In The Shop: A 1961 Rolex Explorer Gilt Dial Reference 1016 With Box, A 1920s Cartier Carré Obus Watch, And A 1984 Tudor Submariner ‘Lollipop’ Reference 76100
This week we have an array of vintage watches from a diverse set of brands. Two classic Rolexes are complemented by a couple of brightly accented Zodiac and Heuer models, a really stunning Cartier Obus in yellow gold, and a Tudor Submariner from 1984 with the rare “lollipop” hour hand. These watches will no doubt tempt collectors of any level, so read on for full details.
Throw the word ‘Hublot’ into conversation, and all too often the topic can find itself steered down a path toward a couple of broad stereotypes. You know what we’re talking about. It’s the kind of statement that says “Hublot makes nothing but large, skeletonised statement pieces in unusual materials, for rappers,” for example. And you know what? Some of that is our fault. After all, we’re the ones who like to seize on an impressive technical breakthrough, or a brand-new case material, because that makes a good story. Well, not today. Put all of that out of your mind, and have a look at this: That is the Hublot Classic Fusion King Gold, 38mm, on the arm of a female who happens to be eight months (and counting) pregnant. It’s clearly a Hublot, right? No one could mistake it for anything else. And doesn’t it look elegant? More to the point, it shows that, when stripped of all diamonds and other accoutrements, the core of Hublot’s identity is more than strong enough to hold its own. The mix of brushed and polished King gold against the matt black dial is both understated and bold. More contrast comes courtesy of the chunky hour and minute hands alongside the super-svelte…
Editor’s Note: I don’t know what you’re watching at the moment, but in between bingeing on Gilmore Girls and Black Mirror I’ve been voraciously consuming Abstract: The Art of Design, a Netflix documentary series showcasing exceptional designers. As you’d expect from the subject matter and the production values, it’s very pretty viewing. I might go so far as to say it’s almost too perfect. Regardless, my first instinct was obviously to compare the values and theory applied to art, architecture and objects in the series to watches. And one I kept coming back to was this beautifully simple Saxonia from A. Lange & Söhne. Story in a second: The Saxonia Thin is A. Lange & Söhne design at its most pure. One of the things that makes everyone like A. Lange & Söhne as a brand (and I mean everyone, I can’t think of a single person I know who doesn’t like or respect what Lange does) is the thought, care and quality that goes into every watch. From the gobsmackingly amazing Zeitwerks and Perpetual Calendars, all the way to the simpler pieces – like this manually wound Saxonia Thin. And what’s even more amazing is that this thought and care continues to grow;…