Knowledge
Explaining the Long and Short of Ever Lengthening Power Reserves
Slowly but surely, mechanical timepieces have seen their power reserves lengthen, especially in the last decade. Once considered a special feature but now increasingly common, longer autonomy is a simple but exceptionally convenient feature.EXPLAINED: Restoring a 1950s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6074
A well worn and treasured Rolex Oyster Perpetual ref. 6074 is brought back to life by Henrik Korpela, principal of independent Swiss watchmaking school KHWCC. Korpela himself explains the process of restoring the family heirloom, all the while maintaining its character, in enlightening detail.Zenith’s History In Pilot’s Watches Explained In Five Timepieces
From the A. Cairelli chronographs of the sixties to the Pilot Montre d’Aéronef Type 20 equipped with the 5011 K movement, Zenith has a strong claim to being of the most key manufacturers of aviator's timepieces. Here I explain Zenith's history in pilot's instruments with five significant timekeepers.EXPLAINED: How To Blue Steel Screws The Traditional Way – With A Flame And Lots Of Patience
Steel screws used in watch movements are often blue. Traditionally this is done by heating the screws, hardening them and also giving them an attractive blue colour, a process Henrik Korpela explains in this in-depth article.EXPLAINED: The Fine Art Of Black Polishing AKA Spéculaire
Black polishing, also known as spéculaire finishing, is employed to finish steel parts in a watch movement to create a mirror-like surface. Used for steel screws, levers and bridges, true black polishing is done by hand and only found in the best timepieces. Henrik Korpela explains the technique here.Hands-On With The Rare Patek Philippe 3970 Second Series
Arguably the quintessential Patek Philippe complication, the chronograph with perpetual calendar is often synonymous with the reference 3970, due to its longevity and relative affordability.Explaining The Panerai P.9000 Automatic Movement – We Take It Apart And Put It All Back Together
As part of a Panerai watchmaking class, we took apart and then successfully reassembled the Panerai P.9000 automatic movement. The experience was revealing - both in terms of the skill required by a true watchmaker, but also in the details and construction of the calibre P.9000.A Guide to Swiss Watch Certification and Testing, From COSC to Chronometrique+
Many watches are certified, for various qualities like accuracy, durability and water-resistance, by independent agencies, ranging from COSC to TIMELAB. These certifications are proof of watchmaking and chronometric excellence, with a sprinkle of savvy marketing. Here's a handy guide to the most important Swiss watch certificates.Load More
