It’s Complicated

Patek Philippe

Wristwatches that do a lot more than tell time are very much of the moment. By Jonathon Keats On Christmas Day, 1969, Seiko introduced the Astron, the world’s first quartz wristwatch. While it wasn’t cheap—at 450,000 yen, it cost the same as a new Toyota—within several years, inexpensive Japanese quartz threatened to put traditional Swiss…

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Petits Musées: Paris Holds Hidden Treasures for Lovers of the Decorative Arts

Private collections gone public, Paris’ petits musées are hidden treasures for lovers of the decorative arts. As he approached old age, Moïse de Camondo (1860–1935), a French banker, considered himself among the most fortunate of men. Wealth and good taste had gained him grudging acceptance in Parisian society, only decades after his family, Jews from…

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Eugène Atget: Capturing the Essence of Paris

Pigeonholed as a mere urban preservationist or a naïve proto-Surrealist, Eugène Atget imbued his photographic “documents” with a distinct style and a melancholy vision. By Dan Hofstadter This article originally appeared in the Summer issue of Art & Antiques Magazine as “The Poet of Paris.” Featured Images: (Click to Enlarge) About 20 years ago, in…

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