The end of the auction season is always punctuated by auctions in Hong Kong, and New York. With the end of Dubai Watch Week, the remaining two watch industry events of the year are these auctions. Taking place on November 24-26, Phillips and Christie’s will have auctions in Hong Kong, and on December 7th Sotheby’s New York Auction will take place, and Phillips on December 9th. Let’s have a closer look at the lots on offer in Hong Kong.

The first time I saw HM11 Maximilian Büsser had a sly grin on his face when he mentioned this horological machine took inspiration from architecture. Immediately my head traveled back to his instagram account to a period where he was posting nothing but post-modern architecture from the 1960’s. And in my head these images stood out; I knew something was afoot in the brain of Maximilian Büsser.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a master watchmaker and to preserve the legacy of iconic watchmakers? Or have you ever wondered what it takes to build a watch brand? In this episode, my guest Luca Soprana shares his journey into the world of independent watchmaking and his mission to protect the legacy of Derek Pratt.

What’s happening, watch fans? It was my privilege to host my friend and CEO of Alex Crown, JDR, on the Forward Momentum Podcast. Join us for an insightful conversation about JDR’s passion for watches, independent watchmaking, and the intersection of the sartorial world and the watch world. With an unwavering passion for horology, JDR's influence extends far beyond the realm of collecting - he's a driving force in the watchmaking industry.

In this episode, we embark on a journey through the art of watchmaking, exploring the emotional connections that tie generations of JDR's family together through watches, and where craftsmanship meets style.

JDR’s insights promise to ignite your horological curiosity. Get ready for an episode packed with hidden stories that unveil the captivating world of watches.

Tune in now and let JDR's passion for horology inspire your collecting journey.

Well, this week’s post was supposed to be about OnlyWatch. What’s coming, what to look forward to, what will change for the production versions of these watches, but that is all for naught at the moment. After questions were raised about OnlyWatch, how the funds raised from the auction were being used, and calls for greater transparency, the Monegasque Association Against Myopathies (the group of families affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophywho puts on OnlyWatch) was left with little choice but to postpone the auction.

Becoming an independent watchmaker isn't just about putting a name on a dial, it's about the journey to attaining the skills, knowledge, and craftsmanship necessary to pursue a career as an independent watchmaker.

Learn about the ways to become an independent watchmaker in Part V on my series on Defining Independence.

Ever wondered what drives watch collectors and the allure of independent watchmaking? In this episode, I star as our featured guest with special guest host JDR, the CEO of Alex Crown. JDR and I embark on a journey through the intricate realm of watch collecting, specifically focusing on independent watchmakers. My journey into this world began with a simple Swatch watch, and my fascination grew over time. We discuss the uniqueness of independent watchmakers, their commitment to preserving tradition, and their ability to create a deeper connection with collectors through their stories.

Geneva Watch Days 2023 marked Ressence’s inaugural participation as a brand, and my first interaction with the brand. Exploring their approach to watchmaking by removing elements like the crown and hands represents a new approach to watchmaking, resulting in a timepiece unlike any other. Founder & CEO Benoît Mintiens wanted to redesign the watch from the ground up. The Type 3 EE Eucalyptus, with its captivating green hue, brings a fresh perspective to the otherwise monochromatic Type 3 lineup. Its organic design and seamless fit on the wrist make it a great daily wearing watch.