It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of Michael Balfour, our United Kingdom correspondent. Among all the horological journalists, Michael Balfour was recognised not only for his extensive scholarship, but also his class, his sense of humour and his humanity. A keen observer of the manners and customs of the watch industry, with a style that was often ironic and spicy, but never ever nasty, Michael knew how to depict the many interesting characters that play on the international horological stage.

Journalist and feature writer for a number of magazines and newspapers, including the Financial Times, for whom he was the unique watch specialist for many years, he is also a respected author and his last book Cult Watches: The World’s Enduring Classics was published in 2008 and was translated into numerous languages.

A true gentleman from a famous British family (his ancestors include Arthur James Balfour, prime minister, to whom we owe the ‘Balfour Declaration’ which established a Jewish population in Palestine in 1917), Michael Balfour was always attentive to others, with his good humour and a slight touch of that typical British eccentricity, he was always happy to support and encourage other journalistic careers, never hesitating to open his address book and offering advice and encouragement to others.

In addition to his work in the watch field, Michael was also a recognised specialist in the megalithic period of history, publishing a series of books including his own photography, such as Megalithic Mysteries, Stonehenge and its Mysteries, Mysterious Scotland.

He was married to Elisabeth Ingles, a respected musicologist who worked at the British Museum for many years, and had a beloved daughter Cassandra, from a first marriage. To both Elisabeth and Cassandra, who we cherish dearly, we present our deep and sincere condolences. Michael was a rare and precious being who we will miss enormously and will never forget.

Goodbye Michael.

From Pierre Maillard and the Europa Star team.