Behind the scenes in the Blancpain press shop

Image
Behind the scenes in the Blancpain press shop  - Newsletter
2 minutes read
A look back at SalonQP and a look forward to the GPHG. Plus prehistoric materials, supercars v superwatches and a new competition to win a ladies’ smartwatch

Over the summer I was treated to a private guided tour of Blancpain’s press shop – a noisy area far removed from the peace and quiet of the watchmakers’ workshops. Here, rods of various alloys and precious metals go through a number of processes – from stamping, heating, cooling and cleaning to wire erosion – to produce the movement components that are subsequently assembled by the brand’s watchmakers. As far as Blancpain are aware, this is the first time that anyone has covered this subject, including the cost of the machines and stamping tools involved, in print or online. Read our exclusive article today on WorldTempus.

« Ce mois-ci, gagnez une montre Eterna pour dames »

SalonQP in London last week cemented its reputation as the UK’s meeting point for watch connoisseurs after being chosen by Armin Strom to launch its ground-breaking Mirrored Force Resonance movement. Movements exploiting the phenomenon are few and far between, but Armin Strom’s interpretation is unique. SalonQP also saw the launch of a patriotic but strictly limited version of the Montblanc 4810 Orbis Terrarum in the colours of the union flag and, just ahead of the show, Graff presented the world’s biggest  D Flawless heart-shaped diamond.

In our November competition you can win the brand-new Frederique Constant horological smart watch for ladies. It was presented in New York just last week and, in addition to its feminine case and a touch of diamonds, it adds new notification functions that are displayed discreetly on the dial, true to the “horological smartwatch” tag that Frederique Constant gives the watch, where the “smart” aspects are intended to complement, rather than override, the appeal of a classic timepiece. 

After looking at the price of watches by the kilo, David Chokron turns his attention this week to a comparison between supercars and super watches. While the former seem to roll off the production line straight into the heated garages of their new owners and enjoy universal appeal, the latter have a lot more trouble finding both customers and wider understanding beyond a very restricted circle of connoisseurs. Read the full story on Wednesday. On the same day I take a look at a totally different subject: the use of prehistoric materials in fine watchmaking and luxury accessories.

On Thursday evening, the winners of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève will be announced. Follow the ceremony live on WorldTempus and catch up with our reviews of the categories and the finalists in our dedicated GPHG 2016 section.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get all the watch news right in your mail box.

Featured brands