Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Fall 2013 - (Page 80)

Wat c h e s By Brooke MAgnAghi Q&A Michael FriedMan Horological Historian and curator Precision & sPlendor If you’re a die-hard watch enthusiast or merely appreciate the myriad fine crafts associated with its ornamentation, you won’t want to miss the exhibition “Precision and Splendor: Clocks and Watches” at The Frick Collection running through Feb. 2. The museum showcases exquisite European timepieces from the 16th to 19th centuries and charts the evolutionary course of watchmaking from table clocks to pocket watches and grand complications. Form meets function in Breguet’s tourbillon pocket watch, in the exquisite pediment clock by Lenoble, and in The Dance of Time, Three Nymphs Supporting a Clock, from 1788. Asprey Advantage In the pursuit of innovation, Asprey, the esteemed arbiter of British luxury, has introduced a refined, limited-edition, high-complication timepiece in collaboration with venerated British watchmaker Arnold & Son. The result? The world’s thinnest palladium tourbillon watch boasting a slim 8.34 mm case. $83,000 Most buzzed-about haute tiMepieces oF 2013: • A. Lange & Söhne’s exquisite Grand Complication, a six-piece limited edition • Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon 3 Jubilee, from the brand’s 180th-anniversary collection • Girard-Perregaux’s revolutionary Constant Escapement 80 w w w. r i t z c a r lt o n . c o m ➼ What are the most collectible models a novice watch collector should know about? Iconic brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, Omega, JaegerLeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin are superb options. Many collectors look to more recently established independent companies like Philippe Dufour, FP Journe and Richard Mille. We often only hear about the record breakers at auction, but there are large numbers of good quality vintage watches priced under $1,000. ➼ What are the advantages of buying a vintage watch and what makes an investment-worthy collection? When you buy a vintage watch, you’re selecting from decades of options. You’re not limited to the current season or trends. The vintage watches that make the best investment are those that are in the most original, well-preserved condition. Watches that are unrestored and looked after sensitively are the most successful in the long run. The rarer the timepiece that meets these conditions, the greater potential for exponential growth. Condition, originality and rarity are central to an investmentoriented collection. ➼ How can you be sure of authenticity? Many manufacturers will provide authenticity of your vintage watch in certificate form for a fee. They check the serial numbers and the specs, and confirm that it all matches with their archives. Not all brands provide this material, so if you are buying a vintage watch and documentation is not possible, you need to be cautious. Auction houses or a trusted watchmaker can also provide assistance. http://WWW.RITZCARLTON.COM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Fall 2013

Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Fall 2013
Contents
Contributors
Editor’s Letter
President’s Letter
Falling in Love With ... Barcelona
Design
Shopping
Beauty
Gifts
Jewelry
Watches
Behind the Scenes
Family
Local Knowledge
Outdoors
As It Was
Culinary
Let Us Stay With You
Heritage

Ritz-Carlton Magazine - Fall 2013