Grail Watch

The search for the grail is the search for illumination

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Levrette Chronograph: Classic Elegance

April 24, 2018 By Stephen 3 Comments

Today’s “Watch A Day” is a real classic: A Swiss chronograph in a gold case with the historic Venus 175 movement ticking inside. It’s a joy to wear and enjoy such a wonderful timepiece!

Filed Under: Collection, Watch A Day Tagged With: Chronograph, column wheel, Levrette, Tissot, Venus, Venus 175

Roamer Rotopower 44: Elegance with Balls

April 14, 2018 By Stephen 4 Comments

After yesterday’s epic 1500 word “Watch A Day” post, I decided to go for something simpler. Today I’m wearing a classic dress watch from a little-remembered brand. This Roamer Rotopower features a 44-jewel (!) movement, 14 karat gold case, and classic dress watch styling.

Filed Under: Collection, Watch A Day Tagged With: MST 370, Roamer, Rotopower

Patek Philippe 5015 Moon Phase Power Reserve: Calatrava Plus

January 10, 2017 By Stephen Leave a Comment

I’ve got a thing for classic dress watches in general and Patek Philippe Calatravas in particular, so I get excited when I see a real classic come up for auction. Such is the case with this Ref. 5015 Moon Phase Power Reserve: It’s not technically a Calatrava, but it features all the best elements of that line. Starting at just €7,000, who’s bidding?

Filed Under: Grails Tagged With: 240/152, hunter, micro-rotor, Moon Phase, Patek Philippe, Patek Philippe Calatrava, Power Reserve, PP 240

Could an Officer’s Watch Be the Ultimate Patek Philippe Calatrava?

February 3, 2016 By Stephen 4 Comments

Today we take a look at Ref. 3960 and Ref. 5053, two “officer’s watch” Calatrava models. Although still not the perfect Calatrava, these are two very fine references!

Filed Under: Grails Tagged With: Calatrava, Calatrava 3960, Calatrava 5053, Chrono24, Essential Watches, Morgan and Company, Patek Philippe, Patek Philippe 324, Patek Philippe Calatrava, PP 324, The Perfect Calatrava

The Perfect Calatrava: Considering the “Clous de Paris” Ref. 5120

February 1, 2016 By Stephen Leave a Comment

Continuing my quest for the perfect Patek Philippe Calatrava, I turn to the other main branch of the family. In 1973, Patek Philippe added “Clous de Paris” guilloche to the bezel of a straight-lug Calatrava and a new legend was born. Today, many people think of this Ref. 3520 rather than the clean, flowing original when they hear the name! Is this the perfect Calatrava?

Filed Under: Grails Tagged With: Calatrava, Calatrava 5116, Calatrava 5119, Calatrava 5120, micro-rotor, Patek Philippe, Patek Philippe Calatrava, PP 240, The Perfect Calatrava

Patek Philippe Calatrava 5090J: “The Russian Watch”

January 27, 2016 By Stephen Leave a Comment

On the subject of unusual Patek Philippe Calatrava references, may I present a very unusual sculpted model: Ref. 5090J from about 2000, also called the “Russian Watch” due to its limited production for that market. I found two examples of this unusual reference for sale, so I thought I would take a moment to talk about it.

Filed Under: Grails Tagged With: 5090J, Beverly Hills, Calatrava, Calatrava 1491, Calatrava 2592, Calatrava 3574, Calatrava 5090, East Coast Jewelry, Essential Watches, Faberge, Miami, Patek Philippe, Patek Philippe Calatrava, Russian

Two Rare Seiko Historical Watches

January 23, 2015 By Stephen 4 Comments

At this risk of this becoming “Grail Seiko” rather than “Grail Watch”, please allow me to present two wonderful and very rare watches for your consideration. Both are gaudy gold watches, both are relatively modern, and both are probably overpriced except in the eyes of a true Seiko fanatic. But one is an homage to Seiko tradition while the other was the first attempt by the company to take on the Swiss!

Filed Under: Grails Tagged With: 6810, 9F61, Astron, quartz, SCQL002, SCQZ002, Seiko, Seiko Astron

1992 Svend Andersen Christopher Columbus Worldtimer

July 30, 2014 By Stephen 1 Comment

How would you like to own an extremely rare and interestingly complicated watch from a legend of independent Haute Horology? This worn but interesting world timer watch was constructed by Svend Andersen in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ journey to the new world. And it’s definitely worth the starting bid of € 4,000.

Filed Under: Grails Tagged With: 1992 Svend Andersen Christopher Columbus Worldtimer, Christopher Columbus, Svend Andersen, Worldtimer

H. Moser & Cie. Perpetual One

May 23, 2014 By Stephen Leave a Comment

When it comes to stealth complications, this H. Moser & Cie. Perpetual One is about as good as it gets. Lurking under an understated and classy exterior is a mean horological machine with a perpetual calendar and double barrel power to last all week!

Filed Under: Grails Tagged With: H. Moser & Cie., H. Moser & Cie. Perpetual One, Moser

1965 Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox

March 12, 2014 By Stephen Leave a Comment

We’re suckers for Jaeger-LeCoultre, and the Memovox is one of their coolest models. Introduced in 1950 with the hand-winding Calibre 489, the Memovox was updated with an automatic movement and larger case option in 1956. Today, it is one of the best-loved classic Jaeger-LeCoultre models, and has been a source of inspiration for recent tribute models from the brand.

Filed Under: Grails Tagged With: Camille Fournet, Hadley-Roma, Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox, MyWatchMaker

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