News: Audemars Piguet Presents the QEII Cup 2014 Royal Oak Offshore Diver Limited Edition. Only 150 Pieces Available.

Audemars Piguet Presents the QEII Cup 2014 Royal Oak Offshore Diver Limited Edition ref. 15709TR.OO.A005CR.01, a perfect representation of sports performance in 'haute horlogerie'. This new limited edition Royal Oak Offshore Diver is the product of a collaboration with The Hong Kong Jockey Club for the 16th Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II —QEII— Cup in Hong Kong.

In a race that attracts participants from all over the world, up to a HK$14 million winning purse will be offered. To commemorate the 16th anniversary of the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup annual international race in Hong Kong, the brand will be launching a 150-piece Royal Oak Offshore limited edition timepiece. A masterpiece incorporating impeccable craftsmanship and contemporary design, it is the perfect timepiece to mark an important event on the social horse racing calendar, appealing to the sophisticated watch connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. The unique combination of the 42mm tantalum case, the 18-carat pink gold bezel, slate grey dial and the “large square scale” grey crocodile leather strap create contrasting colors and accentuate the features of this timepiece. Engraved on the sapphire transparent case back is the legend “Audemars Piguet QEII Cup 2014 – Limited Edition” and the “Audemars Piguet QEII Cup” logo. Through caseback, one can easily admire the 22K oscillating weight and decorations of the 3120 Manufacture Calibre.

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The highly anticipated 2014 Audemars Piguet QEII Cup will take place on April 27 at the Sha Tin Racecourse. The Selection Announcement will be held on April 9 to reveal the 14 contending horses that will be participating in this international race while on April 24, the  Barrier Draw will determine the barrier number of each of the competing horses. On the following day, Audemars Piguet will be hosting the annual Gala Party with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, where the local celebrities, socialites, and representatives from the equestrian circle will gather to celebrate this highly anticipated annual event. The QEII Cup race was established in 1975 to commemorate the visit of the Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of
Edinburgh, Prince Philip to Hong Kong. The race is traditionally run in the spring season and has become one of the most important social events in Hong Kong since then. Over the years, the QEII Cup has evolved into an internationally recognized race, with participants from both local and overseas. Audemars Piguet became the title sponsor of the QEII
Cup since 1999, which is now an International Group 1 race and stands prominent in the racing firmament, currently offering a purse of HK$14 million.

Sticker Price $30,500 USD. For more info Audemars Piguet click here.

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Technical Specifications of the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup 2014 Royal Oak Offshore Diver Limited Edition ref. 15709TR.OO.A005CR.01

Dial: Slate grey dial with 'Méga Tapisserie', 18K pink gold applied markers, hour and seconds hand in 18K pink gold and black minute hand.

Flange: Uni-directional rotating slate grey flange with diving scale.

Calibre: Automatic Audemars Piguet 3120 with a diameter of 26.60 mm, thickness of 4.26 mm, 280 parts, 40 jewels and power reserve of 60 hours.

Case: Tantalum measuring 42 mm in diameter with 18K pink gold bezel and plots.

Case back: Engraved with the legend “Audemars Piguet QEII Cup 2014 – Limited Edition” and
“Audemars Piguet QEII Cup” logo.

Water Resistance: 300 meters.

Strap: Hand-stitched “large square scale” grey alligator strap with titanium pin buckle.

Baselworld 2014: Bell & Ross BR 126 Carbon Air Force Insignia. Live Pictures and Pricing.

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This week at Baselworld 2014, Bell & Ross presented 21 new watches across their different collections. While we will be presenting most of them here, this is the turn for the brand new Bell & Ross BR 126 Carbon Air Force Insignia. This new model, is a perfect example of the strong focus that the brand continues to give to the aviation theme. This watch features a blackened PVD stainless steel case measuring 41.6 mm in diameter, a black calfskin strap and an automatic movement with running seconds at 3, 30-minute chrono register at 9 and a date aperture between 4 and 5 o'clock. The black dial on this watch features white minute markers and the Air Force insignia at 6 o'clock.

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We are confident that this new model part of the Vintage BR collection will quickly become a favorite among Bell & Ross fanatics. More pictures and full review to follow.

Sticker Price $4,800 USD. For more info on Bell & Ross click here.

Baselworld 2014: Arnold & Son DSTB Dial Side True Beat. Live Pictures and Pricing.

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Demonstrating its rich British history and quality Swiss craftsmanship, Arnold & Son unveils the limited edition DSTB —Dial Side True Beat. A tribute to the brand’s 250th anniversary, the DSTB is a testament to its heritage, vision and Haute Horlogerie ingenuity. The true beat seconds is a traditional complication of Arnold & Son, and this watch pays tribute to the watches produced by John Arnold during the second half of his career, when he and his son were the first to develop marine chronometers. Upholding that legacy, Arnold & Son’s master watchmakers thrive on creating complicated movements for exquisite timepieces. Such is the case with the DSTB watch, a truly innovative technical and architectural achievement. The newly developed automatic movement showcases the true beat seconds' mechanism entirely on the dial side. Not just the hands, but also the lever, wheels and three rose-gold treated true beat seconds bridges are located in all their beauty on the dial side. Making the watch even more alluring is the fact that the true beat seconds lever is shaped like an anchor paying homage to Arnold’s maritime achievements.

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The true beat seconds are superbly indicated via a large sapphire dial that occupies the top left portion of the dial at 11 o’clock. At the 4 o’clock position, a white lacquered domed subdial indicates the hours and the minutes via blued hands. These generously proportioned, overlapping indications translate into a stunning three-dimensional dial. This restructuring of the intricate mechanism yields a concept not achieved in the watch industry heretofore.

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The self-winding calibre A&S6003 has 229 components. In true Arnold & Son style, the movement features Haute Horlogerie finishing with hand-chamfered and satin-finished lever and bridges, polished edges and fine circular graining and Côtes de Genève rayonnantes. The visible dial plate is NAC grey treated with large circular finishing, and blued screws with bevelled and mirror-polished heads.

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The magnificent timepiece is housed inside a 43.5 mm 18-carat red gold case with anti-reflective sapphire crystal and caseback for viewing the superbly finished movement, complete with skeletonised oscillating weight. The 250th anniversary edition of the DSTB will be limited to just 50 timepieces underscoring the brand’s commitment to exclusivity and excellence.

Sticker Price $46,500 USD. For more info on Arnold & Son click here.

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Technical Specifications Arnold & Son DSTB Dial Side True Beat

Dial: Dmed and white lacquered with sapphire ring indicator for True Beat seconds.

Case: 18K red gold measuring 43.5 mm in diameter.

Crystals: cambered sapphire with anti-reflective coating on both sides.

Movement: Arnold & Son automatic calibre A&S6003 with 32 jewels, power reserve of 50 hours, 28,800 vph. Palladium treated with Haute Horlogerie finishing with hand-chamfered
bridges and polished edges, fine circular graining and Côtes de Genève rayonnantes, dial plate NAC grey treated with large circular finishing, circular satin-finished wheels, blued screws with bevelled and mirror-polished heads. True beat seconds bridges 18K rose gold treated, satin-finished with hand-chamfered and polished edges and with rhodium treated oscillating weight skeletonised with brushed surfaces.

Strap: hand-stitched brown or black alligator leather

Waterproof: 30 meters.

Limited edition: 50 pieces.

Reference: 1ATAR.L01A.C120A

Baselworld 2014: We Are Reporting Live from Basel. Stay Tuned for All The Updates in Just a Few Hours.

As you all know, Baselworld is the most important watch and jewelry event in the world. Last year, Baselworld drove 122,000 visitors from 100 countries, 1,460 exhibitors and 3,610 journalists. Baselworld 2014 is expected to be even bigger and drive close to 150,000 visitors this year.

If you've followed our updates across our different social media platforms, then you know we have landed safely in Zürich and we are more than ready to bring you unlimited updates as soon as Baselworld 2014 kicks-off Wednesday 26th at 12pm —Basel Time— for what is called 'Media Day'.

The Baselworld 2014 Media Conference is scheduled for 11am and afterwards, the exhibition halls will be officially open at least for the press and the media. The official opening of Baselworld 2014 for all visitors is Thursday March 27th at 8:30am.

Some of the brands that are expected to bring some big news this year include Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Patek Philippe, Zenith, TAG Heuer, Breitling, Bell & Ross and of course all the independent 'haute horlogerie' manufactures like MCT, MB&F, HYT, Breva, Romain Jerome, Christophe Claret and De Bethune amongst others.

Will we finally see the return of a Rolex GMT Master II Pepsi or perhaps, even a Rolex Tri-Compax with Moon Phase?

Will Tudor wow us with a reissue of the iconic Ranger or perhaps a new blue Black Bay?

One thing we know for sure, is that this edition of Baselworld 2014 will be very special as Patek Philippe is celebrating its 175th Anniversary.

As soon as the halls open, we will be publishing our updates. Stay tuned and those miss any of them!

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News: John Mayer Sues Bob Maron for At Least $656,000 USD. What This Means for Vintage Watch Lovers.

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Photo: FanPop.com

On March 18, 2014, the celebrity news source TMZ broke the news that American recording artist John Mayer was suing Robert Maron a.k.a Bob Maron —renowned watch dealer to the stars with clients like Charlie Sheen— for at least $656,000 USD, claiming that some of the watches Maron sold him, were 'counterfeit' as confirmed by the Rolex Service Center.

John Mayer, besides being quite popular for his guitar playing abilities, is also well known in the watch collecting circles due to his close relationship and contributions to a well respected watch blog. John's love for watches probably started when he met Eric Clapton —also known to be an important watch collector.

No matter how much you know about watches or how close you are to the experts, you could always find yourself lost in the murky waters of the vintage watch collecting world. Especially, when it comes to vintage Rolex and Tudor timepieces. Always, always do your homework and if necessary, reach out to well renowned experts like Philipp Stahl, Stefano Mazzariol, Marcello Pisani or Pucci Papaleo.

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Photo: Getty Images.

For those of you not familiar with Robert Maron, according to his website, he has been a watch dealer since the 80s and known throughout the world for his 'expertise' in rare and vintage timepieces, especially around Patek Philippe and Rolex. Maron is a graduate of Harvard University and it was while attending UCLA Law School that he first considered taking his hobby to the next level becoming a full-time watch dealer. During this period, Maron began actively buying and selling vintage wristwatches and the extra money earned from his part-time business helped finance his law school education. Maron soon realized that his love for fine watches outweighed his desire to become a lawyer and following his graduation from law school, he chose watches over law as his full-time career. It is hard to believe that a watch dealer with such credentials could be caught up in a scandal like this.

But what does this mean for the vintage watch world and vintage watch lovers? Well, the moral of the story is that you really can't trust anybody and 'buying the seller' is no longer the safe route to go anymore.

When someone like John Mayer —a so called 'watch expert'— gets allegedly ripped off by another watch expert like Bob Maron and not even John Mayer's friends could tell that these watches were indeed 'counterfeit', it means that the vintage watch industry could be facing huge issues moving forward. If you are not any of the four expert gentlemen mentioned earlier, you should probably be more than careful when buying vintage. Not only have we seen a large number of 'counterfeit' cases, bezel inserts, dials and bracelets but also even punched papers.

While collecting vintage Rolex watches is very appealing and wearing a 'Freccione', a 'Paul Newman' or a 'Double Red Sea-Dweller' gives you a ton of street credit among other connoisseurs and heavy hitters, you are taking big risks. While there are many watch dealers that will never misrepresent watches and only sell you fully legit watches, there are others that are well known to offer what we call 'put-together' vintage watches trying to make them pass for 'original untouched safe queens' —you guys know who you are. In reality, these watches are just the sum of pristine different parts of many watches.

Oh, and don't forget those selling 'artificially aged' bezel inserts. There are a ton out there selling for thousands of dollars. Also, if you look deep enough, you'll find an Asian company selling 'counterfeit' Rolex and Tudor vintage watch parts online that we were told about by a watch dealer—we still wonder why this company has not been busted yet after so many years in the market. If, after checking that website you are still brave enough to buy another vintage Rolex, that means that you could be one of the four vintage experts mentioned earlier.

To us, the only way to buy with peace of mind, is to buy from the original owner. Here's one that we know for sure comes from the original owner.

You can find the full complaint documents here.

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News: Armin Strom Continues Partnership with F1 Team Marussia. It's Been Four Consecutive Years Now.

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We have some great news for all our readers that our Formula One fans —and we know it's most of you. Armin Strom, is pleased to announce the continuation of its collaboration with the Marussia F1 Team. Armin Strom will be acting as the official timing partner for the Anglo-Russian Formula 1 Team for a fourth consecutive season. With the dramatic new regulations introduced for the 2014 season as we shared them here, will see some important technological developments potentially upsetting the balance of power at the front of the grid.

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Equipped with a Scuderia Ferrari powertrain, the Marussia F1 Team hope to improve on their 2013 achievement of the all-important 10th position in the constructors’ championship. With Max Chilton, friend and ambassador of the Biel manufacturer, being retained as a race driver after an impressive debut season, Armin Strom is proud to have Max as its brand ambassador within the paddock.

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The exceptionally strong relationship between the Team and the Manufacturer has developed over the past seasons, and this has led to Armin Strom creating watches for Baselworld 2014 that incorporate the precision and composites used to build the Marussia F1 Team MR03. Here are the images of the five watches that currently conform Armin Strom's Racing collection and once we are reporting live from Baselworld 2014 we will bring you images of the new timepieces to be unveiled there.

For more info on Team Marussia click here and for Armin Strom here.

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News: Pre-Baselworld 2014 Arnold & Son Presents the DTE: Double Tourbillon Escapement Dual Time Watch. Another Masterpiece of Horology.

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John Arnold was born in Cornwall in 1736. His father was a watchmaker and his uncle a gunsmith, which probably explains his early interest in precision engineering and metalwork. A talented craftsman and scholar, he left England for the Netherlands at the age of 19 after completing his apprenticeship to hone his watchmaking skills. He returned two years later speaking excellent German, which stood him in good stead later at the court of George III, and had established himself as a watchmaker of repute in London's Strand by his mid-twenties. After Arnold presented the smallest repeating watch ever made to King George III and to the court, he rapidly acquired a wealthy clientele. He was one of the most inventive watchmakers of his day and held patents for a detent escapement, bimetallic balance and helical balance spring. Arnold's "No. 36" was the first timepiece to be called a chronometer, a term reserved for unusually precise watches to this day. Arnold also played a central role in the events of his day. Along with other watchmakers, he addressed the problem of determining longitude, and won several grants and awards offered by the British Parliament. He enjoyed such respect in his profession that he became a close friend of Abraham-Louis Breguet. The timepieces of Arnold and his son accompanied famous explorers on their voyages of discovery, helped the East India Company establish its empire and how Napoleon Bonaparte himself presented an Arnold clock to the Observatory of Milan in 1802.

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John Arnold and Abraham Louis Breguet, silver cased chronometer with tourbillon and spring-detent escapement, London, England, 1774 and Paris, France, 1808.

250 years later, Arnold & Son celebrates its 250th anniversary with another masterpiece of horology in a limited edition of only 28 pieces, the DTE: Double Tourbillon Escapement Dual Time watch. A generous 43.5 mm watch 18K red gold with two white dials —one with Roman numerals and the other with Arabic numerals— accentuated with blued hour and minute hands. The DTE is a masterpiece of symmetry, balance and three-dimensional beauty combined with technical foresight and ultimate performance precision.

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The double barrels of the watch offer a superb 90 hours of power reserve. In typical Arnold & Son style, the watch is incredibly detailed and features superlative Haute Horlogerie finishing. The dial side of the timepiece offers symmetry and depth. It features two white lacquered domed dials – one each at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock – for the dual time displays. The two tourbillon escapements are harmoniously balanced at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock and seem to float over the dial thanks to their alluring raised 18K red gold bridges. The backdrop for these double lacquered dials and double tourbillon escapements is a magnificently decorated vertical Côtes de Genève stripes plate.

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The two crowns – one each for setting the local and the home time – are located at 2 o’clock and 8 o’clock, and the two mainsprings are wound using the crown at 2 o’clock. In addition to the double tourbillon escapement and the dual dial/dual time indication, the watch is incredibly efficient in that it not only offers local time in hours and minutes, but also offers hours and minutes of a second time zone to be set separately —thereby enabling the wearer to have precise time in zones that differ from Greenwich Mean Time by quarter-hour or half-hour increments. Each time zone display has its own gear train and its own tourbillon escapement.

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The watch, powered by the all-new mechanical hand-wound calibre A&S8513 —visible via the display case back—, brings the centuries-old tradition of double movements back to life in 21st century style. The watch is fitted with an very elegant hand-stitched brown or black alligator strap.

Sticker Price $210,000 USD. For more info on Arnold & Son click here.

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Technical Specifications Arnold & Son DTE ref. 1DTAR.L01A.C120A

Case: 18K red gold measuring 43.5 mm in diameter with display case back.

Movement: Calibre A&S8513 Exclusive Arnold & Son mechanical double tourbillon movement, hand-wound, 42 jewels, diameter 37.3 mm, thickness 8.35 mm, power reserve 90 hours, double barrel, 21,600 vph. Fully decorated nickel-silver movement, rhodium treated with hand-chamfered bridges and polished edges, fine circular graining and 'Côtes de Genève' rayonnantes, plate dial side with 'Côtes de Genève', circular satin-finished wheels with
hand-chamfered and polished edges, blued screws with bevelled and mirror-polished heads.

Functions: local hours and minutes, GMT hours and minutes, double tourbillon.

Tourbillon: 18K red gold bridges, satin-finished and mirror- polished surfaces with hand-chamfered and polished edges. Hand-chamfered and mirror-polished tourbillon cages.

Dial: domed and white lacquered.

Crystal: cambered sapphire with anti-reflective coating on both sides.

Water Resistance: 30 meters.

Strap: Hand-stitched brown or black alligator leather.

Limited edition: 250th Anniversary, 28 timepieces.

News: Louis Moinet Presents the Qatar Tourbillon at Doha. A Timepiece with Two Fragments of the Only Meteroite Ever Found in Qatar.

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Louis Moinet presents the Qatar Tourbillon at the 10th edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition. This new timepiece in an exceptional 18K white gold case measuring 47 mm in diameter, composed of 59 different components and equipped with the Louis Moinet signature crown guard features the essence of this wonderful Middle Eastern country with a hand-engraved applique around the periphery of the dial, depicting sand dunes and two Qatari bent swords. It also features the oldest known fossil on earth, a three-billion-year-old red stromatolite, which is found in the center of the dial, between the tourbillon at 6 o’clock and the visible mainspring at 12 o’clock.

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In addition to the ultra special fossil located on the center of the dial, the watch features two fragments of the one and only meteorite ever been found in Qatar and acquired by Louis Moinet to be turned into horological art. The meteorite was discovered in the middle of the desert on May 10th of 2010 by Luc Labenne, the highly-regarded internationally renowned meteorite hunter. This unique meteorite Chondrite type H5-W4-S2 was discovered after a ten-day hunt with ten hunters and three vehicles. According to the Meteoritical Society, the meteorite’s official name is Qatar 001 and it originated from the asteroid belt situated between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter from where it traveled more than 260 million kilometers before landing in the area of Jariyan al Batnah in Qatar.

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The view through the Qatar Tourbillon display-back is almost as spectacular as the dial side, with the ‘octopus spring’ of the winding and setting mechanism taking the center stage. This ingenious component is effectively three springs in one —pull-out piece spring, lever spring and click spring— all radiating from the center like the swirling legs of an octopus. The movement plate is engraved with Louis Moinet's “Côtes du Jura” motif. The watch is equipped with a gorgeous dark blue hand-sewn Louisiana alligator leather strap with 18K white gold & black titanium folding clasp with Louis Moinet logo. The Qatar Tourbillon is available in an exclusive limited edition of only 12 pieces.

Sticker Price TBC. For more info on Louis Moinet click here.

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Technical Specifications of the Louis Moinet Qatar Tourbillon

Dial: Hand-engraved dial depicting two bent swords and sand dunes set with Qatar meteorite 001 with exclusive tourbillon escapement, central hour and minutes.

Movement: Manual wound with “octopus” spring, 19 jewels, power reserve of 72 hours, 21,600 vph, tourbillon cage with one full rotation every 60 seconds, side lever escapement, “Côtes du Jura” decoration and blued steel screws.

 Water Resistance: 30 meters

Case back: Display case back secured with 6 screws, engraved with individual number and Louis Moinet markings.

Crystals: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment.

Limited Edition of 12 pieces

Reference No. LM-14.70.21

News: Arnold & Son Presents the TB Victory Special Limited Edition. A Tribute to Britain's National Museum of the Royal Navy in a Unique Piece.

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A Tribute to the National Museum of the Royal Navy: Arnold & Son Announces Special Limited Edition of the TB Victory Britain’s National Museum of the Royal Navy comprises five museums that document the part played by the Royal Navy in the shaping of the nation and of the modern world. One of those Museums is HMS Victory, the world's most famous warship, which had her finest hour as Lord Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. With this special, one-piece edition of the TB Victory, Arnold & Son pays a special tribute to one of the nation’s most valued institutions. Some 250 years ago, John Arnold and his son, John Roger, played a central role in developing the chronometers that enabled 18th-century navigators to determine longitude at sea and helped establish the Royal Navy as the dominant force on the world’s oceans. Today, the company looks back with pride on that contribution. As Philippe Boven of Arnold & Son explains: “We are keenly aware of the close links between our company and the Royal Navy, and are presenting this special edition of the TB Victory to the National Museum as an expression of our respect and admiration for the Museum which keeps that unique heritage alive.” His sentiments are mirrored by those of Dr. Dominic Tweddle, Director-General of the National Museum of the Royal Navy: “I am delighted and honored to accept this unique timepiece from Arnold & Son on behalf of the Museum. It is an acknowledgement, exquisitely executed, of the significant role that HMS Victory has played in a long and glorious history.”

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The TB Victory timepiece has a distinctive off-centered subdial for the time of day, one of the unmistakable design cues of the Instrument Collection. Central to the cream colored dial is the timepiece’s complication: a central true beat —TB— seconds. A rarely found complication these days, the true beat seconds —or dead beat seconds— stands for superlative accuracy and was an invaluable instrument for marine navigators. The combination of a central true beat seconds with an automatic winding system calls for enormous technical expertise. This is made possible by an internationally patented system and calls for parts accurate to a micron, or one-thousandth of a millimeter. The key components are produced using state-of-the-art LIGA —lithography, electroplating and molding— manufacturing technology. The TB Victory is powered by the A&S6103 calibre, the first automatic movement with an integrated true beat system to be developed, designed and manufactured entirely at Arnold & Son’s workshops in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The exquisite Haute Horlogerie finishing includes manually chamfered bridges and polished edges, fine circular graining and 'Côtes de Genève rayonnantes', a brushed and skeletonised rotor, and blued screws. This unique edition of the TB Victory will be restricted to the single timepiece presented to the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

For more info on Arnold & Son click here.

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Technical Specifications of the Arnold & Son TB Victory

Calibre: A&S6103
Exclusive Arnold & Son mechanical movement, self-winding, ceramic ball bearing, 30 jewels, diameter 30.4 mm, thickness 7.79 mm, power reserve 50 h, 28,800 vibrations/h, stop seconds
Functions: hours, minutes, true beat seconds
Movement decoration: rhodium treated with Haute Horlogerie finishing: hand-chamfered
bridges with polished edges, fine circular graining and Côtes de Genève rayonnantes, brushed and skeletonised rotor, blued screws with bevelled and mirror-polished heads.
Dial: cream, 22-carat solid gold appliqué.
Case: 18-carat rose gold, diameter 44 mm, cambered sapphire with anti-reflective coating on both sides, case back see-through sapphire with the National Museum logo executed in metallic palladium, water-resistant to 30 meters.
Strap: Hand-stitched brown alligator leather.
Special edition: Limited No. 1/1
Reference: 1ARAP.I01A.C120P

News: Presenting the URWERK UR-210Y 'Black Hawk'. A Limited Edition of Only 75 Pieces.

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URWERK continues to wow the watch industry with their stunning complications and forward thinking design. After unveiling the fascinating EMC timepiece at the end of August of 2013, this time, URWERK has taken another big step unveiling the UR-210Y Black Hawk. A watch available in a limited edition of only 75 pieces in Titanium and AlTiN-treated steel.

This new timepiece, just like all other URWERK watches is not your run-of-the-mill watch. The UR-210Y tells time through a satellite complication display located at the center of the dial and fitted with wandering hour and retrograde minute indicators. Yhe UR-210Y’s satellite complication with retrograde minute is both highly original and totally explosive. The principal feature is a high-tech, oversized, three-dimensional retrograde minute hand. Its function is to enclose the hour satellite and indicate the time as it transverses the 0-to-60-minute scale. This one-hour journey through time, tracing an arc of 120°, is smooth and fluid. But the true nature of the piece is revealed at the end of the 59th minute. Then a sharp distinct “click” signals the return of the minute hand to its starting point. In less than 0.1 of a second the hand flies back to dock with the next hour satellite. This high-speed retrograde system is based on three key elements. A central axis set in ruby bearings provides excellent stability for the satellite/retrograde complication. A cylindrical marine chronometer type spring runs vertically around the axis and generates the optimal tension required for the retrograde minutes flyback. A minute hand, which also forms a frame for the hour satellites, displays the time in an extraordinary way. Milled from aluminum to exacting tolerances of approximately 3 microns, the whole structure has a total weight of just 0.302 grams and is counter balanced by a brass weight. This three-dimensional cage offers rigidity as it transfers energy from the
cylindrical flyback spring in the top center of the carrousel to the double-star gear underneath. Lastly, a double coaxial star-shaped cam regulates the retrograde mechanism through its gearing and its rotation defines the trajectory of the minute hand. When the minute hand reaches 60, the double star trips a (one of three) hockey-stick shaped spring under the mechanism, which liberates the minute to fly back to the next hour satellite at 0-minutes.

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Equipped with a winding efficiency indicator —a world's first— on the left top corner of the dial —11 o'clock position—, the display lets you see if you are active enough to replenish the watch movement with enough energy via its automatic winding rotor, or if the watch is just running on stored energy. The watch also lets you change the winding efficiency of its rotor so that it matches your daily rhythm, and I can even let you switch to manual winding mode if that suits the wearer better. This indicator will measure the winding efficiency over the last two hours. If the wearer's activity has been good enough to replenish the UR-210Y’s energy levels, the efficiency indicator will point emphatically to the green zone. If the wearer has not generated enough energy, the winding efficiency indicator will point to the red zone.

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Once the UR-210Y indicates an insufficient supply of energy, the wearer can then position the winding efficiency selector at the back of the watch to “Full” and then the rotor will then convert the slightest movement into stored energy. In this configuration, a turbine connected to the rotor provides smooth, unimpeded power. But if the wearer is more active, then that may provide more power than required and unnecessarily wear the mechanism. In that case, the wearer would position the winding efficiency selector to “Reduced” to engage the rotor damping system. An air turbine compressor mounted on ruby bearings spins and creates internal resistance —enough friction to slow down or dampen the automatic winding rotor. In the “Stop” mode, the automatic winding system is disabled completely and the UR-210Y runs off reserve power and may require manual winding.

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Because of its black color, the watch has earned the nickname “Black Hawk”. The massive case measuring 43.8 mm wide, 53.6 mm long and 17.8 mm thick, is made of high-tech titanium and AlTiN-treated steel, which increases its resistance to scratches and acids. The watch is also fitted with an oversized winding crown that takes the center stage as it is the norm on most of the URWERK creations. Additionally, for the first time in the history of an URWERK timepiece, the watch is fitted with a black nylon fabric strap.

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The caseback offers a limited view of the URWERK Caliber UR-7.10 fitted with 51 jewels, mono-metallic balance, spring flat balance, turbine equipped self-winding mechanism and which provides a power reserve of 39 hours when fully wound. On the back we also see the winding efficiency selector, as well as a small plate where the limited edition case number is engraved. The watch is waterproof to a depth of 30 meters.

Sticker Price $175,000 USD. For more info URWERK click here.

News: Officine Panerai Opens its 10th North American Boutique. This Time in Aspen, Colorado.

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Last month, Italian watchmaker Officine Panerai announced its U.S. retail expansion by unveiling its largest boutique in North America to date in Aspen, Colorado. The Aspen location is Panerai’s 10th U.S. boutique, and its 63rd worldwide, and displays the high-end sports watch brand’s recent global architectural design concept that showcases the finest elements of Italian style and engineering, as well as highlights the company’s nautical history. Located in the heart of Aspen’s renowned high-end shopping district, Panerai’s new 1,255 square foot boutique is located in a two-storied landmark building with sweeping views of Aspen Mountain and features an expansive sales area, library and VIP lounge for customers to experience the Panerai brand. 

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To celebrate the official opening, Panerai will participate as a Presenting Sponsor of the Light It Up Blue Aspen Gala in support of Autism Speaks and Extreme Sports Camp on Sunday, February 16th which will be held at The Hotel Jerome in the ski resort town. For the gala’s live auction, Panerai will donate an Aspen Special Edition Luminor Marina 44mm PAM 00467, #1 of the limited edition series, in brushed steel. This highly-coveted Special Edition timepiece bears a unique engraving on the case back depicting the Rocky Mountains and Aspen Mountain, and will be presented to the highest bidder by Panerai North American President Rafael Alvarez at a private event at the Panerai Boutique the following evening.

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In addition to welcoming dignitaries from Autism Speaks and key influencers from the local community, the event will continue with a private cocktail reception on February 17th dedicated to local-area watch enthusiasts who will come together to view Panerai’s latest collection and get to know each other in an Italian-inspired congenial atmosphere. To further support Autism Speaks and its local Aspen-affiliate Extreme Sports Camp, Panerai will donate a percentage of proceeds for sales made throughout the week to the two non-profit organizations. Mr. Alvarez commented, “We’re delighted to participate in Light It Up Blue Aspen, in support of Autism Awareness and we’re grateful to the Aspen community for giving Panerai such a warm welcome this winter season. We look forward to lots more community involvement in the years ahead.”
 
Jill Pidcock, Director of Development for Extreme Sports Camp which is collaborating with Autism Speaks on the Light It Up Blue Aspen events, added “Light It Up Blue Aspen is honored to have Officine Panerai as a Presenting Sponsor for our 3rd annual Gala. Raising awareness and funding for autism is critical in so many lives; we appreciate that Officine Panerai also recognizes the importance of this effort. It is very gratifying to have such wonderful support in our own Aspen area community.”

For more info on Panerai click here.

News: Pre-Baselworld 2014 Ulysse Nardin Presents the Dual Time Manufacture. A Fascinating Dual Time Complication.

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The Ulysse Nardin Dual Time Manufacture has being released as a pre-Baselworld first look. This timepiece enables the second time zone and date to be adjusted both forward and backward. Like the Marine collection, it is now equipped with a movement that has been developed and manufactured entirely in-house. Never before had a watchmaker so perfectly fulfilled the desire for comfort of frequent travelers and explorers. Part of an iconic Ulysse Nardin collection, the launch of the Dual Time Manufacture was a significant milestone in the history of contemporary watchmaking. For the first time, it was possible to adjust the second time zone forward as well as backward. Now, this incredible timepiece returns equipped with an automatic movement that has been developed, designed and manufactured entirely in-house: caliber UN-334. Endowed with a Big Date double window display, also adjustable in both directions, it boasts a silicon escapement, the height of watchmaking technology that very few brands are able to master. Complex to work with, its manufacturing techniques remain the prerogative of just a handful of watchmakers. The self-winding movement, a technological gem, is showcased through a sapphire case-back.

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Independence through innovation: the Ulysse Nardin Manufacture constantly pursues the steep but extraordinarily worthwhile path it chose to take a few years ago. Offering hours, minutes, oversized small seconds at 6 o’clock, a big date double window display and second time zone functions, the Dual Time Manufacture is without doubt one of the easiest watches to read and adjust on the market. While the “home time” indicator advances steadily over 24 hours in an aperture at 9 o’clock, the small hand can easily be aligned with local time, either forward or backward. This is achieved simply by pressing the (+) or (-) pushers positioned at 10 o'clock and 8 o’clock, without having to remove the watch from the wrist or interrupting its timekeeping. The ultimate in mechanical refinement, the calendar function automatically synchronizes with adjustments made in either direction.

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Behind this simplicity of use —a true lesson in functionality— the Manufacture caliber UN-334 deploys the results of many years of research. Featuring a 48-hour power reserve, it is equipped with a silicon anchor, escape wheel and roller. The 4 Hz oscillator also has a patented 1.1.1. silicon balance spring, guaranteeing impressive accuracy. Having made its watchmaking début a little over 10 years ago thanks to the pioneering efforts of Ulysse Nardin, this highly contemporary material requires hardly any lubrication and resists wear more than any other.

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The bold modernity of this outstanding timepiece is complemented by a few classic touches, for an air of casual elegance. This chameleon-like piece is equally suited to a day in town or an important occasion. Water resistant to 30 m, its completely redesigned 42 mm-diameter case is available in steel or 18 ct rose gold, mounted on a leather strap or a steel or rose gold bracelet with deployment buckle. While ensuring perfect readability, the openwork hour and minute hands that sweep around the black or silver-finish dial add a delicate, light touch that characterizes truly timeless watches. This chameleon-like piece is equally suited to a day in town or an important occasion.

For more info on Ulysse Nardin click here.

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News: Panerai Presents the Luminor Sealand Special Edition PAM 847. Honoring the Year of the Horse with a 100 Piece Limited Edition.

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Officine Panerai is pleased to present a special edition timepiece dedicated to the Year of the Horse - the PAM 00847 Luminor Sealand – with a 44 mm diameter case. The classic and iconic Luminor case features a hinged cover protector with a horse symbol hand engraved by Italian master craftsmen.  The technique of engraving is particularly painstaking – the grooves are made in the steel by a special tool called a 'sparsello' before being inlaid with threads of gold. The gold is inserted in repeated parallel layers and hammered until it completely fills the engraved outlines, thus defining and filling out the form of the horse. The process of inlaying the gold is carried out only after the cover has been engraved and polished, when even the smallest error could damage the work carried out earlier, so the work demands remarkable skill on the part of the craftsmen.

Few places in the world can pride themselves on a history and richness comparable to Florence. Emblematic of the Italian Renaissance and birthplace of some of the greatest geniuses of all time, Tuscany’s great city has inspired generations of thinkers and artists who have given the world many works of extraordinary beauty throughout the centuries. The excellence of Florence, like that of Italy in general, is always at its best in the combination of genius, craftsmanship, creativity and technical expertise in all forms of artistic expression. The Panerai Bottega in Florence, the first watch shop in the city, is still nourished by this culture, constantly striving towards its mission of balancing tradition and innovation.

This excellence of craftsmanship and Italian know-how is linked with Chinese culture in the Luminor Sealand. Dedicated to the Year of the Horse, the new Special Edition timepiece is limited to just 100 units and is part of the series created by Officine Panerai in honor of the signs of the Chinese Zodiac. The watch is the sixth in the exclusive series, which began in 2009 with the Special Edition created for the year of the Ox, followed by watches commemorating the year of the Tiger, the Rabbit, the Dragon and the Snake. 

The protective conceals the minimalist grey dial which, in the classic Panerai style, features only a small seconds dial and date. This is fitted in a Luminor 44 mm case which, along with the device protecting the winding crown, is made entirely  of brushed AISI 316L stainless steel. The movement is the OP III calibre, hand-wound with a power reserve of 42 hours and C.O.S.C. certified. Available exclusively in Panerai boutiques throughout the world, the Luminor Sealand —PAM00847— is water-resistant to a depth of 50 meters and it is supplied with a strap of soft brown leather, a second spare strap and a screwdriver.

For more info on Panerai click here.

Our Best Wishes: Happy Chinese New Year. Seven Fascinating Watches Celebrating the Year of the Horse.

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Today, with the first new moon of the calendar year, the Lunar Chinese New Year will begin its 15-day celebration. A 12-year-cycle of animals make up the Chinese zodiac and these interact with the five elements: wood, metal, fire, water, earth. 2014 is the year of the wood horse, taking over from the year of the water snake. In order to commemorate and celebrate the Year of the Horse, several manufactures have released limited edition timepieces. For this occasion, we have picked seven fascinating watches that take the center stage today as the Year of the Horse gets kicked-off.

Let's start with the Vacheron Constantin The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac 2014 Year of the Horse crafted in 18K pink gold or platinum and limited to 12 pieces each, that will only be sold at the Vacheron Constantin Boutiques. Fitted with a case measuring 40 mm in diameter and an automatic movement, the dial on this watch features a leaf motif, stemming from classic Chinese iconography, and directly engraved in the gold dial. The pattern remains semi-embedded and stands out from its gold base by a subtle stage-setting of variously accentuated reliefs creating a depth effect. The raised bamboo stalks appear to be floating over the dial. With the horse engraving, on which the details of the mane and coat measure a mere fraction of a millimeter, the artisan provides a tangible expression of the artistic vision behind this creation. Then comes the stage of 'Grand Feu' enameling, a technique invented in Geneva and which remains the exclusive preserve of a rare breed of artisans. By applying the enamel in successive layers, the enamel specialist further enhances the visual intensity of the blue or bronze-toned dial. A final layer of enamel is then applied before a final firing operation that vitrifies the dial and lends a shiny glazed effect that gives added definition to the floral motif. The horse is delicately applied to the center of the dial, poised as if ready to gallop through the sapphire crystal and thus creating a truly striking effect. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.

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Three exclusive Jaquet Droz timepieces have been created using the exclusive know-how of Jaquet Droz's master craftsmen, specialized in highly complex techniques: engraving, painting and Grand Feu enamel. Two Arab thoroughbreds – considered the most beautiful horses in the world – have been delicately painted on the ivory enamel dial of the Petite Heure Minute 39 mm. Captured in full gallop, they seem to want to catch up with the sculptural mustang that appears on the dial of the Petite Heure Minute 43 mm. Extremely wild and difficult to tame, this horse from the American Northwest —depicted in red gold and engraved in bas-relief— seems to jump out from the black enamel. The champlevé technique, used here for the first time by Jaquet Droz, highlights the movement of the mane and the tail, both filled in with black Grand Feu enamel. The Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute 41 mm has been chosen as the showcase to depict a horse rearing up on its hind legs against a backdrop of the Great Wall of China, engraved and patinated by hand on a mother-of-pearl dial. Bold, powerful and elegant, this fearless horse in 18-carat red gold appears to protect the Great Wall, which is also hand engraved on the 22-carat red gold oscillating weight next to the Jaquet Droz signature of two stars. For more info on Jaquet Droz click here.

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Lastly, Arnold & Son unveiled the HM Horses Set in honor of the Chinese New Year. The Arnold & Son HM Horses Set is a special limited edition of 28 pairs of watches inspired by the horses depicted in traditional Chinese ink-wash paintings. Adorning each of the two lacquer dials is a hand-finished miniature painting of two horses, one pair black and grey on white, the other white and grey against a black background. Nuances of tone and shading, from jet black to silvery grey, are achieved by the tiny brushstrokes and texturing gradually to build-up the entire image with an astonishing richness of details. The two watches in each pair of this limited edition from Arnold & Son are powered by the hand wound A&S1001 calibre, developed, designed and manufactured entirely at Arnold & Son's workshops in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The classical design is underscored by the slim 40 mm 18-carat rose gold case, which is also available with an optional diamond-set bezel. The simplicity of the black and white lacquered dials, which have just two hands and a minimalist chapter ring consisting of tiny dots, leaves the stage free for the dynamic miniature depiction of two charging horses. The timepieces are each presented with a high-quality black alligator leather strap. For more info on Arnold & Son click here.

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Experience: SIHH 2014. Reporting Live From Geneva, Switzerland.

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We will be reporting via this website and our Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tumblr accounts all week straight from Geneva, Switzerland during the week of the SIHH 2014. Flying from London to Geneva via Swiss Air is always a pleasure.

We have settled into our headquarters for the week at the Intercontinental Geneva and we are ready to start our reporting.

Stay tuned for more as we will be posting updates several times a day.

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News: Pre-SIHH 2014 Jaeger-LeCoultre Presents the Hybris Mechanica Eleven Watch. A 75-Piece Limited Edition Ultra Thin Minute Repeater with Flying Tourbillon.

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A Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon, a new era in the world of Grand Complications
In 1907, Jaeger-LeCoultre laid the foundations of what was to prove a key element in the identity of its watches. That was the year when the association between Paris-based businessman Edmond Jaeger and Swiss watchmaker Jacques-David LeCoultre gave birth to the world’s thinnest pocket watch featuring a blend of aesthetic refinement and horological sophistication that only a Manufacture uniting the full range of skills under one roof could hope to achieve. Today, Jaeger-LeCoultre confirms its ability to anticipate the future of Fine Watchmaking by unveiling the Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon watch, the eleventh creation in the Hybris Mechanica collection and the first ultra-thin Grand Complication model.
Eleven, the number standing for inventions and exceeding expectations. Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch, a new era – that of ultra-thin Grand Complications.

Think-tanks composed of insatiable visionaries and tireless developers: such is the very nature of the teams at Manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre. It enables them, just one year after the introduction of the Master Ultra Thin Jubilee, to present an authentic pioneer in the field of Grand Complications. The newcomer bears a name revealing a set of technical feats that are bound to stimulate the imagination of Fine Watchmaking connoisseurs. And rightly so. The Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon stems from research on two iconic horological complications. It is indeed the slimmest minute repeater in its category at just 7.9 mm thin. This watch capitalises on eight separate patents, six of which are entirely new. Its entire development process was governed by two watchwords – ingenuity and performance. Its quintessence lies in a successful bid to achieve extreme slenderness while making no compromises on reliability.
Hybris Mechanica Eleven is equipped with an original tourbillon, a high-performance new balance-spring, a peripheral automatic winding system, a retractable single push button, as well as a new minute repeater equipped with a silent-timelapse reduction system. As the latest addition to an illustrious and fertile saga of Jaeger-LeCoultre striking watches, this model consolidates the brand’s leadership in this field. Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch resolutely confirms that excellence and surpassing existing limits are second nature to Jaeger-LeCoultre.

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Contrary to the classic tourbillon with a construction that tends to obstruct the view of certain components, the Manufacture wished to allow complete visibility of the heart of the watch. Avoiding ordinary solutions, Jaeger-LeCoultre watchmakers have developed and patented an all-new tourbillon. Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch is equipped with a world première in the shape of a flying tourbillon fitted with a flying balance-wheel. This technical feat ensures a full view of both balance-wheel and spring that may both be observed in motion from a radically different perspective. The gaze is captivated by the regular swinging of the balance-wheel, with the balance-spring fixed above it in a highly unusual stage-setting. This expressive and appealing construction also contributes to reducing the overall thickness thanks to the prodigious inventiveness of the master-watchmakers in the Manufacture. These substantial developments required rethinking the regulating organ and developing a new balance-spring specifically hand-crafted in the Complications workshop. All the characteristics of this new tourbillon are geared towards achieving extreme precision, watchmaking’s ultimate goal.

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In its absolute quest to optimize components, the Manufacture has conceived and developed an automatic winding system that captivates by its remarkable conception and execution. To provide more space and achieve record-breaking ultra-thin dimensions, the winding is handled by a oscillating peripheral weight with a platinum segment visible through narrow openings on the dial. This platinum segment takes advantage of the wearer’s wrist movements to revolve around the dial and wind the mainspring. It is fitted on a ceramic ball bearing mechanism specially developed for this device. It is also extremely effective and able to move freely in either direction. However only clockwise rotation actually winds the calibre. The sculptural purity of the perfectly integrated high-performance oscillating weight becomes an aesthetic element in its own right, thereby further enhancing the graphic power of the watch.

Hybris Mechanica Eleven watch stems from a new line of approach: a minute repeater movement entirely rethought and rebuilt to be ultra-thin. A minute repeater strikes the hours, quarters and minutes on demand. When there are no quarters to be struck, a lengthy silent timelapse occurs between sounding the hours and the minutes. While there is always such an audible hiatus in the sequence, it is particularly audible when there are no quarters involved. To solve this problem, an innovative system reducing this silent timelapse was developed. It detects the absence of quarters to be struck and thus eliminates the marked pause between striking the hours and minutes. As a result, the appropriate high- and low-pitched notes seamlessly follow their appointed pattern without breaking the tempo. Again as part of an effort to make the watch even slimmer while preserving an extremely pure aesthetic, this minute repeater is activated by a retractable single pushbutton for which the Manufacture has filed a patent. Hybris Mechanica Eleven is equipped with a discreet locking system at 8 o’clock. Actuating it brings out the pushbutton that triggers the minute repeater. Once the minute repeater is activated, the pushbutton returns to its initial recessed position, thus ensuring that nothing disturbs the flowing, elegant appearance of the watch. The discretion, the user-friendliness and the technical feat represented by this retractable push button are not the only advantages of this ingenious innovation. As opposed to the traditional slides used to activate the minute repeater function and for which the length of travel may vary according to the hour to be struck, this construction ensures a constant 2 mm travel distance that is enough to both wind the barrel and trigger the minute repeater.

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Issued in a 75-piece limited edition, Hybris Mechanica Eleven is powered by Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 362 and has a 45-hour power reserve. It is crafted in ultra-white 18-carat gold and teamed with a high-end alligator leather strap secured by a white gold pin buckle. The impressive complexity of Hybris Mechanica Eleven foreshadows the future presentation of the Hybris Artistica collection – of which the mission is to combine the most technical and creative skills of the artisans within a Manufacture housing 180 different forms of know-how. Jaeger-LeCoultre is more strongly inspired than ever by the intangible heritage of the Maison: the unquenchable thirst to push existing boundaries and to create timepieces in the vanguard of innovation. Driven by such strong convictions, Hybris Mechanica Eleven places Jaeger-LeCoultre firmly at the very pinnacle of ultra-thin horology and Grand Complications.

For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Flying Tourbillon
Movement: Mechanical automatic movement, Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 362, crafted, assembled and decorated by hand. 45-hour power reserve, 21,600 vibrations per hour, 471 parts, 4.8 mm thick, 33.3 mm in diameter.

Dial: Silver-toned, grained, Traditional baton-type —transferred.

Hands: Dauphine.

Functions:
Hours, minutes
Minute repeater equipped with silent-timelapse reduction function
Flying tourbillon with flying balance-wheel
Automatic winding via a peripheral oscillating weight

Case: 18-carat extra-white gold, 7.9 mm thick and 41 mm in diameter.
Polished lugs, entirely polished caseband and bezel

Water resistance: 3 bar

Strap: Black high-end Jaeger-LeCoultre alligator leather, white gold high-end pin buckle

Reference: 1313520, 75-piece limited series.

News: JEANRICHARD Launches the Aeroscope 208 Seconds. Honoring Captain Chesley "Sully' Sullenberger and the Miracle on the Hudson.

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Last night January 14th, 2014, JEANRICHARD honored its brand ambassador, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger to commemorate the 5th Anniversary of the landing of Flight 1549 on the Hudson River with the launch of the special edition “208 Seconds” Aeroscope watch. The event that took place at a well-known watch store on Madison Avenue in New York City, celebrated how the American hero saved 155 people in only 208 seconds on January 15, 2009.

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 “We are privileged to have worked with Captain Sullenberger on our new “208 Seconds” Aeroscope”, said Bruno Grande, COO of JEANRICHARD. “The watch showcases the importance of time, Sully’s inspirational achievement in seconds of great urgency, and his efforts since then to continue to help change and improve people’s lives and support organizations such as the American Red Cross and the Rory Staunton Foundation. This is very much in line with JEANRICHARD’s values and philosophy of life. In situations such as those on January 15, 2009, one can only rely upon your training, preparedness and the knowledge that you are serving a cause greater than yourself”, said Captain Sullenberger. “The “208 Seconds” Aeroscope I was able to design with JEANRICHARD also symbolizes the values of personal responsibility and I am grateful for their support of my philanthropic work.”

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208 seconds made Captain Sullenberger a hero and the watch's automatic chronograph movement perfectly embodies the spirit and respect that the Captain and JEANRICHARD have for time. The 208 seconds are represented by a subtle marked white and red timeline on the timepiece’s black dial. Available on a black Barenia calfskin strap, the JEANRICHARD “208 Seconds” Aeroscope is a re-interpretation of the old aviators’ watches, and with its titanium cushion-shaped case shares a man’s most enduring dream with style. Part of the proceeds of the watch will go to The American Red Cross and The Rory Staunton Foundation, two of Captain Sullenberger's philanthropic endeavors. 

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Throughout the event guests also participated in a social media challenge, where they were tasked to take a wrist shot of the new “208 Seconds” Aeroscope and post it to their Instagram account. The “Best Shot” will be re-grammed today, January 15th, through the brand’s Instagram account @JRwatches. The winner will receive a “208 Seconds” Aeroscope watch.

Sticker Price $5,400 USD. For more info on JEANRICHARD click here

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News: Pre-Baselworld 2014 Omega Unveils the New Speedmaster Mark II. A Classic Chronograph Gets Updated with Two Fascinating Dial Variants.

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1969 was a memorable year for humankind. For the first time, we broke our terrestrial bonds and set foot on another world – and the astronauts who took those first steps on the lunar surface were equipped with Omega Speedmaster Professional chronographs. The same year, Omega introduced the new-look Speedmaster Mark II, a timepiece with a streamlined case that was powered by the same space-tested, hand-wound calibre 861 found inside the Moonwatch. In 2014 Omega has reintroduced this classic Speedmaster Mark II and updated it to include an automatic movement and tachymetric scale that is visible in the most limited light – a first in the iconic Speedmaster family.

The polished and brushed stainless steel case is barrel-shaped and has a polished crown and pushers. A date corrector is located at 10 o’clock on the case. The dial is complete with the three recognisable sub-dials: a 30-minute recorder at 3 o’clock, 12-hour recorder at 6 o’clock and small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock. A flat scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects the matt black or grey dial. The transparent tachymetric scale on the sapphire crystal is illuminated from beneath by an aluminium ring filled with Super-Luminova. The varnished white and black hour and minute hands are coated with Super-LumiNova as is the central chronograph hand. For Omega fans and Speedmaster fanatics who are looking for an iconic design with a bit of colour, the Speedmaster Mark II with the grey dial features a fluorescent orange central chronograph seconds hand and a matching minute track.

The case is fitted with a brushed stainless steel bracelet, complete with Omega’s patented extendable fold over rack-and-pusher clasp. The watch is presented with a tool that makes adjusting the date quick and easy. Distinguishing the new Speedmaster Mark II from the 1969 watch that inspired it is the Co-Axial calibre 3330, a self-winding movement equipped with an Si14 silicon balance spring and a column-wheel chronograph mechanism. The new Omega Speedmaster Mark II is water resistant to 100 metres / 330 feet and is delivered with a full four-year warranty.

More details coming when we are reporting from Baselworld 2014 at the end of March. For more info on Omega click here.

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News: Pre-Baselworld 2014 Breva Genève Unveils the Génie 02 Terre. Full Presentation of the Watch in Geneva Next Week.

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Following the success and ground breaking technology behind the Génie 01 with barometer, next week in Geneva —taking advantage of the fact that the international press will gather at the SIHH 2014—, Breva Genève will be presenting the new addition to their collection, the Breva Génie 02 Terre.

This new watch combines the stunning sophistication of a beautifully crafted mechanical timepiece with the practicality of a fully functional, high-performance mechanical altimeter. The Génie 02 Terre is a limited edition of 55 pieces in titanium G5 and is available with either meter or feet calibrations on the altimeter.

The superbly finished proprietary movement, much of which can be fully appreciated through the open dial and display case back, was developed exclusively for Breva by award-winning movement constructor Jean-François Mojon from Chronode. Génie 02 Terre is 100% Swiss-made, from inception to realization.

The dial side is dominated by a sub-dial at 8 o'clock displaying hours and minutes, and the precision altimeter sub-dial at 2 o'clock displaying meters or feet. Arching around the top of the dial is the large-scale altitude indicator, which displays up to 5,000 meters —16,400 feet—, with small seconds below. At 4 o'clock, an indicator shows when the air valve is open or closed —it must be open to indicate the altitude—, below which is the 65-hour power reserve indicator. In pride of place at the bottom of the dial, the top of one of the two aneroid capsules measuring air pressure —from which the altitude is derived— is visible, with a high-precision arm multiplying by 200 times the expansion and contraction of the capsules and relaying the air pressure to the two altitude indications.

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Three chevron-engraved crowns wind, set, adjust and operate the functions of Génie 02:

a. 9 o'clock: Two-position crown both winds the movement and sets the time.

b. 2 o'clock: A screw down crown rotates both the altitude's precision-scale and large-scale to adjust for variations in air pressure, which affect altitude readings.

c. 4 o'clock: Screw down crown either seals air out of the movement or allows it in —for altitude function. Longevity and reliability of the timepiece are maximized by means of an osmotic Teflon membrane that filters any moisture and humidity from any air before it enters the movement. Just above the crown, a white indicator marked 'SEALED' warns when valve is locked.

Turning the Génie 02 Terre over, the complexity of the beautifully finished 415-component movement can be more fully appreciated. The movement is framed by the names of prestigious ski resorts − Aspen, Vail, Las Lenas, Gstaad, St Moritz, Zermatt, Courchevel, Cortina, Kitzbuhel, and Lech − along with their altitudes, engraved around the perimeter of the case back. When winding the movement you can see the rotation of the cap of the mainspring barrel.

We will be reporting from Geneva all next week to bring you all the news from the SIHH 2014 and live images of this amazing timepiece.

For more info on Breva Genève click here.

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News: Arnold & Son Unveils the Time Pyramid in Stainless Steel. A Fascinating Timepiece and a Real Treat for the Eyes.

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Arnold & Son unveils a new reference of its iconic Time Pyramid featuring the hand finished A&S1615 calibre treated in NAC grey, housed in a stainless steel case. The A&S1615 movement with unique skeletonized pyramid-shaped architecture, was conceived, designed and developed in-house. The movement A&S1615 seemingly floats between two sapphire crystals, the Time Pyramid is a masterful rendition of technical prowess and unparalleled elegance. This superbly engineered wristwatch is part of the brand’s Instrument Collection that combines instrument precision with classical styling.

 Inspired by the regulators created by John and Roger Arnold over two hundred years ago, and by antique British skeleton clocks, the new Arnold & Son Time Pyramid offers a highly cohesive and seductive blend of watchmaking feats that includes regulator, skeleton, vertical linear movement, pyramid-placement of components and multi-dimensional depth.

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The skeletonized caliber A&S 1615 follows the original regulators from the brand with its component positioning and detailed 3D visual appeal. Movement parts and watch indications are built on three levels, with the subsidiary seconds dial on the bottom, the hour indications on a sapphire crystal dial in the middle level, and a silver top ring for the minutes indication. While the movement is extremely thin-at just 4.4 mm —the multiple levels bring amazing depth and detail to the watch. To further enhance the balance and symmetry of the Time Pyramid, the crown —with Arnold & Son’s engraved logo— is artfully positioned at six o’clock. The gear train runs vertically in a linear format connecting the two barrels at six o’clock to the balance wheel at twelve o’clock, and endowing the movement with its pyramid structure.The bridges are designed so that all of the wheels, the two main spring barrels, the escapement and balance wheel are all magnificently visible from the dial side.

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Additionally, the movement is fitted with two power reserve indicators –one each on either side of the linear gear train –to display the energy level for each barrel separately. The power reserve hands indicate the reserve level via graduated dots —that are printed under the top sapphire crystal— in an arc format, and demonstrate how one barrel transfers energy to the second one when needed. Essentially, as the first barrel winds the second one, the power reserve indicator of the first barrel goes down, while the second one goes up –making for an accurate and intriguing readout. The two mainspring barrels supply the hand-wound caliber with an amazing 90 hours of power reserve, and provide a more constant force to the wheel train. As with every esteemed Arnold & Son watch, the movement of the Time Pyramid is magnificently hand decorated with manually chamfered brides and high-polished edges, Côtes de Genève, circular satin- finished wheels and blued screws, all yielding a striking masterpiece of decorative craftsmanship and brilliant execution.

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Each Time Pyramid wristwatch measures 44.6 mm in diameter in its classically elegant stainless steel case. Viewed from the side, the housing is stepped and tapers from top to bottom, the widest section accommodating the extra-large glass with the lower part narrowing to fit snugly on the wrist. Each is finished with an exquisite hand-stitched alligator strap.

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For more info on Arnold & Son click here.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE ARNOLD & SON TIME PYRAMID REF. 1TPAS.S01A.C124S

Calibre: A&S 1615 with 27 jewels, manual wound, diameter 37 mm, thickness 4.40mm, power reserve over 90 hours, 21,600 vph.

Dial: sapphire, circular satin-finished dial frame with chamfered and polished edge.

Hands: blued hands with white Super LumiNova.

Case: stainless steel, diameter 44.6mm, cambered sapphire with anti-reflective coating on both sides, case back see-through sapphire, water-resistant to 30 m.

Strap: hand-stitched black alligator leather.