Patek Ref. 3974 Sets World Record at Antiquorum Auction

Patek Philippe Ref. 3974

A platinum Patek Philippe ref. 3974 with three dials sold for a record $1.2 million on December 9 at Antiquorum's 35th Anniversary year-end sale in New York. A Patek ref. 5101P Ten Days Tourbillon retailed by Tiffany & Co. brought $295,200, and a Patek ref. 3450 with rare display-back case achieved $270,000. A Rolex ref. 1665 Double-Red Sea Dweller owned by famous diver Patrice Chemin sold for an … [Read more...]

Manuel Emch Joins Romain Jerome as CEO

Manuel Emch

Geneva-based Romain Jerome announced on December 9 that Manuel Emch has been appointed CEO of the company. Emch formerly served as CEO of Swatch Group brand Jaquet Droz. Emch left Jaquet Droz after 8 years at the helm. Born in Switzerland in 1972, Emch studied design at the Art Center in La Tour de Peilz before gaining a Master’s degree in business at Lausanne University’s Faculty of Business … [Read more...]

Jaeger-LeCoultre Takes Top Two Spots in Timing Competition

Jaeger-LeCoulltre Gyrotourbillon 2 movement

A Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Tourbillon Caliber 978 wristwatch won the first timing competition in more than 35 years, gaining 909 points out of a perfect timing score of 1,000. Second place went to a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Gyrotourbillon with 908 points. The Chronometrie 2009 international timing competition for mechanical wristwatches was held to mark the 50th anniversary of the watch museum in … [Read more...]

Roger Dubuis Names National Director of Sales

Roger Dubuis

Claudio Terjanian has been appointed National Director of Sales for Roger Dubuis in North America. His responsibilities include overseeing all distribution, sales and marketing. He will report to Ronald Wolfgang, President of Roger Dubuis North America. Prior to joining Roger Dubuis, Mr. Terjanian served as east coast, Caribbean, and Canadian sales representative for Franck Muller USA. While … [Read more...]

Collector to the Rescue: Hartmut Kraft Reboots Chronoswiss North America

Chronoswiss North American President Hartmut Kraft

Re-launching a brand that has stumbled is difficult in a good economy. Imagine starting the process in October, 2008. That prospect lay before new Chronoswiss North America president Hartmut Kraft. Facing the worst economic downturn in decades, Kraft devised a plan to turn the North American market around. WatchTime traces Kraft’s progression from young watch lover to brand executive, and we … [Read more...]

Parmigiani Invests Nearly $20 Million in Vaucher Manufacturing Facility

New Vaucher Manufacturing Building

Parmigiani has announced the opening of its nearly $20 million state-of-the-art Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier facility near its headquarters in Fleurier. The new facility provides about 75,000 square feet for Parmigiani's movement production, finishing and assembly. Parmigiani manufactures all its components within its own facilities. The new Vaucher workshop also provides a wide range of … [Read more...]

Zenith Honors Watchmaker’s Milestones With Limited Edition Watch

Zenith Honors Watchmaker's Milestones

On November 30, Zenith celebrated a famous caliber and the 100th birthday of the watchmaker who created it. Ephrem Jobin was the brains and hands behind Caliber 135. Introduced in 1948 at the height of a battle to achieve increased precision fought among several watch manufacturers, Caliber 135 included several innovative technical features that enabled it to win numerous prestigious awards and … [Read more...]

TAG Heuer’s Silverstone Chronograph Lives Again in 2010

TAG Heuer Silverstone

To mark its 150th anniversary, TAG Heuer will re-issue the Silverstone Chronograph in February 2010 as a limited edition piece. Originally introduced in 1974, the Silverstone is instantly recognizable by its cushion cut-shaped case. Named for the famous racing circuit in England, the Silverstone followed the Monaco, incorporating TAG's patented technical breakthroughs that made waterproof square … [Read more...]

Patrizzi & Co. December 14 NYC Auction Includes Custom Patek 3970 Set

Patrizzi Auction New York City

On December 14 in New York City, Patrizzi & Co. will offer an extremely rare set of four Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronographs, ref. 3970, featuring custom dials with diamond indexes. The set consists of four pieces, one each in 18k yellow, white and rose gold, and one in platinum, with corresponding dial colors. The pre-sale estimate for the set is $750,000 – $1,000,000. … [Read more...]

F. P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu

F.P. Journe Chronomètre Bleu

F. P. Journe announces the Chronomètre Bleu. The 39mm case is carved from tantalum, a dark gray metal with blue overtones. Tantalum is rarely used in watchmaking because its density and high melting temperature make it difficult to manipulate. Through the display back, the balance and escapement appear mysteriously detached from the movement, beating with no apparent motive force. Journe has … [Read more...]