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Wempe Zeitmeister Pilot Chronograph “Uhren Magazin” Limited Edition: A Classic German/Swiss Chronograph at an Unbeatable Price

January 18, 2018 By Stephen Leave a Comment

Perhaps no country is more in love with mechanical watches than Germany, and it’s a wonderful experience to browse watches at Wempe or see the perfect photography in “Uhren” magazine. Although not everyone’s cup of tea, this Wempe Zeitmeister Pilot Chronograph “Uhren Magazin” Limited Edition captures this “zeitgeist” and makes a great daily-wear grail to boot! It features the bulletproof ETA/Valjoux 7750 movement in preferred 7753 form, is a certified chronometer, and looks darn good with classic pilot styling.

Filed Under: Grails Tagged With: Chronograph, chronometer, Glashütte, Valjoux 7753, Wempe

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

Eterna Majetek and Longines Tartarugone: Czech Aviator Watches

January 10, 2017 By Stephen 1 Comment

A friend who lives in the Czech Republic recently mentioned that he loved the classic Eterna Majetek pilot’s watch. Since I had heard of the Majetek (and similar Longines Tartarugone), I decided to delve into these pieces a bit more. Here are my thoughts on these impressive classic pieces, as well as the new Eterna Heritage Military 1939 homage.

Filed Under: Grails Tagged With: Czech, Eterna, Eterna Majetek, Longines, Longines Tartarugone, pilot

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

Universal Genève Aero-Compax GMT Chronograph

November 25, 2014 By Stephen 3 Comments

Although not a well-known brand today, Universal Genève were leaders in the chronograph market in the 1940’s. And one sign of that success was the Aero-Compax, a full-featured pilot’s watch complete with chronograph and dual-time (GMT) complications. It’s no wonder that companies like Zenith and Girard-Perregaux chose Universal to build their chronographs back then!

Filed Under: Grails Tagged With: Aero-Compax, Chronograph, dead dial, Universal Genève, Universal Genève Aero-Compax

Breguet Type 20 French Military Flyback Chronograph

November 21, 2014 By Stephen Leave a Comment

I don’t usually talk about military watches, but this Breguet Type 20 caught my attention. It has fantastic patina, from the faded lume to the cracked crystal, and it represents a unique part of history. I’m not sure it’s worth the € 3,000 starting bid, but it might well be to an enthusiast.

Filed Under: Grails Tagged With: Breguet, Breguet Type 20, Chronograph, Flyback, Type 20, Valjoux 22, Valjoux 222

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