Material Explained
Manual, Automatic, Quartz: Movements Without Mystique
July 26, 2026 · 1 min read · ORBIS Editorial
A movement is a small argument about time: wound by hand, wound by motion, or ruled by crystal. None is morally superior; each is a different pleasure.
“The salons below will open the caseback if you ask nicely.”
Article references
From the Atlas
- Montblanc Via De' Tornabuoni, Florence / Online
Montblanc began in Hamburg in 1906 as the Simplo Filler Pen Company and introduced its Meisterstück pen in 1924, its nib stamped 4810 for Mont Blanc's height in metres. Since 2006 it has also run a Swiss watchmaking manufacture in Villeret, built on the acquired Minerva atelier. store page → · open in the atlas → - Panerai Florence / Online
Florentine dive-watch legend born supplying the Italian Navy — Luminor crowns and Radiomir heritage. First civilian collection only in 1993 (three limited editions: Luminor, Luminor Marina, Mare Nostrum); earlier watches were military/Navy instruments. store page → · open in the atlas → - A. Lange & Söhne Glashütte, Germany
Glashütte’s resurrection and German watchmaking’s summit — the Lange 1’s off-center dial, hand-engraved balance cocks, Saxon perfection. store page → · open in the atlas → - Alpina Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva sports-watch heritage since 1883 — Alpiner field watches and Seastrong divers at honest prices. store page → · open in the atlas → - Baltic France
The French microbrand darling — vintage-cased Aquascaphe divers proving small watchmaking’s renaissance. store page → · open in the atlas →