MTFMaster Minori KOIZUMI of Yamada Heiando Studio This is a summary of the history and refinement process of Japanese lacquer (urushi) as well as the dial painting (maki-e) technique by Yamada Heiando studio for CHOPARD L.U.C XP Urushi watches . There are also premiere preview photos of two new L.U.C XP Urushi dials or novelties from Chopard. New Chopard L.U.C XP Bamboo Urushi watch New Chopard L.U.C XP Plum Blossom Urushi watch GLOSSARY Urushi: Lacquer from the sap of the lacquer tree Maki-e: "Sprinkled picture" ... ...">Story

---- ∞ ----

219Live Report and Review of the Richard Mille RM 060-01 watch from the Voiles de Saint Barth yacht regatta 2015 Scorcha sailing downwind alone: the Richard Mille RM060-01 Spinnaker aloft: Such a simple idea; but so effective! In fact, so simple, so effective, you are left wondering why it took this long to appear on a watch in such a straightforward manner? One thing you learn in math is that the most effective solutions, the most beautiful, are the most simple. Navigating your way across the oceans, where ... ...">Story

---- ∞ ----

DonCorsonOne of the worlds pre-eminent clockmakers lives and works just hours from LA. So a recent trip to the city of angels was a welcome excuse to visit him, David Walter, at his shop in Buellton CA. David, born Australian, but active around the world over the years, was educated as a watchmaker. He was active as a watchmaker specialised in chronos and complications at the Omega service center in Vienna...">Story

---- ∞ ----

foverstaI was very happy to attend the event organized yesterday at the Grand Palais which can be considered as the starting line of the Tour Auto. It is always the same story every year: what an impressive gathering of classic cars in such beautiful scenery! I would like to share with you this pictorial report whose aim is to show you that Zenith, as a new partner with the Tour Auto, decided to be have an ambitious and visible presence... even larger than Hublot one! I already did a comprehensive presentation of the watch dedicated to the event here: zenith.watchprosite.com so I will not come back to it. I propose you to accompany me in my long walk inside the Grand Palais to discover the stars of the show! In the center of the Grand Palais, Ferrari set up its booth with the contestants' cars around it: The Grand Palais is a stunning architectural achievement: Some cars are much older than others! The nice surprise was the presence of a large Zenith booth with a watchmaker and a display of some famous historical pieces! Working on an EP movement: The powerful 5011K movement: What is the common point between cars and some watches? Chains maybe! One of the most famous chronograph movements, the El Primero: Some historical Zenith pieces...">Story

---- ∞ ----

Mark in ParisFollowing the thread I posted regarding the 10 years of the first Advanced Research related watch, the 5250P ( ) I thought I could sum-up the overall chronology of these very special watches. The principle is that for each new Silinvar® part developed (Silicon-based material), a new Patek Advanced Research timepiece is released, housing the new part and all the ones previously unveiled (in different calibers to keep it simple...). As you know, the main advantages of Silicon-based material are the lightness, ... ...">Story

---- ∞ ----

amanicoI had to wait till last Monday to see this Chopard L.U.C 1963 Chrono PuristS Edition in the real life. Melvyn already told you the story behind this Chronograph so I will make it short. PuristS and Chopard are long time friends, and once upon a tile, the idea was born to make a chronograph together, a collaboration between the brand and PuristSPro. The first discussions started in 2007, but things got a faster rythm during our IGOTT 2 in Las Vegas, in June 2011...">Story

---- ∞ ----

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)I will be doing a series of posts on the two manufactures of Montblanc, starting with the manufacture in Villeret. For Villeret, there is just so much to share that I will split into two parts. The first part, which is this post, will focus on the history of the Villeret manufacture, movement development and prototyping and assembly. The second part of the post, which I will share later this week, will focus on the artisanal atelier aspect of the manufacture...">Story

---- ∞ ----

amanicoWell, almost, because I have to give the US Deep Sea Alarm back to a watchmaker, as the movement broke after a small incident during our GTG... But this time, it won't last 2 years.. At least I hope so... Anyway, these 2 pearls are back, with a full movement service, some cosmetic improvements, such as: - A New Old Stock plexy for both of them, - Dials cleaned...">Story

---- ∞ ----

219For the sixth running of the Voiles de Saint Barth, the yachting regatta sponsored by Richard Mille, RM USA has brought out a limited edition of the RM060-01 watch in only 50 pieces. Only from Boutiques in North and South America. Normally, not that keen on the limited edition watches, but in this instance, would choose this over the production series. The colours are vibrant and brilliant, clearly legible, and add to the watch design...">Story

---- ∞ ----

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)As promised, here is an introductory post explaining the 2 watch manufactures of Montblanc, namely their very traditional haute horology manufacture at Villeret as well as the more modern manufacture and quality center of excellence at Le Locle. More posts will follow with details on each of them. I want to share a very personal experience (some of you would have read this sharing before): I was really fortunate that very soon after I started collecting fine watches (the first being my VC Traditionelle in Sep 2012), I got invited to a Montblanc event, met Julien, the watchmaker from the Villeret manufacture, got drunk with champagne but awoken when Julien showed me the Montblanc Villeret caliber 13.21 and I couldnt stop thinking of Montblanc Villeret watches since lots of research followed and I ended up reading a lot of the Montblanc manufactures and also watching their videos. This 3 part video of the Montblanc manufacture at Villeret was the deepest watch poison pill I ever had, closely followed by Juliens showing me of the caliber 13.21, followed by Vlad and Fx in various forms (but that is another story for another day) as well as many dangerous articles I read on the internet, especially from PuristSPro, which had the most write-ups on Montblanc Villeret...">Story

---- ∞ ----