The first mechanical clocks were actually bell towers without dials or hands. Bells would simply ring to mark the hours or special events, starting in the late 13th century in Europe (Italy and Germany to be specific). The name “clock” even comes from the Latin word for bell, clocca. Among the...
Editor’s Note: This is a departure from my usual “Time Machines” column to present something a bit shorter and focused more on the current state of the industry than on historic watches. Like most watch enthusiasts, I have a wide array of hobbies outside timepieces — cars, art, fashion, history,...
He might not have been a watchmaker by training, but Raymond Weil (1926–2014) did start an eponymous watch brand. Remarkably, he did so at the age of 50 in 1976. The timing is defiant. Cheap quartz watches were already wreaking havoc on the Swiss watch industry, and a man in his 50s, especially...
It seems like a trend that endurance races are won with only seconds between the podium finishers. We’ve seen it in this year’s Dakar, where Luciano Benavides won the Bikes class with just two seconds difference over second-place man Ricky Brabec. We’ve seen it in last year’s Rolex 24 at...
Can you remember the exact moment you realised watches were going to be more than just a passing interest? Yes, in 2005 when I paid, what was to me, a huge amount on a brand that not many (in fact, very few) had heard of, FP Journe. Just because I really loved the look of […]
Easily one of the most controversial wristwatch accoutrements is the bund strap. Some people adore them, and some people hate them. Bund straps are watch straps that flare widely behind the case and cover the entire caseback, often even extending a bit beyond the case width. Bund straps are...
Recently, I bought an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M with a 43.5mm all-brushed steel case and a sandblasted gunmetal-gray dial. This purchase came after the launch of the fully revamped Planet Ocean. With the fourth generation’s sharper facets, redesigned bracelet with polished center links,...
Watches with California dials are among the most niche products in the industry, with a relatively vague history that somehow only adds to their mystique and quirky appeal. If you’re not familiar with the California dial — or if you are already a convert and simply curious about where in this...
Hey, this is Zach Weiss, co-founder of Worn & Wound. As I’m sure you know, I am very into watches. I have been wearing them since a young age; they sparked my interest in design, leading me to pursue a degree in the topic, and, of course, to eventually co-found Worn & Wound in 2011. […] The post...
Although some might argue it has never lost its touch, it must be said that the independent watchmaking scene feels rejuvenated and stronger than ever. Just a couple of years ago, creative souls looking to make a name for themselves struggled to find traction and lure collectors to make their...
