How do I Encourage You to do the Right Thing?

Okay - Let's get happy for the individuals!  IF you join us in the Tempus Fugit Initiative to help fund the International Anti Poaching Foundation - you will be entered into the drawing to win a watch from Frederique Constant, and two other watch brands to be named later.

It's easy - click on the link to the right hand side of the Tempus Fugit site and donate $50 or more.  In the "message section" write "Tempus Fugit" and you are entered.

So - seriously - do you REALLY want to see elephants, rhinos and lions in the next 20 years?

Then click on the IAPF banner on the right side of the Tempus Fugit site, and donate something!  And to be considered for a watch, be sure to write "Tempus Fugit Initiative".

Glycine - a - Thon Day Three!

While the rest of the North American watch world is sweating it out in "sweaty-ville" I have the luxury of taking my time and picking some favorites.  I love the look of vintage watches, but they have a sad tendency to wind up in your watch box, not getting worn.

Courtesy of Glycine

Don't worry, Glycine has you covered!  This is the Airman "1953 Vintage" Limited Edition

Mission 31

So it's always fun to see what my former colleagues at DOXA are up to, and in the VERY near future they will be on hand for the start of Mission 31 in Florida.  Here is a video of the Mission 31 DOXA SUBs being presented to the team by Fabien Cousteau

Alpha Marine 500 Tritium

From Deep Blue

Courtesy of Deep Blue

Available in a multitude of color options, and offering strong legibility due to its use of Tritium tubes.

Glycine-a--Thon Day Two!

This is the Airman Base 22 "MYSTERY" from Glycine

Courtesy of Glycine

There are a lot of "black out" watches out there, but this one really captures the spirit of the idea.

A Winning Pair from GoS Watches

Point of full disclosure, I represent GoS Watches in North America, so I am providing you with the scoop straight from the boys at GoS in Sweden -

Courtesy of GoS Wathces

This is the Bifrost – Isblå with matching GoS folding knife 

Glycine-a-Thon! The Airman AIRFIGHTER

So with everyone and their dog from the watch industry on their way to Las Vegas, there isn't a lot of news coming out.  So it is a nice time to share some favorites from Glycine.

Courtesy of Glycine

This is the Airman "AIRFIGHTER"

Bravo Terry Irby!

Okay, at heart I am still what Tony Bourdain refers to as a "dyed in the wool loyalist".  Tourneau was my first horological kiss, and you never forget that first kiss.  

So… when I got forwarded this story… and to be fair I am perhaps not the world's nicest person,  I felt perhaps like the Grinch.  To quote Doctor Seuss - 
"And what happened, then? Well, in Whoville they say - that the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day."

So a big bravo to Terry Irby of Tourneau!

Everybody talks about doing something - I TALK A LOT ABOUT DOING SOMETHING - but Terry is DOING SOMETHING!
Teaching at-risk kids a skill that will keep them employed FOR LIFE!

I don't want to give it all away, but I think we have a contender for next year's Writing Wrongs Award!

Here is the link to the NBC story - sorry, this is a painfully non-profit blog and I don't think I can afford to "lawyer-up" against NBC ; )

http://www.nbcnews.com/feature/mr-smith-goes-to/risk-kids-take-time-master-rare-profession-n115721

The Transfer Window Opens Again - this time a whole team!

Word has made its way to Santa Barbara that 88 Rue Du Rhone has opted to shift its North American Distribution to AKSTROM Imports of Montreal, Canada.  

AKSTROM is the distributor for Bedat - remember them?  Well for those of you who don't, back at the turn of the century a former Raymond Weil loyalist Simone Bédat founded the brand with her son Christian.

We will of course, keep you posted, but for now that is the news.

You Also Gotta' Know when to Fold 'em.

Okay, this post did not start out intending to be iconoclastic. I have come to praise Caesar('s Palace), not to bury him…

Okay maybe not.  But with all due respect to Armin Strom, I just cannot get too worked up about their latest offering -

Courtesy of Armin Strom

This is the Royal Flush.

I have to be honest, I find casinos to be about as enticing as an oozing sore.

Now in all fairness, I have no doubt that there are folks out there who will be clawing at their wallets to retrieve their AM EX cards, but I am not in that camp.

I go back and forth about luxury industry partnerships - be they celebrity or activity based.  Some are interesting, and some make no sense at all.  Poker and casino games have been often-visited themes.  Millions of people still flock to Las Vegas, so clearly there is an interest there.  But by the same token, millions of people think that Thomas Kinkade's work should be featured in the Louvre…

You gotta' know when to hold 'em...

ETERNA Jumps in the "Way Back" Machine!

Okay, sometimes you have to look back to move forward.  And ETERNA has done just that with its latest offerings.

Courtesy of ETERNA

This is an original ETERNA model produced for the Czech military just prior to 1940 - that being 1939.

The Chrono Hawk Pink Gold

This just in from Girard-Perregaux -

Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux

Here's the scoop, straight from the source -

Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2014

Earlier this month the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2014 returned to the principality.

Courtesy of Chopard

Continuing their role as official time keeper and sponsor, Chopard was there again this year as they have since 2002.

Vintage Chrono Bicompax Intrepido

This just in from Franc Villa -

Courtesy of Franc Villa

FRANC VILA launches a new edition of its original calibre FVi17 Chrono Bicompax Intrepido, a new addition to its Intrepido* line of exclusive timepieces, with a classically VINTAGE feel to it. Utilizing a brushed case and colors of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, the new timepiece also respects the original philosophy of creating extremely resistant watches for modern active lifestyles. 

The Young Masters of Girard-Perregaux in Mexico

Girard-Perregaux has chosen Tequila, Jalisco, as the Mexican stop on its Young Masters World Tour. Tequila, home to the eponymous drink, was selected for its rich local heritage. It was the chosen venue for the presentation of a limited edition series of the Traveller WW.TC plus the Brand's latest creations, to Mexican watch enthusiasts.

Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux

 For over two centuries, the Girard-Perregaux Manufacture has provided some of the most defining moments of Swiss Haute Horlogerie and continues to cultivate a resolutely innovative watchmaking tradition. The watchmakers behind the latest exceptional creations are inspired by their passion. This is why Girard-Perregaux takes the training of its young talent to heart and is paying tribute to this group of exceptional artisans by presenting their savoir-faire all over the world, from New York to Beijing, via Miami, Paris or the Aletsch Glacier in the Swiss Alps. 

Marine Chronometers...

Yesterday Wendy enjoyed a day of wandering around the Santa Ynez Valley.  We stopped for lunch at Industrial Eats in Buellton, then onto Solvang where there is an antique store with a fairly deep collection of vintage watches and amongst some of the odds and ends they had what appeared to be a virtually new (although clearly not) marine chronometer made by Ulysse-Nardin - the big kind you find in a box, that was used for actual maritime purposes.  Photos were not an option, so you will have to use your imagination.

Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

So I came home, and noodled around and found this, a sort of "retro" interpretation of the current Marine Chronometer.

A Day to Reflect

Last night the news broke here in Santa Barbara that 7 people had been randomly shot and killed in the college neighborhood of Isla Vista where the majority of students studying at the University of Santa Barbara live.

Let's take some time out to consider the wasted lives and futures, and the loss of their families and the greater community.

Watches don't seem so important when 7 young people have run out of time by being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and a very troubled young man with clear signs of mental illness and distress was able to get his hands on a gun.


Be well -

The Twenty-8-Eight Skeleton Tourbillon

From DeWitt -

Courtesy of DeWitt

Here's the scoop, straight from the source -

Feeling Blue...

With Deep Blue's new Ocean Diver 500!

Courtesy of Deep Blue

This is the "day time"…

Wrapping Up the JENNY Caribbean

So after more than 5 days (thank you JENNY for not hitting me with a "late fee"), it is time to wrap-up the JENNY Caribbean 300.

For many of you, JENNY might be a somewhat unknown quantity, but I suspect that this will not be the case for too much longer.

Reverso

So, make no mistake - I have a love hate relationship with JLC.  The watches are beautiful.  Some of the people I've interacted with - let's just say that professional beauty and physical beauty are often different things.

Courtesy of Jaeger- LeCoulture

But they make a beautiful watch.  So embrace the physical - embrace the Reverso!

"I am not a man, I am Cantona"

Okay, this is supposed to be about watches, but really this is a "man-crush/love-letter" to Eric Cantona.

Courtesy of Hautlence

I suspect by now, regular readers of this little "bloggy-wog" have come to realize that for better or worse,  I will from time to time share an unpopular opinion - or at least voice one.  I find a lot of sports figures (both active and retired) to be disappointing, but I will say that if I could invite anyone  to a dinner party, living or dead?  It would be Eric Cantona!

Cat's Eye Power Reserve

From Girard-Perregaux -

Courtesy of Girard-Perregaux

SPECIFICATIONS -

Case: steel
Dimensions: 37.84 x 32.84 mm
Dial: silver or black
Crystal: anti-reflective sapphire
Case-back: sapphire crystal, secured by 4 screws water resistance: 30 meters (3 atM)

Setting
Case: 64 brilliant-cut diamonds, ~ 0.95 ct
Dial: 8 brilliant-cut diamonds, ~ 0.10 ct
total setting: 72 brilliant-cut diamonds, ~ 1.05 cts

Girard-Perregaux movement GP03300-0070
Mechanical, self-winding movement Diameter: 25.60 mm (11 1/2’’’) frequency: 28,800 vib/h - (4 hz) Power reserve: min. 46 hours Jewels: 27
functions: hour, minute, small second, date, power reserve indicator


Black dial


Black alligator leather strap
steel folding buckle

Reference: 80486D11A862-CK8A

The Ego has Landed

So, gentle readers, I had an experience not so long ago that reminded me that this truly is a people business, and sometimes people lose their shit.

I received a "ticking off" via email because although I covered something, I apparently did not cover it to the satisfaction of the person who sent the press release to me.  Point of full disclosure - the press release was poorly written, had spelling errors and contained very little in terms of images to support what I assumed was the intended theme of the release and its news.  It was essentially a massive ego stroke.  So I stuck to the facts, did not "kiss the ring" and apparently this is where the problems started.

Now, to get called on the "virtual carpet" is the sort of thing you might be expecting if you cross Richemont, LVMH or Patek.  But the interesting thing is that you don't get that sort of response.  You generally get something like "thank you for your coverage".

What you don't get?  You don't get a bollocking via email.

Why?

Probably because they are professionals.  They understand that life is a long time, and your life in business is finite by requirement.  Even the mighty OMEGA will not engage with you on that level.  They just let the relationship fade away - and frankly, that is essentially what we all do every day of our lives.  We don't actively seek out people we disagree with, people who make us uncomfortable.   We simply don't engage. Something we all relate to when we are the ones doing the "avoiding", and certainly something that is somewhat tougher to swallow when we are the "avoided" - but in fairness, there is a certain politeness to the indifference.  What these big and powerful brands don't do?  They don't lose their shit.  They maintain their composure, they remain polite (if remote), and the world moves on.  As the "avoided" you can accept it or not, but if you have any sense (or self respect) you move on.

So, let us all let the world move on, let's try to keep our composure.  Let's agree that we disagree but do it without being disagreeable.

And let's all try not to lose our shit ; )

Something Red from Marvin

This is the Origin Red from Marvin

Courtesy of MARVIN

I have to say, I sorta' like it!  Red is a divisive color - love it or hate it… LOVE IT!

More to come on this - stay tuned!

The C65 Trident Classic

This just in from Christopher Ward -

Courtesy of CW Ward

The latest addition to the Trident Collection, the C65 Trident Classic.

Jardur and iFlightPlanner

This just in from Jardur -

iFlightPlanner officially announced today that the Jardur Watch Company has been named the exclusive timekeeper of iFlightPlanner and will be the presenting sponsor of the official ZULU (GMT) time found across iFlightPlanner’s web-based flight planning products.

The Unspoken Language of BaselWorld

At BaselWorld, you will hear a lot of flowery, friendly and prose-worthy language bandied about.  You would think that this must be the friendliest place on earth ; )

There is one key turn of phrase that to the uninitiated will certainly mislead you -

"My Friend"

This is often used in key exchanges with brand managers and distributors, distributors and retail partners, and all of the above and journalists/bloggers.

So for your edification, here is a "cheat-sheet":

1.  Brand Manager to Retail Partner -
"So nice to see you my friend, I hope business is going well!"
Translation?
Where the Hell's my money, and why are you "never in" when I call?

2.  Retail Partner to Brand Manager -
"So good to see you my friend, I can't wait to hear about your marketing/advertising plans for this year!"
Translation?
I've bought over $50,000 worth of product from you, you promised co-op advertising and where the F*&K is it?

3.  Brand Manager to Writer/Blogger -
"This is our good friend who writes so many nice things about us!"
Translation?
We are not now, or for the foreseeable future, going to advertise with you.  I hope this bag of chotchkies will keep you happy ; )

Here's the thing, BaselWorld is a microcosm of what the watch industry goes through every day - for better or worse, those of us involved depend on each other whether we choose to admit it or not.  It is a strange, challenging, and sometimes perverse little ecosystem.  But none exist without the other.

And most importantly - it doesn't exist without you!  So PLEASE - continue to be passionate - because NONE of us can do what we do without YOU!  And I hope you will understand if when we meet, I don't say - "How are you, MY FRIEND"  ; )

Chronofighter Oversize Black Arrow

Whether you go by Celsius or Fahrenheit, Graham has you covered with the Black Arrow.

Celsius version Courtesy of GRAHAM

This is the Chronofighter Oversize Black Arrow (in Celsius), and here are the details straight from the source -

You Don't Tug on Superman's Cape...

So if you are asking - why is Tempus Fugit not covering OMEGA…

Well….

Ask OMEGA.  Emails, calls, faxes, letters, telexes - even carrier pigeons - unanswered.  It's like Prom Night all over again...

It would seem that you don't tug on Superman's cape.

Given Russia's recent attempts at annexing the Ukraine lock, stock and pierogies - I stand behind my previous position regarding my unwillingness to aid Putin's PR shenanigans at Sochi.  As I said at the time, it was not anti-OMEGA, it was anti-bullshit.

And while my appointment at BaselWorld was not cancelled, it was decidedly strange.   While I did get to enjoy an espresso and orange juice in the OMEGA Lounge (sort of a singles bar in the OMEGA booth for lonely journalists who do NOT get to see the good stuff) - I got to see NO watches, and learned that I was double-booked with a very nice man from the Wall Street Journal (truly a very nice man) who I was abandoned for after 5 minutes (because apparently he couldn't make the appointment he had booked, but apparently my appointment was "expendable").  I realized as I watched a "more important" appointment shepherded in to the inner sanctum that by expressing an opinion and standing by my beliefs - I had essentially dealt myself the coup de grâce from OMEGA, and quite possibly the SWATCH group.

Having said that -
I stand behind what I wrote, I stand behind my beliefs.  A man must have a code - whether his name is Henderson or Hayek.

And I will say again what I said then - I do love your watches and would love to write about them - you know where to reach me…

Henki 

The New Freelancer Chronograph from Raymond Weil

This just in from Raymond Weil -

Courtesy of Raymond Weil

A real success since its launch, the freelancer collection boldly explores design and metals. A subtle reminder of the spirit of independence at the origin of RAYMOND WEIL’s creation, freelancer displays open lines with a sleek geometry. Titanium, skilfully blending character and refinement, provides a daring alternative in this collection.

A Few Minutes with Bruno Jufer

A Few Minutes with Bruno Jufer -

Tempus Fugit - What was your first watch?  Was it a gift?  Is there a story behind it?

Bruno Jufer - Yes it was a gift from my father.  He was a watch maker and he manufactured a watch just for me. It was a no name brand but I still have the watch in my collection.

Tempus Fugit - When you were a boy, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?

Bruno Jufer - I wanted to be a ski instructor. I must say that I was a ski racer when I was younger and as it was my passion I could perfectly imagine skiing as a job.

Tempus Fugit - Where did you go to school, what did you study?

Bruno Jufer - I went to primary school in Grenchen. Then I studied business economics at Bern University.

Tempus Fugit - Your father was a watch maker, had you ever considered any other industry for your future career?

Bruno Jufer - I was very open but my first job as a student was in the watch industry and you know how attracted is the industry once you’re in, you stay!

Tempus Fugit - You started off with Tissot while you were still in university, correct?  What was that like as a starting point to your career?

Bruno Jufer - I started as a trainee and I worked a few months in every department. At that time they were sponsors of the Tour de France and Tour de Suisse cycling races and I was given the responsibility of organizing the Tissot side.

Tempus Fugit - After that you went on to Maurice Lacroix and following that Jacquet Droz.  What were some of the differences between working for an independent brand versus working for one of the SWATCH Group's brands?

Bruno Jufer - Maurice Lacroix was my first job after completing my degree. I started as the Marketing project manager and became the Marketing Director.  Comparing this to working in a big group, it’s always less political to work for an independent brand. You get a more personal contact with the owners.

Tempus Fugit - When we first met at BaselWorld 2011 you had thrown in  your lot with Antoine Martin.  You really seemed to have some momentum going.  What were some of the biggest challenges you faced?

Bruno Jufer - The biggest challenge was to start this new brand from scratch. Nobody knows you and you constantly need to fish for money. The financial situation was a big part of the challenge.

Tempus Fugit - And now on to Eterna - being a "Native Son" of Grenchen, does it feel like more than just a job opportunity?

Burno Jufer - It’s definitely a decision made with the heart.  I have always followed the development of Eterna; there were a lot of ups and downs.  I see big potential for the brand and I am very happy to give my contribution to the rebirth.  Since I started with the brand we have been working on the “brand strategy map”.  We have structured the product portfolio and gave the brand a clear image.  The first signs were shared during Baselworld 2014.  But there is still a lot of work ahead of us.

Tempus Fugit - For many of us here in the US, it seems that Eterna is one of the more misunderstood/under appreciated brands.  How do you plan to solve that?

Bruno Jufer - Today we are no longer present in this market but we will restart in the US very soon. The brand needs a clear and focused positioning in terms of product strategy before re-entering the US. Our aim is to be known also by the younger generations.

Tempus Fugit - What makes Eterna special?

Bruno Jufer - The tradition and the pioneering spirit and over 150 years of history.  Which other brands have such a long tradition?  This is the basis of our future development.  Now we have to implement a more modern approach in everything we are doing with the brand.

Tempus Fugit - I know that it is early on in your tenure, but what is your favorite piece in then ETERNA collection?

Bruno Jufer - It is clearly the new ROYAL KONTIKI.  This collection, based on our model from the early 1970s is a timepiece full of character which we have adapted to todays tastes.  We will continue to develop this family as our iconic collection in the near future.

Courtesy of Eterna

Tempus Fugit - What is wrong with the watch industry right now?

Bruno Jufer - The biggest thing to deal with is to compete with the big groups and with their market and advertising power. It is a crowding-out market. As a small player you have to invent new marketing strategies, be more flexible and more innovative, especially in our communication.

Tempus Fugit - What is right with the watch industry?

Bruno Jufer - It’s a product full of emotion which should inspire you to dream.  Especially a mechanical watch - which is like a good friend on your wrist.

Tempus Fugit - What is Eterna's biggest/best market right now?

Bruno Jufer - Europe

Tempus Fugit - What do you like to do in your spare time?

Bruno Jufer - I am a passionate golf player.  I love to be outdoors.  It gives me the energy I need for my daily business life.  And I am happy to be surrounded with my family and friends and enjoy good food and drink!

Tempus Fugit - If you weren't doing this, what do you think you might be doing?

Bruno Jufer - Difficult question; I am very happy with what I am doing.  I like the watch industry and everything what comes with it. I do not have to think doing something else.

Tempus Fugit - What advice do you have for the next emerging group of brand managers coming up?

Bruno Jufer - Be yourself and communicate honestly with your employees, your colleagues, your clients and your superiors.

Ten Years of Manufacturing

It hardly seems as if it has been ten years, but a few days ago Frederique Constant celebrated a decade's activity as a manufacturer.

Courtesy of Frederique Constant

The Heart Beat Manufacture Calibre was launched in 2004 -

Pecqueur Conceptuals

This just in from Pecqueur Conceptuals -

Courtesy of Pecqueur Conceptuals

NEW HOROLOGICAL COMPLICATION IN PERFORMANCE-TELLING MODE

Arceau Millefiori - for the Wrist

Sometimes it is just fun to be me!  This little bijoux arrived via email this morning -

Courtesy of Hermès   

This is the Arceau Millefiori 41 mm - and I LOVE THIS WATCH!!!

A New Home for Kobold

This just in from Kobold -

Courtesy of KOBOLD

Kobold Expedition Tools Opens New Headquarters in Amish Country

The B-Rocket Arrives at Colette

This just in from Bell & Ross -

Courtesy of Bell & Ross

Bell & Ross is thrilled to announce the arrival of the B-Rocket at Colette.

BRAVO François-Henri Pinault!

I often get asked - why do you LOVE Girard-Perregaux so much?

Point of full disclosure #1 -
I'd love to own a GP, but I am a humble university employee who writes about watches.  So I don't own one.

I also get asked - why do you LOVE JEANRICHARD so much?

Point of full disclosure #2 -
I do own one (a beautiful Aubergine Terrascope) and although I'd love to own more, please refer to Point of full disclosure #1 ; )

So as I often say, for me it is the people...

Let's be very, very honest - there are a LOT of watches, and a good number of watch companies out there.
And it is EASY for them to not voice an opinion or take a stand.  It is easy to avoid a possible uncomfortable situation (at best) or a full-on confrontation (at worst).  But I have always had the sense, at least in recent years, that GP and JR are not afraid to put themselves out there.  And clearly, this attitude starts from the top -

 François-Henri Pinault put his money where his mouth was via Twitter -

"As president of Kering Foundation, which combats violence against women, I firmly condemn the Sultan of Brunei's decision and join the boycott of his hotel properties," 

This is a wonderfully refreshing approach, to stand by your beliefs even if you might lose some very, very wealthy customers.  But if you ever spend ANY amount of time with the folks from GP and JR, you realize that they are very engaged.  From Mr. Sofisti on down, you FEEL something from these brands, something that is far more than just a watch, far more than just promotion.  

BRAVO  François-Henri Pinault!  Keep doing what you're doing!

And a final note - we live in a world where, I hope, we can disagree without being disagreeable.  Disagreement does not make either side good or bad.  We are all, I hope, better than that.  So I absolutely respect your right to disagree with me, and your choice not to read Tempus Fugit - but of course I hope you choose to continue to visit ; )

A Smiling Swordfish!

The JENNY Caribbean 300 is what is often referred to as a re edition - that being a new watch released by the same company - but based on an earlier design.

Courtesy of JENNY

Signs of Life at Anonimo

Now, in fairness, we've been "halfway" down this road before over the last two years, but perhaps Anonimo is finally ready to truly share their vision with us.  This  is from their updated collection.

Courtesy of Anonimo

This is the Militare Classic Auto in bronze.

JENNY, JENNY, Who Can I Turn To?

Okay, sorry, I just couldn't resist. But the first thing you need to know and understand is that JENNY, is actually pronounced YENNY. And by JENNY, yes we mean the same JENNY family that owns DOXA.  

DOXA as you know introduced a singularly, historic, ground-breaking dive watch with the DOXA Professional and its patented "US Navy maximum no decompression limit times in feet" bezel.  And bezels, at least "functional" ones, are turned to help indicate time/timing functions.

The Diverso Chronograph Automatic

Courtesy of Alex Hüning

This is from Alex Hüning 

Five Days with The JENNY Caribbean 300

Starts now

JEANRICHARD : THE FRENCH RUGBY TEAM

This just in from JEANRICHARD -

Courtesy of JEANRICHARD

Team spirit. A willingness to make the effort. The pleasure of the game. JEANRICHARD has numerous values in common with rugby. Its "Philosophy of Life" has developed in the same fields marked by passionate enthusiasm, the readiness to take on a challenge and the desire to go one step further each time. This is why the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer actively supports the field of rugby and thrills to the finest exploits on the pitches of the great stadiums of the game. To strengthen its ties with this exceptional rugby world, JEANRICHARD has chosen to enter into a partnership with various respected players of the game so as to create its own "team" to act as its family of ambassadors for rugby. This "squad" consists of nine players from France's famous Top 14 group of clubs: Vincent Clerc, Brice Dulin, Gaël Fickou, Fabrice Estebanez, Juandre Kruger, Benjamin Lapeyre, Maxime Machenaud, Jérémie Maurouard and Pascal Papé. Developing their careers in clubs all over France and perfectly complementary between themselves since they all play in different positions, these dedicated sportsmen are everyday heroes who accomplish amazing exploits, in the spirit of true JEANRICHARD men. They have a wide range of levels of play (with some who are just starting their careers, while others have a solid record of achievement behind them), and this enriches the human dimension of the team, combining youthful vigour and experience, rising stars and acknowledged masters of their game. They all share the same vision and the same spirit: "I transmit my enthusiasm through hard work and the pleasure I find in playing with my team-mates," explains the young hooker Jérémie Maurouard, while Vincent Clerc, the most experienced of the group, gives his own vision of professional rugby: "You need to be persistent, to stick to your ideas and to be ready to listen to others."

Straightforward, young and dynamic, these players are the new faces of a "Philosophy of Life" for which the world is a field offering challenges, committed play and a spirit of constant discovery. Also known as the JEANRICHARD spirit.

Movie Night!

This is a new chronograph due to hit anytime soon.  I look forward to brining you more information about them, but for now, enjoy the show!

The Sloop from Edelberg

Edelberg's beautiful pens constantly remind me that good design is something that doesn't just happen.

Courtesy of Edelberg

This is the Sloop.

Why Hermès ROCKS!

Okay, yes, I am a wee-bit biased.  Hermès does a lot of things outside of watches with a certain "what's it" that makes Hermès what it is - very special.

When it comes to watches, they have had some interesting offerings, but this one, this one truly took my breath away when I saw it in my email this morning -

Courtesy of Hermès

This is the Arceau Lift Chevaux en camouflage  from Hermès.

Playing Favorites

Which of course is something that you are not supposed to do.

Courtesy of Cuervo y Sobrinos

But sometimes you can be forgiven.

The Blue Merit

This just in from Grieb & Benzinger

Courtesy of Grieb & Benzinger

GRIEB & BENZINGER proudly presents its 2014 spring top highlight: the BLUE MERIT,

a tourbillon based on the famous, rare, and sought-after Tourbillon Pour le Mérite by A. Lange & Söhne.

Devon Works Tread 2 Godiva

This just in from Devon Works -

Courtesy of DEVON Works

In order to expand upon the success of their wildly popular Tread 2 line of timepiece, Devon's design department began experimenting this year with earth-toned materials, and one of the pieces they put together was immediately recognized as something special. 

KORONA K1 EMALI

It would seem it is a day for Sapaneva!  This is another new item, the Korona K1 Emali -

Courtesy of Sarpaneva

Limited to only 8 pieces, this is a truly special time machine.

Sarpaneva Korona Kosmos

This is one of the latest offerings from Sarpaneva -

Courtesy of Sarpaneva

The Korona Kosmos.

The URUSHI Tangente

This was from 2006.  I have been closely following the work of Martin Pauli with his new Urushi pens so this caught my eye today.

Courtesy of NOMOS

"Traveling is its Destiny”

At least it is according the folks at BarraccO Watches.

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This is the Giramondo.  A watch for travel with two time zones and an AM/PM (day/night) indication.

Zenith's Next Boss...

The word around the campfire is that it will be…

Aldo Magada.

Aldo Magada currently at Breitling.  A quick call to LVMH has confirmed this, so the Transfer Window has opened again!  Get a Zenith Jersey ready for Mr. Magada.

Expect the official announcement on Monday.

Squale 1521 Professional

As it is getting closer to summer, dive watches are going to be on many shopping lists.

Courtesy of Squale

This is the 1521 Professional from Squale.

Hyvää Vappua!

That's "Happy Mayday" to the rest of you ; )