The Virtues of Watchmaking Explored - Men's Folio
Time, Editor's Pick

The Virtues of Watchmaking Explored

  • By Asaph Low

The Virtues of Watchmaking

Watches have come a long way since it was founded centuries ago — archaic designs have since spawned radical creations and mechanical marvels. But at the heart of these timepieces, the virtues of watchmaking remain the same as it once was — accuracy, craftsmanship, reliability, durability and creativity form the backbone of modern day watches as it was in the 1800s.

Here we present to you some of the finest examples that are proud bearers of watchmaking virtues.

Pictured above: Craftsmanship and Accuracy

Craftsmanship is one of the great proponents of Grand Seiko as their respect for nature and its beauty is captured in its timepieces. The latest Grand Seiko SLGH005 ‘White Birch’ is inspired by white birch tree forests near the studio in Grand Seiko Shizukuishi watch studio. Vertical bark-like intricate patterns on the dial are abstract interpretations of the forest; slight nuances and textures on the dial offer a play of reflections when light hits. Grand Seiko’s “Zaratsu” polishing is employed to case.

Within its mirror-like polished case is the legendary Grand Seiko calibre that offers the highest levels of accuracy and precision. The Japanese watchmakers newest and technically advanced calibre 9SA5 released last year makes its way into the ‘White Birch’.

Dependability and Reliability

The Virtues of Watchmaking

Often touted as one of men’s and women’s great companions of adventures, watches have been part of the arsenal when it comes to various expeditions. A well-designed watch is one that inspires confidence to its wearer; dependable, reliable and performs admirably under harsh conditions when called upon. The Omega Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup Chronograph features red accented elements on the dial for its critical timing mechanism. A Chrono Lock system secures the chronograph functions while soft-touch rubber pushers are designed to work efficiently in the wet conditions.

Powering the America’s Cup Chronograph is the automatic Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 9900. Its shock and magnetic resistant nature as well as 60-hours of power reserve to keep it going for two and a half days.

Creativity

Thinking outside the box to break free from conventions of regular watchmaking, Bell & Ross presents its latest iteration of its skull motif watches. The 500-piece BR01 Cyber Skull, the fourth in the skull series, features a skull with angular design and matte black finishing reminiscent of military stealth jets unlike its neo-vintage predecessors. A black ceramic case is opted to further strengthen its links with Bell & Ross’s aeronautic roots. Though the timepiece is thoroughly avant-garde, it is Haute Horlogerie at its core with extensive skeletonisation done to its hand-winding BR-CAL206 calibre. 

Do catch up on our February ’21 issue of Men’s Folio Singapore when you’re done!