Newsletter 10.9.2022
By Charlie Dunne
A Vintage Breitling AOPA Reference 765 Chronograph & Catalog
I recently hung out with a passionate collector and new friend by the name of Dominic. His enthusiasm for vintage watches is really infectious and it is always great to spend time with people who get you pumped up for these old timepieces. Probably within 2 hours of unpacking this Breitling AOPA reference 765 at Wind Vintage HQ, Dominic called dibs and added the chrono to his collection. Accompanying the watch was an interesting catalog (which he was kind enough to let me borrow and document).
After scanning the catalog, I reached out to share it with Breitling Historian and vintage watch collector/expert Fred Mandelbaum (better known on Instagram as @WatchFred). As I should have expected, Mandelbaum would reply that he was aware of these and lent insight to the era in which these pamphlets were produced.
“These were part of the “rejuvenating strategy“ in the early/mid 60s which were financed by the FHH chronograph association and led by Willy Breitling. It was quite the success story, as chronograph sales rose by 400% between 1964 and 1969.”
Find the write up by following the link below:
https://www.strictlyvintagewatches.com/a-vintage-breitling-765-aopa-chronograph-catalog
Wristcheck x Audemars Piguet Present “Your Take On The Royal Oak”
Admittedly, I am quite fond of the manufacturer’s heritage well beyond the Royal Oak. However, this “competition” seems to be a bit of a daring initiative for a brand that is so synonymous with the design of Gérald Genta. I for one am excited to see the results from industry outsiders. The competition will be open for submissions from October 6th - November 6th. Three winners will be announced by Bennahmias and Chu on November 15th via Wristcheck’s social media channels.
The Cartiers (French Edition)
Author Francesca Cartier Brickell has just recently announced the celebrated book ‘The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewelry Empire’ will be published in French in the forthcoming month. Kicking off the release will be a Parisian pre-launch signing in the forthcoming days.
For those who reside in France, you can register for the event being held on Tuesday October, 11th by following the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.fr/e/billets-dedicace-en-avant-premiere-du-livre-les-cartier-427082022827
If you have not yet read the book, I highly recommend getting yourself a copy. This is a must read for Cartier enthusiasts.
“Francesca [Cartier Brickell] spent the last decade tracking down original source material across the world and meeting people connected with the family and its business. It is this extensive independent research, combined with a first-hand knowledge of the family and a huge collection of letters, telegrams and photographs discovered in her grandfather’s cellar, that have enabled her to uncover a uniquely personal story.”
- Diana Scarisbrick (Independent scholar and jewelry historian).
Learn more about ‘The Cartiers’ and Francesca Cartier Brickell on the official website below:
The Grumpy Collector
In the most recent episode of Troy McHenry’s The Grump Collector Podcast, the recently published LeCoultre Lamp Post Clock article is highlighted. To re-emphasise, this article was a real honor to publish on the website, so listening to McHenry tell the behind the scenes of his research was a pleasure.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcast or Spotify below!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/06YQB9i11tywBaWqaEU0g7?si=E9rAQ5X_Tu2sAP_F1ckxNA
