Winding Down The Weekend 3/13/2022
A weekly update on what to check out in the world of watches.
by Charlie Dunne
An Early Vulcain Cricket French Booklet
Above is a 1950s Vulcain booklet highlighting the groundbreaking Cricket alarm watch for French-speaking clientele. The booklet features two versions of the earliest “OG Crickets”. The cover is illustrated with a solid gold Cricket with applied-Roman numerals and sector dial. The back page contains a stainless steel example with an “LBJ” dial. Throughout the booklet, the formative years of Robert Ditisheim’s invention and instructions are covered.
A Gold-Plated Benrus Wristalarm
This week I threw together a small write-up on an affordable timepiece. As you may be well aware, I am a fan of the alarm watches. Benrus Wristalarms are really a joy, and I would highly recommend looking into them for anyone who is not trying to break the bank on a vintage wristwatch.
Italian Watch Spotter: Interview with Elisa Catenazzi of Collectability
Co-founder and COO of Italian Watch Spotter, Fabrizio Bonvicino, recently interviewed vintage watch expert Elisa Catenazzi of Collectability. The two discuss Catenazzi’s career which involved curating some of the most important Patek Philippe auctions during the 21st century. It turns out vintage watches are not her only expertise, as she is also an expert gemologist (AJP, GG, and GIA).
Within the interview Catenazzi declares her two dreams in the watch industry, revealing a very exciting development in the forthcoming anniversary of the Ellipse. “[Two of my dreams include] being able to curate with Collectability an exhibition of the rarest Ellipse models on the occasion of the next anniversary of this iconographic model! And then, that of many other fans like me: to be able to closely observe John Lennon's 2499.”
Catenazzi’s desire to merely “observe” Lennon’s reference 2499 is a breath of fresh air. Despite being in the presence of so many important timepieces over the years, it is apparent that she is still appreciative of moments to simply admire wonderful timepieces. As for the Ellipse exhibition, we will keep a close eye out for developments!
Significant Watches Podcast: Episode 10
“Rolex Day-Date, Genta Royal Oak Drawings, and NSFW Erotic Watches”
Ten episodes deep! In today's pod, we talk about a record-setting Rainbow Rolex Day-Date. Then, we take a look at some other auction results from the month of February, chatting Longines and Journe along the way. Finally, we look at the sale of Gerald Genta's original Royal Oak drawings before getting distracted by some very NSFW erotic watches, and then look forward to the month of March in watches.
To listen to the episode you can check it out on Apple Podcasts, or Spotify!