Journal

Notes from the bench

Christian writes about the pieces, the people and the ateliers behind them.

Yellow gold wristwatch on a black strap in a lined box with a lot 22 auction tag
Collecting · George Daniels – Urban Jürgensen Reference 1 co-axial The unique Urban Jürgensen Reference 1 that George Daniels chose to carry a prototype of his co-axial escapement, shown at the 1986 Basel Fair.
George Daniels pocket watch with moonphase and off-centre sub-dials held in the hand
People · George Daniels at 100 – a selection of timepieces In the centenary year of Dr. George Daniels, a selection of his watches, together with pieces by his close friend Derek Pratt.
Rolex 6241 Paul Newman chronograph with champagne dial beside its open green box and papers
Auctions · NOS Rolex 6241 Newman, champagne dial, full set, from the original owner’s family – at Koller, 23 June A NOS Rolex 6241 Paul Newman with champagne dial, box and guarantee, from the original owner’s family – our view ahead of the Koller auction.
Cartier Gondole horizontale in white gold with white dial, Roman numerals and black strap
Collecting · Cartier 97051 Gondole horizontale in white gold The Cartier 97051 Gondole horizontale, a classic 1970s model that is particularly rare in white gold.
Gold hunting-case pocket watch with white dial, chronograph sub-dials and moonphase, lid open, held in the hand
Auctions · Geneva watch auctions, May 2026 – impressions and results Geneva, May 2026: Lange pocket watches and Paul Newman JPS at Sotheby’s, Phillips highlights, Pratt-era Urban Jürgensen, F.P. Journe and Haldimann results.
Yellow-gold Patek Philippe 2442 with curved rectangular case and silvered dial, in its original brown leather box
Collecting · Patek Philippe 2442 in yellow gold, retailed by Serpico y Laino The only known yellow-gold Patek Philippe 2442 retailed by Serpico y Laino, from the family of its original owner with box and buckle.
Close-up of a polished case lug engraved JHP above a dial marked PERPETUEL and AUG
People · Jean-Pierre Hagmann & Svend Andersen Svend Andersen and casemaker Jean-Pierre Hagmann (JHP): why a watch by Svend in a JHP case is a grail – and a tribute to Jean-Pierre.
Cartier Cristalor 78096 in white gold worn on the wrist, with a white Roman-numeral dial
Collecting · Cartier Cristalor 78096 in white gold The Cartier Cristalor 78096 is rare enough in yellow gold; in white gold it is exceedingly so, and the faceted case looks quite different.
Pink gold Urban Jürgensen Reference 8 with silver dial, applied indices and brown strap
Collecting · Urban Jürgensen Reference 8 – applied indices, fewer than ten made A pink gold Urban Jürgensen Reference 8 from the Pratt/Baumberger era, with sapphire caseback and applied indices – fewer than ten were made.
Framed watercolour of a harbour scene with a Patek Philippe card addressed to Georges Dubois, Christmas 1952
People · A Patek Philippe tableau for Georges Dubois, 1952 A framed watercolour presented by Patek Philippe to Georges Dubois, who worked for the manufacture for over 38 years, with greetings for Christmas 1952.
Patek Philippe 1518 steel chronograph with silver dial, day window and moonphase on a taupe strap, held in a hand
Auctions · Geneva watch auctions, November 2025 – impressions and results Geneva, November 2025: two steel Patek Philippe 1518s and the question of restoration, plus highlights from Phillips, the Breguet sale and the Olmsted collection.
Rolex 6239 Paul Newman Daytona with white panda dial, black sub-dials and red Daytona script
Collecting · Rolex 6239 Paul Newman PN A nicely preserved Rolex 6239 Paul Newman PN, with a serial number close to that of the record-setting Newman’s own watch.