The timeless Omega Speedmaster receives an exciting modern twist in the form of the Mark II, introduced to enthusiasts in 1969. This evolution showcases a sleek tonneau shaped case that adds freshness while preserving all the classic elements fans love from its predecessor – and has earned its own fame for robust functionality as well! An excellent choice for those wanting a combination of iconic style and contemporary flair.

Omega 145.014 Speedmaster Professional Mark II Watch © Baer & Bosch Auctioneers

Design and Features

The Omega Speedmaster Mark II retains many elements that made the original Speedmaster so iconic, including the black dial, the trio of subdials, and the tachymeter bezel. However, the Mark II introduces a more substantial, cushion-shaped case that gives the watch a bolder and more contemporary look. The timepiece also features an integrated bracelet, further distinguishing it from the classic Speedmaster Professional.

Omega-145.014-Speedmaster-Professional-Mark-II-Watch1 – © Baer & Bosch Auctioneers

One key attribute of the Omega Speedmaster Mark II is its improved water resistance, thanks to the use of a flat, mineral crystal and a screw-down case back. In addition, the watch is powered by the reliable Omega Caliber 861 manual-wind movement, providing accurate timekeeping and chronograph functions.

Legacy and Collectability

The Omega Speedmaster Mark II is a testament to the brand’s dedication to innovation and evolution. Although it did not participate in the space missions like its older sibling, the Mark II has earned its place among iconic and timeless watch designs. Its unique styling and connection to the legendary Speedmaster lineage make it a sought-after timepiece for collectors and enthusiasts alike. In recent years, Omega has released modern reinterpretations of the Speedmaster Mark II, paying homage to the original design while incorporating contemporary materials and technology.

Omega 145.014 Speedmaster Professional Mark II Watch – © Baer & Bosch Auctioneers

Continuing the Tradition of Iconic Timepieces

The watchmaking industry has no shortage of iconic and timeless designs, as demonstrated by the examples we have explored in this article. However, the passion for horology does not end with these models. Many other timepieces from various brands have also made their mark on the history of watch design. As we move forward, watchmakers continue to innovate and push the boundaries of design and technology, ensuring that the tradition of crafting iconic and timeless watches endures.

The Future of Watch Design

As technology evolves and materials become more advanced, watch design will inevitably adapt and change. Already, we have seen the integration of smartwatch features in traditional timepieces and the use of cutting-edge materials such as ceramics, carbon fiber, and scratch-resistant sapphire crystals. These developments have not only pushed the boundaries of watch design, but also opened up new possibilities for watchmakers to express their creativity and ingenuity.

Omega 522.10.43.50.01.001 Speedmaster Mark II Rio Watch Limited Edition – © Baer & Bosch Auctioneers

Blending Classic and Contemporary

One of the most exciting aspects of watch design is the fusion of classic and contemporary elements. This allows watchmakers to pay homage to the past while embracing the future, creating timepieces that are both respectful of tradition and forward-looking. For instance, modern reinterpretations of iconic designs, such as the Omega Speedmaster Mark II, demonstrate how the watchmaking industry continues to evolve while maintaining a strong connection to its roots.

Limited Editions and Collaborations

Another trend in watch design is the rise of limited edition models and collaborations between watch brands and artists, designers, or other industries. These partnerships often result in unique and unconventional timepieces that push the boundaries of watch design and cater to niche audiences. These limited edition models often become highly sought-after collector’s items, further emphasizing the enduring allure of iconic and timeless watch designs.

Omega 522.10.43.50.01.001 Speedmaster Mark II Rio Watch Limited Edition – © Baer & Bosch Auctioneers

In conclusion, the Omega Speedmaster Mark II is a true icon of the watch aesthetic, known for its innovative style and functionality. Although it didn’t have the opportunity to participate in space missions like its predecessor, the Mark II has established its own place in the history of horology. Its unique design, connection to the legendary Speedmaster lineage, and practicality have made it popular among watch collectors and enthusiasts. Whether you’re a fan of classic timepieces or modern interpretations, the Omega Speedmaster Mark II continues to inspire and captivate the world of luxury watches. With its timeless appeal, it’s no wonder that the Mark II has become a classic in the world of horology, and will continue to be an object of fascination and admiration for generations to come.

The world of watchmaking is a testament to the perfect blend of art, craftsmanship, and innovation. Iconic and timeless watch designs, such as the Cartier Pasha, Girard Perregaux Laureato, Tag Heuer Calculator, Rolex Daytona, Bulgari Octo Finissimo, Franck Muller Casablanca, and Omega Speedmaster Mark II, showcase the remarkable achievements of watchmakers and their ability to create timepieces that stand the test of time. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect even more groundbreaking designs and technological advancements, further solidifying the status of watches as not just functional tools but also symbols of style, sophistication, and human ingenuity.

Related Post: Iconic and Timeless Watch Designs: A Look at the Masterpieces

Cartier Pasha: The Epitome of Elegance

The Cartier Pasha watch, first introduced in 1985, was designed as a tribute to the Pasha of Marrakech, who was an avid swimmer and sought a timepiece that could withstand water exposure. This iconic watch design features a distinctive round case with a screw-down crown cap, which contributes to its water resistance. The elegant and refined style of the Cartier Pasha has made it a favorite among watch enthusiasts for its blend of form and function.

Cartier Pasha – © Baer & Bosch Auctioneers

Girard Perregaux Laureato: Combining Sport and Luxury

Launched in 1975, the Girard Perregaux Laureato is an exquisite example of a luxury sports watch. Its unique octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet design make it a stand out in the world of horology. The watch, available in various materials and finishes, is known for its exceptional build quality and fine craftsmanship, making it a timeless classic.

Girard Perregaux BMW Laureato Chronograph – © Baer & Bosch Auctioneers

Tag Heuer Calculator: The Ultimate Tool Watch

Introduced in the 1970s, the Tag Heuer Calculator is a true icon of watch design. As its name suggests, this innovative timepiece features a slide rule bezel, which allows users to perform various calculations with ease. With its distinctive styling and practical functionality, the Tag Heuer Calculator has earned its place among the pantheon of iconic watch designs.

Heuer Calculator Chronograph Watch 110.633 N – © Baer & Bosch Auctioneers

Rolex Daytona: The Champion of Chronographs

The Rolex Daytona, first launched in 1963, is a renowned chronograph watch designed with racing drivers in mind. With its tachymeter scale and reliable chronograph functions, the Daytona has become a symbol of precision and endurance. Its sleek and sophisticated design has made it an enduring classic, appealing to both watch enthusiasts and casual wearers alike.

Omega Speedmaster Mark II: The Legacy of Space Exploration

The Omega Speedmaster Mark II, first introduced in 1969, is an evolution of the iconic Speedmaster Professional “Moonwatch.” This updated design features a streamlined, tonneau-shaped case that adds a modern touch to the classic aesthetics of its predecessor. While the original Speedmaster gained fame for its lunar exploits, the Mark II stands out for its innovative design and robust functionality.

Omega 145.014 Speedmaster Professional Mark II Watch – © Baer & Bosch Auctioneers

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo: A Modern Masterpiece

Introduced in 2014, the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo is a striking example of contemporary watch design. Its octagonal case, which is both angular and elegant, houses one of the world’s thinnest mechanical movements. This ultra-thin profile, combined with its bold and distinctive design, has solidified the Octo Finissimo’s place among the icons of watchmaking.

Franck Muller Casablanca: Art Deco Meets Swiss Craftsmanship

The Franck Muller Casablanca, with its art deco-inspired design and exquisite craftsmanship, is a timeless testament to the brand’s unique style. Featuring a distinctive tonneau-shaped case and bold numerals, the Casablanca is a statement piece that blends sophistication with innovation. Since its introduction in the 1990s, this iconic watch has remained a popular choice among collectors and watch enthusiasts who appreciate its avant-garde design and exceptional mechanical performance.

Iconic and timeless watch designs are more than just timekeeping instruments; they are symbols of artistry, innovation, and enduring appeal. The Cartier Pasha, Girard Perregaux Laureato, Tag Heuer Calculator, Rolex Daytona, Omega Speedmaster Mark II, Bvlgari Octo Finissimo, and Franck Muller Casablanca are all prime examples of such masterpieces, each with their own unique story and place in the annals of horology. These watches not only stand the test of time but also continue to inspire future generations of watchmakers and collectors.

Related Post: Ignite Your Passion for Timepieces With Exquisitely Rare Horology Books

Sometimes, for the truly impassioned watch collector, acquiring an assortment of beautiful timepieces doesn’t fully scratch the itch of conquest. So instead, a parallel pursuit—a side quest, if you will—must also be undertaken. This is the search for some of the most divine, vitally important, and rare horology books of history.

Of course, laying claim to these printed intimate insights into watchmaking history also paves the way for identifying further time-telling treasures to seek out. When the pages before you provide a bountiful insight into every delight created by—for example—Rolex, Tudor, or Cartier, one certainly has the means to gaze and dream of prizes previously unknown.

Understanding the need to quell the watch-lovers’ thirst, here, we have compiled some of the most exquisite horology books for your perusal. With a sense of which watchmaker and brand ignites your horological interests the most, you can choose for yourself which of these precious pages are worthy of the hunt, and which might reveal an intricate glimpse into the world of watchmaking that truly satisfies.

Universal Watch Geneve by Pietro Giuliano Sala

In 2010, impassioned collector and horology aficionado Pietro Giuliano Sala introduced a masterpiece to the world. His book, Universal Watch Geneve, is dedicated specifically to Universal Geneve complications and explores the cutting-edge workshop timepieces that earned the label its prestigious “Manufacture” title.

The book, which was published in Italian, English, and French, features more than two hundred different models, with roughly 1000 original photographs—many of which feature timepieces from the author’s own extraordinary collection—accompanied by hundreds from Universal’s black and white archives.

White Cartier Bianco by Osvaldo Patrizzi

Beneath the entrancing burgundy cover of White Cartier Bianco lies a deliciously detailed chronicle of each of the white gold models this iconic luxury brand has ever released. Passionately curated and compiled by Osvaldo Patrizzi and produced by Antiquorum Editions, this book offers up to 568 pages of fascinating insight into white gold editions of the Pasha, Tank, Carré, Crash watch, and more.

Each timepiece can be examined thanks to 255 large color photo illustrations and smaller supporting images—catering most courteously to those who must see every intricacy. Osvaldo Patrizzi, the founder of Antiquorum, offers his watch books in three languages—Italian, English, and French.

100 Superlative Rolex Watches by John Goldberger

The infamous John Goldberger—known for having built one of the world’s most esteemed rare watch collections—brings us his take on the 100 finest Rolex watches ever made. Drawing upon decades spent trawling for horological gold within the world’s auction houses, watch shops, flea markets, and conventions, Goldberger presents 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, with tantalizing details on the production and features of each.

Alongside selecting his favorites, Goldberger also expertly demonstrates the innovation and evolution of Rolex from many of the earliest models to those closer to the book’s publication in 2008—enhancing the reader’s journey with more than 600 color illustrations and every watch collector’s need-to-knows, such as references, calibers, and movements. Long out of print, 100 Superlative Rolex Watches, is certainly one of the harder rare horology books to find.

Breguet (1747 – 1823) by Sir David Lionel Salomons

Stepping back in time, we discover a compiled guide to the majestic creations of Breguet that was published circa 1921. Limited to an edition of only 1000 copies, Breguet (1747 – 1823) serves as a gorgeous vehicle for time travel, transporting us back as we explore the pocket watches and clocks produced by the brand between 1747 and 1823.

Sir David Salomons was an English Member of Parliament, a scientist, a philanthropist, and the first director of the City of London Electric Lighting Company. But more notably for those of us who share his passion, he was also the greatest Breguet collector of his time and a renowned horological historian. In this elegant tome, Salomons provides the curious with over 150 photographic reproductions, thoughtful descriptions, and depiction of the front and movements of each model created during his chosen time-frame by this iconic French watchmaker.

Rolex Jubilee Vade Mecum by Rolex

Now, turning our attention to not only a single book but rather a set, we discover the Rolex Jubilee Vade Mecum. Released circa 1946 in an edition of 1000 copies, this exceptionally enticing and colorful collection of four books came in a matching slipcover. The charming multi-piece publication is comprised of the titles: Step By Step, The Evolution of the Wrist-Watch Chronometer, How The Waterproof Watch Came Into Being, and The Story Of The Self-Winding Watch.

Each book within the set, as well as the slipcover itself, features a vibrant color, decorated with a diamond pattern and the repeated Rolex crown motif. Within lies illustrations of the brand’s wristwatches and pocket watches, accompanied by descriptions of the brand’s history as well as that of its founder Hans Wilsdorf.

Tudor Anthology by Alberto Isnardi

In the final of the limited-edition publications featured on our horological wish list, we turn to Rolex’s sister brand, Tudor. While Alberto Isnardi’s Tudor Anthology shares its number of editions with the aforementioned historical publications—once again, only 1000 were produced—it also brings us firmly back into the 21^st century, having been published in 2013.

Within this large luxury edition, we find a deep-dive analysis of Tudor’s complete production since the brand’s inception in 1936. Providing every last scrap of detail that a watch collector on a quest might hope to have at their disposal, this is undoubtedly an excellent guide for anyone with an affection for tracking down Tudor timepieces.

Thrillingly, this is the very same author as the Alberto Isnardi behind The Master of Omega Speedmaster Flightmaster Speedsonic and the much-beloved Omega Seamaster Vintage, which was also limited to an edition of 1000 copies and signed by the author. So, with that in mind, it’s safe to say that those getting lost within the pages of this book place themselves in very safe hands.

If you enjoyed reading about rare horology books, then get excited to discover the Shi Chen collection Tudor Monarch ref 38080 watch. This is a special edition depicting the animals from the Chinese Zodiac on its bezel.

“I don’t care to make a change. I’m not a guy who wants to control many things. I don’t want to be the boss of a big company. I need freedom.” – SSENSE interview with Hiroshi Fujiwara

From The Sacred to the Sublime

Hiroshi Fujiwara was born in 1964 in scenic and rural Ise, Mie. Just a stone’s throw away was Ise Jingū, a Shinto shrine considered by many to be the most sacred in all of Japan. Yet, while this formative setting may have been tranquil, Fujiwara yearned for something more. Soon, the vibrant young creative would be in London, befriending anarchistic English impresario Malcolm McLaren—McLaren, at the time, ensconced with Vivienne Westwood—just as the city’s era of Punk was hitting full swing. His other 1980s activities included immersing himself in the New York City music scene and taking American rap records back to Tokyo, where he served as a pioneer in introducing the Hip Hop genre to a Japanese audience.

Of course, for this living cultural conduit, the next logical step was to enter the world of music. Fujiwara began producing with a specialization in remixes, and in the 1990s, formed a Hip Hop group called Tiny Panx. Not being a one-stringed-bow kind of creative, Fujiwara began working in media, too. First came a stint writing cult-status columns for Popeye Magazine, and soon entered into the digital domain followed, as Fujiwara broke virtual ground with online resource honeyee.com—pronounced by fans as “honeycomb.” While today sees Fujiwara’s focus more within the realms of fashion and design, his influence in musical spheres remains strong, whether he is designing guitars for Eric Clapton or being followed down Tokyo streets by an eager Kanye West—enchantingly, Fujiwara had no idea who Kanye was.

A Conduit Between East and West

Having become a master of introducing Western trends to the East, leveraging his international bevy of friends and contacts, it was time for Fujiwara to launch his first brand. In 1990, the graphic T-shirt label Good Enough was born—often abbreviated to GDEH—channeling a combination of surf and skate culture and Hip-Hop vibes. Because Fujiwara’s reputation was so well established, he chose to launch the brand anonymously aiming to attract a broader audience than his dedicated niche following. The endeavor was a success, and his streetwear became the go-to look for those seeking new forms of self-expression. Appetite for the Good Enough designs was also heightened by his decision to release collections in limited drops, honing the businesses model that would later bring frenzied acclaim to UK brand Supreme.

Tomoaki Nagao, who had worked as Fujiwara’s assistant, took inspiration from Good Enough and launched another trailblazing brand, A Bathing Ape, and friend Jun “Jonio” Takahashi, would go on to create Undercover. Meanwhile, Fujiwara was already onto the next project; having seen how brands were engaging audiences with collaborations in the US, Fujiwara decided to launch a collab-only fashion store in Harajuku. Ready Made opened its doors in 1993 and became a huge hit. With a cultivated skill for quitting while he was ahead, Fujiwara rode the Ready Made wave until 1999, before closing doors on the project and immediately setting into a new trajectory—in the form of Fragment Design.

A Powerful International Influence: Hiroshi Fujiwara x Tag Heuer

Where previous projects had involved coordinating his own production, Fragment was different. Now a global icon, Fujiwara manifested a logo and aesthetic that could only be accessed through collaborations with established brands. Fujiwara’s roster of big-name partnerships has included Levi’s, Burton, Starbucks, Maserati, Beats, Playboy, Ramidus, and Pokémon. His fashion designs are so of-the-moment that they have even transferred into the digital realm, appearing in a Pokémon movie, and in Keanu Reeves-fronted game Cyberpunk 2077—the latter of which had a read-world collection to match. But, of course, his enduring collaboration with Nike has become the most notorious, including the ultra-limited off-shoot footwear project HTM, which is the brainchild of Fujiwara, designer Tinker Hatfield, and Nike CEO Mark Parker.

In 2020, Fujiwara partnered with Tag Heuer for Tag Heuer x Fragment Design Calibre Heuer 02 Automatic Chronograph Reference CAZ201A.BA0641. The joint effort between the two brands made a bold reinterpretation of TAG Heuer’s unmistakable engine hustling roused C-case models from the 1960s and 1970s, a case shape likewise found in TAG Heuer’s present-day lineup. According to the legendary creative, Fujiwara explained: “Redesigning this TAG Heuer chronograph timepiece gave me the opportunity to use an existing legacy to create a new one. I gave the design a modern and exceptional flair with the red case back, which reflects one of the brand’s logo colors and also gives it a completely new and evolved character”.

Perhaps Fujiwara’s most inspired input to the realm of footwear—beyond iconic design—was to lead the charge that reawakened the world’s love for retro kicks. He encouraged Nike Japan to bring back the Dunk and the Air Force 1 when such timeless designs were all but forgotten. The original Jordan sneaker was reanimated as the now-legendary Fragment Air Jordan 1. When the new version was released in 2014 at Fujiwara’s POOL Aoyama pop-up store, more than two thousand Tokyo hopefuls lined up to try and snag a pair. Through such feats, Fujiwara serves as the facilitator of a unique dialogue between international brands and trend-setting Japanese consumers. His synergistic presence is immortalized in the cultural crossover hit movie Lost In Translation, which saw Fujiwara make a cameo appearance in a Tokyo nightclub for his friend, director Sofia Coppola. Immortalized or not, like any good Godfather, Fujiwara knows there is still more extraordinary work to be done.

Fine Saddle Leather, Inspired by the Old American West

Few thoughts could be more stimulating than those of the exhilarating experiences of bold adventurers of the American frontier. You likely imagine romance and anarchy – tantalizingly fed by the history and mythology that inspired Wild West cinema. With the watch straps featured in the Crafted Heritage Collection, we invite you to channel your inner cowboy! This finely-hued collection is crafted using the very leather treatment technique used in the saddlery of the Old American West. High-quality hides are buffed to a smooth finish, before the application of a special type of wax. This natural treatment provides incredible durability while conditioning the leather for the wearer’s ultimate comfort.

What makes this type of saddle leather so uniquely celebrated is the incredible way it ages over time. Friction, folds, and scratches to the leather result in a transformation of the leather’s color and appearance. Gradually, a gorgeously vintage-looking, rustic kind of aesthetic emerges. In addition, this traditional artisanal leather preparation method calls for full-grain leather – the strongest and longest-lasting grade of leather produced. Between the ever-intriguing way that this type of leather changes with wear, and its ability to effortlessly endure heavy use, there could be no better material for an intrepid enthusiast seeking elegant watch straps!

A Cultural Collision, With The Japanese Concept Of Wabi-Sabi

It might seem strange to combine the concepts of the old American West with the Japanese idea of Wabi-Sabi but rest assured that all will come clear. Put quite simply, the English language lacks the perfect vocabulary to translate Wabi-Sabi, and yet the term could not be more fitting for the Tokki Project Crafted Heritage collection. Wabi-Sabi is a complex and far-reaching idea but can be summarized in approximation as a life view that calls for the acceptance of transience and imperfection. Hundreds of years ago, Japanese nobility began to view Wabi-Sabi as vital in the quest towards satori, or enlightenment. This philosophy sees wisdom in natural simplicity and focuses on celebrating the way things are, rather than losing the present self to thoughts of how things should be. We are sure you will agree – the seven aesthetic principles necessary for achieving Wabi-Sabi capture the evolutionary properties of the leather used in the Tokki Project Crafted Heritage Collection perfectly.

Kanso: Simplicity
Fukinsei: Asymmetry or irregularity
Shibui: Beauty in the understated
Shizen: Naturalness, without pretense
Yugen: Showing more by showing less
Datsuzoku: Transcending the conventional
Seijaku: Energized tranquility

An Evolving Tokki Project Watch Strap That You Will Love To Wear

The thin and comfortable premium leather watch straps within the Crafted Heritage Collection are made for a luxurious and easy-wearing experience. An exclusive range of six colors each features complimentary contrast stitching and your choice of either a black PVD or silver tang buckle. Whether you prefer a natural shade such as Crafted Heritage In Brown Cider, or the modern appeal of colors such as the Crafted Heritage in Olympic Blue, your taste and style are bound to be matched. In addition, each watch strap from the collection features time-saving quick-release spring bars for a cowboy-ready level of convenience! The heroes of the Old American West believed that pushing new frontiers was their manifest destiny, while practitioners of Wabi-Sabi believe in experiencing life from a place of authenticity – entirely in the moment. So, could it be that a watch strap from the Tokki Project Crafted Heritage Collection is your manifest destiny, offering an authentic watch-wearing experience that will be second to none?

To learn more about Tokki Project watch straps and their collection, visit their site here.

“The world will only elevate you as high as you are willing to elevate yourself. Let that sizzle in your spirit.” – Highsnobiety interview with Rello Jones

Art Is Part of the Process

Terrell “Rello” Jones was always an innovator and always had an eye for fashion. In high school, he made picture T-shirts and sold them so he could buy himself kicks. However, you could say that the artist’s journey really found its groove when, in 2006, he started at Leaders 1354. This popular Chicago streetwear boutique was a magnet for his generation’s creatives, and many of those who served as staff turnover were destined to go on to greatness. With a finger on the pulse, store owner and ground-breaker Corey Gilkey is worthy of a slice of the credit.

Gilkey took Rello under his wing, alongside friend and future-collaborator Joe Robinson – otherwise known as Joe Freshgoods. During their time at Leaders, the duo learned how to meld together retail, marketing, and the youth culture within which they were immersed. Rello was learning a lot about branding and graphic design. During this evolutionary period, he launched his longest-standing creative project – Vita Worldwide. When the first iteration of his “Chicago Over Everything” design was released, a buzz began to build around the young visionary.

Of course, one artistic outlet was never going to be enough for a mind like Rello’s. He dreamed of a vehicle for those among his creative projects and exhibits that felt the most personal, so he created the Lost Paradise Design House. To round out a full spectrum of hotbed potential, Rello also co-founded the Fat Tiger Workshop in Chicago—with his Leaders-era friend Joe Freshgoods, and fellow creatives Des Owusu, and Victor Pitre. While Rello’s other projects serve as Chicago-spirited brands that the entire world wants a piece of, the Fat Tiger Workshop provides a local retail and workshop space that the foursome also uses to elevate up-and-coming talents and causes.

Rello Jones Capturing Hearts and Minds

Rello’s creations have reached a broad audience, propelled by big-name fans like LeBron James and SZA. They have also attracted some status collaborators like Adidas and the NBA. Throughout all of his projects, powerful and positive messages stand front and center. For example, his Please Interpret As Black series centers on black empowerment, gender, and representation. The two characters emerging from it, Ozzy “The Bad Mouse” and Ruby, are Disney’s Mickey and Minnie Mouse re-imagined as black icons—posing the question “what if?” On his Lost Paradise website, Rello directs the question to his readers: “If a world famous and iconic cartoon character was presented as black, would you love black people more?” Ozzy and Ruby were named after fellow multi-faceted creatives and civil rights activists, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee.

“If a world famous and iconic cartoon character was presented as black, would you love black people more?” – Rello Jones

Perhaps the thing that makes Rello’s messages so far-reaching is that each one is always presented from a foundation of love. His designs often feature the friendly and lifting presence of daisies. Rello attributes the floral additions to a passion for the work of Japanese artist Takashi Murakami – another daisy enthusiast – and his love for the complexity of flowers.

In 2019, the artist further popularized his Ruby character through a collection titled Everything Starts With A Woman, crediting his daughter as inspiration, having wanted to create more pieces that will speak to her as she grows up. The same year, he brought Ozzy to life in three dimensions, releasing his first collectible vinyl figure. Rello Jones’ growing fan base can look to his Lost Paradise platform for details on his next (and much anticipated) exhibits and hope to snap up his fast-flowing limited-edition creation drops or when they re-emerge at auction.

To learn more about the artist, check out Rello Jones’ art gallery.

Seeking Freedom in Art

Marina Abramović was born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, in 1946. Her formative years were spent in relative privilege but emotional complexity. The young creative was the daughter of war heroes, who received high-level government positions and accommodation in recognition of their contribution to Tito’s former Yugoslavia. Abramović’s mother, the director of the city’s Museum of Art and Revolution, was simultaneously encouraging of her daughter’s artistic nature while stern and sometimes physically abusive.

Existing between juxtaposed forces, Abramović was given her own studio in which to create and yet was subject to the strictest of rules. Until the age of twenty-nine, she was bound to meet a 10 pm curfew by her parents. Within the confines of such a regimented home life, she found freedom in a radical art group and her love of performance. Abramović studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Belgrade, graduating in 1970, and spent a spell away from home in Croatia, where she completed post-graduate studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb in 1972.

“I’m interested in nature and people from different cultures who push their bodies and their minds in a way we don’t understand. I expose myself to life, and from that, ideas come as a surprise. I totally dismiss the ones that are pleasant and easy. I’m only interested in the ones that really disturb me and that I get obsessed about. They’re what bring me to new territory. When I say, “Oh my God, shall I do that?” I know I have to.” – Harvard Business Review interview with Marina Abramović.

Rhythm And Reaction

Through the mid-1970s, Abramović staged a series of performances, each named Rhythm, followed by a non-sequential number. In Rhythm 10, she explored elements of ritual and gesture, recording, and enacting a Russian game involving jabbing knives between her splayed fingers. Of her injuries, she explained: “Once you enter into the performance state you can push your body to do things you absolutely could never normally do.”

Next, in Rhythm 5, she staged a piece that culminated in her stepping into the middle of a blazing star of ignited petroleum on the floor. In this performance, she lost consciousness, and her audience intervened. Speaking of the experience, Abramović expressed a sense of frustration: “I was very angry because I understood there is a physical limit. When you lose consciousness, you can’t be present, you can’t perform.” The artist’s loss of consciousness would return as a theme for Rhythm 2 and Rhythm 4, which saw Abramović move in and out of the present moment as a result of ingesting various medications and standing before a powerful industrial fan.

With Rhythm 10, Abramović achieved a new level of public attention. Fascinated by the way that her audience responded to her performances, Abramović devised a scenario that would invite direct participation. Remaining passively within the exhibit space for six hours, the artist was encountered by an audience who discovered 72 objects on a table at their disposal, including scissors, a scalpel, and a gun. While the performance began innocently, the actions of the audience took a more sinister turn as it progressed. By the end, Abramović had experienced the cutting of her clothes and skin and had felt the gun held to her head. When she stood, after the sixth hour had elapsed, her audience scattered to avoid her confrontation.

Marina Abramović and Uwe Laysiepen

In 1976, Abramović resolved to remove herself from her parents’ shadow and moved to Amsterdam. Here began one of the art world’s most captivating love affairs when she met West German performance artist Uwe Laysiepen, who performed under the name Ulay. The two soon began living and working together, mounting dual performances that explored concepts of ego, identity, gender, spirituality, and non-verbal communication under the title Relation Works. The pair began describing themselves as a single entity dubbed “The Other.” After more than a decade of collaboration, in 1988, Abramović and Ulay brought their existing relationship to its conclusion through art. In a piece called Lovers, they each walked 2500 km from the ends of the Great Wall of China to meet in the middle.

It had taken eight years to gain permission from the Chinese government to perform the piece, for which the intended culmination had been for the duo to marry when reunited. However, by the time their plan was executed, they instead chose to separate. In 2010, when Abramović mounted her performance, The Artist Is Present at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the now estranged Ulay made an unexpected appearance. Over the course of three months and a duration of 736 hours of static silence, Abramović invited the public to sit wordlessly across from her at a table. She stared into the eyes of 1,545 visitors, attracting overnight queues. When Ulay appeared across from the artist, she reacted emotionally, taking his hand. The moment was captured on video and took on a viral life of its own as countless viewers shared it online.

“I was with Ulay for 12 years. He was the love of my life. And then he sued me. It was terrible – I lost on every point. I was incredibly angry. But then one day I opened my eyes and said, “OK, I lost. What’s next?” And what was next was forgiveness.” – The Guardian interview with Marina Abramović.

A Curator of Conscience

Among several of Abramović’s notable performances, a strong moral theme takes center stage. For example, her 1997 performance Balkan Baroque saw her spend four days atop a bloody mound of 2.5 metric tons of cow bones, tirelessly scrubbing in an effort to cleanse the bones as they pungently decomposed. The piece aimed to shed light on the ethnic cleansing that had taken place in the Balkans during the 1990s and earned Abramović the Golden Lion award at the Venice Biennale. In 2018, she partnered with Acute Art to create a virtual reality version of herself trapped within a slowly filling glass tank—serving as a metaphor for the melting polar ice caps. Virtual participants could avert the tank’s filling by pledging to support the environment, saving the digital Abramović from drowning.

In 2020, her first major exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts in London was postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The highly anticipated show, which will feature the artist’s performance over the course of two and a half months, marks the first solo show of a woman at the esteemed centuries-old Academy. Speaking of the appearance, Abramović joked that all the windows need to be opened to clear the building of testosterone. Speaking to the Guardian, she said, “As the first woman, I have to deliver something which is even better than a man.” But of course, what she will ultimately deliver is something far more memorable—something Marina Abramović—which will be as unique as it is treasured for all lucky enough to be able to meet her invitation.

Cinta Vidal Masters Many Scales

Born in 1982, Cinta Vidal’s affinity for drawing manifested energetically in childhood. She sketched her holiday surroundings, copied illustrations, and took on any other subject that piqued her interest. The young artist followed her passion, studying illustration at Escola d’Art Massana in Barcelona. At the age of 16, her talent earned her a position working part-time at the renowned scenography atelier, Taller d’Escenografia Castells Planas. Here, in parallel to her academic path, Vidal learned the trade of painting theater and opera backdrops. Studying this craft under notable mentors, Josep and Jordi Castells, she cultivated a broad stylistic range that would serve her well in the years to come.

This impressive path into the art world served as a springboard for Vidal, who has built an impressively diverse career. Her creativity and ability, realized through scenography projects for an international array of professional productions, freelance advertising projects, show series, and commissions, merges into a fascinating artistic repertoire. While the artist’s growing global acclaim is mainly for her finely crafted acrylic paintings, created on wooden panels, her abilities in painting at scale are also in high demand. The artist has honed the ability to switch between intricate paintwork, delivered with minutely controlled movements, and vast canvas pieces created using broomstick-sized brushes and strokes requiring large arm movements.

“I like to play with gravity since it is such a sacred law, and playing with it can have astonishing results. I set elements in different orientations in order to talk about the different points of view we all have in our environments. We will never be able to see all points of view at the same time. They all exist, but we must choose one, and I think this happens constantly in life.” – Juxtapoz interview with Cinta Vidal

Un-Gravity Constructions

Cinta Vidal uses the phrase un-gravity constructions in reference to her personal body of work. Each composition encapsulates various intersecting scenes, with each subject facing a different gravitational direction. Through this deconstruction of real, familiar scenarios, Vidal demonstrates that, while we all live in the same reality, we each inhabit and experience it very differently. She also touches on the notion that it is impossible for us to completely understand everything that goes on in the world that we navigate through. In parallel, her gravity-defying constructions serve as a metaphor for the challenge we all experience in trying to combine the many desired facets of our lives.

While such ideas could be explored through abstraction, Vidal demonstrates her phenomenal mastery as a figurative painter. The architectural element of her constructs appears to only deepen in complexity the longer one explores her pieces. In pursuing such realistic portrayals, she describes a desire to elicit familiarity in her audience. In beholding the every day—but now presented in a vastly different, unstructured, and broken way—the audience is encouraged to find their own perspective and ponder its relationship with the perspective of others.

“With these un-gravity constructions, I want to show that we live in one world, but we live in it in very different ways – playing with everyday objects and spaces, placed in impossible ways to express that many times, the inner dimension of each one of us does not match the mental structures of those around us. The architectural spaces and day-to-day objects are part of a metaphor of how difficult it is to fit everything that shapes our daily space: our relationships, work, ambitions, and dreams.” – Hi-Fructose interview with Cinta Vidal

A Global Audience

Alongside the intimate works seen in her gallery shows and her theatrical scenography, Vidal’s large-scale murals can be found within urban landscapes across Europe, the United States, Japan, and Hong Kong. Her collaborative projects have included a 2012 iPhone game called Sr. Mistu, two label design collabs with Sant Jordi craft beer and winemaker Moscatell i Garnatxa de l’Empordà, and the creation of a 500-piece puzzle in partnership with toy brand Löndji. Vidal responded to the first lock-down of the pandemic in spring of 2020 by releasing a series of black and white un-gravity illustrations on her website that fans could print and color. While Covid-19 may have slowed the artist’s permeation into the collective consciousness just a little, it feels certain that the visions of Cinta Vidal are only just beginning to make their mark, and the world is better for it.

Read more about the artist Cinta Vidal on her website. Discover the Cinta Vidal “Nearby” oil on wood panel here.

Deciding to Court Quirkiness

Founded by Alain Bajulaz in 2004 and named after his two sons, Romain Jérôme did not initially strike out as the colorful and curious brand it would later morph into. Its first turn at watchmaking was, in fact, a golf watch—inspired by Bajaluz’s passion for the sport—which, while not particularly revolutionary in terms of design, featured an intriguing complication that counted its wearer’s strokes on the course. Interesting, perhaps, but not a master-hit. It was actually the arrival of CEO Yvan Arpa, who took to the brand’s creative helm in 2006, that saw Romain Jérôme transform into the iconic creator that so many watch enthusiasts know and love today.

The first thing Arpa did—beyond laying that golf-themed watch to rest—was stir up a storm in horological circles with the controversial Titanic-DNA timepiece. Beyond bold design and an entirely unique movement, this wristwatch made use of acquired steel from the actual sunken vessel within its various component parts. While some considered the watch to be of questionable taste, it made a big splash wherever it was received. The watch remains a lure for constant intrigue and even features in Cristiano Ronaldo’s luxury watch collection.

A Satisfying Selection of Surreal Romain Jerome Timepieces

The trajectory of Romain Jérôme can undoubtedly be described as laced with drama, and the departure of Arpa and the arrival of Manuel Emch—of Jaquet Droz fame—was fittingly colorful. Arpa’s goodbye gesture was a lawsuit, and Emch initially turned down the position before temptation got the better of him. Perhaps, however, this stormy repetition of rites of passage is what gives Romain Jérôme its unique flavor. As many often comment, it may also be the brand’s lack of historical legacy that gave it free rein to roam so far from the beaten path. Whether created on the watch of Arpa, Emch, or later Marco Tedeschi, the timepieces are what truly matter, and here we find some true treasure. Running with the DNA notion conceptualized through the Titanic wristwatch, Romain Jérôme took this idea further with watches that incorporate real moon dust and metal harvested from the Apollo XI spacecraft—which, to great fanfare, the brand purchased for hundreds of thousands of dollars. The 2010 Romain Jerome Eyjafjallajökull DNA wristwatch comprises ash and rock from the namesake Icelandic volcano that caused global chaos in the very same year as its spewing disrupted air travel. Even the Tattoo-DNA wristwatch takes a spectacularly creative direction on behalf of those who can’t get enough of the inked aesthetic with a hand-tattooed strap.

A Diverse Offering Fit for Contemporary Culture

Many Romain Jérôme watches draw on the elements of culture that tend to make us all the most excited. While comic books and Star Trek might not be considered the epitome of taste, there is no doubt that they send plenty of pulses racing. No surprise, then, that a successive selection of Batman-themed watches—from the Batman-DNA Gotham City to the more recent Joker and Two-Face themed Arraw watches—or the Spider-Man themed tourbillon-enhanced indulgences have been united with plenty of pulse-points. Among those whose dreams are always spent among the stars, the unquestionably iconic side-reading Spacecraft watch, or the dual-display Moon Orbiter tourbillons are likely to tickle the fancy. For those who just like a hearty dose of die-hard pop-culture, Romain Jérôme’s Día de Los Muertos or Space Invader offerings may well elicit a squeak. Of course, there is also no escaping the reality that most watch brands who like to explore such overtly geeky themes—of which, some might argue, there are disappointingly few—tend to cater more to a male market. In this area, Romain Jérôme also breaks with convention. The brand’s Arraw Star Twist models are simultaneously deliciously feminine and luxuriously eccentric. If the result of courting quirkiness is such a variety of desirable bizarrities, then convention can leave us to our own devices.

Visit Romain Jerome’s site here. If you would like to learn more about watches, read about the special edition Shi Chen Tudor Monarch Ref #38080 with a Chinese Zodiac animal bezel.

A Swiss Watch Manufacturer Of Distinction

The luxury Swiss watch brand Tudor was first conceptualized as a sister to Rolex by Hans Wilsdorf, Rolex founder, in 1926. While Rolex drove at the helm among luxury and aspirational watch brands, Tudor was to cut a slightly different course—creating a more affordable selection of wristwatches that still aligned with the infamous quality associated with the Rolex name. Tudor was to become celebrated for its cultivated specialty in tool watches, favored among divers, military personnel, and submariners.

Over the years, innovations would cross over between the older and younger sibling brands, such as the waterproof Oyster case previously exclusive to Rolex in the 1940s and Rolex’s proprietary self-winding rotor in 1952. Both features were enjoyed and issues by the French and US navies, in the form of the Tudor Oyster Prince wristwatch in the 1950s and 60s. In the 1970s, Tudor released its first Chronograph in the Oysterdate. The Tudor Chronographs were nicknamed “Home Plate,” bearing reference 7031. In 1991, the Tudor Monarch collection was first introduced. Today, the brand enjoys a variety of celebrity ambassadors, including Lady Gaga and David Beckham!

Cycles In Time: The Chinese Zodiac

What do the animals of the Tudor Monarch #38080 signify? The ancient Zodiac found within Chinese astrology denotes a twelve-year cycle—correlated with the elliptical cycle of the planet Jupiter. An animal is assigned to each year, and those born within the year are thought to possess specific characteristics associated with the animal in question. Those who subscribe to the Chinese Zodiac interpret connections between the path of any given individual, and their relationship with the cycle itself—at its present stage, and in terms of their birth year.

At first glance, this may seem overly simple, however incredible intricacies unfold when we realize that people are assigned “inner animals” in accordance with their birth month, “true animals” in accordance with their birthday, and “secret animals” in accordance with their birth hour. Complex layers of traits build between each of the animals, defining any given Zodiac sign. To live in conflict with those traits is known as “Tai Sui,” which also describes the stars that can be found directly opposite Jupiter in its orbital cycles.

A Divine Origin Story

Those already enchanted with the Chinese Zodiac may not be aware of its unique mythology. A venerable Chinese tale describes the roots of the Chinese Zodiac as being within a great race, overseen by the Jade Emperor. This deity is one of the representations of the first God among Chinese traditional religions. The Jade Emperor decreed that several animals must race to reach him, crossing a river as they did so and that the order in which they arrived would seal their places within the Chinese Zodiac calendar. The Ox could easily cross the river; however, the Rat tricked the Ox into carrying him and jumped nimbly to the bank to secure the first spot. The dragon came only in fifth place because he went to the aid of a drought-stricken village, bringing rain to its people. And so, a whimsical tale of destiny manifests as each of the animals arrives, forming the Chinese Zodiac cleverly displayed on the Tudor Monarch #38080.

Tudor Monarch 38080 – A Rare Find From The Shi Chen Collection

Among the Monarch collections, an exceptionally small number were released to the Asian market, circa the 2000s, in the form of the Shi Chen Collection. In the Tudor Monarch Ref #38080, horological enthusiasts can take pleasure in a Chinese Zodiac bezel bearing miniature representations of the 12 animals of the Zodiac. The Tudor Monarch timepiece features a Silver Tudor Geneve Monarch dial with luminous baton hour markers and a date window at the 3 o’clock. In addition, it boasts a quick set date, sapphire crystal, and a Tudor screw-down crown. This wristwatch is Swiss-made, with an automatic self-winding movement, and comes on a stainless-steel Tudor Jubilee bracelet.

Visit Tudor’s site to learn more about their current models. If you enjoyed reading about the rare, special edition Tudor Monarch watch Ref #38080 with the Chinese Zodiac animal bezel, check out the Endless Appeal of Romain Jerome.