Niek van der Velde
At fifty-three, Niek van der Velde had his first brush with watches when a small-run diver arrived after a funeral-home shift and proved more interesting than the evening’s paperwork. He gave up the dependable call rota and the comfort of knowing exactly where every appointment belonged, in exchange for launch dates, uncertain quantities, and watches that may never arrive.
Articles by Niek van der Velde
Watch Brand Releases 'Everyday Beater' Priced at Only $34,000
The manufacturer describes the steel sports watch as 'the accessible entry point to our collection,' suitable for 'casual wear during activities like grocery shopping, dog walking, and questioning your financial decisions.'
Mainspring Tension Anxiety Support Group Reports Record Attendance
The monthly gathering for watchmakers who cannot stop worrying about the stress on their mainsprings has expanded from 8 members to 47, with a waiting list.
Watchmaker Retires After 50 Years, Hands Shake Too Much to Wind Watch but Perfectly Steady for Surgery
The 72-year-old's essential tremor vanishes completely when holding tweezers over a movement, baffling his neurologist.
Casio F-91W Survives Conditions That Destroyed Every Swiss Watch in the Testing Lab
The $12 digital watch endured volcanic immersion, orbital re-entry simulation, and a toddler, while watches costing 10,000 times more did not.
Wrist-Shot Photographer Hospitalized After Attempting to Capture 'Golden Hour' for Ninth Consecutive Hour
The Instagram horologist sustained repetitive strain injuries in both wrists while chasing the perfect play of light on a polished Oyster bracelet.