The Wixon Experience 2019

THE

VOLUME 7

EXPERIENCE

IN THIS ISSUE / VOLUME 7 Dan Wixon | Publisher Hope Wixon | Creative Director Jayme Pretzloff | Editorial Director Jessica Gylsen | Editor Blake Yeo | Art Director Editorial Team: Kristen Kregel, Liz Bentley & Kristine Vail

5 WELCOME 6 FAMILY JEWELER We take pride in building strong client relationships that span across generations.

7 SIGNATURE STYLE Our newest Wixon Signature ring showcases a modern design with unrivaled brilliance.

10 TANTALIZING TANZANITE

CONNECT WITH US For information on any items in this magazine: Please call us at: 952.881.8862 Visit our showroom: 9955 Lyndale Avenue South Bloomington, MN 55420 Regular business hours:

Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm | Sat: 10am-5pm (check online for holiday & event hours)

Or visit us online at: wixonjewelers.com

Without this fateful tragedy, the beautiful blue gemstone may have never been discovered.

12 OVAL OBSESSION With a style that has spanned decades, the modern oval diamond is simply irresistible.

14 THE ERA OF ELEGANCE Trends in jewelry are dancing in harmony with the utter femininity of the mid-century.

20 THE LOOKS WE LOVE Step outside the jewelry box with these unique and exciting exotic gemstone creations.

22 SIMPLY SPECTACULAR This collection of jewelry is designed for maximum impact and superior sparkle.

30 HOPRAH’S CANINE COUNSEL A collection of Hope Wixon’s training tips and top-tier products for your four-legged friends.

34 MUST LOVE DOGS While it’s not a requirement to be a dog owner to work at Wixon Jewelers, it sure doesn’t hurt.

36 NAUTICAL STYLE The new Yacht-Master 42 celebrates the ties between Rolex and the world of sailing.

38 THE CREATION OF A COMPLICATION Patek Philippe introduces an entirely new complication paired with a retro aesthetic.

40 LUNAR LOVE The moonphase complication showcases the majesty of the lunar cycle on your wrist.

The Wixon Experience is published by Wixon Jewelers, 9955 Lyndale Avenue South, Bloomington, MN 55420 © 2019 Wixon Jewelers. All rights reserved.

Printed in the U.S.A.

42 HOT WHEELS

44 A PROTOTYPE RESURFACES The Black Bay P01 is a modern interpretation of a 1967 prototype created for the US Navy.

46 AN ICON Thanks to its aesthetics and functions, the iconic Rolex Datejust transcends changes in fashion.

50 THE DAZZLING RENDEZ-VOUS A collection of timepieces for women who crave equal parts sophistication and sparkle.

52 GOING DEEP:

SEALAB & ROLEX A look into the US Navy’s ambitious program to create amphibious underwater habitats.

56 THE MOONLIGHT MARKETER A candid conversation about the world of advertising with our Director of Marketing.

58 THE BLUES With so many colors options available, blue has become the go-to hue for ladies timepieces.

60 THE ART OF COLOR Mankind’s fascination with the beauty and brilliance of gemstones has endured for centuries.

62 DYNAMIC DIALS The dial of a Rolex watch establishes its unique identity and gives depth to its personality.

64 DIVING IN With the Submersible, Panerai bolsters its tradition of epic exploits in the depths of the sea.

67 BUNDLES OF LOVE Each year, this wonderful Minnesota charity helps over 4,500 local families in need.

68 HEART & SOUL The iconic Patek Philippe Twenty~4 collection is designed to be your daily companion.

70 EVERY BREATH IT TAKES A true marvel of engineering, the Atmos clock is powered by tiny variations in temperature.

72 UNDER ONE ROOF Meet the most comprehensive team of jewelry and watch experts in the Midwest.

Discover the unbridled speed and bespoke aesthetics of the 2019 McLaren Senna.

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Restoration

It always amazes me how quickly the days become weeks, then months, and before we know it, we’re winding down yet another year. Last year was a milestone for us in many ways; celebrating our 30th year in business was an occasion we won’t soon forget. We thought it would be tough to beat the busyness of last year but, wow, we were wrong!

With so much commotion, it can be challenging to refresh, refuel and march forward.

One thing that Dan and I realized this year is the importance of restoration, and for us, that meant a long overdue family vacation. Winters in Minnesota can become long, and a mid-season sunshine break did wonders for our energy and outlook. We also did our best to focus on the things that truly make us happy such as time at our home enjoying Lake Wixon with our family.

This year has been a flurry of activity, excitement and growth. At home, the Wixon family has added a new pup into the mix. Timmy Walnuts, our newest lab, is about as sweet and silly as they come. As many of you know, Louie held a special place in our hearts and we see many of Louie’s loving qualities in Timmy. Our Wixon store family has grown as well! We have several new members of our team that will help us continue to grow as the ultimate jewelry destination, and we can’t wait for you to meet them!

Restoration can be found in the big and small moments—it’s more of a mindset than an action. Investing a bit more time restoring ourselves this year has given us new energy to go after the things that we are passionate about. Our latest edition of The Wixon Experience highlights a few of those things like exotic supercars, significant colored gemstones and the finest Swiss timepieces. Throughout this edition, we’re excited to share with you some of the stories and the people that have helped shape our year into one of the most exciting, gratifying and inspirational to date!

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Photo by JL Photography

FAMILY JEWELER Wixon Jewelers is a family-owned business based on family values. Honesty, trust, integrity; our team, our store and our product are all held to the highest standards. The same standards that we expect out of our own family. What we offer is much greater than a gift. We are part of our clients most intimate and monumental milestone moments. Moments that become part of a family footprint, and that are remembered and reminisced about for years after. One of our newly engaged couples, Ryan Riebling and Caroline Byrd, shared their experience and insight on what having a family jeweler means to them.

Why was having a family jeweler important to you?

For Ryan and I, it's rooted in the relationship, quality, and commitment. A family jeweler understands the significance of the moments associated with each purchase. Because of Wixon's personal investment, we can trust the service and quality of product we are buying and know we have a team looking out for us!

When it comes to making important decisions, it’s often family we turn to for guidance, advice and recommendations.

After 30 years in business, we take great pride in being the recommended family jeweler for many. Taking care of our client’s family and friends is an honor and a privilege that we take very seriously.

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How did Ryan find our store?

My (Caroline) mom and sister both recieved engagement rings from Wixon. In fact, the whole family tagged along during our visits to Wixon! We knew about the quality of what Wixon offers, saw the breadth of the jewelry and services they could provide, and made a great connection with their team.

We are able to take care of the needs of three different generations, all while maintaining the superior level of quality our clients have come to expect. We’ve established a reputation for providing an unrivaled experience and a store culture with an environment where all are welcome. We want our clients to feel like they too are part of our Wixon family. That sentiment holds true whether it’s the first visit or one of many.

What made your experience at Wixon special?

Ryan and I knew we wanted something different in our ring. Jessica and Barry shared their passion, creativity, and expertise to help Ryan and I design a ring that reflected us. It was meaningful to us to build a relationship that will continue to grow as we grow in our own relationship.

We wouldn’t be where we are today without our clients sharing their own versions of the ‘Wixon Experience’ with friends and family, and for that we are forever grateful. Congratulations again to Ryan and Caroline!

STYLE Our newest Wixon Signature ring showcases a modern oval center highlighted by French shields for unrivaled brilliance.

We are so in love with the latest addition to our Wixon Signature Collection that we decided to make it the cover star of this year’s magazine. Its distinctive yet timeless design showcases the beauty of a top-quality diamond to its best advantage. The oval-cut center diamond offers a brilliant sparkle with the added allure

of an elongated shape to emphasize its size. Creating a seamlessly scintillating sparkle, the center diamond is elegantly accentuated with two perfectly matched French shield diamonds. Our Wixon Signature Collection only features the finest tier of diamonds, all of which are exceptionally well cut and chosen for their shape, brilliance and sparkle. Top quality diamonds partnered with superior craftsmanship creates a ring design that is guaranteed to withstand the test of time.

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INHALES LIGHT, BREATHES FIRE!

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THE THEWIXON WIXONEXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE

PENDANTS

With an array of options, these necklaces are guaranteed to let you go from classically conservative to drop-dead diva with the simple catch of a clasp.

Left page: 10.31 ct. Paraiba Tourmaline | Clockwise from top left: 1.79 ct. Diamond | 10.32 ct. Boulder Opal | 2.05 ct. Ruby | 5.04 ct. Diamond | 4.16 ct. Moonstone | 2.62 ct. Diamond | 5.28 ct. Ceylon Sapphire | 5.01 ct. Emerald

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Tantalizing For millions of years,

A t t h e t i m e, t h i s

the blue beauty of

remote

Tanzanite lay dormant

African location was

in the Merelani Hills,

nearly uninhabited

tucked beneath the

with the exception

shadows of Mount

of cattle farmers

Kilimanjaro. It may have never been discovered if it weren’t for a fateful combination of tragedy, timeliness and mother

10

Eastern

who used the grasslands to feed their herd. After the fire, they swept the area to asses the damage, and it was then

nature’s whimsy. As lore has it, in

t h a t t h e wo r l d wa s i n t r o d u c e d

1967, a rampant wildfire tore through

t o t h e n ew b e a u t i f u l g e m t h a t

the Merelani Hills in Tanzania, Africa.

w e n o w k n o w a s Ta n z a n i t e .

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

This 20.46ct elongated emerald-cut Tanzanite is accented with 1.48 carats of diamonds set in 18k white gold, which makes for a perfect statement ring.

The farmers brought the blue crystal stones to a local fortune hunter, Manuel d’Souza, who believed the gems to be Sapphire. D’Souza consulted with several local gemologists and it was determined that these vibrant crystals were not Sapphire, but instead an entirely new mineral species. D’Souza quickly laid claim to four mines and shortly after, 90 more claims were made in the same 20 square mile area. Fifty years later, this still remains the only location on Earth that produces Tanzanite. Its limited availability makes it rarer than diamond and its stunning beauty has caused a demand that at times rivals the most revered gems (Ruby, Emerald and Sapphire) in popularity.

EXHIBITING ROYAL HUES Like with any precious colored gemstone, color is king when it comes to assessing the quality and rarity of Tanzanite. At its finest, Tanzanite rivals the pure, rich blue hue of Sapphire which is why it was at first mistaken as such. Tanzanite is a trichroic gem which makes its display of color quite complex. Trichroic means that the gem showcases different colors as it is moved in different directions. The finest quality Tanzanite will display royal blue, vibrant violet and a fiery, reddish pink. The light violet or periwinkle gems are more plentiful, typically smaller in size and the most well-known. The deeper and stronger the blue or violetish blue color the gem displays, the more magnificent and the more valuable the gemstone.

A 13.37ct emeraldcut Tanzanite is accentuated with .68ct of diamonds in this platinum Wixon Custom pendant.

A Tanzanite of top quality is a masterpiece of mother nature. The gem’s royal blue brilliance partnered with its high clarity and ability to be found in large, substantial sizes make it an unrivaled find. Industry icon Henry Platt said it best when he declared it to be, “The most important gemstone discovery in over 2,000 years.” Its singular location also has many wondering about the extent of its availability. This gemstone could very well be limited to a single century. The fateful turn of events that lead to Tanzanite’s discovery provided us with a gem that will be loved by many far after the mines are empty.

Set in platinum and accented with diamond halos, these 17.44ctw Tanzanite earrings and this 14.28ct Tanzanite ring are a perfectly matched suite.

Page left: the diamond shaped 20.90ct Tanzanite was destined to be a showstopper once set in this 18kt white gold Wixon custom design necklace featuring 3.38ct in total diamond detail THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

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OO

val bsession

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THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

s of late, we are utterly obsessed

A

is stunning. However, if the cut is less

with ovals. This diamond cut

than ideal, this shape will lose light,

showcases an elongated shape and

lack luster and display a dark bow-tie.

a soft yet brilliant sparkle that is distinctly

A bow-tie is an area in the middle of a

feminine. Much like a round diamond,

diamond where the light doesn’t return

its brilliance is breathtaking. A round

and darkness is reflected instead as a

diamond features more of its carat weight

result of less than ideal proportions.

beneath, where as an oval extends across

The ova l’s power-packed spa rk le

the finger displaying its size in a very big

speaks for itself in sizes both large and

and expressive way.

small. It can be set in a simple solitaire

T he ova l shape is no tempora r y

setting or framed with a diamond halo,

t rend by a ny mea ns. The f i rst ova l

while looking gorgeous either way. A

diamonds date back to the early 1400’s.

three-stone ring or eternity band with

Rudimentary and rough, the early ovals

oval diamonds adds a new twist to a

weren’t the brilliant beauties we now

timeless classic such as a wedding or

know today. The evolution to today’s

anniversary ring. Oval diamond bracelets,

modern oval shape is a testament to

earrings and pendants are also sharing the

the advances in technology and tools

spotlight, providing a fresh look to the

available to diamond cutters. However,

sparkling classics.

not all ovals are created equal. An oval

This shape spans all generations and

diamond cut to proper proportions and

genres, making today’s modern oval obsess-

polished by a skilled diamond cutter

worthy in the most irresistible way.

Ring | 3.11ct oval diamond set in platinum Three Stone Ring | 2.01ct oval diamond set in white gold Earrings | 8.04ctw oval diamonds set in platinum Bracelet | 23.42ctw oval diamonds set in platinum Riviera | 45.57ctw oval diamonds set in platinum.

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Elegance THE ERA OF

We are in a time where current designs are leaning towards a graceful foot-forward approach. Through color and style, jewelry and diamond trends are dancing in harmony with the utter femininity of the mid-century. Almost 70 years later, today’s modern woman’s weekly dance is more of a balancing act between work and family than the ballrooms of back then. Nonetheless, a return to glamour is in the air this season. Femininity these days is defined in many

ways but our newest collection can’t help but bring to mind the glitz of the 1950’s. Style icon, Grace Kelly, became the archetypal image during this time period.

Her elegance, polish and beauty were an inspiration to women around the world. This season’s styles are emblematic of the peak designs of that time. Clean, colorful, ornate, and coordinated; today’s jewelry trends are bringing back the era of elegance in a modern, fresh and innovative way.

RIBBON HER WRIST

Presenting an alluring partnership on her wrist, this

bracelet showcases 7.11 carats of hot pink sapphires accented with just over two carats of diamonds.

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SHOWSTOPPING SPARKLE

The star of this scintillating symphony

is a 5.17-carat pear-shaped diamond CAPTURE HER HEART

This fabulous diamond pendant showcases a

2.21-carat heart-shaped diamond accented by 33 micro-pavé diamonds

suspended from a round brilliant cut diamond. The necklace showcases an additional 26 pear-shaped diamonds and 24 round diamonds surrounded by diamond halos consisting of 721 sparkling diamonds!

set in platinum.

THE SAPPHIRE SWOON These pink sapphire

hearts are sure to induce love at first sight. Totaling ELEGANT EMERALD

The crowning glory of this platinum ring is a 4.35-carat emerald-cut diamond. Blending modern elegance, the center diamond is accented with 1.95 carats of trapezoid

4.59 carats, these pretty pink sapphires are set in rose gold and accented with a halfcarat of diamonds.

diamonds with an additional .62 carats of accent diamonds.

STYLE IN BLOOM

With lush flowers that never wilt, these nature-inspired diamond studs feature 5.30 carats of pear-shaped diamonds set in platinum.

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AND SHE THOUGHT THESE THINGS ONLY HAPPENED IN THE MOVIES...

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DIAMOND RINGS

From “I love you” to “I do”, a classic diamond ring has a style that says it all.

With the versatility to be worn on either hand, these rings are perfect for any occasion.

Left page: 4.58ct radiant-cut yellow diamond | Clockwise from top left: 3.01ct oval diamond | 5.11ct round brilliant cut diamond | 7.95ctw round brilliant cut diamonds | 8.25ct radiant-cut diamond | 3.99ct pear-shaped diamond | 5.63tdw emerald-cut diamonds

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Tennis A nyone?

The modern diamond tennis bracelet has evolved to a chic and stylish variation of the beloved classic. While you can never go wrong with a timeless straight-line diamond bracelet, incorporating different colors, textures and patterns provides a fresh pop of personality! This modern bracelet is made to be layered but important enough to wear on its own, allowing the wearer to customize her style to suit any occasion.

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M atch Point.

Current jewelry trends are all about wearable fun. Layered pendants complimented with a bold stack of bangles, geometric jewelry designs decorated with diamonds, and feminine bows and knots are only the beginning of the new face of fashion jewelry. Rose gold, yellow gold and white gold, every metal color is now having its moment!

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love

the looks we

A DIA MOND FR A ME OF MIND

Diamonds and colored gems are a match made in heaven, which is why it comes as no surprise that a halo highlighting the gemstone makes for a pretty perfect pairing.

A delicate framework of diamonds provides a sparkling and bright contrast to a gem’s rich and bold hues. Whether it’s a single halo or many, like this multi-sapphire riviera, there really is no wrong way to rock this look.

Shown Above: Enrich your evening attire with this glamorous necklace showcasing 21.62 carats of sapphires set in 18k white gold. Each sapphire is surrounded by a halo of diamonds, highlighting their lively blue color.

With diamonds set in every link, a total of 6.19 carats of diamonds adorn this beautiful necklace.

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THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

SAPPHIRE RING: The 10.14-carat oval Ceylon Sapphire is beautifully complimented with a onecarat oval diamond on each side. A halo of diamonds separates each gemstone, creating a scintillating accent that elevates this classic look to an exciting new level.

PURPLE GARNET EARRINGS: The ideal shade of purple is a jammy and rich hue like these purple garnets.

Totaling 7.38 carats, the warm hue of these pearshaped gemstones is accented by pretty pink sapphires. Diamonds are then woven throughout the design to complete the look.

MOONSTONE & SPINEL EARRINGS: The mysterious color changing Alexandrite is a faultless frame for highlighting the magical, everchanging moonstone. While the circle of diamonds accenting the purple spinel is quite captivating, it’s the Alexandrite and Moonstone pairing that makes these earrings so unique and exceptional.

CHINESE WRITING BLACK OPAL:

EMERALD HEART PENDANT:

Accented by a halo of diamonds, this pendant

This 5.60-carat heart-shaped Emerald is a powerful

showcases a 7.26-carat Black Opal that displays an

statement on its own, but once highlighted with 178

incredibly rare Chinese writing pattern. As the Opal

diamonds, it becomes a pendant impossible to ignore.

moves, the complexity of the pattern is revealed

The diamonds wrap around the front of the heart and

through fiery flashes of orange and red.

encompass the back in a perfect pavé pattern.

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Simply Spectacular

This collection of bold and beautiful jewelry is designed for maximum impact and superior sparkle.

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THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

This classic Wixon Signature custom ring features a 7.52-carat emerald-cut center diamond accented with side diamonds. Set in platinum, this hand-crafted design is truly a timeless beauty that will stand the test of time.

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A suite of sapphires is suitable for nearly every occasion. Over 21 carats of oval sapphires set in earrings are simply stunning next to this 14 carat sapphire ring.

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Simply mesmerizing, this 8.25carat oval fancy yellow diamond is a true beauty. The French shield side diamonds complement the stunning and sunny center diamond to perfection.

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This platinum diamond Riviera necklace features 46.03 carats of emerald-cut diamonds. Each diamond is perfectly matched to provide unparalleled sparkle and fire from every angle.

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HARDWARE STORE FOR WOMEN.

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EARRINGS

Effortless and easy, earrings are the ultimate expressive accessory for the modern woman. The movement, the pizazz, the flare; it’s all about finding the right pair.

Left page: 12.36tdw Fancy Color and White Diamonds | Clockwise from top left: 4.15ctw Fire Opal | 2.16ct Oval Diamonds | 7.81ctw Black Opal | 20.50ctw Blue Zircon | 4.18ctw Ceylon Sapphire | 4.27ctw Diamonds | 33.94ct Tanzanite | 2.23ctw Trillion Diamonds

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Hoprahs' CANINE COUNSEL

What do media mogul Oprah

Winfrey and I have in common,

aside from the fact that I added

my H to the front of her name?

We h a ve a d e e p l o ve a n d affection for dogs, and we both

believe in promoting the power of positive training and top-tier products for our pets. I grew up with six house dogs and after

being around them my entire life, I’ve picked up a few tips along the way that really work well. Dogs love to learn and love praise. Before they can become regulars at the store, Dan and I insist that they are well trained.

Joe & Timmy Wixon pose for a photo op while relaxing poolside.

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THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

TRAINING 101 There are several key training tactics that help my pups and I

inconsistent commands. The most misused or doubled up

communicate our best. People often get frustrated with their

commands are "off" and "down." Down is the position of

dog, yet never put forth the effort to train them. Even with a

laying on the floor. Off means get off the couch or get off

lifetime of experience, I still enroll my dog in a two-month

of a person if they jump up on them.

training class. My personal recommendation is Tails Up Dog

Never use the kennel for punishment. The dog will

Training. The class provides chaos that I can’t re-create in

associate the kennel as a negative place and will become upset

my home environment.

when you need to use it. I have never had the cause to punish

A dog needs to be able to listen both at home and in

my dog more than shaking my finger and saying, "No!" A

other environments full of new distractions. Nothing

dog’s nose is very sensitive, so if you must further reprimand

is worse than an untrained dog. A common mistake is

them, swat their behind and never their face or nose.

ORVIS PERSONALIZED BUCKLE COLLARS

STEWART FREEZE-DRIED BEEF LIVER My favorite treats are these freeze-dried beef liver snaps.

They are awesome and save your hands from that typical greasy and smelly dog treat residue. They are chemicalfree and the only ingredient is liver. There are no additives or preservatives. They are already dehydrated, so you don’t have to worry about them going bad, which is why we buy six tubs at a time.

BRAVECTO Living in Minnesota, protecting ou r pups f rom t ick a nd Ly me disease is an ongoing concern.

Bravecto is a chewable tablet which provides coverage for three months from ticks and fleas. It’s also a clean application, unlike the greasy film from Frontline. We live on a farm, so this medicine is really put to the test. Bravecto is prescription only, so see your vet.

Ever have a dog break a collar or be too impatient while you try to work the belt-style buckle? That's why I love the Orvis dog collar; I have used them for over 15 years and never had a buckle break. I especially like the free embroidery because you can customize the color of the collar and thread to personalize it for your pup. I always have the dog's name and our phone number embroidered on them. With a quick-release buckle and no noisy dangling tags, these are must have.

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JUST WHEN SHE THOUGHT SHE HAD YOU COMPLETELY FIGURED OUT...

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GEMSTONE RINGS

Add a little color to your life! Colored gemstone rings are full of charisma and vibrant personality, making them a major jewelry must-have.

Left page: 4.81ct Black Opal | Clockwise from top left: 5.83ct Ceylon Sapphire | 2.65ct Red Spinel | 7.00ct Emerald | 3.50ct Grape Garnet | 4.25ct Paraiba Tourmaline | 5.90ct Moonstone

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Must LOVE Our four-legged friends are loyal, obedient and eager to please. They repay our love and affection unconditionally. As each of us returns home, we are greeted with either a leap for joy, a sloppy lick, an enthusiastic bark or all of the above. What makes humans worthy of such adoration? Dog lovers have several universal qualities that make them good owners.

Most dogs can’t verbalize how they feel, and they rely on us for all the very basics in life. For this reason, dog owners need to be responsible, reliable, nurturing and

compassionate. Coincidentally, those are also some of the traits we look at when hiring a new employee. That’s not to say that every dog owner is a shoo-in, or that owning a dog is a pre-requisite to work at Wixon Jewelers. We have hired employees who own cats, a parrot and even a turtle, but let’s just say we may be a little partial to pups!

Here are a few of our employee's adorable four-legged friends

orts.

k to scope out their canine coh

amite & Bob Barker) take a brea

nuts, Joe Dyn The Wixon boys (Timmy Wal

Lincoln

Maddox

Quincy

Tootsie

Major

Gigi

Cooper

Panzer

Romeo

Frankie

Roxy

Franklin

Daphne

Ranger

Leslie

Bella

Baily

Marshall

Charlie

Wally THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

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Nautical ST YLE

Sleek and distinguished, the new Rolex Yacht-

Master 42 celebrates the privileged ties between Rolex and the world of sailing.

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THE THEWIXON WIXONEXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE

Taking on the might of the ocean demands courage and an innate sense of adventure. Sailors must thoroughly prepare for all eventualities before they set off, for they know they will inevitably face bad weather, damage to their boat and any other number of incidents. Several have set sail wearing a Rolex wristwatch, including Sir Francis Chichester, Bernard Moitessier and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who are known for being the first yachtsmen to complete solo round-the-world voyages in under a year.

THE WATCH OF THE OPEN SEAS At sea, survival depends greatly on the accuracy of onboard chronometers. A captain needs to know the exact time in order to calculate longitude and latitude to give the position of the boat on the globe.

Until the beginning of the 20th century, large marine chronometers were the only instruments capable of providing the required accuracy on the high seas. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, set about changing this by proving that small timepieces could rival the precision of the best marine clocks. Precise, waterproof, reliable and robust, Rolex watches could be used as marine instruments, which meant that the location of the onboard chronometer could shift from a fixed location inside the boat’s binnacle to the captain’s wrist.

First launched in 1992, the Yacht-Master was designed specifically for navigators and skippers.

Carrying the rich heritage that has bound Rolex and the world of sailing since the 1950s, the collection provides a perfect blend of functionality and nautical style, making it equally at home on and off the water.

This year, Rolex is extending this nautical range of timepieces with a new model—the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42.

This new model is the first in the Yacht-Master range to be equipped with calibre 3235, a new-generation movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Incorporating Rolex’s Chronergy escapement, Paraflex shock absorbers and an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring, the calibre 3235 offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, and resistance to shocks and magnetic fields.

Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3235 extends to approximately 70 hours.

SUPERLATIVE AT SEA The Yacht-Master 42 is fitted with Rolex’s Oysterflex bracelet, a sporty alternative to metal bracelets.

Crafted from a high-performance black elastomer, the Oysterflex bracelet is extremely comfortable, very durable and particularly resistant to environmental effects. For years, Rolex watches have crossed parallels and meridians on the wrists of intrepid skippers and ardent yachting enthusiasts. The new Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42 is a technical, elegant and sporty watch that remains sleek and distinguished while also being a useful and reliable nautical instrument.

BOLD WHITE GOLD Created from 18k white gold, this new watch heralds the arrival of this precious metal in the Yacht-Master collection for the first time; and at 42mm, it is the largest case size available in the collection. The YachtMaster 42 is fitted with a matte black Cerachrom bezel insert that perfectly complements its black lacquer dial. The polished numerals and graduations on the bidirectional rotatable bezel stand out clearly against its sand-blasted matte backdrop. This functional bezel– which allows the wearer to calculate, for example, the sailing time between two buoys– is also a key component in the model’s distinctive visual identity.

Robust, accurate and perfectly waterproof, the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 is the emblematic nautical watch.

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The CREATION of a

COMPLICATION With the new Ref. 5212A, Patek Philippe introduces a new complication and a retro aesthetic born from a handwritten font style.

Throughout their venerable history, Patek Philippe has

this new movement features a completely reworked and

long been known for their expertise in developing in-house

refined self-winding mechanism that sports several

movements and creating iconic timepieces with masterful

innovations and optimizations that improve

complications. The storied Swiss watchmaker has developed a

its performance and dependability. The

broad spectrum of calendar functions, from the simple aperture

sapphire-crystal case back reveals

date to the extremely complex secular perpetual calendar.

the refined architecture and

Now, Patek Philippe is taking a step forward by expanding

p a i n s t a k i ng de t a i l of

its collection with the addition of a newly-developed weekly

the hand-finished

calendar function. In addition to showing the day of the week

movement.

and the date, the new Calatrava Weekly Calendar Ref. 5212A also shows which week it is in the year.

AN UNMISTAKABLE AESTHETIC This timepiece expresses its uniqueness via a silvery opaline dial with an unusual layout featuring five hands extending from the center of the dial. The day of the week is displayed by a hammer-shaped hand with a red hammer-head on a circular scale in the middle of the dial. A second hand of the same design delivers the week number and month readings on two concentric scales at the periphery of the dial. Beyond its sheer functionality and charm, what’s more impressive is how legible the watch remains even with so much information on the dial.

Patek is exceptionally good at presenting complicated information in extremely elegant and intuitive ways. The typography on the dial is based on the handwriting of a Patek Philippe designer, making the letters and numbers unique while adding a poetic personal touch. The 40mm case is crafted in stainless steel, a rare metal for Patek Philippe, making this new Calatrava Weekly Calendar even more appealing.

MECHANICAL MASTERY To display this new function, Patek Philippe endowed the Ref. 5212A with a newly-developed automatic movement—the caliber 26-330 S C J SE. Based on their popular caliber 324,

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THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

The new Calatrava Weekly Calendar is a refreshing, slightly more casual counterpart to the minimalist elegance of the Calatrava collection.

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

39

Lunar Love

THE MAGIC OF A MOON PHASE WATCH

Since humankind has existed, the night sky has always captured our imagination. The cloak of darkness illuminated by a giant glowing orb, further accompanied by millions of tiny twinkling lights, has inspired countless artistic endeavors and fanciful tales. Even though we now know what these illuminations overhead are and have even sent men to take steps on the lunar surface, the captivating beauty of the moon and stars continues to fuel our sense of wonder and creativity. For centuries, watchmakers have been especially taken by the waxing and waning of the moon, which has paved the way for the moon phase watch complication.

With its distinguished charm, the moon phase aperture remains an aesthetic fixture in Patek Philippe’s perpetual calendar watches.

40

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

Parmigiani’s Tonda Calendrier Annuel features a precision moon phase mechanism that only needs adjustment once every 122 years.

A CELESTIAL COMPLICATION A “complication” is any watch function that goes beyond

rather than over a nice round number, it presents a challenge for

telling the time. One of the most poetic and whimsical watch

watchmakers to build a precise moon phase display. Depending

complications is the moon phase display. While we may take for

on what a timepiece is looking to achieve in terms of precision,

granted what the moon looks like in the sky on any given night,

a moon phase display can remain accurate for a few years, or a

many high-end watchmakers make it their mission to paint a

few hundred years, before needing manual adjustment on the

precise picture of it on a watch dial.

part of the wearer.

To portray the current phase of the moon on a timepiece,

While nothing can beat the wonder of looking up and

watchmakers include a moon phase display on the dial of a

seeing the bright white moon gleaming in the

watch. The most frequent type of moon phase display features a

dark night sky, looking down at one’s wrist

semi-circular window, where the edges of the opening serve to

to see a realistic representation

cover parts of the moon to illustrate the correct phase. Although

of the heavens comes

this is the standard way for a watch to show the phases of the

pretty close.

moon, there are other styles too, including full circular windows with markers pointing to the current phase or ones that take into consideration northern and southern hemispheres.

ASTRONOMICAL AESTHETICS Depicting the expansive night sky as beautifully as possible on a small watch dial provides the opportunity for fine watch brands to exhibit their artistic flair and boundless ingenuity.

Oftentimes, solid gold pieces are shaped to emulate the moon, regularly joined by tiny twinkling stars. Blankets of blue or black backgrounds are thoughtfully dotted with either whimsical illustrations of the moon or realistic representations of the lunar landscape. The celestial canvas can also be fashioned from alluring materials such as glistening aventurine or mysterious meteorite that once fell from space. Oftentimes, high end watch brands tap into the skills of their most creative artisans—from jewelers to engravers to enamellers to painters—to recreate the magic of the moon.

Mechanically, recreating the stages of the moon’s silhouette is not as simple as it may seem. Since a full lunar cycle takes 29.53 days (29 days, 12 hours, and 44 minutes) to complete

This Rendez-Vous showcases a large moon phase display with a sandblasted moon disk that imparts an attractive sense of depth.

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

41

HOT WHEELS! BY: KATHY CARGILL As a young girl, I never owned a Barbie Doll; however, I did have a helluva collection of Hot Wheels! My father was a self-employed auto body repairman and my love affair with cars started at a very early age. The chrome, the candy colors and especially the smell of the vehicles made a lasting impression on me. When I wasn’t on roller skates, I was hanging out in the garage learning as much as I could about how these amazing vehicles worked.

42

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

All of those coveted little diecast Hot Wheels became full-size muscle cars. Do you remember the names of the greatest muscle cars from the late 60’s to the early 70’s?

Chargers, Demons, Road Runners, Challengers, SuperBirds, Super Bees, Day tonas, Cudas… a nd the list goes on! These vehicles were the colors of a spilled bag of Skittles and the deep, throaty sounds coming from their exhaust systems commanded attention.

My pa s sion for t hes e c a rs segued into the world of open wheel racing with sprint cars, Indy

4.0 LITER

ENGINE

TWIN

TURBO

V8

cars and Formula 1. I followed all of the greatest drivers like Jackie Stewa r t, Emerson Fit tapa ld i, Mario Andretti and Aryton Senna, just to name a few. Aryton Senna was a Brazilian race car driver who drove for McLaren from 1988 through 1993. He was one of the best until he was tragically killed in 1994 while racing in Italy.

In 2019, McLaren decided to build a unique street-legal track car in his honor. The supercar was rightfully named the “Senna” and with a limited production of only 500 of these cars made,

789 HORSE POWER

each one of them is bespoke. I was fortunate to have been able to order and configure my very own McLaren Senna. I chose black carbon fiber for the body and the paint detail is in the Brazilian colors of green and yellow. The last question I was asked when designing this car was, “Would you like anything engraved on the throttle pedal?” I thought for about 30 seconds and then I knew exactly how it would be engraved—I would rather die of passion than of boredom.

Pedal to the metal!

0-TO-60

TOP SPEED

SECONDS

(PERSONALLY VERIFIED)

208 2.8 MPH MPH IN

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

43

A PROTOTYPE RESURFACES THE NEW BLACK BAY P01 IS A MODERN INTERPRETATION OF A 1967 PROTOTYPE CREATED FOR THE US NAVY.

The history of the TUDOR dive watch dates back to 1954, with the launch of reference 7922. This model fully embraced the brand’s tool-watch philosophy, and was the first in their long line of robust and reliable dive watches. TUDOR had been supplying the US Navy with divers' watches since the late 1950s and the years that followed saw constant improvement of their dive watches. In 1967, TUDOR began development of a technical model to replace the Oyster Prince Submariner that was standard-issue for divers at that time.

This new watch needed to incorporate the latest research into functionality and ergonomics while

meeting a strict set of specifications and requirements set forth by the US government. Carrying the codename "Commando", this ambitious project resulted in a patent for an innovative hinged end-link locking system. While prototypes were produced, the project never came to fruition as the US Nav y adopted the TUDOR reference 7016 instead. The newly introduced Black Bay P01—which stands for prototype 1—is inspired by a protot y pe developed during the original study that has remained hidden in the archives, only to have its unique aesthetic brought to life 50 years later.

Fitted between the upper lugs, the P01’s unique bezel lock mechanism utilizes a claw-like hinge to clamp down on the fluted rim of the bi-directional bezel, securing it in place.

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THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

45

@

=

@

@

=

@

AN ICON THE ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL DATEJUST BY: JASON HEATON There are few wristwatches today that can truly claim status

become such a mainstay on wrists for so long that it has come

as an icon. In fact, the word, “icon” is used too often, almost

to be the watch people most often associate with its maker. This

casually, in advertisements or hyperbolic marketing claims.

is the watch people imagine when they hear the word, Rolex,

But there is one watch that has become so woven into not only

a classic, timeless design, both refined and robust at the same

our culture’s canon of watches, but into our culture itself, that

time, embodying success, action, confidence and reliability even

it embodies, and even transcends the term, icon: the Rolex

as it pokes from beneath a sleeve.

Datejust.

But just how did the Datejust become a horological

Odds are, when one conjures a vision of a wristwatch in

archetype, a template that countless other watches would follow,

one’s head, it is the Rolex Datejust that comes to mind: three

seen on wrists of bank managers and world leaders alike? To

stick hands, a clean dial, and a date window. The Datejust has

find out, we must go back to its origins.

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THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

THE BIRTH OF AN ICON The year was 1945 and not only was World War II coming to a merciful end, but Rolex was celebrating its 40th anniversary as a company. Established in 1905 in London as Wilsdorf & Davis Watch Company, in the 1920s, it moved to Switzerland and was renamed the five-letter word, “easy to pronounce in any language”, that would become one of the most recognizable brands in history. Rolex made its reputation building sturdy, practical watches with the revolutionary Oyster waterproof case, screw-in crown, and “Perpetual” self-winding system. To celebrate its jubilee 40th anniversary, Hans Wilsdorf decided to create something truly special, a watch that would set the stage for a new era for Rolex and become a true icon.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust debuted at a celebratory event held at the Hotel des Bergues in Geneva and caused an immediate sensation. It was the first self-winding wristwatch to feature an automatically changing date function.

Think about that for a moment. What has become the norm in almost every watch sold today, was pioneered by the Rolex

Rolex founder, Hans Wilsdorf, circa 1945. This was the year the first Datejust was released and revolutionized the watch industry.

Datejust in 1945. Add in the fact that it was housed in a watertight Oyster case made the watch a useful, handsome

this achievement and continued to produce chronometer-

timepiece one could wear daily for just about anything, without

grade watches to this day, proudly stating this on their dials:

fear of moisture, and without having to worry about winding it

“Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified”. The very first

or adjusting the date.

Datejust was chronometer-rated as well, adding to its long list

Another trait that Rolex had become known for by its 45th

of attractive qualities.

year in business, was accuracy. It was, in fact, the first brand to be awarded a chronometer certification for a wristwatch, by the

REVOLUTION BECOMES EVOLUTION

Kew Observatory in England. This meant that it would lose no

To commemorate the 40th anniversary, Rolex also introduced

more than four seconds or gain no more than six seconds over

a new bracelet, known appropriately as the “Jubilee”, with a set

a 24-hour period as measured in five positions, an astounding

of outer links bookending a middle swatch of smaller ones. This

accuracy of 99.994%. Rolex was understandably proud of

style of bracelet is a legend on its own, reproduced and imitated ever since, and it made its debut on the Datejust.

Greek mythology said that the goddess, Venus, emerged, fully formed, from the inside of an oyster. Similarly, the Datejust was born, in much the form we know it today.

There was the Perpetual winding system still used today, the automatically correcting date display, the Jubilee bracelet, even a fluted bezel, which mimicked that of the old screw-off style found on pocketwatches. And, like Venus, it came forth in an Oyster.

But one thing was missing. In 1954, Rolex introduced a feature that would become a calling card of the brand, and again it debuted on the Datejust: the Cyclops date magnifier.

This bubble on the watch crystal enlarges the date for easier reading, a feature that would trickle down onto almost every Rolex with a date function since. Now the picture was complete and the Datejust would go on to enjoy a legacy of unparalleled

The earliest Datejust already had the hallmarks of a classic.

success. Winston Churchill wore a Datejust. So did Dwight Eisenhower, and Martin Luther King, Jr. It became the watch to

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

47

Modern Datejust references offer a variety of metals, dials and bezels, all while staying true to the timeless aesthetic codes of the original. To suit both men and women, the Datejust collection is available in a variety of sizes ranging from 31 to 41mm.

commemorate achievements and anniversaries, a watch that looked as good with a suit as a T-shirt and jeans, a watch that could be worn by both men and women alike. Its versatility is renowned, its robust good looks fit in whether poolside or in the boardroom.

It became not only the archetypal Rolex, but the archetypal wristwatch for the second half of the 20th century.

THE MYTHICAL "ONE WATCH" But time doesn’t stand still and Rolex is not a company to rest on its success. In the decades since its debut, the Datejust has seen steady, incremental improvements, all the while retaining its recognizable form. It now comes in a variety of metals, including 904L Oystersteel, white or Everose gold, or a Rolesor version. There is both a 36 millimeter version that stays true to the original, but also a larger 41-millimeter style, as well as a ladies’ 31-millimeter that can be had with a diamond studded bezel. Inside ticks a fully modern movement, featuring Rolex’s latest technologies, like a Syloxi or Parachrom hairspring that defies the effects of magnetism to ensure even more robust and accurate timekeeping. And the bracelets are state of the art, both in Oyster or Jubilee style with solid links and adjustable foldover clasps.

There’s a myth among watch enthusiasts, that of the “one watch” that its owner could wear 24/7 and never have to own or wear anything else. That “one” watch would have to be versatile, rugged, accurate, timeless and attractive. Well, that myth is a reality, and there is a watch that fits those criteria. In fact, it has been around since 1945. It is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust. And it is a true icon.

Jason Heaton is a Minneapolis-based writer who has contributed to Revolution, Gear Patrol, Outside, and Hodinkee. He is also the co-host of the popular podcast, The Grey NATO.

48

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

The Dazzling Rendez-Vous Collection A collection created for elegant women who crave timepieces embodying equal parts sparkle and sophistication.

50

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

Capturing the pure essence of femininity, the Rendez-Vous

DAZZLING RENDEZ-VOUS NIGHT & DAY

collection has been reimagined this year as part of Jaeger-

Combining

LeCoultre’s introductions at Baselworld 2019. Even at a

uncompromising attention to detail, the Night & Day

glance, these new timepieces show a stunning richness in

function is as balanced as ever. The day/night indicator moves

detail with elements that fully adhere to both the codes of fine

across the starry mother-of-pearl sky within an aperture

watchmaking and the art of gem-setting. More than ever, the

at six-o’clock. Between the perfectly-measured pace of the

new models of the Rendez-Vous collection are imbued with

automatic movement and the stunning precision of the poetic

the spirit of fine watchmaking, inside and out. The exceptional

Night & Day function, the diamonds and mother-of-pearl dial

personality of each is a perfect reflection of the extreme

stand out with infinite grace.

precision necessary to bring these creations to life.

The master jewelers of Jaeger-LeCoultre shine with rare

gold,

mother-of-pearl

and

diamonds

with

DAZZLING RENDEZ-VOUS MOON

talents for various gem-setting techniques that require extreme

Echoing the radiance of its mother-of-pearl dial, the Dazzling

attention to detail and a remarkable degree of patience. No

Rendez-Vous Moon features a meticulously-crafted moon

matter the type of setting, the goal remains the same—to best

phase complication set against the background of a starry sky

accentuate the brightness and purity of the gemstones. The

blanketed by immaculate clouds. The master watchmakers and

prong setting itself takes their master craftsmen hours upon

craftsmen of Jaeger-LeCoultre are responsible for breathing life

hours to cut, set and place diamonds one by one to bring out

into this masterpiece by adhering to centuries-old techniques

their full radiance and shine.

with the utmost rigor, and all under the watchful eye of

The precious outer bezel showcases a flawless trail of 108

binocular microscopes.

diamonds huddled close together through its striking prong setting technique. Ethereal and subtle, another row of 47 smaller diamonds is nestled away gently inside the dial, with the lugs also set with 12 more diamonds. A single inverted diamond adorns the crown for the perfect finishing touch of refinement. The radiance of 168 diamonds is a wonder to behold and its effect is only further enhanced by the brilliance of the iridescent surface of its mother-of-pearl dial. In this opulent environment, the unique hands and numerals that are so emblematic of the Rendez-Vous collection are able to shine in all their glory.

Jaeger-LeCoultre

strives

to

endlessly blur the lines between watchmaking and jewelry precision with exceptional timepieces that continue to make their mark on the world of horology.

These new Dazzling Rendez-Vous timepieces are an adept amalgamation between fine jewelry craftsmanship and Swiss watchmaking expertise, and are sure to charm sophisticated women in search of a timepiece embodying both the precision of watchmaking and the adornment of fine jewelry.

With an automatic movement nestled in a generous 36mm case, the Dazzling Rendez-Vous Night & Day is available in either white or pink gold and styled with alligator leather straps in shades of blue or taupe.

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

51

The SEALAB habitat just prior to its descent.

GOING DEEP:

SEALAB & Rolex

BY: JASON HEATON

52

The dueling American and Soviet space programs

Jacques Cousteau had already been experimenting

of the mid- to late-1960s captured the public’s

with undersea living during his ambitious

attention and imagination. But at the same time,

CONSHELF project. The US Navy consulted with

the US Navy was also putting men into a hostile

Cousteau on the development of the SEALAB

and alien environment as part of the “Man in the

habitat, while at the Navy’s Experimental Diving

Sea” SEALAB program. While astronauts were

Unit, Captain George F. Bond, began to conduct

fighting for control of the high ground of outer

experiments, first on goats and then on volunteer

space, aquanauts were doing the same in the

divers, with different breathing gas mixtures at

depths of “inner space”. The strategy to gain a

various simulated depths. Oxygen becomes toxic as

foothold beneath the waves was to have humans

depth increases, and nitrogen becomes a narcotic;

living underwater for extended periods, and

thus, both are largely replaced in divers’ breathing

there were visions of colonies and workplaces

gas with inert helium, to lower these risks. Even so,

on the sea floor, as well as for obvious military

new decompression protocols had to be developed

purposes; it was the height of the Cold War

for the return to sea level pressure, to reduce the

after all. But living underwater is fraught with

possibility of fatal decompression sickness, also

complication and danger.

known as “the bends”.

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

DEEP & DEEPER

his rebreather unit. Rumors of sabotage

With habitat and breathing gases sorted,

swirled, the successful Moon landing

SEALAB I kicked off in July of 1964 with

mere months later, and the public’s (and

a pressurized and spartan diver habitat

government’s) general lack of interest in

under 192 feet of seawater off the coast

undersea habitation, caused the SEALAB

of Bermuda. A tropical storm halted

program to be cancelled for good.

the planned three-week project after 11

Photo by Gishani Ratnayake

Astronaut turned aquanaut, Scott Carpenter.

days, but overall it was a success, with

SUBMARINERS & SEA-DWELLERS

four divers living in their cramped home,

For t hos e i ntere s te d i n watche s,

venturing out for daily exploratory dives,

SE A L A B is i mpor t a nt due to t he

and emerging at the end of the mission

extensive use of Rolex dive watches.

decompressed and unscathed.

In the 1960s, a watch was a vital piece

Two more SEALAB missions were

of equipment for a diver and Rolex had

planned, with the second at 205 feet

a deserved reputation for ruggedness

of depth off of La Jolla, California.

and dependability. The US Navy did

SE A L A B I I h ad hot showers a nd

not regularly issue watches to divers

refrigeration, and former Mercur y

as did the French and British armed

ast ronaut t u r ned aqua naut, S cot t

forces. Instead, divers bought their

Carpenter, remained submerged for a

ow n to wea r, somet i mes wit h a n

record 30 days. Flush with the success

allowance, and watches were regularly

of this second mission, SEALAB III,

sold in the PX on bases. According to

launched in February of 1969, the most

an interview with watch historian, José

ambitious of all, at a depth of 610 feet

Perez, Chief Warrant Officer Robert A.

with a slew of planned experiments.

Barth, who was Quartermaster for the

But when the habitat developed a leak

SEALAB project, went to the store on

on the first day, divers were sent down

the Panama City, Florida Naval Base

to solve the problem. One of them,

and put in an order for a large number

aquanaut Berry Cannon, died of acute

of Rolex Submariners. As Barth once

hypoxia, due to a technical issue with

told me, even though Rolex watches

This Rolex Submariner, ref. 5512, is one of only three SEALAB watches to have been found.

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

53

The watch's caseback has its original SEALAB engraving, and a later, more personal sentiment from father to son.

Photo by Gishani Ratnayake

were more expensive, the divers preferred them

This particular example has the additional

not for their prestigious name but, “because

inscription on the caseback, undoubtedly done

they didn’t leak.”

years after SEALAB ended, “To Richard From Dad, Love”. The watch was presumably presented

A SEALAB WATCH SURFACES

by a former SEALAB team diver to his son,

The Panama City PX was wary of just ordering

Richard. Attempts to trace the exact provenance

a bunch of Rolexes for an officer to hand out for

of the watch have so far been fruitless, but the

“just wearing around” and so insisted on engraving

serial number of this particular Submariner

the case backs with some sort of identification.

falls right in line with those of issued watches

Hence, when the watches were distributed to the teams of divers in 1965, they had the name, “SEALAB”, a hyphen, a nd a sequent ia l nu mber engraved on the backs. Watch number 1 was issued to the

"...the exact number of these watches remains a mystery. To find one is akin to finding a watch worn by an astronaut in space."

10 and 11. The watch is a lovely gi lt d ia l ref. 5512 w i t h fo u r l i n e s o f t e x t stating its certification as a chronometer as well as it s 2 0 0 me ters of water resistance. It shows its age

head of the SEALAB program, Dr. George Bond,

in its numerous scratches and patina, which

who had the nickname, “Papa Topside” since he did

are understandable, considering the hard use

not actually spend time inside the habitats but ran

it would have faced regularly as part of the

things from the surface. Number 2 went to Scott

SEALAB program, diving in and out of the 205-

Carpenter, the former Navy pilot and Mercury

foot deep habitat daily. But a couple spins of the

astronaut. The rest of their owners, and the exact

crown and it starts right up and still keeps good

number of these watches remains a mystery. To find

time. It is, after all, a Rolex.

one is akin to finding a watch worn by an astronaut in space. So far, the only known examples to have surfaced are numbers 11,13, and now number 10, which belongs to Wixon Jewelers.

54

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

Jason Heaton is a Minneapolis-based writer who has contributed to Revolution, Gear Patrol, Outside, and Hodinkee.

He is also the co-host of the popular podcast, The Grey NATO.

MARKPATTERSON.COM

Moonlight THE

The beauty of owning your own business is that you are allowed to dream big, and there is nobody better at helping execute big dreams than our Director of Marketing, Jayme Pretzloff. The only thing consistent in business is evolution, and in the ever-changing world of marketing, we rely on Jayme to ensure that we remain cutting edge and ahead of the curve. His commitment to his profession is unfailing, and you’ll often find this moonlight marketer working into the wee hours of the night. As the head of our in-house marketing team, Jayme has dutifully overseen the transformation of the Wixon Jewelers brand over the past eight years. Joined by our Art Director, Blake, this dynamic duo is responsible for writing, designing and creating all of our advertisements, content and marketing. When it comes to the secrets behind our brand, more often than not, Jayme is the man with the plan–with a whiskey in hand.

56

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

How has marketing changed since school?

shirts are versatile and tailor-fit with a length that allows you

College was ten iPhone versions ago, Instagram hadn’t even

to wear them tucked in at the office or untucked for a night on

been thought up and Blockbuster video was still a thing.

the town. They have a veritable pallet of exciting colors and

It’s amazing how much the business and the marketing

designs with details that add a subtle flair to the shirts.

landscape changes each year, let alone ten! Today, marketing minute. It’s more important than ever to know where your

As our most eligible bachelor... what does your dating app profile say?

audience spends their time so you’re not wasting advertising

“If you’re looking for a nice boy, come date my son. I will make

dollars on Friendster and MySpace.

you tacos.” – My Mother. Surprisingly enough, dating apps just

is so much more diverse and segmented; it moves at a mile a

What do you do when you hit a creative roadblock?

aren't for me. I guess what I’m saying is that I’d expect my mom to create one for me before I’d ever write one myself.

I stole this from Steve Jobs, and it sounds overly simple, but

I’d rather meet Mrs. Right when I’m out and about enjoying

just going for a walk helps open up your mind and allows

something I love to do. Call me Old Fashioned, but I’d rather

ideas to form naturally. Research shows that walking is the

pour one and start a conversation in person.

best way to trigger cooperation between the two modes of the roadblock at work, I’ll go for a little walk to clear my head.

You’re a self-proclaimed Apple geek, so why no Apple Watch?

When I’m at home? Bourbon.

I actually owned one but I found that I never really used it.

brain and unleash your most creative ideas. So when I hit a

You’ve always been one of the best dressed amongst our team… what’s your secret?

I'm more of a Rolex guy myself; I already have to upgrade my phone every year, and I prefer my timepieces to have a shelf life longer than a year. Don't get me wrong, I love technology and I’m obsessed with the latest gadgets… I just don't want

at their Galleria location always makes me look dapper. Their

them anywhere near my wrist.

Photo by Soyal Shrestha

My favorite local spot is Hammermade; my guy Will Horton

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

57

Blues THE

It may seem like men's watches get all the acclaim, but women's timepieces today are just as noteworthy. Navy and other shades of blue have become the cool, versatile and stylishly sophisticated go-to hue. These timepieces radiate confidence with understated luxury and are perfectly appropriate for every occasion.

LUMINOR DUE 38 This

striking

timepiece

features

the iconic Panerai design downsized in a slimmer and more streamlined 38mm variation.

The interchangeable cerulean blue alligator strap is the perfect complement to the rich 18k rose gold case, resulting in a distinctly polished adorning accessory.

58

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

TWENTY~4 REVERSO ONE

The sleek lines and high-polished

With its clean lines and refined details,

look on the ladies Twenty~4, which is

the Reverso One Duetto from Jaeger-

BLACK BAY 32

LeCoultre is the epitome of elegance

With its robust design and waterproof

Art Deco design showcases a luxurious

case, the TUDOR Black Bay 32 is both stylish and functional. The lovely cobalt blue dial enhances the trademark

and sophistication. The quintessential lapis-toned leather strap that perfectly

finish provide a timeless and classic designed to fit every special moment in a modern woman’s life. Round brilliant diamonds adorn and frame the “perfect blue” dial providing an added touch of distinguished grace.

matches the dynamic double dials of this beautiful masterpiece.

snowflake hands which are framed by a smooth bezel for luxurious comfort.

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

59

ArtColor THE

OF

BY: DAVE BINDRA

Our fascination with the natural brilliance and beauty of precious gemstones has endured for centuries. Today it manifests itself in record-breaking, multimillion dollar auctions and a global race to unearth the next historic find of pigeon’s blood Rubies, vivid pink Spinels, and neon Paraiba tourmalines.

We are entering a time when the use of exotic colored gemstones in couture and high jewelry is unprecedented. From the major brands on 5th Avenue to the red carpet, color is all the craze today. Connoisseurs all over America are looking for rare and unusual items that not only have intrinsic value, but will also set them apart as discerning jewelry collectors.

The enduring beauty of colored gemstones is timeless. Precious gems have had an inherent value for centuries and an aesthetic value that is everlasting.

The beauty of a gemstone is determined by the way we perceive them. One might say that gemstones have something in common with paintings and fine art. As a colored gemstone specialist, my training has been very similar to that of a fine art dealer in understanding the subtle nuances which differentiate the vast variety of different types and species of gemstones.

The key to a gemstone's beauty is not merely a two-dimensional perception of color or clarity, but a four-dimensional balance of color, transparency, appearance and most importantly how a gemstone moves you. The emotion which a beautiful object provokes is that fourth dimension which can affect each and every one of us in a unique manner. The appreciation of beauty in a gemstone is similar to appreciating the beauty in a masterpiece painting.

We judge such beauty on the overall appearance of a gem, from the flashes of deep blue in a Ceylon Sapphire to the neon glow of a Paraiba Tourmalinecharacteristics similar to a painting’s subtle brush strokes or balance of color.

Dave Bindra is considered to be one of the world’s leading colored gemstone specialists. He is known for sourcing one-of-a-kind gemstones with an incomparable level of quality, brilliance and beauty. Many of our most exceptional colored gemstones are acquired through Dave and his family before becoming part of our Wixon Signature collection.

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2.28-carat hot pink spinel accented with 1.67 carats of diamonds 17.26ct Blue Zircon 8.66ct Yellow Sapphire 4.22ct Mint Tourmaline

3.64 carats of pink spinel accented with .4o-carat of diamonds

2.49-carat Paraiba Tourmaline accented with 3.94 carats of diamonds

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Dynamic DIALS

With a bevy of colorful combinations, a watch’s dial establishes a unique identity and gives depth to its personality.

Undoubtedly the most recognizable watch brand, Rolex offers a wide range of models from professional to classic watches to suit any style. Each model has its own distinct persona but much of a watch’s character can be attributed to the color and composition of its dial. Aside from displaying functions and indicators of time, the dial gives a watch its face, personality and a true identity of its own.

Dial creation is nothing short of an art form, calling for both great artistic expertise and use of state-of-theart technology.

From design to production, every Rolex dial is created in-house and largely by hand to ensure perfection. Designers and gem-setters work closely together in the subtle exercise of finding a balance between aesthetic and technical requirements.

To adorn its timepieces with the most striking gemstones, Rolex has its own gemology laboratory staffed by expert gemologists and master gemsetters. Gemologists are responsible for examining and inspecting the gemstones received, selecting only those that meet Rolex’s extremely stringent criteria.

They then pass into the hands of the gem-setters, who are tasked with aligning each precious stone to best reveal its beauty, color and brilliance.

This repertoire of techniques, combined with efforts to source the most impressive gemstones and materials is a testament to Rolex’s dedication to creating timepieces that exude elegance. Featuring bright hues in a veritable rainbow of colors, each dial variation is a testament to the eminently high s t a n d a r d s t o wh i c h R o l e x a d h e r e s . T h e unrivaled dedication to fine watchmaking i s a l wa y s o n d i s pl a y w i t h c ou nt l e s s unique variations in color, texture and motifs exclusive to Rolex.

Champagne chronograph counters are intertwined with black lacquer and diamonds to create a striking aesthetic for this special Cosmograph Daytona.

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This Day-Date 40 emanates brilliance with a pavé diamond dial set with blue sapphire and baguette diamond markers.

Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this Day-Date 36 showcases a pop of color with its bright and unique turquoise dial.

This Day-Date 36 features a distinctive pink opal dial set with diamond numerals and accented by a fiery diamond bezel.

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With their Submersible collection, Panerai bolsters its tradition of epic exploits in the depths of the sea.

Within the luxur y watch space, Panerai timepieces are undoubtably some of the most recognizable out there. For over a century, the watchmaking brand has stuck to a set of fundamental design cues that it applies to most of its models. These include large cushion-shaped cases, stark dials with oversized and luminous markers, and for at least half of the collection, an exaggerated bridge-style crown guard. If a watch’s silhouette is so central to a brand’s design language that it is essentially untouchable, how do you create fresh new models? One way is to introduce novel materials, which is precisely what Panerai did when it presented the Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech.

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WHAT IS CARBOTECH? Carbotech is Panerai’s name for a carbon fiber composite,

dial for legibility in the dark, and long water-resistant straps to

which up until the release of the Submersible PAM616, had

accommodate dive suits. This particular design would later be

never been used in watchmaking before. To produce Carbotech,

known as the Radiomir watch model, named after the patented

long thin carbon fiber sheets are layered and bound at high

luminescence.

pressure with a special polymer called polyether ether ketone

In 1949, Panerai files another patent for a self-luminous

(PEEK). Large blocks of Cartobtech can then be cut and shaped

paste called “Luminor.” Rather than highly dangerous radium,

as needed to make watch components.

this time Panerai opts for lower-radiation tritium as the base for

The resulting material is one that is not only tough and

the glowing paint. The following year, the company presents

durable, but also one that features an intriguing grain that

a new watch design, characterized by a large lever-controlled

gives the watches a distinct finish. Due to the organic way

mechanism that not only protects the winding crown but also

the pattern forms, no two cases fashioned from Carbotech will

pushes it into the case for improved waterproofness. This watch

ever be the same. Aesthetics aside, Carbotech is also ultra-

design would later be known as the Luminor watch model.

light, hypoallergenic, and corrosion-resistant—all good traits to have in a professional dive watch. In fact, Panerai asserts that Carbotech is lighter and stronger than ceramic and titanium.

THE PANERAI SUBMERSIBLE The majority of Panerai’s watches today are based either on the Radiomir or the Luminor designs from the first half of

THE ORIGINS OF OFFICINE PANERAI

the twentieth century. While Radiomir and Luminor watches

In 1860, Giovanni Panerai opened a watch shop and

were classified as dive watches during their eras, many are not

watchmaking school in Florence, Italy. By the turn of the

considered divers by today’s standards.

twentieth century, Giovanni Panerai’s grandson, Guido,

However, Panerai does indeed offer dedicated modern dive

was at the helm of the family business and Panerai became

watches in the form of the Submersible collection. As modern

a supplier of precision instruments and technical gear to the

dive watches, all of Panerai’s Submersible models have qualities

Regia Marina—the Royal Italian Navy.

that make them suitable for scuba diving. At a minimum, they

Panerai filed a patent in 1916 for a self-luminous radium-

feature a 300-meter water resistance rating, plenty of lume on

based substance called “Radiomir,” which would later become

the dial for readability in low light, a unidirectional timing

an integral part of Panerai’s military diving wristwatches. Two

bezel to track immersion times, and rugged waterproof straps.

decades later, in 1936, Panerai built prototype dive watches

Panerai offers Submersible watches in a range of sizes,

for the combat divers of the Italian Navy. Crafted for life

materials, and colorways. Furthermore, there are also

underwater, these watches featured massive cushion-shaped

Submersible models fitted with additional complications such

cases in stainless steel, oversized winding crowns that could

as chronographs or GMT functions.

be manipulated with gloves on, luminescent markings on the

A true tool watch in the world of luxury, the Submersible is made to withstand whatever life throws at it. While the S ub m e r s ib l e c o ll e c ti o n retains similar aesthetics and a consistent charm, the collection showcases models in a diverse range of sizes, materials and functions.

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THE PANERAI LUMINOR SUBMERSIBLE 1950 CARBOTECH PAM616

caseback crafted from titanium. Beneath the caseback sits

The Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech (PAM616)

built in-house by Panerai at their manufacturing facilities in

introduced the innovative Carbotech reinforced carbon fiber

Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

the P.9000 calibre, an automatic mechanical movement

material to the watchmaking world. The watch sports a large

It offers a 72-hour power reserve, which means it can be

47mm case and wears even larger due to the signature Luminor

left off the wrist for three days before running out of power.

crown-guard mechanism. Yet, despite its size, the PAM616 is

The movement is also fitted with a patented Incabloc anti-

ultra-light and comfortable thanks to its Carbotech construction.

shock device to ensure the robust watch can withstand an

The dark matte, wavy striped finish of the case, crown

active lifestyle.

guard, and bezel of the Submersible 1950 Carbotech add an attractive design touch to the tough underwater sports watch. In

MODERN DIVE WATCHES WITH VINTAGE VIBES

true Panerai fashion, the dial of the watch is black, punctuated

Looking at contemporary Submersible watches, whether

with oversized numerals and round hour markers. Also on

the Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech or others, it

the dial is the date window at three o’clock, in addition to the

is clear that their design inspirations stem from vintage

running seconds indicator at nine o’clock. Of course, the dial of

mo del s w it h i n t he Pa nera i a rch ive s. Ye t, by u si ng

the dive watch comes alive in the dark with ample luminescent

innovative materials, contemporar y style parameters,

elements. The inclusion of vibrant blue details on the dial lends

and state-of-the-art watchmaking techniques, the Panerai

a pop of color to an otherwise monochromatic color scheme.

Submersible is a modern dive watch through and through.

What’s more, the black rubber strap includes the famed twin-

Swiss made, Italian designed, and globally recognized,

arrow Officine Panerai logo in the same blue shade.

Panerai’s range of top-tier professional diving watches are

The back of the PAM616 is equipped with a screw-down

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not to be missed.

B u n d l e s o f Lo v e MINNESOTA CHARITY HELPS 4,500+ LOCAL FAMILIES The bi r th of a baby is a joyous a nd excit i ng t i me;

With her mother, former co-worker and a couple other

a life-altering milestone for a family. But the stress of not

ladies, they started a sewing group. At first, their newborn

being able to supply the most basic necessities for a

organization worked to sew baby quilts, blankets and

newborn places an incredible strain on the beginning

clothing to help in-need clients at Life Care Center. Over

of a child’s story. Bundles of Love Charity has the

the years, and with the nourishment of hundreds of

vision: “a world where every newborn has access to

volunteers, donated supplies, and requests from

the basics.” It is a volunteer-driven, non-profit charity

other agencies and hospitals, they grew.

that partners with community organizations in

Now, Bu nd les of Love del ivers newbor n

providing handmade items and other baby care

bundles to 28 Minnesota counties with 4,539

essentials for Minnesota families in need.

bundles delivered to assist families in 2018. There

The idea for Bundles of Love was born back

are many ways to help Bundles of Love: supply

in 1999, when founder Mary Jo Prinsen found

donations, monetary donations, and volunteering.

herself in the throes of an Internet search revealing that even in our wealthy country, many infants were in need.

Feeling a call, she sought out ways to help. Wanting to serve newborns locally and make the most of her resources, she determined to dive in head-first and start her own charity.

i

Please visit http://www.bundlesoflove.org for more detailed information.

THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

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&

Heart Soul The Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Collection Designed to be your daily companion, the iconic Patek Philippe Twenty~4 collection is expanding with the freshly released Twenty~4 Automatic

Despite its relatively young age, the Patek Philippe Twenty~4

the wrists of royalty, Nobel Laureates, public figures, and

is the best-selling ladies’ watch model in the history of the

style icons alike.

company. For those who have had the pleasure of wearing the

A year prior to the start of the new millennium, Patek

Twenty~4, this is not surprising. One of the finest contemporary

Philippe unveiled the Twenty~4 as a watch collection

ladies’ watches ever made, the Twenty~4 seamlessly blends

dedicated to the modern woman. Built to be worn all day,

modernity, luxuriousness, and practicality in one timepiece.

every day, Patek Philippe aptly chose the name “Twenty~4”

Almost two decades after the debut of the original model, Patek

for its flagship ladies’ watch. This was to be the watch

Philippe wrote the next chapter of the Twenty~4’s history by

equivalent of the quintessential little black dress—a wardrobe

enhancing the collection with new automatic models.

staple that is dependable, gorgeous, and always appropriate.

And it has certainly succeeded.

THE GENESIS OF THE TWENTY~4 Patek Philippe, often regarded as the pinnacle of Swiss

CLASSICALLY QUARTZ

watchmaking, has had a long history of making watches

The rectangula r shape of the Twent y~4 case is well

specifically for its female clientele. In fact, Patek Philippe is

proportioned to sit comfortably on the wrist while its slender

credited for creating the world’s very first Swiss wristwatch,

profile means it can be tucked under a blouse cuff or jacket

sold to Countess Koscowicz of Hungary in 1868. From

sleeve if need be. The watch hugs the wrist securely thanks

Queen Elizabeth II to Marie Curie, from Diana, Princess of

to a beautifully crafted link bracelet that wears like a piece

Wales to Angelina Jolie, Patek Philippe watches have graced

of fine jewelry. The integration between the link bracelet and

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THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

the rectangular case offers modern sleek lines while the watch’s timeless design means that it can be effortlessly paired with any outfit, whether at work, play, or anything in-between.

Along with the choice between stainless steel and rose gold, Patek Philippe offers a few dial colors including black, gray, silver, blue, and brown to suit a range of tastes. What’s more, each Twenty~4 watch is embellished with diamonds across the case and dial.

Set into the winding crown of the stainless steel Twenty~4 versions is a black onyx while the rose gold editions include a winding crown topped with one diamond.

A CIRCULAR SYMPHONY One year shy of the original Twenty~4’s 20th anniversary, Patek Philippe introduced the Twenty~4 Automatic collection in 2018.

While the new Twenty~4 Automatic looks dramatically different than her predecessor, the distinct style of the bracelet ties both generations of watches together.

Similar to the original versions, the bracelet of the new Twenty~4 Automatic features slightly arched and broad center links bordered by a chain of thinner outer links. For those who want even more radiance, Patek Philippe also offers diamond-set bracelets on select models. Rather than an Art Deco-inspired rectangular case, the new Twenty~4 Automatic features a curvy round case, measuring a generous 36mm in diameter and set with two rows of diamonds on the bezel. This is not a petite watch by any means; it flaunts its pretty face proudly.

The dial of the Twenty~4 Automatic is available in an array of colorways including vibrant blue, classic black, warm brown, or fresh white. Sitting on top of those dials are large hand-applied Arabic numerals along with a new date window at six o’clock. For added practicality, the watch hands and hour markers are coated with luminescence to ensure that the timepiece is still legible when the lights turn down.

Following in the footsteps of the classic editions, Patek Philippe also makes stainless steel and 18k rose gold versions of the Twenty~4 Automatic.

MECHANICAL ELEGANCE As its name implies, the Twenty~4 Automatic models are self-winding watches, complete with a sapphire crystal window on the case back for a view of the movement inside that supplies the power. Since more women have been turning to mechanical watches in recent years, it is fitting that Patek Philippe would enhance the Twenty~4 range with automatic editions. The addition of an automatic Twenty~4 model will delight those looking for a daily luxury watch that combines a substantial mechanical movement with a stylish design.

Given that it is a self-winding watch, the Twenty~4 Automatic will continue to run as long as it is on the wrist, further supported by 35 – 45 hours of power reserve whilst off the wrist. In true Patek Philippe fashion, the Caliber 324 S C movement at the heart of the watch is expertly built and exquisitely decorated with elaborate handcrafted finishing at the company’s ateliers in Switzerland.

A striking and contemporary version of Patek Philippe’s signature women’s watch equipped with a mechanical movement, the Twenty~4 Automatic will no doubt become as coveted as its rectangular predecessor.

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BreathTakes EVERY

IT

A true marvel of engineering, Jaeger-LeCoultre's Atmos clock is solely powered by minute variations in atmospheric temperature.

The Atmos clock has graced the homes and offices of some of the world’s most extraordinary people.

Considered to be a Swiss national treasure of sorts, Atmos clocks have been given as gifts by the Swiss Confederation to visiting dignitaries and Heads of State for over a half century. Sir Winston Churchill,

John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II, and King Hussein of Jordan are only the beginning of the acclaimed list of privileged Atmos owners.

In 1928 a French engineer named Jean-Leon Reutter constructed a clock that was driven quite literally by air. This amazing concept captured the attention of Jaeger-LeCoultre, and after extensive development, Jaeger-LeCoultre perfected and patented the perpetual motion Atmos clock. Its unique design and complex operating system produced by one of the finest Swiss watchmaking companies in the world are what make it a gift of such distinction.

POWERED BY AIR Inside the clock is a sealed capsule filled with ethyl chloride gas. The mixture of gas and liquid expands as the temperature rises and contracts as it falls, moving the capsule back and forth like a little accordion. This motion is used to constantly wind the mainspring, enabling the clock to run and keep perfect time. In order to conserve energy, the huge balance swings only twice per minute. The balance is suspended from an Elinvar wire (Elinvar is a nickel-steel alloy that doesn’t react to temperature changes like steel would). A small temperature variation of just one degree is sufficient for over two days of operation. Such variation occurs naturally in normal room temperature. Thus, without any additional sources of energy, the Atmos clock will continue to run "forever."

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THE WIXON EXPERIENCE

Under

ONE ROOF As our family continues to grow, our clients benefit from the most

comprehensive and educated team of jewelry professionals in the Midwest.

Wixon Jewelers is proud to offer an extensive array of services for our clients to ensure their jewelry and watches are beautiful and functioning properly. We know that these items are important to you and are some of your greatest treasures, so we ensure that each piece is treated as if it were our own. For this very reason, we have put together an extensive team under one roof with the ability to handle all of our client’s needs right here in our store. Our talented team of industry experts includes five goldsmiths, five GIA Graduate Gemologists, four experienced watchmakers, three Certified Gem Appraisers and a highly-educated sales staff.

Whether you’re looking to have your jewelry repaired or appraised, your watch polished or overhauled, or have a custom piece of jewelry created just for you, Wixon Jewelers has the experts to fulfill your request. We encourage you to stop in, have a cup of coffee and let us take care of your most cherished pieces.

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Watch Repair When investing in a quality timepiece, regular service is crucial to maintaining its accuracy and extending its overall life. Our in-house watch repair facility is staffed with four highly trained and experienced watchmakers. Sharing over 100 years of experience, our watchmakers are authorized to work on most watch brands and almost every repair is completed entirely on-site.

Whether it’s a simple timekeeping adjustment or a full overhaul, our experts have the training, experience and integrity to ensure that you get the best performance out of your timepiece. Our on-site facility is fully equipped with all of the latest technological innovations used to service today’s finest timepieces.

Custom Design & Jewelry Repair Jewelry is an expression of your personality, and you should have a piece that is as special and unique as you are. With the help of our in-house design team, you can bring your ideas and dreams to life in a piece of jewelry that was designed just for you! Pairing your vision with their expertise, our goldsmiths can craft the most elaborate and intricate custom jewelry designs from a single sketch. From simple repairs to complex restorations, our expert craftsmen also have the ability to bring your jewelry back to life! Our incredible team includes five full-time goldsmiths with over 100 years of experience in repairing and restoring fine jewelry.

Gem Lab & Appraisals We are proud to have one of the most extensive gem laboratories in the entire Midwest!

Accredited by the American Gem Society, we offer a full suite of services to our clients through our in-house Gem Lab. With five Graduate Gemologists on staff, our highly experienced team is able to evaluate, appraise and educate you about your treasured jewelry and timepieces. Their ability to grade and identify a wide variety of diamonds, gemstones and jewelry gives our clients confidence in knowing that their possessions are being evaluated by leading gemological experts.

Estate Acquisitions We understand that selling jewelry, watches or family heirlooms can be an emotional journey.

With years of experience and a well-earned reputation, we employ a staff of trained jewelry and estate professionals who can help you navigate this process with consideration and respect.

We can ascertain the real value of your piece and we’ll give you the best price possible. Our buyers are constantly searching for interesting vintage jewelry, enticing watches, coins, and antiques of all sorts. Your piece may be just what we’ve been looking for!

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HOW ARE WE DOING? It brings us joy to hear about the positive experiences and everlasting memories we helped create! Visit our website to share your story: wixonjewelers.com/review