There is a widespread opinion that the date indicator in the absence of other calendar functions violates the “original purity” and “balance” of the classic dial. It is only accurate when little thought is given to the design and the execution. The famous Panoramadatum, an off-centred large panoramic date window by Glashütte Original, can quickly […]
In 2012, the Year of the Dragon, Blancpain presented a Traditional Chinese Calendar watch. It featured not just the Chinese but also a Gregorian calendar date indication. There is a practical reason for including both calendars; the Gregorian calendar is used for universal (civil) purposes, and the lunisolar determines when it’s (Chinese) party time. Since […]
Ineichen, the fast-growing auction house based in Zurich, seems to have a thing for both modern, important watches as well as something that is dear to us, independent watchmaking. Following thematic sales focused on one specific material or an iconic watch celebrating its 50th anniversary, we’ve seen an October sale dedicated to tourbillons and skeletonization. Today, […]
We all know the watchmaking industry is spread far and wide, and you can find pretty much whatever you can think of. And on the top end of the spectrum is where you will find some of the most complex pieces imaginable. Watches that tell you the sunrise and sunset times for instance, or that […]
As any watchmaker or designer knows, simplicity is devilishly complex. And when it comes to simplifying a complication like an annual calendar, this exercise requires great ingenuity. If there is one figure on the current watchmaking scene capable of pulling off an annual calendar of such radical minimalism, inventiveness and intuitiveness, it is Dr Ludwig […]
Visiting the De Bethune manufacture in the picturesque village of L’Auberson in the Swiss Jura mountains is quite an impressive experience. The works of Denis Flageollet, the mastermind behind De Bethune, have placed the brand outside mainstream watchmaking in a class of its own. There is something even more special about visiting Denis Flageollet’s workshop […]
Since Guido Terreni was appointed CEO of Parmigiani Fleurier, the brand has been busy streamlining its collections and forging a coherent identity. Families like Kalpa, Pershing and Bugatti have been whisked away to focus all efforts on the Tonda, especially the Tonda PF luxury sports watch. Launched in 2021, the Tonda PF is a refined […]
When presented in 2019, the Heritage Bicompax Annual came as one of the best surprises Carl F. Bucherer ever did to the vintage enthusiast community. Nicely shaped and pleasantly complicated, it was styled to showcase the brand’s technology housed in designs inspired by watches from the mid-20th century. First released in two limited editions, one […]
The understated Adamavi is Carl F. Bucherer‘s classic collection, which completes other ranges from the brand, such as the sporty Patravi or the higher-end Manero, focused on the brand’s in-house watchmaking expertise. The latest addition to the Adamavi line is an elegant full calendar with a moonphase. Presented in stainless steel, either with a silver […]
Dear Mr Dufour… is how I envisioned starting our last Rolex prediction for 2021. Especially because it’s not really a prediction like our other predictions – of which quite a few have become a reality in the past years. No, this one is rather wishful thinking, a desire, a hope for something complicated yet elegant, […]