Posts Published byraftmenpiece

Hands-on – The Tudor Monarch, an Unexpected yet Successful Return

Hands-on – The Tudor Monarch, an Unexpected yet Successful Return

This year was a big one for the Rolex group, as the Crown was celebrating the 100th anniversary of its emblematic Oyster case, while Tudor turned 100 years, being founded in 1926. With this in mind, expectations were high, and some predicted fireworks of novelties, huge innovations, entirely new collections all around… And the celebrations […]

This year was a big one for the Rolex group, as the Crown was celebrating the 100th anniversary of its emblematic Oyster case, while Tudor turned 100 years, being founded in 1926. With this in mind, expectations were high, and some predicted fireworks of novelties, huge innovations, entirely new collections all around… And the celebrations

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First Look – The New, Smaller Generation of Santos de Cartier Chronograph

First Look – The New, Smaller Generation of Santos de Cartier Chronograph

In Cartier‘s current collection, the name Santos refers to the related yet distinct collections. On one side is the Santos-Dumont, a thin, elegant, shaped watch that directly connects to the origins of the name, when Cartier created what was one of the first timepieces for pilots (the emblematic 1904 Santos made for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont). […]

In Cartier‘s current collection, the name Santos refers to the related yet distinct collections. On one side is the Santos-Dumont, a thin, elegant, shaped watch that directly connects to the origins of the name, when Cartier created what was one of the first timepieces for pilots (the emblematic 1904 Santos made for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont).

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First Look – The New Venezianico Arsenale Calendario, an Accessible Take on the Integrated Bracelet Watch

First Look – The New Venezianico Arsenale Calendario, an Accessible Take on the Integrated Bracelet Watch

Founded in 2017, Italian brand Venezianico has caught attention with its stylish, well-priced watches that often play around with materials and design. From pieces inspired by Venetian architecture to a recent Redentore with a guilloché pattern depicting the Venetian lagoon’s tides, there is usually a bit of character in what they do. Inspired by the […]

Founded in 2017, Italian brand Venezianico has caught attention with its stylish, well-priced watches that often play around with materials and design. From pieces inspired by Venetian architecture to a recent Redentore with a guilloché pattern depicting the Venetian lagoon’s tides, there is usually a bit of character in what they do. Inspired by the

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Recap – The Best of Ultra-Thin Watchmaking at Watches and Wonders 2026

Recap – The Best of Ultra-Thin Watchmaking at Watches and Wonders 2026

We’ve said in the past, and I’m not shy of repeating myself; ultra-thin watchmaking should be considered a proper complication. More than just about numbers printed on a specification sheet, more than just making a case thinner than the norm, ultra-thin watchmaking is a true expertise, a field of movement making that requires ingenuity, innovation […]

We’ve said in the past, and I’m not shy of repeating myself; ultra-thin watchmaking should be considered a proper complication. More than just about numbers printed on a specification sheet, more than just making a case thinner than the norm, ultra-thin watchmaking is a true expertise, a field of movement making that requires ingenuity, innovation

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The ABCs of Time – Some of the Most Crucial, Game-Changing Technologies in Watchmaking

The ABCs of Time – Some of the Most Crucial, Game-Changing Technologies in Watchmaking

The dawn of watchmaking was a lesson in miniaturisation. Clock towers of the era were brought down to a portable level, generally worn around the neck instead of carried in a pocket. Invented by German locksmith Peter Henlein in the early 16th century, these original “pocket watches” were called Nuremberg Eggs as they were often […]

The dawn of watchmaking was a lesson in miniaturisation. Clock towers of the era were brought down to a portable level, generally worn around the neck instead of carried in a pocket. Invented by German locksmith Peter Henlein in the early 16th century, these original “pocket watches” were called Nuremberg Eggs as they were often

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The Petrolhead Corner – Porsche Chops The Roof Off The 911 GT3 And Calls It S/C.

The Petrolhead Corner – Porsche Chops The Roof Off The 911 GT3 And Calls It S/C.

If you asked the majority of car enthusiasts what was missing from the Porsche 911 line-up, I have a suspicion pretty much no one would answer with a roofless 911 GT3. But in a genuine case of “what if” Porsche has done just that, and from the first reports from the car world, it’s virtually […]

If you asked the majority of car enthusiasts what was missing from the Porsche 911 line-up, I have a suspicion pretty much no one would answer with a roofless 911 GT3. But in a genuine case of “what if” Porsche has done just that, and from the first reports from the car world, it’s virtually

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Recap – The Best New Chronographs From Watches & Wonders 2026

Recap – The Best New Chronographs From Watches & Wonders 2026

After the onslaught of watch news coming out of Geneva over the past week, it’s time to digest it all and see what’s what. We’ve tried our best to guide you through all the novelties, but it’s fully understandable if you’ve missed a few in the process. Not to worry, though, as this is the […]

After the onslaught of watch news coming out of Geneva over the past week, it’s time to digest it all and see what’s what. We’ve tried our best to guide you through all the novelties, but it’s fully understandable if you’ve missed a few in the process. Not to worry, though, as this is the

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Introducing – The Union Glashütte Belisar Chronograph Sport on Steel Bracelet

Introducing – The Union Glashütte Belisar Chronograph Sport on Steel Bracelet

Union Glashütte continues to position itself in the segment of robust, fairly-priced mechanical chronographs with a distinctly modern look. The Belisar Chronograph Sport, introduced in 2024 as a more contemporary alternative within the Belisar collection, marked a departure from vintage cues. It now evolves with the addition of a stainless steel bracelet, enhancing its presence and versatility. […]

Union Glashütte continues to position itself in the segment of robust, fairly-priced mechanical chronographs with a distinctly modern look. The Belisar Chronograph Sport, introduced in 2024 as a more contemporary alternative within the Belisar collection, marked a departure from vintage cues. It now evolves with the addition of a stainless steel bracelet, enhancing its presence and versatility.

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First Look – Chapter Two in the Revival of L. Leroy with the New Elyor Flying Tourbillon

First Look – Chapter Two in the Revival of L. Leroy with the New Elyor Flying Tourbillon

Parisian watchmaking maison L. Leroy was founded by Basile-Charles Le Roy in 1785 and became the official watchmaker to King Louis XVI and later to Napoleon I and Queen Victoria. Expanding operations to Switzerland, L. Leroy produced marine chronometers for the French Navy and amassed 384 gold medals in chronometry competitions. Iconic masterpieces like the […]

Parisian watchmaking maison L. Leroy was founded by Basile-Charles Le Roy in 1785 and became the official watchmaker to King Louis XVI and later to Napoleon I and Queen Victoria. Expanding operations to Switzerland, L. Leroy produced marine chronometers for the French Navy and amassed 384 gold medals in chronometry competitions. Iconic masterpieces like the

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Industry News – Swiss Watch Exports up 1,4% over Q1 2026, Outlook still Uncertain

Industry News – Swiss Watch Exports up 1,4% over Q1 2026, Outlook still Uncertain

The Swiss Watch Federation has just released its figures as of the end of March 2026. The month of March closed with a 1% decline in watch exports. More importantly, it provides a view of the trend for the first quarter of the year. Total exports reached CHF 6.2 billion, representing a modest increase of […]

The Swiss Watch Federation has just released its figures as of the end of March 2026. The month of March closed with a 1% decline in watch exports. More importantly, it provides a view of the trend for the first quarter of the year. Total exports reached CHF 6.2 billion, representing a modest increase of

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