Horology Republic

Sticking with the beach theme, it's and while we sleep in, make coffee, and slowly start our day, we're thankful to be enjoying a slow weekend.

Hello, November, hello to that autumnal feeling.

What's better than sharing your passion for watches with your family?

contributor Abe made sure to take his favorite watches and make memories with them. The beach is a wonderful place to go with your family for a vacation any time of the year. To also have your kids share in the passion of horology along the way adds memories to a tangible object that can be treasured and associated with good times for a lifetime.

What memories have you made with your watches this year?

☕Tuesday Afternoon

Artificial Insights. We asked the algorithm what it thought of the new Patek Cubitus.

What did the AI Overlord think? Find out here:

https://horologyrepublic.com/artificial-insights-a-hot-take-from-the-algorithm/

Everyone has an opinion, so we asked ChatGPT what it thought of the new Cubitus. Artificial Insights might just be better than some of the real hot takes we've seen so far. Look for the full transcript on the website this afternoon. Until then, here we go:

Is the new Patek Philippe Cubitus a bold design choice, or just a square peg in a round hole? 🔲🤔 While Patek delivers on its usual impeccable craftsmanship, the Cubitus' boxy design feels more retro gamer than haute horology. A conversation piece, yes, but does it fit in your collection? 🕰️💸 Sound off in the comments!

When “Shop the Story” becomes your entire personality:

Imagine that…a watch site that writes about watches and has the potential to sway watch values with an article gets bought by a retailer. What could go wrong?

It wasn’t always this way. A Week On the Wrist was one of my favorite things since you had access to insight into watches, what they’re like to own, and some stories behind them. Now, it seems like these things are written to drive sales.

This is what happens when you have shareholders, other investors, and have to have some return on your operations. You get scooped up to continue producing sales and increasing margins. Good for business, bad for the hobby.

Seeing the writing on the wall for things like this is what inspired the creation of Horology Republic. Real people who are real enthusiasts. We all do this on the side, and because we love it so much, we’re careful about what we enter into. We take great pains to keep our content aimed at enthusiasts with the only agenda of telling a fun story or introducing you to fun watches we like. If we didn’t, it would be all too easy to simply follow the Hodinkee path and, well, you see how that ends up.

The enthusiasts of the avocation are right to wonder if Hodinkee can remain what it once was. If you ask us, it’ll be very tough for them to be a resource now that it’s clear they’re driving sales for WoS. Have no dear, though, your underground watch magazine and blog will still be here telling you about people just like you and how they came into watches. We don’t have multimillionaires with long entertainment careers who can buy anything they want at the drop of a hat. We only have ourselves and our friends. Most importantly, though, we have you - the folks who follow us and read what we write. You are our focus. The hobby is our canvas.

We took a little trip down aventurine lane to see what wonders we could experience. Turns out, if you like the idea of navigating your day by the stars, there are watches just for you!

Have a look here:

Adventures in Aventurine: Navigating Your Day by The Stars – Horology Republic Adventures in Aventurine: Navigating Your Day by The Stars Posted on October 1, 2024October 1, 2024 by Zachary Pierce Penned by Zachary Pierce Astronomical navigation goes back thousands of years with our species. We know of early crossings on both land and water which utilized the night sky as a gu...

What brought you into watch collecting? What was your first piece? How did you decided on it and what milestones has it witnessed with you?

If you haven’t taken a look at what’s coming out from , here’s your sign to go take a look.

Innovation and art are still thriving in watchmaking and not just among our new favorite startups. Though, with a beginning in the 1950s, Corum could be considered a newcomer startup relative to the ages of some other brands.

But I digress…what you find out there is truly magnificent if you get off the waitlist and out of the weird mindset that’s taken over the avocation these days. Brands like Corum are creating pieces which you certainly won’t see on every single wrist at the yacht club. And, if you find yourself wanting to be more than just a crowd-follower, it’s worth considering pieces like these pictured here.

While we love so many brands out there, we felt it was the right moment to give a little love and highlight what we think are some stunning watches. Any of these would look good in the main salon or at the cottage on the weekend. The engineers and artists at Corum certainly have made something special.

📸 all by from their press and social media.

This was posted by the innovation geniuses at but it’s worthy of more than a cursory look.

Symmetry is something we often hear discussed in the usual places like Facebook groups or online forums. We hear how a date window ruins the dial symmetry or how chronograph subdials can do the same. The usual suspects in throwing off the “balance” of a watch come immediately to mind and many people agree on that sentiment.

But, what if it were more than just “skin deep” with your watch? Berneron outlined how they used asymmetry to their advantage for technological innovation. Using space efficiently and creatively allowed them to craft a watch with beauty and functionality which is deeper than the lacquer on a dial. A 90% increase in power reserve, from 36 to 72 hours, is nothing short of amazing in a world where we also have five and seven day mainspring power. Usually, those calibers are MUCH larger and far less apt to fit into a small space which pushes the overall watch dimensions to the oversized category we commonly see today. To take an idea and turn it into something real is magical. To do it with more angles and facets than a crown jewel is mastery at work.

If you want innovation and craftsmanship, get off the waiting list at your AD and get into pieces like these. What an outstanding achievement from a wonderful brand and excellent group of individuals.

A little break from the watch game, today’s round had us joined by an odd spectator. This one was a healthy size and quite friendly. HAGWE

Weekend starts now.

What's on your wrist?

Taking it back a bit to when Abe, , shared his Chronomaster Sport.

For the money, it’s tough to find a chronograph of this caliber elsewhere. Still, if you’re on that waiting list for something else, we still say this is the better option. 1/10th of a second? Yes please. A dial that adds a splash of color where others give you a boring monochromatic look? Another yes from us.

And, really, what’s not to like?

We had an idea for a little series of posts: what would you fill a 6 watch box with if you had to start again?

The premise: you lose your collection in (insert tragic watch-loss event here) and your insurance company cuts a check for $15,000. You can have up to six picks, but you can't have more. Likewise, you can only spend what you get from the insurance claim. New or pre-loved, the choice is yours.

In the coming weeks, we'll explore what a few of our writers would fill their watch boxes with given the ground rules. Should be an interesting take on a modest collection.

📸⌚️👀
Just a little fun with the editor today. Embracing our 1980s advertising obsession with this shot from one of our members.

Where’s your Seamaster today?

release from today.

Sleek, classic, and dressy in a way that encapsulates Paris perfectly.

Would you wear one?

Exciting stuff:

has entered the chat of the running with their stunning 1870 CE. We featured this watch in a recent blog post exploring ways collectors could get true exclusivity via micro brands. In our eyes, Cornell Watch Company produces a finely crafted example of American watchmaking, of which the genre has been absent in recent decades.

If traditional watchmaking and design is right up your alley and a sub-seconds is a feature that draws your eye in closer, this should be at the top of your list. GPHG is a wonderful goal and Cornell is well on their way to achieving it with this watch.

We're working on getting our hands on a press version soon so we can go over it with a fine-toothed comb but, from the look of it here, anyone who's after something special and exclusive would do well to give this a look.

Well done , we're all rooting for you here at Horology Republic!

Heading into the weekend like Hunter S. Thompson.

Not a bad choice with the and matching shirt-hat combo.

Cheers 🍻🚬

Cheers from the beach. Vacation begins now.
🕶️🌞⛱️🐠

What makes us want to look past the sea of Submariners and Datejusts?

Why find your horological happiness elsewhere? Why not? If you need buying history and patience to get into a watch, and you see one on every wrist anyways, why go through the trouble?

This is an oft-debated sentiment across every forum and media outlet that has anything to do with watches these days and it’s no different in our circles. People either love the process or are tired of it. We wanted to look elsewhere and inspiration came in the form of a custom strap advertisement.

Zachary saw a red conquistador and began researching what had to offer. Of course, being of the nautical affliction, he gravitated towards the Vanguard Yachting series. In this case, he’d call it the summer watch of 2024 but that could go either way.

What we know is that you can get that “look” with much of what Franck Muller offers, if you’re into it. The history is all there: a rising star getting a 90s start. The hip-hop connections that followed. The falling out and the parting of ways. A story well-worn in any industry but especially in watches. So, why this?

Why not? Have you looked into Franck Muller? Have you gravitated towards their designs or have you simply sneered and gotten back in line at the “exhibition only” store?

📷 by and

80 years ago. Early morning jump, before dawn. They trained for this and still, it must have been insane. But, the light turned green and out into the night they went, hoping just to make it to the ground.

These guys inspired me to join and leave music school. The height of the GWOT was in full swing and I wanted to get my wings as well, so after countless viewings of Band of Brothers and other documentaries I could get my hands on, I went. They were the inspiration to me and many like me. My story isn’t unique, many others felt the way I did after watching these guys in historic films and newsreels. They are the originals and I could only hope to be somewhat on that level.

I also spent four years in Europe at the end of my time. Some of the buildings I worked in still had the slots in the wall for the 98k rifles. In a way, it was neat to see some of the same things they saw, albeit decades removed. I couldn’t help but think their sacrifice and grit made the world better for me in almost every way, Europe included. NATO came about, democracy vs authoritarianism, and ultimately the West’s triumph over the Cold War all started here.

We remember their sacrifice, especially the paratroopers. My older brothers. Stand up, hook up, shuffle to the door.

📷 by

Don Miller: USMC Retired Sergeant Major. He's seen quite a bit over his extensive career. He's an OG watch guy and one of the folks who's always there with a photo, story, cigar, or even advice. Senior enlisted are known for their vast knowledge about multiple topics, and Don is no exception. If you know, you know.

I asked him for a few words about his service, his very unique , and to tell us about the VIPs he's had the pleasure of being around. Here's the story:

"I served with the Presidential Helicopter Squadron, HMX-1, from 87-93. I started as a mechanic but ended up in Maintenance Control, where I certified the Presidents helicopter 'safe for flight'. These were my second and third enlistments.
Three years ago, the Squadron Alumni association announced the Squadron was doing a watch from Breitling, and it was open to Alumni. They needed a few more buyers for the contract as well. The watch was already chosen, the Avenger 45 Chrono, which would have been my exact choice. We got them below retail and they were delayed a while because of Covid when everything was shut down. It’s one of my all time favorites. Not to mention that unit was one of my best tours without a doubt. I was gone a lot, but I was single and didn’t care. It was an adventure."

One of his most memorable occasions took place during a White House Christmas celebration. As Don puts it: "Well, I saw Reagan at the WH the first year I was there, during the WH Christmas party for the military folks. He looked right at me and asked, “how do you like the place?” as the WH was completely decorated for Christmas. Then these butler types were walking around serving the strongest eggnog I’ve ever had! Got to go to London a few times for economic summits. Went to Tokyo for Hirohito’s funeral. Then seeing Bush 41 a lot was always great."

Thank you, Don, for sharing your story with us and your VERY rare watch journey. You'll see more of Don around our events, the magazine, and future posts.

Late night noir.
Playing into the weekend.

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