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With up to 700 operations and two full days of hand-craftsmanship just to complete the dial, the @urbanjurgensen Big 8 is a fine example of traditional watchmaking. http://ift.tt/2Fr5hhD

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Live now. The design of the Autavia 3646 is famously inspired by the world of motorsport. Their ever-increasing popularity and value can be attributed to several factors; many of which, are associated with the most collectable vintage brands in the world. Iconic owners, varied configuration, unique patina and exceptional movement quality, all contributing to a recent, but fully deserved cult status. This has built on almost a decade’s tireless documentation by the original Heuer collectors, such as Jeff Stein, founder of @on_the_dash and Paul Gavin, founder of @heuerworld. This rare, two-register Autavia 3646 example has a round, stainless steel case with large chronograph pushers and an original unsigned, fluted crown. The case measures 39 mm in diameter and is sharp and thick, retaining its definition. The case has elongated, straight lugs with sharp bevels and comes on a black leather racing-strap and corresponding, steel Heuer buckle. The case features an hour rotating bezel, preserved in remarkable condition. The luminous fill at 12 o’clock has aged to a dark yellow/brown patina, complementing the creamy yellow index hour markers and Dauphine hands perfectly. The black, second-execution dial has white minute markers and applied, faceted silver index markers for the hours. It features a white Heuer logo, while 'AUTAVIA' is referenced on the dial at twelve o'clock. This example is an earlier version of the ‘Second Execution’ series, denoted by its “Swiss-only” dial. The watch carries the manual-winding, 17 jewel, Valjoux Calibre 92 (labeled as "Leonidas") at its heart, beating at 18,000 A/h, with a power reserve of approximately 39 hours. This second-execution reference 3646 Autavia represents one of the most iconic periods in Heuer’s history. It reminds us of a time of Jack Heuer, producing watches with the un-diluted focus of going racing. Available now. http://ift.tt/2Igoq3F

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Unusually, our MKIII Enicar Sherpa Graph comes accompanied by an Enicar bracelet. Whilst not typically found with this particular reference (in this style), its overall condition suggests the two have been together for quite some time. http://ift.tt/2FqSMTv

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The name Arthur Touchot should be very familiar to our readers, having become known in the community for his editorial contributions to @hautetime and @Hodinkee to name but two. Following his recent departure from his role as European editor of Hodinkee, moving to a new position with @phillipswatches, we decided to catch up with Arthur and find out how he found himself a part of the watch world. Link in the bio. http://ift.tt/2Fv0l7w

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Jack Heuer’s strict adherence to legibility and function, ahead of all other considerations, makes the Heuer Carrera 3647N a design classic that arguably represents his vision in its purest form. http://ift.tt/2tuJDU7

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Sometimes we like our perpetual calendars to be independently made... http://ift.tt/2Fmil89

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Live now. The Urwerk UR-103.08, launched in 2007, was the first of Urwerk’s iconic UR-103 to make use of a steel case - with a ‘TiAlN-coating’, giving the watch its recognisable bronze-to-aubergine hue. This early example, further features a highly sought-after angular crystal, also seen in the UR-103 ‘Hexagon’, and comes as a full-set, with box and papers from the manufacturer. It is understood that Urwerk planned to revert to the curved design, seen in other reference 103s, after 50 pieces of the UR-103.08 were produced. However, due to difficulties in cutting the sharp angles, it is rumoured that less than 20 examples were ever produced in this rare configuration. Well known in industry for its exceptional properties, the TiAlN coating has the effect of multiplying the resistance of the underlying metal to scratches, shock, oxidation and even acids. Applied to the UR-103.08, this offered the hardest steel coating known in the world of haute-horlogerie, fully-embodying Urwerk’s approach to combining horological art and cutting-edge technology. The reference UR-103.08 uses the same principles for its case design as others in the 103 collection, yet appears smaller on the wrist, owing to the colour given to the case with the TiAlN coating. Within the retro-futuristic case of the UR-103.08 is URWERK’s interpretation of wandering hours -  the complication in which the hour travels along an arc of 60 minutes, with the next hour appearing at the beginning of the arc, as the old hour reaches the end. The hour-satellites and the orbital cross are coated with black PVD for maximum contrast and, against these dark surfaces, the numerals and minute markers are filled using luminous material. Powering the satellites is Urwerk’s manual-winding Calibre 3.03, beating at 21,600bph/3Hz, with a power-reserve of 43-hours. The reverse of the watch features a ’control board’, where a power-reserve indicator is displayed, as well as the dials for precise time setting. There is also a user adjustable fine-tuning screw, the owner can thus adjust the rate of the watch to gain or lose up to 30 seconds a day. Such a device is extremely rare in modern wristwatches. Available now. http://ift.tt/2oWMdwI

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Live now. Released in 1966, alongside the significantly more expensive Omega Speedmaster, the Seamaster ‘Chronostop’ was designed to attract a more contemporary-minded buyer. Considered an expensive luxury purchase at the time, the Chronostop has since become one of the most affordable, high-quality vintage watches for collectors today. Afforded many of the same technical innovations and refinements as Omega’s top-of-the-line sports watches, the Chronostop carries Omega’s manual-winding, calibre 865 at its heart. Based upon a Lemania ebauche, and beating at 21,600 A/h, this 17-jewel movement was derived from the famed calibre 861 (used in the Omega Speedmaster), yet the calibre 865 was only ever used in the Chronostop. The Seamaster Chronostop is a unique type of chronograph - similar to that of a fly-back, using a single pusher to operate the stopwatch function. Pressing the pusher once starts the chronograph seconds-hand. Pressing again, and keeping the pusher depressed, stops the hand and holds it in place. Releasing the pusher then resets the chronograph seconds hand back to zero. One of Omega’s largest vintage models, the Seamaster Chronostop has a tonneau shape case measuring 41mm (excluding the crown and pusher). This elegant, tonneau form and deeply- polished bevelling allow the watch to wear comfortably and discretely on the wrist. The top of the case displays a brushed, “sun-burst” surface, seen in many examples from late 60’s and 70’s and seldom seen today. The reverse of the watch is polished, with a screw-down case back bearing the engraved Hippocampus, found on many Omega watches. Beneath the raised Omega box-crystal (with an Omega hallmark etched in the centre), the matte-black dial of this Ref. ST145.007 demonstrates sporting intentions, with a fixed inner-tachymeter allowing the user to measure the speed of a travelling object, over a fixed distance. This example, the Ref. ST145.007, was purchased on the 20th November 1971 and comes as a full-set, with both its inner and outer boxes and accompanying paperwork. Available now. http://ift.tt/2D7tcNe

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Our latest open-dial, Roger W. Smith Series 2, joining a new collection. http://ift.tt/2I6cvp7

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Live now. This very rare, yellow-gold Omega Constellation “De Luxe” reference 2799 was delivered to Italy on the 16th of July, 1956, and represents one of Omega’s most premium offerings of the period. It has its original, solid-gold “pie-pan” dial, with beautifully contrasting finishes throughout, and its original, 18-carat Omega flat-link bracelet. Originally introduced in 1952, following the highly-successful ‘Centenary’, the Omega Constellation was designed as a luxury dress-watch, manufactured to achieve Chronometer status by COSC. The Constellation has since become synonymous with luxury-chronometer watches. Whilst the aesthetics are undeniably attractive, it is the condition of this example that stands out. The round, solid-gold case and lyre-shaped lugs are perfectly-preserved, while the double-bevelled bezel retains its original shape. As with all Omega Constellation examples, the case-back bears the hand-engraved symbol of Omega’s famous records for precision, the Observatory medal. Although the Constellation model is known to many, a number of much rarer examples exist, designated the Constellation “ De Luxe”. This example, the reference 2799, was the first “De Luxe” model to feature an O-Ring rubber-based gasket between the press-in case-back and case. The solid-gold dial is exceptionally well-proportioned, featuring hand-riveted, faceted indexes for the hour markers. The centre of the dial subtly features an inner-minute track and is lightly-brushed, balanced with an outer high-polished “pie pan” edge. The classic styling is further expressed through Omegas gold ’daulphine’ handset, complementing the unique shaping of the gold hour markers perfectly. The watch carries Omega’s self-winding, chronometer certified calibre 354 at its heart, beating at 19,800 A/h, with a power reserve of 42 hours. Where the Constellation itself is considered collectable, this “De Luxe” example is considerably rarer and comes with an extract from the archives. Having been preserved in near-original condition, it is surely one of the best examples of one of Omegas rarest watches, and may not reappear on the market for some time. Available now. http://ift.tt/2FrzFI5

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Off to a new home... http://ift.tt/2tsuHGj

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Live now. Colloquially referred to as the "Rindt Autavia”, this watch was made famous by legendary Formula 1 driver Jochen Rindt, who was often photographed wearing the reference. Much of the cause of Autavia’s cult-like status amongst drivers was the fact that Jack Heuer personally traveled from race-to-race, trading stopwatches, timing equipment and professional racing chronograph wristwatches. This Heuer Autavia 2446 MK3, with serial number 95 XXX has a round, stainless steel case with large chronograph pushers, along with an original, signed fluted crown. The case measures 38 mm in diameter and is sharp and thick, retaining its definition. The black, Mark 3 dial is in excellent condition, has white minute markers and applied, faceted silver index markers for the hours. The tritium lume on the dial and matchstick handset is well-preserved, with slight discolouration to the minute hand. It features a white Heuer logo, while 'AUTAVIA' is referenced on the dial at twelve o'clock. A 'SWISS' marking is visible at six o'clock on the twelve-hour sub-register. The chronograph hand has aged to off-white, giving the dial a nice monochromatic look. The sub-registers at three, six and nine o'clock are the thirty-minute, the twelve-hour and the sub-second dials, respectively, featuring Arabic numerals and black, third-execution hands. The watch carries the manual-winding, Valjoux Calibre 72 (labeled as "Leonidas") at its heart, beating at 18,000 A/h, with a power reserve of approximately 46 hours. This Autavia 2446 MK3 represents the original “Rindt” reference, and thus a special part of Heuer’s history. Upon his passing, Jochen Rindt became motor racing's only posthumous world champion, having won five of the year's ten Grands Prix. The championship trophy was handed to his widow Nina Rindt, on the 18th of November 1970 in a ceremony near the Place de la Concorde in Paris. Nina Rindt herself is acknowledged in her own right as one of the leading fashion muses of the sixties, and celebrated for her taste in horology, to an almost equal extent. Available now. http://ift.tt/2thNdki

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With a hand engine-turned dial, hand-made gold Observatory hands, highly-finished Piguet movement and a 40mm steel case. The Big8 from @urbanjurgensen is a stunning example of old-school watchmaking. Available now. http://ift.tt/2D0dkvW

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The AK-06 is the first non-tourbillon reference made by @rexhep.rexhepi, at his @akrivia atelier in Geneva, showcasing both the power-reserve and hand-setting mechanism in an exceptionally finished open-dial. With a rare ‘mini-complication’ in wristwatches, allowing for even more precise setting of the time, the small seconds hand stops and resets to zero when the crown is fully disengaged. This AK-06 is brand-new, and available as a complete set, with box and papers. Available Now. http://ift.tt/2Fojonc

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Live now. This vintage, steel Heuer Carrera 3647N watch from the late 1960s is a beautiful example of a now iconic racing chronograph. It has its original, two-register black dial with tritium hour markers and hands. It also has its original, Heuer signed crown. The Heuer Carrera 3647N epitomises the brand's famous sixties spirit and design philosophy. Jack heuer’s strict adherence to legibility and function, ahead of all other considerations, accomplished a design classic that arguably represents his vision in its purest form. The Heuer Carrera was available in two or three-register layouts; with this 3647N example featuring the former. The ’N’ stands for “noir,” denoting its all-black dial. This example is one of the later models produced, as evidenced by its signed crown and ’T-Swiss’ dial. Like many of Heuer’s most iconic chronographs, the origins of the Carrera can be traced back to 60s motorsport. It was inspired by one of history’s most dangerous events, the “Carrera Panamericana”, the legendary border-to-border sedan and sports car racing of the 1950’s, on the open roads of Mexico. Translated to "race" or "career" in Spanish, the event ran for five consecutive years and was entered by racers from all over the world, representing virtually every motor sport. Taking inspiration from this, Heuer chronograph wristwatches throughout the 1960s and 70s were often the tool of choice for professional racecar drivers, owing much to Jack Heuer’s appreciation for motorsport, and hands-on approach with its teams and drivers. This Heuer Carrera 3647N has a “T Swiss” dial. The hour markers are applied, together with aged tritium index markings. The Carrera 3647N also features a clear, outer-track, with 1/5 second demarcations on the tension-ring. The crown of the watch is correct and bears the standard Heuer signature, along with corresponding original pump pushers. The watch carries the manual-winding, 17 jewel, Valjoux Calibre 92 (labeled as "Leonidas") at its heart, beating at 18,000 A/h, with a power reserve of approximately 39 hours. Available now. http://ift.tt/2tfSdWE

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Live now. A rare, second-execution Heuer Autavia 2446, purchased on the 19th of November, 1964, from W. D. Morgan & Co. by its original owner and kept from new. In this time, the watch saw countless motorcycle racing events across Europe, along with depths of 125ft, diving in the south of France and across the United Kingdom. Having sat at the bottom of a drawer for over thirty years since, before visiting the newly-formed vintage department of Tag Heuer in March 2017, this 2446 second-execution is now presented in remarkable condition. The original features of this second-execution Autavia have been sensitively preserved by Tag Heuer’s vintage specialist watchmakers, acknowledging this example’s historical importance. The watch comes accompanied by its original paperwork (signed by W. D. Morgan & Co.) and guarantee certificate from J. W. Pullen, Holborn. The compelling story of this watch begins from its year of purchase, in 1964 - coinciding with the year the original owner took up motorcycle-racing. In 1965, the owner took part in the Manx Grand Prix, held on the same circuit as the famous Isle of Man TT, quickly progressing to other races, and mixing with international motorcycle legends Giacomo Agostini and Mike Hailwood, in ’68. That same year, the owner met and became good friends with Barry Sheene and his father Franco, who looked after his Bultaco race bike at their workshop in Queen Square, Holborn. He continued to race throughout the late 60’s and early 70’s, including time at the BMW factory team in 1973, racing in France, Spain, Italy and the UK. Upon retirement from racing, the owner trained as a scuba-diver. The watch was put practical use once more, providing a useful visual cue for elapsed-time whilst diving. Though not typically associated with the sport, the watch survived unscathed, having saved its owner (and friends) on more than one occasion. With its unique story and provenance, this second-execution Heuer Autavia represents one of the most iconic references in Heuer’s history. Available now. http://ift.tt/2HXv4M3

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One of less than 300, fourth-generation, Tourbillon Souverain estimated to have been produced by @fpjourneofficial. A thirty-eight millimetre, brass-movement, platinum, F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain Remontoir d’Egalité available now as a full set. http://ift.tt/2FH0S7j