Klokker_St Enodoc 11.11.13 12.18 Side 5
GREAT WATCHES
time, and quartz models. Some will enjoy the convenience afforded by the battery powered quartz watches, but to the purist, there is no substitute for a mechanical wristwatch. A tensioned spring within a mechanical watch will drive the hour and minute hands as well as any other function available, such as a date display. Manual watches, sometimes referred to as “hand-wound”, require the wearer to energise the spring by winding the crown. However, an automatic or self-winding watch captures subtle movements of the wearer’s wrist and uses this to wind the mainspring. This latter option proves particularly user-friendly. The Swiss Jura has a long tradition of creating fine mechanical movements, created in small ateliers to an elevated standard. Historically, these movements would be used by Genevan watch houses. However, in 1875, Audemars Piguet was born, crafting matchless mechanical movements and housing them in its own exquisite watches. Today, one or more artisans can spend many days, weeks or even months creating a watch without the merest hint of compromise. In a world of expedient robotized production, hand craftsmanship is still practiced by the brand. Small components, some barely visible to the naked eye, are diligently polished by experienced hands, resulting in a blemish-free finish. Increasingly, watch buyers have sought to admire the inner workings of their cherished timepiece and watch companies have fulfilled this desire by fitting many models with an exhibition caseback, a small window affording a view of the movement within. STILL GLAMOUROUS. Those ladies who do not wish to eschew
glamour in preference to mechanical merit need not compromise. Audemars Piguet offers some luxurious timepieces which are expertly gem-set with precious stones whilst containing a mechanical movement. Several models feature diamonds on the bezel, with some extending the use of the “girl’s best friend” to the case and dial. However, a traditional craft available for the delectation of female buyers is the guilloché dial. A skilled artisan, called a guillocheur, will carefully apply intersecting lines onto a watch dial. This will necessitate the use of a rose engine lathe to perform fine engraving and require deft use of skilled hands. The delightful outcome is a resplendent dial which captures light on its many facets. INCREASING INTEREST. Time is ubiquitously presented on public
clocks, our computer screens and even our mobile devices. However, it is the beauty and joy of imparting time with panache that distinguishes haute horlogerie from cursorily manufactured products. An increasing number of people appreciate the pleasure of owning a fine timepiece. Moreover, the increasingly interested and affluent female buyer can see the rationale in purchasing a beautifully executed watch and with an increasing array of praiseworthy horological gems to elicit attention there has never been a better time to be a female watch buyer. With a growing number of female public figures wearing an Audemars Piguet timepiece, brand awareness among would-be buyers of ladies’ watches should continue to increase and more ladies will succumb to the charms of these ticking GGM pieces of art.
Mozo shares many traits with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore pieces she wears. 50
GREAT GOLF MAGAZINE