jleno
1978
There are 4 different versions of Kari's boxes that I've seen, photos posted below. As far as wooden boxes go, I'm unaware of any other brands that provide something at a similar level of craftsmanship, even among the other top-level independents.
It's worth noting that the Vichard boxes come with their own papers as well!
Moderator Patrick_y's Favorite: The Best Watch Presentation Boxes; Winner: MB&F
The following is WatchProSite Moderator Patrick_y's personal thoughts. Okay! Boxes! Specifically the original watch boxes some watches come with when they leave the factory. I'm not referring to aftermarket boxes like Scatola Del Tempo. I'm a big fan of b...
I agree with you, boxes are sometimes overlooked and treated as ,, not important,,
I only collect watches with a box because i think it completes the watch . Like you i think MB
Packaging is important! I still save my cookie tins from those famous French and Japanese cookie companies.
They're a good memento of delicious cookies! Not that I should be reminded to eat more cookies!
Eye-opening article, Patrick!
I had no idea MB&F were making boxes like that, and they're fascinating.
Wow! True pieces of art and engineering, like their watches!
Thanks for this beautiful post, Patrick. I had no idea that MB
Exactly! Truly a lot of thought went into the design of these boxes to create something special and meaningful!
It's rare for a non owner to be able to appreciate the boxes of these MB&F watches. Since the boxes are never mentioned because there's so much to talk about when it comes to the watch!
Impressed by MB F
Do not shock as i say, the MB F boxes are nicer than the watches. Buy the watch, only to get the box. It is hard for PP guys i think to write the truth the PP watch boxes made in huge quantities in an industrial factory somewhere in Asia. Thinking the box...
I agree with you...
A box only needs to be a reasonable package and I would much rather pay a bit less and get a watch in something simple. After all, the box often finds itself in a closet or a storage facility. This is the package my AP ROO Alinghi Team came in. I haven't ...
At a watch store
I always have a surprise moment when i buy a watch. Admire the watch, put it in my wrist. Than, o yes here is a watch box. ow, forget it almost. 1. Looking at my new watch, enjoying. 2. Control specs, papers, inspect conditions. 3. Were to go with that bi...
You are right my friend! Practically speaking, a box isn't that important.
That Alinghi box is super cool! And it looks exactly like a winch on a sail boat! You should put this winch on a bookshelf where it can be admired (and a functional bookend), not in the back of a closet!
Agree
Great Alinghi box were the impressive AP RO OS came in. Bajonet connection. And which locking i am in the clouds? Answer is Naiad lock, done by Omega.
We need to have a new competition! Best smelling watch box!
Yes indeed! It is indeed difficult for a Patek Philippe collector to acknowledge that the box is made in some industrial factory in South East Asia! The Jacob & Co. Astronomia watch presentation box is indeed amazing with its little TV. Longevity and reli...
Beautiful workmanship
The boxes are art pieces in themselves. And you are right to point out that these are handmade and would need easily 100+ hours of work. And you have put all these boxes in one collection, which is a treat to the eye. My only wish is that MB&F should make...
They are indeed beautiful pieces!
Many of these boxes have parts that are individually cast or CNCed. I'm fairly confident that initial design and prototyping would take over 100 hours of work. Although subsequent boxes would take less once the design was finalized. Full disclosure, the b...
Impressive and artistic in their own right, excellent job by MB&F! It’s hard however to compare boxes made for a few watches with those made for 60k+...
Besides that, in the example of Patek, their boxes (which I find elegant) have to contain a...Patek!😇Most Pateks would look ridiculous if presented inside an MB&F box, and vice versa..😉 But there’s no doubt that if I had to buy some modern artwork for...
I totally agree about the Patek Philippe boxes...
I want to make it very clear that I don't dislike the current Patek Philippe boxes. They're done well! And yes, containing a Patek Philippe is definitely very nice! Watch and watch box have a good symbiosis!
100% agree!
I always have found it, disappointing, when watch manufacturers "forget" to create a box that presents the amazing watch in a special way. For me, the box is like the curtain or the theatre to a play. While a good play could be held in any place theoritic...
Absolutely!
A good theater is extremely important! Certain plays cannot be performed well if the theater isn't shaped/designed a certain way. A good box is also like having good seats. Sometimes I have to sit in the "bad seats" to some operas where I'm on the third f...
Exactly and lolz...
Love your seat analogy ! Please post some more pictures of good box designs!!
One of my boxes on display in my living room..
I find especially children are fascinated and have interest in playing with it.. it is quite heavy since it is made of metal and to open/close the cover can be finicky at times.. nonetheless it is a piece of art. Thank you sharing a very interesting topic...
I'm a full adult and even I want to play with that box!
I have to restrain myself and count to three! Thank you for sharing this picture!
Something at the opposite end of the scale
Hi Those are amazing, do they have a box for them?! At a slightly cheaper price point , Swatch do some inventive boxes. A Swatch I mainly bought for the case it came in! Cheers JML ...
Swatch does a really good with their boxes across the board...
The Longines Legends diver watch I like comes in a nice box. This Swatch you have comes in an amazing dinosaur box! The Blancpain and Breguet wood boxes are truly high quality (and some are even made in Europe, not South East Asia). Swatch does a really g...
These are "outside the box" designed boxes
I wouldn't hesitate to give these their own display area.
Well said! Outside The Box ideas for Watch Presentation Boxes!
I wished I had all of them and displayed them all on a shelf!
Additional wacky boxes come from IKEPOD
Here's one of my favorites - a giant suede-covered rubber frisbee (sorry for the lint) It came with the center watch - the world time day date alarm Cazalea ...
Very cool! When I was writing this article I was thinking about your Urwerk flask!
That Urwerk flask! What an amazing and cool thing! It's not a watch presentation box, but what an amazing whiskey presentation flask! Back to the Ikepod... I always thought Ikepod was a powerhouse when it came to design. There's a lot of architecture and ...
I am in the process of building a 100% hand made box for my watches. Is taking a long time but when it is done I think I will have a nice watch holder. Also building a wall clock.
I think wooden boxes are by far the hardest, most all the metal in these awesome Urwerk presentation boxes is CNC, but when you cut wood you can never add back to it if you are off and take too much. I have never seen a Patek box in the flesh but imagine ...
They all go into a closet...
Most boxes are tagged with their model numbers and go into a closet. Some exceptionally sculptural boxes like MB&F boxes end up on bookshelves, fireplace mantles, and as decorations. Can't wait to see your box! Please share with us your creation once it's...
Great topic!
I'm always a fan of elaborate boxes. Most people buy a watch without considering the box, so it speaks well for a brand that goes out of their way to provide a nice one. Completely agree that MB&F's boxes are likely the best out there, and very fittin...
Kari does have some nice wood boxes.
I'm not sure I've seen Kari's newest wood boxes. But his watches from several years ago came with nice wood boxes. Not impressively large, but nice quality. Breguet makes a lot of beautiful wood boxes and many of them are well made in Europe with ultra th...
There are 4 different versions of Kari's boxes that I've seen, photos posted below. As far as wooden boxes go, I'm unaware of any other brands that provide something at a similar level of craftsmanship, even among the other top-level independents.
It's worth noting that the Vichard boxes come with their own papers as well! ...
Gorgeous photos. Thanks for sharing!
I'm familiar with most of the Kari Voutilainen boxes, and they truly are exquisite and were definitely in my consideration for this "award." You're right of course, I can't think of few other brands with boxes as beautiful as Kari's. Kari definitely does ...
Searching more info on boxes...
I found this article from A Collected Man that's worth a read: www.acollectedman.com I didn't know anything about Roger Smith's boxes, so it was interesting to see his. Very nice as well! And looking at the website for David Linley, it looks like ...
These photos seem to imply they were provided by MB&F - is that the case?
They are excellent and thank you for sharing!!
Yes. These photos are stock photos from MB&F.
I was going to use a couple of my own pics for some of them, but the "stock photos" from MB&F were better! But the post was entirely my idea; I didn't have photographs of every single box, so I had to ask for some photos from MB&F directly. I happen to li...
Knowing Busser a little bit...
I don't suspect "crazy" is an adjective that comes to mind at all! As a very big MB&F fan, I really appreciate you putting this together and sharing it. Boxes are a bit like secret knowledge in that they are often not photographed so only the owners know ...
You're right!
You're right, the team at MB&F already know that I'm a little "crazy" over their products, and compared to their clients, I'm probably very normal! Looks like I've found a crowd where I'm the normal one. The boxes are definitely a secret and not often see...
Amazing the amount of design that went into them
Usually I dislike boxes but these, they can go on the display shelves. And the watch experience will be poorer if the owners don't have the original boxes.
Love this thread
I actually have started buying old vintage watch boxes Recently found this one for one of my princes Made in 1941 Here are are some others Cheaper than buying watches- sometimes !!!!! Cheap ...
