EVENT: Is Blancpain’s Ocean Commitment investment just a drop in the ocean? Hard questions on Sydney Harbour

blancpain-syd-event-2016-3It’s usually the most innocuous part of the night. The official speeches are out of the way, the bar once again beckons, and the speaker says, to be polite, “Are there any questions?” A guest at the Blancpain Ocean Commitment event 2016 – following on from the 2015 evening at Icebergs, which had the coolest night-time projection since the bat symbol – put up her hand, and asked – “I was wondering how much money does Blancpain actually contribute to the Ocean Commitment cause?” The VP and Head of Marketing, Mr Alain Delamuraz to his enormous credit, did not even clear his throat. Earlier, he’d disclosed that 1000 Euro from every OC Limited Edition (250 pieces) model sold goes to the cause. But it turns out, with pun fully intended, this is a drop in the ocean. “We have contributed 1 million Euro per year for the last seven years,” he said. “It’s a big percentage. For us, it’s a lot.” There was a notable inhalation of breath by the entire room. “This money has led to three million square-kilometres of ocean being protected, and many other meaningful advancements in marine conservation.” My companion (and younger brother) nudged me and said,…

The post EVENT: Is Blancpain’s Ocean Commitment investment just a drop in the ocean? Hard questions on Sydney Harbour appeared first on Time and Tide Watches.

9 years ago

Found: A Unique Platinum Audemars Piguet Minute Repeater With A Matching Platinum Bracelet At Christie’s

This is a very special watch. It’s special because it’s a platinum minute repeater by Audemars Piguet, sure. But it’s even more special because it’s the only post-war platinum minute repeater Audemars Piguet made with a bracelet, period. It was discovered not long ago by the folks at Christie’s, who’ve done a brilliant job documenting its complex and interesting history. Let’s dig into it.

9 years ago

BEST FROM: aBlogtoWatch & Friends November 11, 2016

This month we are going to take a look at two important new watches from Jaeger-LeCoultre and Chopard. And then, we are going to take a look at an aspect of watch design that is often neglected – typography.

9 years ago

HODINKEE And Phillips Present ‘Patek Philippe: The Holy Grail’ Panel Discussion (Live Stream)

Today our senior European editor Arthur Touchot is sitting down with Phillips’ Aurel Bacs and art dealer Thomas Seydoux in Geneva for a panel discussion about collecting “holy grails” in the fields of fine watches, cars, art, and more. Central to this, of course, is the stainless steel Patek Philippe 1518, coming to auction this weekend in Geneva alongside the same model in yellow and pink gold. The panel will commence at 7:00 PM CET (1:00 PM EST) and you can view a live stream of the talk right here.

9 years ago

14 Winning Watches at GPHG 2016

By Roberta Naas
Last night in Geneva, 14 timepieces were honored at the annual Grand Prix de Horlogerie Geneva, which pays tribute to one watch in each of a dozen different categories. The final 14 winners were culled down from an initial 160+ watches that were submitted by brands in June. Additionally there was a Special Jury Prize awarded to The George Daniels Educational Trust. Here we bring you a look at the winning watches

9 years ago

Found: A Heuer Carrera Reference 1158CHN With A Formula 1 Family Connection To Be Auctioned At Kaplans

Often asked about his favorite Heuer watch, Jack Heuer has several times responded publicly the Heuer Carrera reference 1158. The weighty 18k yellow gold case could justify such a choice on its own, but the true reason for Heuer’s pick is much more interesting. This specific Carrera might actually represent the apex of Heuer: not only does it offer its first automatic and in-house chronograph caliber, but this watch is also deeply linked with Heuer’s involvement with the iconic Ferrari Formula 1 team and the very best drivers of the 1970s. The fascinating story of those watches can often be read in caseback engravings, which display the name of each watch’s adventurous owner, and this Carrera 1158CHN about to be auctioned at Kaplans is no exception.

9 years ago

A Rolex Submariner Ref. 5513 Gilt Dial Watch Purchased To Impress A Prince

During the 1960s, while on vacation in England, a friend of the Prince of Kuwait purchased himself a brand-new reference 5513 Rolex Submariner with the hopes of impressing his royal companion when he returned home. As the 5513 had just been introduced a few years prior in 1962, it was still a relatively new design.

9 years ago

Bring a Loupe: An Orange Seiko ‘Samurai’ SBDA005, A Grey Zenith Chronograph A271, A Rolex Explorer Reference 5506, And More

This week, Bring A Loupe starts with a discontinued Seiko diver, the “Samurai” SBDA005. It might not be vintage already, but its stunning orange dial and brushed titanium case make it a coveted piece, especially in such mint condition. You’ll also hear about an unusual Rolex Explorer with a gold-filled case – the Canadian-model 5506. Our favorite chronographs definitely made the cut as well; they are represented by the Zenith A271, the Universal Genève Compax “Nina Rindt,” and the Breitling Sprint “Bow Tie” – this Friday, you’ll hear some of the cool nicknames of some equally cool watches.

9 years ago

Review – Citizen Aqualand Promaster, The Blue Collar Dive Watch from Japan

When we refer to Japan and its watch industry everyone, and rightly so, instantly think of one company: Seiko. However, there is more than that. Although Seiko has produced a large number of excellent, iconic and historical timepieces, it is unfair to forget other companies like Citizen. In this article we are going to examine one of the most iconic dive watches coming from Japan of all time. No, it is not the Tuna Marinemaster or the Seiko 6105, but the iconic Citizen Aqualand Promaster.

9 years ago