Posted in articles&news on Jan 6th, 2012 No Comments »

Our good friends over at Gear Patrol are in the midst of publishing just an awesome series on “Timekeeping Icons”. Penned by GP contributor Jason Heaton (who shares a name, wife, and life with HODINKEE contributor Jason Heaton), the series takes a detailed look at some components that are, though utilitarian in nature, rather romantic in cult horology lore.
The first piece is on the Super Compressor Dive Watch, and the second installment is on the Valjoux 7750 chronograph movement. We can’t wait to see what comes next. Check em out!
From:HODINKEE
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Posted in articles&news on Dec 20th, 2011 No Comments »

IWC forum moderator Michael Friedberg was recently given access to integral elements of IWC’s facilities, including the testing laboratory, complications atelier and the casemaking division. His most recent report focuses on IWC’s new casemaking manufactory in the small town of Neuhausen, along the banks of the Rhine river.
Michael gives a fascinating look inside IWC’s new facility, detailing each step of production and the requisite quality inspection along the way. He notes, surprisingly few Swiss brands produce their own cases due to steep barriers to entry. The role is not taken for granted then, as IWC engineers take an active approach to quality after each of the processes, whether done by hand or machine. Michael explains in this excerpt :
Some of the work in milling isn’t suited for large machinery, and instead hand-operations are involved. At each step, whether by large machine or hand-operation, there is meticulous quality control and measurement. We often talk about “fine-timing”, but in the world of fine machining “fine measurement” is required. Each item that is produced must meet extraordinary specifications. Often dimensions must meet measurement tests of within 1/100 of one millimeter.
Head over to the IWC community to read the rest of the story that Michael has prepared, along with some beautiful visuals. It’s there that you’ll be able to find his subsequent posts from the visit as well.
From:HODINKEE
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Posted in articles&news on Dec 12th, 2011 No Comments »
This seems like old news, doesn’t it? Well, that’s because Swatch, which made their intentions clear about cutting back on the supply of ETA movements several years ago, has been sued a number of times by a number of different watch firms in hopes of keeping the flow alive.
But, finally, it is becoming clear that Swatch does not have to sell its movements to competitors and in this weekend’s NY Times, there is an interesting article on the matter. It is interesting to hear what Olivier Muller of Laurent Ferrier has to say about things, especially after being a Swatch exec in the past.
Click here for the full article.
Btw, was anyone else shocked to hear that the average Hublot costs $ 27,000?
Editor’s Note: There was another article in this weekend’s NY Times about the current state of the sport watch category, in which our very own Jason Heaton is quoted. Click here for that.
From:HODINKEE
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Posted in Jacob & Co on Oct 18th, 2011 4 Comments »
Question by Eli H
The book when John is falling behind him…
Answer by the Hammer
I have no idea. I’m more interested in what Richard said in Latin about what lies in the shadow of the statue.
Russian, Latin, it’s all foreign to me! lol
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Posted in Jacob & Co on Oct 16th, 2011 8 Comments »
Question by Xylon
jacob sure he is a hot head, but he is so much better for bella..
i am only on page 150…wtf did edward really just disable her car to prevent her from seeing jacob!
Answer by Izzy…
he does get way too overprotective over her (edward
but later in the book, you will start to hate jacob, i know i did
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Posted in Jacob & Co on Sep 29th, 2011 5 Comments »
Question by AaBbCcDd
Also, when I read the 1st twilight book, I watch the movie first and I liked Charlie because he wasn’t on Bella’s case. But then he started to get in Bella an Edward’s way and was a hostage to Vampires and caused Bella lots of stress. And he started to get annoying a bit. Do u guys feel that way too?
Answer by Nicole C
it was only bad because I wanted Edward to come back. The thought of Bella and Jacob together was just stupid, to me. So, i didnt enjoy it.
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Posted in articles&news on Sep 26th, 2011 No Comments »

The Transocean Chronograph is the best thing to come from Breitling in a while. Vintage inspired looks, an awesome mesh bracelet, and the use of the mark’s beautiful Caliber 01 in-house chronograph make it a really attractive package (though we wish it were a bit smaller than 43mm…). Recently, the big boss man over at Revolution Online, the great Jack Forster, put a Transocean chrono on his promiscuous wrist and wrote a detailed review of it.
If you’re a fan of Breitling, chronographs, or the use of term “Dagwood sandwich” in watch writing, click on over for the full report.
From:HODINKEE
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Posted in articles&news on Sep 9th, 2011 No Comments »

The prolific Peter Chong of Watchscapes (and Bespoke, Ho Chiak) is showing and telling about his hands-on experience with the UR-1001, or Urwerk Zeit Device. Peter gives detailed descriptions of each of the many complications, surfaces and shapes that the device has to offer. The accompanying photographs will put you right there with the 1001.
Everywhere one looks, the attention to detail is amazing. From the tatical feel of the case and chain, to the smooth gliding movement of the satellite.
Read the full story and see all the pictures over at Peter’s blog, Watchscapes.
From:HODINKEE
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Posted in articles&news on Aug 28th, 2011 No Comments »
It isn’t everyday that our friends in the field of independent horology make it into the pages of Forbes Magazine. But, in the issue dated September 12th, a few guys we really like get the spotlight shown on them, their products, and their way of life. Written by Hannah Elliott, this story examines just who these men are, where they came from, what drives them, how they spread their gospel (hint: blogs don’t hurt), and how they plan to survive through the generations.
This is a great story for anyone interested in timepieces, independent or not, and to hear where most of these guys got their starts is really cool. What is also interesting, and unknown to many, is the role that Max Büsser played with the conception of the Opus 1 at Harry Winston – considered the first time an independent watchmaker (Francois-Paul Journe) was put at the forefront of a large watch company’s marketing efforts.
Included in the article are some guys we’ve featured with video content before, such as Roger Smith (seen above), the Grönefeld Brothers, Peter Speake-Marin, and the McGonigle Brothers. Additionally, the piece makes mention of some great, less expensive pieces like those from d.m.h., and NOMOS.
The article is available in the September 12th issue of Forbes Magazine, and online right here.
From:HODINKEE
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Posted in Jacob & Co on Aug 16th, 2011 14 Comments »
Question by sassylilmia
I don’t want to know what happens through out the rest of the book but does that part work out?
i do agree that Bella should kill Jacob.But I don’t get why the Cullens’ didn’t kill him when it happened.So many questions……………….?
Answer by Humuhumunukunukuapua’a
That is pretty much the base of the story from then on.
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