Andrew McUtchen
Happy Friday! But get ready for the buzzkill. Totally out of nowhere, this week took a turn to more serious than usual territory. Serious in the sense that Vacheron Constantin unveiled their most serious timepiece in a not-short history of 260 years. It did not just trump the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime; it nearly tripled down, with a staggering 57 complications. We were also made aware of several fake Black Bays popping up on the Australian scene. Read this and beware if you are offered a Tudor for a price that seems too good to be true. Remember #fakewatchesareforfakepeopleIn other news, the Deloitte Swiss Watch Industry also reports a sombre mood among Swiss Watch Executives and an acknowledgment of the irrepressible rise of digital media as the new force in the industry.What happened?We got a new Prime Minister! And, almost immediately the messages started flooding in about his watches. Not just the one he's currently wearing an Apple Watch on Milanese bracelet, perhaps to represent his first among equals' attitude but the others that have been spotted on his wrist, as well as the odd one that one of our followers has personally sold to MT.So much PM watch intel, wow. The question then was, obviously, what should MT be wearing now that he's Prime and not just Communications Minister. The options, apart from a piece of crap from Kmart, a Greubel Forsey and Richard Mille (sorry, but come on) included:A Jaeger-LeCoultre Master of some sort. We selected the Master Ultra Thin Reserve de Marche Watch.2. The Bausele Terra Australis. We presume for the patriotism Tudor Heritage Advisor.Omega Aqua Terra SSJaeger-LeCoultre Tribute to 1948 ReversoWhat really mattered?An enterprising young inventor and watchmaker was arrested for submitting a school project that looked to his teacher, who must have just watched Hurt Locker like a bomb. We stand by Ahmed in the same way we stand by all young horologists who are endeavouring to take timekeeping forward. More power to you buddy.A friend in our community had his house robbed, and a shudderingly awful number of watches stolen. If you see any of the following models appearing on the second hard market please check the SNs and see if we can bust this scumbag/s. Tudor Snowflake (9441/0 SN846053), Tudor Black Bay Red (SN J608188), Grand Seiko SBGW031 (SN SF2497832), Sinn 356 Chrono, Stowa Airman 40mm, IWC 3717, MWC Portsea Blue, Rolex Datejust 1601. Contact us if you have any info.The week in numbers2826: The number of parts in this extraordinary watch.1: The times we were flattered silly by praise. Men's Health's latest issue rates Time+Tide as one of the three best watch sites in the world, beside Hodinkee and A Blog to Watch. Shucks guys !730: ?The average price in CHF of exported Swiss Watches, according to the Deloitte Swiss Watch Industry Report 201541 The percentage of Swiss Watch Executives that are pessimistic about the economic outlook of the industry.8 The number of times we watched this kid sing like a total boss to Elvis to cheer ourselves up. Hallelujah! It's Friday! Have a great one friends.
18.09.15