Watchculture: 2016

Saturday, December 31, 2016

Photo Essay: The Last Post Of The Year Dedicated To Fellow Collectors.

This GTG, organised by a fellow collector happened many months ago. Some of you couldn't make it so here are the pics. I am posting it now because I wanted this to be the last post for 2016... Happy New Year guys!!

Event Report: The Romain Gauthier Freedom Collection.

A few weeks ago, Romain Gauthier presented his updated version of the Logical One to a group of watch aficionados at L'Atelier by The Hour Glass.

Note: The Logical One won the "Best Men's Complication" prize in GPHG 2013

Meet The Master Watchmaker From Seiko.

Last month, Master Watchmaker Satoshi Hiraga was specially invited to be present at an exhibition held at Seiko’s VivoCity store. Mr Hiraga has over 27 years of working experience in Seiko. He is one of very few who is ‘Gold Meister’ certified to work on Grand Seiko complications. I was honoured to be given the opportunity to witness this Master Craftsman demonstrate the assembly of a Grand Seiko Hi-beat 36000 movement.

Montblanc Introduces Bronze Into Its Latest 1858 Collection.

Montblanc introduces bronze into its latest 1858 collection.

SIHH will soon be held from 16th to 20th January 2017. Most watch companies are geared up and ready for this yearly event and Montblanc is no exception. David Cerrato (Managing Director, Watch Division) was here last week to introduce three new watches, inspired by Minerva timepieces from the 1930s.

His last visit was covered here.

David Cerrato (Managing Director, Watch Division)

Presentation by David Cerrato

Montblanc 1858 Chronograph Tachymeter Limited Edition

The champagne dial has a sunray finishing to match its bronze case. The magnificent cal MB M16.29 used here is also housed in an earlier model that won the Chronograph price at the prestigious GPHG this year. In this new model, the base plate and bridges are plated in red gold to compliment the overall look of the watch. The sapphire crystal display case back shows off the beautiful movement.

I prefer the understated look of a bronze case over a gold case.

Montblanc 1858 Automatic Dual Time

This Montblanc 1858 Automatic Dual Time comes in a steel case with bronze bezel and crown. It is powered by the Calibre MB 29.19, this automatic movement features a dual time complication with a home time indication and a day/night display below 12 o'clock. The date is cleverly placed in the subdial due to the size of the movement. It looks better without the 6 o'clock partially cut off, like in other watches.

Montblanc did a great job here by providing a vintage style strap keeping with the vintage look. Every little detail counts!

This will make a great travel watch.

Montblanc 1858 Automatic

And finally Montblanc 1858 Automatic in steel and bronze combo just like the Dual time. A simple, pure and classic time only watch.

The cathedral-shaped hands are filled with beige Super-LumiNova for all the three models.

Engraved caseback!

SJX trying on the chronograph :)

Many thanks to Montblanc for preview of the above watches!

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Up Close With The Tudor Pelagos LHD..

Recently, I attended the preview of Tudor's latest release - the Pelagos LHD ( Left Hand Drive). It was made especially for lefties and divers who are used to wearing their watches on the right and diving instruments on their left. Like the other Pelagos in the collection, it comes with a depth rating of 500m which is suitable for professional diving. Tudor enthusiasts will recall that there was another older Left-handed Tudor Sub (ref 9401) made in 1981.

The Pelagos has gone "Destro"! I like the configuration and the fact that the crown doesn't "dig" into my wrist.

Event Report: The Junghans Collection.

In 1861 Erhard Junghans founded Zeller & Junghans in Schramberg. By 1903 Junghans was the largest clock factory in the world. The factory started making wristwatches during the 1930s. The present Junghans collection consists of Pilot watches, Chronographs and classics from the past.

Watches of Switzerland recently acquired the dealership of Junghans watches in Singapore. Christine Laube, International Sales Director of Junghans was here recently to meet the press over lunch and to introduce the latest collection.

Press Release: L.U.C XP Urushi – Year of the Rooster

L.U.C XP Urushi – Year of the Rooster

The Longines Avigation Type A7 1935

Press Release: TUDOR’s Bronze Diving Watch Wins The “Petite Aiguille” Prize at the 2016 GPHG

Geneva, November 10th 2016 – TUDOR’s vintage inspired bronze diving watch wins the “Petite Aiguille” Prize at the 2016 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. This prize is the third award TUDOR receives in four years participating in the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.

Montblanc: Watchmaking Class with Master Watchmaker Julien Miribel.

It's been a while since I’ve attended a watchmaking class. So, when Montblanc offered me an opportunity to attend one conducted by Fine Watchmaker and Trainer, Julien Miribel, I jumped at the chance.

Event Report: Michel Parmigiani's visit to Singapore.

Michel Parmigiani and Theodore Panos (Country Manager, Parmigiani)

Last month, The Hour Glass and Parmigiani Fleurier held an exhibition retracing 20 years of Parmigiani Fleurier’s milestones in watchmaking. Michel Parmigiani, the founder of the brand was specially invited to grace the event. The event was held at The Hour Glass Boutique at Tang Plaza. Enjoy the highlights of the event..

Press Release: Panerai Pre-SIHH 2017 Models.

TWO NEW SPECIAL EDITIONS DEDICATED TO A RARE WATCH OF THE 1930S, AVAILABLE WITH THE BLACK DIAL OR AN ORIGINAL SHADED BROWN DIAL RECALLING THE APPEARANCE OF THE VINTAGE MODELS TRANSFORMED BY TIME.

RADIOMIR 3 DAYS ACCIAIO – 47mm

In the late 1930s, Panerai made a number of Radiomir watches with a special 12-sided bezel, engraved with the words “OFFICINE PANERAI – BREVETTATO”. This inscription referred to the patented luminous substance Radiomir used on the dial, and it suggests that the watches were used not for military operations but for presenting to the authorities of the Royal Italian Navy, which was evaluating new instruments for underwater missions. The new Radiomir 3 Days Acciaio models are two Special Editions from the Panerai Manufacture in Neuchâtel, which for the first time reproduce all the fundamental characteristics of these vintage watches, respecting their identity and giving collectors the opportunity to appreciate a fascinating chapter in the Panerai story.

Press Release: TAG Heuer AQUARACER Premier League Special Edition.

April 2016: TAG Heuer is immensely proud to have been chosen by the Premier League as its Official Timekeeper and Official Watch, the first in its history.

Press Release: IWC Schaffhausen Continues Its Official Partnership With The Singapore International Film Festival.

Yuni Hadi (SGIFF Executive Director) with Matthieu Dupont (Managing Director of IWC Southeast Asia)

Singapore, 1 November 2016 – Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen is delighted to be supporting the Singapore International Film Festival once again in the role of Official Festival Time Partner for the 27th edition of this well-established regional film event held from 23 November to 4 December 2016.

IWC Schaffhausen is renowned not only for its luxury watches, but also for its long-standing passion for the world of filmmaking. The partnership between IWC and the SGIFF commenced in 2015 and demonstrates the brand’s ongoing commitment to the film industry. This November, IWC Schaffhausen resumes the role of sponsor and partner of the 27th Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF). At this year’s film festival, IWC Schaffhausen will present the IWC Filmmaker Award to the acclaimed Vietnameseborn French film director, Tr`ân Anh Hùng. Presented with the aim of honouring exceptional personalities in the film industry who excel in their field, this award will be the first of its kind in the South East Asian film industry for IWC, and will be presented during the inaugural “For the Love of Cinema” gala dinner event, which IWC will host on 26 November 2016 in Singapore.

“The Singapore International Film Festival is not only based in a region rich in culture and talent, it also attracts strong international attention because of its diversity. At IWC Schaffhausen, our strong belief in the art of storytelling has led the brand to support filmmakers and film festivals over the years. We are pleased to continue our support for a festival that recognizes and honours the hard work of filmmakers in the region, further accentuating our ever increasing commitment to the world of filmmaking and the South East Asian region,” says Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen.

Both the IWC Filmmaker Award and the “For the Love of Cinema” gala dinner follow a long tradition of the brand’s commitment to and support of the film industry, as evidenced by its established partnerships with the Tribeca Film Festival, the Dubai International Film Festival, the Zurich Film Festival, the Beijing International Film Festival and the BFI London Film Festival. “It fills me with much pride to continue this meaningful partnership with the SGIFF in line with IWC’s long-standing dedication to filmmaking. This year, we are taking our commitment to another level by presenting the IWC Filmmaker Award at the first ‘For the Love of Cinema’ gala dinner for IWC in the South East Asian region,” says Matthieu Dupont, Managing Director of IWC South East Asia.

Ms Yuni Hadi, SGIFF Executive Director, adds, “The Singapore International Film Festival champions South East Asia’s stories in film, and the passion and craftsmanship of our region’s cinema talents. We are very excited to work with IWC Schaffhausen again this year, and also share the stage in honouring Tr`ân Anh Hùng with the IWC Filmmaker Award this year. Since his debut feature ‘The Scent of Green Papaya’ in 1993 – the first Vietnamese film ever to be nominated for an Academy Award – Tr`ân continues to evolve in his presentation of a diverse filmography to great acclaim, and challenges audiences in his depictions of human relationships. Conferring him with the award is a testament of IWC Schaffhausen’s recognition of the independent cinema auteurs in South East Asia and their pursuit of excellence.”

The 27th SGIFF will be held in Singapore from 23 November to 4 December 2016. Alongside several commitments that testify to its passion for the film industry, IWC Schaffhausen has established close and long-standing relationships with internationally acclaimed actresses and actors as well as renowned filmmakers and other influential figures in the movie business. Hollywood stars Cate Blanchett, Rosamund Pike and Dev Patel are among those celebrities who not only represent IWC on the red carpet, but are also personally engaged in joint projects such as films and photo shoots. Apart from this, IWC timepieces are also coveted accessories in countless movies and TV series.

Monday, November 07, 2016

Event Report: Zenith launched the El Primero Chronomaster Cohiba Edition.

Zenith collaborated with Cohiba when the famed cigar brand from Cuba celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The event held last month to launch the watch was well attended by the media and fans of the brand. Hope you enjoy my photo report