We’ve got a registry for that!  Introducing our new Gift Registry, perfect for wedding and bridal registries, birthdays, anniversaries, little hints and more!  Use the registry as your own personal “wish list” and email it to friends, loved ones, whomever.

Create your own registry online by clicking here, and follow the simple steps.  You can make your registry private, and send to select friends or make public.  The registry is easily available 24/7, and can even be accessed via your smartphone.  Create as many registries as you like – and post it to Facebook to ensure that whatever you’ll be celebrating, you’ll get that special something you’ve had your eye on!

We’ve got a registry for that!  Introducing our new Gift Registry, perfect for wedding and bridal registries, birthdays, anniversaries, little hints and more!  Use the registry as your own personal “wish list” and email it to friends, loved ones, whomever.

Create your own registry online by clicking here, and follow the simple steps.  You can make your registry private, and send to select friends or make public.  The registry is easily available 24/7, and can even be accessed via your smartphone.  Create as many registries as you like – and post it to Facebook to ensure that whatever you’ll be celebrating, you’ll get that special something you’ve had your eye on!

But, these aren’t just stories, they are open investigations, dedicated recovery missions and extensive inquiries for the most famous and well-known diamonds that the world has ever produced.

While we are lucky that some of these stones are on display for our enjoyment, or even for sale, some have simply vanished and their whereabouts unknown.  All we can do is wait for them to pop up at auction some time.

Famous diamonds always do.

THE SPIRIT OF DE GRISOGONO

Weighing 312.24 carats, and 587 carats before it was cut, the Spirit of de Grisogno is the largest cut black diamond in the world.

There are not many black stones in the world of famous diamonds, mainly the Black Orlov and the Amsterdam Diamond, which weigh 67 and 33 carats, respectively.  Even a 205-carat black diamond called the ‘Black Star of Africa’ is rumored to exist, being sold to a buyer in Asia during the 1980′s, but this has never been substantiated.

Discovered in Central Western Africa several decades ago, the diamond was then taken to Switzerland to the famous Swiss diamond cutter De Grisogono, renowned for his eye-catching black diamond creations and responsible for cutting the largest heart-shaped black diamond in the world, to cut and set.  Considered the fifth largest diamond overall, the diamond was cut in the Mogul technique.  This historic cutting method was developed centuries ago in India and can be seen in a number of historic diamonds, such as the Orlov Diamond in the Russian Diamond Treasury in Moscow, and several diamonds in the Crown Jewels of Iran, among them the Taj-I-Mah Diamond.  The Great Mogul, a 279-carat diamond, is another famous Mogul cut diamond, but sadly, its whereabouts are unknown. In setting the Spirit of de Grisogno diamond in white gold with 702 smaller white diamonds totalying 36.69 carats, the entire process from studying the cut design to executing it on the de Grisogono rough, involved more than a year’s work.

The Spirit of de Grisogono is described in the report of the Gubelin Gem Lab, Switzerland’s premiere gemological laboratory, as a rare specimen for this type of diamond in view of its great size. It is the largest natural black diamond which the GGL laboratory has ever tested.

While a few lucky people have been able to try on the fantastic diamond, upon completion, the stone is reported to have since been sold to a private client.  Its current whereabouts are unknown.  Diamond lovers world wide wait patiently for the largest and rarest black diamond known to history to surface once again.

The Spirit of de Grisogono black diamond set in a white gold ring encrusted with 702 white diamonds.

French tennis player Henri Leconte and his wife wearing the Spirit of de Grisogono black diamond ring.

Information and images courtesy of Famous Diamonds.

Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock limited edition 3000 pen

Limited edition 3000

Based on the movies Psycho and Vertigo, which were packed with intriguing scenes, these pens have been designed with various elements from the movies incorporated on the pens’ bodies.  Strikingly, the clip resembles a knife from Psycho, while the pen’s tip includes 53 hatchet marks reminiscent of his 53 films, and impeccably, his profile, which Hitchcock lovers expect in every film, is on the tip of the fountain pen.  Available in limited editions of 3000 each, options include fountain pens, or even the Roller ball with marathon refill, both of which come with 925 sterling silver rings. These rings have been engraved with several hatch marks which relate to the two films and their years of release. The black lacquered bodies of the instruments have been given a special pattern which is reminiscent of the most iconic scenes of the Psycho and Vertigo movies.

Montblanc Alfred Hitchcock limited edition 80 pen

Limited Edition 80

Similar to the blood curling scenes of Hitchcock movies, particular the infamous Psycho murder scene, this limited edition series of 80 pens carries the shocking variables we’ve come to embrace from the master British movie maker. The special red enamel of the writing instrument brings to light the images of these scenes, and also reveal the delicate craftsmanship of the 750 white gold decoration studded with diamonds at the pen’s end. The same is the case with the nib, central crown, and even the cap’s clip, which also have the film’s patterns etched on them. In some ways, it reminds of what Hitchcock thought to be his strongest weapon of creativity, and is also a fitting tribute to the legacy of the director.

Images and information courtesy of Montblanc.

Introducing the Atmos Marqueterie, ‘The Kiss’ clock, which brings back to life the famous piece of work by Gustav Klimt.

In 1904, Belgian financier Adolphe Stoclet commissioned Gustav Klimt to create a piece of art focusing on the mosaic technique.  From that partnership, was born the Kiss, which gave Klimt much of the fame he is now known for.  The original work is comprised of 1,200 pieces of wood, each covered individually with gold leaf to create this masterpiece, especially the marquetry on the exterior.

Recreated today, it comes alive in this form, where exotic wood varieties such as maple, walnut, Ceylon lemon, pear, madrona burl and ash burl create a cabinet to house this horological masterpiece. The automatic responsive cabinet open up to show the crystal sapphire covered dial, which is again a specimen of the Jaeger brilliance which hides the very button operating this function. With a simple setting, this grand unveiling happens on its own. While the dial features a generous use of handcrafted mother of pearl on the main dial, whereas the built in moon phase indicator uses gold, diamonds and petrified wooden varieties. The interior lining of the cabinet however, is rhodium and crystal glass.

The clock features the Jaeger-LeCoultre caliber 582 movement at the center of the clocking function, with 386 handcrafted components, each put together individually. The beating rate for the movement is pegged at 120 vibrations per hour. The functioning includes the hour, minutes, 24-hour indicator, month and also the moon phase tracker. However, Jaeger has not released the price nor the number of clocks they will produce, contributing to the allure of this truly remarkable and rare masterpiece.

Image and information courtesy of BornRich.

In both form and function, the Pilot’s Watch Mark XVII is a perfect example of a classic pilot’s watch. Like cockpit instrumentation, the dial is black with white indices and reduced to essentials: legibility is a top priority. Compared with its predecessor, the Mark XVI, the stainless-steel case has increased by 2 millimeters to 41. In this model too, IWC’s designers have modified the date window to make it look more like a cockpit instrument: with its vertically arranged numerals, it is now reminiscent of an altimeter. The watch, which is water-resistant to 6 bars, is powered by an automatic 30110-calibre movement and has a 42-hour power reserve. In terms of precision and robustness – and like all its predecessors – the Mark XVII meets the full schedule of requirements for professional Pilot’s Watches from Schaffhausen. With its soft-iron inner case for protection against magnetic fields – a staple in the Ingenieur model family – and a front glass secured against sudden drops in pressure, the Mark XVII takes up a tradition established by its historic forebear, the legendary Mark 11 of the 1940s. The Mark XVII is available with a black alligator leather strap or with the newly developed stainless-steel bracelet

The most famous of all IWC Pilot’s Watches was discontinued only in 1981, over 30 years after its epoch-making launch, and rapidly attained cult status among watch devotees.

Information and image courtesy of IWC.

1. Where did your passion for watches begin?

Early in my professional career my financial resources were limited and I remember walking past [a] … boutique in Manchester [England] and staring longingly at a Rolex Submariner and thinking “one day…”.

2. How did your appetite for haute horology grow?

In 1998, I amassed the necessary funds and purchased my first “proper” watch, my long time goal, A Rolex Submariner Date (reference 116610) in stainless steel with a black dial and corresponding black bezel. The watch was purchased from the aforementioned branch…  for £2120.

Like many individuals, at the time, I perceived that Rolex must be the best as this appeared to be the most famous luxury watch brand. However, whilst I admire several Rolex models, my assumption was based on brand awareness rather than a deep understanding of horology.

As my career developed and I became increasingly affluent, my interest in wristwatches grew. I would spend many Saturday afternoons, quizzing retailers, reading magazines, trying to fill in the gaps in my knowledge.

My thirst for knowledge led to a growing interest in haute horology. Blued screws, Guilloché, perlage and Côtes de Genève were just some of the terms I retained to memory in my early years of collecting. My first timepiece to feature these details was a Jaeger- LeCoultre Reverso Grand Date (ref 3008420).

The history of the Reverso, its art deco styling and a sapphire back enticed me and I was fascinated by the delightful visible components within the case. I was soon seduced and …, this time in Edinburgh, secured another [purchase].

After this several watches were purchased, sometimes in quick succession. On occasion I must confess I used a technique often attributed to wives and girlfriends, but in my house frequently practiced by this “high maintenance” male. I would return home from a shopping spree and bring my purchases into the house when my wife wasn’t there or sometimes furtively hide them under my coat as I sneaked into the house, skipping up the staircase and squirreling them into the back of a wardrobe.

The technique was well rehearsed, bring the secret purchase out from the cold, when my wife was less focused and if challenged retort, “I’ve had it for ages!” The strategy worked for a while but came unstuck when it came to car purchases. Heidi, my long-suffering partner, is wise to my shopping scams and now has highly tuned antennae and X-ray equipment at the threshold of our front door, so purchases are invariably a process of counter-trade. I get my watch, she can book another cruise.

3. How did ESCAPEMENT begin?

I often would be approached by friends, or friends of friends, and asked for advice on purchasing the best wristwatch based on various criteria. If I found myself in a social setting, invariably my watch would cause discussion to ensue and my opinion would be canvassed.

I decided that with a successful history in business, a MA in Marketing Management which I received in 1994, and a wide circle of contacts in the watch retailing industry whom I had met on my travels, there was an opportunity to write about haute horology.

I appreciate craftsmanship, tradition, the skill of the artisan and decided that I would make it my mission to champion this, convey the intricacies of haute horology and clarify that premium prices are based on complexity of manufacture and not merely the cliché “paying for the name”.

I admire the same values demonstrated in wristwatches with other luxury goods and services, hence I decided to write about “The finer things in life” and convey this on my website too.

4. The underlying values of ESCAPEMENT.

I am always keen to champion the artisan, traditional craftsmanship and “the best of the best” whether it is a watch, prestigious car, bespoke suit or other luxury item. I write about well known brands but also the small, individual craftsman.  Editorial is provided based on whether a product or service has merit.

Haute horology has historically been a home for Artisans. Wonderful craftsmanship has been exemplified by enameling, guilloché, gem setting but none more so, than the watchmaker who can design, assemble, service or repair wonderful timepieces which will outlive their creator.

A fine timepiece is an instrument to behold and cherish.

I tire of perfunctorily manufactured items which are “lifed” to fail a few weeks after a warranty expires, intended for future disposal and made wherever the cost of labor is cheapest at that moment in time.

The “bean counters” will often calculate pay-back and evaluate whether a machine should produce an item in preference to a human based purely on financial drivers. Haute Horology is refreshingly different. Artisans nestle in wonderful towns and villages in picturesque Swiss Cantons and Saxony, where history is celebrated and the pursuit of perfection is at the epicenter of the each brand’s paradigm.

ESCAPEMENT is about promoting craftsmanship, encouraging future generations to become the artisans and to educate the reader in understanding the reasons behind the premium pricing of the luxury goods featured.

We promote the “authorized retailer”, turning away advertising revenue from the grey market or non-authorized online sellers as they do little to invest in the future of the watchmaking industry and in some cases the provenance can be in question.

We always endeavor to be informative providing accurate information with good attention to detail and high quality imagery. There is a strong emphasis on original content, often praising the item featured. This is not because our editorial is sycophantic but because we write as fanatics of the items featured and if we don’t like a product or service we do not comment on it. If you read about a watch or a car on ESCAPEMENT, we love it and that is our stance whenever we write.

Finally, we want to put something back and will do whatever we can in our humble way to promote the … craftsmanship and watchmaking profession … as we wish to see them continue for future generations.

We’ve been helping our clients be romantic since 1912, so we’re the experts in making the moment special and memorable.  Each day leading up to Valentine’s Day, we’ll feature an imaginative and creative way to propose to your sweetheart.

Most importantly, we’ll let you take all the credit.

RING IT UP

Using our ring sizer tool, ask your sweetheart to look up her size.  When she accuses you of ruining the proposal surprise that you’re shopping for a ring, say, “Okay, try this one instead,” and show her that you’ve already shopped for – and bought – the engagement ring.

What a way to be prepared!

Photo courtesy of Google.com.

We’ve been helping our clients be romantic since 1912, so we’re the experts in making the moment special and memorable.  Each day leading up to Valentine’s Day, we’ll feature an imaginative and creative way to propose to your sweetheart.

Most importantly, we’ll let you take all the credit.

ROMANCE IN THE MORNING

While she is sleeping, slip the engagement ring on her finger, and as she wakes up, surprise her with a breakfast in bed.  At first, the gesture will seem simply romantic, but the real surprise will come when she notices the new piece of jewelry on her finger.

Photo courtesy of Glamour.com.

We’ve been helping our clients be romantic since 1912, so we’re the experts in making the moment special and memorable.  Each day leading up to Valentine’s Day, we’ll feature an imaginative and creative way to propose to your sweetheart.

Most importantly, we’ll let you take all the credit.

PARTY TIME

Gather a bunch of your friends and family together for a party, either at your house, or a friend’s house.  Even a restaurant’s event room will do.  Have everyone in attendance put on a t-shirt bearing one letter in the phrase “Will You Marry Me?”  Either arrange them in that order, or suggest a group photo and let the shirts speak for themselves.  Then, with the engagement ring, get down on one knee.

Image courtesy of CafePress.com.