BEVERLY HILLS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 30, 2017 / Even before he gave it a name, man was infatuated with the concept of time. What began with an eye toward the stars has evolved over millennia into a passion fueled by the fusion of art and timekeeping. Few understand this passion better than Steven Rostovsky, collector and distributor of the finest watches in the world. A devoted family man, Steven shares his home with wife Janine and their three children: Jason, Taryn, and Alexa. In addition to their individual business and academic achievements, the Rostovsky family members have built a strong reputation for philanthropy and community engagement. They have donated generously to a number of Jewish and secular groups, and steadily promote social awareness and charitable activities in the community. In a recent conversation with Steven, he graciously gave of his time to discuss the illustrious history of the craft of watchmaking.

Though elaborate timepieces were first noted around 4000 years ago, it wasn't until the 17^th century that clocks could be made small enough to be carried, and England gave birth to the portable "clock-watch." From that moment forward, man's love affair with the watch revolutionized both fashion and pragmatism, particularly for the wealthy. As technology advanced, newer styles and models became desirable. "The early pocketwatch, which replaced the original German pendant clocks worn around the neck, was quite thick due to its primitive verge and foliot movement," Steven Rostovsky explained. "During the enlightenment of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, a more scientific view of watchmaking emerged, with advancements allowing for the thinner, more modern version of this classic timepiece."

As more complex mechanisms evolved, the accuracy of the watch improved exponentially and wristwatches, first worn as "bracelets" by Elizabeth I of England and the feminine elite, were embraced by the British military. The newfound ability to synchronize maneuvers in the field suddenly became indispensable, with both pilots and ground troops now able to track time with a glance, rather than fumbling for a pocketwatch. These first wristwatches bore the names "Cartier" and "Wilsdorf & Davis" (now Rolex), and as a mass market opened up in the post-war era, the French and Swiss rose to the forefront of watchmaking. What was once utilitarian, even if reserved for the elite, gave rise to exquisite symbols of the wearer's social status, fused with breathtaking works of art.

But the revolution would be short-lived. By the 1950s, electric watches became the preferred accessory, giving way to the electronic craze of the 1970s, '80s, and '90s, and the quartz movement that became the industry standard. During this time, known as the "quartz crisis," watch production largely migrated to the Far East where unimaginative wristwatches could be mass-produced at a fraction of the cost. For some, like Steven Rostovsky, this was the Dark Ages. No longer a craft requiring the dedication of a master, watchmaking was relegated to machines and factories, the product destined for sale at mass retailers and discount chains.

The story, however, is far from over. "Where there is a spark of passion," Rostovsky said with a smile, "a revival is sure to follow." Thanks to this long-held passion, exclusive dealerships like Rostovsky Watches, Inc. are still around to cater to the newly passionate. The recent rise in affluence, coupled with a fresh appreciation for the truly finer things, has brought a new era of craftsmanship in the watchmaking industry-craftsmanship with a flair for the dramatic, an eye for the artistic, and a love for the beautiful mechanics of a timeless piece that could never truly be supplanted by the "smarter" digital world.

Steven Rostovsky - Rostovsky Watches in Beverly Hills, CA: http://stevenrostovskynews.com

Steven Rostovsky - Honored To Be North American Watch Distributor For Greubel Forsey: http://goldberglawma.com/?id=news/steven-rostovsky-honored-north-american-181400087.html

Steven Rostovsky - Inspiring the Expansion of Collectible Watch Distribution in North America: http://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/steven-rostovsky--inspiring-the-expansion-of-collectible-watch-distribution-in-north-america-20170823-00812

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SOURCE: Steven Rostovsky