Andrei Kluska for Lifetime Magazine: “The most important watches of 2024 so far: Bovet 1822, Singer, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Piaget and Parmigiani Fleurier”
In today's digital age, where technology dominates every aspect of life, mechanical watches hold a unique and enduring appeal. These timepieces are not merely instruments for telling time; they are symbols of craftsmanship, tradition, and human ingenuity. Mechanical watches represent the art of horology, where precision engineering meets aesthetic beauty, creating objects that are as much about personal expression and heritage as they are about function. Despite the rise of smartwatches and digital devices, mechanical watches are still cherished for their intricate movements, timeless design, and the deep connection they offer to the history of watchmaking, but also for how they have evolved into even richer masterpieces. They stand as a reminder of the value of patience, skill, and the enduring nature of human creativity in a fast-paced, ever-changing world.
Never dull: Bovet OttantaSei Tourbillon
Could we ever deny the inescapable connection between watchmaking and the automotive industry? Since the dawn of timekeeping, people have measured speed using various means, including for races involving athletes, horses, camels, dogs and, later on, cars. Until the quartz revolution, a precise chronometer was an accessory for professionals and/or the rich. With the advent of the automobile, watches became another way of showing off, not just a status symbol, reflecting not only the performance of the car but also the wearer's own taste and wealth. But this undeniable intertwining was also an opportunity for both industries to work together, and exchange technologies, materials and knowledge. Today, we are exploring a creation resulting from the collaboration of two fantastic Maisons, both with a rich history of superlatives and an exceptional heritage - Bovet by Pininfarina: Bovet 1822 Ottantasei Tourbillon.
Perpetual Calendar: the Concept, the Affordable, the Independent, the Sporty and the Prominent
A perpetual calendar wristwatch is a type of watch that tracks and displays the date, day of the week, month, and leap years. The display usually features a moon phase indicator as well. What sets it apart from a regular calendar watch is its ability to automatically adjust for the varying lengths of months and leap years, without the need for manual adjustment. This means that the watch will accurately display the correct date even during leap years and won’t require adjustment until the year 2100, which is a non-leap year, considering that the watch will run continuously until then.
Jewelry watches to consider (not only for Valentine’s Day): Piaget and Van Cleef & Arpels
With Valentine’s Day marked in bold in the calendar, it's inevitable to start thinking about the best possible gifts. Whether for a loved one or for yourself, a watch holds a timeless significance. In this day and age, when time is ubiquitous, displayed by a multitude of devices, a watch embodies pure pleasure. Furthermore, certain timepieces transcend mere function, evolving into exquisite works of art and jewelry. This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the watches I've selected for this article – two examples of artisanal craftsmanship and two more accessible yet equally stunning beauties for the wrist.
The painstaking task of selecting the favorites of 2023.
As a watch enthusiast and journalist, I am often asked: “Which one is your favorite?“. With my face blushing at the sight of the pieces that I love the most, my heart pounding at the sight of horological complications, and my mouth drooling over exceptional finishes, it is hard to pinpoint my favorite every year. As a (sometimes) pragmatist, I understand why certain watches are loved, desired or bought more than others. It is like asking the mom or dad of a family with several children which is their favorite child – in theory, all of them are, but they might still recognize that they have a favorite.
The BOVET 1822 Virtuoso XI
Year after year, BOVET 1822 continues to amaze with technical pieces of exceptional craftsmanship. And because the independent brand never disappoints but rather surprises, this year’s main piece, the Virtuoso XI, is yet another example of a contemporary tribute to pocket watches executed at the highest level of craftsmanship – now an expected characteristic of the 200-year-old brand.
Sports watches – two interpretations: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph and LAURENT FERRIER Sport Auto 40
It is rather difficult for a watch lover to select their favorite watches. A clash of opinions and facts is inevitable when several watch enthusiasts get together. When passion takes over, the discussions can become heated. In the watch world, this usually means a lot of fun, laughter, and positive vibes. The Lifetime Awards Gala 2023 watch selection process was no different. I was honored to be part of the jury with a select group of nice people. For me, the struggle was not about fighting for my favorite piece but about the selection process. A fight is easy, but the reasons behind it are complicated… And we all know this from the world around us.
Geneva Watch Days 2023: a report in wrist-shots
At the end of August and the beginning of September the watchmaking world was in the spotlight for a new edition of the Geneva Watch Days. Born in the midst of the pandemic as an alternative to the former SIHH (now Watches & Wonders), which was cancelled due to the obvious problems associated with the terrible disease, the GWD has grown strong as an independent event. This year’s edition gathered nearly forty brands, offering both exhibitors and journalists/collectors the chance to enjoy a much more relaxed environment.
Panerai Radiomir Otto Giorni – a modern interpretation of a vintage classic
In 1915, the Radiomir, derived from “radio mire”, which is Italian for “radium sights”, was born in the hands of Guido Panerai. He invented gun sights that were illuminated by a radium-226/zinc sulphide powder enclosed in small, hermetically sealed containers. Radiomir was officially patented in 1916. Twenty years later, a 47mm prototype bearing the name Radiomir was designed to meet the need for excellent readability in muddy waters. The later sandwich dial is an improvement of the original models, driven by the military requirements for better legibility and luminosity.
This year Panerai continues an almost century-old story. The classic collection has received a lovely modern interpretation, with a brand-new finish where each timepiece has a unique character. Let’s dive into the details of the Panerai Radiomir Otto Giorni PAM01347 & PAM01348.
The wristwatch as a canvas: three artistic creations as a background for classic time-telling.
Ever since the early days of time measurement, humankind has felt the need to embellish time measuring devices.