1. Montblanc Memories
It’s no surprise that a lot of work goes behind making a watch, that’s why I’m always fascinated by posts like this that goes behind the scenes. The poster, “tick-talk”, recently won the Purists TimeWriter II Chronographe Bi-Fréquence 1000 contest last November, and the prize was an invitation to visit the Montblanc Manufacture in Villeret. He faithfully details his trip in this post here and shares interesting insights with his conversations with Montblanc’s master watchmakers Demetrio Cabiddu and Bartomeu Gomila.
Source: PuristSPro
2. Five Simple Rules for Vintage Rolex Beginners
As the writer so rightfully puts it, “The lure of vintage Rolex is intoxicating.” I personally agree, if only because I find myself looking at older Rolex pieces because the new models that they are putting out are far too loud for my liking. However, buying second hand watches has its pitfalls and these dangers are compounded when you are talking about vintage pieces – watches that can be decades old. Here, the poster shares five tips that one should always abide by when buying not just vintage Rolex, but any vintage watch for that matter.
Source: PuristSPro
3. Seven Great Affordable Dive Watches
For those who are new to watches, dive watches are great pieces to get started on because of their durability and versatility. These watches are often rugged in their construction and their high water resistance means they are suitable for nearly any situations. Furthermore, depending on design, they can be made to dress up or dress down and are good for most social settings too. Gear Patrol has rounded up a list of seven great dive watches that can be had under US$1000.
Source: Gear Patrol
4. The Entire Patek Philippe Minute Repeater Collection, Chiming For Your Enjoyment
The minute repeater is arguably the most complicated and difficult to master of all complications. The mechanism of striking hammers is one thing, the other tricky bit is getting the chime to sound exactly right. Therefore, it is not surprisingly to find that only a handful of brands are making such watches. At a recent exhibition in New York, Patek Philippe brought out nine of their minute repeaters and Hodinkee was there to record their mesmerizing chimes.
Source: Hodinkee
5. 2000 – 2012: The Years that Changed Watchmaking
Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest brands and is often considered as one of the “Big Three” Swiss watchmakers. The brand might have a storied past, but as the post starter notes, it was really at the turn of the millennium that Vacheron Constantin, and watchmaking in general, experienced the biggest changes. The post attempts to summarize the major trends and changes in the world of horology while splicing it with examples from Vacheron Constantin.
Source: The Hour Lounge @ Vacheron Constantin
6. Top Watches For Social Peacocking
Whether you like it or not, watches are a form of status symbol. Today, more than ever, people look at your watch and form opinions of you – your taste, your aspirations and your social position and wealth. For example, a Patek Philippe might say you are wealthy, but classy and conservative. If you are self-conscious and you are unsure what your watch says about you, this list will help.
Source: Forbes