Frisland God - Hand Engraved Special Edition

This is the latest offering from JS Watch co. Reykjavik -



Courtesy of JS Watch co. Reykjavik

 This is the Frisland Goð.

This is a very unique piece in that it litterally incorporates genuine ash from the Eyjafjallajokull volcano.  For many of us, this would just represent an environmental hazard and a bit (or more) of irritation.  But in the "When you have lemons, make lemonade" spirit - the folks at JS Watch co. came up with a fanastically clever idea. 

In their own words -

Wear a Piece of the Earth



In 2010, the volcano Eyjafjallajokull, turned the whole world upside down by discharging incredible amounts of ash into the sky.


Designing this watch we spent a lot of time scrutinizing old objects at the National Museum of Iceland.




The Dial is made with genuine ash from Eyjafjallajökull volcano, the case is hand-engraved using ancient-style motiv. On the side of the watch one can see the word ÍSLAND (ICELAND) written in "höfðaletur", (head letters) unique Icelandic font.

And here are the specs:

Technical specifications


Movement

Mechanical movement “Execution Top”.

Automatic winding.

25 jewels, Custom decorations, Blue screws and Rhodium plated finish.

38-hour power reserve when fully wound.

Fine tuning “Assortment Chronometer”.

Shock protection Incabloc.

Adjusted to five positions.

Case

Material: Surgical grade German Stainless Steel "316L"

Diameter: 42mm, height 12mm.

Surface finish: Hand Engraved ancient-style motiv.

Curved Sapphire Crystal with multi anti reflective coating on the inside.

See-through Sapphire Crystal back.

Water-resistance 50 meters.

Dial

Black dial made from volcanic ash with Arabic

numerals and indexes.

White material on numerals and hour markers.

Date display at three o'clock and day display at nine o'clock.

Hands

Rose Gold with white luminous and red second hand

Strap

Handmade 20mm Genuine Teju Lizard or Alligator with JS Watch co. Reykjavik deployment clasp.




http://jswatch.com/

Pill Box Watch from Angular Momentum

FIVE TIGERS

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

Staybrite case with fluted side black polished 43.30 x 19.70 mm, historical hand-winding movement with 51 hours power reserve, caliber FHF 96. Staybrite crown with Amethist cabochon. Four Verre Églomisé miniature paintings featuring the 5 tigers. Sapphire crystal on lid a miniature painting of a blue baby tiger, the inner lid red and yellow tiger babies, the watch crystal white tiger hunting in blue moon light, the back crystal shows a portrait of the black tiger.
In ancient Chinese myth there are five tigers that hold the balance of cosmic forces in place and prevent chaos from collapsing into the universe.

White Tiger: ruler of the Fall season and governor of the Metal elementalsBlack Tiger: ruler of the Winter season and governor of the Water elementalsBlue Tiger: ruler of the Spring season and governor of the Earth elementalsRed Tiger: ruler of the Summer season and governor of the Fire elementalYellow Tiger: the supreme ruler of all these tigers and symbolic of the Sun
 
www.angularmomentum.com

Some racing news from Eberhard

Courtesy of Eberhard

I realize that for most of us in North America, we are bracing ourselves for the onslaught that is the Indy 500, but Eberhard has some racing news of their own -

Melges 24 Austria Cup – Absolute triumph for Audi Italia Sailing Team supported by Eberhard & Co.

Audi Italia Sailing Team, supported by Eberhard & Co. and skippered by Riccardo Simoneschi, took part in theMelges 24 Austria Cup event with the objective of testing its potential in view of the world trial, and resulted the undisputed protagonist with 8 race wins. The race was valid for the European and Worldwide lists rankings, and was organized by the Kammersee Sailing Club on Lake Attersee. 

“It’s a great result  – comments Mario Peserico, General Manager of Eberhard & Co. – that reinforces our confidence in the strength of the team we support, and lets us hope for positive outcomes at the next trials.”

The talented Audi Eberhard team that participated in the Attersee event was composed by the helmsman Riccardo Simoneschi, the tactician Gabriele Benussi, the trimmer Vittorio Rosso, the pitman Federico Buscaglia and the bowman Lucia Giorgetti.

The Audi Italia Sailing Team supported by Eberhard & Co. has left no space to its opponents, closing its trial with the minimal regulation score (seven points in 8 races) and a one-minute gap. Second and third on the event’s podium the German team of Markus Wieser on AEZ BMW, direct opponent of the Audi Eberhard boat, and the Czech crew of Martin Trcka.

With the Melges 24 Austria Cup archived in its palmares, Audi Eberhard is now looking at the next events, mainly the prestigious Kieler Woche (June 16-24) and the longed-for Torbole World Championship on Garda Lake (July 30 – Aug  4), a must for all the serie’s boats.

MELGES 24 - AUDI ITALIA SAILING TEAM 2012

MIAMI MARCH 9 - 11

LERICI APRIL 26 - 28

ATTERSEE MAY 18 - 20

CATTOLICA JUNE 7 - 10

KIEL JUNE 17 - 20

RIVA DEL GARDA JULY 05 - 08

TORBOLE JULY 30 – AUGUST 4, WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

MONACO OCTOBER 5 – 7

The Cacheux 8

Courtesy of Cacheux

This is the Cacheux 8 from Cacheux Haute-Horlogerie.  


This is a very limited edition - only 8 pieces will be created.  And in keeping with the theme of 8 -


An 8 carat diamond
The watch contains 88 grams 0f 18 carat gold
The number 8 is displayed in gold as a functional part of the dial

​

In all honesty, I had been sailing merrily along without even knowing that these folks were out there.  So in the interest of filling in some of the gaps in my education, here is some information:


1.  Not Swiss, but French!


2.  Cacheux creates a very few pieces each year - the Cacheux 8, for instance, will only have 8 pieces.


3.  The founder and owner is Fabien Cacheux


4.  Mr. Cacheux is clearly a man of many talents - designer, watch enthusiast, and now the resurrector of his family's champagne business. 




For more information - please visit their site -


www.cacheux-watches.com

Breguet Brings Queen of Naples Exhibit to Las Vegas

Coming off the heels of a successful run in New York, Breguet continues its celebration of the 200^th anniversary of the invention of the wristwatch at its Las Vegas boutique. On the evening of Wednesday, May 23^rd, a cocktail reception hosted by Mr. Michael Nelson, Breguet U.S. brand president, celebrated the opening of the exhibit which will run until Sunday, June 3rd. The Breguet Boutique in Las Vegas opened in 2011 as the fifth boutique in the U.S.

The first wristwatch, that ubiquitous invention now found on almost every person’s wrist, was actually created for none other than a queen. In 1810, the Queen of Naples, Caroline Murat (sister of Napoleon Bonaparte), commissioned Abraham-Louis Breguet to create the first ever timepiece to fit around her wrist. In an era when timepieces were typically pocket watches and clocks, Breguet began work on yet another innovation destined for the history books. The historical piece was finally delivered in 1812 and the Queen of Naples’ commission would become watch N^o 2639.

The Breguet watch company is paying tribute to the Queen of Naples through an incomparable exhibition: “1810-1812 Breguet Makes the First Wristwatch, Fit for a Queen.” This exhibit was launched in Geneva, Switzerland andfollowing its undeniable success, Breguet is taking this exhibit on a world tour.

Courtesy Breguet & Getty Images

Archives have made it possible to retrace this historical retrospective of the unprecedented creation of this unique wristwatch. According to historical documents, Breguet created a thin oblong repeater watch with a silver dial and Arabic numerals, mounted on a wristlet of hair woven with gold threads. The final product was delivered on December 21, 1812 and is last known to be in the possession of the Queen’s daughter Louise in 1849. Interpreting the specifications from the archives, the Breguet watch brand recreated this historic timepiece in its line of ladies watches, appropriately named “Reine de Naples,”

The House of Breguet is also taking the opportunity to commemorate the 10^th anniversary of its Reine de Naplesflagship ladies collection. The Reine de Naples collection is unmistakably a true work of art epitomising an ideal blend of aesthetic elegance and technical virtuosity.

Courtesy of Breguet & Getty Images

The exhibit, representing an authentic ode to femininity, is further enriched by a selection of exceptional Haute Joaillerie creations and Breguet once again proves that beauty and innovation are the keynotes of all its creations.

As a grand finale, a world-scale event in honour of the 200^th anniversary of the first wristwatch ordered by Caroline Murat is scheduled for September 2012 at Capri, the famous seaside resort in the Gulf of Naples.

Courtesy of Breguet & Getty Images

Bauhaus 101 - what your graduate SHOULD be wearing

Courtesy of Junghans and Chronometers.org

This the Junghans max bill Hand-winding 3701.  What makes this watch so fantastic is the total balance and proportion.  Hours, minutes, seconds.   This is a watch you put on while you're designing a city, or composing a symphony - or simply taking your kids to school.  


Avant garde, and every man.  A hand-wound mechanical watch that is not a victim of fashion or trends.    It will be with you for a lifetime.  


For the young man - or woman out there looking for a serious watch as they take that leap into the world - this is it.  And it is priced at a level where mom & dad can actually afford it!


Congratulations to all of the graduates out there - whatever you're graduating from!

Summer Reading - The Mastery of Time

I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of a fantastic new book -

Just in time for summer reading - a full scale "Book Report" is on the way, stay tuned!

World Oceans Day Celebration Presented by Girard-Perregaux

World Oceans Day Celebration with Susan and David Rockefeller, Jr.
Presented by Girard-Perregaux

Susan and David Rockefeller, Jr. will celebrate World Oceans Day in New York City on June 5, 2012 from 6-9pm at The Museum of Modern Art, in partnership with the iconic, luxury Swiss watch brand Girard-Perregaux. Avid environmental conservationists, Susan and David created this event to celebrate the world’s oceans and raise public awareness to the plight of ocean health and the need for its protection.


The evening includes a special screening, and the New York City premiere, of Susan’s most recent documentary film, Mission of Mermaids. A true love letter to the ocean, this 15-minute call to action views the ocean through the eyes of the mythical mermaid, and explores ocean acidification, overfishing and pollution. The film delivers a message of hope that provokes viewers to rethink how they relate to their global waters.

Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux

Presented by Girard-Perregaux, the sentiment of the night is to “Protect what is Precious” which relates both to the state of the world’s oceans and the rare art of fine watchmaking. In honor of the evening and of Susan and David’s efforts, Girard-Perregaux will launch a limited edition timepiece. The Seahawk 1000 “Big Blue” features a steel case and blue rubber strap with blue highlights on the dial and showing the world map, the focus of this important cause.





Watch Technical Specifications

SEA HAWK PRO 1000m


A genuine diving instrument with assertive personality and ergonomic design, the Sea Hawk pro 1000m is distinguished by its performances.

Ready for the most extreme adventures, it is equipped with a Girard-Perregaux self-winding movement with power reserve indication. Its case entirely developed and manufactured in-house has a unidirectional rotating bezel for calculating dive times and a helium valve used for decompressing the watch after deep dives. It is also equipped with a screw-down crown and case-back.

Steel case

Diameter: 44mm

Sapphire crystal

Unidirectional rotating bezel

Helium decompression valve

Screw down case-back and crown

Water resistance: 1000 metres

Girard-Perregaux movement GP033R0

Mechanical with automatic winding

Calibre: 11’’’ ½

Frequency: 28’800 vibrations / hour (4Hz)

Jewels: 27

Power reserve: minimum 46 hours






Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux




The evening at MoMA also coincides with the launch of Susan’s jewelry collection, inspired by Susan’s love of the ocean, which is now available at www.susanrockefeller.com. Susan Rockefeller jewelry is designed to start the conversation and engage people in creative dialogue about the oceans. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Oceana.


“Time is truly the only limited and precious resource that we have in this world,” describes Susan Rockefeller. “The message that Girard-Perregaux, David and I are sharing is that by giving our oceans time to rest and replenish with simple acts of thoughtfulness, they can continue to provide a bounty of necessities for human life.”

“We are very proud to have partnered with Susan and David to celebrate World Oceans Day”, says Sowind (Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard) CEO Michele Sofisti. “The clock is ticking. We need to act fast, now, in order to protect our oceans. We have a limited amount of resources available for human consumption, a fact we seem to have let pass by. It is time to raise even more the awareness about this critical issue.”


The evening at MoMA also coincides with the launch of Susan’s jewelry collection, inspired by Susan’s love of the ocean, which is now available at www.susanrockefeller.com. Susan Rockefeller jewelry is designed to start the conversation and engage people in creative dialogue about the oceans. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Oceana.

“Time is truly the only limited and precious resource that we have in this world,” describes Susan Rockefeller. “The message that Girard-Perregaux, David and I are sharing is that by giving our oceans time to rest and replenish with simple acts of thoughtfulness, they can continue to provide a bounty of necessities for human life.”


“We are very proud to have partnered with Susan and David to celebrate World Oceans Day”, says Sowind (Girard-Perregaux and JeanRichard) CEO Michele Sofisti. “The clock is ticking. We need to act fast, now, in order to protect our oceans. We have a limited amount of resources available for human consumption, a fact we seem to have let pass by. It is time to raise even more the awareness about this critical issue.”


As a direct result of his work on the Pew Oceans Commission coupled with his more than 40 years of experienced sailing, David founded Sailors for the Sea, a nonprofit organization that galvanizes the sailing and boating community around ocean health issues. Sailors for the Sea’s core programs, which include Clean Regattas, Ocean Watch Essays, Certified Sea Friendly, and Rainy Day Kits, are designed to connect knowledge with action. David is also the Chairman of The Rockefeller Foundation.

In addition to her documentary film efforts and jewelry design, Susan sits on the board for Oceana and the global leadership council for the NRDC, as well as the Program Committee for Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture. She and David have co-chaired the Christie’s Green Auction for three years, while Girard-Perregaux has created unique timepieces for auction. The Christie’s Green Auction has raised nearly $6 million in support of environmental charities.


As a direct result of his work on the Pew Oceans Commission coupled with his more than 40 years of experienced sailing, David founded Sailors for the Sea, a nonprofit organization that galvanizes the sailing and boating community around ocean health issues. Sailors for the Sea’s core programs, which include Clean Regattas, Ocean Watch Essays, Certified Sea Friendly, and Rainy Day Kits, are designed to connect knowledge with action. David is also the Chairman of The Rockefeller Foundation.


In addition to her documentary film efforts and jewelry design, Susan sits on the board for Oceana and the global leadership council for the NRDC, as well as the Program Committee for Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture. She and David have co-chaired the Christie’s Green Auction for three years, while Girard-Perregaux has created unique timepieces for auction. The Christie’s Green Auction has raised nearly $6 million in support of environmental charities.

About Sailors for the Sea


Founded in 2004, Sailors for the Sea is a nonprofit organization that educates and empowers the boating community to protect and restore our oceans and local waters. For more information or to participate in any of the Sailors for the Sea programs, or to support the organization, visit http://www.sailorsforthesea.org/

Wrapping up the Sturmanskie Gagarin 50th Anniversary

Okay- once again, it seems that I have lingered too long on  a review - this is the danger of forming an attachment.  This in turn brought on this whole internal discussion (with myself) about possessions, life's impermanence, etc.  Which in turn led me to think about the folly of desire... which in turn led me to -


you guessed it (okay, maybe not) Kung-Fu (the tv show):


Caine: Is it good to seek the past, Master Po? Does it not rob the present?
Master Po: If a man dwells on the past, then he robs the present. But if a man ignores the past, he may rob the future. The seeds of our destiny are nurtured by the roots of our past. 




And this in turn brings us full circle to the idea of "anniversary" or "tribute" watches.  I bet you thought I'd never get to the point!

There are a lot of companies out there, "reissuing" as if their very lives depended upon it.  And in all honestly, I do not know that there is anything wrong with that, but after a while, it almost gets to be too much.  The Speedmaster Professional - and it's seemingly hundreds of offspring to mark nearly every NASA mission - not once, but in some cases twice!  And for the hard-core Omega fan out there, that is good - even great.


In the case of the Sturmanskie Gagarin 50th Anniversary we are, in some ways, looking at a reissue.  But I'm okay with this one.  For one thing, it is a commemorative watch - commemorating the 50th anniversary of Gagarin's historic flight.  

It is a change from the previous version in that it is a bit bigger, at 38 mm.  And I really love this size.  It is big enough to be "present" but not at any point overwhelming.  And most importantly it is COMFORTABLE!!!  It really sits well on the wrist.


It is true to the original in its layout.  The dial, indices and hands are not crazy reinterpretations.  And while we are talking about the dial - the LUME is amazing on this watch!   One of the few watches I've had recently that you can actually read in the dark - not just see, but READ! 

The time keeping has been much better than I would have expected for a watch at this price point.  The deviations have been between +3 to +4 seconds per day.  This is FAR better than the "advertised" daily rate in the spec sheet.  And the power reserve is pretty remarkable as well.  Typically you might expect 36 hours, but the Sturmanskie went beyond - nearly 48 hours in my last "test".


The winding action is phenomenally smooth!   The crown is large enough and somewhat curved to allow for a better "handle".  I was able to wind this watch while it was on my wrist.  Something I can do with my Hanhart Pioneer and not too many others.  


The strap, while not top of the line is quite good and a very good balance for the watch.  A nice, basic buckle completes it, and in keeping with what was a Soviet design - nice and simple.

For those of you who love specs, here they are:

• Mechanical lever movement
• Manual winding
• Movement diameter: 26 mm
• Movement height: 4.3 mm
• 17 jewels
• Water resistant 5 ATM.
• Leather belt.
• Mineral glass.
• Shock protection
• Frequency: 21600 vph
• Daily rate from –20 to +40 s/day
• Power reserve minimum: 40 h
• Case size is 38mm

So to sum it up - this is a great watch for the money.  It offers you a nice mechanical 3-hand watch, with a good story behind it.  Even if you are not even remotely interested in the Gagarin/Cosmonaut/Star City angle, this is a great watch for what it offers.  

Catching up with Thomas Morf and Hanhart

James Henderson - Congratulations on another successful BaselWorld - what were some of the highlights to come out of the 2012 edition?

Thomas Morf - Well, everything we’ve presented was received extremly well. Starting from our revamped booth with all the decoration what Hanhart is all about, to the product novelties and the markets which show interest in the brand.  Now we need to follow up.

JH -  With the launch of the PRIMUS Dessert Pilot, it would seem that the rumors of the PRIMUS collection going away might be unfounded?

Courtesy of Hanhart

TM - The Primus line, although some hard core Hanhart fans see it different, is attracting many people due to its different design. So we’ve decided to present the Primus Desert Pilot. The feedback was phenomenal. Very cool……………..

JH - Obviously the Pioneer Stealth 1882 Limited Edition is an important piece for this anniversary year, but what are are one or two of the other interesting new models that people should know about?

TM - Well the Pioneer MonoScope single push button chronograph with the subdials on the outer edge, or the Pioneer Preventor9, a 3 hand model that’s based on a classic Hanhart with the small second at nine.

Courtesy of Hanhart

JH - Another piece of possible news - I heard that there might be a new distribution partner for North America?

TM - Yes, this is true, we’ve decided to work with a well known expert in the American market and we will be debuting Hanhart together with our new partner at Swiss watch by JCK. We already have very good appointments with retailers from across the country.

JH - And any truth to the buzz about a refurbished Hanhart Museum/Manufacture?  Anything you can share with us?

TM - The manufacturing side and a museum of a watch brand today is a very important thing.  It gives a brand legitimacy and credibility  That’s one of the reasons why we’re investing in our infrastructure and to improve the quality of our products with state of the art machinery, tools and processes.

Watch No.1 Handwinder - Angular Momentum&Manu Propria Inbox x

Something new from the folks at Angular Momentum & Manu Propria

Courtesy of Angular Momentum & Manu Propria

This is the new Watch No.1 Handwinder.

Courtesy of Angular Momentum & Manu Propria

Three-body 1.435NcU Staybrite steel case with down turned lugs. polished and satin finished, 42.00 mm

Courtesy of Angular Momentum & Manu Propria

Sapphire crystal with black basket design upon revolving hour and minute disks showing time digitally. Historical hand-winding caliber FHF 96

www.angularmomentum.com

A Few Minutes with Mike Margolis - President of America for the Sowind Group

It was a real pleasure to have an opportunity to interview Mike Margolis following his appointment at Girard-Perregaux/Jean Richard (also known as the Sowind Group) as the President of their American operations.

And now - a few minutes with Mike Margolis -

Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux

James Henderson:  What was your first watch?  Was it a gift, is there a story behind it?

Mike Margolis:  The first watch I remember having was in about 1974, it was one of the red letter LED’s that had just come out. The Pulsar’s were so expensive, I couldn’t afford one at age 14, so I had a generic one instead. When it died, my father gave me his SS Omega Seamaster Automatic. I wound it up, put it to my ear, and began a lifelong love of mechanical watches.

JH:  When you were a boy, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?

MM:  I never had aspirations to anything in particular.

JH:  Where did you go to school, what did you study exactly?

MM:  University of Connecticut, BA in Latin American Studies and Foreign Languages, then some postgrad work at the Universidade de Lisboa in Portugal.

JH:  In some ways you seem to have a bit more of a background suited for an academic, or even some sort of governmental career, what are some of the things you did prior to entering the watch industry?

MM:  I was a union carpenter, a lifeguard, an English teacher at a Berlitz School in Dusseldorf Germany, then began a career in the high-tech world.  My last job was 9 years with Magellan GPS.

JH:  What got you started in the watch industry?

MM:  In about 1997 I found watchnet.com and then timezone.com.  Before that, I thought I was the only person in the world who liked watches.  So I started hanging around TZ and very early became the moderator of the Blancpain forum, then also IWC and Vacheron.  I met Jean-Claude Biver in about 1999 while he was still at Blancpain.  He asked me to host a collector’s dinner in NYC and we became friends from that; and we’d see each other and stay in contact as friends would.  When he started at Hublot in 2004, he connected with me and asked that I would start an Hublot forum on timezone.  We did that in 2005, and that eventually led him to ask me to come work for him full time in 2007.

JH:  Tell us a bit about your time at Hublot, what was it like to participate in the "Fusion Revolution"?

MM:  Wow, what an amazing five years. It was an education in so many ways: I rode the rocket ship up in 07 and 08, then things retracted a bit in 2009, and then we took off again in 2010 and 2011. I will be eternally grateful to Jean-Claude Biver for giving me a chance in the industry.

JH:  Of all of the Hublot projects/partnerships that you were involved with, do any favorites stand out?

MM:  I crewed on a vintage wooden racing yacht at the Yacht Club of Monaco in 2007. Black tie dinner with Albert II Prince of Monaco, stayed at the Hotel Hermitage. For me, that was the best event I’ve ever been to.

Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux

JH:  After a clearly successful time with Hublot, you made the move to join Girard-Perregaux.  Obviously as the head of North America, it is a move up the ladder so to speak.  But beyond the title, what are some of the things that attracted you to Girard-Perregaux?

MM:  So many things: We are a true manufacture, and have been continuously since 1791. I am at heart a very traditional person and I love the classical nature of our product. Our Haute Horlogerie department is to die for: tourbillons galore, minute repeaters, perpetual calendars, etc...

JH:  What are some of the differences between a company like Hublot, and Girard-Perregaux? 

MM:  Obviously, Hublot loves the new materials and cutting edge technology. Ceramic, carbon fiber, bead blasted platinum, all de rigeur. Girard-Perregaux is more traditional, building and finishing movements by hand and casing them in steel and precious metals. Neither is better or worse, just different.

JH:  What do you see as Girard-Perregaux's greatest challenges here in North America?

MM:  We are a spectacular 220 year old brand who has been asleep. It is my challenge to wake it up!

JH:  How do you see JeanRichard developing?

MM:  2013 will be a great year for JeanRichard. There will be new models, a new advertising campaign, an entire new push to re-establish the brand. I am quite excited as I’ve seen the prototypes!

JH:  Although it might be hard to choose, do you have a favorite GP and JR model?

MM:  For G-P, I am wearing a 1966 triple date moon phase in platinum, a small limited edition of 100 pieces. Past that, I can only fantasize about the new 1945 triple bridge tourbillon with grey dial. Wow.

For JeanRichard, as I answer this I am wearing a blue Aquascope; my summer watch for the pool, ocean and bicycle.

JH:  What would you be doing if you weren't doing this?

MM:  I have a huge passion for antiques and decorative arts. When I retire, I’d love to have an antique shop in Maine.

JH:  What do you like to do in your down time?

MM:  With four teenage kids, I don’t know what downtime is! Seriously, I love classical music, museums, travel and food. We live in a house from the 1760’s, so there’s always a project going on.

JH:  You have, in many ways, lived the dream of many watch fans - going from a watch collector and forum participant to the North American head of one of the world's most famous brands.  What advice do you have for those out there who might wish to follow in your footsteps?

MM:  I get asked this all the time, and always say the same thing: The watch industry is quite inbred, and it’s really hard for an outsider to find their way in. The best way I’ve seen is to take your gifts and talents, and offer them to your favorite brand at no charge. Show them what you can do for them, work your butt off asking nothing in return but for the love of being involved, and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to find yourself with a job offer.