Earlier this week, Patek Philippe celebrated the official opening of its new offices and watch service department in New York City. High above Rockefeller Center, with a superb view of the famed skating rink, Thierry Stern, President of Patek Philippe worldwide, and Larry Pettinelli, US President, cut the proverbial ribbon – opening the doors to stunning…
The Horological Society of New York (HSNY), announced that it has established two new scholarships for minority watchmaking students. America’s first watchmaking guild announces the Benjamin Banneker Scholarship for Black Watchmaking Students, as well as the Oscar Waldan Scholarship for Jewish Watchmaking Students. Benjamin Banneker, a self-taught mathematician, astronomer and horologist who lived from 1731 to…
Watch Education: What Exactly is a Perpetual Calendar Watch?
One of the most sought-after complications on today’s watch market is the perpetual calendar. These sophisticated time trackers typically hold calibers with anywhere from 300 to 600 pieces and command prices that range from $25,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on their added functions and adornments. Waiting lists for these watches can run…
Introducing Thomas Prescher’s Second Watch of the Nemo Series
We’ve written about this ingenious independent watchmaker several times before. Thomas Prescher is a man who follows his own drum beat. Inspired by Jules Verne’s 10,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Thomas Prescher began working on a series of Nemo timepieces. The second one now emerges – using his Triple Axis Tourbillon as a base, but…
Chopard Unveils its L.U.C XPS Poincon de Genève Watch
As it opens its newest boutique on Rue du Rhone in Geneva, Chopard unveils the new L.U.C XPS watch in platinum with a stunning midnight blue dial. The ultra-thin watch is created in a limited edition of 25 pieces and complies with the stringent criteria of the “Poincon de Genève” hallmark. The hallmark is hand…
Introducing Cartier’s Dial Art
This year Cartier reverts to history — reinterpreting ancient arts into watch dial formats that leave us all a bit jealous of those who can afford to buy these masterpieces, and – of course — hungry for more. Among the motifs Cartier utilizes this year: Granulation; Cameo work; Sculpting of mother of pearl; Marquetry and…
Audemars Piguet in Michael Bastian’s Runway Show
Last week, during New York City’s fashion week, Audemars Piguet was seen on the runway with Michael Bastian – for the third consecutive season. Bastian, named 2011CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year, showed his newest collection at Focus: Café Rouge and featured new pieces from Audemars Piguet’s collection on the runway. Among the watches that…
Maurice de Mauriac’s Barenia Leather Straps
Smooth to the touch, inviting to the eye, intriguing on the wrist – all descriptions of the newest Maurice de Mauriac Barenia leather NATO straps. These custom made straps for the brand are created in an array of colors – but my favorite is the cocoa-hued strap (unfortunately not shown here) – that is rich,…
A Moment in time with Daniel Dreifuss of Maurice de Mauriac
For a small watch brand, Maurice de Mauriac has one very big presence. This brand, which we have written about before here, has made amazing strides in its 16 years of existence thanks to the foresight and innovative thinking of founder Daniel Dreifuss. Located in Zurich, Maurice de Mauriac watches are hand crafted, with just a…
Watch Education: Understanding Enamel Dial Work
There are a host of mediums that top-tier watch brands use to achieve art for the wrist, and those venues are constantly evolving and taking on new shape and form, often with a blend of several coming together in one timepiece. Among the most favored mode today – for painting flowers, animals and even scenes…
Introducing Heart Watches from Chopard
Watches with hearts and love inscriptions are a great way to celebrate today — Valentine’s Day. Yet this Chopard Happy Sport watch is a timeless companion every day of the week. It is a romantic and charming interpretation of the brand’s famed Happy Diamonds and Happy Sport collections, wherein free-floating dimaonds and iconic symbols placed between two…