Category: High-end Watches

History of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Part 2 – The evolution of a collection (1980/2006)

As the Patek Philippe Nautilus is celebrating this year its 40th anniversary, it was time for two events: the launch of a dedicated collection by the Geneva-based Maison and, for us, it was the perfect moment to bring you a complete retrospective on this icon. Last week was part 1 and, of course, it was entirely focused on the one that started it all; the iconic reference 3700 “Jumbo”. This week, we’ll mainly focus on the evolution of the model into a proper collection, with the introduction of new versions, new sizes and new complications. And that, just before we look at the present collection… but that will come later.

8 years ago

Hands-on Review – The Laurent Ferrier Galet Traveller, when Haute Horlogerie meets ease of use

Travelling is rarely a relaxed affair. There’s the packing, the rushing to the airport or train station, losing your passport, finding it again, running the gauntlet through security. By the time you get to your destination you’re pretty much guaranteed to be exhausted (and let’s face it probably a little buzzed). The last thing you want to be doing is fiddling around trying to adjust your watch to a new time-zone. Enter the Laurent Ferrier Galet Traveller, a watch as attractive as it is easy to use. When haute horlogerie meets functionality…

8 years ago

The Zoute Grand Prix Rally 2016 sponsored by Lebeau-Courally – Part 1, The Rally

What do a classic car rally, handmade hunting rifles and mechanical watches have in common? The answer is Lebeau-Courally. The company was founded in 1805 and is well known in Royal families for its handmade hunting rifles and has moved into the field of haute-horlogerie by acquiring Le Locle based IMH. Lebeau-Courally is a platinum sponsor of the Zoute Grand Prix Rally. In part 2 of this article we will focus on Lebeau-Courally and their newest timepiece, the beautiful Phase de Lune with 18 layers of enamel. However first we’re going to have a look at the Zoute Grand Prix event, in particular the rally.

8 years ago

5 Cool Finds – 5 super-complicated watches to make you feel like Gatsby

Last week, our selection of 5 Cool Finds was clearly on the safe-side; 5 ultra-essential dive watches from mainstream brands, the kind of watches you can never go wrong with. This week, in our new episode of the Cool Finds, we’re going to explore completely different territories: the super-complicated watches. You want gold; we have. You want high-end brands; we have too. You want complications; oh yes we have. You want the kind of watches that reflect your tastes and your love for haute-horlogerie, we definitely have that. You want understated though, yes that’s what you’ll get. Together with our partner Chronext, here are 5 complex and super-luxurious watches that will make you feel like Gatsby – or simply fulfill your need of being the man that knows a lot about watches.

8 years ago

Warm and Bold… Armin Strom introduces its Edge Double Barrel in Rose Gold

While the Armin Strom Edge Double Barrel should not be a stranger to you anymore – as you might have read our extensive review here – it must be admitted that, for the moment, this watch has been mostly playing on black and sporty design clues. The standard edition is indeed entirely black and metallic and the Max Chilton Limited Edition removes a bit of coating on the case and adds some blue accents here and there. But what if you like something more luxurious, warmer, less rugged (and we know that Armin Strom can combines sports and luxury…). The answer is here; the new Armin Strom Edge Double Barrel in rose gold.

8 years ago

History of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Part 1 – The Birth an Icon, the 3700 (1976/1990)

Stating that the Patek Philippe Nautilus is an icon is probably too easy… but there is no way to evade this. The Nautilus is an icon. No debate. Introduced in 1976, and designed by one of the most famous watch-designers, who can be seen as the creator of a new species of timepieces – the luxury sports watch. The Nautilus is praised by all sorts of collectors, and it is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. Last week we explained the 40th anniversary editions  to you, and now it is time to look at the entire timeline of this watch. The first part of the history of the Patek Philippe Nautilus is of course dedicated to the very first version, the Ref. 3700.

8 years ago

History of the Patek Philippe Nautilus, Part 1 – The Birth of an Icon, the 3700 (1976/1990)

Stating that the Patek Philippe Nautilus is an icon is probably too easy… but there is no way to evade this. The Nautilus is an icon. No debate. Introduced in 1976, and designed by one of the most famous watch-designers, who can be seen as the creator of a new species of timepieces – the luxury sports watch. The Nautilus is praised by all sorts of collectors, and it is now celebrating its 40th anniversary. Last week we explained the 40th anniversary editions  to you, and now it is time to look at the entire timeline of this watch. The first part of the history of the Patek Philippe Nautilus is of course dedicated to the very first version, the Ref. 3700.

8 years ago

Introducing – Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpa XL Hebdomadaire Anniversaire, a solid gold movement in a steel case

Recently, the high-end brand Parmigiani Fleurier introduced a special piece for its 20th anniversary, the Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpa Hebdomadaire Anniversaire Piece unique. Apart from its nice design, paying tribute to the very first watch designed by Michel Parmigiani, the main interest was in the combination of an almost commoner steel case with a splendid hand-engraved solid gold movement. We thought it would have remained a unique iteration, but in front of the success encountered, Parmigiani decided to introduce a limited edition of 10 pieces, the Parmigiani Fleurier Kalpa XL Hebdomadaire Anniversaire.

8 years ago

Konstantin Chaykin Introduces the Most Complicated Clock ever made in Russia, the Moscow Comptus Easter Clock

There’s one question that always seems to come up at parties I attend; what do you give the Russian oligarch in your life that already has everything? Ok, so maybe that question doesn’t always come up and maybe I don’t know any Russian oligarchs (or attend parties for that matter) but I do happen to know the answer. Presenting the wonderfully elaborate Moscow Comptus Easter Clock by Konstantin Chaykin, the most complicated clock ever made in Russia.

8 years ago

F.P.Journe Launches “Patrimoine”, a new service to acquire past collections, restored in-house

We, watch collectors, all know how difficult and risky it can be to purchase a used watch. How can I verify the authenticity of the watch? Are all the parts originals? How the desired watch has been serviced or worn? What amount of trust should I give to the seller? Is it a stolen watch? What warranty will it come with? Too many questions that some will never agree with and thus, you will stick to new watches. To counteract this issue, F.P. Journe just launched “Patrimoine”, a new service for collectors to enrich their collection by giving them the opportunity to purchase rare watches that are no longer manufactured (brass movement, unique pieces, limited editions…), entirely serviced, controlled and restored in-house. Interesting, right?

8 years ago