Swiss horology has a Holy Trinity: Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet. They’re also known as the New King, the Old King and the Young Prince. While this doesn’t provide a complete picture of modern haute horlogerie, it’s true: Patek Philippe rules . . .
Grand Seiko makes a lot of watches. The GS website divides their timepieces into four categories: Elegance (34 watches), Heritage (62 watches), Sport (29 watches) and Limited (24 watches). Excluding overlap, there are 125 model choices. Not to mention around a dozen special editions. How do you choose? Try this three-step process . . .
Watch Industry Braces For Historic Downturn HoDinkee proclaims. That’s like saying a car crash victim lying by the side of the road is bracing for impact. Dude, the downturn is here. Last month, Swiss watch exports fell by a staggering 81 percent. There’s no sign of a “revenge shopping” recovery. The real economy is in the tank. Ho’ writer Joe Thompson offers us a piercing glimpse into the obvious, then shares the following eye-opening prediction . . .
Continue reading “Which Watch Industry Brands Will Die? – Coronavirus Watch 22”
Collectors of elegant two or three-handed watches are spoiled for choice – as long as they buy vintage. There are modern Patek Philippe Calatravas and Piaget Antiplanos that scratch that itch. But it’s slim pickins’ further down the food chain. With some exceptions, Rolex Cellini and OMEGA Deville dress watches have lost the plot. Jaeger Le-Coultre’s Master Control nails it, but Grand Seiko is your go-to modern day minimalist manufacturer . . .
The Grand Seiko maintenance video below is causing quite a stir, in its own little way. “I’m not the only one who gets emotional watching this,” Nicholas Packwood commented underneath Grand Seiko Complete Service. “Like family. It’s spiritual.” Davidc5191 reckons. “It’s like watching open-heart surgery.” It is. And I’m happy to report it’s the best thing to happen to Grand Seiko’s reputation since, um, ever . . .
Continue reading “Zen and the Art of Grand Seiko Maintenance”