A new definition of luxury haute horlogerie is upon us.
One of the most common reasons why a mechanical watch loses its chronometric precision is magnetism. Because the movement within is made up of iron-based metal components, prolonged exposure to magnetic fields will cause them to be magnetised. When that happens to the critical timekeeping components, a watch will begin to run either too fast or slow, or it may stop working entirely.
Mechanical watches require some degree of proper handling. It’s shockingly easy to break even a simple three-hand automatic movement, especially one with the date display. Most watch collectors know that before adjusting the date, one must always change the time first to position the hour and minute hands below the three and nine o’clock level. This prevents the gears of the date mechanism from jamming up.
With grand complications, things get far more complicated. Perpetual calendars and minute repeaters are notoriously vulnerable to any form of mishandling, which is guaranteed to send the entire system of wheels, springs, racks and snails into a tailspin.
Unless your watch was made within the last five years. That was when the result of years of technical R&D spearheaded by the industry’s leading firms finally trickled down to the market at large. They focused on improving the core aspects of watchmaking. Age-old bugbears relating to magnetism, precision and robustness could soon be a thing of the past thanks to these innovative marques.
Omega: Anti-magnetism
Magnetism has been an issue for watchmakers since time immemorial. The most straightforward method of protecting the movement from magnetisation is to encase it in a Faraday cage. Most amagnetic timepieces are made this way but in 2015 Omega introduced a new solution which eliminates the use of a Faraday cage altogether.
This story is from the April 2019 edition of Robb Report Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2019 edition of Robb Report Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE POINTS OF TRAVEL
Peggy Roe of Marriott International shares the reasons why people travel and how the hotel chain is aligning with new trends.
Evening Spirits
An exclusive group of Robb Report Singapore readers was treated to an evening soiree where they savoured The Macallan's signature serves and journeyed through the brand's 200 years of expertise.
A Hotel For The Ages
Once the site of military machinations, espionage activities and multiple Bond films, he Old War Office in London's Whitehall has undergone a billion-pound-plus transformation o become The OWO and the landmark address of Raffles London at The OWO.
This Month's Feed
Only the best dining and drinking spots in Singapore.
Riding High With The Boss
Hit records, diamond-encrusted Rolexes and a car collection so vast he's lost count of what's in it-Miamibased rapper and entrepreneur Rick Ross is living his dream. But it's his latest acquisition, a tricked-out Gulfstream G550, that makes the biggest statement.
For Dubai, The Time Is Now
The bustling Middle Eastern city is emerging as an important hub for serious watch collectors around the globe.
Timing Is Everything
It doesn't matter where you are on your horological appreciation journey. There is a watch made just for you at Watches and Wonders 2024.
The F Word
Two of Singapore's foremost fashion mavens delve into the heart of style and the art of corporate dressing.
Take It Easy
Yacht design's focus on wellness continues, with a new generation of owners looking to breathe fresh life into once-stuffy spaces.
Corporate Climbers
With enhanced safety features and remarkable levels of refinement, the incoming class of executive helicopters is putting an exciting new spin on business aviation.