#independent watchmaking

[watchilove]

H. Moser & Cie. Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Unique Piece

H. Moser & Cie. has crafted the Streamliner Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Alpine Unique Piece, which will be auctioned to benefit the private non-profit foundation AQUA PEARLS, established by BWT (Best Water Technology) and its CEO Andreas Weissenbacher in 2016, supporting its mission to provide access to clean drinking water worldwide. BWT drives positive change beyond the racetrack. In a…

[finerthingsblogs]

Ming 18XX vs Ming 27XX: A Study in Slimline Elegance and Technical Innovation

Ming’s evolution as a leading independent watchmaker has seen the creation of multiple distinct collections, each representing a specific design philosophy and horological purpose. Among these, the 18XX and 27XX series stand out for their shared commitment to thinness, elegance, and innovation—but they take dramatically different paths in achieving those goals. The 18XX series showcases Ming’s…

[nijigasakilove]

Just one final episode of what’s been one of the best villainess shows ever left. Dunno what I’ll do without my weekly dose of Rishe and Arnold.

The firefly scene was so important for Rishe to get across to Arnold the sanctity of all life. In the future, at least in her previous lives, he’ll go on to start wars that kill thousands and thousands of innocent people so teaching him the value of even the most seemingly insignificant life is massive.

“Don’t make me have to get rid of you.” “should I become your wife I will still move to achieve my own aims . Even if that means you toss me aside” Yess, this is why I love Rishe so much. She’s such a strong and independent woman who just refuses to live any other way besides how she wants.

She obviously wants things to work out with Arnold and get him on the right path, but she’s not going to change who she is and conform. I feel like every time she says stuff like this something snaps in Arnold cause he not used to someone standing up to him 😂

“I want to tell you this over and over again I think your eyes are the most beautiful in the world” bro was so flustered after Rishe told him he had to call it a night there lol.

Despite the nice balcony talk with Arnold and Rishe it seems like she didn’t quite get thru to him with Kyle and the Coyolles negotiations. Arnold is still being an asshole to Kyle and rejecting the alliance. Was not expecting him to straight up say he can just take the watchmaking technology instead of sharing it with Coyolles.. even after Kyle’s impassioned speech there at the end Arnold brought his guard in so we’ll see what he’s playing at but it ain’t looking good.

Michel and Arnold are probably working together and that’s how michel was able to slip around the surveillance tail. Would line up with Arnold’s military ambitions.. gonna be an interesting finale for sure.

[stormethecat]

Sabotage Studio Announces Free Sea of Stars Update: Dawn of Equinox Bringing Top Fan-Requested Additions to PC and Consoles, Gains November Release Date

A Masterful Modernization of Classic RPGs will Receive Local Co-op, Refinements and More

Sea of Stars developer and publisher Sabotage Studio today announced Dawn of Equinox, a free content update for the award-winning turn-based RPG inspired by the golden era of ‘90s role-playing classics, will arrive on Nov. 12 for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

Following a year of incredible support from the Sea of Stars community, Dawn of Equinox is Sabotage Studio’s gift to thank more than 5 million players for their unwavering love and support for Sea of Stars. Dawn of Equinox includes some of the most requested features and improvements informed by feedback from players. The update represents Sabotage Studio’s fully realized vision for Sea of Stars’ spectacular adventure.

Dawn of Equinox features below the cut:

All-New Local Co-op: Sea of Stars’ story will be playable in its entirety by up to three players, with allies traversing the world together and mastering a new Co-op Timed Hits combat mechanic.

Combat 2.0: The addition of Mystery Locks brings a new gameplay loop around revealing the ways to break the spells of enemies each time a new type is encountered in battle. Along with “Reveal” functions added to some of the playable cast’s special skills, Combo Points now remain after battle, offering new ways to open certain encounters, or test different damage types on enemies to reveal their locks. A comprehensive balancing pass has also been done to reflect both these new changes and player feedback since launch.

A Revamped Prologue: Implementing combat for the young versions of our heroes, the updated flow does away with the flashback structure to begin in their childhood, directly including action in the prologue.

Bonus Cinematic Scene: An entirely new cutscene has been added to accentuate a pivotal moment in the original adventure, referred to as “Paths on Water”.

A Speedrunner Mode Relic: This new item activates a range of features helpful for those looking to set a new personal best or world record.

Difficulty Presets: Three difficulty options are now available when starting a new game, which are presets using the game’s Relics. New Relics have also been added, both for quality of life and difficulty adjustments.

Improved Parrot Relic: Sea of Stars’ secret-tracking parrot has learned a few new tricks to better assist players tracking down overlooked challenges and collectibles.

Quebecois Localization: A comprehensive French Canadian translation for Quebec’s finest Solstice Warriors.

Quality of Life Improvements: A constellation of general updates and improvements spanning Sea of Stars’ full campaign.

Dawn of Equinox arrives ahead of Throes of the Watchmaker, free DLC launching in Spring 2025 which will debut a completely new storyline, a new playable character and more as an encore to Sea of Stars’ original adventure. Throes of the Watchmaker will find Sea of Stars’ leading heroes Valere and Zale venturing into a magical miniature clockwork world threatened by a cursed carnival, which forces the Solstice Warriors to adapt to unfamiliar rules to fully master their Sun and Moon powers. The entirety of Throes of the Watchmaker will also be playable in the Local Co-op feature arriving in Dawn of Equinox.

Launched last summer to critical praise from media and fans before being recognized with accolades including Best Independent Game at The Game Awards, Sea of Stars has garnered more than 5 million players and is available across PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One for $34.99. It’s also free to subscribers to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.

For complete game information, please visit www.seaofstarsgame.co.

[garmgeyr]

Updates to Concept

// My writing process for Gallagher has been something of an experiment, so I've been making changes and trying new things continuously over the past 6 months. I haven't really made any official notes about it, but at this point, he's far enough away from my initial concept that I thought I should bring up the changes for those who might still think I'm writing him that way. Especially with the lore event and the potential to interact with new and old faces on the horizon.

This all, of course, is subject to change over the next several months now that Mr. Reca has been officially introduced and I wait for hoyo to prove or disprove a connection between them.

(Some mild 2.2 and 2.6 spoilers below)

First off, now that we know that Mr. Reca was likely the director for the Penacony main story, this opens up the possibility for Gallagher, as a virtual character, to have been created by Mr. Reca specifically for the story with the Trailblazer, and that Gallagher doesn't have any real connection to Mikhail or Penacony's history. This would mean that everything about him, not just parts, is completely fabricated and that he's basically Mr. Reca's OC for his Penacony fanfic. Cool concept, however, this possibility has me screaming into a cup (/neg) when it comes to RP.

None of my current HCs involve this theory. I'm simply putting it here as a disclaimer in case you see me completely rebuilding my concept for Gallagher in 3 or 4 months.

Changes in bullet format:

To avoid complicating things, I'm no longer writing Gallagher as an avatar for an off-screen History Fictionologist. From now on in my writing, italics won't denote this faceless History Fictionologist's thoughts or make any sort of separation between character and creator. Gallagher is simply Gallagher. This is a persona, but it's one that has its own life. The creator admits that the line between them and "Gallagher" have blurred so much that they can't separate themselves from him anymore, so the memories of the creator are Gallagher's, and vice versa.

My current concept is that Gallagher is at least the second persona that this unknown individual has taken on, and that the one that came before participated in the War of Independence. He built his persona from observing people all over Penacony, his history is half fabricated, his appearance is entirely fabricated, and he's the figure responsible for creating the story about the Watchmaker and his legacy. A new NPC (Ligeia) in Paperfold Academy talks about "a group of History Fictionologists" kidnapping Sunday, and while this rumor is about Sunday disappearing from the Grand Theater and not from Dewlight Pavilion, the fact that the Death of the Crow readable that she references is found in Dreamflux Reef in 2.2 instead of the Grand Theater gives me reason enough to believe that the "group of History Fictionologists" is indeed Gallagher. Likewise, this now gives a steadier foundation for connecting him to other instances when a "group of History Fictionologists" is mentioned, such as the attack on the amusement park. For the record, I don't necessarily think that the "Gallagher" is an individual or a collective. I believe that these rumors are just imperfect reflections of "his" influence.

Related to the above, I write Gallagher akin to a spirit of Penacony. The person we see in the story is 1) Trailblazer privilege and 2) a mode of communication. How he appears changes per person, and I've already begun to reference in threads this idea that he may look like Gallagher the Bloodhound or Gallagher the Drinksmith to one person, while at the same time appearing like a statue of a Hound to a passerby. His appearance is nebulous. This also explains why Siobhan doesn't seem to realize that he's a Bloodhound.

Gallagher, like the Origami Birds and other memetic entities, only shows himself to others when he wants. He doesn't "live" like an ordinary person and is more like an on-off switch, appearing when he's needed and disappearing when he has nothing to do. Like a Memokeeper, he can exist like this outside of Penacony, and I've completely gotten rid of the idea that he'll change his identity and name if he goes elsewhere. Felt weird for me to write. Gallagher is Gallagher.

Realistically, Gallagher would change his name and appearance by now, and if he travels to other worlds, but that gets complicated and weird fast. So to keep things easy on everyone, he'll be who we know as Gallagher in most cases. He'll be more likely to fake his name and identity for NPCs though.

Post-2.2, Gallagher the character is "dead" in Penacony, but in GH he's still kicking around. I'm updating what I wrote back in July about how he exists and doesn't know why to say that he hasn't changed, but everyone else's memories of him have. For the sake of writing him in GH, I'm treating him a bit like Santa Claus, conceptually. For those who still believe that he exists, then he does, but for those who believe that he's gone, then all they'll see is some ordinary man. Everyone who had contact with him should believe that he's dead or gone, but he can still be found in Penacony if one looks hard enough. For those who never met him in canon, it doesn't really matter. To them, Gallagher's story never happened, so meeting a drinksmith named Gallagher would just be like meeting any other random person. For those who did know him, however, I'll leave it up to the mun to recognize him post 2.2 or not. Enigmata obscures memory and perception, so in most cases he will be merely "the bartender" or "the Bloodhound" until the other character sees through the fog and calls him by the name they know him by. After which, he'll appear to them as Gallagher.

To simulate the idea of fictionalized history, I'll be writing Gallagher's posts exclusively in past tense starting with the next thread I start. Usually I match my partner's tense, but in this case, I want to capture the concept of something that has already happened and been recorded, but has been edited in some way afterwards.

[anemovisionuser]

Okay so here's what I got from 2.2

Character Motivations:

Acheron: Emanator of Nihility. She's there to give fulfill a promise made to a Galaxy ranger hero.

Sunday: Deviated from the Harmony when faced with the weakness of mankind. Sought to create a new paradise within a dream, created with the power of the Stellaron and the path of the Order.

Mikhail: the Watchmaker, ex-mechanic of the Astral Express.

Firefly: the first one who actually awoke. And actually dead(?). Or at least "dead" two times out of three.

Tiernan and Razalina: former Nameless. Tiernan is the galaxy ranger who met Acheron when he was old. Tiernan, Razalina and Mikhail fought for Penacony's independence from the IPC.

Penacony:

Penacony: ex prison of the IPC, now a grand hotel. It passed hands several times. Going from the IPC to the Nameless, to the Harmony, to the Order now. There was a war to take it back from the IPC. It is during that war that the three nameless Mikhail, Tiernan and Razalina decided to stay.

Dream-Penacony: We spend most time in Golden hour, extravagant city of all luxuries. The cost of the Dreamscape's existence is the slow decay of the dreamers' minds. Dreamflux Reef is also a zone of the Dreamscape, that the Family tries to hide from the public (?). Memoria is escaping from it, accelerating the Dream's collapse.

True Penacony (?): Land of Exiles. Water.

What happens:

We trailblazers are actually in the dream created by The Order/Sunday from the moment we make the jump with the Astral Express, just like everyone who was called to Penacony. This leads to the first "smooth-sailing" ending where we win against Sunday who's using the Choir (previously controlled by the Harmony)— this is basically just him showing us what we want to see.

We wake up from that thanks to Black Swan who points out a flaw in the dream (Misha). We gather with Robin, Boothill, Acheron etc... And beat him a second time. Still not awake. Bruh

What remains:

If I understand correctly, it's all the people in the dream who need to want to wake up for the Order's dream to actually collapse. My guess is that Aventurine will report from the land beyond the dream (the true Penacony/land of Exiles,that Firefly has seen as well (?) ), Boothill will bring enough dissonant minds, Robin will manage to unite everyone, and Acheron will destroy the dream. Maybe the Watchmaker's clock which is actually a compass will help.

That's all I got. Good luck

[butternuggets-blog]

FOR WANT OF A NAIL

@baldwin-montclair @adowobsessed @sylverdeclermont @nicki-mac-me @thereadersmuse @kynthiamoon @wheresthesunshinesblog @adowbaldwin @beautifulsoulsublime @lady-lazarus-declermont @adarafaelbarba-blog @dogblessyoutascha

Part Fourty-Eight

Summary:  Baldwin Montclair had a string of ex girlfriends, a single child, and a  lifetime longer than most people could dream of to make all kinds of  mistakes. His family knew one which kept coming out of the woodwork to  irritate him every other century

Also on AO3

'Come along!' Jaquob gestured for Yvette and the others to follow him as he walked down the dirt path towards the woods.

They had arranged the secret playdate weeks ago, carefully coordinating one another's schedules until everyone was available. The only other people who knew were Yvette and Jaquob's bodyguard Vincent, who had been tailing them, the other children's parents, Jaquob's mother Loyse, and Martin, who believed in fostering independence in his daughter.

'I hope that the apple tree you saw has fruit!' Honnorée was the youngest of seven, the daughter of weavers who had moved to Dôle in search of better prospects for their business. She had met Jaquob when he had come into her family's shop to buy a new basket as a birthday present for his mother, and the two nine-year-olds had become fast friends.

'I like apple with cheese' Porret's father was a watchmaker; he had made several clocks for Martin over the years, and his son had played with Yvette through many long business meetings.

'I hope there is blackberries!' Symonne was the daughter of a roofer and his wife, and had been introduced to Yvette when her father had taken a contract to make repairs to Martin's townhouse. 'I like blackberry jam.'

'They only grow in France' Yvette pat Symonne on the arm sympathetically as they stomped through the undergrowth.

'But we have blackberry jam at home!' Symonne looked at her friend, confused.

'Yes but it had to come from a long, long, long way away,' Yvette explained.

'I am not sure that is how food works' Symonne shook her head. Suddenly, they realised that the two of them and Porret had been slowly slipping behind, so the trio of four-year-olds linked hands and hurried after the older children.

****

The apple tree did have fruit on it, which they picked, and Honnorée had packed a sack of cheese and bread, so they settled down for a picnic in the middle of the clearing.

'I was introduced to Walraven yesterday' Honnorée said quietly.

'Walraven?!' Symonne, Yvette and Porret shrieked. Honnorée giggled at the look on their faces.

'Why did you not fetch me?!' Jaquob demanded.

They had been eagerly anticipating the arrival of Honnorée's fiancé for months. Walraven's father and Honnorée's had originally been members of the same guild, and had kept in touch when Walraven's father moved to the County of Flanders.

The children had been introduced to each other as long-distance friends as a joke, but as their friendship blossomed their parents began to actually consider a lovematch. Honnorée's parents had been careful to stress, however, that she was in no way obligated to see the engagement through, and the wedding would not take place until the children were at least sixteen.

'What is he like?' Yvette asked.

'He is kind,' Honnorée beamed.

'Good.' Jaquob nodded.

'I hope I marry someone kind' Yvette poked the ground next to her.

'Will you marry a prince?' Symonne asked excitedly. 'I wish I could marry a prince.'

'You would have a lot of things to do if you marry a prince,' Porret chimed in.

'I would not mind as long as he was kind,' said Yvette.

________________________________________________________________

'ɸatīr?'

'Mm?'

'Am I engaged to be wed?'

Martin nearly choked on his dinner.

Coughing into his napkin, Martin shuffled his chair closer to Yvette.

'Where has this question come from, dereling?'

'Honnorée is engaged.'

Martin smiled.

Of course.

Yvette was gazing up at him, curiosity lighting her eyes. His daughter and her friends had talked of nothing but the boy's arrival for weeks; he really should have seen this sort of question coming.

Martin slid out of his chair and knelt beside his daughter so he could look her in the eye.

'No, you are not engaged. Nor do I have any plans to sell you off to the highest bidder.' Martin took Yvette's hands in his own.

'Your health and happiness comes before anything else. And when you marry, I want it to be out of love, not obligation or duty.'

'Really?' Yvette asked, surprised.

'Yes. I want a daughter, not a legacy.'

Author's Notes

Dôle was the capital of the Free County of Burgundy (Franche-Comté). It was bordered by the Duchy of Burgundy to the west, and the Kingdom of Arles to the east. It was part of the Holy Roman Empire, and during the reign of Philip the Bold Dôle served as the centre of the county's new council and parliament.

Arranged marriages were not typical for peasants, as there was really no great material benefit for either party. Land owners, lesser and upper nobility, and royalty, didn't have the luxury of marrying for love and so arranged marriages were considered quite normal.

Most European nobles married quite young (as early as 12 or 13), and there have been famous examples of pregnant mothers as young as 14 years old (Lady Margaret Beaufort, for example). However peasants often got married in their 20s, and many women remained unmarried, or worked before entering into a marriage and continued to work after they were wed.

The County of Flanders was part of the Low Countries, located along the Nort Sea. It is now known as Belgium.

ɸatīr = father

"Even so after many centuries of people eating with their hands and wiping them on anything that came to hand, a version of a fabric napkin did make its appearance in the Middle Ages. Only to disappear from many tables with the introduction of the fork from Italy in the 17th century which took the mess out of eating." Talking Tables UK

dereling = darling (I used a Middle English spelling, because I couldn't find a Proto-Celtic spelling)

Martin is still writing Baldwin letters he won't send.

[brookston]

Holidays 11.3

Holidays

Autumn Lady’s Tresses Day

Civcil Aviation Workers’ Day (Belarus)

Cliché Day

Cuena Day (Ecuador)

Culture Day (a.k.a. Bunka no hi; Japan)

Day of Artillery & Rocket Forces (Ukraine)

Day of the Mountain Troops (Romania)

End Gossip Day

Engineering Troops Day (Ukraine)

Flag Day (Palestine; United Arab Emirates)

Give Someone a Dollar Today Day

Godzilla Day (Japan)

Housewives (or Housewife's) Day

Hubertus (Poland)

International Day for Biosphere Reserves

International Day of Jewelers & Watchmakers

International Science Joke Day

International Stonework Play Day

Jerusalem Artichoke Day (French Republic)

Let Someone Have the Last Word Day

Manga Day (Japan)

Mother’s Day (East Timor)

National Accessory Day

National Advent Calendar Day

National Canine Companion Graduation Day

National Homemaker Day (f.k.a. National Housewife’s Day)

National Jigsaw Day (UK)

National Landlord Day

National Smart Home Day

National Women’s Day (East Timor)

Separation Day (Panama)

Serpent’s Dance (Elder Scrolls)

Smart Home Day

SOS Day

Tunnel Day (New York)

Victory Day (Maldives)

Washing Machine Day

World Basking Shark Day

World Cosplay Day

World Jellyfish Day

World One Health Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

National Sandwich Day

Independence & Related Days

Cuenca Independence Day (Ecuador)

Dominica (from UK, 1978)

Leylandiistan & Gurvata (Declared; 2012) [unrecognized]

Micronesia (from US, 1986)

Panama (from Colombia, 1903)

Richensland (Declared; 2020) [unrecognized]

1st Sunday in November

All Saints' Day (Denmark) [1st Sunday]

Beteoapo Day (Southeastern Cross-Quarter; Aretéanism) [1st Sunday] (Be Excellent to Each Other, and Party On!)

Festival of Incompetence [1st Sunday]

Grandparents’ Day (Australia) [1st Sunday]

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church [1st Sunday]

National Day of Remembrance for Americans Killed by Illegal Aliens [1st Sunday]

National Sleep-In Day [1st Sunday]

Seven For Sunday [Every Sunday]

Snack Sunday [1st Sunday of Each Month]

Social Workers’ Day (Ukraine) [1st Sunday]

Spiritual Sunday [1st Sunday of Each Month]

Start Over Sunday [1st Sunday of Each Month]

Sundae Sunday [Every Sunday]

Sunday Funday [Every Sunday]

TransParent Day [1st Sunday]

World Meditation Day [1st Sunday of Every Month]

Zero-Tasking Day [1st Sunday]

Weekly Holidays beginning November 3 (1st Full Week of November)

American Art Week (thru 11.9) [1st Full Week]

Bird Health Awareness Week (thru 11.9) [1st Full Week]

Drowsy Driving Prevention Week (thru 11.9) [1st Full Week]

Give Wildlife a Brake Week (thru 11.9) [1st Full Week]

National Allied Health Week (thru 11.9) [1st Full Week]

National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week Week (thru 11.9) [1st Full Week]

National Fig Week (thru 11.9) [1st Full Week]

National Diabetes Education Week (thru 11.9) [1st Full Week]

National Public Week (thru 11.9) [1st Full Week]

National Radiological Technology Week (thru 11.9) [1st Full Week]

National Vocation Awareness Week (thru 11.9) [1st Full Week]

Polar Bear Week (thru 11.9) [1st Full Week]

World Communication Week (thru 11.9) [1st Full Week]

Festivals Beginning November 3, 2024

Africa International Film Festival (Lagos, Nigeria) [thru 11.9]

The Bloody Mary Festival (Denver, Colorado)

Greenville FunFest (Greenville, South Carolina)

Harvest Home Festival & 5K Run (North Grafton, Massachusetts)

New England Christmas Festival (Uncasville, Connecticut) [thru 11.5]

Pack Expo International (Chicago, Illinois) [thru 11.6]

Vladivostok International Jazz Festival (Vladivostok, Russia) [thru 11.22]

Feast Days

Acepsimas of Hnaita and companions (Greek Orthodox Church)

Ambrose Bierce Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

André Malraux (Writerism)

Annibale Carracci (Artology)

Benvenuto Cellini (Artology)

Betcha Festival (Japan)

Clydog (Christian; Saint)

Cristiolus (Christian; Saint)

Diwali, Day 4 (Hindu, Jain, Sikh), a.k.a. ... 

Day of Cowdung (Krishna)

Day of Oxen

Day of Self (Newar)

Gobardhan Puja (Krishna)

Goru Puja

Goru Tihar

Mha Puja (Newar)

Ed Murawinski (Artology)

Elias I of Antioch (Syriac Orthodox Church)

Ermengol (a.k.a. Hermengaudius; Christian; Saint)

Flour (Christian; Saint)

Gaudiosus of Tarazona (Christian; Saint)

Goseki Kojima (Artology)

Gustaf Tenggren (Artology)

Gwenfrewi (Celtic Book of Days)

Gwenhael (Christian; Saint)

Hegel (Positivist; Saint)

Hilaria (a.k.a. Cybele’s day; Day of Joy and Old Roman Spring Festival; Ancient Rome) [also 3.25]

Hubertus (a.k.a. Hubert; Christian; Saint) [Belgium]

Isia (Rebirth of Osiris Festival; Ancient Egypt; Everyday Wicca)

Isis Cult Feast (Ancient Rome)

Isis/Osiris Mysteries VII (Pagan)

Jesús Blasco (Artology)

Kissing Frogs Day (Pastafarian)

Libertine (Christian; Saint)

Lois Mailou Jones (Artology)

Malachy O' More (Christian; Saint)

Manuel Lozano Garrido (Christian; Blessed)

Martin Cruz Smith (Writerism)

Martin de Porres (Christian; Saint)

Papulus (Christian; Saint)

Parsley Scattering Season Ends (Shamanism)

Pirmin (a.k.a. Priminius; Christian; Saint)

QuestPit Pitch Day

Richard Hooker (Anglican Communion)

Rumwold of Buckingham (a.k.a. Rumbald or Rumald; Christian; Saint)

Rupert Mayer (Christian; Blessed)

Silvia (Christian; Saint)

Small Furry Creatures Appreciation Day (Pastafarian)

Takao Saito (Artology)

Terence McNally (Writerism)

Whizzy (Muppetism)

Willian Cullen Bryant (Writerism)

Winifrede (Christian; Saint)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Fatal Day (Pagan) [21 of 24]

Prime Number Day: 307 [63 of 72]

Shakku (赤口 Japan) [Bad luck all day, except at noon.]

Unfortunate Day (Pagan) [52 of 57]

Premieres

Abandoned Luncheonette, by Hall and Oates (Album; 1973)

At the Hop, by Danny and the Juniors (Song; 1957)

… Baby One More Time, by Britney Spears (Song; 1998)

Borat (Film; 2006)

Carrie (Film; 1976)

Charlie’s Angels (Film; 2000)

Different Strokes (TV Series; 1978)

Dune: Part 2 (Film; 2023)

The Fabulous Johnny Cash, by Johnny Cash (Album; 1958)

Fiddler on the Roof (Film; 1971)

Flushed Away (Animated Aardman Film; 2006)

The Goddess of Spring (Silly Symphony Disney Cartoon; 1934)

The Golden Apples of the Sun, by Ray Bradbury (Short Story; 1953)

Good Morning America (TV Morning Show; 1975)

Great Balls of Fire, by Jerry Lee Lewis (Song; 1957)

Guys and Dolls (Film; 1955)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Film; 2002) [#2]

Hawks & Doves, by Neil Young (Album; 1980)

His Dark Materials (UK TV Series; 2019)

Hold That Pose (Disney Cartoon; 1950)

I Will Always Love You, Whitney Houston version (Song; 1992)

Jittery Jester (Woody Woodpecker Carton; 1958)

Lady Bird (Film; 2017)

The Mad Hatter (Color Rhapsody Cartoon; 1940)

The Nanny (TV Series; 1993)

The Navy (Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cartoon; 1930)

Never Sock a Baby (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1939)

Ninotchka (Film; 1939)

One Mouse in a Million (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1939)

Pippi Longstocking, by Astrid Lindgren (Children’s Book; 1945)

Puss in Boots (Ub Iwerks Laugh-O-Grams Cartoon; 1922)

Rage Against the Machine, by Rage Against the Machine (Album; 1992)

Red Queen to Gryphon Three, by Gryphon (Album; 1974)

Salt Water Taffy (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1930)

Sleepy Time Possum (WB MM Cartoon; 1951)

So Lonely, by the Police (Song; 1978)

Thank U, Next, by Ariana Grande (Song; 2018)

Thor: Ragnarok (Film; 2017)

Tokyo Story (Film; 1953)

Unbelievable, by EMF (Song; 1990)

The Village Blacksmith, featuring Farmer Al Falfa (Terrytoons Cartoon; 1933)

The Voice of the Turkey (Noveltoons Cartoon; 1950)

Wild and Woolfy (Tex Avery Droopy MGM Cartoon; 1945)

Today’s Name Days

Hubert, Martin, Pirmin, Rupert, Silvia (Austria)

Hubert, Martin, Silvija, Tvrtko (Croatia)

Hubert (Czech Republic)

Hubertus (Denmark)

Kaido, Kaidu, Kaimar, Kaimo, Kairo, Kaivo (Estonia)

Terho (Finland)

Gwenaël, Hubert (France)

Hubert, Martin, Pirmin, Silvia (Germany)

Győző (Hungary)

Amico, Giusto, Silvia (Italy)

Dagnija, Ērika (Latvia)

Hubertas, Silvija, Vidmantas (Lithuania)

Raymond, Roy (Norway)

Bogumił, Cezary, Chwalisław, Hubert, Huberta, Sylwia (Poland)

Achepsima, Aitala, Iosif (Romania)

Hubert (Slovakia)

Martín, Silvia (Spain)

Hubert, Hugo (Sweden)

Hobart, Hubert, Huberta, Malachi, Silvia, Sylvia, Winfred, Winifred, Winnie (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 308 of 2024; 58 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 7 of Week 44 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Hagal (Hailstone) [Day 8 of 28]

Chinese: Month 10 (Yi-Hai), Day 3 (Xin-Wei)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 2 Heshvan 5785

Islamic: 1 Jumada I 1446

J Cal: 8 Wood; Oneday [8 of 30]

Julian: 21 October 2024

Moon: 4%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 28 Descartes (11th Month) [Hume]

Runic Half Month: Wyn (Joy) [Day 12 of 15]

Season: Autumn or Fall (Day 42 of 90)

Week: 1st Full Week of November

Zodiac: Scorpio (Day 11 of 30)

[ervbt]

Switzerland: Land of Rich History, Diverse Culture, and Pristine Landscape

Switzerland a picturesque European country is known for its stunning landscapes which history and vibrant culture in the middle ages, it was a patchwork of cantons, united through the Swiss confederation. Despite their independence, the Swiss remain neutral during conflicts, making the country a haven of diplomacy. In 1848, the Swiss federal state was established solidifying modern Switzerland's political structure. The country's policy of armed neutrality during the world wars therefore enhanced its reputation for peace, Swiss society is characterize by its diversity. The country's population is a mix of German, French, Italian, and Romans speakers. Its linguistic diversity reflects the coexistence of different cultural traditions and values, contributing to a multicultural society. The Swiss are known for their strong sense of community, punctuality, and precision.

During my visit in Switzerland I spend $70 to $100 per day and this includes staying in budget accomodations, eating budget restaurants, and using public transportation. But for mid range travelers, you can expect to spend around $200 to $300 per day. Switzerland has strict regulations that visitors should be aware of. It is essential and maintain cleanliness. Also, Switzerland is known for its impeccable public transportation, and understanding the timetables and ticketing system is crucial for an enjoyable visit.

Switzerland's culture and traditions are deeply rooted in its diverse linguistic regions, each in its own unique customs and heritage. And some of the Swiss culture and tradition are;

Religious Traditions:

Switzerland has a history of religious diversity. While the majority of Swiss are Christian, there is a significant Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu presence.

Customs and Etiquette:

Swiss people are known for their punctuality, precision, and a strong sense of community. Greeting with a firm handshake is customary, and addressing people by their title and surname is a sign of respect.

Architecture:

Swiss architecture reflects the country's diverse cultural influences. You can find charming chalets in the Alpine regions and historic cities with well-preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings.

Sports and Recreation:

Switzerland is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering are popular activities in the Alps during the winter, while hiking and mountain biking are enjoyed in the summer

Arts and Crafts:

Switzerland has a strong tradition of craftsmanship. Swiss watchmaking is legendary for its precision and quality

Cuisine:

Swiss cuisine is influenced by neighboring countries. Fondue and raclette, both cheese-based dishes, are Swiss staples.

Music and Dance:

Switzerland has a rich musical tradition. The Alpine region is known for yodeling, and the accordion is a common instrument in Swiss folk music.

Festivals and Celebrations:

Fasnacht (Carnival): Fasnacht is a lively pre-Lenten carnival celebrated in various Swiss cities, with Basel's carnival being the most famous. Participants wear elaborate costumes and masks, and there are parades, music, and traditional foods.

Alpabzug (Cattle Descent): This is a traditional celebration when cows are brought down from the Alpine pastures to the valleys in late summer. It's marked by festive processions, music, and traditional alpine costumes.

Linguistic Diversity: Switzerland is a multilingual country with four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. This linguistic diversity is a significant part of Swiss identity.

The coexistence of these diverse cultural and traditional elements contributes to a rich and vibrant cultural tapestry. I had the opportunity to immerse in the unique blend of cultures and traditions while experiencing the breathtaking natural beauty of the country.

Switzerland celebrates its national day, known as "Swiss National Day", on August 1st each year. This celebration marks the historic funding of the Swiss confederation in 1291. Festivities include fireworks, parades, and gatherings in towns and cities flags and enjoy traditional Swiss foods, including raclette and fondae. Swiss National Day is a time for the people of Switzerland to come together and commemorate their shared culture, history, and unity as a nation.

About the country's climate, it varies base on location and altitude. The alpine regions have cold winters and mild summers, making them ideal for winter sports. The lowlands experience milder winters and warmer summers. Swiss weather can be unpredictable, so its wise to dress in layers and be prepared for sudden changes.

Switzerland is a country that seamlessly combines a rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Wether you are exploring its historic cities, indulging in delectable cuisine, or taking in the stunning Alpine landscapes, Switzerland offers a wonderful experience that I will never forget.

[haggishlyhagging]

Hazel Hunkins was born in Aspen, Colorado, USA on 6th June 1890. Her mother, Ann Whittingham, had been born in England and emigrated to America as a young child. Her father, a Civil War veteran, Lewis Hunkins, was from Massachusetts, and was a jeweller and watchmaker: he died when she was thirteen, but this did not prevent her from attending Vassar College, although in order to qualify she had to go to Mt Ida school to remedy some of the defects of her local education system. But early this century Hazel Hunkins demonstrated a determination that is not all that common among women today despite the twentieth century ‘achievements’: she wanted to be a scientist.

Her childhood, she says, in Billings, Montana, was as happy as any child could wish and was crowned with four glorious years at Vassar and then a wonderful job when she graduated in 1913. For three years she taught at the University of Missouri and began working on a Master's Degree in chemistry (on the possible differences between atomic weight of a lead extract and radio active rock), immensely enjoying her work - and her independence. But then her mother became ill and she was called home: 'Although my brother was at home it was the girl who was the one who had to come home and take care of parents.' she said. She gave up her job, and her research (which was never completed) and returned to her home town.

'I was just stuck there,' she said; and there was nothing she could do. There was temporary relief when she got a job in the local high school and thought she would be teaching science - but her hopes were quickly dashed when she found that was not to be.

'I had spent years being trained as a chemist. I had taken every chemistry course there was at Vassar and I thought I'd be able to teach chemistry. Then I discovered, "Oh no, we only have men teaching chemistry and physics - you will have to teach geography and botany." I knew nothing about botany. I knew nothing about geography. But that's what I had to teach. Only men had chemistry and physics - and so that was one of my first real blows about the limitations that were placed on women. It wasn't very tragic, but to a young girl it was tragic.' (Hunkins Hallinan, 1977)

Then came the summer, the summer of 1916: 'It was a summer of despair and unhappiness,' Hazel Hunkins Hallinan said, 'I was just waiting for time to pass.' At twenty-six, highly trained, wanting to work and do something worthwhile, wanting a purpose, and independence, she was forced into this passive and unpalatable existence. She had systematically written to every chemistry laboratory from one side of the United States to the other trying to obtain a job as an industrial chemist: her applications and correspondence were feet high. And she had for her efforts received over two hundred letters of rejection which simply stated 'We do not employ women as chemists.'

In her opinion many women come to understand the nature and extent of their oppression through their experiences in the workforce. Childhood, school, and even college can provide a relatively protected space where it is possible to rationalise that women are free to make their own choices and to stand or fall by their own efforts. But when confronted with blatant discrimination in employment this rationalisation can quickly disappear and women are obliged to face the fact that they are women and that their choices and opportunities are circumscribed - in the interest of men. It was the acknowledgment that she could not by her own efforts shape her own life and that this was the case for women in general that made a fervid feminist of Hazel Hunkins Hallinan.

-Dale Spender, There’s Always Been a Women’s Movement This Century

[wefancywatch]

Mirrored Force Resonance by ARMIN STROM, an independent watchmaking brand.

[watchilove]

Unveiling the Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton Boutique Edition - A Masterpiece of Exquisite Watchmaking signed H. Moser & Cie.

In a harmonious blend of advanced craftsmanship and opulence, the Streamliner Tourbillon Skeleton Boutique Edition by H. Moser & Cie. emerges as a beacon of sophistication. This exclusive timepiece, presented for the first time at H. Moser & Cie.‘s newest boutique in Menlo Park, California, epitomizes the brand’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of Haute Horlogerie, marrying contemporary…

[seagullwatches]

Seagull ST19 Movement: The Evolutionary Journey from Swiss Venus to Chinese Legend

When discussing mechanical chronograph movements, one of the most fascinating stories in horology is the transformation of the Swiss Venus 175 into what is now known as the Seagull ST19. This movement not only represents a significant milestone in Chinese watchmaking but also showcases China’s ability to refine and improve upon an already esteemed Swiss design. The journey from Venus 175 to ST19 is a testament to Seagull’s relentless pursuit of innovation and precision in the world of horology.

The Swiss Venus 175: A Foundation of Excellence

The story of the Seagull ST19 movement begins in the mid-20th century with the Venus 175, a column-wheel chronograph movement developed by the Swiss manufacturer Venus. Known for its smooth actuation and mechanical reliability, the Venus 175 was a preferred choice for many luxury timepieces during its era. However, as Swiss watchmaking technology advanced and production costs rose, Venus sought to modernize its product line by replacing the 175 with more cost-effective cam-actuated chronographs. This led to the sale of the Venus 175 tooling and blueprints to China in the early 1960s.

China’s Acquisition and the Birth of the ST19

In 1961, the Tianjin Watch Factory (which would later become Seagull) acquired the complete production machinery and intellectual property for the Venus 175. The movement was intended to be used in timepieces for military pilots in the Chinese Air Force. Seagull’s engineers meticulously studied and refined the movement, ensuring that it met the demanding requirements of precision and durability needed for aviation use. By 1963, the first batch of Chinese-made chronographs featuring the adapted Venus 175 movement was successfully produced, marking the birth of the ST19.

Key Improvements: How ST19 Evolved Beyond Venus 175

While the ST19 retains the core structure and column-wheel mechanism of the Venus 175, Seagull has implemented several advancements to enhance its performance and reliability:

Enhanced Manufacturing Precision

The ST19 benefits from modernized production techniques that allow for tighter tolerances and improved durability. With the adoption of CNC machining and updated assembly procedures, the movement operates with greater accuracy and consistency compared to its Swiss predecessor.

Higher Jewel Count

One of the refinements made by Seagull was increasing the jewel count, which helps to reduce friction and improve the movement’s longevity. This advancement has contributed to the ST19’s reputation for long-term reliability.

Expanded Production and Versatility

Unlike the Venus 175, which was used primarily in Swiss luxury chronographs of the mid-20th century, the ST19 has been adapted for a wide range of modern applications. Today, the movement powers not only aviation-inspired chronographs but also a variety of mechanical timepieces available to collectors worldwide.

Decoration and Finishing

Seagull has also refined the aesthetics of the ST19, offering variants with blued screws, Geneva stripes, and other decorative enhancements that appeal to watch enthusiasts who appreciate fine craftsmanship.

The Global Recognition of the ST19

Over the years, the Seagull ST19 has gained a dedicated following among horology enthusiasts and collectors. Its combination of Swiss heritage, Chinese innovation, and exceptional value has made it one of the most respected mechanical chronograph movements in the industry. Many independent watch brands have incorporated the ST19 into their timepieces, further cementing its place in global watchmaking.

Today, Seagull continues to refine and evolve its mechanical movements, pushing the boundaries of precision and craftsmanship. The success of the ST19 is not just a story of adaptation but one of evolution, demonstrating how China has transformed a historic Swiss movement into a modern masterpiece.

For those seeking a timepiece with a rich historical background, robust mechanical performance, and a touch of aviation heritage, a watch powered by the Seagull ST19 remains an exceptional choice.

To check out Seagull watches: https://seagullwatches.com/

[twatchesmall]

Louis Erard once again joins hands with independent watchmaker Vianney Halter to launch a new joint watch - Régulateur Louis Erard x Vianney Halter Chapter II

Louis Erard has once again joined hands with Vianney Halter, the master of independent watchmaking, to present a new co-branded watch, the Régulateur Louis Erard x Vianney Halter Chapter II. The limited edition of 178 pieces continues the aesthetics of Steam Pang and incorporates more symbolic design language, and is another innovative result of the collaboration between the brand and the watchmaker.

Since the brand's inception, Louis Erard has continued to expand its portfolio of special editions through collaborations with watchmakers and designers. Collaborations with Kudoke, Alain Silberstein, Cédric Johner and Massena LAB are among the brand's innovative expressions in design and craftsmanship. This is the second collaboration between Louis Erard and Vianney Halter, and Sensei inherits Halter's classic Antiqua design style, with more modern elements. Régulateur Louis Erard x Vianney Halter II combines the design language of Steam Ponk with the classic watchmaking process to reinterpret the traditional Régulateur three-point line, revealing Halter's emphasis on detail and its unique design qualities.

With steam pneumonics at its core, the new watch combines ancient futurism and deconstructive aesthetics to show a double charm. With a diameter of 43 mm and a thickness of 10.95 mm, the case adopts a three-piece structure of stainless steel, with polishing and haze hair texture to create a rich and delicate appearance. The watch ring is adorned with 12 rose gold polished hammers, which are designed with a striking steam punk character and structural beauty. The crown shifted to 2 o'clock is inlaid with a rose gold hammer, which echoes the inclined layout of the movement and the language of the bezel design. The curved lugs are ergonomically designed for comfort and stability, and the lugs are spaced at 49.6 mm for a more elegant and sleek shape.

The design of the watch is ingenious, with a pen-type blue steel indicator for the central disc, an eccentric hour at 11 o'clock and a small seconds at 5 o'clock. Through a special inclined layout, an asymmetrical dynamic aesthetic is revealed. The minute scale ring is designed with raised design, with Louis Erard and Vianney Haller logos and red gold or bronze rings for added depth and visual tension. The ring is round-strapped and diamond-cut chamfered and dotted with black transcribing scales to highlight the fine craftsmanship of watchmaking. Depending on the version, the watch base is available in either a red and gold or a gold and gold color scheme, with the retail model being a red gold base with a gold trim ring, while the brand's official website model is reversed with a gold and red gold trim ring.

The watch lens is made of double-sided anti-glare bluestone crystal glass for clear vision and exceptional durability. The strap is made of dark brown grained calfskin, with a tonal sewing cable and a black inner sleeve for both comfort and elegance, and a quick-release design allows the wearer to easily change the strap to meet the needs of personalization. The overall design strikes a perfect balance between the ancient and the modern, and the dual value of design and craftsmanship can be felt, whether worn for everyday wear or collectible.

This watch is equipped with a Sellita SW266-1 self-winding movement, which oscillates 28,800 vibrations per hour and has a power storage of about 38 hours, making it stable and reliable for daily use. The transparent backing showcases a special Hollow Automator Wheel, which is inspired by the Louis Erard logo and features 5N rose gold electro-silver craftsmanship in a meticulous design that fully demonstrates the brand's pursuit of the art of watchmaking.

This imitation watches is water-resistant to 50 metres, making it ideal for everyday use. The dark brown grained calfskin strap is not only equipped with a quick-release design, but also comes with a stainless steel buckle for a flexible and comfortable fit. Limited to 178 pieces, each with a limited edition number, this co-branded watch showcases the high degree of integration between design and technology, as well as the brand's and master's profound interpretation of the concept of "Endless Prosperity and Prosperity".

The second collaboration between Louis Erard and Vianney Hater combines the two parties' quests for watchmaking aesthetics and craftsmanship to further explore the possibilities of revival, futurism and modern design. With its limited edition and unique design, the Régulateur Louis Erard x Vianney Halter II embodies the creative spark sparked by the collaboration between the brand and the masters.

[finerthingsblogs]

Ming 20XX vs Ming 37XX: A Vision of Utility and Conceptual Luxury

Ming continues to evolve as one of the most respected independent watch brands by straddling utility and artistry. With the 20XX series, Ming explores a more function-first approach to watchmaking, introducing dive-capable, high-precision tool watches designed for daily robustness. On the other hand, the 37XX series showcases Ming’s most ambitious designs, pushing aesthetic boundaries with…

[cleverhottubmiracle]

In the cover story of this month’s Vogue Czechoslovakia, Milla Jovovich is pictured wearing a gold watch on a pale turquoise strap. To most, it’s just another watch. But those in the know will recognise it as something more: the $200,000 Orb, made by Vanguart, one of a new generation of ultra-luxe independent brands vying to become the next big thing in high-end watchmaking.A decade ago, watch collecting was dominated by legacy names such as Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, with a supporting cast of breakthrough independents, among them MB&F, Urwerk and F. P. Journe. Today, attention is turning to a new elite: independent dial names that have sprung up in recent years like Vanguart, Biver, David Candaux and the rising Japanese star Hajime Asaoka, whose tourbillon watches now hammer at auction for upwards of $350,000.“People are hungry for these types of brands,” says Yoni Ben-Yehuda, head of watches at the US-based rare luxury goods dealer Material Good, North America’s only stockist of Vanguart and Biver watches. “They are famished for the community and connection that the independent brands offer in a way some of the legacy brands don’t. People who love collecting and got lost at sea during Covid are finding themselves in brands like Vanguart.” Vanguart makes an interesting case study of this shift. Despite being founded in 2017, until recently, few knew the name. It released its first watch in 2021, the $350,000 Black Hole Tourbillon, but it was only when the hand-engraved piece-unique Yas Edition of the watch sold to an unnamed collector for 750,000 Swiss francs ($852,000) early last year that the watch community really started to take notice. “Our watches are for the sort of people that have everything in the world and want something very different,” says Mehmet Korutürk, president and co-founder of Vanguart. “Our clients are A-list royals and heads of state, and our first collector was one of the top three collectors in the world, from the Middle East. They were the first catalysts that grew the brand.”In return for their investment, buyers get novel, esoteric, high-end watch complications, such as the Orb’s highly unusual facility to switch between manual and automatic winding, and experimental designs that fuse gold or titanium with rubber. On top of that, they receive the promise of exclusivity: Only 24 Black Hole Tourbillons are so far slated for production, eight each in titanium, rose gold and white gold. And of course, unlike at legacy brands, the creators are very much still alive and accessible, a boon to wealthy watch collectors.“Collectors who buy this level of watches bet on a brand that has the potential to grow in the future,” Korutürk says. (Vanguart) Korutürk’s introduction to top-end luxury watches came when he was working in Formula 1 with Genii Capital, an international financial advisory and investment firm based in Luxembourg. Genii was the majority owner of the Lotus F1 Team, which was sponsored by Richard Mille, a Swiss company founded in 2001 that is often regarded as the first contemporary maker of uber-luxe, high-tech watches with dizzying price points. Richard Mille shows just how far a successful watchmaking startup can grow. The 24-year-old brand has become one of the industry’s most powerful names, with watches that sell for six- and even seven-figure sums and that are currently being modelled by seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton as part of the brand’s sponsorship of his new team Ferrari. The company has quickly overtaken many heritage brands, including watchmakers’ with histories stretching back hundreds of years. According to Morgan Stanley estimates, Richard Mille’s annual revenues reached 1.55 billion Swiss francs last year, which would make it Switzerland’s sixth largest watchmaker by sales. Low volumes and high prices are a key part of the formula: Its average watch retail price is estimated at 270,000 Swiss francs.Off the back of his experience with Lotus F1 and Richard Mille, Korutürk founded an agency that oversaw a collaboration between watchmaker HYT and Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose. Through that project, he met Axel Leuenberger and Jeremy Frelechoux, two expert watchmakers who worked for Renaud et Papi, the renowned Swiss high-end movement specialist majority owned by Audemars Piguet. After two years of talks, the trio joined with Thierry Fischer, a prolific watch designer and CG artist who had previously created watches for Audemars Piguet, Jacob & Co. and Harry Winston, to create Vanguart. Fischer became Vanguart’s creative director.Four years of development and Covid delays later, Vanguart released the Black Hole Tourbillon. Then, in 2024, it debuted the Orb, which retails from $165,000 and features that unusual winding switch function that, in Korutürk’s words, is intended to “arouse people’s curiosity.” So far, he says, the company has sold around 50 watches. This year, Korutürk says Vanguart will increase production to around 100 watches following another round of investment. The brand’s investors now include “one of the wealthiest people in the world,” Korutürk says, without disclosing his backer’s identity. To seed Vanguart watches in the market, Korutürk says he leans heavily on his network in fashion (“the Missonis are my personal friends”), a sector he believes is still largely untapped by the watch industry. “The marketing side of watchmaking is still a bit old-school,” he says. “I’m a social person with a lot of contacts in sport, movies and fashion. So everything happens organically. Slowly, people talk, and now it’s becoming bigger and bigger.”Vanguart watches have been spotted on the wrists of Michael B. Jordan, Maye Musk, Bad Bunny and James Harden. And at the beginning of March, the brand sponsored Reignwood Icons of Football, a golf event in Thailand that pits two teams of retired football stars against one another, and that hosts the so-called “Richest Hole in Golf,” with a prize of $10 million for a hole-in-one.Vanguart held events during Paris and Milan fashion weeks, the 2023 UEFA Champions League final in Istanbul (where Korutürk is based) and the Cannes Film Festival. Korutürk says Vanguart has also held events with English socialite Poppy Delevigne and American model Alton Mason, who emplify how Vanguart is breaking out of what Korutürk deemed the luxury watch industry’s “snobbery.”“These are good ecosystems for events,” he says. ”You already have celebrities there, you have beautiful people there and you have clients there. And no one buys a watch at this price point without seeing it.”According to Ben-Yehuda, access to brand founders and watch creators is as critical as the environment they’re presented in. “Many of my clients tell me they won’t buy a watch unless they can meet the founders and owners of the brand,” he says. “[Jean-Claude] Biver and Vanguart still give people the opportunity to have access to the founders, to the creators, to the watchmakers, to customisation, to building the community,” Ben-Yehuda continued, referencing the former TAG Heuer CEO who transformed Swiss luxury watchmaker Hublot into a global brand in the 2000s. “People are really excited about that.”Ben-Yehuda says his allocation of Biver’s Automatique (a time-only watch introduced last year that retails for 75,000 to 121,000 Swiss francs), sold out in 48 hours, and that his 2025 Vanguart allocation is already accounted for, too. “People are famished for the community and connection that the independent brands offer that some of the legacy brands don’t,” he says.Even so, collectors know they’re taking a punt with their money. “Collectors who buy this level of watches bet on a brand that has the potential to grow in the future,” says Korutürk.Vanguart will soon be available through Seddiqi, the largest Middle East luxury watch retailer. “Every 10 years, a new brand comes up,” Korutürk says. “In the 2000s, it was Franck Muller. In the 2010s, it was Richard Mille. Now, there’s potential for a new brand to come up.” Source link