In a private appointment yesterday with master watchmaker Francois-Paul Journe (at the wonderful Madison Avenue FP Journe Boutique), we had the privilege of getting hands-on to the brand new Chronometre Optimum watch that now joins FP Journe’s complex haute horlogerie collection. This new piece – a three-hand watch – was several years in the making,…
NEWS
It’s not surprising these days to hear that certain watch brands are turning to recycled materials such as plastic and PET bottles for watch straps. However, when a watch brand says it is using upcycled fire hoses — you pay attention — especially if you have a first-responder in your family. In fact, British watch…
ATimelyPerspective Event: Great Opportunity to Bid on Line for Great Jewelry, Watches to Benefit Hurricane Sandy Victims
We don’t usually write about jewelry during the watch week (we save that for Weekend Sojourns), but with the holidays around the corner and everyone shopping for a great buy, you may just want to check this out. More than 90 jewelry designers and at least one watch brand, Baume & Mercier, have donated their…
Video: One of the most alluring watch videos yet! Jaquet Droz Bird Repeater
As a writer, it isn’t often that I say it is impossible to describe something accurately. But with the recently released Jaquet Droz Bird Repeater watch, this is definitely the case. The sheer beauty and technical mastery that brings this watch – with two parent birds atop a baby bird nest – to life is…
Around the World: Dior like only Monsieur Dior Could Know
Last month, I had the distinct pleasure of joining Dior on an amazing trip to France to experience not only the superb watchmaking prowess, but also to visit the haute couture salon, the boutiques in Paris and the Mansion in Normandy where Dior grew up. All of these places define the brand’s aesthetic culture, and…
Weekend Sojourn: Palafitte Hotel, Lake Neuchatel, Switzerland
In the country that brings us the world’s finest chocolates and timepieces, sits one of the world’s most unique and beautiful hotels. Hotel Palafitte is unique in that it is the only five-star hotel in Europe built on water. In fact, it stands on tall piles on the Lake of Neuchatel – offering breathtaking views…
Time Capsules: Product- Backes & Strauss Victoria Blue Heart supports Charity
At the recent World Premiere of Haute Horlogerie held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, famed British jewelry and watch brand, Backes & Strauss showed off some of its most exquisite diamond-adorned timepieces. Among the highlights were pieces in the Berkeley, Piccadilly and Regent lines, as well as a specialty piece in the brand’s Victoria…
Time Capsules: Commentary – USA Thanksgiving Feast
Thanksgiving is a holiday initially intended to celebrate a good harvest, and to be thankful for what one has in life. In today’s world, it is a day not only for giving thanks, but also for football and food – and for kicking off the holiday shopping season. We here at ATimelyPerspective would like to…
Around the World: The Making of Zenith Watches
Recently, we had the opportunity to tour the Zenith Swiss Watch Manufacture – a brand long known for its precision watchmaking and visionary thinking. Since 1865, Zenith has been making watches that keep pace with the times. It is the brand behind the famed El Primero movement and a brand closely associated with aviation for…
Around the World: Hamilton Watch Company Celebrates 120th Anniversary
Recently, we went with Hamilton Watch Company to LA for the brand’s annual Behind the Camera Awards, and to celebrate the company’s 120thanniversary. Hamilton has one of the most unusual histories in the world of watchmaking, as this brand was created as an American brand in 1892. Located in Lancaster, PA, Hamilton watches was long…
Weekend Sojourn: Hurricane Sandy Lingers, Watch Brands Reach Out
Exactly three weeks ago, Hurricane Sandy ravished the tri-state area. In New Jersey today, families who own beach houses at the Jersey Shore are allowed to visit their town, assess the damage, do what they have to do and leave in a few hours’ time. I know families who have lost entire homes at the…