We are running out of superlatives to describe F.P. Journe. Widely regarded as one of the finest watchmakers of his generation, this man famously made his own tourbillon timepiece at the age of just 27, when he decided that the only way he could afford one was to make one for himself. Today, the man and his eponymous company are responsible for some of the most technically innovative and beautifully made watches – a personal favorite of mine is the Chronomètre à Résonance. Join us in a short documentary to find out from the man himself about his views on watchmaking and what inspires and motivates him.
Next, we spend a day at the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach with Rolex ambassador Jackie Stewart to talk about watches and, of course, cars. As for new watches, we check out Arnold & Son’s exquisite Time Pyramid watch, IWC’s Aquatimer Deep Three Depth Gauge and ITAnano’s affordable Phantom Carbon Automatic 49 watch. Finally, we learn more about high-end watchmaking and the roles of screws from renowned collector, Dr Bernard Cheong; and we round off the month by discovering the heritage of the one and only Moonwatch, the Omega Speedmaster.
1. Recommended Use: Understanding The Durability Of Your Mechanical Watch And When To Take It Off
Like anything else comparably refined and complicated in the world, mechanical watches need to be handled in line with their intended purposes. In the same way that you would not drive all over the place in first gear, certain mechanical watches need to be taken care of in certain ways. That sounds rather obvious but to be honest, watch brands and dealers could certainly do a better job of educating their customers on how to take care of their watches. In this article, we offer an overview on the steps one can take to ensure that their mechanical watch does not fall apart because of misuse.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
2. IWC Aquatimer Deep Three Depth Gauge Watch Hands-On
This year at SIHH 2014, IWC revealed their refreshed Aquatimer collection which, as the name suggests, is IWC’s line of dive watches. One of the more complicated pieces is the Aquatimer Deep Three Depth Gauge because, you guessed it, it features a mechanical depth gauge that measures up to 50 meters. But that is not all, the depth gauge features indicators that show both maximum depth and current depth. This is arguably the hottest watch to have this year for the well-heeled diving enthusiast.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
3. Arnold & Son Time Pyramid Watch Review
One of the most exciting brands in high-end watchmaking today is Arnold & Son. Not only are their watches exquisitely made, they are also highly complicated. But perhaps most importantly, they have, in a relatively short span of the time, managed to create their own instinctive style that makes it easy to recognize a watch as theirs. One of their most interesting pieces is the Time Pyramid watch, so-called because the movement is arranged in such a way that it looks like a pyramid. In our review of this unique-looking piece we discuss more about the brand itself as well as the countless interesting details of the Time Pyramid.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
4. ITAnano Phantom Carbon Automatic 49 Watch Review
Carbon is a very sexy material that is known for being extremely lightweight and yet strong. It has been used in aerospace and motorsports for some time now, but it was only just seven years ago that Audemars Piguet debuted what is arguably the first watch made using forged carbon. Since then, the material has more or less been exclusive to the highest of luxury brands. Fortunately, ITAnano, a company based in Italy, wants to change all that and this is their carbon watch, the Phantom Carbon Automatic 49, which retails for just under $600.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
5. Rolex Ambassador Sir Jackie Stewart On Watches, Cars, And Good Taste
Regardless what you think of their watches, Rolex is a company that goes about doing business in its own unique and fastidious way. When you think about brand ambassadors, you typically think of a brand trying to leverage the popularity of a certain personality to increase its own exposure. This is not the case with Rolex. Rolex’s approach to ambassadors is more involved and it is often a long-term relationship; just think James Cameron, Roger Federer and Sir Jackie Stewart. Join us as we speak to Jackie Stewart “The Flying Scot” at the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
6. Ressence Type 1 Watches Hands-On
Based on the liquid-filled Ressence Type 3, the Ressence Type 1 is a watch unlike any other. Like the former, it looks thoroughly modern and yet elegant at the same time. And while there are notable differences between the two, the Type 1 carries over the Type 3’s slick-styled case that is sandwiched in sapphire crystal. It also lacks a crown, because time is adjusted using the caseback. Do not miss our hands-on with this piece to find out more about its unique looks and special way displaying time.
Source: aBlogtoWatch