Posts filed under News

News: Jaeger-LeCoultre is The Official Sponsor of the 120th Argentine Polo Open of Palermo.

Press Release 

In 2013, Jaeger-LeCoultre enjoys the honour of becoming the official sponsor and timekeeper of the 120th Argentine Polo Open of Palermo – the oldest polo tournament in the world, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year. From November 16th to December 7th 2013, polo aficionados will be able to enjoy this fascinating championship featuring three weeks of competition pitting the world’s eight best teams against each other. The event created in 1893 was initially named the River Plate Polo Championship and acquired its definitive name in 1923 when the River Plate Polo Association became the Argentine Polo Association. Ever since, the Open of Palermo is held each year at the Campo Argentino de Polo in Palermo, a Buenos Aires district popularly known as the 'Cathedral of Polo'. The polo stadium can accommodate up to 16,000 spectators during the tournament around the two grass playing fields providing an oasis of greenery amid the Buenos Aires skyscrapers. 

Organized by the Argentine Polo Association —AAP—, the Argentine Polo Open of Palermo is the world’s most prestigious polo tournament. Together with the Tortugas Open-Argentina and the Hurlingham, the Argentine Polo Open of Palermo form the famous Argentine Triple Crown, one of the most spectacular and eagerly awaited fixtures on the annual polo calendar and reserved exclusively for teams with a 28 to 40-goal handicap.

No watch can claim to be as closely linked to the world of polo as the Reverso by Jaeger-LeCoultre. It was created in 1931 at the request of British colonial army officers in India who were tired of seeing their watches damaged by their polo matches – thereby sparking the invention of the famous swiveling case that protected the glass and dial by exposing only the metal back to potential knocks. Ever since, the ties between the legendary reversible case and polo have remained deeply embedded in the DNA of the Reverso watch, which has constantly evolved and adapted to changing times. Today, Jaeger-LeCoultre is more inseparably bound up than ever with polo through its regular involvement in sporting partnerships around the world thanks to its internationally recognized ambassadors such as Argentinean polo player Eduardo Novillo Astrada.

For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here. 

Posted on November 7, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Jaeger-LeCoultre and tagged Eduardo Novillo Astrada Argentine Polo Association Argentine Polo Open of Palermo Tortugas Open Argentina 120th Argentine Polo Open of Palermo Cathedral of Polo Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso 2013.

News: The Poinçon de Genève Launched New Website Today. More Than a Million Timepieces Bear the Poinçon Today.

Press Release

More than 125 years after its promulgation by the Grand Council of the Republic and Canton of Genève, the Poinçon de Genève remains the oldest watchmaking certificate in the world, issued by a neutral and independent organization operating under State control. Since it was updated in 2011, it is also the only official certification that guarantees a watch’s quality of craftsmanship, chronometric precision and principal functions by checking each timepiece individually.

At the end of the 16th century, Geneva acquired a reputation of excellence in international watchmaking. Its name alone had a magical effect, and was soon being exploited by unscrupulous manufacturers. To combat such abuse and counterfeiting, the Grand Council of the Republic and Canton of Genève officially introduced the Poinçon de Genève on 6 November 1886. Generally stamped on one of the watch components such as the bridge or baseplate, the Poinçon de Genève was exclusively reserved for mechanical watches that had been assembled, adjusted, cased up and checked in the Canton. More than a seal of approval, it embodied the spirit of the 'cabinotiers': the independent watchmakers based in the Saint-Gervais district who formed the dedicated aristocracy of the working class and who elevated watchmaking to an art form. 

The Poinçon de Genève is currently the only watchmaking label to benefit from State guarantee. Today, this responsibility is fulfilled by TIMELAB, the Geneva Laboratory of Horology and Micro-engineering. The inspection criteria are drawn up by a Technical Commission made up of seven experts appointed for their knowledge and expertise in fine watchmaking. Their purpose, according to Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, founder and director of the company Agenhor and member of the Commission, “is not so much to define standards as to ensure the great tradition of Swiss watchmaking is preserved and respected. The Poinçon de Genève offers the assurance that a watch has been designed and manufactured according to the rules.”

In 2011, to mark the Poinçon’s 125th anniversary, the Technical Commission announced it was updating the rules to take into account technical progress and recent developments in the watchmaking industry. To complement the rigorous criteria of craftsmanship set out in 1886, it added tests on the finished watch: functions, water resistance, power reserve and accuracy. The Poinçon de Genève now covers the aesthetic, technical and functional aspects of the watch and is the only watchmaking certificate that guarantees the quality of decoration and the proper functioning of the watch, which is fully tested and checked individually in simulated on-wrist conditions.

The incredibly strict criteria of the Poinçon de Genève mean that certification is the prerogative of fine watches made by "manufactures" and independent watchmakers based in Geneva. The brands that comply with the certification standards undertake to respect its philosophy, right down to the design and development of their timepieces. In return, the Poinçon and accompanying certificate provide their clients with objective, irrefutable and internationally recognised proof of the quality of their craftsmanship and the correct functioning of their timepieces.

Since 1886, every watch stamped with the Poinçon de Genève has been delivered with a certificate of origin. Since September 2013 it has also included a unique authentication key and QR code. These enable the purchaser to check the authenticity of the document and the watch’s certification before buying it by consulting a database available on the website. Produced using an innovative procedure that combines holographic and hot stamping techniques, the certificate is almost impossible to forge.

Commemorating the 127th anniversary of the passing of the law of 1886, the Poinçon de Genève launched its website. The new website features a history section that traces the evolution of the Poinçon from the time of the “Fabrique” —late 16th century. A technical section explains the approval criteria and to ensure full transparency, it details the different stages and working methods of the individual functional tests and the people who carry them out. In addition, there is an international database that covers all watches that have received the Poinçon since September 2013. A major effort is currently underway to create an archive of all watches approved since 1886 —more than a million timepieces.

Some of the brands that currently submit their timepieces for the Poinçon de Genève are Cartier, Chopard, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin.

To check the Poinçon de Genève new website click here.

Posted on November 6, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News and tagged Canton of Geneve Poinçon de Genève Geneva Seal Grand Council of the Republic and Canton of Genève TIMELAB Jean-Marc Wiederrecht Agenhor.

News: Chopard Introduces the Mille Miglia Zagato. Two 500-piece Limited Edition Watches.

From the exclusive partnership between Chopard and luxury automotive designer Zagato, comes the 500-piece limited-edition Mille Miglia Zagato. Since its founding in 1919, Zagato has collaborated with the most prestigious automobile manufacturers, creating icons of the road which have taken home the Mille Miglia trophy in the 1930s and as recently as 2012. Inspired by the company's current crop of esteemed automobiles, this exceptional timepiece ref. 168550-6001 in DLC blackened stainless steel and 18-karat rose gold features the Zagato logo on both the case back and grill-inspired dial, curved chronograph counters reminiscent of a Zagato roof and a red pusher, for a distinct nod to the racing world.

Exclusive, robust and technically impressive, the Mille Miglia Zagato watch is the product of the partnership between Chopard and that legend of Italian automobile design, the bodyshop Zagato. While Chopard takes care of the model’s "performance", “engine “and "frame", Zagato helps create its "bodywork", "interior" and "upholstery". Much more than an ad-hoc collaboration, this limited series is defined by both the Grand Turismo style of Zagato and the timekeeping discipline of Chopard.

It was along the route of the legendary Mille Miglia road race that Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, the Co-President of Chopard, met with Andrea Zagato, the third generation in his family to head the Milan-based automobile body design firm. Chopard is the official timekeeper of the Mille Miglia race, in which the family has participated for the last 25 years. It was from here that the idea came of collaborating on a watch to celebrate their shared passion for automobiles and the values embodied by the Mille Miglia.

Sticker Price $9,900 USD for DLC Blackened Stainless Steel with 18K rose gold ref. 168550-6001 and $8,100 USD for DLC Blackened Stainless Steel ref. 168550-300.

For more info on Chopard click here.  

 

Posted on October 30, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Other Brands and tagged Chopard ref. 168550-3004 Chopard ref. 168550-6001.

News: U-BOAT Opens Boutique at the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Another Italian Landmark.

Press Release

U-BOAT opens another Italian landmark in the Ponte Vecchio historical bridge in Florence.

Being present in Florence, capital of the Renaissance, means a lot for all the prestigious brands but even more for Italo Fontana, creative soul behind U-BOAT, and since the beginning standard bearer of the “Made in Tuscany” values.

Italo, born in the near medieval city of Lucca, announces the opening of the U-BOAT third italian flagship store. The boutique, opens its doors in the short and popular pedestrian Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence spanning the River Arno. It is one of the few remaining bridges with houses built upon.

The opening follows the opening of the Italian boutiques in Milan, Corso Como and also overseas with the recent launch of its 18th boutique in the fashionista Nathan Rd. in Hong Kong.

For more info on U-BOAT click here.  

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Watch Shopping and tagged U-BOAT Boutique Florence Ponte Vecchio Italo Fontana 2013.

News: Michael P. Sarp President of the Board of Armin Strom Passes. Our Condolences to His Family and Friends.

Press Release

The Armin Strom AG Manufacture is sad to announce the death of Mr. Michael P. Sarp on October 17, 2013 at the age of 65.

Mr. Sarp had been President of the Board of Armin Strom AG since 2010. With his death, the world of watchmaking acknowledges the passing of a leading personality who understood the industry particularly well.

The Armin Strom AG team has lost a mentor and someone who was extra special in all of our eyes. We shall remember his radiant capacity to communicate and dialogue with people, his greatest passion. His presence among the Armin Strom AG team over recent years made a decisive impact on the existence of the company.

We extend our most sincere condolences to his family and friends. Sincerely, the board of administration, the executive board and all employees of Armin Strom AG.

For more info on Armin Strom click here.  

 

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Armin Strom and tagged Armin Strom AG Michael P. Sarp Michael P. Sarp President of the Board Armin Strom.

News: Richard Mille Introduces the RM055 Bubba Watson Limited Edition for the Americas. 30-Pieces Available of Each Red Drive and White Drive.

Press Release

Richard Mille expands his line of watches created in collaboration with Bubba Watson, the PGA golfer with the longest drive on the tour, with the introduction of two new limited edition versions of the RM055 available exclusively in North and South America.

All of the previous watches created with Bubba Watson—RM038 Tourbillon Bubba Watson, RM038 Tourbillon Victory Watch, and RM055 Bubba Watson—feature stark white cases, bezels and straps. The new limited editions take a 180-degree turn, and are recognizable for their all-black cases and straps with few, bright details. A red flange forms a colorful frame around the skeletonized manual-wound movement of the RM055 Bubba Watson Red Drive limited edition, while a white flange provides a halo around the RM055 Bubba Watson White Drive limited edition’s movement.

Both timepieces feature a case made from black rubberized grade-5 titanium, and a bezel constructed from black ceramic. A black DLC titanium and rubber crown, black rubber strap and black PVD- and Titalyt-treated movement complete the stealth look of the watches. Inside the case of each RM055 beats the caliber RMUL2, which is capable of withstanding accelerations of over 500 Gs, allowing it to perform on the wrist of a golfer with a massive drive.

The movement is equipped with a variable-inertia balance wheel, which ensures reliability in the event of impacts and during assembly and dismantling, thus improving the long-term accuracy of the timepiece. The regulator index is eliminated, and a more accurate and repeatable inertia adjustment is possible thanks to four small adjustable weights located directly on the balance wheel. The double barrel mechanism helps to improve and equalize long-term torque stability: This is achieved by dispersing the stored energy within two winding barrels, equalizing torque as well as reducing pressure and friction on the bearings and pivots, resulting in improved long-term performance. The distinct construction of the RM055’s case is designed to meet the demanding requirements of sportsmen. The case middle and back are in grade 5 titanium with a protective black rubber casing. This rubber is injected at high pressure around the titanium components, thus insulating the movement from all vibrations. This special surface treatment also makes the watch very comfortable to wear.
 
Richard Mille will produce 30 examples of the RM055 Bubba Watson Red Drive and 30 examples of the RM055 Bubba Watson White Drive. The limited editions are available at authorized Richard Mille retailers in North and South America, as well as the Richard Mille boutiques in Beverly Hills and Las Vegas.

Sticker Price $115,000 USD. For more info on Richard Mille click here.  

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Richard Mille, News and tagged Richard Mille RM055 Bubba Watson Limited Edition Richard Mille Bubba Watson Red Driver Richard Mille Bubba Watson White Driver Richard Mille Bubba Watson.

News: Richard Mille Boutique Las Vegas Now Open. Aria Resort & Casino at City Center.

Press Release

On September 23rd, 2013 Richard Mille expanded its presence in America by opening the country’s second Richard Mille boutique: The Richard Mille Boutique Las Vegas.
 The new boutique is located within Las Vegas’ most exclusive luxury shopping venue —the Shops at Crystals— adjacent to the ARIA Resort & Casino at City Center on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip.

Upon entering the boutique, guests encounter a 7 ft. tall sculpture modeled after a Richard Mille mechanical movement. The decor of the entire space adheres to Richard Mille’s warm and functional design identity, featuring such contemporary materials as Makassar wood, steel, stone and glass. A massive carved glass sculpture in the shape of Richard Mille’s most iconic watch draws the eye to the center of the store, while high-tech anti-reflective glass showcases provide ideal settings throughout the space for each timepiece on display.

The complete collection of Richard Mille watches for men and women is presented at the new boutique, including such limited editions as the RM 27-01 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal, RM 038 Tourbillon Bubba Watson, RM 59-01 Tourbillon Yohan Blake, and RM 036 Tourbillon Jean Todt G-Sensor. Additionally, Richard Mille has created a series of one-of-a-kind RM 52-01 Tourbillon Skull Nano-Ceramic timepieces, for sale exclusively at the Las Vegas location.

The Richard Mille Boutique Las Vegas, within The Shops at Crystals, is located at 3720 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada, and is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight.

For more on Richard Mille click here.

Posted on October 11, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Watch Shopping, Richard Mille, News and tagged Richard Mille Boutique Las Vegas Aria Resort & Casino City Center Richard Mille RM27-01 Rafael Nadal Limited Edition Richard Mille RM59-01 Tourbillon Yohan Blake Richard Mille RM52-01 Tourbillon Skull Nano-Ceramic Richard Mille.

News: Richard Mille Unveils New Material in Watchmaking. NTPT Carbon To Be Utilized on the RM011.

Press Release

This fall, Richard Mille announces a brand new material to watchmaking named NTPT® —North Thin Ply Technology— carbon to create the first RM011 NTPT® carbon case. Richard Mille will soon unveil a version of its popular RM011 Automatic Flyback Chronograph in an entirely new case using this material.

Originally developed for the sails of racing yachts, NTPT® carbon has quickly become a must-have material in nautical circles. Sails manufactured from this substance are highly resistant and light, and have thus enabled the giants of the seas to claim the finishing lines of the world’s greatest regattas. NTPT® carbon, which has become a reference in composite materials, has been used for Formula 1 car chassis for the last two seasons, and in aeronautics for the fuselage of the future Solar Impulse 2 aircraft. NTPT® carbon is an exclusive material with a unique appearance. Its remarkable surface displays extremely regular undulations, as NTPT® carbon is composed of multiple layers of parallel filaments obtained by dividing carbon fibers. These layers, with a maximum thickness of 30 microns, are impregnated with resin then woven on a special machine that modifies the direction of the weft by 45° between layers, creating this distinctive visual effect that is reminiscent of precious wood. Heated to 120°C at a pressure of 6 bars, the NTPT® is then ready to be processed on a CNC machine in Richard Mille’s Proart case factory.
 
When compared to composite materials, whose exceptional physical properties are already well known, NTPT® carbon improves the rate of occurrence of breaking stresses by 25% and of micro-cracks by 200%. The NTPT® fully protects the RMAC1 automatic caliber, which is recognizable by its large date at 12 o’clock, its month display at 4 o’clock and its flyback chronograph. The movement, made entirely of titanium, has a 55-hour power reserve provided by its double-barrel system wound by a variable geometry rotor.

The new RM 011 Carbon NTPT® introduces innovative technical solutions that are essential to modern watchmaking. This new material has never been used in watchmaking before.

For more info on Richard Mille click here.  

Posted on October 10, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Richard Mille, News and tagged Richard Mille New NTPT Carbon Case Richard Mille Unveils New Material Richard Mille NTPT Carbon Richard Mille Calibre RMAC1 Richard Mille Proart Case Factory Richard Mille RM011 Flyback Chronograph 2013.

Experience: SIAR Mexico 2013. First Day Live from Mexico City.

As promised, we are reporting live from Mexico City with some highlights of our first day at the SIAR —Salón Intenacional Alta Relojería— 2013. After an exciting press conference with remarks from Carlos Alonso —General Director of the SIAR—, more than twenty CEOs from some of the top manufactures and top personalities of the industry including Mademoiselle Jasmine Audemars, Olivier Audemars, Pascal Ravessoud from the 'Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie' and the Swiss ambassador in Mexico, we can say that our day started on a great note.

These images will show you a little bit of what we experienced today including watchmakers on duty, vintage museum pieces, a wide array of haute horlogerie brands and some amazing caviar and fresh truffle tasting with plenty of Moët & Chandon to wash it down. Tight security with metal detectors, bulletproof cars and bodyguards surrounding the Four Seasons Hotel and the most affluent guests from Mexico City where present during the first day of this amazing event.

Tonight, a Vacheron Constantin 'Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time' Unique Piece —featuring a dial with green and red accents inspired by the Mexican flag— will be auctioned by Sotheby's donating all the proceeds to the 'INAH' —Mexico's national institute of anthropology and history.

By the way, we noticed after taking several pictures of our watch, that the date aperture on it was showing 31 instead of 1 as today is October 1. Perhaps it's time to add a perpetual calendar and quit worrying about adjusting the date. 

Please enjoy the eye candy and stay tuned for more updates in the next days.  

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Events and tagged SIAR 2013 Mexico Jasmine Audemars Olivier Audemars Four Seasons Mexico City.

Experience: SIAR Mexico 2013. We are Reporting Directly from Mexico City at the Largest Watch Event in Latin America.

Today, October 1, 2013 is the kick-off of the SIAR 'Salón Internacional Alta Relojería México' at the Four Seasons Hotel in Mexico City. As promised, we will be reporting from the biggest city in the world to bring you exciting content about the most important watch event in Latin America and one of the top five watch events in the world.

There are 40 confirmed brands at the SIAR and the CEOs for most of them will be present at the event. The event kicks-off at 10:30am and we will be providing some updates throughout the day.

In the meantime, here are some images of our arrival into Mexico City yesterday—as you can see, it is one of the most polluted metropolises in the world. After landing, we headed to drop our bags at our host's home and then straight to one of our favorite coffee spots in the upscale neighborhood of Polanco, the Havanna boutique. Havanna is the best selling brand of 'alfajores' from Argentina and its boutique opened four years ago. After grabbing a double espresso macchiato and a dark chocolate 'alfajor' we decided to then head to do some watch shopping. Some of the boutiques we visited include the Omega boutique, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Bulgari. We also stopped by the two largest authorized dealers in the city: Berger Joyeros and Peyrelongue Chronos.

After doing some watch shopping, we had to drive around the amazing Soumaya Museum built by Carlos Slim —Mexican mogul and second wealthiest man in the world— to snap a picture for you. The museum is a treat to the eyes and a masterpiece of modern architecture as you can appreciate it the picture.

Then, finally it was time for a well deserved meal at 'Contramar', one of our favorite seafood spots in the heart of the Roma-Condesa neighborhood. We started our meal with an octopus and potato salad, followed by an octopus 'aguachile', a 'pescado a la talla'  and for dessert a perfect 'flan'. After enjoying this amazing meal along with a few Zacapas, we finally decided to put ourselves to rest so that today we could go into the SIAR full of energy.

Stay tuned for the updates throughout the day.  

Posted on October 1, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Events and tagged SIAR 2013 Mexico Contramar Alfajores Havanna Soumaya Museum.

Experience: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore LeBron James. The Launch Party in Miami.

Finally, we get to share with you the fascinating party that was hosted by Audemars Piguet in Miami this past Friday, September 27, 2013, honoring the launch of their new Royal Oak Offshore LeBron James Limited Edition ref. 26210OI.OO.A109CR.01.

It was an unforgettable evening filled with glamour, celebrities, watchlifestylers, journalists, bloggers, VIP guests, influencers, amazing timepieces, good music, great food, champagne and some very nice signature cocktails.

Some of the celebrities at the party included LeBron James and his wife Savannah Brinson, Scott Disick —one of Audemars Piguet biggest fans— and Kourtney Kardashian, former NY Giants defensive end Michael Strahan and Audemars Piguet golf ambassador Belen Mozo amongst others. 

During the evening we not only had the chance to admire some of the most beautiful timepieces in the Royal Oak and Royal Oak Offshore collections that were on display, but we also ran into some of the most fascinating timepieces in the wrist of some of the guests. Top sightings include a Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication in Titanium —number 1 of 3— with custom engraved rotor with the owner's initials, a Royal Oak Offshore Pride of Mexico in gold and one in stainless steel, a Royal Oak Jumbo 5402ST A-Series, a Royal Oak Extra Thin Tourbillon, a Royal Oak Offshore Scuba, a few Royal Oak Offshores Michael Schumacher Limited Edition in gold and platinum, a Royal Oak Offshore Carbon Alinghi and of course the brand new LeBron James Limited Edition, but this time outside the display showcase.

Guests from all over the world enjoyed this formidable party and became integral part of this unforgettable celebration. Highlights of the night include the video that was played in synchrony with LeBron's arrival at the party and François-Henry Bennahmias words while greeting him upon his arrival.

Now, enjoy the rest of the pictures!

Audemars Piguet, thank you for including us in this amazing event.

Posted on September 29, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet, News and tagged LeBron James Savannah Brinson Scott Disick and Kourtney Kardashian Belen Mozo Francois-Henry Bennahmias Audemars Piguet LeBron James Launch Party Miami Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Pride of Mexico Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Carbon Alinghi Posts 2013 2013.

News: Zenith Presents El Primero Lightweight Limited Edition. An Avant-Garde Sports Model Available in Only 100 Pieces.

Zenith focuses firmly on lightness, daring and innovation in an exclusive version of its El Primero Striking 10th chronograph featuring high-tech materials. Issued in a 100-piece limited edition, the El Primero Lightweight model teams a titanium and silicon movement with an ultra-sporty carbon case. It signals the dawn of a new era in the fabulous history of the legendary El Primero calibre.

At the time of its launch in 1969, the El Primero calibre overturned existing conventions by asserting itself as the first-ever automatic chronograph to boast an integrated construction. Also impressing observers by beating at the exceptional frequency of 10 vibrations per hour (36,000 vibrations per hour), it is still the world’s most precise series-made chronograph calibre. Over the years, Zenith has steadily fine-tuned its legendary movement in order to optimize its precision, reliability and its performance.  

Zenith is now taking a new turn by unveiling a sportier and even more avant-garde version of the El Primero Striking 10th. The watchwords are lightness, performance and originality. Through combining technological innovation with creative daring, the engineers and watchmakers of the Manufacture were tasked with the mission of reducing the weight of the watch to an absolute minimum, yet without making any compromises on its precision, its sturdiness and its reliability – just as an engine designed for competition is optimized while bearing all these factors in mind. The sizable feat began with the movement. Based on its latest research relating to new materials, Zenith chose titanium —a light and resistant metal widely used in aeronautics— to machine the main elements of the movements that are the heaviest parts of the watch when they are made in brass: namely the main plate and five bridges —barrel bridge, balance bridge, pallet bridge, pallet-wheel bridge and chronograph bridge. The Manufacture has also maintained the silicon double chronograph wheel, while adding a lever and an escape-wheel made from the same high-tech, light, anti-magnetic material that is harder than steel and guarantees excellent efficiency. The result is a one-quarter lighter engine weighing just 15.45 grams —compared with 21.10 grams for a similar classic movement.

In terms of the watch exterior, the designers reworked and subtly enlarged to 45mm the original 42mm case of the El Primero Striking 10th, while also seeking to make it as light as possible on the wrist. The choice of carbon with its fine black color and its checkered effect evoking the world of competitive racing fits the bill perfectly, while also reinforcing the technical and sporty look of the model. The inner structure of the case is made of ceramized aluminum, a cutting-edge material that is at once light, sturdy and hard —1800 Vickers, as against 160-200 for 316L steel. The two chronograph push pieces are in titanium. The openworked lugs accentuate the aerodynamic profile of the watch and ensure a perfect flow into the integrated black rubber and high-performance Nomex synthetic fiber strap equipped with a triple folding clasp providing optimal security and comfort.

The new El Primero Lightweight is also distinguished by its highly original dial featuring a dynamic reinterpretation of the collection’s design codes. Openworking the central part further enhanced the overall lightness-oriented effect while providing a clear view of the El Primero calibre —also visible through the transparent case back. The disc-type date display has been lightened and reworked with pierced numerals standing out on a small red disc at 6 o’clock. The faceted hands have been hollowed as much as possible and then highlighted by a luminescent coating.  The light grey, blue and anthracite colors recapture the three emblematic colors of the 1969 El Primero chronograph that have become iconic brand features. The red sweep seconds hand with its small Zenith star accurately measures feats to the nearest tenth of a second — just as on the dashboards of the greatest racing champions.

Sporty, contemporary and decidedly masculine by nature, the El Primero Lightweight model brings a distinctive touch to the Zenith collections, while powerfully confirming the innovative capacities and the creating daring cultivated by the Manufacture. With its avant-garde technology and its youthful, dynamic look, it shows that the El Primero calibre still has a bright future ahead of it and doubtless heralds new developments as the brand with the guiding star is gearing up to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2015.

For more info on Zenith click here.  

 

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Zenith and tagged Zenith El Primero Lightweight Limited Edition 2013.

News: Jaeger-LeCoultre Presents the Master Grand Tourbillon Enamel. A Masterpiece in High Jewellery Collection.

Press Release

For the first time, Jaeger-LeCoultre presents a timepiece, the Master Grand Tourbillon Enamel, featuring a sapphire crystal enhanced by a miniature painting applied using an innovative technique. Cranes, an age-old symbol of longevity, adorn the dial and are surrounded by bamboos of which some are meticulously painted on the sapphire crystal of the Master Grand Tourbillon Enamel watch. The decorated watch glass thus echoes the enameled dial, creating an extraordinary overall effect of depth and volume.

In the heart of the watch beats Calibre 978, one of the 1,242 calibres developed and produced by Jaeger-LeCoultre throughout its illustrious history. This caliber is legendary as it has won the memorable first prize in the 2009 International Timing Competition organized by the Watch Museum of Le Locle, Switzerland, and its technical characteristics epitomize the results of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s ongoing research. The tourbillon carriage made from a light yet robust titanium alloy weighs just 0.28 grams, thus very little energy is required to maintain its rotations. The energy from the barrel can therefore be entirely used to keep the large-sized variable-inertia balance oscillating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, guaranteeing an exceptional degree of precision. In keeping with fine watchmaking traditions, the parts of this calibre are meticulously decorated by hand, including the oscillating weight in 22-carat gold, seen through the sapphire case back of the watch.

The 18K white gold case measuring 43mm in diameter is embellished with an engraving on the sides and the bezel is set with baguette-cut diamonds that provide a perfect frame for the miniature artwork depicting cranes. No longer officially taught in art schools, the art of enameling is mastered by an exclusive circle of artisans perpetuating their know-how from one generation to the next. A meticulous guilloché work is performed on the white gold dial that is subsequently covered with transparent enamel with a shade of blue. The artist then draws a multicolored landscape and places the glittering Moon made of silver foil. Having fired the piece in the kiln to fix the colors, the enameler works with the 'blanc de Limoges', applying various layers to shape the birds with a relief effect.

The artisan will then give a touch of color to a range of miniature elements such as the plumage of the birds and the curve of their neck. The splash of colors gives life to the embossed design. Aiming at achieving a greater depth effect, the artisan adds miniature design elements to the sapphire glass that covers the dial and fires the glass to fix the colors.

Finally, such extraordinary enameling is matched by an exceptional gem-setting. Within the workshops of the Manufacture, gem-setting is a discipline exercised as an art in its own right. Not only do they master all the customary gestures involved in their craft, but the Jaeger-LeCoultre gem-setters have themselves developed procedures in order to meet specific aesthetic demands. The gem-setter places the 94 baguette-cut diamonds —totaling 8.0 carats— one by one, side by side, skillfully matching differently proportioned stones in order to cover the white gold bezel, lugs and crown of the watch with a precious glowing aura. The buckle of the watch is then set with baguette diamonds as a final sparkling touch.

This timepiece brilliantly combines the traditional know-how of the Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre dedicated to the quest for precision since its founding in 1833, and a spirit of innovation illustrated by the development of avant-garde technical solutions. This timepiece is available in a limited number of 8 pieces.

For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.  

Posted on September 25, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Jaeger-LeCoultre and tagged Jaeger-LeCoultre ref. Q16630E8 Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grand Tourbillon Enamel 2013.

News: Audemars Piguet Ambassador LeBron James Visits 'La Manufacture' in Le Brassus.

Press Release

Audemars Piguet ambassador, crowned NBA champion as well as world’s Most Valuable Player for the second year running, LeBron James paid a one-day visit to the Manufacture in Le Brassus.

His visit included the Audemars Piguet Museum followed by a tour of the 'Manufacture des Forges' where he spent time in various ateliers including the Specialties and Grande Complication. “Visiting the Audemars Piguet Manufacture in Le Brassus for the first time was an amazing experience. It is such a beautiful place and I really enjoyed learning and seeing firsthand how the watch is made from beginning to end,” said LeBron after his visit.

LeBron James has written one of the most impressive pages in basketball history over the past couple of seasons, with consecutive regular-season MVP awards, consecutive NBA titles as well as NBA Finals MVP trophies bracketing two Olympic gold medals. He has become the third player in league history after Michael Jordan and Bill Russell to win back-to-back Finals MVP and regular-season MVP awards.

LeBron James perfectly embodies Audemars Piguet’s brand philosophy “to break the rules, you must first master them”. Striving for perfection and passionate for the game, he constantly reinvents and raises the bar for himself. A keen devotee of Haute Horlogerie, LeBron wears a Millenary 4101.

For more info on Audemars Piguet click here.  

Posted on September 23, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Audemars Piguet, News and tagged LeBron James Audemars Piguet Le Brassus Audemars Piguet Millenary 4101 Francois-Henry Bennahmias 2013.

News: Jaquet Droz Grande Heure GMT. Available in Stores Now.

Press Release

The Grande Heure GMT Jaquet Droz arrives in stores. The timepiece pays tribute to Pierre Jaquet Droz’s travels with clean lines, a classic design and precious material. This latest model, featuring perfect legibility for two time zones, flawlessly meets the demands of the modern and stylish globe trotter. It offers a simple, precise way to read the time in two time zones.

The 24 indexes in Arabic numerals set around a Grand Feu enamel dial make it easy to see all the hours of the day in two cities.

Never before has a watch presented such a clear, effortless indication of two time zones. This technological development is enhanced by the majestic hands in the form of a compass, a detail which hints at the navigational instruments used by sailors of another era. The red hand indicates local time while the blued steel hand shows the time at the destination. When the two hands come together in the same time zone they merge into a single, bi-colored indication of the exact time.

Jaquet Droz has shown its commitment to simplicity and practicality in the Grande Heure GMT by boldly choosing a time-setting system with a single crown. The result is a watch design of distinctive purity, perfectly combining the ivory color of the dial with the rich red gold of the case. 

 

For more info on Jaquet Droz click here.

 

Posted on September 18, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Jaquet Droz and tagged Jaquet Droz Grande Heure GMT Jaquet Droz 2013.

News: Tudor Watch Officially Launched in the U.S. Welcome Back to an Amazing Selection of Timepieces.

Last night, Tudor Watch officially relaunched their watches in the U.S. during New York's Fashion Week at the IAC building —a Frank Gehry designed building completed in 2007. With a wide array of models suiting almost everyone's taste, the Tudor comeback is one that most watchlifestylers have been hoping for for a very long time.

The selection includes the Heritage Advisor, the GranTour —FIA World Endurance Championship Timing Partner—, the Fastrider and Fastrider Black Shield —Ducati's Timing Partner—, the Heritage Black Bay, the Pelagos, the Heritage Chrono and Heritage Chrono Blue, the Glamour and the Clair de Rose. Make sure you stop by your closest authorized dealer and check them out.

Welcome back Tudor Watch. For more info on Tudor Watch click here.  

Posted on September 13, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Tudor and tagged Tudor Launch New York Fashion Week IAC Building Tudor Heritage Black Bay Tudor GranTour Tudor Heritage Advisor Tudor Fastrider Tudor Fastrider Black Shield Tudor Pelagos Tudor Glamour Tudor Clair de Rose Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue Tudor Heritage Chrono Tudor 2013.

News: Jaeger-LeCoultre and Film Society of Lincoln Center Name English Director and Writer Andrea Arnold the '2013 Filmmaker in Residence' at the 51st New York Film Festival.

Jaeger-LeCoultre and Film Society of Lincoln Center are pleased to name English Director and Writer Andrea Arnold as the 2013 Filmmaker in Residence during the 51st New York Film Festival, as part of their multi-year partnership, which kicked off in April at the 40th Anniversary Chaplin Award Gala in April, honoring Barbra Streisand.
 
The Filmmaker in Residence initiative is to further the goals of filmmakers at an earlier stage in the creative process. Andrea Arnold will have the opportunity to focus on developing or refining new work, and participate in master classes, mentorships or cultural exchange and enrichment film programs with the Film Society of Lincoln members, the film community and the public.
 
“We are thrilled to announce Andrea Arnold as the 2013 Filmmaker in Residence during the 51st New York Film Festival. Our partnership with Jaeger-LeCoultre on this cornerstone program fosters excellence in the filmmaking community, and reflects our shared belief in the universal power of film to inspire and engage the global community.” -- Rose Kuo, Executive Director of the Film Society of Lincoln Center.

For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here and for the Film Society of Lincoln Center here.  

Posted on September 12, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News and tagged 2013 Filmmaker in Residence Film Society of Lincoln Center Jaeger-LeCoultre and the 51st New York Film Festival Andrea Arnold 40th Anniversary Chaplin Gala 2013.

News: Richard Mille Congratulates Rafael Nadal. Second US Open Title.

Press Release

The Spaniard Rafael Nadal defeated top-ranked Novak Djokovic in four sets. After missing last year's US Open during a seven-month absence due to a knee injury, Nadal is now poised to regain the number one ranking. Nadal has won 13 Grand Slam singles titles, and he plays all of his matches with the Richard Mille RM 27-01 Tourbillon on his right wrist.

For more info on Richard Mille click here.  

Image: Getty Images. 

Posted on September 10, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Richard Mille and tagged Richard Mille RM027-01 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal US Open 2013 Novak Djokovic 2013.

News: Parade of Mechanical Masterpieces in St. Moritz at 'Passione Engadina'. Eberhard & Co. the Main Sponsor.

Press Release

Passione Engadina, vintage cars event was sponsored by Eberhard & Co. for the second consecutive year. The event took place during the Aug. 24-25 weekend with the participation of over 70 Italian vintage cars produced up to 1983. A great success, also thanks to a location —St. Moritz at the end of summer— that attracted participants from all over Europe.
 
The event was a parade of mainly Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini and Alfa Romeo
amazing historical pieces that could be admired along the Swiss Alps route on Saturday and in the center of St. Moritz at the Concours d’Elegance held on the following Sunday.
 
The “Best in show Tribute” was awarded to a Maserati 450 S from 1958 —pictured at the top— belonging to Werner Kummer. The “Elegance” prize was awarded to a Fiat 1500 Ghia Coupé of 1963, owner Helmut Wanke, an evergreen symbol of elegance and sporting spirit.
 
Eberhard & Co. awarded one of its prestigious timepieces to each winner of the three competing categories.  Axel Marx, winner of the pre-war category with his wife as copilot in his fantastic Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport from 1932, received a Tazio Nuvolari chronograph, from the emblematic collection dedicated by Eberhard & Co. to the great driver of the past.
 
Mario Peserico, Managing Director of Eberhard & Co. in team with Carlo Borgonovi on his Maserati Ghibli SS, obtained the third position in his category, an additional reason for the Swiss Maison to rejoice and strengthen its link with the world of timeless cars.

For more info on Passione Engadina click here.  

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News and tagged Passione Engadina Eberhard & Co. Passione Engadina St. Moritz Passione Engadina Maserati 450 S 1958 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport 1932 Mario Peserico Maserati Ghibli SS Carlo Borgonovi.

News: The Hour Glass Singapore Unveils its First Pop-Up Store. The Theme 'Super Machines and Horological Heroes'.

Press Release

The Hour Glass will unveil another groundbreaking project in the form of a pop-up store situated at the heart of Orchard Road at leading shopping center Paragon from September 18th thru the 30th. Themed “Super Machines and Horological Heroes”, this pop-up will stage some of the most iconic and avant-garde timepieces, paying homage to a collective of individuals who revolutionized watchmaking and watch design at the turn of the millennium.
 
Coinciding with the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix Race weekend, “Super Machines and Horological Heroes” will offer a unique cultural experience to both locals and out-of-town guests during the 13-day showcase at the Main Atrium of Paragon shopping center. Stemming from The Hour Glass’ reputation as a pioneering stalwart in promotion and development of contemporary horological culture around the world, “Super Machines and Horological Heroes” is another manifestation of this mission.

Hailed by pundits as ‘Superheroes’ in the world of horology, these trailblazing brands and individuals harnessed the dexterity and technological advancement in artistic watchmaking; giving rise to these spectacular ‘super machines’.
 
A platform of many-firsts that include: Launch of 21 Novelties of which 7 are exclusives for The Hour Glass, 4 Live Technical Artistry Showcases, a Magnificent Showcase of the GPHG Masterpieces from 2006, a Plenary Session of Legendary Independent Watchmakers.

Featured brands include: Ulysse Nardin, Parmigiani Fleurier, De Bethune, Hublot, MB&F, Urwerk, Romain Jerome and H. Moser & Cie.  

For more info on the Hour Glass click here.  

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Watch Shopping and tagged The Hour Glass Singapore Singapore Formula One Grand Prix Paragon Shopping Center Singapore Orchard Street Singapore Ulysse Nardin Parmigiani Fleurier De Bethune Hublot Urwerk MB&F Romain Jerome.