The aesthetic appeal of a chronograph on the wrist of a watch wearer is undeniable. Unmistakably it sends a message that of quiet confidence and thoughtful purpose. The balance and symmetry of a chronograph with its multitude of dials is special as evidenced by the wearer constantly glancing down at the watch – not only to know the time but to enjoy the grace of the chronograph. It evokes awe and admiration; no wonder that chronograph watch auctions attract the highest number of bidders. If you are new to the world of collecting watches the thought of maintaining the watch is uppermost in the minds. Fortunately Britain is blessed with passionate watchmakers who understand the delicate nuances of mechanical watches and their intricacies. One such entity is Perpetual Time Limited in Manchester and Liverpool. This bespoke watchmaker (prudence dictates that calling ahead and making an appointment assures attention to your needs with the highest professional competence) comes with impeccable reputation among not only watch aficionados but also peers in the watch world. About Perpetual Time The organization is headed by the CEO Mr. Alex Photi who is WOSTEP and BHI trained and has the likes of John Harrison’s and George Daniel’s blood running in his and team’s veins. These are not ordinary craftsmen but are Guild of Master Craftsman certified. This certification is not for the faint hearted as the grading is severe which can only be achieved through passion, dedication, knowledge and skill. The latter three traits can be learnt but the first requires that you possess the DNA that goes beyond the XY chromosome. Watch restoration and servicing is the forte of this reputed organisation. Several Perpetual Time reviews have noted their appreciation for the professionalism and knowledge in the restoration of family heirlooms. Recently in a bid to disseminate interesting information the portal of Perpetual Time reviews has begun a web series to highlight British watchmakers, past and present. Related Source: https://perpetualtimereviews.wordpress.com/2016/12/29/possessing-watchmaking-passion-in-dna-essential-trait-to-excel-in-britain/ http://perpetualtimereviews.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/possessing-watchmaking-passion-in-dna.html https://sites.google.com/site/perpetualtimereviews/possessing-watchmaking-passion-in-dna-essential-trait-to-excel-in-britain
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When Sir Terence Conran was asked about his design philosophy with respect to British design sensitivity he replied that he was not trying to change it; his job was to move it and this is very apparent in his projects. At 85 years of age he has more work than he ever had as he continues with his design ideas. This is also true of Sir Jonathan Ive, industrial designer extraordinaire, Chief Design Officer for Apple and Roma Agrawal the engineer who helped build London’s iconic building The Shard – her design philosophy - redefine skylines.
Ask will.i.am (singer, song writer and rapper from America) about Roma and he replies that she makes music with steel just like Quincy Jones (legendary music producer). This is what British resilience is all about which is now the pivotal point for resurgence in manufacturing following Brexit. And nowhere is it more apparent than the watch industry. They are in the process of redefining watch manufacturing as well as watch servicing. The big brands of Europe are already facing stiff competition from Glasshutte brands and it is time for British bespoke brands to make their mark. In the area of servicing one enterprise is making a mark too. This is Perpetual Time Limited with workshops located in Manchester and Liverpool. They are as bespoke as anything else in Britain; they bring the same level of craftsmanship to the table what Sir Terence Conran and Sir Jonathan Ive practice. Perpetual Time reviews are expressions of gratitude that sound musical as much as Roma Agrawal’s slim steel columns atop the Shard. The able watch commander of Perpetual Time is Guild of Master Craftsman certified which is no ordinary certification. They have now embarked in spreading their knowledge and that of the watch world through the portals of Perpetual Time Reviews which gives fascinating insights of British watchmaking which include history, form and functionality. Related Source: https://perpetualtimereviews.wordpress.com/2016/12/28/moving-british-watch-sensibility-another-gear/ http://perpetualtimereviews.blogspot.in/2016/12/moving-british-watch-sensibility.html https://sites.google.com/site/perpetualtimereviews/moving-british-watch-sensibility-another-gear Change is subtle. That has been the message all along. To accept change is even more daunting. We all like to wear the comfortable coat, or shoes, we like to buy fish from the Mr. Jones the fishmonger we have been patronizing over the years. It is an accepted fact that people grow into change ever so slowly.
However, Britain is demanding changing so abruptly that it is completely out of character. Brexit has signaled that people in Britain want the changes to take place yesterday. The shoe is on the other foot as EU (European Union) countries is still trying to understand the reality that the United Kingdom has decided to part ways. This new trait is becoming endemic. People are buying meat from the local butcher. Sales at the supermarket are under threat. It is spreading to good old-fashioned British virtue of pride in Britain made goods. There is resurgence in the type of watch that is worn on the wrist. Made in Britain watches is worth a second glance. It is not surprising to see a Roger Smith or a Garrick adorning the wrist of a man while travelling the tube. British watchmaking is making a comeback; the numbers are small now. There is an air of optimism in meetings with BHI (British Horological Institute) members. The talk of “Is Britain ready to launch luxury watch brands?” is a common thread. Even forums such as uk.trustpilot.com (online review community) have several Perpetual Time reviews starting a conversation on British luxury watches that appears interesting. The time is ripe for a bigger push in this direction. There is no dearth of watchmaking talent. The Perpetual Time reviews prove that fact. The attention to achieve technical perfection in restoration services speaks volumes about the talent, which aficionados of fine watches have appreciated. Related Source: https://perpetualtimereviews.wordpress.com/2016/12/26/is-britain-ready-to-launch-luxury-watch-brands/ http://perpetualtimereviews.blogspot.in/2016/12/is-britain-ready-to-launch-luxury-watch.html https://sites.google.com/site/perpetualtimereviews/is-britain-ready-to-launch-luxury-watch-brands In 1842 Pierre Frederick Ingold a known European watchmaker and a pioneer of mechanized watch production (he was among the first to automate watch production as he developed machine tools for cutting plates, bridges and cutting wheels and also had patents for the Ingold fraise that was used to correct teeth profile of gear wheels) faced extreme hostility from traditional watchmakers in London when he decided to setup manufacturing facilities under the British Watch & Clock Company banner. Although the company was British and the objective of Ingold to combat the rampaging American and Swiss watchmaking companies was indeed laudable the watchmakers petitioned Parliament to legislate and prevent Ingold from raising capital.
History has a habit of repeating The wheel has turned full circle as the people of Britain have mandated Parliament to exit EU (European Union) and the watchmakers of United Kingdom are readying to combat Swiss dominance in the style of Glasshutte by increasing the profile of British watchmaking back to the Golden age of Horology that existed in Britain during the 18th Century. History repeats itself is not an idle truism; as the world’s oldest democracy Britain has proved several points
The British watchmakers Guild in a recent meeting had come to the same consensus. A notable outcome of British resilience is the interesting web resource on watches aptly titled Perpetual Time Reviews. British watchmaking history and reviewing it for the benefit of watch aficionados is the primary aim of this web portal. Accompanied by stories that describes the evolution of watchmaking in this country from blacksmiths to fine craftsmanship, taught and practiced in institutions such as BHI (British Horological Institute) the information is indeed a welcome addition. Several Perpetual Time reviews are in agreement about this development and look forward to the future as British watchmaking makes rapid strides. Related Source: https://perpetualtimereviews.wordpress.com/2016/12/26/historic-wheels-of-watch-manufacturing-turning-full-circle/ http://perpetualtimereviews.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/historic-wheels-of-watch-manufacturing.html https://sites.google.com/site/perpetualtimereviews/historic-wheels-of-watch-manufacturing-turning-full-circle The media is all over the news of EU and Brexit. Neither side (EU and UK) is spared rather both are showered equally with attention. The fact of the matter is the media and everybody else has no clue in what direction the negotiations are to happen. CETA (Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement) between Canada and EU acts as a marker; the onus on far right political leanings of Europe is another.
The certainty of Brexit So what will be certain and definite irrespective of outcome? Globalisation trends will take a step back; just a step, which in all fairness is a step in the right direction as it allows countries such as UK to concentrate on manufacturing. To give an example, watchmaking in Britain is poised to become a major player considering that Britain has everything in place. Consider the following
An example of this spirit can be found in passionate watchmakers and jewelers in UK. One such enterprise Perpetual Time (based in Manchester and Liverpool) has decided to wind the stakes one gear tooth at a time. Perpetual Time reviews happenings in the British watchmaking world by disseminating information from past and lay it out to the present generation. One Perpetual Time review summed it up succinctly as ‘one winding step at a time – next giant step the world’. Trust the English to honour their exceptional savants in a unique manner. The London City Council has erected a blue plaque at Camden’s High Holborn Street bearing No 119. The plaque is a commemoration as well as marking out the workshop of one of England’s celebrated watchmaker Thomas Earnshaw.
Thomas Earnshaw chronometers in history Referred by Captain Matthew Flinders (1774 – 1814, Master of HMS Investigator that circumnavigated Australia for the first time in 1802) as “this excellent timekeeper” in reference to the Earnshaw chronometer No E520 the description is a testament to the excellent charts that are still used today. This circumnavigation is now part of legend that earned the name and a lasting legacy of Terra Australis. Thomas Earnshaw was already aware of his talents when he opened the 119 Holborn business premises where he began to use his own name as a signature for his watch creations. His marine chronometer became an Admiralty standard as he designed the modification to the chronometer escapement as well as the compensation balance. He was encouraged by the Royal Astronomer Nevil Maskelyne to continue making chronometers as he was impressed with the quality and it is a matter of pride that E1503 and E1504 chronometers were pressed into Captain William Bligh’s expedition to the West Indies on board HMS Providence. Chronometer E506 also carries a special historical significance as this device was part of HMS Beagle which had a famous passenger Charles Darwin exploring the world recording his observations that would be published in the historical study of evolution “On the Origin of Species”. Thomas Earnshaw hailed from Manchester and so does the present day passionate watchmaker restorer Perpetual Time. The same passion and dedication to the craft of horology is exhibited by this watchmaker who is appreciated by dozens of people in Perpetual Time reviews. Thomas Earnshaw can rest in peace knowing that his legacy is alive and flourishing as several Perpetual Time reviews is proof of this fact. The best thing about 2016 has been the discrediting of pollsters, pundits and so-called commentators. All over the world these ‘analysts’ have called it wrong. They are the ones who have put the scare in people. Let us take each case
In June 2016 Brexit happened. First the poll said it was not happening. When it became apparent that it may become a possibility the experts said that the British economy will suffer. Well surprise of surprises; Brexit happened; the economy has not tanked, on the contrary the economy is doing rather well. The British pound is trading lower which is good as exports from UK are on the rise. The other spinoffs, Scotland threatened to hold another referendum; yet to happen and why; Europe is shaky; the Deutsche Bank crisis in Germany has put Angela Merkel on guard. Take the US Elections. Same scenario with different actors; People threatened to immigrate to Canada if Mr. Donald Trump became President-elect. Nothing of that sort happened. Mexico is ready to open talks on NAFTA. What does all this mean? First do not believe the ‘experts’ and pollsters. Second British resilience is on display. The economy has fared better that predicted. Third Prime Minister Mrs. Theresa May is exhibiting excellent leadership skills. This brings us to watchmaking skills in Britain. Two brands are making a statement. Arnold & Son and Graham watches. Both have British lineage; both have manufacturing facilities in Europe with distribution and marketing in UK. Perhaps it is time that manufacturing in Britain as a complete ‘Made in UK’ brand on the cards? The time is perfect; financing is not an issuer and the skills are in the British DNA. A peek at Perpetual Time reviews in trustpilot.com (an online community) will reveal the depth of knowledge and skills that British watchmakers possess. In fact several Perpetual Time reviews express their appreciation for the excellent service and restoration of family heirloom timepieces. Britain has its fair share of small and not so large watch manufacturing companies competing with each other. So is the case with watch servicing companies and restorers. In such a scenario there is bound to be some rivalries, jealousy when some do better than others. Criticisms are expressed and the Internet has made it that much easier. While several watch restorers try to outdo each other there is also unspoken agreement that they are part of a collective and share a unique identity – called British pride in the work they do. Not for a moment has this band of watchmakers ever shirked in the quality of workmanship.
One such enterprise is Perpetual Time Limited which is making rapid strides for quality servicing and restoration services. This company is not indebted to any of the major European brands. However they have the means (in terms of their own workshops) and access to generic spare parts that allow them to service practically any watch movement made including classics as ‘dead second beat’ and tourbillons. Their restoration service has acquired legendary status as they have brought family heirlooms back to looking pristine. Perusing Perpetual Time reviews in trustpilot.com allows glimpses of the dedication and passion they bring to the horology table. In a few words watch enthusiasts have expressed their admiration without going over the top. In fact among the most appreciative comments in Perpetual Time reviews was this one “Worthy successor to the likes of Thomas Tompion and George Daniels”. Notwithstanding such effusive praise, Perpetual Time has passionately dedicated their time and ability in pursuit of perfection. Their motto is ‘advance and never stop for to advance is to pursue perfection’. This was also the driving force of horologists from the Golden age of Horology in Britain (17th and 18th Century) Related Source: https://perpetualtimereviews.wordpress.com/2016/12/19/advancing-in-pursuit-of-perfection-is-this-watchmaker/ Two weeks after the December Solstice (December 21, 2016) i.e. on January 3rd, 2017 the Earth will be closest to the Sun (about 147,101 kms give or take .005 km depending where you are located or standing on Earth). In 2016 the closest point was 0.178 km farther. This is called the Perihelion (in Greek peri refers to closer while helios means the Sun). This difference is because the Earth moves around the Sun in an elliptical orbit. The shape of the orbit changes due to gravitational pull of other cosmic objects (such as planets and bigger stars than the Sun as well other more bigger and powerful galaxies of which we know little or nothing). Astronomers have calculated that the Earth’s orbital shape will be perfectly circular once in 100,000 years. Thus the eccentricity of the path will vary from zero (perfect circle) to values incrementing to the value one (elliptical)
Understanding perihelion The dates {Earth reaching the extreme points in the path – closest (Perihelion) and farthest (Aphelion)} will vary as much as 2 days from one year to another. The year 6430 (4014 years away from now) will witness the perihelion and March equinox to coincide. This means that clocks will need adjustments accordingly each year unless people are wearing an atomic clock on their wrist. Vintage mechanical watches fetch record sum The fascination for mechanical winders has not dwindled one bit since the invention of clocks about 400 years ago. From auction houses the interest in mechanical watches can be gauged by the ever increasing prices for fine workmanship and mechanical inventions such as ‘dead second watch’ or a tourbillon. In July 2016 Sotheby’s (the famed auction house in Britain) offered for sale rare timepieces in a collection titled The Most Important Private Collection of English Watches). These watches were produced during the Golden age of Horology in the 18th Century. Included in the catalogue is a John Harrison (the inventor who claimed the Longitude Prize) commemorative watch. An oval astronomical watch produced in that period fetched a record sum of 1.5 million dollars. Many a Perpetual Time review (an exciting web resource for watches and information about the business of timekeeping) has aficionados expressing their appreciation for the art of fine British watchmaking. Some Perpetual Time reviews have recorded their thanks as they availed the services of expert watchmakers such as Perpetual Time to restore watches that have been passed down in their family for generations. British watchmaking legends are just not limited to history changers and royal patronage. There are a host of unsung watchmaking geniuses that have served the industry down the ages. A watch researcher and aficionado David Buckden posts blogs (theoldwatchword.blogspot.in). He wears many hats such as writer on art history and the fine art print scene pertaining to 1960s. He studies horology and researches in detail. The following stories are due to his efforts. Perpetual Time Reviews is indebted to David Buckden.
Ralph Gout (1770 – 1836) was perhaps the finest innovator of his time creating time pieces that had dual purposes. Although he patented some of his work most of his creations were sold in the Middle East or Turkey to the Ottoman Empire which at that time was a flourishing and wealthy civilization. He died in bankruptcy but his son and partners continued to market the brand as it had a sound and stellar reputation for quality. Bracebridge watches Edward Bracebridge was a watchmaker in 1766. He had two sons Edward Charles and James Charles. The two brothers continued the watchmaking business of their father and it appears they prospered. Edward’s son James II (1823-1892) served as office bearer of the Watch and Clockmakers Benevolent Institute. As his health was failing he appointed his nephew to manage the affairs of the watch business. Here is the interesting part as the business had a manager named T. D. Wright. This was none other than Thomas Wright who became a famous watchmaker in his own right. The British Summer Time is adjusted to this day as per the suggestion of Thomas Wright. He was also the watchmaker to King George III. In Dec 2016 one of his watches was listed for an auction sale in a Sotheby’s catalogue. VAN HAM Kunstaukitonen slated another noted watchmaker’s chronometer for an auction sale during Nov 2016. The watchmaker was Alexander Watkins and the watch was the gold chronometer made specifically for the Great Exhibition of 1851. Perpetual Time review is a web resource that brings intriguing stories of British watchmaking. It is a credit to people like David Buckden that enables other web portals to highlight the glory of British skill in horology. *due credit to English poet John Milton (1608 – 1674) Related Source: https://perpetualtimereviews.wordpress.com/2016/12/14/british-watchmakers-who-stand-and-serve/ |
AuthorPerpetual Time is a company of professional watch makers. We provide the top quality watch servicing & watch restoration services. To know more about our company name read our Perpetual Time Reviews online. Archives
January 2017
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