In the fifth edition of our bi-weekly roundup, we check out Patek Philippe’s new Sky Moon tourbillon watch, the latest Vianney Halter masterpiece, learn about Rolex’s history, find out the truth of replica watches, take a look at Seiko high beat movements and take a lesson on the care and feeding of mechanical watches.
1. Orient Star DE0002B Retrograde Watch Review
Orient is a subsidiary of Seiko and they make mostly mechanical watches. The Orient Star is the company’s high-end line of watches, and while it is not in the same price range as Grand Seiko, they do cost considerably more than your regular Orient and Seiko watches. In this review, we check out the Orient Star DE0002B, which features a retrograde day register and power reserve. Find out if it’s worth its $1000 asking price.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
2. Interview With Ulysse Nardin Watches CEO At Baselworld 2013
With ETA cutting back on its supplies, many watch brands have, instead of looking for an alternative supplier, made a commitment to be independent. Ulysse Nardin is one of those brands, and this year alone, they are introducing five new in-house movements. We had the chance to speak to its CEO, Patrik Hoffman, and got to learn more about their endeavors in producing in-house movements and also saw some of their new watches for 2013.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
3. Urwerk Encourages Obsessive Accuracy Tinkering With EMC Watch Movement
High-end Geneva watchmaker Urwerk has a new concept movement. Called the EMC, it is the world’s first mechanical “smart” movement. Why smart? Because it is able to measure its own accuracy using a optical sensor which is connected to a quartz regulator. The idea behind this movement is to let users adjust their own movements for even better accuracy. However, as you might expect, the movement consists of a considerable number of parts, what with the optical sensor and the display for measuring the movement’s accuracy. There’s no word yet on if this is actually going into production, but it is a very interesting movement nonetheless.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
4. Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon 6002G
Purists may think that the new Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon 6002G is far too much “flash” and “bling”, but that does not detract from the fact that it is one exquisitely-finished watch. Inside, the Sky Moon Tourbillon 6002G has the same Caliber R TO 27 QR SID LU CL as the older 5002 Sky Moon, but outside, the entire case and dials have been thoroughly redesigned. The extravagantly decorated case is 18k white gold and both front and rear dials feature beautiful enamel work. Admittedly, while the new 6002G Sky Moon may a bit too flashy, it is a watch that showcases all the skills and craftsmanship that we have come to expect from Patek Philippe.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
5. How To Buy Vintage Watches: Knightsbridge In London Explains
Adi Soon visits Watches of Knightsbridge in London to find out more about the trend of buying vintage watches and how one can go about selecting one. As opposed to buying new, getting a vintage watch has its challenges. For example, buyers need to be wary of the authenticity of the piece, the condition it is in, and where and whom he can turn to if servicing or repairs are required. Personally, I think that while buying vintage watches does come with its share of risks, vintage watches do have an indescribable appeal and charm.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
From Around the Internet
1. Seiko’s Affinity to Hi-Beat Movements
To many, Seiko is known for its bewildering and vast range of affordable divers and sports watches. However, the company’s flagship Grand Seiko watches are also considered by serious collectors to be some of the purest pursuits of horological perfection, created and developed with the sole purpose of making the most accurate mechanical watches.
In this special two part series, the history of Grand Seiko is explored, as well as the roots of its high-beat movements. Hopefully after reading this, you will gain a better understanding and appreciation of not just Grand Seiko watches, but Seiko, its parent company, as well.
Source: Monochrome Part 1, Part 2
2. What is Rolex?
Rolex consistently ranks amongst the most valuable and most recognizable brands in the world. It is undeniably the most recognizable and recognized watch brand. However, while most people associate Rolex with luxury and “having made it”, many are not aware of the historical roots of the brand and the numerous and significant contributions the brand has made to watchmaking. This article will set the record straight, as it highlights Rolex’s many achievements, including its famous Oyster case and distinctive blue Parachrom hairspring.
Source: PuristSPro
3. 5 Sports Watches to Invest In Now
There’s no denying that watches can sometimes be great investment tools. Just look at the Paul Newman dial Daytonas, or for more recent examples, the PAM 127 “Fiddy” and the PAM 382 “Bronzo”. However, spotting such pieces are not easy. It takes a keen eye and a good understanding of collectors’ mentality to be able to pick out a piece worth investing in. Personally, I don’t think watches should be thought of as a means of investment, but if that’s your thing, here’s a list of five sports watches that could appreciate in value in the near future.
Source: The Watch Gallery
4. Deep in Space with Vianney Halter
After a seven year hiatus, Vianney Halter is back with the Deep Space Tourbillon. The design of his new watch is remarkably different from his last, the Classic Janvier Moon & Sun, since it was greatly inspired by science fiction – most notably Star Trek. The highlight of the watch is the massive triple-axis tourbillon in the centre of the dial. As the tourbillon rotates, it looks like Star Trek’s Deep Space Nine space station floating in the vast emptiness of space.
Source: Watchonista
5. The Truth About Replica Watches
I think it is safe to say that for most watch enthusiasts and lovers, there is nothing more detestable than a fake or replica watch. By that I mean watches that are a copy or knockoff. For anyone who thinks that a replica watch is just as good as the real deal, you are just deluding yourself. This article is a succinct summary of the replica watch industry: why they are illegal, why they are crap and why you should not buy one. If anyone who reads this still wants to go ahead and get a replica watch… I’ll be speechless.
Source: Forbes
6. A Complete Guide to the Care and Feeding of Your Mechanical Watch
Ok, you just spent a fortune on that beautiful hand-wound A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia that you have been eyeing the past couple of years, but did you know you are not supposed to wind it on your wrist like you just did? That puts unnecessary stress on the winding stem.
If you found the above nugget of information useful, you would be pleased to know that Gear Patrol has a comprehensive guide on how you should use, treat and maintain your mechanical watch. A must-read for anyone who’s into mechanical watches.
Source: Gear Patrol