The art and science of the measurement of time—one of our human obsessions—can be indulged in the 21st century with remarkable style, history and diversity. Modern timekeeping arguably dates from the mid-nineteenth century, when the key-wound pocket watch gave way to the self-contained crown-and-stem wound pocket watch. From that date to this, watchmakers and designers have competed to create the most innovative, complicated, stylish timepieces in the world.

Jean Perret

As Seen in the March Issue of VANITY FAIR on Jodie Foster pg 376-377

Watches featured  on NBC's Weekend TODAY Show Saturday, January 12, 2008

Patek Philippe

Rolex Zenith Daytona

Patek Philippe

Aaron Faber specializes in the art of the mechanical timepieces, those wristwatches and pocket watches that are marvels of human design and engineering. Consider Raymond Loewy's avant-garde designs for the Hamilton Ventura (1958) or Audemars Piguet's painstakingly crafted ultra-thin wristwatches (1960's); Patek Philippe's extraordinary complications that not only tell time but the day, month and year as well as the phases of the moon; or Illinois' remarkably embellished cases designs (1930's). The history of our twentieth century is made visual and wearable.

In the twenty-first century, watches mean many things: power, status, history, ingenuity, esthetics, triumph of art over necessity, collectibles. We present here just a few of the remarkable designs of European and American watch designers and watchmakers. They truly are worthy of your time.