Author Archives: Timmy Tan

BMW 6 Series gets 5 stars

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Like the seventh generation BMW 5 Series, the fourth generation BMW 6 Series gets a five-star rating from testing agency Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme). Photo: © Euro NCAP

Did you know that the safety features and systems of passenger cars can be tested independently by the European New Car Assessment Programme or Euro NCAP?

This testing programme is done for members of the Euro NCAP and the objective is to provide reliable safety information on new cars to the public.

At least four cars of a specific model have to be “sacrificed” for the crash tests to gather meaningful analyses and results.


Video source: TimeWerke Videos on YouTube.

The video above shows some of the homologation tests conducted on the seventh-generation BMW 5 Series and the fourth-generation BMW 6 Series.

As the BMW 6 Series GT shares the same platform and similar structure of the BMW 5 Series, earlier Euro NCAP tests on the 5 Series were carried over. Additional tests were performed where there are differences between the 5 Series and the 6 Series.

Brutal but necessary abuse to assess the safety features of new cars. Photo: © Euro NCAP

The crash tests are brutal and violent but we have to bear in mind that these simulations are necessary to assess the consequences of really serious accidents on the roads.

In its December 2017 ratings and reviews, the Euro NCAP awarded a five-star rating to the fourth generation BMW 6 Series, the BMW 630d GT in particular.

The 5 stars mean that the performance of this fourth generation BMW 6 Series is good in terms of crash test protection and the vehicle is well-equipped with robust crash avoidance technology.

A one-star rating means that a vehicle has marginal crash protection.

Though the tested model was the BMW 630d, the five-star rating secured also applies to the marque’s 630d, 640xd, 640xi, 640i and 630i models.

Do note that the Euro NCAP ratings only apply to vehicles in Europe with the particular specifications used in the crash test model. Production specifications and equipment may vary in different regions.

Patek Philippe minute repeater: Chimes from the early 19th century

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Video: TimeWerke Videos on YouTube

One of the pleasures of horology is the appreciation of the engineering works behind the mechanical wonders, one of which is the striking mechanism found in minute repeaters.

In the video above, Michael Manjos of Betteridge demonstrates how one such pocket watch minute repeater made in the 1800s and from Patek Philippe works.

In the example, after activating the pusher at the side of the case, the chiming mechanism strikes the time of 3.49 by way of three “dings” (to sound 3 o’clock), six “ding-dangs” (for three quarters, each quarter indicated by a “ding-dang”) and four “dings” (to sound 4 minutes). Add these up and one will know the time is 3.49.

This vintage Patek Philippe pocket watch from the 19th century featuring the minute repeater was offered for US$16,500 by Betteridge. Photo: © TANG Portfolio/TimeWerke.

While the principle of chiming the time remains unchanged, modern minute repeaters, especially those from Patek Philippe now sound much more refined and rhythmic.

The inner case of the Patek Philippe pocket watch with an engraved name and the number 90913. Photo: © TANG Portfolio/TimeWerke.

The Patek Philippe pocket watch shown was a bespoke piece as it has an elaborate decoration on its case, indicating that meant that it was made for royalty or nobility.

Though the inner case of the pocket watch indicates the number 90913, Manjos highlights that this Patek Philippe pocket watch does not have a reference number as the numeral referencing system only began in 1932 (with the Calatrava Reference 96 of 1932).

If such vintage watches interest you, what are the main factors to consider when buying or selling such products? To find out, we recommend the article:
i. “Betteridge: a quick guide to buying vintage watches… with better knowledge“.