Patek Phillippe- A critical time for watchmakers- Reblog from CBS Sunday Morning

It’s about time to look at the extremes of timekeeping, including the watch on my wrist. Small in every way, except for its $25,000 price tag. Martha Teichner examines the Patek Philippe mystique:

http://www.cbsnews.com/common/video/cbsnews_video.swf

Luxury Swiss watchmaker Patek Philippe is discrete about the famous owners of its timepieces. Ostentatious, they aren’t. Expensive, they are.”We generally start about $12,000, $13,000, and we go up,” said Larry Pettinelli, president of Patek Philippe USA. “There are some very complex pieces that are over several million dollars.” Continue reading

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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II

Explorer II and airking.jpgI am growing into a rather loyal Rolex fan. I do understand the stigma attached; the perceived pretentiousness by the uninitiated. I had felt this way at one time as well. That was until I owned one of my own, I now appreciate the brand for their longevity, history, technical feats, and overall quality and value. I do tend away from the instantly recognizable blingy “look at me” models in favor of the more understated pieces. After all I appreciate a Rolex for what it is, not what it means to everyone else who sees me wearing it. Continue reading

Baume et Mercier Capeland Flyback Chronograph

Baume-et-Mercier-Capeland-10006-Mood_1One year ago I shared my first post on my own Baume et Mercier Capeland, so I thought it proper for the one year anniversary of How to be Swell I would again write about a Baume Mercier Capeland, only this time one that unfortunately isn’t in my personal collection. The Capeland flyback chronograph was part of their re design the year before last. The flyback is at the top of the Capeland series that was redesigned to a more classic shape and dial design harkening back to the gilded age of horology. Baume & Mercier describes it as: The sport-chic Capeland epitomizes a relaxed lifestyle and strength of character. This charismatic series resolutely embodies shapes, colors and authentic functions that uniquely represent the brand’s universe of seaside living at its best.
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Bulova Accutron Calibrator

I am admittedly a watch fanatic, and I believe it’s been to long without a watch post on Howtobeswell. Something exciting is around the corner from Bulova that I have just got to talk about. With both mechanical and quartz designs, Bulova watches are intricately and elegantly detailed, using fine quality materials. Founded in 1875, Bulova is one of the world’s most recognized brands, and reaches a wide range of consumers with its variety of watches and clock offerings.  An independent subsidiary of Citizen Watch Company, Bulova is headquartered in New York City.
 
 At Basel World 2012, Bulova announced a revolutionary advance in timekeeping accuracy- at least for the wearer. They are introducing the Bulova Accutron Calibrator, featuring the External Fine Adjustment System (EFAS). This feature allows watch enthusiasts the ability to control the accuracy of their automatic watches, maintaining 99.99% accuracy simply, and without need for a technician. – Their claim, but from them it carries some weight.