The AWARE Fountain Pen Set

From Manu Propria -

Courtesy of Manu Propria

I am the proud owner of a Manu Propria Pen, but I have to say this new one has stirred that new pen itch!

This is the latest offering from Martin Pauli at Manu Propria.  This is the AWARE Fountain pen set.  

Here are the pertinents, straight from the source -

FOUNTAIN PEN The Bamboo Body lacquered with «Take Negoro» Urushi Lacquer.

The lacquered Part serves as the Barrel as well as a Cap when closed.

Length Closed: 120 mm, length Barrel with Nib 140 mm, Diameter 19 mm, Section 12,50 mm.

The weight just 25 gr, the pen works with standard Ink Cartridges and comes with a Stainless Steel nib (EF, F, M, B)

PEN REST Additionally, the set contains a Bamboo Node Pen Rest Lacquered with Urushi

Each Bamboo Node Pen Rest is a Unique Piece, cut from a Piece of well-seasoned Bamboo and lacquered with transparent “Sukurome” Urushi Lacquer

PEN SLEEVE and a black Felt Pen Sleeve with Bamboo Accent.

The Felt from a Felt Manufacturer, foundet in Switzerland in 1892

All Parts hand made in Switzerland

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.

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.

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.

Miyabi

From Manu Propria -

Courtesy of Manu Propria

Here are the details straight from the source-

Miyabi is one of the oldest of the traditional Japanese aesthetic ideals, though perhaps not as prevalent as Iki or Wabi-sabi. In modern Japanese, the word is usually translated as "elegance", "refinement", or "courtliness" and sometimes referred to as "heart-breaker".

The ebonite fountain pen is decorated with Urushi lacquer, a technique called Kuro-Shiage-Tame-Negoro-Nuri.

Normally tamenuri describes a "nuritate" technique on which a final coat of high quality urushi is applied without polishing.

The term "kuro-shiage" means that transparent black urushi is applied and mirror polished.

The Miyabi design differs to the Classic design by a slightly wider cap and a fine gold trim ring on the end of the cap.

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 ; )

Pens from Manu Propria - an Exception to the Rule!

So I am NOT a fan of most watch makers / watch brands "diversifying" their portfolios to include sunglasses, jewelry, phones, pens…

But then again, Angular Momentum / Manu Propria is not just any watch brand!  So as with any good rule, there is always an exception!

Martin Pauli was kind enough to share these with me, so that I can share them with you ; )

The Pen is Still Mightier!

This just in from Martin Pauli -

Courtesy of Angular Momentum/Manu Propria

Testusabi-moyô - 
This is the first fountain pen from Angular Momentum/Manu Propia

The Tipping Point

So it was a very interesting day for me today.  I went for a ride on my bici.  The same ride that I take every Saturday (and if I'm lucky) Sunday.  Today I took a right turn where I normally go straight.  And I found myself on this long, steady, beautiful climb.  It went up, and up, and up.  Slowly, steadily I kept   pedaling.  And cheezy as it sounds, for a moment I was somewhere else.  And as often is the case, I got to thinking about watches and how so often both watch brands and us (the people who follow them) we don't take that right turn.  

So tonight I wanted to share some people that I think are taking that right turn, taking us to that unexpected place.  A watch is, ultimately, just a mechanism.  And for better or worse, the world does not NEED any more watches - and to talk to some of the people manning fairly important and senior positions at some of the biggest, most "exclusive" brands, I am often left with the feeling that they might as well be working for a toothpaste company.  There is no spark, there is no passion.  They are virtually inanimate objects.   

So who is passionate?  

Martin Braun for one.  Here is someone who got the "fuzzy end of the lollipop" when his brand became a part of the Franck Mueller group.  It would have been easy for him to wait for another bigger brand to come in, but he had a vision.  And today he is seeing the results of that passion and vision.  Antoine Martin has steadily developed into something special.

Another Martin - Martin Pauli.  I think what I love about Angular Momentum/Manu Propria is that Martin came into the watch world not necessarily by "design", but rather THROUGH design.  These days he has a following of devoted collectors that truly spans the globe.  He is not someone who seeks the spotlight, but rather lets the beautiful designs on his watch dials do the talking.  He could take the easy approach and have someone else simply stamp his dials - but this is a fellow interested in (and practicing) numerous artistic disciplines, and that passion shows through in what he is doing.

Adrien Choux.  The owner of the Chinese Timekeeper although born in France, chose to make his life in Asia - most specifically in Hong Kong.  Consider that this is someone who was steadily climbing the Richemont career ladder with Panerai.  someone holding onto the "golden ticket"... decides to go his own way, to take that right turn and to launch his version of a luxury Chinese watch.  

Patrik Sjögren.  Computer scientist/engineer turned watch maker.  Again - it would have been so easy to carry on with what he was doing.  But there was something more driving him towards the decision to become a watch maker.  And then it went further - to produce his own watches.  And not just any watches.  GoS watches are quickly gaining a very strong following for people attracted not just to the unique cases, but the beautifully finished dials.

So the next time you're going out watch shopping, instead of heading straight to the "usual suspects", take a right turn and check out something unique.  Yes, it is a watch - a micro machine.  But it is something that was conceived, designed and made by a person.  And really, it should be about people.

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.

Souscription à 6 from Angular Momentum

This is a REALLY fun watch!

Courtesy of Angular Momentum and Manu Propria

In 1998, Angular Momentum has manufactured it's first timepiece featuring the Revolving-Disk-System (R-D-S. Patent CH686988)

Now, Angular Momentum & Manu Propria have released a new version of the Classic R.D.S. watch, the Souscription à 6.

A two-part 1.4435NcU "Stybrite" steel case, satin finished polished bezel, diameter 41.70 mm, single curved sapphire crystal, Revolving-Hour-Disk made of transparent sapphire, painted on the reverse with Breguet numerals and Breguet time indication à "Souscription". 

On this model the hours are read where the diamond pointer is - at 6 o‘clock, historical hand-winding movement, caliber FHF 96.  The Souscription is also available as "Souscription" à 12 where the hours are read at 12 o'clock.

www.angularmomentum.com

Angular Momentum & Manu Propria - Montre Chinoise

This Just released from Angular Momentum & Manu Propria!

Montre Chinoise

Courtesy of Angular Momentum & Manu Propria

A 1.4435NcU Staybrite stainless steel case, 45.00 mm in diameter, polished, set with pearls. 

52.000 ct. sapphire front crystal, 31.000 ct. white sapphire dial with black numerals and indexes, and black Empire style steel hands. 

Stainless steel crown with pearl, the back with a Verre Églomisé miniature painting on the reverse of the 52.000 ct. sapphire crystal featuring a 19th century multi-color flower bouquet.   

Historical hand-winding movement, Caliber FHF 96. 

Courtesy of Angular Momentum & Manu Propria

www.angularmomentum.com

The Takamaki Timepiece

This just in from Angular Momentum -

Metiers d‘Art - Takamaki

Takamakie or "raised maki-e" is one of the three major techniques in maki-e art. Developed in the Muromachi Period (1336–1573), the technique of takamakie involves building up design patterns above the surface through a mixture of metal powder, charcoal or clay powder and urushi lacquer.

Angular Momentum & Manu Propria is the first and only Swiss watch manufacturer offering timepieces with dials and medallions made in Takamaki technique executed in the own ateler in Switzerland.

Courtesy of  Angular Momentum & Manu Propria

Takamaki Timepiece

1.4435NcU stainless steel case with fluted sides. Diameter 43.00 mm height 14.00. Sapphire crystal, historical hand-winding movement caliber FHF 96, time display by revolving hour disk à "Souscription". The dial made from Urushi Japan lacquer in high relief "takamaki" black lacquer conches, shells and snails on black ground imitating the sand of the ocean‘s shore. A few small diamonds representing dew drops. The technique of black on black lacquering is called "yamimaki". Timepiece and dial  completely hand made in the atelier in Bern, Switzerland.

www.angularmomentum.com 

Purple Bamboo Grove

Courtesy of Manu Propria/Angular Momentum

Here is the latest from the folks at Manu Propria/Angular Momentum - The Purple Bamboo Grove!

Courtesy of Manu Propria/Angular Momentum

Here are the details, straight from the source -

Two-body 1.4435NcU Staybrite steel case, satin finished with abrasive paper grit 5000. Crown with cabochon Amethist. The multi-layer dial featuring a purple bamboo grove. The relief bamboo medallion cut and engraved in yellow gold, the background dial slightly engraved, heavily gold plated and Rhutenium plated to give it its purple color. Historical hand-winding movement caliber FHF 72, 17 jewels, 18'000A/h,  balance with screws, power reserve of 44 h, case caliber 41.00 mm.

www.angularmomentum.com 

Angular Momentum & Manu Propria - Virga & Sphaera

At Angular Momentum & Manu Propria it seems that there is no "Down Time" - they are constantly working to bring new things out.  And here is their latest -

Courtesy of Angular Momentum & Manu Propria

These two new additions are known as the Virga & Sphaera.  The names are Latin - Virga for stick or bar, while Sphaera is ball.  The Virga is pictured above.

Courtesy of Angular Momentum & Manu Propria

And this is the Sphaera with its round, "spherical" markers.

Courtesy of Angular Momenutm & Manu Propria

Here are more specifics - straight from the folks in Ittigen-Bern -

Two-body 1.4435NcU Staybrite steel, 42.00 mm case diameter, rounded case with flat bezel, satin finished, stainless steel dial, circular satin finish with polished "Index Vergia", the other model with "Index Sphaera", sapphire crystal, historical hind-winding movement caliber FHF 96, 11.5''', 17 jewels, 18'000A/h, 48 hours power reserve.

All watches completely hand made in the atelier

www.angularmomentum.com 

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

Manu Propria - Two little "Ryûkin" Goldfish

Manu Propria Urushi Timepiece

Two little "Ryûkin" Goldfish

1.4435NcU staybrite case, polishedm 39.00 mm diameter, historical self-winding movement caliber AS 1701 "Skymaster" execution 41 jewels, red gold plated.The dial "roiro" black urushi with two Ryûkin goldfish in "hiramaki" low relief, „shû“ red urushi and gold dust, the eyes small gray pearls. Hand made unique pieces

Add caption

Learn more about Angular Momentum and read the publication "One Hundred Views"

http://en.calameo.com/read/00135027149dbf4ad259a?sid=8e2ecd1e4285d3d827dad49596d1d0a5