Timepiece Tuesday: Christie’s, Antiquorum Auctions; IWI 'English' Watches; Mayors Opens Rolex Store

As I write, the Christie’s “Important Watch” auction in New York had just ended. It was the last auction of the year for the international auction house and judging from the early results, some people will be receiving some spectacular holiday presents.

The evening’s stunner was a limited-edition “Kanthara” diamond-set wristwatch from Piaget (above) that sold for $602,000, double its high estimate. The 32 mm wide watch has nickel-finish signed watch is literally covered in diamonds, including a dial set with baguette-cut diamonds, oval case enhanced by emerald-cut diamonds, diamond-set crown, 18k white gold Piaget bracelet and hidden clasp set with emerald-cut diamonds.

Other highlights include:

A Breguet (Reference 3857) limited-edition platinum minute-repeating tourbillon wristwatch sold for $434,500, well above the high estimate of $350,000. It was produced in 1997 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Abraham Louis Breguet, who invented the tourbillion, which counteract the effects of gravitational pull on timepieces.

 

Patek Philippe had seven of the top ten sales for the evening, according to early results. Among them was a stainless steel chronograph watch with Breguet numerals that sold for $386,500 (left), above the high estimate; an 18k gold perpetual calendar chronograph watch with phases of the moon sold for $314,500; and an 18k gold perpetual calendar chronograph that sold for $266,500. More to come.

Antiquorum Auction

On Dec. 8 Antiquorum held its final watch auction of the year, featuring a FP Journe set of six platinum watches with champagne dials that sold for $200,500 and a white gold “Double Tourbillon 30 Vision” watch (left) that sold for $160,000.

IWI M1

British Watches

There are quality watches made outside of Switzerland. A case-in-point is IWI, a new luxury sports watch brand headquartered in Lancashire, England. Calling itself a “truly English brand,” the company is headed by watchmaker Ian Walsh. Studying Classic Horology at Manchester and later working with Tag Heuer, Walsh said it was while working with vintage timepieces that he realized that he wanted to recreate classic designs. The IWI stainless steel watches pay homage to motorsport. The watches contain Swiss automatic movements and The IWI signature crown is situated at 12 o’clock. Walsh says the classic dials inspire the glory days of auto racing.

Mayors Opens Rolex Store

Just in time for Christmas, Mayors jewelers opened its first dedicated watch store in Orlando, Fla. Called “Rolex Presented by Mayors,” the new store is located in the Mall at Millenia. More than 300 luxury timepieces are on display in the 1,100-square-foot space. The store is Mayors' second retail location in the mall.

Antiquorum Auction Fetches $3.5M Led by FP Journe Platinum Watch Set

Antiquorum’s December auction of “Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces” in New York on Wednesday fetched more than $3.5 million with 83 percent of the 356 timepieces sold by lot and 119 percent sold by value, based on the low estimate. In addition to the telephone, room, and commission bidders, there were 419 registered Internet bidders competing for timepieces. Bids came in from across the world including, Australia, Italy, China, Hong Kong and United Kingdom.

The highlight of the sale was the FP Journe set of platinum watches (lead photograph). The “Invenit et Fecit” collection of six wristwatches with champagne dial sold for a notable $200,500.

Greubel Forsey also attained an important result with its white gold “Double Tourbillon 30° Vision” (above right) selling for $160,000. An A. Lange & Sohne Flyback Datograph sold for $74,500 (above left).

Patek Philippe achieved strong results with the ref. 3971 (left) selling for $ 98,500 after heated competition among bidders. Also achieving noteworthy prices were two Patek Philippe ref. 5146; the pink gold example achieved $27,500 while the white gold brought $26,875. The Patek Philippe lapel watch sold for $21,250 to a Chinese bidder for nearly three times its high estimate.

Vintage Rolex watches continue to achieve strong results at auction. At Wednesday’s sale, the Rolex ref. 6263 sold for $35,000. The Rolex 14K gold ref. 6238 “Paul Newman” (left) and the Rolex ref. 6239 steel “Paul Newman” each sold for $64,900. The Rolex ref. 6204 obtained $57,500—three times its estimate.

“We are delighted by the recent increase in strength in the vintage Rolex market with exceptional examples once again achieving significant prices as seen by the Rolex ref. 6204 in today’s sale,” said Charles Tearle, auctioneer, director and watch expert, Antiquorum USA.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo “A Series” sold for $23,750—more than four times its high estimate. Also, Richard Mille obtained a noteworthy result for the RM010 in 18K white gold, selling for $43,750.

Watches with exceptional provenance continue to generate interest. The Rolex GMT that belonged to Captain Don Walsh, who co-piloted the Bathyscaph Trieste to the deepest part of the world’s oceans at 35,800 feet, sold for $30,000. Also, Joe DiMaggio’s Imexal clock, which was presented to him as the Casey Stengel Award in 1974, attained $13,125, more than four times its low estimate.

A Girard Perregaux vintage 1945 Tourbillon with Three Gold Bridges (left) sold for $57,500 while the Girard Perregaux World Time Perpetual Calendar with special order dial sold for $ 22,500.

Finally, in keeping with current trends, certain modern limited edition examples are drawing attention from the collector community and realizing strong prices at auction. An excellent example of this is the Jaeger Le-Coultre Aston Martin limited series wristwatch in titanium sold for $17,500—more than double its high estimate.

This was the last auction 2010 for Antiquorum. Its next auction will be held Feb. 26, 2011, in Hong Kong.

Timepiece Tuesday: Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Ernst Benz and Wooden Watches

Sir Edmund Hillary Rolex Watch Collection on the Block

Rolex watches belonging to the 20th century explorer Sir Edmund Hillary will be the feature items at Antiquorum's sale of Important Vintage and Modern Timepieces, being held November 13 – 14 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Geneva. Sir Hillary is credited with being the first climber to reach the summit of Mt. Everest in 1953. The timepieces have been consigned for sale by Lady Hillary and all had special significance for Sir Edmund, the timepiece auction house said in a statement.

The earliest model in the collection is a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, ref. 6084 (pictured above), dating from 1953 which was presented to Sir Edmund by Rolex Bosecks of Calcutta, India, after his descent from Everest. Sir Hillary wore the watch during his Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1955-1958—the first overland crossing of Antarctica and the first expedition to reach the South Pole since Scott in 1912. The watch, with a caseback engraved "Sir E. Hillary", is estimated to fetch from $10,000 to $20,000.

Also part of the collection is a gold Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, ref. 15238, purchased by the explorer on the 50th Anniversary of the day he reached the summit of Everest, estimated at about $10,000; as well as a 1972 Rolex Explorer I and a 1973 Explorer II also owned by the adventurer.

Jaeger-LeCoultre's Updated iPhone App

The Jaeger-LeCoultre application has been available for download for the iPhone since October 2009. However, it now compatible with the iPad and has been updated to include the Swiss watch brand’s entire 2010 collection. Users can experience the technical characteristics of certain timepieces, read a glossary of watchmaking terms and test their knowledge and skills of watchmaking with a course over the smartphone, including a hand-fitting course where the user can test his or her dexterity and precision.

Ernst Benz Goes to Canada

Watch brand Ernst Benz celebrated the launch of its Canadian retail presence in Toronto in partnership with TimeZone and retail partner L’ORO Jewellery in mid-October. The two-day event began with the watch brand hosting a TimeZone get together at Liberty Bistro in the city’s developing Liberty Village area. Creative and Managing Director, Leonid Khankin along with Ernst Benz’sInternational Bunsiness Development and Marketing team presented the entire Great Circle collection to twenty five members of the prestigious online watch forum. In attendance was MLS All-Star Toronto FC and Ernst Benz fan Dwayne DeRosario. The second night, Ernst Benz partnered with L’ORO Jewellery to host a celebration event at the jeweler’s popular Vaughn Mills location (pictured above).

Wooden Watches

From left: Date Beige, Crono Brown, and Date Beige/Army. Digital Trends

Italian brand WeWood unveiled a line of watches made entirely from wood, Digital Trends reports. WeWood watches are all hypoallergenic, free of chemicals, and feature Miyota movement pieces. The watches come in several colors, all derived from specific wood types including beige Maple, black Ebony, brown Red Wing Celtis, and army green Guaiaco. Al watches are priced at $119. For every watch purchased, the company will plant a tree in North America.

Rare Patek Philippe Watches to Star in Antiquorum's September Auction

Patek Philippe Ref. 2499

Two Patek Philippe watches will share the starring role at the upcoming "Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces" auction by Antiquorum Auctioneers.

The September 14 event at the watch auctioneer’s New York headquarters will be led by a Patek Philippe ref. 2499 and an extremely rare and probably unique Patek Philippe Split-Second Chronograph Ref. 1436. In addition, the auction will feature two Rolexes, two Breguets, an Audemars Piguet and two more Pateks, among a diverse collection of modern and vintage timepieces. Previews will be held in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore and New York.

The highlight of the sale is the Patek Philippe Ref. 2499, third series (top picture), originally from the collection of professor Thomas Engel. Made in 1976, this is an exceptional and extremely rare, 18k yellow gold wristwatch with round button chronograph, perpetual calendar, and moon phases. Auction estimate is $300,000 - $500,000.

Patek Philippe Ref. 1436

In addition, there's the Patek Philippe Ref. 1436 (above) made in 1960 and sold by Tiffany & Co. the following year. Antiquorum said the watch has remained in pristine, virtually new condition. The model, probably unique, is an 18k yellow gold wristwatch with transitional dial, square button co-axial split-seconds chronograph and tachometer. Auction estimate is $200,000 - $300,000

Other auction highlights include:

A Rolex Daytona, Ref. 6241 retailed by Tiffany & Co. Made circa 1967, it is a very fine and rare, water-resistant, 14k yellow gold wristwatch with round button chronograph, and anti-reflective black bezel. It is accompanied by a Rolex service invoice and guarantee dated June 21, 2011. Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000

A set of two Breguet Souscription watches made in the late 1990s. The set consists of: A platinum minute-repeating wristwatch with perpetual calendar, phases and age of the moon and leap year indication; and a platinum self-winding pocket watch with 45 hour power reserve indication, instantaneous calendar, phases and age of the moon. This set is accompanied by a fitted wooden winding box, 30 cm platinum chain, platinum magnifying glass and two platinum tools. Estimate: $120,000 - $140,000

A Patek Philippe Ref. 3971 very fine, astronomic, 18k yellow gold wristwatch with round button chronograph features a perpetual calendar and moon phases. It was made in 1989. Estimate: $80,000 - $100,000

 An International Watch Company B-Uhr World War II German Air Force (Luftwaffe), Ref. 431, request No. FL 23883. Made in 1940 for the German Air Force, it is an oversized, center seconds, anti-magnetic, anti-corrosion stainless steel military pilot's wristwatch with indirect seconds and a very long aviator's leather strap. This very rare and sought-after timepiece is accompanied by the certificate of origin and an IWC service warranty dated April 4th, 1989. Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000

A Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538 James Bond, "Big Crown" with gilt dial, made in 1956. This very rare, center seconds, self-winding, water resistant, stainless steel diver's wristwatch with a stainless steel Rolex expandable rivet bracelet is offered with original box, instructions and pamphlets with anchor, guarantee, pocket calendar, and service receipt dated July 21, 1981. Estimate: $35,000 - $65,000

A limited edition Patek Philippe Ref. 5038 self-winding 18k white gold wristwatch. It was made in a limited edition of 500 in 1996 and features a perpetual calendar and moon phases. It is offered with the original winding box, setting pin, limited series certificate, booklets and certificate of origin within a leather wallet. Estimate: $35,000 - $55,000

An Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “City of Sails,” Ref. 25979 made in a limited edition of 50 for the 30th Anniversary of the Royal Oak in 2003. It is dedicated to the "Alinghi" team, winner of the America's Cup in 2003. Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000

Graff, Blancpain among Top-Rated Luxury Brands

Heart-shaped diamond necklace by Graff.

The Luxury Institute released its 2011 Luxury Brand Status Index survey of wealthy U.S. consumers. Watches, jewelry and automobiles (selling for at least $100,000) were rated on a one-to-ten scale by consumers who earn at least $200,000 a year. The top three brands in each category follows:

Blancpain L-Evolution

Jewelry
Graff 8.38
Buccellati 8.19
Asprey 8.05


Watches
Blancpain 8.35
Rolex 8.01
Vacheron Constantin 7.85

Ultra-Luxury Autos
Maybach 8.44
Bentley 8.32
Bugatti Veyron 8.22

Brands were rated based on quality, exclusivity, social status and overall ownership experience. In addition, these affluent consumers based their selection on price worthiness, their willingness to recommend it and the likelihood they'll buy it next time they make a purchase in the category.

Rare Clocks, a Reverso Anniversary Sale and Fine Watches at Antiquorum Geneva Auction

A Breguet silver carriage clock with 10 complications once owned by the Marquise de Béthisy is one of the top items on the block at the Antiquorum Geneva sale of “Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces,” to be held on May 15.

Breguet introduced his silver humpback carriage clocks—of which only a few were made—circa 1812. The present clock is the most complicated of the eleven Breguet humpback carriage clocks known to exist. It has a total of 10 complications: grande sonnerie striking; petite sonnerie striking; alarm; perpetual calendar; days of the week; date; months; years; moon phases; and equation of time. It is the only known example with a quadruple digital perpetual calendar. The clock was sold to the Marquise de Béthisy on May 6, 1678, Antiquorum said. Its presale estimate is $173,000 to $231,000.

Another exceptional clock at auction is the Vacheron & Constantin "30 Days, Constant Force." No. 418068, made in 1933. This Art Deco style-clock has a 30-day power reserve. It is furnished by two mainspring barrels, which Antiquorum says is very unusual in a clock of its size, or of any clock. One of the difficulties of long-duration clocks is that timekeeping is affected as the mainspring winds down. This problem is counteracted by the use of a constant force escapement, a unique instance for Vacheron & Constantin and almost certainly for the entire Art Deco period. Pres sale estimate is $81,000 to $139,000.

More than 500 vintage and modern timepieces, pocket watches, and, of course, clocks will be offered for sale at the auction, which will be held at Geneva's Mandarin Oriental. The auction will also celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the iconic Reverso watch with a selection of 30 Reversos, including original pieces from 1931, emblematic and ultra-rare versions with colored dials, limited series with complications, and watches with enamel-decorated case backs. Jaeger-LeCoultre is partnering this special "Reverso Chapter," and will provide an extract from its archives, free of charge, for each lot made prior to 1950.

The Reverso was created in 1931 for British army officers stationed in India who requested a watch that could survive a polo match. The swiveling case of the Art Deco-style watch protected the dial and offered a surface that, as of the 1930s, could be personalized by means of engraving or enamel.

The highlight of this “Reverso Chapter” is a very rare, early, and desirable Steel Reverso with red lacquered dial with a presale estimate of $5,775 to $9,200.

One of the very first models to bear the LeCoultre signature, a 1930's Staybrite watch with chocolate-colored dial is a classic Reverso watch with small seconds. Six others are featured in the sale, including a rare example made for the French market and bearing the Jaeger signature, and another watch from among the few that were destined exclusively for the American market (presale estimate, $5,778 to $9,200).

Among the modern Reverso wristwatches, the highlight is "Mucha's Four Seasons" No. 1/25, Ref. 276.1.62, a set of four enameled pieces introduced in the 1990s and made in a limited edition of 25 sets. On the back of each case is a painted enamel portrait of a woman symbolizing each of the four seasons by Miklos Merczel, the manufacture's enamel artist (presale estimate $70,000 to $92,000).

Also on the block is a Louis Audemars "Grande Complication - "La Russe II," No. 12199, that retailed by G. Aspe, Paris in 1896. This timepiece is one of the most important complicated watches of the 19th century, Antiquorum says, with double perpetual calendar for Julian and Gregorian calendars, as well as minute-repeating, two time zones, chronograph, central 60-minute register, moon phases, lunar calendar and "reference d'heure" world-time calculation chart functions (presale estimate $115,000 to $173,000).

Offered at auction for the first time, the Rolex "Oyster Perpetual Date, Explorer II," Ref. 1655, Spade of Oman, was made in 1974 and retailed by Asprey of London. It is one of the few Rolex watches to feature the "Spade of Oman" logo. These special watches, with case number engraved on the inside case back, were sold by Asprey, the official Rolex retailer in the Arab world. This model also bears the rare engraved "Asprey" name on the outside caseback (presale estimate $115,500 to $173,000).

Another Rolex on the block is the "Oyster Perpetual, Comex, 660ft./200 m, Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified," Ref. 1665, Rail Dial. The 1980 watch is accompanied by its original guarantee, 1970s Submariner and Oyster booklets, hang tag, anchor and original fitted box, as well as a COMEX magazine and COMEX regulator (presale estimate $81,000 to $150,000).

 There are two Patek Philippe watches that should earn strong interest in the upcoming auction, according to Antiquorum.

The first is a Reference 130, with pink dial, confirmed by the extract from the archives. This "Staybrite" stainless steel wristwatch with square button chronograph, register and tachometer scale was made in 1941 and was sold on March 3, 1943. Its presale estimate is $173,000 to $231,000.

The second is a Reference 5970G, circa 2006. This 18k white gold wristwatch has a square-button chronograph, register, perpetual calendar, moon phases, 24 hour indication, and tachometer (presale estimate $115,000 to $173,000).

Patek, Rolex and Erotic Watches to Headline Antiquorum’s Geneva Auction

Patek Philippe Ref 3939

More than 550 vintage timepieces will be up for auction at Antiquorum’s “Important Modern and Vintage Timepieces” auction to be held March 27 at the Mandarin Oriental Geneva.

The top lot is a Patek Philippe Ref 3939 HP minute-repeating platinum watch with one-minute tourbillion regulator and enamel Breguet dial (pictured above). The timepiece may be only the fifth example of this reference to appear at auction, Antiquorum said. It’s estimated to sell for CHF $444,000 – 555,000. The sale also includes a collection of 30 erotic watches and objects that were the property of a European collector.

Other sale highlights (all estimates U.S. dollar) include:

A Patek Philippe Ref. 2524/1, retailed by Gübelin Lucerne. This minute-repeating 18k yellow gold wristwatch with subsidiary seconds dial was made in 1954, with only eight pieces manufactured (auction estimate, $333,000 – 444,000).

A Rolex "Oyster Perpetual" Ref. 6284, 14K yellow gold wristwatch with a cloisonné enamel dial, by Marguerite Koch, representing the map of the two americas (estimate, $144,300 - $210,900).

Another Rolex on the block is the "Cosmograph Daytona", Ref. 6239 “Paul Newman,” made circa 1963 with an auction estimate of $44,300 - $55,500.

A Vacheron & Constantin Ref. 4582 pocket watch sold to H. Thommeu on Feb. 7, 1950. This large 20k yellow gold keyless dress watch with single hand and special champleve enamel and diamond-set dial is the only watch with single-hand ever made by Vacheron & Constantin (estimate, $12,000 to $16,600).

 The highlight of the erotic watch collection is the repeating musical watch with four actions and concealed erotic automaton "Musique d'Amour," made circa 1810. This watch is the work of Genevan watchmaker Henry Capt and is one of the very few known examples with two automaton scenes, Antiquorum said. It has three animations on the dial instead of the usual two—musicians and birds automaton scene on the dial plate and concealed erotic automaton scene, playing at will. The arm of each musician moves and a scene of two billing doves in an arbor, one dove appears when the music starts and disappears at the end of the tune. The enamel erotic scene is of very high quality depicting an aristocratic interior, of particular note is the pillar in the scene which is very cleverly enameled, with flecks of gold dust to accurately simulate lapis lazuli (estimate, $77,760 - $100,000).

Baselworld 2012 is a Smorgasbord of Horological Delights

Seiko’s Astron GPS Solar watch

A fractured arm kept me from attending Baselworld this year. Fortunately, I know some of the best writers and experts in the jewelry and watch industry. One of those folks is William George Shuster who has kindly agreed to take time from his busy schedule to write a few stories from the tradeshow. Below is his second report.

By William George Shuster
Special Correspondent

BASEL, Switzerland — Baselworld, the world’s largest watch and jewelry trade fair is like an annual smorgasbord for watch enthusiasts, offering up everything from popularly-priced mass market watches to exquisite haute horlogerie timepieces and the 40th annual edition of this ever-expanding trade event (which runs until March 15), is no exception.

Travelers’ tool. A number of new models cater impressively to world and business travelers.

One standout is Seiko’s new Astron GPS Solar watch (top picture), presented with great flourish at the fair by Japan-based Seiko Watch Co., one of the world’s largest watchmakers. The impressive timepiece, powered by solar cells in the dial eliminating the need for batteries, can adjust itself to the time and location of the world’s 39 time zones at the gentle push of a button, thanks to signals from at least four GPS satellites, which the watch is always in contact. It is the first timepiece able to adapt immediately to all of the world’s time zones, wherever the wearer travels. That’s why Seiko calls it “the first global watch.”

Another notable timepiece in this category is Rolex’s new Oyster Perpetual Sky Dweller chronometer. The timepiece has a dual-time zone and an off-center innovative 24-hour display operated and adjusted by the watch’s bezel. It also has an annual calendar (the first Rolex watch to have one), uses a new movement and is the start of a new Rolex family.

Exquisite masterpiece. Meanwhile, German luxury watchmaker Glashütte Original, known for mechanical masterpieces, unveiled an exquisite masterpiece. Its limited edition Grande Cosmopolite Tourbillon is a world-first for world travelers, claims the company, and the “most unusual and sophisticated masterpiece in [our] history.” The complicated marvel lets a global traveler track the time of day or night simultaneously at home and while on the road in any two of the 37 world time zones. It accounts correctly for Daylight Saving Time or Standard Time, and can travel forward ‘time wise’ (Eastward) or backward (Westward). All time and date changes made by the wearer are displayed by a perpetual calendar geared to do so.

Completing this unique combination of horological complications—a world-first for mechanical watches, says the company—is a flying minute tourbillion (developed in 1920 in Glashütte). One interesting side effect: Its dial design looks like a “winking” happy face due to the placement of its day, month and day/night sundials.

If you want it, however, act quickly: The 43mm platinum timepiece is limited to 25 pieces worldwide and costs 325,000 Euros ($426,500).

Hublot $5 million watch

Of course, that’s chicken feed compared to the world’s most-expensive watch unveiled at Basel: The “Hublot $5 Million,” created by the innovative Swiss luxury watch brand. Also a world first, the 44mm mechanical timepiece is covered with 1,282 diamonds, weighing more than 100 carats, including six square stones, each more than three carats. It took one year to select the stones, and another 14 months to create the watch. Why did Hublot make it? Because it can.

Innovation & fun. The focus isn’t all on travelers watches, quartz-based technology or example of craftsmen’s art. Many of the watch business’s technological innovations in recent years have involved watches with mechanical movements (both hand-wound and self-winding). One notable at BaselWorld is Swiss watchmaker Ellicott’s tribute to John Ellicott, a 17th century English watchmaker. The watch is the world’s thinnest minute repeater with perpetual calendar, with a hand-wind mechanical movement measuring in at just a wispy 5.1mm.

Ritmo Mundo’s Reflex

And watches can be just plain fun, too. Ritmo Mundo’s Reflex ($150) is inspired by the “slap bracelet” from childhood. Gently tap the futuristic tongue-shaped timepiece against a wrist and the snap curl design, in brightly-colored smooth silicone immediately wraps around it, whatever the size. Its parallel-line LED digital linear display shows time and date, with numbered dots that immediately light up.

Star gazing. If BaselWorld is like a horological smorgasbord, it is also—pardon the abrupt shift in metaphor—a stage for many of the world’s celebrities,

BaselWorld isn’t only the center of the globe’s watch and jewelry business for a week. It is also a magnetic for celebrities. Among those seen during the show’s first days were international movie star, former U.S. governor and avid watch collector Arnold Schwarzenegger (stopping by to say hello to his friend Ali Soltani, owner of Ritmo Mundo watches); tennis champion Roger Federer (a Basel native) for luxury watch brand Rolex; and movie actress Cameron Diaz, brand ambassador for TAG Heuer Swiss luxury sport watches.

Also smiling prettily for their fans were Melinda Bam, Miss South Africa (brand ambassador for Jet Set watches); Alina Buchschacher Miss Switzerland (brand ambassador for Balman watches); and Justine De Jonckheere, Miss Belgium 2011, visited the show’s gemstone halls.

William George Shuster is a multi-award winning writer—including three Jesse H. Neal Award, business journalism's highest honor. He has 40 years experience as a journalist, author and editor. He is considered one of the world’s top watch industry journalists, covering the world of timepieces for the past 30 years.