1. Breguet 5447BR Classique Grande Complication
Breguet is a brand that I think deserves more recognition. It is also curious in some ways. For the most part, most people associate the brand with classic looking watches often with pomme hands, guilloche dials, fluted cases, and ornately decorated movements. However, some of its watches, like the Classique Chronometrie Reference 7727, have very modern and technical movements that employ the use of silicon and even magnets. The Classique Grande Complication, on the other hand, is a much more conventional Breguet piece with classic complications and even a very traditional looking movement.
Source: Fratellowatches
2. Up Close With The Patek Philippe Ref. 5207P, A Spectacular Grand Complication
Another grand complication we are featuring this month comes from the fabled house of Patek Philippe, and it is the Reference 5207P. The Reference 5207P was introduced a good six years ago at Baselworld and features a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and tourbillon. Though it does not feature a chronograph (a complication some consider necessary for a watch to be called a grand complication), its perpetual calendar is instantaneous, meaning it changes indications instantly at midnight – most perpetual calendars have dragging displays. And as you would expect from Patek Philippe, the finishing on this watch is impeccable.
Source: Watches by SJX
3. Made in France: Inside the Pequignet Manufacture
Don’t fret if you have never heard of Pequinet. Neither had I, until I stumbled upon this article which I think is worth sharing with our readers. You see, what’s unique about Pequinet is that it is one of the few watch manufactures based in France. Although not a true manufacture in the strictest sense, since Pequinet designs its own movement but relies on suppliers to fabricate the components, they did recently design their own movement called the Caliber Royal. If you are looking to reward yourself with something a little unusual this Christmas, Pequinet is worth a look or two.
Source: The Horophile
4. Watch Buying Guide 2014, the classics (specs and price)
Christmas is just round the corner and some of you may be thinking of buying a watch as a gift to someone else or maybe even yourself. Buying a new watch is always fun, but with so many choices to choose from, it is also sometimes daunting, especially if you are new to watches. Here is a handy guide showcasing modern classics worthy of your consideration. What’s also handy is that is that the watches listed are in ascending order of price.
Source: Monochrome
5. IN-DEPTH: Inside The Archives Of Audemars Piguet
Vintage Patek Philippe watches are widely celebrated and some are even highly valuable, but they might not be the most interesting, the nicest looking, or even the rarest. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I doubt anyone would say that these vintage watches from Audemars Piguet are anything but technically accomplished and some even highly complicated in their own right. Besides, who did Patek Philippe turn to when they needed help developing the minute repeater in the Henry Graves Super complication? Yup, it’s Audemars Piguet.
Source: Hodinkee
6. Talking to Nick Hayek
Like his father, Nick Hayek is a visionary figure in horology. With him leading the Swatch Group, brands under the Swatch umbrella are seeing a period of tremendous growth, not just in terms of sales but also in innovation. Breguet’s Reference 7727 is the first watch in the world to use magnetic pivots to improve chronometry and Omega’s new Master Co-Axial movements, which are amagnetic, are as impervious to the environment as they come. Here’s an interview with the man to find out his insights about the challenges facing Swiss watch manufacturers and his thoughts regarding the importance of the “Swiss Made” label.
Source: Watch-Insider