized version, without the central lug.
With 42mm in diameter, the case could appear a little small for a watch with a martial theme.
However, on one’s wrist, its aperture is enormous, and the watch seems to be a 44mm rather than a 42. Exactly the opposite of La Monegasque, which looks like a 42 when it is really a 44.
This paradoxical demonstration by the designers from Roger Dubuis is the proof that a technical chart is nothing without an IRL try.
The automatic Excalibur features the RD620 caliber with micro-rotor, set at 28,800 v/h with a 52-hour Power-reserve. Several versions of dials are still available in stainless steel or in rose gold. For the pictures, I selected the gorgeous lapis lazuli models as well as the mother-of-pearl one.
This utilization of lapis lazuli is uncommon and must produce fabulous contrasts when fitted in the rose gold case.
These kinds of creations could lead the way to other watches featuring an antique style, made of bronze matched with Lapis.

(I will upload the remaining photos later on)

The biggest novelty of this Roger Dubuis SIHH is of course the Pulsion. The Pulsion is the sports watch of Roger Dubuis new collections, 44mm titanium, waterproof up to 100m, one could have hoped for 300m, in order to safely practice all types of nautical sports…
If the waterproofing is limited, it is probably because of a surprising and innovative aesthetical choice: the watch is covered with a large sapphire that must be 43mm across, and fastened by tiny screws.
The non-reflective treatment is excellent and only the black internal bezel produces a slightly blue shimmering, which is superb incidentally, as you can see on the photos. Visually it is rather innovative, seen from sideways as well as from the front. Compared to the Easy Diver, the case got skinnier, but it also became more complex, regarding the dial as well as the design of the middles. As a result, the general look and feel of the watch is quite technical, very cold, bordering on certain Cyberpunk creations from the independent watchmaking.
Regarding the dial, the Cotes de Genève of the Railroad create a convincing contrast with the perlage of the RD680 caliber’s plate. The 12 and 6 numbers, set directly on the plate, strongly enhance the volume effect and emphasize the depth of the hollowed out dial.

If the look of the watch is super modern, the RD680 caliber is super classic, a pure product from the integrated Roger Dubuis factory.
It is already present in the catalog of La Monegasque series; it is a magnificent chronograph movement with micro-rotor, stamped with the “Poincon de Genève”. It is 31mm in diameter and 6.3 in thickness, and is set at 21,600v/h with a 60-hour Power-reserve.
Beyond the obvious quality of its bevelings and its finishes overall, it is a very demonstrative caliber due to its layered architecture. Moreover, this layout gives a lot of consistency to the watch, which is in 3D on its head and tails, a rare feature.

One could be surprised by such Cyberpunk, technological and uncompromising aesthetical choices.
Logically, such a high-end chronograph caliber should be fitted in quite classic cases, like a Nautilus from Patek (although it was a UHO at the time of its launch).
However, considering the RD new lines overall, La Monegasque is already a very « Sports-chic » model.
Hence, creating a watch too classic would have been redundant and not very exclusive.
The creative team from Roger Dubuis chose to go into Sports-Geek (© pifpaf), assuming that the postmodern adventure takes place in Fargo-North Dakota as well as on a yacht in Barbados. The result is a watch that is the synthesis of certain marked trends in watchmaking, from Richard Mille to Hautlence or, of course, Blancpain Carrousel 1 minute.
But this Pulsion Chrono is far more than a well-understood synthesis. First of all it is a realistic watch, in terms of size, price-quality ratio (35k CHF), realistic because of its high quality, but also because it can be worn everyday, or even because it is relatively discrete, so much so it is the antithesis of a certain hackneyed tawdriness.

Some will justifiably continue to regret the « Bulletins d’Observatoire » series, since the CEO and the creative team of Roger Dubuis took a disconcerting parti-pris: that of fitting watches with contemporary designs with calibers featuring a level of finishes worthy of the classic high-end watchmaking (well, the one that is not sullied).
But upon further analysis, the interesting point in this approach is to offer watch lovers and collectors worldwide a less exclusive access to the excellence of Helvetian watchmaking.

Geneva from January 18th to 23rd

2012-01-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

I will be in Geneva from January 18th until the 23rd. Going to visit as many manufactures as possible and the two big watchfairs. Hope to return with plenty of news, pictures, and updates. Not sure if I will be able to upload pictures while I am there, but we will see. Stay tuned.

Missing artwork by NEMS found: Submariner and Seadweller

2012-01-15T12:04:00.000-08:00

These were the two missing Rolex pictures of NEMS' art. Just found it on one of my harddrives. Enjoy. I wonder if anyone knows what happened to the artist of these, I think he was respectively is very talented.

(pictures by NEMS or nemsproduction.com)

Books about watches by Mondani Editore on Rolex, Omega, Panerai and Patek Philippe

2012-01-14T10:32:00.000-08:00

Editore Mondani may be considered one of the best watchbook editors. I represent them in German speaking countries. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have regarding these books. Below you find an overview of current editions.

Current editions:

Collecting Rolex Milgauss, Yacht-Master, Turn-O-Graph, Explorer I, Explorer II

Books about Rolex

ROLEX SUBMARINER STORY - Special Edition

Books about Rolex

Collecting Rolex GMT-Master

Books about Rolex

Collecting Nautilus and Modern and Vintage Patek Philippe

Books about Patek Philippe

Rolex Gallery

Books about Rolex

1908-2008. 100 Years of Rolex

Books about Rolex

Panerai Watches from 1936 to 1997 - Panerai in Florence

Books about Panerai

Collecting Modern and Vintage Rolex Wristwatches

Books about Rolex

Rolex Chronographs

Books about Rolex

The Master of Omega. SPEEDMASTER - FLIGHTMASTER - SPEEDSONIC

Books about Omega

LANCETTE & C.

The books of Mondani Editore about Rolex, Patek Philippe, Panerai and Omega watches

The books you find in this page represent the world’s most complete guides on Rolex, Patek Philippe, Panerai and Omega watches.

The editions for sale at Mondani’s store provide very high quality images, updated prices and detailed information about all typologies
and references of these watch brands.

Guido Mondani, Rolex and Patek Philippe collector and expert, uses his experience to guide watch lovers, dealers and collectors and,
thanks to researches and collaborations with other experts, oofers the best information to collect and invest in wristwatches.

ROLEX

Regarding Rolex, Mondani’s books provide complete information and technical details of very important typologies such as
Rolex Daytona, Submariner, GMT-Master, Milgauss, Explorer, Turn-O-Graph and Yacht-Master, and they also offer a complete
vision of the whole Rolex production and history.

Every Mondani’s book contains the price list of all Rolex watches and every year you will receive the updating of the
Rolex prices for free.

Collecting Rolex Milgauss, Turn-O-Graph, Yacht-Master, Explorer is the world’s biggest book on Rolex watches together with
Rolex Submariner Story and provide detailed information of the 50 references of Rolex Milgauss, Explorer, Turn-O-Graph and
Yacht-Master.

Collecting Rolex GMT-Master is a specific volume about Rolex GMT – MASTER which includes timepieces from the first models
of the 1950’s to the ones of the last period, including prototypes, military models, bracelets and all case and dial variants.

Rolex Submariner Story, with a big size of cm 31 x 41, is focused on Submariner, Submariner Date, Sea-Dweller and Deep Sea
models and it illustrates the various marks and the corresponding serial numbers.

Rolex Daytona Story will not be just the world’s biggest book on Rolex watches (together with “Rolex Submariner Story” and
“Collecting Rolex Milgauss, Turn-O-Graph, Yacht-Master, Explorer”) but also the most important edition ever done on Rolex.

A limited edition, in a large format, with unpublished material, very specific content, top quality images and updated estimates
of all watches covered.

Rolex Gallery is a complete journey through all the vintage and modern models produced by Rolex: Air-King, Bubble Back,
Chronographs, Daytona, Explorer, GMT-Master, Milgauss, Moon Phases, Oyster Date, Oyster Datejust, Oyster Day-Date,
Oyster No Date, Prince, Quartz, Submariner, Sea-Dweller, Turn-O-Graph and Yacht-Master.

100 Years of Rolex is about the history of Rolex and the milestones of its journey are all told here though facts, numbers, images
from advertisements, vintage posters and colour photographs of the history making Rolex watches.

Collecting Modern and Vintage Rolex Wristwatches is the most complete reference work ever done on modern and vintage
Rolex wristwatches; a true Bible to collect and invest.

PATEK PHILIPPE

Regarding Patek Philippe, Mondani’s publications are always updated with the market: after two editions sold out, the last one
“Collecting Nautilus and Patek Philippe”, represents the most complete, detailed and updated work ever done on Patek Philippe watches.

Collecting Nautilus and Patek Philippe offers technical details, prices and images of more than 2000 watches. Two volumes show
Patek Philippe wristwatches from their creation to 2003 and the third one is about modern Patek Philippe and Patek Philippe Nautilus.

PANERAI

Mondani Editore proposes the best work ever done on Panerai:
Panerai Watches form 1936 to 1997 & Panerai in Florence - 150 Years of History, by Mario paci and Dino Zei

Panerai Watches: Limited edition of 1500 numerated examples. Two volumes on vintage and pre-vintage Panerai,
the history of Panerai, the prestigious Club of Panerai and many other details which can be useful for collectors and dealers.

OMEGA

For what concerns Omega, Mondani offers:

The Master of Omega, a specific book on Omega Speedmaster, Fligtmaster and Speedsonic with technical details, history and
price list of these watches.

We remind you that every book published by Guido Mondani Editore contains the updated price list of Rolex or Patek Philippe watches.

All the books in our store except I Cronografi Rolex La Leggenda, Rolex AZ and Lancette, are in English too.

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Authors

Prefaces

Books about Rolex

Collecting Rolex Milgauss, Yacht-Master, Turn-O-Graph, Explorer I, Explorer II

ROLEX SUBMARINER STORY - Special Edition

Collecting Rolex GMT-Master

Rolex Gallery

1908-2008. 100 Years of Rolex

Collecting Modern and Vintage Rolex Wristwatches

Rolex Chronographs

LANCETTE & C.

Books about Patek Philippe

Collecting Nautilus and Modern and Vintage Patek Philippe

LANCETTE & C.

Books about Panerai

Panerai Watches from 1936 to 1997 - Panerai in Florence

LANCETTE & C.

Books about Omega

The Master of Omega. SPEEDMASTER - FLIGHTMASTER - SPEEDSONIC

LANCETTE & C.

"Guido Mondani Editore" is a publishing house founded by Guido Mondani in 1979, specialized in haute horlogerie and since many years it publishes books which became true references for dealers and collectors all over the world.
Thanks to the experience and knowledge of its founder, Mondani Editore has carved its own niche of collectors and enthusiasts who, year after year, follow the evolution of one the most famous brands in the world. In fact, Guido Mondani is one of the most important Rolex collectors in the world and in 2006 he sold at auction his collection of 309 Rolex wristwatches.
Our editions are focused on Rolex and Patek Philippe and provide images, detailed information and updated valuations. They are essential guides for anyone who wants to be or to become a watch expert.

Mondani Editore offers for free the updating of its editions and a service of valuation of your pieces.

Sold Out Editions:

(all pictures and text posted with explicit permission of Mondani Editore, courtesy of Giorgia Mondani)

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