1. THE RARE AND UNUSUAL WATCHES OF EARLY F.P. JOURNE

Watch collectors are becoming more knowledgeable and discerning than ever, so interest in independent watchmaking is increasing. One of the luminaries of independent watchmaking is F.P. Journe. Interest in Journe’s watches is sky-rocketing right now, especially after an impressive showing at the recent Phillips Watch Auction XI in Geneva where a “souscription” F.P. Journe Chronomètre À Résonance and a “souscription” Tourbillon Souverain both hammered for over $1 million. Here is an in-depth look at early watches made by F.P. Journe.

Source: A Collected Man

2. THE LIVES OF ARTISTS

The Hour Glass is one of the biggest watch retailers in the Asia Pacific region and it has recently embarked on a series of videos celebrating watchmaking, design, and artisanship. In this playlist, you’ll find interviews with leading contemporary artists and watchmakers like Maximilian Büsser, Rexhep Rexhepi, and Marc Newson, to name a few. I can think of no better way to spend an hour or two than to kick back and watch these videos with a glass of bubbly in hand. Hit the link below to watch the videos.

Source: The Hour Glass Channel

3. UP CLOSE: PATEK PHILIPPE CALATRAVA REF. 6007A “NEW MANUFACTURE 2019”

The new Calatrava Ref. 6007A from Patek Philippe came as a bit of surprise. After all, Patek did indicate earlier that it would be postponing 2020’s product releases because of the current pandemic. But to be fair, the Ref. 6007A isn’t a regular production piece. Instead, it’s a limited-edition release that celebrates the completion and opening of Patek’s giant new manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. It might be a Calatrava, but the Ref. 6007A has a refreshing design — one that I think will appeal to a younger audience — and it comes in a stainless steel case. There’s little doubt the new Ref. 6007A will join last year’s Ref. 5212A Weekly Calendar watch as two of the most desirable Calatrava references of modern times.

Source: Watches by SJX

4. INTRODUCING PETERMANN BÉDAT 1967 DEADBEAT SECONDS

As I mentioned earlier, independent watchmaking is all the rage now as seasoned collectors look beyond traditional big-name brands. And one of the newest and most talked-about new watch from an independent watchmaker is the Petermann Bédat 1967 Deadbeat Seconds. Made entirely by hand by Gael Petermann and Floian Bédat, the 1967 Deadbeat Seconds watch looks, on first impressions at least, to be a simple three-hand watch. Look closely, however, and you’ll realize the seconds hand moves forward in one-second increments and that the watch is exquisitely finished with unusual techniques. For example, the matte finish on the deadbeat seconds bridge was achieved using powder mixed with olive oil. You know you want a closer look at this watch.

Source: Monochrome Watches

5. WATCH BRANDS GO DIGITAL. (NO, IT’S NOT 2010.)

To say that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had a drastic impact on our lives would be an understatement. It has completely upended lives and changed some deeply rooted ways of how business is done. And insofar as our hobby is concerned, it has forced brands to take digital more seriously. With everyone asked to stay at home, brands are finally using tech to sell and market watches and to connect with their clients. From augmented reality apps to virtual boutique experiences and online auctions, this article highlights some of the ways businesses are turning to tech to cope with the times.

Source: The New York Times