The Open Caseback

January 9, 2020

A different way to think about the history of watchmaking

The history and development of watchmaking is often framed in material terms. But there are other ways of thinking about the history and development of watchmaking.

December 31, 2019

Horology — a decade in review

The 2010’s have been one of immense transition and change in the watchmaking world - Instagram, e-commerce, the growth of the secondary market, demand- and/or scarcity-drive premiums, and technological innovation.

December 29, 2019

Grappling with entry-level independent brands

I’m often asked how I feel about a master watchmaker working on entry-level products and brands. Though I encourage these entry-level products, it's a complicated discussion and here's why.

December 22, 2019

Why collectors eye roll at a lot of limited edition watches

Limited editions aren't just about scarcity or collaborations, nor is it just another buzzword. There's a very particular reason why most limited editions do not speak powerfully to the collector spirit, and it has to do with stories.

December 11, 2019

The watch is the message — a reflection on modern watch ads

Every watch brand's marketing department should be looking at the advertising landscape in the industry and salivating.

December 8, 2019

Finding our critical voice on Instagram

Things are changing in the community: critical, investigative commentary and analysis are now growing on Instagram.

November 26, 2019

Not all independents are created equal

Why do some independent brands fly journalists on private jets while others don't? Why do some independents produce one-off watches for exhibition only while others don't? It might seem like a ridiculous question, easily answered with the notion of subjective management style and approach.

November 21, 2019

Musings on horology and the watch industry