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Our top 10 favorite calibers from TAG Heuer

20 December 2022

Our top 10 favorite calibers from TAG Heuer

TAG Heuer and motorsports have been inextricably linked since the early days of the company and particularly as a result of Jack W. Heuer's passion in that field. Motorsports has always been about innovation. No matter how advanced a past design was, future ones will eventually not only catch up with it, but – more importantly – overtake it. That's why it's no surprise that TAG Heuer has continually produced revolutionary innovations as well. Let's explore some of the legendary TAG Heuer calibres with which the company has made a lasting impact on watchmaking history.

The history of antimagnetic watches

17 August 2022

The history of antimagnetic watches

Our world is in a constant state of change. Who would have expected 30 years ago that smart technology would evolve so rapidly and have such an impact on our everyday lives? Much of what our parents and grandparents had grown accustomed to and believed to be impossible to change has now disappeared from collective memory. Some things that we considered analogue and obsolete, however, are having a new, exciting moment. In this case, we’re referring specifically to antimagnetic watches. Numerous everyday objects, each with its own unique electromagnetic field have made it attractive again for watch manufacturers to produce timepieces whose accuracy is unaffected by magnetic forces.

Fast Cars & Fine Watches:  If Luxury Watches Were Cars

15 August 2022

Fast Cars & Fine Watches: If Luxury Watches Were Cars

The fascination for fine mechanics unites fans of sophisticated watches and luxurious cars – and even if, in rare cases, one is only interested in one of the two topics. Both car and watch manufacturers seem to be aware of this mutual appeal – as is the case with the Swiss watch manufacturer Breitling and the British carmaker Bentley, who have maintained a partnership now for almost two decades. This has resulted in large, heavy and precious timepieces that not only exude the charm of powerful British luxury automobiles, but even bear their names. But Breitling is far from the only luxury watchmaker to have teamed up with an automaker. Such collaborations between watch and car companies are by no means new, so we started to wonder: what kind of automobile a Rolex would be like if watches were cars?

Rolex sponsorships in motorsports: Formula 1, Daytona & Co.

4 August 2022

Rolex sponsorships in motorsports: Formula 1, Daytona & Co.

For decades, Rolex has been an established timekeeper and is, in fact, often the main sponsor for elite, demanding sports, in which the world's top athletes compete against one another. The repertoire of sports that are sponsored by the crown of Haute Horlogerie also includes motorsports. Rolex' brand ambassadors in motor racing include some of the world's best drivers, whose quest for perfection and the courage to test their limits for the best results perfectly reflect the values of the Geneva-based luxury brand.

The most important Japanese watch manufacturers

4 August 2022

The most important Japanese watch manufacturers

Japan counts among the major players in the watch industry today. While many manufacturers were severely affected by the quartz crisis in the 1970s and 1980s, Japan produced a number of reputable watch brands that are recognized all over the world today. One fact that that often goes unnoticed is that aside from affordable, mass-produced watch models, the Land of the Rising Sun also offers a number of high-quality mechanical watches, some of which belong in the luxury segment. Since the major Swiss watch brands often receive the most attention, let's focus on the Asian market and the most important Japanese watch manufacturers and some of their most famous series. First, however, let's take a look at the history of the Japanese watch industry.

The TAG Heuer Monza – in the shadow of the Carrera and Monaco

2 August 2022

The TAG Heuer Monza – in the shadow of the Carrera and Monaco

Some people may be familiar with this situation: young children like to emulate their elders, but often have a hard time stepping out of the shadow of their older siblings on account of their lack of experience. The TAG Heuer Monza with its big siblings, the Carrera and the Monaco, has had a similar experience – and tragically so, in our opinion. So fasten your seat belts, because the story behind the TAG Heuer Monza is as fast-paced as the Formula 1 circuit it was named after.

The quartz crisis and its significance for the watch industry

29 July 2022

The quartz crisis and its significance for the watch industry

Hardly any other term in the watch industry is as infamous as the so-called Quartz crisis. This chapter in the history of the wristwatch was more than just a small scratch on the dial of horology. Quartz movements triggered a structural change that is still underway today. All the far-reaching developments and trends that emerged after the quartz crisis are in many ways a direct reaction to them. But what exactly disturbed the rhythm of the watchmaking industry?

Haute Horlogerie: The concept of the high art of watchmaking

28 July 2022

Haute Horlogerie: The concept of the high art of watchmaking

Whether Haute Couture, Haute Cuisine or Haute Horlogerie – even less francophile might assume that a certain degree of grandeur, craftsmanship and performance is linked to these terms. Important to note is that the concepts mentioned above were invented to define new tendencies that stand out from the majority of mediocrity. Haute Horlogerie in particular – or the „high art of watchmaking“ – first was used in the 1970s to separate Swiss craftsmanship from the inexpensive Japanese quartz watches.

Rolex Movements: All Calibres at a Glance

28 July 2022

Rolex Movements: All Calibres at a Glance

When you think of Rolex, the movements of the Swiss watch manufacturer are probably not the first thing that come to mind. While the design, name and history of Rolex models promise luxury and prestige, calibres are often reduced to their functionality. First and foremost, a watch movement should work smoothly. But hardly any other brand has understood how to combine functionality with a spirit of innovation like Rolex. With over 100 calibre variations in its repertoire, Rolex has initiated some of the most important innovations in the watch industry, all of which are now standard and serve as the basis for the movements of other brands. We take a closer look at the Rolex movements and at the numerous calibres.

Different countries, different watches: A journey around the world

28 July 2022

Different countries, different watches: A journey around the world

When people talk about luxury watches, many immediately think of watches labeled as 'Swiss Made'. Switzerland has almost established a monopoly in the field of luxury watches over the past decades: Audemars Piguet, Breitling, Chopard – one could almost go through the entire alphabet and name a Swiss watch manufacturer for every letter. But the rest of the world can offer a number of brands and insider tips for you, too. That's why we would like to take you on a journey around the world. We will take a close look at eight countries and numerous watch brands that offer notable competition for their Swiss counterparts.

They just run and run: The most powerful watch movements

28 July 2022

They just run and run: The most powerful watch movements

The beauty of is the breadth of passion. One can concentrate on so many individual aspects that come together in a watch. Does the design of a watch move me? Or the history of its brand? Is it the icons that I look up to who have worn the same model? Or am I passionate about the technical side? For those who are interested in the technical aspects and want to know more about the drive inside of the watches, we have prepared this list of the most powerful watch movements. Of course, there are calibres that have phenomenal values such as a power reserve of 31 days, as in concept watches like the Cartier ID Two. However, we will focus on efficient calibres that have proven themselves during their long production period or that impress with their suitability for everyday use and just keep running.

Watches of CEOs – from Patek Philippe to Casio G-Shock

27 July 2022

Watches of CEOs – from Patek Philippe to Casio G-Shock

If you manage a global corporation, then you usually have a full appointment calendar. To keep track of time during days filled with multiple meetings and processes, you need a reliable watch that will serve you well day in and day out. Thus, it’s hardly surprising that the managing directors of well-known companies put their faith in tradition and precision rather than complications. From high-priced Patek Philippe watches to more affordable G-Shock models, virtually everything is represented in boardrooms across the globe.

How do automatic watches work?

27 July 2022

How do automatic watches work?

Once you start to get involved with watches, you are almost overwhelmed by the number of models, shapes and brands. Not to speak of the different technical terms and designations which are also quite a lot. Chronographs, chronometers, tourbillons and complications. The basic decision, however, is what kind of movement do you want. And here, as it is with cars, the question of faith arises: manual or automatic? But what exactly are automatic watches and how do they work?

Smart Luxury Watches: Best Smart and Connected Watches in 2021

26 July 2022

Smart Luxury Watches: Best Smart and Connected Watches in 2021

It wasn't that long ago when Apple shook up the watch market with a new product: in 2015, the American company unveiled the first Apple Watch. Many alternatives to Apple's smartwatch quickly appeared, but most of them lacked quality. While at first luxury watch manufacturers did not pay much attention to the smartwatch market, the tides have since turned. Let’s take a moment to explore the world of the smart luxury watch.

Seals of quality and certifications for luxury watches

26 July 2022

Seals of quality and certifications for luxury watches

Everyone who invests in a high-priced wristwatch expects perfect craftsmanship and uncompromising functionality in a watch. To ensure that high-quality timepieces are not mixed in with the numerous low-priced models, various organizations offering certification have been formed over the years to confirm the exceptional quality of a luxury watch for its potential buyer. High-quality mechanical watches only show minor rate deviations depending on position and temperature. The task of the certification organizations is to put luxury watches through their paces, conduct intensive tests based on strict criteria and certify the watches if and when they have successfully passed.

From radioactive vintage to collectors knowledge: A Brief History of Rolex Dials

26 July 2022

From radioactive vintage to collectors knowledge: A Brief History of Rolex Dials

Before we get started, we want mention what this is not about. Although we want to provide a brief overview of the evolution of Rolex dials, this is not a detailed guide to vintage Rolex models. Since there is still too much speculation in this area in particular and there are false rumours, this makes a precise classification and analysis currently very difficult. In addition, we barely touch on the subject of processing radioactive materials in the watch industry here. This topic is so interesting and extensive that we dedicated it a special article. So here’s a short introduction to the history of Rolex’s dials and examples of Datejust and DayDate with their extravagant designs.

The Dalai Lama’s Watches - from Rolex to Patek Philippe

25 July 2022

The Dalai Lama’s Watches - from Rolex to Patek Philippe

He is the secular and spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. Moreover, he is a self-confessed watch lover. We are talking about Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. Admittedly, the ascetic monk is not the first prominent name that comes to mind in connection with high-priced timepieces. However, it is interesting to note that the Dalai Lama has a soft spot for mechanical watches and likes to take them apart and put them back together again himself. But which models does the head of the Tibetans prefer? We take a closer look at the Dalai Lama's watches.

Rolex President – U.S. Presidents and their watches

25 July 2022

Rolex President – U.S. Presidents and their watches

A watch on a President’s wrist exudes reliability, sense of duty and sovereignty, the timepiece can be understood as a statement to the public. Whilst today’s politicians often choose modestly cheaper models, it used to be a matter of course to see an expensive watch on high-profile politicians. Because of its prestige, it is no wonder that the choice fell frequently on Rolex watches. But the company itself is not completely uninvolved in this: After the Second World War, founder Hans Wilsdorf began offering his house watches to leading figures in world history, most notably the incumbent President of America. This is how the nickname “Rolex President” was coined for the fully golden Rolex Day-Date.

The History of the Swiss Watch Industry: "Swiss Made" Timepieces Conquer the World

22 July 2022

The History of the Swiss Watch Industry: "Swiss Made" Timepieces Conquer the World

Swiss watches are considered emblematic of quality and precision as well as the punctuality that is often associated with them. As an established mark of quality, the label "Swiss Made" has become internationally accepted and is a household term for pretty much everyone. But where did this image originate? Is Switzerland really the center of the art of watchmaking? Let's take a look at the origins of the Swiss watch industry and find out how "Swiss Made" watches have conquered the world

ETA Watch Movements: ETA's Calibres and Its History at a Glance

16 June 2022

ETA Watch Movements: ETA's Calibres and Its History at a Glance

If you take a closer look at watches and particularly at movements, you will quickly encounter ETA movements. Many of these movements are used in watches from brands belonging to the Swatch Group, but they also appear in a number of watches from other manufacturers. ETA offers a wide range of calibres – from standard movements to exclusive calibres with complications for luxury watches. Let's take a look at the success story of the Swiss company ETA and what makes ETA's calibres so unique.

Look-alike Watches: AP Royal Oak vs. Bulova Royal Oak

24 May 2022

Look-alike Watches: AP Royal Oak vs. Bulova Royal Oak

Are you familiar with the novel "The Prince and the Pauper" by Mark Twain. This story is about two boys, a beggar, Tom, and a prince, Edward Tudor, who look identical to the hair on their heads and swap places as a result of a misunderstanding. When the beggar is mistaken to be the crowned king toward the end of the story and Edward shows up to reclaim his rightful place, as the onlookers wonder if they are seeing double. If you feel the same way about the Royal Oak by Bulova and Audemars Piguet, we can assure you that you're not seeing double. Or are you? Let's take a closer look at some watches and their look-alikes.

Trending Colours Blue and Red: The History of the Pepsi Bezel

1 April 2022

Trending Colours Blue and Red: The History of the Pepsi Bezel

As soon as you delve a little deeper into the world of watches, you can't help but run across a very notable company: Rolex. The Swiss brand with the crown has achieved a great deal in its rich past and has always been a trendsetter for style. This was also the case with its distinctive two-tone bezels, which took the watchmaking world by storm. Let's take a moment to focus on a very specific one of these: the blue and red Pepsi bezels.

Watch Facts for Insiders: 10 Interesting Facts About Watches

10 March 2022

Watch Facts for Insiders: 10 Interesting Facts About Watches

Tired of reading that the Omega Speedmaster was the first watch to walk on the moon for the 100th time and that Gérald Genta designed the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in just one night? Are you no longer surprised that the Paul Newman Daytona was bought for almost 18 million US dollars? Then keep reading, because we've put together ten interesting facts about watches as well as a few fun facts that might surprise even die-hard watch insiders. Put your knowledge of watches to the test and see if you already know everything about watches!

Golfers’ Watches: From Rory McIlroy’s Omega to Tiger Woods’ Rolex

1 March 2022

Golfers’ Watches: From Rory McIlroy’s Omega to Tiger Woods’ Rolex

Golf has long been considered one of the most elite sports in the world. It is hardly surprising, then, that the crème de la crème in the world of Haute Horlogerie is often present on the greens worldwide alongside ambitious sports personalities. Aside from the fact that several CEOs of different luxury watch manufacturers play golf privately, a few manufacturers, such as Rolex or Omega, have gone even further and organized their own golf tournaments. Furthermore, luxury watches are increasingly present among the prizes for a tournament and can consequently be found on the wrists of a number of the world's best golf players. Let's take a closer look at the luxury watches of professional golfers and some of the limited edition golf watches dedicated to them

Ultra-thin Watches: Competing for the World's Thinnest Watch

19 January 2022

Ultra-thin Watches: Competing for the World's Thinnest Watch

Intricate, ultra-thin watches are becoming increasingly popular, and watch manufacturers have been fiercely competing for years in a competition for the world's thinnest watch. Anyone who wears a flat watch demonstrates an eye for more than just style and class. Explore one of the most fascinating aspects of contemporary fine watchmaking and learn about the technical complexity of flat watch models, their historical development and which models are suitable for women and men.

The five most important calibres by Jaeger-LeCoultre

7 January 2022

The five most important calibres by Jaeger-LeCoultre

Founded in 1833, the Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre has built an excellent reputation over time and earned the unofficial title of the 'watchmaker among watchmakers'. The more than 1,200 Calibres developed in-house have certainly played a part in this reputation. Since a complete listing of the movements would probably result in a multi-volume manifesto, we would like to focus on just a few of the best and most intriguing movements from the Grande Maison. Let's have a look at the most legendary calibres by Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Watch service and maintenance: Process, duration and costs of servicing

29 December 2021

Watch service and maintenance: Process, duration and costs of servicing

When it comes to luxury watches, the maintenance of a timepiece is a recurring theme. But what does the proper care of your watch actually involve? In addition to regular cleaning and polishing with a cleaning cloth for your glasses, regular service and an overhaul are essential for the care of your watch. We will explain to you what watch servicing involves, when it is necessary and how much the maintenance of your watch costs.

Original watch or a counterfeit: How can one tell the difference?

29 December 2021

Original watch or a counterfeit: How can one tell the difference?

It is becoming increasingly difficult nowadays to distinguish forgeries from authentic watches. So-called 'Frankenstein watches' in particular make it significantly more difficult for prospective buyers to identify a fake by fitting counterfeit watches with individual parts from originals. The days are gone when fake watches carried a fake brand name or when models were produced that do not even exist on the real watch market. It has even gotten to the point where even experts are not able to distinguish the fake from the original by the external aspects of some models. Let's take a closer look at how to recognize the differences between fakes and originals in this article.

The History of The Legendary Rolex Daytona

23 December 2021

The History of The Legendary Rolex Daytona

It is one of the most sought-after watches of all time and remains one of the premium models of the most famous watch brand in the world. Its distinct design has been copied many times and yet remains unmatched. The Rolex Daytona is one of the undeniable legends of Haute Horlogerie. It has paved the way for the development of innumerable wristwatch chronographs and has always been able to compete with its competition. As the main model responsible for the continuing success of the chronograph, we'd like to take a look at the history and evolution of the Daytona.