Last week was truly remarkable as a watch lover/ appreciator. We have had the Only Watch 2017 preview in Istanbul, a beautifully done organization by Christie’s Turkey. We were very much prepared to review the watches behind the glass case, but nothing prepared us to meet Peter-Speake Marin (yes, that man) , and Remy Julia of Christie’s in person, let alone laying hands on the finest pieces selected for the preview. Attending the event and being there on Wednesday proved to be the very right choice, as the planned public viewings on Thursday and Friday were cancelled citing the complicated and time consuming custom process in Hong-Kong, the next stop of the preview tour.Â
I am leaving the pieces I have seen for another post ( I am already leaking them on my insta account for some time now) But what was interesting was to have a long and detailed chat with Peter on his new plans and platform (the Naked Watchmaker) after cashing out his namesake brand, selling it to a French business family. He had remarkable thoughts and respect on independent watchmakers, and it was truly educating to listen him on the new generation’s stance and approach on haute horology.
Now, this is the right time to speake (pun intented) more about his new platform, the naked watchmaker. In a nutshell and with the man’s own words the goal of the site “is to bring to a new generation the magic and passion of watchmaking and to increase the knowledge of those already bitten by the horological bug.”Â
Peter now takes on deconstructing vintage pocket watches, indy and established brands, as well as movements. He is ripping apart the timepieces, taking the guts out of them, taking stunning pictures in makro detail and provides technical information along the way. My understanding is that he will also be decorating / modifying some in the process as well. I took particular interest in the website’s ART section, which is a must see to believe hidden treasure. Again, here you find artistic shots of indy marvels, and I can say it is rare to find matching level of detail, and photo quality on the generic watch press we follow everyday. I am providing some selections below for you to decide, and if you like what you see, give the man a following and subscribe to his newsletter.Â
