REVOLUTION WATCH Issue 30

founder’s note

If you’ve made a mistake, the first step toward fixing it is to recognise that you’ve made a mistake and that you need to take responsibility for it. Which I am not entirely certain was something that Baselworld’s organisers were completely aware of. I think the point they missed was that many brands were at Basel more out of goodwill than necessity. In a world where a single image can be instantly disseminated around the globe, a trade show is a somewhat anachronistic concept. I think brands supported Baselworld because they wanted to do their part for the industry. It was Baselworld, not the brands and not their principals, that needed to engender a reciprocal sense of goodwill by reaching out to brands and demonstrating a willingness to change and…

editor’s note

Stepping into Messe Basel hall on the eve of the press preview of the fair made me realise just how dramatically the fair has changed in the last couple of years since I’ve skipped out on it, in part because there were others more deserving among my former colleagues of attending this exposition but also because I found myself able to take in a broader overview of the industry when I wasn’t ensconced in the midst of it all. That is what fascinates me as much as the actual mechanics of a cleverly designed movement, like Ludwig Oeschlin’s nine-component perpetual calendar module for ochs und junior that can be adjusted forwards and backwards. It’s certainly a feat of engineering that anyone can applaud. As legacy industries go, there are few…

revolution.watch

The Lange 1 Turns 25 This year is a truly significant one for A. Lange & Söhne. Not only does it mark the silver anniversary of their first watch launch, it’s also the 20th anniversary of the Datograph and the 10th anniversary of the Zeitwerk. Our in-depth series on Revolution.Watch covers how each Lange 1 model was conceived and designed since 1994. Casio’s G-Shock Turns 35 Ever since Mr Kikuo Ibe developed his parameters for a modern-day watch, the G-Shock has endured the most brutal testing measures and enjoyed the latest innovations in material design and construction. This year, the brand presents a new era of the G-Shock with a carbon fibre Core Guard Structure, as well as other aesthetic improvements. Read more on Revolution.Watch. The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Chocolate, now on Revolution’s…

breguet rides the waves with the new marine collection

Earlier this year, Montres Breguet celebrated its Marine Collection in Singapore in true nautical fashion. Overlooking the Marina Bay lagoon and situated across the Marina Bay Sands skyline, the Fullerton Pavilion was home to Breguet’s Marine timepieces for one night, comprising the marine chronometer-inspired pieces — including a time and date version, a chronograph, and the Marine Alarme Musicale 5547. The collection went through a revamped aesthetic, with changes in the fluting, the incorporation of an original bracelet lug, and emphasis on the ‘B’ on the crown. The recent watch novelty showcase at this year’s inaugural Time to Move by Swatch Group has since seen the Marine collection joined by additional feminine models. In the spirit of marine exploration, guests set sail through a virtual reality yachting experience hosted by SW…

montblanc opens a new flagship store at the shoppes at marine bay sands

Montblanc integrates the three main pillars of its craftsmanship – leather goods, writing instruments, and timepieces in a new dual space retail concept at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Before going through the black framed doors, a permanent pop-up space greets one within the vicinity, where the thematic setup will be decked out in the brand’s current limited edition launches. Since the launch of its opening, Montblanc is celebrating the spirit of travel and exploration, complemented by its latest 1858 timepiece collection and Montblanc x Pirelli Trolley travel accessories. Within the confines of its contemporary decor, the boutique houses a neat selection of its product ranges, beginning with a central Timepiece Gallery display. It showcases the brand’s acclaimed Heritage collection, including its TimeWalker pieces. Adjacent to it is the Leather Atelier corner,…

benedict cumberbatch and jaeger-lecoultre in london

Since Benedict Cumberbatch joined the cast of Jaeger-LeCoultre as one of its ambassadors last year, he’s visited the manufacture in Le Sentier and seen up close how its artisans spend hours perfecting each watch, assembling each complication and movement and applying rare traditional crafts to the dial and case. In an interview about his visit, the acclaimed actor explained: “[W]hat made the biggest impression on me was the legacy of skills from craftsmen who have worked there all their lives. I couldn’t believe the sheer dexterity of manual work going on there that I had assumed was done by a machine or computer. It was astounding to watch the enamel work on the back of a Reverso. Learning how mechanisms work, seeing their complexity up close and watching the Sphérotourbillon…