The Fine Watch Club

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The Fine Watch Club - News
2 minutes read
Exclusive events, previews, happy hours, factory visits, encounters with watch industry personalities… There’s a lot going on with the GMT and WorldTempus watch club

Andersen Genève, fascinating and moving

Originally from Denmark, Svend Andersen moved to Switzerland in 1963 with his watchmaking diploma – Made in Denmark – in his pocket. Spotted by Patek Philippe, he joined their “Grandes Complications” workshop in 1969, where he was welcomed by Henri Stern himself. He subsequently left to create his own company in the late 1970s. It was in January that the Fine Watch Club went to visit this Manufacture – now co-managed by Pierre-Alexandre Aeschlimann – to discover some of its most iconic timepieces. The collection that particularly embodies the DNA of Andersen Genève is the Worldtime: a reinterpretation of and tribute to the watchmaking creation of Louis Cottier (1930) and the World Time by Patek Philippe.

The Fine Watch Club

Breitling, back to the future

Whether during the Geneva Watch Days or at a Happy Hour, the Fine Watch Club has become somewhat familiar with the dynamic Breitling team at the Quai des Bergues. This year, to further improve their knowledge, the Club took some of its members to the heart of the company: its Manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds. From the creation of the legendary chronographs to the most recent selfwinding B01 and B04 movements synonymous with precision (COSC-certified), robustness and performance, Breitling has consistently proved capable of reinventing itself in order to remain in the spotlight. Today, under the aegis of its CEO Georges Kern, the company continues to demonstrate a creative and pioneering spirit in perpetuating the rich tradition that began within a small Saint-Imier workshop in 1884.

Three questions to Allen Vernier, Head of People and Culture, QoQa.ch

The Fine Watch Club

Where does your passion for watches come from?

My first mechanical watch was given to me by my grandmother and my mother when I was about 24: it was a pre-owned Breitling Callisto. At the age of 40, I bought an H. Moser & Cie. Venturer with a red gold dial, my greatest watchmaking crush. I have also collaborated with the “motuum.ch” communication agency specialized in luxury, and that works for watch brands. Full circle.

Your favorite experience with the Fine Watch Club?

The most touching experience was meeting Svend Andersen. Passion still vibrates in his voice at 80 years old. He is probably one of the last great legends who worked before, during and after the quartz crisis and is still active.

Your favorite watch?

The latest one! A Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT released for the tenth anniversary of the model and that I discovered alongside its designer, Fabrizio Buonamassa!

Montblanc 1858 Iced Sea Limited Series

The Fine Watch Club

The first diver’s watch designed by Montblanc, this sporty (41mm) timepiece with a unidirectional rotating bezel in two-tone ceramic is ready to accompany you on your most extreme adventures, whether diving (water-resistant to 300m) or conquering the highest peaks. With a patented dial design inspired by the Mer de Glace (Iced Sea), it is also distinguished by the number 23 at 23:00, in reference to the year 2023 and the number of lucky purchasers of this limited series.

As a WorldTempus reader, we are delighted to offer you the latest digital version of this GMT magazine that you can download here.

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