you are trapped in here with us
I like the forgotten and the overlooked and today Wyler has those very qualities in excess. It was a major player once, from the 1930’s to the 1970’s. Wyler made watches that were tougher than the average Swiss brand, but were affordable, and maybe a little stylish. Wyler has had a couple of relaunches in… Continue reading I swear I thought she was older…
You may have read my vintage guide (and apologies if you have, it is essentially the ramblings of a mad man). What do I always say? Pop the back. Never buy without seeing the movement. Buy the seller not the watch. I add one of my own rules to the mix: no more fixer-uppers. I‘ve… Continue reading When you don’t follow your own advice
The psychologist’s office was a tiny one, more fitting as a storage room than a place where intimate thoughts are shared by the brave or desperate. One side of the beige-colored room there was a two-person couch, across it was a generic armchair so plain and boring that I no longer remember what it looked… Continue reading Couch, Rose, Autism
Sounds like a Harry Potter book doesn’t it… Despite the recent Seiko acquisition, and whatever else I’ve been moaning about, I did also start re-wearing this lovely little Fluva. This is a little sweety, powered by a Felsa 690 Bidynator. Fluva is a brand trademarked in Geneva, 1949, by J. D. Klopmann. Klopmann also registered… Continue reading Fluva Genève, and the Felsa Bidynator
This is how my mind operates. I casually troll auction sites and vintage online retailers. I am committed to not buying anything. I see a 1940’s military style watch from a brand that I don’t know. It is a 1940’s automatic so I assume a Felsa or an A. Schild lurks inside. I have been… Continue reading Cheap watches, cheap history
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of clickbait-y articles online listing the top ten this or top ten that of watches. Best watches of all time. Must-have watches for every collection. I’m not mad at it. I think these lists are often entertaining and I honestly don’t think people fall for them as much as… Continue reading Watches That Matter Don’t Matter
There are plenty of things one can experience that will result in permanent change. Decapitation, a partner that is far too flirty for one's own capabilities, riding a motorcycle, and drinking brandy. Decapitation is obvious. I shan't elaborate on the next example. Riding a motorcycle is addictive and usually becomes a lifestyle for those who… Continue reading I may never buy a new watch again
I come not to praise Bulova, but to bury it. I have a problem with modern Bulova. Every time that I see this or that enthusiast enthuse about their newest Jet Pilot or Mil-ships I want to stick my nose in and puncture their joy. It is a reflex that I have resisted so far.… Continue reading Table for one: a Bulova reproach
The following is another in an occasional series of The Escapement Rooms interviews. Tramelan, Switzerland. In a small, prefabricated building at 14 Rue des Sucettes is Doilea, S.A., a small but important part of the Swiss watch industry. Its founder, and today seemingly its only employee, Al Doilea sits behind a large desk in a… Continue reading The Escapement Room Interview: Mr. 60%
My uncle owns a civil engineering firm. He's an awesome guy and my dad visits him regularly. I don't visit him regularly, which is a bit of a problem. He is one of those men that in a perfect world every young man should have access to. He is full of jest and doesn't take… Continue reading Lessons from an engineer and bladesmith to a hobbyist watchmaker
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