Here at WCL, we have always been big fans of Panerai but mainly of their historically inspired creations. In celebration of the Radiomir anniversary, Panerai just released the Radiomir Officine PAM01385 Anniversary Edition and we go hands-on with this new watch that brings us back to the roots of Panerai. This exclusive eCommerce model is a neo-vintage creation inspired by the first Radiomir prototype introduced on October 24, 1935. To commemorate the milestone, this e-commerce exclusive was launched on October 24, 2023, in a limited edition of only 300 pieces.
News: Phillips Watches Geneva Watch Auction XVIII Brings in $43 Million Dollars
This weekend November 3 and 4, 2023 in Geneva, Switzerland, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo brought in CHF39,055,706 —$43,074,538 USD— in The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII, doubling the pre-sale low estimate of CHF 19 million. The auction, held on Friday, November 3, and Saturday, November 4, saw watch aficionados participating from across 66 countries. The atmosphere in the saleroom at La Réserve Hotel was electric and brimming with enthusiasm, as over 650 collectors attended in person and over 1,500 bidders competed online on Phillips.com, ultimately securing half of the lots offered.
Introducing: The New Breitling Avenger Collection
For over 20 years, Breitling’s Avenger has been at the forefront of airborne adventure. Built for jet pilots, it’s a watch that can take on the toughest cockpits and keep coming back for more. But you don’t need Air Force credentials to appreciate its bold design, exceptional resilience, and next-level functionality. Now, Breitling presents the newly redesigned Avenger Collection with four different models which include the new Avenger B01 Chronograph 44, the Avenger B01 Chronograph 44 Night Mission in black ceramic, the Avenger Automatic GMT 44, and the Avenger Automatic 42.
News: The 1916 Company Launches Merging WatchBox, Govberg, Radcliffe, and Hyde Park Jewelers
The 1916 Company launches merging WatchBox, the preeminent global platform, and community for collectible watches, with leading watch retailers Govberg, Radcliffe, and Hyde Park Jewelers across the U.S. The 1916 Company was created to form a leading global destination and community for fine watches, jewelry, education, and experiences. The 1916 Company brings together the primary and secondary markets under a single, unified brand, comprising more than 20 boutiques and Collector’s Lounges in key watch markets worldwide.
Experience: The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Stories Exhibition in NYC
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Stories Exhibition has just opened up to the public today November 3, 2023 in New York City at the IRON 23 space located at 29 W 23rd Street. The exhibition will run until November 22, 2023. During the opening cocktail that we were honored to attend, we were able to immerse ourselves into this captivating and very well put together exhibition that is a must for all watch collectors and even more so for lovers of the iconic Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. The opening night was for sure one of the best watch events of the year with the presence of Catherine Rénier —CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre— and JLC ambassadors Lenny Kravitz, Anya-Taylor Joy and Nicholas Hoult.
Introducing: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel Hokusai Limited Editions
Just unveiled right on time for the Reverso Stories Exhibition opening to the public in New York City —on November 3, 2023 thru November 22, 2023—, comes the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Enamel Hokusai limited edition watches showcasing the expertise of the Manufacture’s Métiers Rares atelier in the crafts of miniature painting, guillochage and Grand Feu enameling. These new Reverso Tribute Enamel Hokusai watches will be on display at the exhibition.
Insider: De Bethune Cempasúchil II. A Unique Piece with Two Dials for Day of the Dead.
The De Bethune Cempasúchil II Unique Piece was just presented two weeks ago at the SIAR Mexico 2023 in Mexico City and we had the pleasure of perusing it. A new one-of-a-kind creation in its Maestri’art collection comes as a sequel to the DW5 Cempasúchil I presented in 2020 and which we brought you here —pictured below. Hovering between life and death, with a touch of naughty humor, just like the joyous and colorful Mexican ‘Dia de Muertos’ —Day of the Dead celebration.
News: A. Lange & Söhne Opens New Flagship in New York City
The German watch manufacture A. Lange & Söhne is embarking on further expansion in the U.S. with the opening of its flagship boutique in New York City. Located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan on Madison Avenue, the location features the brand’s new interior design concept. Located in Manhattan’s iconic Upper East Side near Central Park on Madison Avenue and 63rd Street, A. Lange & Söhne’s newest flagship boutique offers a broad selection of the brand’s six watch families, including limited editions and boutique exclusives.
Introducing: Panerai Radiomir Officine Anniversary Edition PAM01385
In celebration of the Radiomir anniversary, Panerai is excited to announce the release of the Radiomir Officine PAM01385. This exclusive eCommerce model is a neo-vintage creation inspired by the first Radiomir prototype introduced on October 24, 1935. To commemorate the milestone, this e-commerce exclusive was launched on October 24, 2023, in a limited 300 pieces. With only 300 units available, PAM1385 pays homage to the Radiomir portfolio while showcasing Panerai’s design evolution and exceptional craftsmanship pursuits.
From the Editor: Vacheron Constantin Presents Two Heritage Timepieces Closely Connected to Mexico at the SIAR 2023 in Mexico City
Last week at the SIAR 2023 —Salón Internacional de Alta Relojería— in Mexico City, Vacheron Constantin presented two incredible heritage timepieces that have a very strong and special connection with Mexico. As a Mexican, I could’ve not been more delighted to peruse these two incredible watches in the company of Christian Selmoni, Style and Heritage Director at Vacheron Constantin. This was an unprecedented exhibition that included pieces dating back to the early 20th century with a close connection to Mexico, as well as the latest innovations from the house directly from Watches and Wonders Shanghai 2023.
Insider: Blancpain X Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Antarctic Ocean. Hands-On Review and How to Switch the Strap.
As a big surprise, Blancpain and Swatch joined forces to release the Blancpain X Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms collection to celebrate the 70th anniversary of this iconic diving watch last month. While the collaboration between Omega and Swatch for the Moonswatch seemed to have a bigger impact than this new collaboration between Swatch and Blancpain —another one of the high-end brands part of the Swatch Group—, this non-limited collection composed of five different watches still had a huge impact, despite the fact that Blancpain holds a much lower brand awareness and you have to be a hardcore watch aficionado to even consider paying $400 USD for a Sistem51 Swatch.
From the Editor: Jaeger-LeCoultre Brings the Hybris Mechanica à Grand Sonnerie to the SIAR Mexico 2023. Beyond Impressive to Say the Least.
Jaeger-LeCoutlre is better known as the ‘Watchmaker of Watchmakers’ and I’ve seen some impressive timepieces from them in the past including the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpétuel that I perused in 2019. However, it wasn’t until yesterday at the SIAR 2023 in Mexico City, that I got to peruse for the first time in the metal, the most complex wristwatch ever produced, yes, I am talking about the JLC Hybris Mechanica à Grand Sonnerie first presented in 2009.
News: TAG Heuer and Porsche Present 'Legends of the Panamericana' Cayman 718 GT4 RS
As part of the 36th edition of the 'Modern Era' of La Carrera Panamericana, Porsche México held a cocktail reception at Museum Kaluz in Mexico City —a historical venue that houses and exhibits Mexican art from the XVIII to XXI centuries—to unveil the second tribute car of the "TAG Heuer and Porsche—Legends of the Panamericana" project, consisting of two unique cars.
News: Jaeger-LeCoultre 'Reverso Stories' Exhibition to Open in NYC November 3-22, 2023
This November, Jaeger-LeCoultre invites visitors to discover the world of Reverso through a richly immersive exhibition set in the heart of New York City. With its remarkable legacy of Art Deco architecture and style, New York is a particularly fitting setting for the celebration of the Reverso’s Art Deco origins. Located at IRON 23 —29 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10010— the exhibition will run from November 3 to November 22, 2023. The 'Reverso Stories' exhibition arrives just ahead of the grand opening of Jaeger-LeCoultre's new flagship boutique on Madison Avenue.
News: The Planet Omega Exhibition To Open in New York City, November 9th-19th
The Planet Omega Exhibition opens soon in New York City. The story of Omega will soon be on display at a special exhibition at the Chelsea Factory in New York City. From November 9th through the 19th, 2023, The Planet Omega Exhibition will showcase the unique DNA of the renowned Swiss brand and many of its most innovative and notable timepieces. The exhibition is filled with milestones from an iconic watchmaking journey.
From the Editor: Do You Know How to Properly Size the Rolex Oysterflex Bracelet/Strap? I Explain How to Achieve the Perfect Fit.
While Rolex calls it an Oysterflex bracelet, this is in reality a high-performance elastomer strap with flexible metal blades in its core. The Rolex Yacht-Master’s Oysterflex bracelet was developed and patented by Rolex using a high-performance elastomer over-molded over a flexible titanium and nickel alloy metal blade. To provide higher resistance, the metal blades are located within the areas where the strap connects to the case and to the clasp.
From the Editor: My Thoughts on the Akrivia X Louis Vuitton Collaboration
Akrivia and Rexhep have somewhat of a cult following and it’s not until you get to peruse one of his watches in the metal that you come to realize the great and the not-so-great things about the brand and their watches. Today, as we published the news about the Akrivia X Louis Vuitton LVRR-01 Chronographe à Sonnerie, I had to go back to my notes when I dissected the Akrivia AK-06.
Introducing: Akrivia X Louis Vuitton LVRR-01 Chronographe à Sonnerie. A 10-Piece Limited Edition.
Louis Vuitton and Rexhep Rexhepi from Akrivia launch the LVRR-01 Chronographe à Sonnerie. Following the Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives announced in early 2023, Louis Vuitton is embarking on a series of collaborative timepieces with renowned independent watchmakers, with the inaugural project being the LVRR-01 Chronographe à Sonnerie born from the collaboration between Atelier Akrivia and Louis Vuitton.
Introducing: Biver 'La Danse Du Temps' Unique Piece. Celebrating Mexico's Day of the Dead.
As a tribute to tradition, culture, and the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead, Pierre and Jean-Claude Biver have decided to create in collaboration with Joel Niño —a Mexican artist—, a unique timepiece for the Salón Internacional de Alta Relojería —SIAR— to be held in Mexico City from October 17th to the 19th, 2023. This unique piece is called La Danse du Temps —The Dance of Time— and it comes seven months after the release of the first piece from this new brand launched by watch industry maven and veteran Jean-Claude Biver and his son Pierre.
From the Editor: One of the World's Biggest Watch Collectors Rocks the Boat for the 'ONLY Watch' Auction
If you are a real watch collector, you probably know who are some of the biggest watch collectors in the world. Then, most likely you’ve heard the name ‘Santa Laura’ or you might already be following him on Instagram. Santa Laura is one of the biggest watch collectors in the world —located in Asia— and also somewhat of a mysterious man that only a few have met in person. His collection of cars and watches is beyond impressive and he is a lover of brands like Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, F.P. Journe, Vianney Halter, De Bethune, Harry Winston, and MB&F just to name a few.
