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The
following Article is a Review by Tom Flynn (Technology Section) taken
from the Antique Trade Gazette of 18th July 1998. |
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| Back to News Page | Pieces of Time Homepage | |
ANYONE considering setting up their own Web-site would do well to take a few tips from this week's Web-site to Watch - a site by the name of Pieces of Time (www.antique-watch.com) established by Grays antique watch dealer Johnny Wachsmann.
The illustration on this page, captured from the site itself, does not do full justice to the design which is nice and big and clear, but what distinguishes the site from the numerous mediocre antiques-related Web-sites that crowd the Net is its sensitive acknowledgement that not everyone visiting the site will be familiar with the Internet and how to move around it effectively.
The guides to navigation are excellent (it even includes a button labelled Help Me - I'm new for the more inexperienced browsers) as well as a wealth of illustrations and text descriptions of current stock, all sorts of horological reference material, a currency converter and an abundance of related links. A visit to this exemplary approach to antiques on the Web, is highly recommended whether you are a watch buyer or not.
QUICK to download? - Yes, considering there are numerous images of stock on the site.
Strong branding? - Very strong, Simplicity and legibility seem to have been prioritised here.
Informative? - Enormously, Enough said.
Lively links? - More than the average watch dealer or collector could possibly need, and well classified.
Visual appeal? - Strikes the right balance (excuse the pun) between the traditional and the modern.
Ease of navigation? - Couldn't be simpler, even novices are catered for.
Regularly updated? - Like clockwork (excuse the pun).
Final Verdict: It is clear that a good deal of thought and careful design have contributed to the finished product. One could see serious collectors or dealers spending considerable amount of enjoyable time browsing through these pages but they are also designed in such a way as to allow fast access in and out if you know what you're looking for. All this must surely oil the wheels of commerce and we gather Mr. Wachsmann is now doing an increasing amount of business through this Web-site as well as from his stand at 1-7 Davies Mews, W.1.
ATG Score? *****