Now with a Twist

Over the past few months I have been a horrible, horrible, blogger. I really haven't done much with it, and I do feel pretty bad about that. There are several excuses but I'm sure the reason can be summed up with the word; malaise. I honestly wanted to write, and have been keeping up with the industry news, but I guess the muse just never struck me. I've also avoided activity in the forums, though I did visit for information. The passion was still there, just not the will...I guess. I know, I know...call the waaaahmbulance, Craig. I am hoping all that is about to change.

As I mentioned in previous articles I do some hobbyist watchmaking at home, well last night I attended my first watchmaking class through NorWest Voc'Tech here in Seattle. Though not a standardized course set up through WOSTEP, or SAWTA [the Swiss governing bodies of horological education], I am definitely in the hands of extremely capable instructors and fellow classmates whom I can learn from. The class is full of known area watchmakers including; Tom Payne, who is certified as a WOSTEP 'Train the Trainer' instructor and Mark Smith from Seattle Watch Repair. Through these gentleman I have also become a member of the local chapter of the NAWCC, and Washington Watchmakers - Clockmakers Association.

My class bench, with my "school" set of tools...I may have a problem.

Now here's the part about my first class that really got my attention; in the small class of about 10 people I met a guy who actually read 'The Escapement' a couple times. Now considering I thought that my wife and my mother were my only two readers; I was quite excited to meet someone who was familiar. Obviously, it was nice to hear. Also, talking to this person about watches opened me back up to what I love about it so much. Hence the article.

What does all this mean for 'The Escapement'? What's the twist? you ask Well it means that I'm simply going to add some articles here and there about my experiences in the class. I will avoid going into minutia of the classes, as I imagine not all readers would be into that much information.

You know, I just read this and realized how much I use the terms "I" and "me", sorry about that, that's just plain tacky. I'll do my best to not do that from here on out, unless it's a stated opinion article.

Ed. Note: The Fat Boys photo is an mini homage to a very close friend of mine...and yes, I was actually a big fan growing up...'Crushin' was my favorite album, so there.

Nicolas G. Hayek: 1928 - 2010

The Swatch Group announced today via press release that their co-founder and and Chairman; Nicolas G. Hayek unexpectedly passed away due to heart failure while at work today, June 28th in Biel, Switzerland.
Nicolas Hayek is often credited with single handily saving the Swiss watch industry after the quartz crisis in the late 70's and early 80's. As Chairman of the Swatch Group, which is the home of many well known moderate to high end brands, the decisions he made shaped the way the industry moved and kept it from nearly disappearing all together. Unfortunately with some decisions came controversy which had The Swatch Group investigated on more than one occasion for antitrust violations. His legacy will most certainly focus on this drive to keep the Swiss watch industry moving forward and the tactics he used to do so. Most recently Hayek announced that ETA, the largest watch movement manufacturer in Switzerland, and the one widely used in most Swiss Made pieces, was to stop selling blank [ebauche] movements to companies outside of The Swatch Group. At first this announcement was met with deep concern about the future of the industry, but Hayek stated he was doing so because the Swiss watch industry was lacking innovation. As of now the result of this decision has brought about many high end brands developing their own in-house movements.

Though most of his career focused on the Swiss watch industry Mr. Hayek was also instrumental in the development of the Smart Car in conjunction with Mercedes Benz.

It looks as though the announcement was made after the close of the Swiss market with their shares closing up 2.55% at CHF 325.40. He was considered one of Switzerland's most influential captains of industry so if there is any shareholder reaction to his passing it will be evident in early trading tomorrow.
Currently his son, Nick Hayek Jr. is the CEO of The Swatch Group.

Update: Today, June 30th, it was decided that Ms. Nayla Hayek [pictured below] will now serve as Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Swatch Group. Ms. Hayek previously served as Vice President. It can probably be presumed that she will continue the traditions that her father initially started during his tenure.

...Meanwhile Back at the Ranch

Well, hello there! After what was admittedly a much longer than expected hiatus I am very pleased to announce the [triumphant?] return of The Escapement Watch Blog to these here inter-webs!! The only real change that has occurred is that my home base is now in Seattle, Washington [for those not keeping track, I was previously in Boston, Massachusetts]. I am starting to discover that Seattle is quite the watch community, so in those regards I am extremely pleased with our decision to move to the left coast.

Essentially what happened was a big move across the country [in a U-Haul] for my wife and I, followed immediately by me joining a friend's band on a 30 city United States tour as a member of his road crew. I was going to attempt to write along the way, but honestly the hours were so wacky, and the tour was scheduled so tightly that any free time I had, I tended to sleep.

To those who are still paying attention; I want to extend a heartfelt thank you, and to those who happened to start following me on Facebook and Twitter whilst I was away...I want to sincerely apologize for what must have seemed like the most boring watch blog out there.

I am expecting to write at about the same pace as I had in the past. I have not given up, nor have I forgotten about my little corner of the web.

I very much appreciate your patience, and understanding. I look forward to serving you, the reader, to the best of my ability once again.

Why So Quiet?

As you may have noticed it's been a little bit of time since I last posted anything on The Escapement's blog and Twitter account. After several months of investigation and debate my wife and I decided to move across the US to Seattle Washington. The confirmation of the move came about a month ago so, as you can probably imagine, I have been spending most of my time getting my affairs in order and packing up our home. We are doing this the old fashion way, we are loading up our home and dog in a U-Haul truck and driving across the country. The idea is at once romantic and dreadful to me at the same time.

I will, of course, continue with The Escapement once things settle down for us a bit, hopefully I will have some cool watch related personal news as well. I will still try to keep active during this process, though the posts may be a little lighter than normal. I understand that we are about to hit BaselWorld and my timing couldn't be more "perfect"...but alas that's the way life happens.

In the meantime I wanted to suggest a few fellow watch blogs that I find to be great reads, and are run by down to earth people that offer several different perspectives on individual watches and the industry.

Perpetuelle: OK this one was a given, run by Kyle Stults this is the blog that I guest write for from time to time. Perpetuelle does an amazing job of up to the moment news and opinion in the luxury watch industry.

Hodinkee: Stated by Benjamin Clymer and his partner Dan Wieder; Hodinkee focuses mainly on vintage pieces, but they are certainly not limited to them. An informative, and fun read.

The Watch Lounge: Run by Tom Mulraney; I would deem this to be a casual fun place to keep up with the industry, watch reviews, and some amazing giveaways for readers. Keep an eye on "Weird Watch Wednesday" for some of the coolest watches the industry has ever produced.

aBlogtoRead: Ariel Adams labor of love. A very popular, and often cited, blog that covers everything from Swiss made master complications to the burgeoning Chinese industry that is rapidly becoming a factor that the traditional Swiss firms can no longer ignore.

There are many other blogs that I follow and I cannot possibly recall them all. If you go to The Escapement's Twitter account you can find a decent sized list.

I truly appreciate every reader that has every graced this page and I hope you understand why I have been taking this small break while my 'normal' life falls back into place.

BaselWorld 2010: Tissot Sailing Touch

This year at Basel Tissot will show off its latest version from their "Touch" collection. Coming off the popularity of their T-Touch Trekking watch, they have once again expanded the line with the "Sailing Touch" which has newly added functions directed towards those of you who find yourself having a kinship with the sea.

The original T-Touch is still quite a popular piece, and many know about all of its functions [compass, barometer, altimeter, chronograph, thermometer, and alarm] that are enacted by touching the crystal. Since its inception Tissot has listened to customer requests and updated the look of the watch and increased its water resistance to a full 100 meters, up from the originals 30 meter rating.

The Sailing Touch offers a few of the same functions as it's big brothers but two of them had to be swapped out for more nautical themed toys. The "Altimeter" and "Thermometer" have been replaced with a "Tide" calculator, and a "Regatta" countdown timer. The chronograph function is now marked by "Speed" on the dial. One other feature that was added for 2010 is a backlight on the digital portion of the watch. Sometimes it really is the small things, fans of the T-Touch line truly appreciate Tissot increasing water resistance and adding that backlight.


The look of the Sailing Touch is one of a refined sport sailing watch, with a well rounded case and colorful bezel that is marked to work with the regatta countdown timer. As with past versions the Sailing Touch is available on a rubber strap in black or white, with a folding clasp. The case is a solid 316L steel with a sapphire crystal, so you can touch away without any fears of scratching it.

The Sailing Touch will be available this year and sell for between $500.00 - 900.00, depending on the version. I bet you can't wait to get your hands on it....Well at least your finger.
Specs:

Movement	Quartz
Functions	Hours, minutes, weather (relative pressure), regatta (countdown), speed (chronograph with tachymeter), compass, 2 alarms, tide calculator, 2 time-zones, perpetual calendar and back-lighting
Case	316L stainless steel Scratch-resistant, anti-reflective tactile sapphire crystal Red, silvered or navy blue bezel with or without setting of 19 Top Wesselton VS/SI diamonds (0.8 to 0.85 ct) Water-resistant to 100 m
Dial	Black, silvered, navy blue or white lacquered
Bracelet/Strap	Black or white rubber, or rubber with 316L stainless steel, safety folding clasp

BaselWorld 2010 Preview Pt. VI

Continuing with today's sport watch mood; BaselWorld preview number six.

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DOXA

SUB 800 Ti Professional

Using a unique technology for the hourmarkers and hands, the SUB 800Ti guarantees extraordinary luminosity in conditions of the poorest visibility. Constructed in titanium, it is both highly resistant and light and meets the most exacting demands of deep-sea diving.

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PIERRE DEROCHE

GrandCliff TNT Penta

Both technical and entertaining, the GrandCliff TNT Penta chronograph reveals a composition of five resolutely high-tech disks. The two date discs come together at 12 o’clock, while the three others, made of eloxided aluminium, indicate the 60 minutes and 12 hours of the flyback chronograph, as well as the permanent seconds. Limited edition of 201 pieces.

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LUMINOX

Deep Dive

Luminox’s Deep Dive has been used for 20 years by the Navy Seal, America’s coast-guards, and by the legendary diver Stan Waterman. The brand’s new version is even more impressive, with water-resistance to 50 bar (500 m/1500 ft). Certified for professional use, it meets the stringent ISO 6425 norms for diving watches. A patent-pending blocking system for the bezel and crown protector, an automatic helium valve, and a case with special water-resistant gaskets are just some of its many characteristics. And if those weren’t enough, there is its unique Luminox Light Technology (LLT) system providing continuous illumination for 25 years thanks to the micro gas tubes that emit a blue glow, the last colour that the human eye is capable of distinguishing at great depths.

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GUCCI

Classic Watch

The most impressive model in the Gucci Classic collection, this chronograph embodies the quintessential Gucci style, inspired by a passion for sailing and nautical sports. Very sophisticated in its steel case and bracelet version, it becomes powerful and distinguished when presented in black PVD and a black or green rubber strap. No matter which of the two versions one chooses, one certainty remains: that of wearing a timepiece that is faithful to the brand’s codes, with the emblematic G in shiny filigree on the dial and the iconic green-red-green band. An inimitable signature, which makes each one of Gucci’s creations instantly recognisable.

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CATENA

Horseshoe Chronograph

Surprising and unique, the emblematic horseshoe by Catena is enhanced with black PVD and pink gold finishing, creating some very elegant contrasts between the case and dial. The chronograph, measuring time to 1/10 of a second, will satisfy the highest expectations of the man in search of contemporary elegance.

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CONCORD

C1 Code

Logical, methodical and highly efficient, the new C1 Code chronograph is making a statement. The algebraic formula above the dial expresses the structural complexity of the case and partially covers the impressive sapphire crystal. The equations are fitted around the various counters, an unequivocal assertion that Concord watches are supreme pieces of engineering.

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ALFEX

Black Light

Winner of the prestigious Chicago Athenaeum Good Design Award 2009, the Black Light attracts immediate attention. The world’s first three-dimensional wristwatch, it is very easy to read in the dark thanks to its Superluminova-coated sapphire crystal hourmarkers, with the hands turning underneath. Thanks to the skilful use of the day/night contrasts, its black dial reflects intense luminosity. By exceeding the parameters laid down by design and opening up new dimensions, Alfex confirms that it has always been – and always will be – a “design addict”.

BaselWorld 2010 Preview Pt. V

I decided that I would focus on a few sport watches for this preview. Enjoy!

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JOVIAL

Limited Edition 80 years

Growing younger by the year, Jovial has decided to extend the festivities of its 80th anniversary with a commemorative piece, the Limited Edition 80 years. The apotheosis of what has been a very emotional year for the brand, this piece embodies to perfection the sense of revival which has characterised the anniversary collection: a supremely innovative high-tech case of delicious chocolate-brown colour, contemporary materials and a skilfully orchestrated interplay of structures and volumes with the most meticulous finishing to create a perfect balance.

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WENGER

Led Nomad

A little treasure of sophistication, the Wenger LED Nomad is subtle and discreet despite its numerous digital and analogue functions. There are four pushpieces: one to display the central LED digital compass bearing and the arrow which appears under the Wenger cross logo, a second for the day of the week, a third for the date and month, and a fourth for the digital time in hours, minutes and seconds. Little doubt that today’s nomad will be attracted by this “1 pushpiece – 1 function” principle. The avant-garde design of this redoubtable multi-functional tool gives it plenty of punch.

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EMILE CHOURIET

Traveller

The models in the Traveller collection have an in-laid sailing boat on the dial to symbolise travelling and, thanks to a second time zone and large date, are transformed into very useful companions. Echoing the emblematic shape of the “wings of time”, the titanium case is both light and comfortable to wear.

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EBERHARD & Co

Tazio Nuvolari Edition Limitée Grand Prix en Or

Unfailing source of admiration for the Eberhard brand, the legendary racing driver Tazio Nuvolari has inspired a very exclusive red-gold series, reminiscent of vintage dashboards. While Eberhard has fully met the requirements of these instruments – clarity, legibility, precision and resistance – it has paid no less care and attention to the aesthetic aspect: a black gold-plated black dial for extra brilliance, a circular-grained flange, a ceramic bezel with tachometer scale, large counters, and striking contrasts between the black and red gold, sublimated by numerous red touches. Limited series of 123 pieces.

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ERNEST BOREL

Série Rocky II

Masculine, resolute and distinguished. A sporty design – a yellow dial for the punch and a bi-coloured strap for originality – combined with useful complications – large date, retrograde days and small seconds – make the Rocky II Series a must for men who want to express their individuality.

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ALTANUS

Elite Sport

A sporty model guaranteed to make an impact has now been added to Altanus’ emblematic Elite collection. The generously-sized case features a very contemporary bezel and pushpieces, offering a perfect setting for the animated dial. An extremely dynamic ensemble that is given impressive depth by the slide rule on the flange.

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ALPINA

12 Hours of Sebring

Alpina is the official timekeeper of the “12 hours of Sebring”, the race that opens the American Le Mans Series, and is celebrating the 58th edition of this legendary event with a limited series of 158 pieces. This chronograph has been built to meet the tough requirements of the celebrated Florida circuit, regarded as one of the main meets on the international agenda. The 12 Hours of Sebring watch offers drivers everything they need: precision, legibility, shock-resistance and reliability. And let’s not forget the opportunity to follow the 12 hours of Sebring on the chronograph’s 12-hour counter, or the GMT which enables the spectators, who have come from afar, to remain on their starting-blocks in two time zones! Limited and numbered edition sold in a special Sebring box.

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More previews to come!