Watches NEWS
The Evolution of the Escapement and recent innovations - Monochrome Watches
250 years after Thomas Mudge invented the first lever escapement, developing escapements has once again become the new frontier in technological breakthroughs of old-fashioned mechanical watches; a crowning glory for the most innovative, skilful and daring watchmakers. Here's a review of recent prospects and advances concerning what is certainly the most important part of a watch, the escapement.With this article dedicated to the escapement, we're introducing to you a new column, entirely dedicated to technics: A Technical Perspective. We learnt from recent talks with you, our readers, that you are interested in learning more about movement?parts, about innovation and about the way some complications work. Today, we'll clarify the evolution of a crucial part of a mechanical watch, the escapement.Invented by the English Horologist Thomas Mudge in the middle of the 18th century, the Swiss lever escapement is currently used in almost all of the mechanical watches we have today. Yet, after
Pre-SIHH 2019 - IWC Pilots Watch Chronograph Spitfire Bronze IW3879 Manufacture Movement (Hands-On, Specs & Price)
Last but not least, of the four pilot watch ‘teasers’ that IWC has released ahead of the SIHH 2019, is this well-proportioned, vintage-inspired, bronze-cased, no-nonsense chronograph upgraded with a manufacture movement. All of that might sound like music to the ears of many collectors. At least, it does to us. Meet the?IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph Spitfire Bronze ref.?IW387902.Earlier this year, IWC introduced the?Pilot's Watch Chronograph IW377724, a nice, slightly vintage-inspired piece bringing back some of the design elements found on the Mark II and the 1990s ref. 3706 – the simple Flieger Chronograph, without the rattrapante function. Basically, this watch was the modern iteration of the model that relaunched pilot’s watches at IWC. Today, IWC applies a similar concept to the?Pilot's Watch Chronograph Spitfire… and more! Ad - Scroll to continue with article
The Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Wins the GPHG 2020
Despite the challenges the industry had to face this year, it needed a celebration and some joy. So here we are, as the 2020 edition of the GPHG, known as the “Oscars of the watchmaking industry”, has come to a close and the prize for the best watch of the year, also known as the Aiguille d'Or, has been awarded. As often with the Grand Prix, the focus has been on creativity, innovation and high-end watchmaking. Without surprise, the best watch of 2020 is the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept, the world’s thinnest mechanical watch ever made (at 2mm). A well-deserved prize, if you ask us, considering the impressive technical achievement.?GPHG 2020 – Quick TakeFor many years, the Grand Prix tends to reward ultra-complex watches that celebrate Haute Horlogerie and innovative watchmaking. The 2020 edition of the GPHG? is no exception, as this year, one of the most impressive technical achievements of the last decade has been rewarded with the Aiguille d’Or. As
A Deep Dive Into The World Of Cases And Dials By F.P. Journe
It’s common practice for brands to outsource certain steps in the manufacturing of watches to specialised companies. It is, in fact, how the vast majority of watchmaking entities operate. Cases, dials, movements, crystals and straps can all come from different suppliers around the world before being assembled into a fine mechanical watch. Watches by brands high and low have been produced this way for years, decades even. There is, however, a growing trend of ‘in-house‘, not necessarily concerning a movement. Sure, a movement designed and fabricated within the confines of a watchmaking atelier is the ultimate achievement, but the craft of making dials and cases in-house, to name just two elements, is not to be overlooked. We recently had the privilege to delve into the fascinating world of Cadraniers de Geneve and Bo?tiers de Geneve, the case and dials makers for one of the most revered independent watchmakers: Fran?ois-Paul Journe.In September 2012, Fran?ois-Paul Jour
F.P.Journe Launches "Patrimoine", a new service to acquire past collections, restored in-house - Monochrome Watches
We, watch collectors, all know how difficult and risky it can be to purchase?a used watch. How can I verify the authenticity of the watch? Are all the parts originals? How the desired watch has been serviced or worn? What amount of trust?should I give to the seller? Is it a stolen watch? What warranty will it come with? Too many questions that some will never agree with?and thus, you will stick to new watches. To counteract this issue, F.P. Journe just launched Patrimoine, a new service for?collectors to enrich their collection by giving them the opportunity to purchase rare watches that are no longer manufactured (brass movement, unique pieces, limited editions), entirely serviced, controlled and restored in-house. Interesting, right?With this new F.P. Journe “Patrimoine” service, the deal is pretty simple. F.P. Journe sources and purchases, when an opportunity arises, watches from past collections that are no longer in production (think brass movement, unique pieces, and
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