Martin Braun Hyperion and Kephalos
For 2009 Martin Braun introduces 2 new models. The Hyperion is a 44mm diameter flying minute tourbillon with retrograde moon phase and date displays. The similarly-sized Kephalos Heliozentric combines a multitude of complications including an annual calendar with retrograde date, plus day, month, position of the Earth in its orbit around the Sun, Equation of Time, and a 24 day/night display. Martin Braun names his creations after figures from Greek mythology. Earlier models include the Eos (2001), Boreas (2003), Astraios (2005) and Kephalos (2008). For 2009 Martin adds a tourbillon to his collection and it bears the fittingly impressive name Hyperion. This piece incorporates Braun's own retrograde moon phase that has the moon moving to each phase step by step. Upon reaching full or new moon, the disc begins to turn backwards. Braun claims that this is most precise adjustable moon phase on the market, accurate for 122 ? years.The Hyperion is housed in Martin Braun's signature case, meas

Inside The Manufacture: Going Where Few Have Gone Before �C Inside All Four Rolex Manufacturing Facil
I will begin this detailed article with a wholly unsurprising admission. I love Rolex. I own more of them than any other watch from any other manufacture, and I have always believed its contribution to watchmaking is beyond measure. But, I have another admission. Of the handful of Rolex watches I own, the youngest dates to 1976 – making it, in fact, older than I am. There is and was a distinct difference between the Rolex of today and the Rolex of yesterday, and I don’t think it would come as a surprise to anyone if I said I preferred that of yesterday. But, that doesn’t mean I don’t have great respect for Rolex of today, nor would it prevent me from encouraging family, friends, and readers to look to the Crown for a new watch today. When my only sister gave birth to her first son, my first nephew, I purchased him a brand new Rolex and engraved his initials on the back. He will get it the day he turns 18 (or 25, depending on how moody he is at 18) after years o

Technical Perspective: A Look At The Carrera �C Heuer 01 Chronograph With TAG Heuer's Head Of Pro
Last month in New York City, TAG Heuer celebrated the launch of their Carrera - Heuer 01 chronograph with a spectacular event featuring new brand ambassador Tom Brady. The Carrera - Heuer 01 is a milestone watch for TAG Heuer. Besides being a manufacture automatic chronograph at a very attractive price, it is a major product launch for the brand's new CEO, Jean-Claude Biver. Recently, HODINKEE caught up with TAG Heuer's Head of Products, Marc Walti, for a technical discussion about the movement in the Carrera - Heuer 01. 1 OF 5 2 OF 5 HODINKEE: How does the Calibre Heuer 01 differ from Calibre 1887?  (Note: the TAG Heuer caliber 1887 is manufactured by TAG Heuer, and is derived from a basic design from Seiko Instruments, which uses a tilting pinion design – the latter having been invented by Edouard Heuer in 1887 as an alternative to the lateral clutch system.)TAG HEUER: The base movement for the new Calibre Heuer 01 is the Calibre 1887. We have

Forged Carbon or Ceramic Diver?
Thinking about adding a diver to the AP rotation.Simply for the beach, swimming etc. I figure it is going to take a good beating. Opinions on the FC vs the Carbon? I am considering the FC as I already have the 44mm Ceramic. Pics?JPS

Shouldn't really have done that!
HelloFor a few years now I have been interested in mainly Rolex watches and I now have a collection of 5. I have always been interested in PP watches but I have never seen one I really like. Yesterday I was in London with my wife and we went for a walk around the shops. Usually this is a safe tactic because I see something i like then she tells me why I shouldn't buy what I have seen, I save lots of money this way!However, I was looking in a shop and I happened to see a PP I liked the look of. It turns out it is a 5170J. I showed my wife the watch and, surprise surprise, she also likes it.I have to say that I don't know much about PP's and this would be a very large step for me to buy a watch costing this much money. Does anyone have one of these watches and, if so, what can you tell me about it?I know that PP is a VERY respected manufacturer but, as I have said, this would be a very large leap for me.Thanks very much.