Currently there are several websites dedicated to writing about the world of horology. What makes it fascinating is that all the owner/editors of these watch blogs have a different viewpoint. At Total Watch Reviews all my editorials are written from a design perspective. Principally that is due to the fact I have an art degree and feel I have a certain amount of expertise in this area. When Richard Paige established TimeZone.com he delved more into the political aspects of the industry. From what I have read of his articles they are constructive and insightful. As I have mentioned before, his portal has set an incredibly high benchmark for every other online publication.
Over the last few months I have had many frank and honest discussions about the world of horology with Richard Paige. At one point he owned several retail stores in San Francisco selling a range of eclectic brands. Subsequently Richard became disillusioned with the watch industry and the sheer domination by large groups. For years he became involved in other business activities and design projects. When he finally became interested in timepieces again he developed his own brand called RPaige, which uses vintage American movements. Back in November, I had the great pleasure of reviewing one of the watches from his very successful Wrocket collection. Generally I was very impressed with the overall appearance and quality of the timepiece.
Recently RPaige has unveiled a new series of watches called the Carousel collection. Richard normally tests new designs on his Facebook page to gain market reaction. One of his prototypes named the Stealth Carousel caught my eye and Richard kindly shipped it over for review. Dimensionally the watch is exactly the same size as the Wrocket measuring 44mm x 14mm. On that basis the watch felt very similar on the wrist. This version has also has adopted the same titanium case so it also feels exceptionally lightweight to wear. Certainly this timepiece would be suitable for any occasion and definitely for daily usage.
Visually the Stealth Carousel is a combination of two timepieces, the Carousel and Big Hand models. In my opinion this hybrid is very successful and I am really surprised Richard isn’t going to produce anymore. In contrast to the other Carousel watches the dial on this model is a charcoal/gun metal colour rather than black. This works in perfect balance with the vibrant red rotating second disc, which is visible through an arc shape aperture located at 9 0’clock. Richard informed me that the design has been inspired by Waltham “Secometer” pocket watch originally manufactured in the 1920’s.
To power the watch, Richard has equipped it with a similar manual winding pocket watch movement to the one used in the Wrocket. This 1928 vintage calibre from Waltham comprises 15-jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour. The mechanism is also visible through the sapphire crystal exhibition case back. Functionally the Stealth Carousel features hours, minutes, rotating seconds and is water resistant to 50-metres.
The Stealth Carousel has a high quality black leather strap with matching titanium buckle. Priced at $2,400. http://www.rpaigewatch.com
