Coming Back Like Return of the Jedi!

Angular Momentum is bringing back something special. It is nearly 20 years since Martin Pauli's AXIS/I Navigator was sold (out!), and now it is back!

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

Martin Pauli (and Angular Momentum) will be offering 100 pieces of this very special watch.

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

Here are the pertinents straight from Angular Momentum -

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

AXIS/I Navigator Watch

42 mm stainless steel case with down-turned lugs satin finished sides and a very thin mirror polished bezel, Single curved sapphire 

crystal. Black lacquer dial with polished applied numbers for the minutes and luminous hour markers. 

The hour hand is a combination of a revolving hour disk (Patent 686988) and a regular hour hand.

The disk shows the hours at 12 o’clock and could be used as a second time zone. Polished Minute hand with lume 

and a polished sweep-second. Screwed-on stainless steel crown with black logo inlay. Transparent back showing the 

self-winding movement. Black leather strap.

Same price as 20 years ago USD 1,480.-

The Candy Box 3

From Angular Momentum -

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

Martin Pauli's Angular Momentum makes a lot of cool stuff. And every now and then I get a visceral sucker punch that reminds me that design and watch making are not static, despite how many times Blancpain upchucks another Fifty Fathoms ; )

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

This lovely, sweet horological bijoux is known as the Candy Box 3.

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

The case is of stainless steel and measures 42 mm in diameter. The colors are bright and wonderful, and the finish is described as cold enamel - both the dial and the bezel inlay.

The movement is automatic.

But the real star of the show is the lume -

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

A natural rubber strap completes a very compelling package!

For more info, visit (albeit virtually) Angular Momentum -

https://www.angularmomentum.com/

"Freshly Pasted Poster Reveals A Smile From The Past"

"How Bizarre" - OMC 

On a morning where the Taste Makers of Watch Town and their editorial acolytes seem hell bent on jamming the latest offerings from Omega down the collective throats of a global readership, I was profoundly happy to receive an email from Martin Pauli with images of what is probably my second all-time favorite watch of his (and definitely in my all time top 10) -

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

This is the Spaceship, and it is THE Shit That Killed Elvis!

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

I have spent a bit of time with Martin Pauli at BaselWorlds past, and I can honestly say that he is a thoughtful, and genuine fellow. I doubt very seriously that he wakes up on any given morning thinking -

"How can I make Angular Momentum more mainstream?"

I suspect he wakes up, has an inspiration, and designs something particularly cool. And then spends time refining it until it is ready. And once it is, there is no mass fanfare. He sends the word out in a dignified manner, and if it's your jam (as it is mine), you respond. If it isn't, that's okay. He is not going to lose sleep trying to sway you. And in truth? That is profoundly reassuring in an industry that sends out press communication not unlike Sally Field's Oscar acceptance speech -

Martin Pauli makes cool stuff without worrying too much about pleasing the masses. 

I like that!

But back to the Spaceship -

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

Try to imagine that Jules Verne went to get a watch made, this would be it.

The case measures 50 mm, and is of bronze.  The rivets and strap mounting "hardware" are of brass. 

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

And the lume is truly "out of this world"!

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

The movement is the FH 96.

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

The strap is natural rubber.

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

It's hard not to be romantic about watches. And I thank Martin Pauli and Angular Momentum for reminding me of that!

Now to have an uncomfortable conversation with my piggy bank, because gentle reader - I REALLY WANT THIS WATCH!

Further - 7 Days and More with the Paulin Neo B

A few observations about my wife Wendy. She is really pretty - but that is an easy (and obvious) one. She is kind, and far more patient than I could ever be. She is Canadian, albeit a dual citizen of the lower 48 now, which probably explains the kindness and patience. She is far smarter than I will ever hope to be, and she is always finding some interesting new thing, be it a podcast, a story, or a far-away town well off the beaten path that makes me question whether or not she has some telepathic link to the universe at large that the rest of us lack.

One of my favorite writers (albeit an occasionally short-fused one in real life... sound like anyone we know?), Richard Ford wrote a wonderful essay about his wife Kristina for Esquire (US edition) back in 1990.  I remember reading and being knocked out by it, cutting it out and putting it up on my wall next to my desk my final year at the University of Oregon back in the summer of 90.  Should you wish to read it in its entirety you can find it here -

https://classic.esquire.com/article/1990/6/1/kristina-ford

In the essay, he shared a comment that many of us married to remarkable women get from friends and acquaintances, essentially -

How did a guy like you get a woman like her to marry you?

And while he offered a few very witty ripostes, my simple answer is that I got lucky.  And I continue to get lucky, so far I've enjoyed a lucky streak of 26 years. For another possible answer, Mr. Ford turned a John Milton/Branch Rickey (and God knows who else) quote on it's head -

"Anybody with any brains knows that design is always just the residue of luck".

And yes, I've had enough luck for several lifetimes.

Wendy has an interesting eye, particularly when it comes to watches. You can't really assign a "type" when it comes to what she likes: 

• My Omega Seamaster 30 (circa 1962) purchased for approximately $30 US in a Turku, Finland flea market.
• A briefly owned and loved (and still deeply missed) Rolex Explorer. 
• A bright red Angular Momentum sport model (one of my personal favs).
• A Nomos Tangente (great watches, absolute turds working in the PR office - that's my comment, not hers).                                                                       

She's not really impressed by brand names or celebrity ambassadors. She likes what she likes based on her own opinion. And...

This is by long way of saying that Wendy has been wearing the Paulin Neo B for the past few days and like Mikey of Life Cereal fame, I think she likes it. 

So I'll be back next week with an update and final impressions - stay tuned.

And stay lucky!

Lockdown Repeat - Why Settle for Ordinary?

Why Settle for Ordinary?

I have been a big fan of Angular Momentum / Manu Propria since even before I started Tempus Fugit.

And I have written about Martin Pauli's work a fair bit.  In truth, the point of this blog is not to write about my personal collection, but there are three items of his creation that I personally own and continue to get great joy from so I thought I would share them.

Holding pride of place is the  Splendor Sangre -

This is from Mr. Pauli's Splendor collection.  The case measures 43 mm in diameter, the movement is a NOS hand winding movement. The dial is red lacquer and it is stunning.  It is warm, passionate, vibrant. And truly not every one's baby, but I adore it. And no, it is not political ; ) 

Apologies for the dust on the crystal, but that is what it actually looks like when it is actually on my wrist and actually being used.

A few years ago, Mr. Pauli diversified his offerings and began crafting pens.  And before you ask, no, these are not your typical pens.

Now it is important to understand that this is one of the earlier efforts - which I think is fantastic!  But like any true artist working with his hands, Mr. Pauli is constantly in pursuit of perfection and owing to this, he continues to push the envelope providing even more beautiful offerings with each pen he creates.

His latest creations can be found here -

http://www.manupropria-pens.ch/welcome/Collection.html

And the last item is another story altogether. We have all heard of "wicked stepmothers" thanks to the folks at Disney, but I'm here to tell you that they do exist, although not necessarily in far off lands, but as near as Jackson, TN.  A pocket watch of museum quality that would make a wonderful addition to any institution's permanent collection that will probably never see the light of day again.  Promised to others it is held on to with grasping, clutching, unyielding hands, it will sadly likely end up in a pawnshop, hocked by a needy hillbilly relative of the aforementioned step mother. 

But sometimes you have to take the bull by the horns and create some new traditions. So step one was to find a pocket watch - which I did. A NOS model from the 70s/80s, branded Bucherer (as in the jewelry store, not the brand of today).  I showed it to Mr. Pauli at BaselWorld in 2014. I wanted something with the Martin Pauli aesthetic, but a bit "different".  And together we came up with the idea of doing the dial in blue with stainless steel indices and hands. And the result is truly unique, truly wonderful.

So this one will be passed on to a future member of "Team Henki", and will hopefully not end its days next to a tin of Skol in some backwoods meth lab.

Clearly, I'm not bitter ; )

I really treasure these three pieces because they remind me that this is the way things used to be, and frankly the way that they could still be.  Back before "sincerely authentic" heritage stores popped up and "fauxthentic" became the norm with hipster-hucksters trying to sell us a nickel for a dime.  And perhaps I am tired of all the bullshit being foisted on us in the name of "authentic" when I have no proof to balance against that claim.

The world needs more Martin Paulis out there, doing real things with their hands, creating mechanical treasures powered not only by gears and springs but by imagination. Taking the time to create unique, wonderful, timeless - and DURABLE watches and pens that will last more than just one lifetime. And I for one hope he keeps continuing to make wonderful things that have true quality, true beauty and true value. It helps balance all the "artisanal hyperbole" originating closer to home.

The Tsukenuri

From Angular Momentum -

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

Still one of my all time favorites.

The Classic Urushi Dress Watch

From Angular Momentum -

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

I am a very great fan of Angular Momentum.  I own one, I have had a pocket watch customized, and am also the proud owner of one of Martin Pauli's fountain pens.  The thing to understand, is that Mr. Pauli is a creator, not merely an assembler.  All of his pieces give testimony to his creativity and attention to detail.  And the Classic Urushi Dress Watch is no exception.  

The case is a wonderfully sized 36 mm in diameter, comprised of three parts and of 1.4435Ncu Staybrite stainless steel that is mirror polished.  The case back is also stainless steel bearing a hand engraved medallion with a floral motif.   The crystal is double curved sapphire, the hands are polished.  The Classic Urushi has a classic movement under the hood - a new-old stock hand-winding movement, caliber FHF 96.

The show stopper is the dial featuring "Bâton" indexes that seemingly emerge from the "suna hada" dial that imitates the look and feel of sand, and is achieved through the use of "Urushi" Japanese lacquer.

Bubbling Up!

This is a new release from Martin Pauli's Angular Momentum.

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls - allow me to share the "Ebullio" from Angular Momentum.

So where to begin?  I have a HUGE amount of respect for Martin's work for many reasons - he is a craftsman.  He does not go to the "Home Depot" for watch parts, he makes what he needs.  I also really appreciate that he finds beautiful vintage movements and brings them back to life in some of the most evocative and beguiling watches available.  And this latest offering is no exception.

Starting with the name - Ebullio.  Become a fan of Angular Momentum and your Latin vocabulary will grow by leaps and bounds!  Ebullio from the Latin - "to bubble up", "boil up", "produce in abundance".  Apt name!

So let's get down to the stats- the case is tripartite (3 pieces/parts).  It measures 42 mm and is of 18 kt. yellow gold.  

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

The movement is another wonderful vintage movement.  In this instance it is a 41 jewel A. Schild 1701 Skymaster - also known as the Caliber AS 1701.  It is self-winding with a reported power reserve of 42 hours.  

The dial is described as "white sapphire glass".  It is adorned with black Roman numerals.

The strap is made from natural rubber and features a yellow gold locking system.

A New Roller Ball Pen

From Manu Propria -

Courtesy of Manu Propria

This is the latest of Martin Pauli's latest creation - a roller ball.  Hand made one at a time by Martin in his atelier in Switzerland.

Available from March first.

Heirlooms and Evil Step-Mothers

 Now I don't know about your family, but most families have heirlooms.  These paintings, family albums, silverware, china, rings - hey, even watches ; )

My Great Grandfather was a rather interesting fellow.  He married a widow who had several children from a previous marriage.  And he treated all of the children as if they were his own flesh and blood.  He had a beautiful, solid gold pocket watch that was made to order for him, which eventually went to my Grandmother Theo as she was the last remaining child.  The idea, of course, was that when she died, it would go to her son (my father) and it did.  The further idea being that when he died it would go to me - it did not.  It is either sitting in a Memphis area pawnshop or is earmarked for a hillbilly relative of my stepmother.  I suspect that you could buy a decent amount of meth if you sold it, or pay off your IROC Z, or whatever it is that those knuckle-heads will do with it.

Needless to say, this isn't that watch. Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands, and this is one of those times. This watch started out life as a basic item from Bucherer -stainless steel, white dial with black indices and hands. But I wanted this to be special. Something nobody else would have. And so I turned to the one guy who would understand.

Martin Pauli of Angular Momentum took something pretty average, and created something special.

So for my young nephew Jack Mitchell - play your cards right, and this could be yours ; )

Ultimately, we travel through our lives and we accumulate things and some of them come to have value and importance. Try to remember, we are only temporary custodians, and try to do the right thing.

When the Iron Age Meets the Bronze Age!

From Angular Momentum -

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

This is what Martin Pauli has named the Iron & Bronze.

The Value of Independence

In principle, this is a post about a specific watch - the Angular Momentum LOTOS.  It is the latest offering from Martin Pauli of Angular Momentum/Manu Propria.  But this watch underscores the value and importance of swimming against the mainstream.

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

The case parts are made of, wait for it… IRON!

Negoro Timepiece

This is the latest from Martin Pauli at Angular Momentum

Courtesy of Angular Momentum/Manu Propria

Here is the scoop straight from Martin -

Who Do You Love?

So tonight (at least it is night in Santa Barbara), I'm going to take some personal liberty.  Someone from my high school days asked me what watch brand did I hold in the highest regard.  I was stumped - to some extent the same way I am now.  But I can answer the question -

I love the Vulcain Cricket.  Not just any Vulcain, as there have been multiple flavors.  I love the Vulcain Cricket of the "between time".  I love the Vulcain Cricket that was produced and sold by the Paajanen family in Helsinki, Finland in the 90s/ early 2000s.

I love the watches made by GoS Watches.  And point of clarification, I represent GoS watches in North America - but I do so because I respect and admire what they do.

ochs und junior.  Yes, clearly fame is the spur that drives an entrepreneur, but yet and still even though I am smaller than Hodinkee, and Monochrome, I am glad to say that for a brief moment in time (now clearly passed) Tempus Fugit was on ochs und junior's radar.  Fun while it lasted.  I wish them well.  And with the big boys covering them, they should be ready (at least media-wise) to move forward

I love Angular Momentum/Manu Propria - there is something indeed to be said about possessing a beautiful object that is truly "hand made".  Martin is a master.

And something I will say while admitting from the outset - I will never (unless something either terribly tragic, or monumentally wonderful happens) be able to afford one of their wonderful watches - Audemars Piguet.  They are singularly perfect.

So pals and gals, let's try to understand that if you go out of your way to buy a watch - because you LOVE watches - then wear the damn thing.  And wear it and enjoy it because it speaks to you personally.  So many wonderful Seikos, Midos, Poljots and that enigmatic chronograph from Seagull.  We live in a false reality that tells us it must be Patek or Jaeger or whatever… and that is nonsense.  Do you love your watch/watches?  Then enough said.

I own, literally, a handful of watches.  And the ones that I own, they all mean something.  To quote one of basketball's most "quotable" people…
"After everything's been said and done, there's nothing left to say or do!"  Buy and wear what you love, not what you feel you should own and love.

See you on Planet Love-Tron ; )

Something to Travel with -

from Angular Momentun

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

This is the AXIS/XXV Longitude 12 America - Traveler GMT.

The INOSHISHI Timepiece

Courtesy of Angular Momentum & Manu Propria

It is always great to get emails from Martin Pauli of Angular Momentum - and today's was no exception.

Obsession - continues on... Spledor Sangre... DATE!

I am convinced that Martin Pauli has now set his sights on driving me to distraction with his Splendor pieces!  No sooner had I posted about the Splendor Sangre piece last night, than an innocent little email arrived in my "inbox" -

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

Some Further Thoughts on Obsession

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

They say that it is not healthy to dwell on the things that you do not have.

Angular Momentum and the Métiers d‘Art Exhibition in China

This just in from Angular Momentum -

Angular Momentum's Le Detroit

It is always a pleasure to see what Martin Pauli has been working on -

Courtesy of Angular Momentum