The Omega Seamaster has long been the timepiece of choice for the world’s most beloved spy: James Bond. And this year, Omega is releasing a limited edition version of the Seamaster Diver to celebrate the 50th anniversary of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). Although perhaps not the fan favourite from the film franchise, the semicentennial occasion has provided an opportunity to admire anew the spy’s watch. Like Bond himself, Omega says that the watch is...
Despite the rise of the mobile phone and smartwatch, traditional wristwatches are by no means obsolete. In fact, driven by the passion of many small, individual designers, there’s a powerful movement to bring back the wristwatch as a statement of style, personality and individuality. One of the most striking stories is that of Atelier Wen, a young brand formed by a team of French and Chinese designers with the aims of taking high-quality Chinese mechanical watches into the mainstream. It’s an open secret that even in a...
Though hit by high exhibiting prices and some big-name absences, annual watch and jewellery show Baselworld, run this year from March 21st-26th, still commands the attention of the luxury goods market. After a drop from around 2,000 exhibitors to around 600 in recent years, the future of the Swiss show seemed in doubt, and the absence this year of Swatch and all its sub-brands hasn’t done it any favours. However, so long as leading watch brands...
Omega’s latest chronograph model, the Speedmaster Gold, pays tribute to the crew of Apollo 11 on the 50th anniversary of their epic voyage to the moon. Fifty years ago, when mankind took its very first steps onto the surface of the moon, the Omega Speedmaster was there, strapped to the wrists of the astronauts. This year, Omega pays tribute to their legacy with the new Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Limited Edition model of 1,014 pieces....
For more than 10 years, MODALO has produced exclusive, handcrafted Watch Winders, Watch Boxes and Watch Storage Solutions using superior materials and components with focus on producing the highest quality of workmanship. Innovative solutions, outstanding design and durable components guarantee the best possible safekeeping for valuable timepieces. MODALO was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. The brand manufacturing in its own production facilities, every single product is examined individually and composed with...
Watches by Patek Philippe dominated sales at GWS Auctions’ Luxury Timepieces and Master Jewelry Pieces auction in January. Top of the auction list at the California event was a Gubelin Travel Time Limited Edition 150th Anniversary 18K Yellow Gold watch, one of only 50 made. This ultra-rare wrist watch features a solid 18k yellow gold 38mm case with large crown and push buttons, see-through sapphire exhibition case back, Swiss handmade manual wind movement with two...
Personalisation may feel more commonplace than ever these days—everyone seems to have an embossed iPhone case or Goyard tote, and meddle with another’s Spotify or Netflix playlist at their own peril. Watches too, are now objects of self-expression, with engraved case backs now giving way to personalised internal bridges and mainplates. For the London-based high jewellery watchmaker Backes & Strauss, however, bespoke has always meant something more rarefied and unique. As the world’s oldest diamond...
Luxury watch companies must adapt to changes in consumer behaviour or run the risk of becoming irrelevant—Arts & Collections investigates this lucrative industry. The concept of the wristwatch came into fruition during World War I; they were originally worn by soldiers as a convenient and practical way to time-keep. Since then, this horological device has reached a ubiquitous status. It has gradually morphed into a lavish accessory, admired not just for its capabilities in telling...
Geared towards introducing new models and future trends within the watch and jewellery industries, Baselworld keeps its crown as the key event for timepiece aficionados. Every year, exhibitors, affluent collectors, retailers and members of the press gather in the Swiss city of Basel to view and display the latest ware in the ever-growing watch industry. But Baselworld isn’t just another watch and jewellery show. Here, even the simplest entry-level pieces can cost thousands of pounds...
Over thousands of years, horology has developed from a primal undertaking into an artisanal craft. Read about the history of horology and how—over the course of time—it has become a unique art form. Time: A human infatuation Time is the only constant. Over the course of history, humankind has always been absorbed by it. The passing of time denotes change. And change, like time, is inevitable. The hourglass, one of the earliest timekeeping devices, is...
