FRIDAY WIND DOWN: Geoff Hess joins Sotheby’s as Head of Watches for the Americas
Zach BlassIt’s that time of year where the Swiss typically go on holiday, which means there’s less news about fresh releases this week. Nonetheless, some big news was announced at Sotheby’s, when Geoff Hess was revealed as the esteemed auction house’s new Head of Watches for the Americas region.
“It is my honour to take up the role of Sotheby’s Head of Watches, Americas,” Geoff Hess explained. “Witnessing the recent unprecedented changes in the global watch market, I believe the potential for growth is significant. I am delighted to be joining an existing results-driven team and look forward to working together to conceive and execute plans to drive consistent sales and growth.”
Geoff Hess is an industry veteran widely respected within the watch world. Hess, an attorney who once served as a Senior Advisor to Rudolph Giuliani during a trying period while Giuliani was Mayor of New York City, would later pivot into the watch industry serving as the CEO of Analog / Shift (instrumental in their growth and acquisition by Watches of Switzerland) and would later join Phillips as an International Specialist in their Watch Department. His passion for watches is clearly exhibited both at a professional and personal level. Hess has long been a die-hard watch enthusiast and collector, with a great appreciation for both vintage and modern watches – in particular sports watches. He founded the well-known “Rolliefest” gathering, which will take place once again this September in New York. Hess is also notably a member of the GPHG academy.
Having personally crossed paths with Geoff here in New York, I think, to use sports franchise terminology, Geoff is an excellent pickup on Sotheby’s part and expect great things from him in the coming months. His long experience with watches in both a private and professional capacity shows that he is strongly invested in the wonderful world of horology and has a very keen eye. Congratulations Geoff – I wish you all the best.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Zach
Watch meme of the week: Goals on goals on goals…
The curse of having “the sickness” at the end of the day. A beast whose hunger is never fully satiated.
Wrist shot of the week: Crashing into my feed…
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I was already envious enough when Eric Ku posted both of the new Cartier Tank Normale watches from Watches & Wonders on his wrist, the platinum and yellow gold models on their respective case-matching bracelets. This week, however, he took thing up a notch with nine Cartier Crash watches in his hand and one on his wrist. To have all those Crash cases so close to each other gives me the sweats. Yet again, Eric has me as green as it gets with envy.
Time+Tide Shop select of the week: Norqain Adventure Neverest 40mm Glacier Dial Black Rubber Strap
The Norqain Adventure Neverest 40mm “Glacier” Black and Gold is distinguished by a black dial with golden crevasses. The central hour, minute and seconds hands are plated in red gold and coated in white X1 Superluminova, which is 60% stronger than standard Superluminova. The black ceramic ring of the bezel is decorated with a red golden scale and Superluminova marker at the 12 o’clock position. The knurled edge of the unidirectional rotating bezel makes it easier to grip while turning it counter-clockwise mid-adventure, while the protection around the screw-down crown enhances the watch’s robustness as well as its sporty appearance. Visible through the transparent case back is the COSC-certified Kenissi NN20/1 featuring a 70-hour power reserve and personalised bridge. Water resistant to 200 metres, this high-quality timepiece comes on an integrated stainless steel bracelet with 9mm quick micro-adjustment or alternatively a black animal cruelty-free rubber strap.
Order now in the Time+Tide Shop. Price: A$6,000
Our favourite Time+Tide coverage of the week:
HANDS-ON: Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Reverso Tribute Chronograph arguably won Watches & Wonders 2023
Looking back at our metrics on social media, it has become apparent that the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph ref. Q389848J has a stake to be the watch that won the 2023 fair. Based on a model from 1996, it offers the opportunity of having both the appeal of a crisp, two-handed, dressy watch and a busy-in-the-best-way chronograph. Read our full hands-on review of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph ref. Q389848J here.
The Time+Tide team share 3 watches they are each circling right now
It is fair to say that the only thing more exciting than owning a watch is the hunt and chase for a watch. So, the T+T team recently came together to share the watches we are currently mulling over – the three watches that we are each hunting at this very moment.
Grand Seiko Manufacture Tour Part 3: The Seiko House Ginza (Wako Main Building)
Zach previously detailed the first stop of his trip to Japan with Grand Seiko at the Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi – the home of all things 9S mechanical. He then returned back to Ginza from Morioka, and swung by the Seiko Museum Ginza to get intimate with the history of the corporation and the various creations they have produced over the years – part two of the manufacture series. His third stop was a visit to the ultimate retail space for all things Grand Seiko: The Seiko House Ginza (formerly known as the Wako Main Building). Head here to learn more about the Seiko House Ginza and Zach’s time there.
Does the new Longines HydroConquest GMT signal a collection redesign?
Longines are one of the biggest players in Swiss watchmaking, especially when it comes to divers. Occupying a wonderful niche of attainable luxury, there aren’t many other brands who can offer the same kind of value for money. The HydroConquest has been one of their key models since the late 2000s, garnering a cult following for its contemporary stature and personality. Well, established fans of the old models could be divided by this new Longines HydroConquest GMT, as it takes on more of a heritage influence in a complete redesign.