Coronageddon threw a spanner in the works for Rolex’s annual new model release. When COVID-19 shut down the world economy, the company [quietly] let it be known their new product launch team was skipping the annus horribilis entirely. Watch news! . . .
Our Sunday watch news roundup starts with Rolex’s lawsuit against laCalifornienne. Rolex was none-too-happy with the Rolex modder’s modifications. watchpro.com reports that Rolex won their suit against the husband-and-wife owners for trademark violation. Will Rolex take on the other modders, such as Wildman, Blaken and Mad Paris? Rolex’s victory may also have implications for . . .
Continue reading “Watch News 6/7/2020 – Rolex Mauls Modder!”
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 “Coronavirus Watch 22: Which Watch Industry Brands Will Die?”
Gerald Genta’s influence on modern watch design can hardly be overstated. Our man Rivoira penned an excellent history of the watchmaker’s work, focusing on the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Patek Philippe Nautilus. Franz’s post skips over this watch: the 1976 Genta-designed IWC Ingenieur. A timepiece that started life in 1955 as an anti-magnetic watch for scientists. Which was just as well as . . .
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”