Independent watchmaking is often regarded as something that is out of the reach for most watch lovers, but for those willing to do more extensive research, there are some more interesting alternatives out there. One of them is Habring2. For the past decade, the brand has been committed to bringing innovative independent watchmaking to a more affordable price level. This year, Habring2 celebrates its 10th anniversary with the Felix, their first watch to contain an in-house designed movement. We visit them to find out more about what goes into a Habring2 watch and provide also an in-depth review of their new Felix watch.
Speaking of independent watchmaking, this round-up also sees an interview with Vincent Perriard and Dominique Renaud of HYT watches, which specializes in hydromechanical timepieces – watches that use liquids to tell time. And we also speak to Laurent Piccioto, owner of the famous Chronopassion store in Paris, who is a great supporter of independent watchmaking.
Finally, we take a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into manufacturing a Hublot Big Bang case. While they may look simple on the outside, making a Big Bang case is anything but that, and learning more about it has deepened my appreciation for the brand. We then turn our attention to another highly underrated but impressive brand, Seiko, to learn more about their manufacturing processes and also their highly revered Grand Seiko watches.
1. Three Concept Smartwatches That Could Be From Popular Swiss Luxury Brands
A common complaint leveled at smart watches is that they do not look elegant and attractive as compared to traditional watches. Obviously, beauty is very much in the eyes of the beholder, but I think we can safely say that most smart watches are either too bulky or too unimaginative in design. How would the Swiss design their smart watches then? Here are three concept designs based on the signature cases from Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, and Franck Muller.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
2. Chopard Grand Prix De Monaco Historique Chronograph Watch Review
Chopard is one of the few brands to have legitimate and long-lasting ties with motor racing. The brand has been the official timekeeper of the Mille Miglia since the late 1980s and is also the official timekeeper of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique since 2002. This year, Chopard has refreshed its Grand Prix de Monaco Historique collection with no less than three new models – a simple three-hander, another with a power reserve indicator, and a chronograph. The chronograph model – the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Chronograph – is the largest and arguably the most interesting of the three – it is also COSC-certified, a plus in our books. Here’s what we think of one of Chopard’s newest chronograph watches.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
3. Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Spherotourbillon Watch Revisited
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Duometre lineup contains some of the brand’s most complicated and innovative watches. The Duometre or Dual-Wing concept is unique in that it has two distinct power sources: one for timekeeping, and the other powers the watch’s complications. As for the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Spherotourbillon, this Dual-Wing concept has allowed Jaeger-LeCoultre to create the world’s first tourbillon that is adjustable to the second using a small seconds flyback system that resets to zero. To further aid in timekeeping, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duometre Spherotourbillon has a multi-axis tourbillon and a special cylindrical balance spring. This is one mega watch that is well worth closer examination.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
4. Habring2 Felix Watch Review And Manufacture Visit
Pieces from independent watchmakers are admittedly priced out of reach for most people, but an Austria-based brand called Habring2 is recognized as one of the handful of alternatives. Founded by Richard and Maria Habring, the couple wants to make independent watchmaking accessible, and this year marks their small company’s 10th anniversary. To celebrate, Habring2 has just announced its first in-house design movement, the A11, and also the first watch to house this movement, the Felix. Here, we take an extensive look at both the watch and the manufacture behind it.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
5. Buying Watches In Paris, France: Chronopassion
Paris is one of the most interesting and culturally important cities in the world. It is also known as a capital of fashion, jewelry and luxury. Amongst the many boutiques in the city, one stands out for watches, and that is Chronopassion. Owned by the inimitable Laurent Picciotto, Chronopassion has been in business since 1988 and is known as a supporter of new brands and projects. Chronopassion was amongst the first retailers in the world to support MB&F and Richard Mille, who are both mega brands today. In this article, we pay a visit to the world famous Chronopassion boutique and also chat with its owner, Mr. Picciotto, about watches and his business.
Source: aBlogtoWatch
6. Hamilton Pan Europ Watch On NATO Hands-On
In the realm of more affordable pieces, the new Hamilton Pan Europ watch is one that I really like. Like so many watches these days, the Pan Europ is inspired by a vintage Hamilton piece from the 1970s, but has been updated to give it a beefier and sportier look. What’s also nice about it is its H-30 movement that Hamilton claims is exclusive to them and has a long power reserve of 80 hours. Additionally, these new watches come with NATO straps that Hamilton are proud of and say are superior to most NATO straps out in the market right now.
Source: aBlogtoWatch