Best Super NEWS Watches
Auctions: Phillips Announces Creation Of New Watch Department, Plus Dates And Theme Of First Sale
I've said it before and I'll say it again, the watch auction world is a fascinating one. In no other part of the industry can fortunes change as quickly with the coming and going of specialists and experts. The auction world is incredibly personal, and consigning and bidding is often done via personal contacts with auction house representatives who have, over time, gained the trust of these clients. Until the winter of last year, Mr. Aurel Bacs was the international head of watches for Christie's, the undisputed leader in vintage watch sales bringing Christie's yearly sales to over $130,000,000 from less than $8,000,000 in less than a decade. And then, after truly triumphant results in the l...
Introducing The MB&F HM6 Space Pirate (Live Pics, Pricing)
Every time MB&F releases a new model, we end up concluding that it is novel enough to be in a league of its own. The new MB&F HM6 Space Pirate is no exception. It is a truly peerless marriage of mechanical ingenuity and science fiction. Like most haute horology that draws inspiration from external themes, the HM6 Space Pirate is built in the spirit of navigating space C the space on your wrist that is.The MB&F HM6 Space Pirate echoes design DNA from several predecessors. It has prominent domed dials reminiscent of the bulging domes on the HM3 Frog?and HM3 Moonmachine. Its centralized flying-tourbillon outwardly propels a balance wheel, similar in spirit to MB&Fs Legacy Machi...
Introducing The Breitling Transocean Chronograph Edition
We like good Breitling, and the new Transocean Chronograph doesn't disappoint. This model hankers for its roots a bit more than its predecessor with a vintage-feeling scheme and a simpler dial layout. Best of all, and unlike the earlier model, the Transocean Chronograph features a sapphire case back to showcase manufacture wares. The new model starts off with a 43 mm case (foreshadowing whats inside) in highly-polished stainless steel with steeply curved lugs. Like most Breitlings, youre bound to feel every millimeter of it. The dial has what Breitling calls twinzone silver dcor," but its more along the lines of champagn...
The Alpina 130 Heritage Pilot Chronograph on the left was released in 2013, It is an almost identical reproduction of an Alpina pilot chronograph from the early 1900's. While many watch enthusiasts shy away from faux patina for its lack of authenticity, vintage reproductions,?with modern updates, aren't as universally disliked. In the case of Alpina's 130 Heritage Pilot Chronograph, the brand decided to replicate the dial and hands of a vintage pilot watch from the early 1900's, for a modern version set within a larger 41.5 mm case. We had the opportunity to check out both watches side-by-side at a recent exhibition of Alpina watches at Tourneau TimeMachine in New ...
Coming to you live from the grand theater in Geneva, watchmaking's top prize, the AIGUILLE DOR has been presented to Breguet's Classique Chronomtrie 7727. This simple appearing watch is anything but, and actually represents years of development, six new patents, and innovation in not only high-frequency calibers, but also magnetism and materials, all in a thin elegant case with welded lugs and an engine-turned dial that is true Breguet at its very core. Here we'll explain what makes this Breguet watch so special, and give you the list of each category winner at this year's Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve. AIGUILLE DOR C Breguet Classique Chronometrie 772...
Watch The 2014 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve Live On HODINKEE Right Now
At exactly 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time today (Friday, October 31st), the world of fine watchmaking will gather at the grand theater in Geneva for the most prestigious celebration of horology in the world at the 2014 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve, or GPHG. Over a dozen category winners will be announced, ranging from chronographs, to calendars, to sports watches, to tourbillons, to ladies watches, and more. From there, the winner of the night's biggest prize, the AIGUILLE DOR," or "Golden Hand" will be presented. Last year, Girard-Perregaux's Constant Force LM was the recipient and this year's group of entries may bring us a few surprises.?HODINKEE will be broadcasting the entire GPHG 2014 c...
The fuse and chain system is visible through a bold aperture that takes up nearly half the dial. It's safe to say that 2014 is the year of major anniversary releases from top manufactures. Zenith is no exception, and today the soon-to-be 150-year-old manufacture celebrates its anniversary by announcing the Zenith Academy Georges Favre-Jacot C a high-frequency, time-only wristwatch with a bold aperture showcasing a fuse and chain mechanism. The limited edition piece is the result of two years of research and development by the Le Locle-based firm, and we had an opportunity to go hands-on with this horological machine. As the ...
Bring a Loupe: Highlights From The Sotheby's Geneva Auction On November 11th
While the eyes of the world will be focused on the Graves Supercomplication at the upcoming Sothebys Geneva auction on November 11th, there are some other fantastic watches in the sale. Below are some of my favorites. Click here for the full catalog, which is definitely worth browsing. Universal Geneve Split Seconds Chronograph retailed by A. Cairelli The 24-hour A. Cairelli Split Seconds Chronographs made for Italian Air Force navigators in the 1950s are the big guys in the world of collecting vintage Universal Geneve watches. You may even remember that John Goldberger has one and that it shares the...
Sotheby's Presents: The Story Of The Henry Graves Supercomplication By The Woman Who Last Sold It
Allow us to remind you of something you may have forgotten about C the Henry Graves Jr. Supercomplication from Patek Philippe C the most important, valuable watch in the world, is coming up for sale on November 11th at Sotheby's in Geneva. We were lucky enough to go hands-on with this $11,000,000 watch (seen here), but Sotheby's international head Daryn Schnipper (the woman who last sold this watch and will be selling it again) was?there.In this video produced by Sotheby's, Daryn recounts receiving the call one day that the watch would become available, and what it was like going to pick it up for the very first time.Watch above, then read about the watch right here in Sotheby's incredibly t...
An all-glass fa?ade offers passersby a glimpse at the watchmaking marvels within. The first thing I noticed when approaching The Hour Glass were the two front doors wide open to the street, eliminating any physical barrier to the millions of dollars in watches inside this multi-brand boutique. This wasn't a lapse in security, but rather a reminder that we were in Tokyo, a bustling metropolis with arguably the best retail on this planet and very little crime. I was lucky in that regard, because after spending a Sunday afternoon at The Hour Glass, and handling a watch hauntingly close to perfection, I left in what could best be described as a horological stupor, maki...
This is one we've been waiting for. Ever since that day about six months ago when Jaeger-LeCoultre showed us the very first working samples of its new Geophysic 1958, readers have wanted to know more about it. The question we most often received when would it be available for purchase? The answer to that is, well, right now. But we wanted to understand more about the Geophysic C its origins, its derivation, and its purpose. So we sat down with JLC veteran Philippe Bonay, its North American President, to have him explain us this dichotomous horological endeavor.? Bonay...
Left to right: Overseas Dual Time, Traditionelle 14-Day Tourbillon, and the Traditionelle. In early December, Vacheron Constantin will open its first boutique in Japan, located in Tokyo's famous Ginza district C a mecca for high-end shopping. The boutique will span two levels, including a watchmaker's station on the ground floor for after-sales service. To celebrate the opening, Vacheron Constantin announces three new versions of the Traditionnelle, Overseas Dual Time, and Traditionelle 14-Day Tourbillon, in limited editions available exclusively at the new Tokyo boutique. We had?the chance to see all three models a few days ago in Tokyo and it's likely that some o...
Introducing The RGM Pro Aviator 151A, In Stainless Steel And Titanium
We recently brought you the RGM PS 801 BB Baseball in Enamel limited edition C which featured an in-house movement and RGMs first enamel dial. If you caught our last coverage on RGM, you likely read that this small manufacture in Lancaster County, PA, pumps out roughly 250 watches a year (about 75 of them utilizing in-house movements). Today, were taking a look at another RGM new release C the Pro Aviator Model 151A.? RGMs new Pro Aviator 151A is an aviation-themed watch with a brushed stainless-steel case (it can also be requested in titanium) that measures in at 38.5 mm by 9.9 mm. It has scalloped lugs and a thin bezel...
VIDEO: An Inside Look At The Selection Of The 2014 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve
Just yesterday in Geneva, I was joined by my fellow jury members for the 2014 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG), in selecting who would receive the industry's most prestigious awards. The jury this year consists again of some of the most well known experts and authorities in the field of watchmaking, and here is a little clip to show you what it was like.The 2014 GPHG award ceremony will take place this Friday in Geneva, and you may watch it live here on HODINKEE. For more on nominated awards, visit here....
Inside The Manufacture: A Visit To Audemars Piguet In Le Brassus
Audemars Piguet occupies a very interesting place in the pantheon of modern watchmakers. It is truly independent, with two members of the Audemars family still playing an active role in the manufacture's development. It balances watchmaking of the very highest order C think tourbillons, advanced escapements, and grand complications C with watches immediately recognizable to the average person on the street. And it has remained entrenched on home soil in the small village of Le Brassus, situated right in the heart of the Valle de Joux. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting Audemars Piguet's storied home and it's a pleasure to share my journey with you here. ...
Introducing The Girard-Perregaux 1966 Collection Limited Editions With Enamel Dial
Today, we bring you three Girard-Perregaux 1966 Limited Editions with Enamel Dial. The art of enameling isnt new to HODINKEE readers. Weve covered it in cloisson on models such as this from Laurent Ferrier, and recently brought you the RGM PS801 Baseball in Enamel that is manufactured stateside. In short, we have great respect for this craft, which is why were excited to announce Girard-Perregauxs new and exceedingly top-notch offerings in it.If youre the type of watch-lover who prefers rare complications to rare artistry, just know that when it comes to volume, enamel work makes exotic repeaters and tourbillons routine in comparison. And because most enamel pieces sell out pre-release...
Happy 80th Birthday To Master Watchmaker And Industry Legend Kurt Klaus
Kurt Klaus began his tenure at IWC more than 57 years ago, and his exploits run deep. Among his most notable contributions to the storied brand is the creation of an autonomous perpetual calendar module in 1985, and leading the design of the Caliber 5000 that debuted in 2000. His innovations live on to this day within the Da Vinci and Portuguese lines, and serve as a foundation to the modern day IWC brand. Today, all of us at HODINKEE honor Mr. Klaus on his 80th birthday.Mr. Klaus is still very much active within the halls of IWC, as well as outside of them, serving as a watchingmaking evangelist to burgeoning markets like China and Korea. He promotes an understanding of and appreciation for...
Introducing: The A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst
Twenty years ago today, A. Lange & Sohne made history for the second time. Almost a half-century after their appropriation, the Berlin Wall collapsed, and Walter Lange slowly began to turn the deserted halls of the Glashtte manufacture into a hallmark of excellence and admiration. Actually, the word slowly does a disservice to this horological tour de force. It wasnt slow at all. It was fast. To borrow a few words from Walter Lange, there is something one should expect not only of a watch, but also of oneself. Never stand still. Thats excellence if youve ever heard it.As readers and fans, you know what we mean. Weve rarely published a Lange release without praiseful commentary p...
VIDEO: Inside A. Lange & Sohne's Madison Avenue Boutique
One month ago today, A. Lange & Sohne opened its first New York boutique, at 785 Madison Avenue. We were the very first to take you inside with a photo report seen here. Today we're back, on Lange's 20th birthday to give you another look at this fantastic mono-brand boutique here in NYC, and encourage you all to swing by the store today to enjoy some beer and pretzels in honor of two decades of Lange.As a reminder, here are the details of the NYC A. Lange & Sohne boutique:A. Lange & Sohne NYC Boutique785 Madison Avenue (at 66th street)New York, NY 10065(646)828-3150[email protected]...
Bring a Loupe: Highlights From The Antiquorum Geneva Sale On November 8th And 9th
We are coming up on one of the two main periods in the watch auction business: the November Geneva and December New York sales (the other main period are the May Geneva and June New York sales). Antiquorum has recently launched a mega-catalog of 600 lots and we have selected some of our favorites. As always, potential buyers should "bring a loupe" and make sure to request additional photos and information should they be interested in bidding. Importantly, you should watch out as I (and others) noticed a few redialed watches in the catalog that were described as having original dials in the Grading System. Also, I saw some years dates listed for watches were off by quite a few years and I wan...