I was blessed to have my dear friend Martin visit and spend a couple of days in Solana Beach, showing eager collectors his amazing new watch from Basel earlier this year, the Slow Runner. This is a worlds first, with a massive Aluminum balance wheel of 24mm that beats at an amazingly slow rate of only 7200beats per hour. Similar to the healthy human heart, it has a mezmerising motion that immediately calms one.

Martin designed this superb piece as he feels high end mechanical watches should be more about slowing down time. We live in such a frenetic time, with mobile smart phones tethering us electronically to each other, that Martin felt his watch could help us reflect upon the benefits of slowing down.

The silvered dial version on the wrist. The second hand makes two beats per second, similar to an old long case clock.

I was able to share Martin with several collectors for a fun evening in Solana Beach, where he showed us his watches and spent several minutes talking about why he decided to create the Slow Runner. He took questions and happily answered them, with humour and grace.

The black dialed version on the wrist.

Here is the caseback of the RG version, revealing the massive balance wheel.

Another watch debut at Basel this year was a Flying Tourbillon with grand date. This is a tremendous value proposition when compared to big brand models, especially given the technology found within it. Using Martin's design of silicium escape wheel and anchor, which is more efficient with less friction.

In 18K rose gold, with the huge dial side tourbillon regulator.

This is the steel silvered dial execution, which at approx. CHF72,000 represents tremendous value.

I was able to spend a day with Martin together with friends and show him around a little, tailgating at the San Diego Polo club, which sounds quite fancy, but really isn't! Also a day spent whale watching with two dear friends and passionate watch aficionados, Mike & Mitch. I look forward to getting the first Slow Runners at the beginning of 2014.