Special Section: Adventure and exploration

by Rachael Palacios

Portable timepieces and exploring have been linked since John Harrison’s H4 made its first test at sea in 1761. Of course, it was Harrison’s refinement of the marine chronometer that made such timepieces so much more practical—and accurate—for voyages to ports unknown.
While an explorer’s risks were certainly far greater before such timekeeping was available, adventurers in the modern era still owe much to split-second timing. Rolex owners are likely aware that the brand’s Oyster became something of a household name when Mercedes Gleitze carried one (around her neck) while swimming the English Channel in 1926 for the second time. And recall that the Rolex name again was polished tremendously when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest in 1953 with one of them wearing a Rolex Explorer.
This year, it’s the Pittsburgh-based brand Kobold that reports directly from the world’s highest peak. Owner and founder Michael Kobold tells International Watch all about his second ascent in two years, the most recent with his new bride Anita.
From points North, South, East and West, adventurers and explorers are testing new watches or using
established timepieces on their journeys. Mike Horn, the South African Explorer-Adventurer, set out to visit all seven continents by boat, in what he considers the ultimate expedition. Panerai was there both as a sponsor and supplier. The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is using timepieces from new Swiss brand Tempus Computare aboard boats that are challenging whaling ships. And Rolex continues its adventures as it sponsors an unprecedented three-month expedition that combines ski trekking, kayaking and scuba diving over an 800-kilometer course across the polar ice caps.
What these groups and individuals require are accurate timepieces that are built with rugged cases, are exceedingly water resistant, temperature resistant and can be seen and read at a glance. Fortunately, the brands that sponsor the various exploits make models with the required credentials, and their hope is that you will notice their sponsorships and equip yourself like the professionals. Several brands, notably Rolex, IWC, Panerai and Wenger, are long-time sponsors of such adventurers while others are just getting their feet wet (or frozen) sponsoring earth-defying treks.  
You’ll find more details about the above explorers, and about several others, on the following pages.