Just two days ago at Phillips’ Hong Kong watch auction a pair of timepieces that are masterpieces of contemporary independent watchmaking went under the hammer with dramatically different results. The first was a Philippe Dufour Simplicity that sold for US$258,000, about five times its original retail price some 12 years ago and just a day after Christie’s accomplished the same […]
About two months ago, I wrote about the state of wrist affairs in Watches of the Silicon Valley. In the article, we confirmed the unsurprising SV stereotypes with the array of Apple watches and Fitbits. Watch boutiques here are scarce and hard to chance upon, especially for someone so used to the dense concentration…
The Double Balancier à Différentiel Constant exemplifies what Greubel Forsey does best, highly finished complicated movements constructed in an architectural style, with the intricacies of the movement revealed on the dial. Unlike the entry-level Signature 1 launched at the same time, the Double Balancier à Différentiel Constant is a no-expense-spared wristwatch priced at well over US$300,000. Double Balancier à […]
Like many people, my starting point for serious watches was with a well-priced brand long known for its expertise in developing movements, justly viewed as offering good value for money – but not necessarily for the refinement of its movement finishing, at least on its less expensive pieces. What have I learned since then?