The AXIS Perception

From Angular Momentum -

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

This is the latest from Martin Pauli's Angular Momentum - and I have to be honest, I'm kinda' crushing on it!

I have been advised by Martin that this is a watch designed to be seen, and for those of us (yours truly included) with aging eyes, it is a welcome, highly visible watch.

And when the lights go out?

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

This is a wonderful time machine, and quite reasonably priced at $980.

The case is of stainless steel and measures 42 mm in diameter. The movement is ETA's 2824 self-winding (automatic). You want this watch! I know that I do!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 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.

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's Le Detroit

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

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

A Few Minutes with Martin Pauli

Those of you in the US are familiar with the "most interesting man in the world" Dos Equis commercials.

  

Well, I can safely say without fear of contradiction - Martin Pauli has proven to be THE most interesting interview I've had in the past three years of the Tempus Fugit blog. 

Courtesy of Martin Pauli

Designer, artist, writer, traveller and dare I say it, "appreciater of life"!

And now, a few minutes with man behind Angular Momentum, Martin Pauli - quite possibly the Watch World's Most Interesting Man!

Happy 2014 - A Bit Early

I love weekends!  Particularly because quite often Martin Pauli, the man behind Angular Momentum sends the announcements for his latest creations on Saturdays and Sundays.

Courtesy of Angular Momentum

A New MANU PROPRIA Artisan Timepiece Case

Courtesy of Manu Propia/Angular Momentum

Angular Momentum has added a new MANU PROPRIA Artisan Timepiece case type to its collection.

Courtesy of Manu Propia/Angular Momentum

41.60 mm 1.4435NcU Staybrite watch case with polished bezel and satin brushed sides, pavé set with 1.500 ct. TW VVS diamonds, historical hand-winding movement.

Courtesy of Manu Propia/Angular Momentum

The Art meets Art timepieces are made with either Verre Églomisé miniature painting on the reverse of the sapphire crystal with digital time display or with a miniature painting on the reverse of the sapphire dial with analogue time display by hands.

www.angularmomentum.com