Antje Heepmann

Today, chronographs adorn countless wrists. The stopwatch function is among the most popular complications in wristwatches. Yet few wearers are likely to have given much thought to the origins and meaning of the term ‘chronograph’. A brief excursion into the etymology and history of the chronograph The word chronograph derives from Ancient Greek and literally…

From the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph, the open – that is, skeletonised – construction with extensive views from the front and back is already well known. The distinctive bi-colour look has also already been realised in this model. Now, with the Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked, the Le Brassus-based…

The number of items in a limited edition is usually imbued with great significance – and the new PanoMaticLunar Anniversary Edition from Glashütte Original is no exception. Its limitation to 180 pieces refers to the origins of the watch industry in Glashütte. Thus, the name's component ‘Anniversary’ does not refer to the collection, the model…

Incidentally, the name Hora Mundi dates back to 1996, when the first watch bearing this name appeared in the Marine collection. ‘As we wanted to distance ourselves from overly general terms such as GMT or Worldtimer, we opted for the Latin translation of “hours of the world”,’ explains Breguet CEO Gregory Kissling. In 2011, the…

Zenith's partner USM is the family-owned company Ulrich Schärer Munsingen, named after its founder and place of origin. It established itself through the famous and still successful USM Haller modular furniture system in 1965, designed by architect Fritz Haller. Just four years later, Zenith launched the legendary high-frequency chronograph calibre El Primero. Two stunning design…

The collection itself is not new. Frederique Constant first introduced the Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture back in 2016. However, beyond aesthetic updates, this Perpetual Calendar drew attention with a noteworthy technical evolution this spring. This is thanks to the introduction of Frederique Constant's 34th and most recent manufacture calibre. This development highlights one of the…

I must confess, I am biased: mechanical watch aficionados, in my view, generally have a good relationship with the passage of time. This often goes hand in hand with a certain worldliness and a desire to fill one’s time with a wealth of experiences – preferably while travelling. Those who confirm my preconception will find…

Does this sound familiar? You have an upcoming event where formal attire is the preferred choice, the outfit is carefully selected, and then it happens: the neatly tailored blouse or shirt cuff refuses to cooperate with your favourite, rather substantial watch. It snags, puckers, and pinches – constant readjustment is unavoidable. It is at moments…

The latest addition to the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra family features a ceramic bezel, an integrated matt-black rubber strap and a turquoise dial. Two case sizes are available. The Story of the Aqua Terra With the Aqua Terra line, part of the Seamaster collection first launched in 1948, Omega has been paying tribute to its…

Although the launch of the first automatic, integrated high-frequency chronograph calibre – the legendary El Primero – in 1969 was a unique milestone for Zenith, another significant debut from that year should not be overlooked. The Defy also made its first appearance in the watch world in 1969 and today ranks among the brand’s core…

Swisswatches is launching its first ‘Boutique Travel Guide’ for its watch community. In this section, we want to showcase the many watch boutiques that are worth visiting, but also immerse ourselves in their vibrant neighbourhoods. What does the city have to offer? Where can you find the best drinks, a particularly good restaurant, or perhaps…

It’s worth noting that the Chronograph 1 – 1975 Limited Edition is available for purchase without restrictions, aside from its limited run of 350 pieces. That sets it apart from many other watches produced by the Porsche subsidiary, which typically require ownership of a Porsche sports car with its prancing horse emblem to qualify for…