32º Swiss Scimitar

Let’s start this review off with a disclosure; I was a consultant to the 32º brand about two years ago during its initial planning stages. I did not do any design work. This is brought up only because I try to keep my reviews objective and so it seems fair that you the reader should be aware. That stated, it hoped that my positioning at that time may provide at least a bit of background insight. At... [Read more]

SARO-Gem

SARO-Gem is a watch unlike any I’ve come across in my career. Always custom made, while incorporating both a beautiful and practical application of the properties of sapphire. Given how special this handmade timepiece is, I am hoping that this review will both enlighten and perhaps further fuel your enthusiasm. This is truly world class watchmaking, and to my knowledge there is nothing like it... [Read more]

Yema Bipôle Duopoly

In this review we’ll take a look at a relatively rare watch (only 1500 made) and one sought after by collectors despite its quirks; the Yema Bipôle Duopoly. The Yema watch company, or “YEMA Maison Horlogère Française” was founded in Besancon, France, in 1948. An early major achievement was the 1953 offering of wristwatches made water resistant to depths greater than 200 meters.... [Read more]

Interview with Craig Hester (part 1)

As many of you know, Craig Hester, also known as The Watch Industry’s Favorite Komrade, is widely regarded as the leading authority on true Russian built timepieces. He has done numerous national television appearances and we also toured the Russian watch industry on location together last year so I can certainly attest to his vast knowledge as well as a passion for watches of this unique origin.... [Read more]

Quinting

Quinting describes their product as “the first and unique transparent watch in the world” and that certainly a true statement.  The high profile personae wearing their watch is indeed impressive, including former President Bill Clinton, at least three Swiss Presidents, and  Secretary General to the United Nations and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Kofi Annan. Historically it has been a... [Read more]

George J Von Burg Classic 7750

George J Von Burg is a fourth generation watch maker currently heading up the company bearing the name of his grandfather (the earliest generation made watches under a different name). GJVB watches are built in a pristine state of the art facility in a small picturesque town in Switzerland, a facility it has been my pleasure to tour twice. Here he builds not only the watches bearing his family name... [Read more]

Gevril Dual Time Zone

This Gevril was built between 1995-1998, arguably the crowning achievement during this resurrection of the brand. Today it is considered scarce, and possibly rare. It was produced in an all 316L stainless version, 18k/stainless, and a very few in solid 18k gold. For this review I will be illustrating the 18k/stainless example. This model is part of the Gevril series subsequently dubbed “first... [Read more]

Dunhill 18k

Dunhill is a luxury brand based in London, England. While probably better known for some of their high end lighters they have on occasion produced a nice watch or two, and in fact is a member of the luxury brands known as the Richemont Group. In this review we’ll take a look at one of their 18k pieces. This drivers watch is crafted in solid 18K gold. The alloy Dunhill favors tends to be a... [Read more]

China Is Not (necessarily) A Bad Word

When it comes to watches, China is not (necessarily) a bad word. Someone has to say it and I guess it’s going to be me. Have been considering writing on this topic for some time, and this site seems to be the perfect platform. As you may well appreciate, being in the watch industry has certainly brought the encounter on numerous occasion, both in word and product. And ofttimes the mantra of “China... [Read more]

Basel 2009

So..  another BaselWorld, as it’s known, has come and gone.  I thought I would take a moment to report on what I’ve learned so far, and also explain the event a bit for the benefit who may not be familiar with its significance. The Basel Watch Fair, or BaselWorld, has been hosted by Basel, Switzerland for many a year and is simply put, the single most important gathering of watch enthusiasts,... [Read more]