Once again, Parmigiani have shown a unique mien which differentiates them from other brands. There are several models within their new Ovale range, but it is the Pantographe with its telecopic hands, which is the focus of this review.

Audrey Hepburn once remarked, “elegance is the only beauty that never fades”. This quotation immediately came to mind when I saw the handsome timepiece, Star Quantième Complet, from Montblanc.

Recently, I visited the Baume & Mercier HQ outside Geneve. Here, I had the pleasure of meeting Alexandre Peraldi, Design Director of the brand and surveyed several models laid out in front of me including this GMT from the new Clifton collection.

I placed the Eberhard Chrono 4 Géant and knew immediately that hours of key tapping would subsequently ensue in order to convey its many charms.

It was whilst holding the U-Boat U-51 Chimera (6495) that I was reminded of an episode in my youth. This handsome watch, which I have been lucky enough to wear of late, is a model of clarity and has the most profoundly clean appearance.

At Baselworld 2013, Patek Philippe released several gorgeous new models. A particular model which elicited a gasp of delight and a nod of appreciation from this self-confessed watch fanatic was the Calatrava Ref. 5227.

This is a special year for Tag Heuer, maker of timepieces for the intrepid racing professional. It is 50 years since Jack Heuer created his first Carrera timepiece and the brand is currently celebrating the golden anniversary of this iconic watch.

The IWC Ingenieur Constant-Force Tourbillon is a timepiece which took 10 years to bring to fruition which includes a constant force-escapement. However, is it a podium winner?

This limited edition timepiece is a faithful representation of the original 44GS launched in the year of my birth, 1967. Close examination reveals much merit, justifying my fervent editorial efforts.

I have just returned from Baselworld 2013 and can report that it did not disappoint. There were many novelties which engendered unbridled avarice in this die-hard fan of horology. One brand that was firmly on the agenda was Tudor.

In 2011, Tutima created a new state of the art manufactory in Glashütte. Moreover, it marked this significant landmark in its history with the creation of the mouth-watering, tour de force, the repeating Hommage wristwatch.

“It’s complicated” is something I associate with disappointment. However, when it comes to haute horology, the reverse is true. To own a “complicated timepiece” is a joy.

Recently, at Baselworld,  I chatted to personnel from Maurice Lacroix; they showed me several beautiful timepieces from their Masterpiece collection. A model which truly ignited my passion for fine finishing and innovative horology, was the Le Chronographe Squelette.

This year at Baselworld, Breitling revealed three new calibres, the B04, B05 and B06. It is the latter which features in a model that has grabbed my attention.

Cuervo y Sobrinos masterfully fuses the two national stereotypes and produces high quality timepieces imbued with a latin spirit. They embrace a bygone era where Cuba, the “Pearl of the Carribean”, attracted the great and the good from stage, screen, literature and politics.

Zeitwinkel, takes its name from two german words, “Zeit” which means “time” and “Winkel” meaning “angle”, hence translated from German into English, the brand means “timeangle”. This alludes to the local time expressed at a specific location on a sundial at noon.

I have had the profound pleasure of meeting the charismatic Finnish watchmaker and applaud his unusual approach to watch design and life in general.

The Silverstone collection of models is one of several collections within the Graham-London catalogue. Typical of Loth, he pays due reverence to another English institution, the home of British motorsport, Silverstone.

To the uninformed, the word, “Retrograde” has negative connotations. It can be associated with decline and reverting to an inferior state. However, in the world of haute horology, it means a delightful complication is conferred.

The latest contemporary timepiece to originate from the Genevan atelier is the UR-210. It is unlike any other watch I have seen or handled. It proffers delightful cutting-edge design.

An invitation for afternoon tea at Harrods arrived in my Inbox. “How remarkably civilised!”, I said to myself. Within two nano seconds, I dispatched an email accepting the invite.

“I’ve found a watch you’ll like”. Such a statement usually means that the watch being referred to has a traditional feel and this is true in this case; the Robina. It’s totally English, serene of face, beautifully formed, graceful and unpretentious.

When a watch comes along at a price point which allows indulgence, has elegance, eye appeal, which fulfils its maker’s mantra of contemporary design and manufacturing excellence, choice should not be an issue. Indulgence is the answer.

The HMS1 is available in several variants including rose gold, white gold and stainless steel. All models are blessed with attractive aesthetics, but it is the 18-carat rose gold version with cream dial that proffers the greatest appeal to me.

Chopard created an innovative watch in 2010 with the L.U.C Engine One. The architecture of the timepiece drew heavily on automotive cues.

Now, automotive associations are revisited once more.

The MW Heli-chrono, based on Bremont’s ALT1-P Chronograph range, adds to what is already a superlative range of aviation timepieces. It is a limited edition of only fifty and is proving to be much sought after.

When you look at the classical appearance of the Vingt-8, you cannot fail to be beguiled by its impeccable breeding. It has a timeless appeal which exudes style, unsullied by the fickle changing taste of fashion.

At SIHH 2013, Jaeger-LeCoultre revealed several headline grabbing novelties but this model caught my eye because of its traditional, restrained tone. Whilst the model is new, it continues the clean-cut lines of the Master Control range.

The hedonistic appeal of my favourite drink came to mind as I admired the sculpted horological form of this latest timepiece from the Italian watch brand, U-Boat. The timepiece is delivered in bronze with a very masculine character.

I nonchalantly placed the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph on my wrist. Like the watch at SIHH, I had previously dismissed this model, as I thought it would be a little too large and frankly a little “flash” for my tastes. Once again, Audemars Piguet caught me by surprise, this watch captured my heart with its substantial form.

Those who seek some of the finest jewellery and matchless timepieces can now enjoy a touch of red carpet glamour in the heart of London. The Chopard Boutique, in the Wonder Room at Selfridges, provides a sublime showcase to sample incredible rings, necklaces, earrings and of course, watches. Moreover, handbags and writing instruments compliment the ensemble of luxury products on offer.

Some brands have tried to bestow their wristwatches with enhanced rate keeping and placed the regulating organ within two cages, working at two different angles. Now, there is another chapter in the history of the Tourbillon.

Recently at SIHH 2013, I sat with the RM 56-01 Tourbillon Sapphire and we commenced our session by discussing its childhood. I felt a full analysis was justified.

The skeletonised movement is delivered in a sultry shade of black. The nocturnal hue invites the eyes to explore every nuance of its curvaceous form.

Parmigiani Fleurier was formed in 1996 with the backing of the Sandoz Family Foundation. The brand’s nomenclature reveals the home of this much respected exemplar of haute horology. Fleurier is located in the district of Val-De-Travers within the canton of Neuchâtel.

I was presented with the opportunity to interview Sara Josephine Sandmeier, a designer at Baume & Mercier. Nothing quite prepared me for the vivacious young designer, with profound charm and an abundance of style.

It was somewhat surprising when Stefan first contacted me to introduce himself and his octane-inspired timepieces. My initial reaction was, “Stefan Johansson, the ex-F1 driver?”.

The Calibre 1887 “Jack Heuer” Chronograph (45mm) will not be available until October 2013, but a chance discovery on the TAG Heuer online press portal and I was smitten.

This is a timepiece, De Bethune refers in its press release as being, “imbued with poetry”. I can see little reason to argue with the beautiful shape, but is the word “poetry” applicable in this instance?

Mühle-Glashütte have created a “Flieger-Chronograph” specifically for the rescue pilots from the German Navy, who regularly work together with the rescue workers of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Rettung Schiffbrüchiger).

Vacheron Constantin launched the Overseas in 1996. It was sporty, a change of direction for the brand at the time which doffed its hat to the great explorers of yesteryear. Indeed, the caseback featured an engraving of the Amerigo Vespucci galleon.

The Peter Speake-Marin Resilience 42mm Steel Enamel features a pure white enamel dial. Its aesthetic appeal is obvious. Classic lines, with the angelic face of a chaste young lady, it compels me to tap away on my computer keyboard, conveying every nuance of its pleasing form.

The DeWitt models embrace a unique design language unlike any other timepieces I have previously seen. The danger of being innovative, embracing avant garde forms, is that they may not appeal to everyone. However, I immediately gravitated to several models.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Automatic Tuxedo is an exceptional timepiece, festooned with 621 brilliant cut diamonds.

The two Dutch brothers, Tim and Bart Grönefeld fooled me into thinking the “One Hertz” nomen, referred to the frequency of the balance wheel. It actually refers to the dead beat seconds, sometimes referred to as “second morte” or “jumping seconds”.

Everything is in place for these three pilot’s watches to descend on the prestigious department store, Harrods. These brightly coloured models are exclusive to the Knightsbridge-based retailer and will be available to purchase from July.

Medieval knights and warriors feature in Roger Dubuis's adverts. They have always embraced the world of daring aesthetics whilst paying due reverence to the tradition of haute horology.

What is the brand trying to say to the would-be owner? Some will argue this is of little interest to a true watch enthusiast. However, I would argue to the contrary.

The consummation of my courtship with Lange took place a few years ago, prior to my career in journalism. I purchased an elegant 1815 model, presented in yellow gold with regal blued hands.

I have never made any secret of my admiration for Baume & Mercier on ESCAPEMENT. I believe they proffer charming aesthetics, drawing on their extensive back catalogue of models. Moreover, they offer excellent value for money, surpassing the talents of many other, more ambitiously priced, timepieces.

The whole concept of luxury is that it is special, an occasional treat. If we ate birthday cake everyday, it would no longer feel like an indulgence. Luxury is the occasional purchase where the buying process is part of the joy; a process where the consumer is cosseted in a robe of care and assisted with their purchase.

The name “Cartier” conjures many thoughts in my mind. I always think of Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor. I visualise the onyx and diamond panther bracelet she wore and her much admired flamingo diamond clip from the 1940s.

I have had the privilege of meeting Stepan Sarpaneva and there are two things which strike you about the Finnish watchmaker.

Firstly, he has an immense ability to create watches bestowed with an individual, innovative and highly original design.

There could be no more fitting tribute to celebrate the 80th birthday of the man whose creativity spawned the Carrera than a limited edition timepiece to commemorate the event. However, is the watch a worthy tribute to the living legend that is, Jack Heuer?

A cold morning at Geneva Airport and I joined fellow journalists on the mini-bus, destined for a location in the Jura mountains. A regular occurrence, several of the usual suspects were present. We often visit ateliers en-masse to view the craftsmanship in the land of chocolate, cheese, banking and of course, haute horology.

Here is a timepiece at once both familiar and unusual. It’s cylindrical form and sturdiness instil a comfortable feel as of an old acquaintance and yet it is pleasingly different and has a modernity of style.

As I admire the beautiful dial of the Glashütte Original Panoinverse XL, it is the rubies which are an immediate hit with me.

The Diverscope was introduced in 2011 and this is the new version launched at SIHH in 2012. It is a watch suited to its purpose.

When I formed ESCAPEMENT, I remarked to my wife that I dreamt of visiting a watchmaker called Roger Smith. I enthused about watching him on You Tube making blued watch hands for example.

There are a number of versions in the De Ville collection in red gold and steel, with black or white faces, metal or leather straps to match but it is the white–faced platinum version with the startling blue features which I find the most striking, understated, so simple and yet so engaging.

Here is a watch which is testament to the dedication of the brand to achieving the highest standards, an exemplar of superb craftsmanship and design.

Avant-garde, striking in its uncluttered round form, modern in appearance this watch draws upon the past for its creation. It is inspired by an eighteenth century timepiece.

Montblanc clearly has a strong team of watchmakers, and this is perfectly exemplified by the beautiful Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 - Vintage Tachydate timepiece

Admire the dial of this Patek Philippe watch and you do not see lots of sub-dials and hands but a beautiful rose coloured dial staring back at you.

The grand complications in the range include amazing tourbillons and minute repeaters. However, one of my favourites is the Patrimony Contemporaine. This stunning svelte sensation lacks complications but affords its owner simplicity of line.

This 49mm diameter watch successfully traverses the sports/dress watch divide, in my opinion. Yes it is extremely large, too large for me sadly, but it is so beautifully realised with such exquisitely detailed design elements that it looks perfect in all situations.

Richard Mille is a relative “new kid on the block” and has won many admiring fans from around the globe. The company has eschewed many historical norms associated with haute horology adopting cutting-edge technology and a fresh perspective on watch design.

The former Datograph was much loved for its considered design and held in high regard by serious watch collectors from around the globe. A. Lange & Söhne have revisited the Datograph and launched a new version, the Datograph Up / Down featuring a new movement.

The Millenary was not an immediate favourite of mine on first acquaintance. The oval shape looked a little too unconventional for my taste. However, the Millenary 4101 somehow caught me in its headlights and a coming together was imminent.

Ebel has caught my attention with the Ebel Classic Hexagon. It has a hexagonal case made of brushed stainless steel with a complementary stainless steel bezel in a highly polished finish. The design is fresh, and despite its similarity in shape to Ebel’s of the 1980’s, it has modernity and a contemporary look.

Tank is a name synonymous with Cartier, the house which always exemplify perfect timeless style. Fashions may change, but Cartier is like a fine couture dress. Its manufacture is beautifully executed and it transcends changes in taste, always retaining relevance and befitting the current age.

This addition to the Excalibur range is bold in its design. Bearing the Excalibur name it has to be. It has to hold fast tradition. It has to accord with the rules of engagement for haute horology but it must also dazzle. In rose gold it is quite stunning.

The very nature of divers' watches is that they are over-engineered for use on terra firma. They are designed to withstand incredible pressures for use in deep waters. It is the tolerances these pieces can endure which makes them appealing to me.

A love of all things mechanical and a desire to produce excellently crafted pilot's watches led to the creation of Bremont by two brothers, Nick and Giles English. The brothers have had a passion for flying historic aircraft from a very early age.

Journe is a Master Watchmaker of world renown. At the tender age of 20 he embarked on the ambitious project of making his first tourbillon pocket watch. A project incorporating one of the most complex complications, it was not for the faint-hearted. It took five years to complete the pieces, testament to his determination and patience.

“Accept only perfection, only manufacture watches of the highest quality.”

Baume and Mercier declare their intent in their motto. They adhere to it. For me this watch is perfection. There is not a discordant note, no blemish, no fault. The lines flow. The styling is beautiful.

The design of Suzuka is unique, unlike any other race track. Unique design is a key attribute of the Hublot F1™ King Power Suzuka.

An interview with Mark Hearn, Marketing Director of the British School of Watchmaking

Traditional craftsmanship is something close to my heart. Whether that craftsmanship takes the form of stone masonry, painting of a ceiling within a cathedral or the crafting of a fine timepiece, one thing is a prequisite; skills.

"To break the rules you must first master them"

The new strap line for Audemars Piguet perfectly sums up a company who has always sought its own path both in terms of the models it creates and indeed the way the company operates.

For a watch brand that has a long and illustrious history, based on their ability to create timepieces that are perfectly suited and useful for pilots, and aviation enthusiasts, Breitling do have an unerring knack of creating fantastic Diver’s watches.

Only 50 of these special timepieces will ever be produced and it is hardly surprising as their manufacture involves all the skills we associate with the haven of horology in the Vallée de Joux, Jaeger-LeCoultre.

I am immediately drawn to this watch in ceramic with a green textile strap. It is refreshingly different and unlike any watch in my own personal collection of cherished timepieces.

Louis Cottier developed the first World Time watch in 1931, showing the time simultaneously in 31 different cities.

Constructed in 18-carat white gold it contrasts with the silver coloured guilloché work on the dial and the blued hands. Yellow gold or rose gold would appear sickly. White gold is perfect.

The Grande Seconde is a design that harks back to the 18th century, yet still feels relevant in the 21st century.

The simplicity of the dial, is aesthetically appealing, with two dials entwined to form a figure of eight, a number with much significance in several cultures and a cornerstone of the brand’s DNA.

My own personal affection for this Manufacture from Vallée de Joux is validated by the two models I have in my own personal collection. I would gladly own more of these wonderful watches if funds allowed.

The Saxonia family of watches within its portfolio were restyled by A. Lange & Söhne and this new offering enhances the collection. It is the slimmest watch they have made.

Its groundbreaking achievement of liberation from gravity, its risk taking in creating such a high frequency has brought its reward in this honour resulting in the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, 1st prize in "Complicated Watch Category".

The design of the Luminor Marina 3 Days - 47mm (PAM 422) is a modern interpretation of the diving watches worn by the Royal Italian Navy back in the 1950’s.

Over-embellishment is transient. Ostentation a distraction. With haute couture it is the cut, the line, the drape, that sets a standard that is timeless, epitomised in the little black dress. The well cut suit does not need embellishment or decoration.

“Traditionally innovative” may sound like a paradox, however, in terms of Breguet it is true. Abraham Louis Breguet established his business in Paris in 1775 and to this day must be regarded as the most innovative horologer of all time.

As an engineer who helps put together high volume assembly and test installations I am all too familiar with the phrase Average Time To Intervention (ATTI). Simply put, this is how long a piece of equipment can run until operator intervention is required and is a great way of cutting costs if this can be made as long as possible.

In 2012 we enter the 40th year since the Royal Oak was launched to unanimous acclaim.

Gérald Genta penned this design icon in 1972.

I have always had a love of the classic Pilot’s watch, an instrument born out of absolute necessity, to aid the navigation of a plane.

I can only imagine the expressions on the faces of the Bell and Ross design team as they were given the multiple criteria for the BR02.

Blancpain has never produced a quartz watch and probably never will. When I formed ESCAPEMENT I vowed I would never feature a quartz watch and with such a wonderful array of mechanical watches in the marketplace, there should never be a need for me to reverse this decision.

Vacheron Constantin have created a modern interpretation of the 1921 original with many faithful details. The American 1921 forms part of the Historique collection which allows the wearer to reminisce of another period, when wearing their delightful dainty.

It is no surprise that IWC chose to use the “Portofino” name to describe some of its pulchritudinous horological delights. The soporific village awakens from hibernation for the summer season, and is the perfect personification of beauty and sophistication.

Most watch brands that have aspirations of indulging a male demographic have at least one pilot’s watch in their catalogue. These are often contemporary replicas of the first ever timepieces worn by pilots in the 1920s, which were basically pocket watches with lugs attached or the pilot’s timepieces of WW2, which were designed specifically for the job.

A recent visit to Salon QP and a brief encounter with the Piaget Altiplano watch stole my heart.

“Capeland” is a watch range from Baume & Mercier bearing a name which conjures thoughts of the North Eastern coastal area of the United States of America.

With words like “planet” and “Liquidmetal® technology”, this watch sounds like it may be space age. Indeed, this timepiece is packed with cutting-edge technology and originates from the Manufacture who has Space exploration in its genes.

Many of the watches featured on ESCAPEMENT are chosen because they represent the pinnacle of haute horology irrespective of retail price. However, a brand which has recently come to my attention on several occasions of late is Nomos.

I sat at the wooden bench within the exhibition area allocated to Jaeger-LeCoultre and admired the spectacle that lay ahead of me. Twelve benches, with perfect illumination and a loupe attached to a wire headband at each bench.

All the watches written about on this site are ones either owned by my son or loved by my son and desired by my son. All are given devoted attention, equally, but for my part I have favourites. This watch is definitely more equal than others.

Bell and Ross created the perfect aesthetic and utilitarian horological dish in 2005 when they took the watch world by surprise with the BR01.

Panerai is a wonderful Swiss-Italian manufacturer of premium timepieces. It has historical links to the Royal Italian Navy and produces watches which are overtly masculine and proudly worn by serious watch enthusiasts around the globe.

Think Cartier and you visualise that red leather box, embossed in gold and within an exquisite piece of jewellery or in my case a small perfect lady’s wrist watch.  The name of Cartier brings to mind diadems for royalty, extraordinary jewels and panthers!  After all as Marilyn sang, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend”.

The Heuer Carrera, named after the gruelling Carrera Panamericana race in Mexico City, was first introduced in 1964 and soon became a very popular model within the Heuer line up. There are now over 40 models available in this range.

On March 9th, 1822 Nicolas Rieussec registered the patent for the first chronograph. It allowed for time to be measured at an accuracy of 1/5 of a second.  Montblanc have honoured him.

Out of all the watches I own, and have owned, my Graham Chronofighter Oversize GMT is the one that gets the most attention and the most comments. Why? Well, just look at it:

The Grand Carrera models were first introduced by Tag Heuer in 2007.

What’s in a name?

A great deal if that name is A. Lange & Söhne. It became etched on my heart when I visited Dresden. It means tradition, craftsmanship, innovation and beauty.

The Monaco is the most significant model in Tag Heuer’s history, and not because the coolest actor ever, Steve McQueen, wore one in a movie.

The ambient temperature may have been cold outside the Harrington & Hallworth Boutique in Ashton Under Lyne, but a warm welcome awaited guests as they entered this home to the “finer things in life”.

This watch has no need to present or seek acceptance of its credentials.  They are recognised. This watch has prestige. The Jaeger-LeCoultre name has earned its place in the upper echelons of watch making and has a long and successful history in haute horology. It is a lineage of which to be proud.

The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra XXL Small Seconds is unusual in that it is rather 1930s in style, vintage, but it is a watch of contrasts and almost contradictions.

The Navitimer can be considered Breitling’s iconic timepiece. In Breitling’s own words the Chronomat Evo (now the superb in-house B01 range) is their flagship model. However, the Super Avenger has consistently been their best selling timepiece.

It was in 1755 that Jean-Marc Vacheron opened his watch making factory in Geneva and  holding fast traditional standards and craftsmanship, watches are still produced which are exemplars of haute horology and which require superlatives to adequately describe them.

It is often a misconception that all Graham watches have the unique trigger mechanism for starting and stopping the chronograph. This design feature isn’t something that is easy to miss.

Identifiable as a member of the family by the characteristic round face and case, it is the first model to bring a sporting note to the family.

A brand that was formed in 1755 and is able to look back over more than 255 years of uninterrupted activity, could never be accused of being a passing phase or fad. This is a brand which oozes provenance from every pore.

Blancpain launched their most extreme watch in the largest aquarium in the world, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo in the Dubai Mall, Dubai.

The Breitling TransOcean is the third watch to incorporate the brilliant in-house Calibre 01 movement.

Little did the visitors to the 1954 Basel Fair Rolex stand realise that what they were seeing was to become the most revered, copied, admired, long-lived, desirable and sought after Divers watch design of all time.

It seems that every watch brand that manufactures tool watches these days has a connection to a car manufacturer. It is a fairly obvious connection in that collectors and admirers of each have the same love for mechanical “engines” and the inter-activity of the components that allows them to function. 

In 2012 the Olympic Games again come to London and so will OMEGA.

To honour the return Omega are introducing the OMEGA Seamaster 1948 Co Axial “London 2012” Limited Edition.

There it was on the back cover of American Express “Departure” magazine, “Breguet, the innovator”.  I read the details given but this watch merited much closer perusal.  It is stunning! I’m hooked!

Patek Philippe has to feature on any collector's list as it is the premier exemplar of haute horology.

Many high end watch brands have jumped on the Automotive Association bandwagon on recent years. The link is understandable as both high end wrist watches and automobiles carry the same prestige and have mechanical engines.

It is a classic, timeless in its appearance and will still shine in years to come as an exemplar of haute horologie and as an aesthetic masterpiece.

As a self confessed watch nut I am very fortunate to be able to indulge in this fairly expensive hobby through reasonable financial means and an understanding wife.

As a youngster I was captured by the dream of space travel.  My career path led to more conventional flying and I became a pilot. 

My choice of watch is, therefore, predictable, a Bell & Ross because of their ties to aviation and space travel.  From the range I chose a BR 03-92 Carbon.  The BR 03 echoes the BR01 which is a larger cased watch, but mine is ample in its proportions.

“Swimming with the fishes” is a phrase with sinister overtones synonymous with fictional gangsters portrayed on the silver screen. However, there is nothing sinister about the Omega Seamaster Ploprof which safely operates at great depths underwater.

The Paris based Hermes company has since 1837 been synonymous with styliish leather goods, initially designed for the well heeled male traveller. Hermes luggage is still a desirable companion for any tour or cruise but their product range now also appeals to a wide female audience who are prepared to wait months for the joy of owning a Hermes Birkin handbag.

Jules Verne’s fictional character Phileas Fogg strived to circumnavigate the world in 80 days, but my Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor World Extreme Alarm can negotiate the world’s greatest cities with a simple twist of the almandine red crown on the left hand side of the dial.

Margaret Thatcher proclaimed “The lady is not for turning” intimating that turning was an undesirable action. However, the Reverso by Jaeger-LeCoultre has delighted owners for generations because of the facility to turn over the dial and protect it from any stray objects.

In 1998 I purchased my first quality wristwatch, a Rolex Submariner Date (reference 116610) in stainless steel with a black dial and corresponding black bezel.

PAM 183 is the soubriquet assigned to the Panerai HISTORIC Radiomir Black Seal. Panerai enthusiasts often refer to models by the serial numbers assigned by Officine Panerai, a practice shared with collectors of Patek Philippe.

In 1972 Gerald Genta designed the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, a sports watch with a unique octagonal bezel.

Breitling was founded in 1884 and launched the Navitimer in 1952.

The Groβe Fliegeruhr was a military issue watch for use by Aviators. The large cased watches were referred to as “Nav B-Uhr” or “Beobachtungsuhr” (Navigation Watch).

In 1880, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky wrote his famous 1812 Overture to commemorate the Russian defence of Moscow from Napoleon’s Grande Armée and the Battle of Borodino.

You’ve followed cars clarioning, “A dog is for life not just for Christmas”.  So too is that special watch.