Month: January 2023

Watchmakers know that every watch is perfectly imperfect. From the highest-priced model to the most humble: if a we look closely enough, all are flawed. Part of the magic of watches is that they keep decent time despite their innate flaws. In this way, watches are a lot like people.

FAE tend to want to keep their watches, like their people, for as long as possible. That’s why FAE recommends a bespoke Standard 2-Piece watchband from Velle Alexander.

Durability

The traditional saddle-stitching technique used at Velle Alexander ensures that each individual stitch is locked in place. Even if one stitch were to wear through, the other stitches will not fail. Machine-made watchbands cannot say the same.

I haven’t achieved what I would consider “perfection,” and I likely never will, especially choosing to do most everything entirely by hand. But the possibility of getting close compels me to keep pushing forward. The result, I hope, embodies that drive and puts more things in the world that are worth having. 

Alexander E. Gravelle
Owner and Artisan Velle Alexander

FAE appreciate humility, but they also feel each band made by Velle Alexander is indeed quite perfect, despite any flaws that won’t be found.

That’s why each FAE Pilot “Sapphire” should include a fully owner-customizable, Standard 2-Piece watchband, hand-made by the artisan at Velle Alexander.

Certainly, it is an upgrade worth pursuing.

-FAE

FAE have chosen the ETA 6497/6498 manual, mechanical watch movement as Caliber 1 for their Pilot Watch, meant to be relatively easy to maintain and repair.

Fascination

FAE are fascinated by mechanical time machines of all shapes and sizes. More specifically, they are interested in the machine’s clockwork, called the “movement.” You see, a fairy cannot be sure this movement, with its regular heartbeat and delicate, jeweled wheels is not a living creature.

Attraction

Therefore, FAE tend to be attracted to mechanical watch movements. They have been known to follow these fascinating creature-machines around. To see where they go, what they eat, or what flowers they might nectar from.

All FAE really know is these creature-machines are leashed, even strapped, to their humans. Humans who seem to constantly glance lovingly at these things called “Watch.” Once or twice a day, the human spins Watch’s “crown,” which seems to feed her. FAE think Watch may bite the human if this is not done, or send a magic shock.

Clockwork Green

FAE do, however, appreciate the periodic maintenance required for their precious watch movement friends. They love to help apply the oil to the very tiny rubies. They also appreciate the difficulty of finding watchmakers. As a result, FAE have chosen Swiss-made ETA 6497/6498 as Caliber 1. They hope this simple, effective, and certainly timeless watch movement design might inspire owners to learn to work on their own watches. This is the essence of going green, and will prove easy with the help of FAE.

The Most Cloned Movement

Tracing its history easily to 1950, and likely farther back from an expired Omega patent, the ETA 6497/6498 is one of the most cloned movements throughout history. That is because Caliber 1 is known to fairies and horologists alike as an excellent movement for the beginning watchmaker. Caliber 1 also makes maintenance a pleasure, which is why FAE chose Caliber 1 for their Pilot Watch. Pilot Watch #0 is currently in prototyping. The first ten will be pressed into service for testing, as a special offer.

Easy to Work On

The FAE Caliber 1 is a pleasure for the repairman, having a slightly larger scale, making ongoing maintenance cheaper and easier. It is even possible for you, as an owner, to perform your own basic watch maintenance, such as changing the case back o-ring or even oiling the movement. This simply means your FAE watch will last longer. This puts you in control, not some elves somewhere at the north pole.