Here at WCL, we were the earliest adopters of the Fauré Le Page brand and our love for them doesn’t cease. Fauré Le Page is renowned for creating Napoleon's vermeil saber and Louis XVI's hunting pieces, and the brand evolved in the 1800s to become a provider of hand-painted leather holsters and gun bags for the same firearms and weapons their clients were buying from them.
From the Editor: Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with my Favorite AP Royal Oak Offshore. The 'Pride of Mexico'.
Today, along with all my fellow Mexican watch collectors, I celebrate Mexican Independence Day and there’s no better watch that I would like to talk about for the occasion than the ultra elusive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Pride of Mexico'.
Introducing: MB&F Legacy Machine Perpetual Palladium with Aquamarine Dial. A 25-piece Limited Edition.
First presented in 2015, the MB&F LM Perpetual is one of the brand’s absolute superstars. This watch was awarded the Best Calendar Watch prize at the 2016 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, recognizing the work from independent watchmaker Stephen McDonnell that collaborated with MB&F on the development of this watch that took years to complete.
Introducing: Panerai Luminor Carbotech Blu Notte PAM 1664
The arrival of the Luminor Marina Carbotech Blu Notte stands as another milestone for Panerai. It is the first time that two signature elements of the Panerai design are present in the same watch, a Carbotech case and a Blu Notte dial. The pairing unites the resistance of Carbotech and the subtle radiance of the sun-brushed blue dial.
Introducing: Girard-Perregaux Laureato Absolute Light Bucherer Blue
Girard-Perregaux is pleased to unveil the Laureato Absolute Light Bucherer Blue, a limited-edition watch created exclusively for the prestigious retailer. Housed in a sapphire crystal case and featuring titanium lugs, this model provides a three-dimensional view of numerous movement components. Furthermore, it is the transparent characteristic of the sapphire case which invites light to bathe the various internal parts, thereby accentuating the many shapes employed.
Experience: The Grand Opening of Vacheron Constantin's Flagship in NYC. An Unforgettable Evening.
Two days ago on September 8th, 2021, we had the pleasure to attend the grand opening of Vacheron Constantin’s new North American Flagship in NYC. Vacheron Constantin opened NYFW —NY Fashion Week— with a star-studded celebration that included Alexander Schmiedt, the new President of the Americas for Vacheron Constantin, an electric musical performance from supermodel Karen Elson, guests including Zac Weiss, Katie Holmes, Nico Tortorella, model Chanel Iman, and Michelle Hicks.
Introducing: The Sybarite Watch Guide by Halim Trujillo. A 120-Copy Limited Edition Book.
It has been more than eight years since Watch Collecting Lifestyle launched as a website and four years since the first issue of its print magazine came out during the Fall of 2017. For this Sybarite Watch Guide, our Founder and Editor-in-Chief Halim Trujillo have decided to choose some of his favorite images and all the watches captured by him with original photography.
News: Nick Foulkes appointed President of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève Jury
The Foundation of the GPHG —Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève— is delighted and honored to announce the appointment of Nick Foulkes as President of the Jury for the 2021 edition, thereby accentuating the international reach of the GPHG. Historian, writer and journalist, Nicholas Foulkes is an internationally recognized authority on culture, watchmaking and art.
Budget Watches: Seven Friday P1C/04 'Caipi'. As Refreshing as a Brazilian Caipirinha.
Discussing ‘Budget Watches’ is not something we do on a very regular basis but more so every now and then whenever we find an inexpensive watch that catches our attention and that we feel is worth talking about. Since today is Friday, why not talk about the latest addition to the Seven Friday lineup. The Seven Friday P1C/04 'Caipi' is as refreshing as a Brazilian caipirinha at the end of the summer months.
Introducing: New Piaget Polo Date 36 mm. Six New Models in Steel, White Gold and Rose Gold.
Piaget unveils two refined 36 mm models in stainless steel with matching steel bracelets and a combination of polished and satin-finished details. The year was 1979, and for the first time in its history, the Maison officially gave one of its models a name, Piaget Polo, echoing the eponymous jet-set sport and glamorous art of living. While glamour was the leitmotif of the era, it was expressed in ways that defied the norms governing traditional luxury.
Introducing: Five New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronos 42 mm ref. 26238
Today, Audemars Piguet presents five new iterations of the Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding Chronograph models in 42 mm equipped with the latest integrated flyback chronograph movement, calibre 4404. The new five models include versions in titanium, stainless steel, and 18K rose gold. The first three models mirror the look of the original Royal Oak Offshore ref. 25721ST ‘The Beast’ which you can read all about it here.
From the Editor: What Happens when a Secondary Market Watch Dealer Like WatchBox Invests in an Independent Brand Like De Bethune?
This morning it was announced that WatchBox —a secondary market-leading platform for buying and trading luxury timepieces— was investing in independent watchmaking brand De Bethune. WatchBox was launched at the end of 2019 by watch industry veterans Danny Govberg —CEO of Govberg Jewelers in Philadelphia— and Liam Wee Tay —former owner of Sincere Fine Watches the oldest watch retailer in Singapore—, along with investor-entrepreneur Justin Reis to transform the pre-owned luxury watch category.
Introducing: Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 1.6-3 Unique Piece. Their Sportiest Watch Thus Far.
In a first for the manufacture, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud has applied an all-black DLC treatment to the fine sand-blasted steel case. Has fitted the crown with a ceramic insert, used titanium screws to fasten the case, and equipped the watch with a rubber strap. This is the sportiest watch ever presented by Ferdinand Berthoud thus far.
Introducing: Lederer Central Impulse Chronometer. Two 25-Piece Limited Series in White Gold.
Following the initial introduction as a concept watch at last year’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, the Lederer Central Impulse Chronometer now takes on its final form. This high-performance chronometer with a revolutionary escapement is housed in a 44 mm case, surrounded by two round and domed crystals that have the effect of slimming the timepiece.
The Watch Collectors: @ilikerolexes An Impressive Collector that Loves Rolex and Patek Philippe
We’ve said it before, watch collectors come in all sizes and types. From all sorts of personalities, styles, and tastes. While it is interesting to see what Hollywood celebrities and professional athletes like own when it comes to watches, there is nothing more rewarding than to see the watch collection of that normal guy or gal that we can relate to as mere mortals.
Experience: Creyente Mezcal Joven. Perfectly Paired with a Rolex Yacht-Master 40 ref. 126622.
As we’ve discussed before, Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of agave and the word comes from the Nahuatl language mexcalli, which means ‘oven-cooked agave’. While all tequilas are considered mezcals, not all mezcals can be tequilas. Even though tequila and mezcal are both agave-based distilled spirits, tequila can only be made out of blue agave —agave tequilana— and that is one of the main differences between these two Mexican spirits, not to mention the prominent smoky flavor of mezcal on the palate.
From the Editor: MCT, Franc Vila, Badollet, Breva Genève, JeanRichard, Romain Jerome, Cabestan and HYT Watches are Long Gone. Who's Else is Still Alive?
I love independent watchmaking as much as I love watch manufactures that have been around for centuries. I have a soft spot for the independents because I admire their disruptive behavior, tenacity and the high impact creativity they bring to the watch industry. From brands like MB&F to Urwerk and everything in between, I have a little bit of love for each and every one of them for many reasons.
Eye Candy: MB&F Horological Machine No. 9 Flow. Inspired by Automotive and Aviation Design.
Released in 2018, the MB&F HM9 Flow was presented in two limited editions of 33 pieces each. The watch was conceptualized by Max Büsser and designed by mastermind Eric Giroud. With Guillaume Thévenin who developed the movement, Camile Fournet who worked on the strap and Jean-François Mojon who collaborated on the precision turning of wheels, pinions and axes, amongst other parts.
News: Breguet Appoints Lionel a Marca as its CEO
Heading the House of Breguet since 2021, Lionel a Marca is a watchmaker through and through. Born in Porrentruy, Switzerland in 1967, it was only natural that he should turn to watchmaking. After all, both originate from the beautiful Jura region. Following a watchmaking and repair apprenticeship and several years gaining experience, he joined the Swatch Group in 1992, at Frédéric Piguet located in the Vallée de Joux.
Insider: Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Military Limited Edition. A Great Ceramic Tool Watch with Formidable Lume.
The day Bell & Ross dropped the new BR 03-92 Diver Military Limited Edition we knew we had to own one and work on a hands-on review. Since we have a soft spot for diving watches here at WCL, the Diver Military had to go on the chopping block. First of all, we have to say that we like the fact that this is a true diving watch in all its form as it complies with the Standard NIHS 92611/ISO 6425 for Diver Watches.
