Looking Ahead: What’s In Store for Twain Time in 2024
With 2023 in the rearview mirror, the team here at Twain Time hopes you had a wonderful festive season and are feeling recharged at the start of the new year. In the spirit of new beginnings, we’d like to share what’s ahead for Twain Time in 2024.
Our Boutique Renovation
While we’re immensely proud of our e-commerce operation and our ability to serve globally, at the heart of Twain Time is our boutique in New York City. Located on Madison Avenue, the Twain Time boutique is where fellow collectors and enthusiasts can experience our curated selection of luxury timepieces, fine jewelry, and exceptional antiques firsthand.
Over the last few months, our boutique – and the building it’s housed in – has undergone extensive renovations. We’re happy to report that we’re on track to re-open our doors in February with a refurbished facade and larger storefront, brighter interiors, and most importantly, an enhanced shopping experience for our clients. We would be thrilled to welcome you into our refreshed space once the project is complete.
Exciting New Products
To fill our newly revamped space, we’re also freshening up our inventory with plenty of exceptional vintage and contemporary watches. Some notable pieces include:
Patek Philippe Reference 3970EJ Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
An exquisite example of Patek Philippe’s mastery of mechanical movements and compelling aesthetics, the yellow gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 3970EJ came onto the scene in the 1980s when the fate of mechanical timepieces (particularly complicated ones) was uncertain due to the onslaught of quartz watches. However, despite the odds it was in production for two decades, illustrating the enduring appeal of traditional high horology. Its compact 36mm case size is perfectly in line with current tastes towards more restrained watch proportions, and the Reference 3970EJ has emerged as a cherished collectible among Patek Philippe connoisseurs.
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Reference 3970EJ - The Set
Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 3919J
Known as the “banker’s watch, the Calatrava 3919J was introduced in 1985 and it quickly became Patek’s signature dress watch during its era – even starring in the company’s international advertising campaign and becoming the face of the company. One of the reference 3919’s distinguishing features is its “Clous de Paris” bezel, characterized by two rows of decorative pyramids. Another is the clean dial layout, home to black Roman numerals, a pair of hands at the center, and a small seconds sundial at 6 o’clock. 
Patek Philippe Twenty~4 Reference 4908/30R-001
Patek Philippe launched the Twenty~4 in 1999 as its flagship women’s watch. The rectangular steel watch with diamonds and a beautiful manchette (cuff) bracelet quickly became the company’s best-selling model. While the first models were crafted in stainless steel, gold editions soon joined the collection. The Reference 4908/30R-001 is particularly luxurious not only because it features a rose gold case and matching rose gold bracelet but also because in addition to the diamond-set bezel that’s characteristic of all Twenty~4 watches it also flaunts diamonds on the bracelet for a total of 231 diamonds (1.58 carats).
With its discreet 36mm steel case and understated black dial with oversized numerals at 3, 6, and 9, it may not be immediately obvious as to why the Explorer 1016 has become the darling of vintage Rolex watches. However, it’s precisely its pared-down yet confident design language that’s so appealing to many. Produced from 1960 until 1989, the 1016 was one the longest-running Rolex watches ever made and for many, the archetypal vintage watch that offers a bit of sport and a bit of dress in one perfect piece.
Rolex Submariner “Kermit” Reference 16610LV
When you belong to the family of the most famous diving watches in the world, it can be hard to stand out among all the references. However, the reference 11610LV, a.k.a. the “Kermit” is one Submariner that has carved out its special place next to its famous siblings. Rolex launched the 16610LV in 2003 to celebrate the Submariner’s 50th anniversary and it was the first to have a green bezel, which went on to become a staple in the Sub’s lineup. Early examples, such as this one with serial F2xxxxx, are especially collectible among an already exceedingly collectible Rolex reference.
Rolex Explorer II “Steve McQueen” Ref. 1655
In 1971, Rolex introduced the Explorer II as a tool watch for spelunkers, featuring a large orange AM/PM indicator hand so day and night could be differentiated in dark caves. The very first reference was the ref. 1655, which later became known as the “Steve McQueen” as it was once erroneously reported that the actor wore one. Rolex discontinued the ref. 1655 in 1985 and replaced it with a redesigned Explorer II ref. 16550 that graduated to become a GMT watch. Thus, the ref. 1655 is unique in Rolex’s archives because it is the only reference that looks and functions as it does – there’s quite literally no other Rolex like it.
A beefed-up version of the Submariner, the Rolex Sea-Dweller diving watch was built specifically for saturation divers, complete with a helium escape valve. The reference 16600 was introduced in 1989 and remained in the catalog for 20 years until Rolex discontinued the Sea-Dweller in 2009 – temporarily until it brought it back five years later but with a modern Cerachrom bezel. Therefore, the 16600 is considered the last classic Sea-Dweller reference with an aluminum bezel.
Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 Ref. 16600
These sought-after timepieces are not exclusive to our in-store clients but will also be available to our online customers. If you’d like to be notified of when we receive new stock, please sign up for our newsletter.
Even More Content
Most will agree that part of the joy of being a watch enthusiast is learning about the history, evolution, and current state of brands, watches, and horology at large. There’s always more to discover and the passion only grows deeper as we gain a better understanding of what makes these watches tick.
With that in mind, we intend to share as much of our knowledge and expertise as possible through our blog, newsletters, and social channels. From in-depth retrospectives to the latest releases, we look forward to publishing more content on the Twain Time website discussing our favorite watchmakers and the creations they’ve put out in the world for us to enjoy.
We would also love to hear from you if you have any suggestions about what type of content you’d like to see from us or any specific questions you may have.
Those are a few of the things in store for us and we’re excited to continue our journey with you. However, while we’re highlighting the future here, rest assured that our mission at Twain Time always remains the same: to exceed our client’s expectations.