What I Like

So recently an anonymous comment came through with the tell-tale poor grammar combined with incredibly sophisticated vocabulary that led me to the inescapable conclusion that it either came from someone working in the marketing/pr department of a well-know watch brand, or from their likely intoxicated CEO.  Behind all of the bluster, rancor and (I can only assume) frustration, there actually was a valid point that I wanted to explore and expand upon.  The anonymous correspondent's critiques could be boiled down to a simple statement -


"You are very good at telling us what you don't like or disagree with, but what do you actually like?"

And to anonymous I would have to say, that is a very fair question.  So for those of you convinced that I am a profoundly contrary person, here are 5 things/people in the watch and luxury industry that I like, a lot!

1.  The Rolex Awards for Enterprise -
There is something profoundly wonderful about the Awards for Enterprise.  In their own words:

H ANNIVERSARY

ANYONE
CAN CHANGE
EVERYTHING

For four decades, the Rolex Awards for Enterprise have supported individuals with original ideas who are determined to make the world a better place. Over 100 men and women have been singled out for their spirit of enterprise.

Check them out here -

http://www.rolexawards.com/40


2.  Gavox
Michael Happe is doing something fantastic from his base in Belgium.  Without a lot of nonsense or bullshit, he has quietly been designing and making wonderful watches.  And he has been doing it in a slow, steady, self-sustaining manner.  His two most recent pieces, the Avidiver -

Courtesy of Gavox

and the Aurora -

Courtesy of Gavox

are different, interesting, and objects of great desire among those who have seen them.  Michael and a handful of other guys and girls out there represent the REAL spirit of the micro brand movement.  Let's hope they keep going!

3.  The Korona K0 from Sarpaneva 

Sometimes pictures speak louder than mere words, so here you go -

Courtesy of Sarpaneva

4.   The Scott Bag from the folks at Bleu de chauffe - 

Courtesy of Bleu de chauffe

Simple, beautiful - and yes, I want this!

5.  Benoît Mintiens -

Courtesy of Ressence

Yes, he is the man behind Ressence, and that in and of itself is a pretty serious calling card.  But having worked in the watch business for 10 years, and having covered it for 6, I can say without fear of contradiction that he is, without a doubt one of the very nicest people I have ever encountered, and I sincerely hope some of his kindness, positivity, and sincere approach rub off on some of his colleagues.