Crypto transactions are no longer a rarity in the watch industry and when buying watches. Exclusive brands are catering to customers’ desire to pay with cryptocurrency just like renowned stores. The service is not the only link between Ethereum, Bitcoins and luxury watches. Digital currency and physical masterpieces are linked many times – traditionally and recently.

Expected and welcome – crypto payments for watches

The noble timepiece comes into view, pleases at first sight and is bought within minutes. No sooner do experienced watch fans read that sentence than they shake their heads. Normally, careful research and consideration are made before adding a new masterpiece to the collection. As important as the timelessly fascinating design and the technically brilliant inner workings is the value stability of luxury watches. After all, we’re talking about investments where you don’t want to lose money under any circumstances and, at best, book a handsome profit if the sale comes up at some point.

Those who choose collectibles wisely are generally smart with their reserves. In view of the lack of yield opportunities, this speaks against leaving large sums in the checking account. In addition to classic investment options, it has become established to invest savings in cryptocurrency and use them to realize personal wishes later on.

Can you pay for watches with Bitcoins?

Yes, many manufacturers and retailers of high-quality timepieces accept this modern means of payment. The purchase amount is either transferred directly to the seller or settled via a suitable online platform. The immediate purchase of watches with cryptocurrency is similar to the usual money transfer and payment transactions in advance. The basic prerequisite for this is that both parties have a wallet for bitcoins, for example – the equivalent of a wallet or bank account.

There are numerous digital currencies besides Ethereum and Bitcoins that modern savers invest in. Those with more specific preferences still want to fulfill their watch dreams without any problems. Contemporary specialty stores cater to this and process crypto payments for watches via popular platforms, for example BitPay. The services of such providers include payment apps that can be used to buy everyday items such as pizza service or special items such as a watch from an exquisite manufacture.

What do cryptocurrency and luxury watches have in common?

Masterpieces of modern watchmaking are based on complex technology. The same is essentially true for cryptocurrency, with the difference that it is not physically tangible due to its virtual nature. Ethereum, Tether or Cardano? Investors are savvy in weighing what they invest in. Anyone who secured a Bitcoin (BTC) for US$0.07 at the official debut in 2009 could not even afford a pizza for it on May 22, 2010. That’s because they were charging 5,000 bitcoins for it at the time. In April 2021, the exchange rate for 1 BTC was more than 50,000 euros, but this had more than halved by the summer of 2022.

The examples illustrate what cryptocurrency and horology have in common: Anyone who invests their money in it needs not only expertise but also a modicum of courage for speculation and plenty of perseverance. Similar to digital currency, watches as investment objects are affected by fluctuations in value and often only turn out to be lucky finds after long lean periods.

The enormous appreciation of the cryptocurrency boosted investment in watches with Bitcoins, because luxurious masterpieces became affordable for a new target group. However, many a proud owner had to part with his noble timepiece again quickly because he was surprised by the crypto crisis. Watch collectors were therefore pleased with an unusually large selection and comparatively moderate prices in the second half of 2022. Currently, some investors are flirting with spending some of their Bitcoins on watches. They are not only considered a proven investment strategy, but also score points with an attractive added value: You hold something in your hands that can be marveled at and worn at will.

Bitcoins, luxury watch or both – statements with an individual touch

For the most part, the hand-picked collection rests in the watch cabinet, so that signs of wear do not relativize the value of the investment watches. However, a selected portfolio regularly completes the outfit for business appointments, leisure activities or festivities. Luxurious wristwatches inspire with their extraordinary look and sophisticated functions, which are warmly welcomed in everyday life. At the same time, they are an unmissable statement that testifies to a creative and smart approach to finances. Those who juggle a cryptocurrency like Ethereum are also positioning themselves beyond the mainstream. The desire to make an obvious statement is understandable, and watch manufacturers are increasingly fulfilling this desire with unusual collections.

Hublot launched the Big Bang Special Edition “Meca-10 P2P” to mark the 10th anniversary of the cryptocurrency. The Swiss brand limited the number of pieces of the Bitcoin watch to 210 pieces, cleverly picking up on the fact that, according to the limit, there may be a maximum of 21 million Bitcoins. The special collection was not only a tribute, but also an opportunity to express one’s personal passion for cryptos. The engraved transaction number makes each piece unique. It also reminds us that only digital currency was accepted for the special edition.

Cryptocurrency as a means of payment for watches with blockchain gadgets

Jacob & Co goes one step further in the fusion of digital and analog status symbols. The Astronomia Metaverso luxury watches are a cryptocurrency statement of the highest order, with which the financially strong owner can adorn himself twice: in the virtual world with the acquired NFT work of art and – in the case of part of the opulently designed collection – also in real life with the real existing counterpart. Frank Muller takes a somewhat more pragmatic approach to the concept of a Bitcoin watch: The Vanguard Encrypto collection of the noble Geneva brand integrates the wallet for cryptocurrency into the timepiece with tradition-conscious manufacture quality.

Sounds exciting, but more tangible would be better? Coming right up: The key element of Ethereum, Bitcoins and every other cryptocurrency is the blockchain. It scores high on security when it comes to storing and transferring information. This is practical, for example, if you want to attest to the authenticity of a valuable object or define the rightful owner. Breitling has recognized this opportunity for itself. Since 2020, the certificate of the renowned manufacture has been based on a blockchain, which makes the luxury watches significantly more forgery-proof. It also makes it possible to clearly define ownership rights and archive important details for watch history.

Der Beitrag Cryptocurrency and Horology erschien zuerst auf Uhrinstinkt Magazine.

Omega De Ville Prestige Power Reserve Co-Axial

Today we start exclusively and put a real insider tip of the horological upper class in the spotlight: the Omega De Ville Prestige Power Reserve Co-Axial. The rare color combination of the 39.5-millimeter slim dress watch with reference 424.53.40.21.03.001 immediately catches the eye: a solid 18-karat yellow gold case meets an imposing dial in dark blue, whose sunburst finish and Roman numerals exude incredible elegance. The same goes for the pointed dauphine hands that hover above three complications: A simple date window at three o’clock, a small seconds next to the nine, and of course the power reserve, which sits prominently in the lower center. It takes 48 hours to move from the fullest to the lowest level. Responsible for the power of these exceptional watches with power reserve indicator is the Co-Axial caliber 2627, which does its work under a closed caseback. The latter enhances the massive feel on the wrist and makes it clear that these automatic watches with power reserve indicator are coveted rarities.

Hamilton Jazzmaster Power Reserve Auto

Just how seductive the trendy color blue can be on the dial is also demonstrated by the group’s sister company Hamilton: the Jazzmaster Power Reserve Auto is one of the finest watches with a power reserve display that the American-Swiss manufacturer has in its range. 42 millimeters in diameter give the stainless steel model Ref. H32635541 a commanding presence on the wrist, coupled with the varied beauty of polished and satin-finished surfaces. The dial reinforces the distinguished character of the attractively priced premium model: applied indices in the shape of arrows, luminous coated hands with the finest polish, and a simple date display characterize the overall appearance.

The focus of the automatic watches with power reserve display is their namesake complication, which is emblazoned in self-confident sizes next to the nine. The necessary energy comes from the H-13 automatic movement with a proud 80-hour power reserve, visible through a transparent case back. We particularly like the included calfskin strap in light brown, whose folding clasp underscores the high-quality character of these masculine watches with power reserve indicator. The large crown and general feel of each Hamilton Jazzmaster also convey an impression of quality that is far above the actual price range.

Union Glashütte Noramis Power Reserve

Classic meets modern: with the Union Glashütte Noramis Power Reserve, the traditional German brand presents a retro icon that takes us back to the era of elegant men’s watches from the 1950s and 1960s. But the differences from the past are unmistakable in Ref. D005.424.16.037.01: in addition to a contemporary diameter of 40 millimeters, 100-meter water resistance and the lovingly decorated automatic movement U 2897 testify to the 21st century. The power reserve is 42 hours and reveals itself between six and eight o’clock, where the remaining hours are marked off in increments of ten – along with the typical Glashütte inscription “Power reserve.” Ample retro charm is provided by the clear curvature of the sapphire crystal (anti-reflective on both sides) and dial, combined with the plasticity of applied numerals and a silver color scheme. The pitch-black sourcing of the central seconds hand as well as the hand for the power reserve indicator is outstanding, resulting in first-class legibility. In keeping with their noble character, the Saxon watches with power reserve indicator are attached to a brown leather strap with a folding clasp.

Junghans Meister Gangreserve

Domed dials are also a trademark of the Junghans Meister Gangreserve, whose deep blue version of the limited edition 160 (Ref. 027/4114.02) captured our hearts at first sight. In contrast to the Noramis, the focus of the 40.4-millimeter stainless steel watch is not retro, but Bauhaus: Above all, the wafer-thin procurement of the bezel and indices, which serves the purpose of an aesthetic reduction to the essentials, marks the noble character of these automatic watches with power reserve display. The latter feature is the functional highlight of the Meister and was implemented in a rare bar shape above the 6 o’clock position, which appears in dial color when the caliber J810.2 is fully wound and turns increasingly red as the energy storage is emptied. 42 hours of endurance is the maximum possible. All 160 examples of the (surprisingly affordable) rarity add to their highlights a display caseback for admiring the mechanics, as well as a date display at three o’clock, which we would like even better in dial color than in the prominent white.

Rado DiaMaster Power Reserve Automatic

No more merriment: with Ref. R14137156, the Rado DiaMaster Power Reserve Automatic shows us just how appealing the dark side of power can be. The case material typical of the brand, deep black high-tech ceramic, gives the 43-millimeter dominant wearer not only mysterious blackness, but above all legendary robustness, top skin compatibility, and a pleasant feel. The power-radiating darkness is continued in the dial, whose filigree groove structure brings out the noble side of the DiaMaster. The date display is elegantly positioned in the lower center, while the eponymous Power Reserve takes up the left half of the dial.

The fact that the hands and indices stand out in silver radiance from the sea of blackness grants the modern watches with power reserve display excellent legibility. Keyword black: Those who prefer the color of darkness will also appreciate the folding clasp leather strap of the DiaMaster. One of the few bright sides of the Rado shimmers out through the glass back, where the automatic movement appears in regular finissage and not – as one might expect – complete darkness.

Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Power Control

Racing genes and masculine power: with the Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Power Control, the sponsor of the world’s most prominent vintage car race brings great emotion to the wrist. Not only the luxurious bicolor case of the 43-millimeter bolide Ref. 168566-6002 made of stainless steel and 18-karat rose gold, but also the original design of the dial plays in its own class. In addition to red accents with the traditional Mille Miglia shield at three o’clock, the power reserve indicator, which is modeled after a fuel needle with the F (“Full”) and E (“Empty”) markings, also helps to solidify the racing reference. The luxury watch, limited to 500 pieces, derives its power from the finely decorated Chopard caliber 01.08-C, whose tungsten hairspring bears witness to high-tech at its best.

Despite all the refinement, the automatic watches with power reserve indicator are perfectly suitable for everyday use: 100 meters water resistance, sapphire crystal on the front and back, and the oversized numerals with lush luminous coating emphasize that this watch is more an instrument than a decorative piece of jewelry.

Der Beitrag Top 6 watches with power reserve indicator erschien zuerst auf Uhrinstinkt Magazine.

The influential Munich watch expert, collector and author Christian Pfeiffer-Belli passed away on December 9, 2021. Made famous as editor-in-chief of the magazines “Alte Uhren” and “Klassik Uhren,” he shaped the world of timepieces since the 1970s with unparalleled knowledge and more than 50 specialized books. Companions describe Pfeiffer-Belli as a helpful and lovable person who knew a competent answer to every watch question.

Allies of the watchmaking world: Pfeiffer-Belli and Gisbert L. Brunner

In the early years of his career, Pfeiffer-Belli’s path intersected with that of Gisbert L. Brunner, who today probably is Germany’s most influential watch journalist. The two luminaries of chronometric passion met in 1978, when Brunner purchased a pendulum clock at the Auer Dult art and antiques market in Munich. Driven by a hunger for knowledge about his valuable piece, he became aware of Christian Pfeiffer-Belli through a friend, who liked to call himself “CBP” and at that time published a new book – the “Klaus Erbrich Präzisionspendeluhren” (Klaus Erbrich Precision Pendulum Clocks) in the Munich Callwey publishing house. It should be noted that there were no horological constructions about which the clock specialist did not have spectacular knowledge. No sooner had he called than he was standing at Brunner’s door, showing great interest in the pendulum clock. The foundation stone for an extraordinary watchmaking friendship had been set.

Competition of watch collectors

If the passion for ticking mechanics runs deep, every watch lover will one day turn into a collector. Brunner, a law graduate, was particularly diligent and started a collection in the 1960s that grew to more than 800 pieces during the 1970s. This must have impressed Christian Pfeiffer-Belli – who himself was an avid watch collector. Above all, the subject of wristwatches bonded the two and sparked a friendly competition between the collectors. This “battle” was rather fought with each other than against each other; in one day, the two watch connoisseurs together purchased half of all the watches in a store.

“Classic Watches”: Pfeiffer-Belli’s masterpiece

It was also Pfeiffer-Belli who convinced the lawyer Brunner to write his first article on wristwatches in 1981. The work appeared in the magazine “Alte Uhren,” a trade journal for historical timepieces launched by CPB in 1978. As editor-in-chief, the watch connoisseur left his mark on the magazine for more than 40 years, which was taken over by the Ebner publishing house in 1994 and renamed “Klassik Uhren”. Until it was discontinued in 2020, the bi-monthly magazine was the only one in the German-speaking world to focus explicitly on older timepieces.

Today, the magazines, in which articles by Pfeiffer-Belli’s companion Gisbert L. Brunner appeared again and again during their decades-long success story, are cult. Flipping through the magazine, one finds a literary treasure trove of CBP and selected authors who are among the best in the world in their subfields. Brands, models, complications – if you want to learn first-hand about timepieces and are looking for information that is not available on every Internet site, you should pick up one or two “Klassik Uhren”.

Book projects for eternity

Together with Brunner, Christian Pfeiffer-Belli realized dozens of important book projects over a period of 40 years. In particular, the work ” Armbanduhren” (“Wristwatches”) (Callwey), first published in 1983 and later expanded several times, brought the befriended connoisseurs great success, along with other books. More recently, the 500-page “The Watch Book” (teNeues publishing house) is considered one of the most important watch books and was created – like the earlier works – by Brunner and Pfeiffer-Belli in a familiar division of labor: Brunner produced the texts, CPB the pictures. The same applies to the popular Watch Book Rolex (teNeues), to which Pfeiffer-Belli contributed important images. In addition, the creative watch expert initiated significant brand books on Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, the latter work having a special history.

The story takes place in Mumbai in 1990. CPB and Brunner, in search of new information about the Audemars Piguet book, are walking through a cemetery and are threatened by a group of men with knives to hand over their hidden money. The duo manages a narrow escape. Back at the hotel, they celebrate their good fortune with champagne and become even closer.

Central head at Ebner Publishing House

It should also be mentioned that, in addition to “Klassik Uhren,” Christian Pfeiffer-Belli provided a number of other Ebner publishing house magazines with his knowledge. In addition to “Chronos,” “Uhren-Magazin,” of which CPB was editor for several years, also benefited from the expert’s knowledge. Pfeiffer-Belli was extremely popular among the editors of these magazines as well as the online magazine watchtime.net and used his experience well beyond retirement age to provide colleagues in need of help with pictures, books and manuscripts on all topics. A watch specialist with heart and willingness to help, who despite 20 years of illness still put all his energy into his horological passion at the age of 80. CPB was no ordinary watch author; he had a mission: to collect vast amounts of specialized knowledge and make it available to enthusiasts in an understandable form.

A work that does not fade

That the respected connoisseur died on December 9, 2021, at the age of 81, saddens the watchmaking world. Probably no obituary is accurate enough to adequately reflect Pfeiffer-Belli’s work and character. His works, on the other hand, are: With decades of work, the exceptional specialist has compiled an imperishable and such a rich fund of watch knowledge in magazines and books that whole generations of enthusiasts and authors will still benefit from him. The master is gone, but his work remains. May CPB be remembered by the watch world for a long time to come.

Der Beitrag Christian Pfeiffer-Belli erschien zuerst auf Uhrinstinkt Magazine.