‘Frog Foot’ Dial 1016 Rolex Explorer

1016-Rolex-Explorer-Frog-Foot

This is a 1016, which as we all know is the answer to every possible watch question. However, it’s a very peculiar sort. It’s the sort of 1016 for a collector who has already owned a 1016, who then looks down one day and thinks, ‘Yes, this is lovely, but I wish the Rolex coronet…

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Doré Dial Patek Philippe 3940

Doré-Dial-Patek-Philippe-3940

The 3940 has gone through a bit of a transition in the last 5 years, from simply being the discontinued QP to being recognized as, arguably but with significant consensus, the sole reference which most defines the modern era and reinvigorated the marque. However, no one seems quite able to decide just what the most…

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5402BA Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

5402BA-Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak

In the below image, I would happily wear the watch on the left every day for the rest of my life. The watch on the right, not so much. To the untrained eye, they are the same watch. To us, they are as different as Macallan is to Budweiser, despite both being brown drinks. The…

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Meteorite Dial Laurent Ferrier Galet Traveller

Meteorite-Laurent-Ferrier-Classic-Traveller

Meteorites are perpetually traveling, searching around through spacetime before eventually striking a larger body like Earth. Now, there are surprisingly few elegant-refined leaning GMT offerings. There are endless GMT/travel watches which scream, ‘I’m a professional doing serious things, manly tool watch things.’ But really only a handful that offer old-style Pan-Am easy smile and sophistication…

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26586IP Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar RD2

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This is not a normal Royal Oak QP. It’s the RD2, very possibly the last watchmaking-first complicated Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet which placed emphasis on their technical ability rather than their marketing ability. It looks like a Royal Oak that’s picked up intermittent fasting as a hobby, still 41mm in footprint but an unbelievable…

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740.036 A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon

740.036-Lange-Datograph-Perpetual-Tourbillon

It was a question, less than a decade ago, if the very top end of A. Lange & Söhne could ever seriously challenge the apex complicated models of Patek Philippe. The comparison is useless, the two manufactures approach watchmaking with such distinct philosophies. But, if there were any remaining doubt, surely this ref. 740.036 puts…

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JPS Paul Newman 6239 Rolex Daytona

John-Player-Special-6239-Rolex-Daytona

John Player Special doesn’t represent an old cigarette manufacture or even Lotus F1 car to watch collectors. JPS is the apex, or at very least an apex, of Daytona collecting. The JPS is nothing more than a black Paul Newman dial with gold subs and chapter ring, a color mix very like the Lotus F1…

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DB8 De Bethune Monopusher Chronograph, Pink Gold

DB8-De-Bethune-Monopusher-Chronograph

In 1989, when independent watchmaker was more a slur rather than ambitious height, there was a company called THA. THA (short for Applied Watchmaking Techniques in French) was founded by a young FP Journe, Vianney Halter, and Denis Flageollet of De Bethune, eventually including Nicolas Court of Janvier SA. The trio were an ambitious set,…

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3947 Breguet Classique Rattrapante

3947-Breguet-Classique-Rattrapante

Rattrapantes aren’t easy, that should be self-evident. But only two manufactures have attempted to coax a Lemania 2310 ébauche, or 2320 (rather as it’s the two-counter version) here, to split seconds: Patek Philippe in the 5004 and Breguet. Everyone knows the 5004 and its Lemania-based beauty, a monumental achievement. Yet Breguet, who achieved the same…

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