Inaugurated in November 2001, the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva houses one of the world’s most important and prestigious horological collections. Some 2,500 watches, automata, precious objects, and portrait miniatures on enamel invite the visitor on a fabulous voyage through five centuries of Genevan, Swiss, and European horological art, as well as proposing a panoramic view of Patek Philippe’s production since 1839.
Breaking News: Greubel Forsey 'Renaissance d'une Montre' Project Coming in 2023. The Rebirth of a Watch.
The ‘Renaissance d'une Montre’ —Rebirth of a Watch— project by Greubel Forsey will be instituted in 2023 and will allow owners of certain Greubel Forsey timepieces to be able to request cosmetic changes to their watches —exterior parts— as well as even the movements in order to provide it with a new aesthetic or new functions and/or indications. Literally, a project that turns watches into evolving timekeepers made for eternity. This is the first time in the history of Haute Horlogerie, that this becomes a reality.
Introducing: Armin Strom Tribute 1 California
The newest interpretation of the Armin Strom Tribute 1 takes its name from the so-called California dials which are distinguished by their alternating Roman and Arabic numerals. The dial, which is offered in five different colors, also features bar markers and a railway track minute ring. With dials in five different colors — blue, light blue, green, burgundy, and black— the new Armin Strom Tribute 1 California is available in editions limited to five per color, meaning that the total edition size for the Tribute 1 California is 25 pieces.
Introducing: Arnold & Son Double Tourbillon Jade
Arnold & Son is celebrating its Double Tourbillon collection with the unveiling of two unique pieces adorned with dazzling green jade and delicate white opal. The two independent tourbillons and two time zones of this rare model have taken on a new face. As the result of high-caliber watchmaking execution, these models are available in either red gold or white gold in a generous 43.5 mm case.
Introducing: Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph Titanium
Inspired by a highly sought-after 1950s Blancpain chronograph that was produced in tiny quantities, the Air Command collection from Blancpain is adding a new watch to its lineup. Featuring a chronograph with a flyback function and a countdown bezel the new model in titanium joins the 18K red gold model reference AC02 36B40 63B as well as the limited edition reference AC01 1130 63A.
News: Audemars Piguet Builds Two New Modular Buildings. Manufacture des Saignoles in Le Locle and The Arc Project in Le Brassus.
Audemars Piguet invests in the future with two contemporary and modular production sites able to adapt to the company’s evolving needs. While the Manufacture des Saignoles recently welcomed its employees in Le Locle after three years of construction work, Audemars Piguet just laid the first stone of its new building, named the “Arc”, adjacent to the Manufacture des Forges in Le Brassus.
From the Editor: Phillips Geneva Watch Auction XIV Sets a Record for the Highest Ever Watch Sale Achieving Almost $75 Million USD
Last week while I was attending the GPHG 2021 as part of the jury and on my way back from visiting the new Audemars Piguet Musée Atelier in Le Brassus —special feature about it to follow—, I decided to stop by the La Réserve Genève Hotel to preview some of the lots that were offered by Phillips for their Geneva Watch Auction: XIV. Honestly, I have never seen so many incredible watches under one tent and I took some candid shots of some of them for your viewing pleasure.
Introducing: Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar ref. 4010T White Gold
Today, Vacheron Constantin presents a new iteration of the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar with a case in 18K white gold and a velvet-finish slate grey dial, fitted with a black alligator leather strap. This classically inspired watch features stepped round case and lugs, fluted caseback and railway minute-track rounded by dauphine hours and minutes hands retaining Vacheron Constantin's signature touch of originality in the display of the calendar indications.
Introducing: Breguet Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Anniversaire 5365. Celebrating 220 Years of the Tourbillon.
Exactly 220 years later, the House of Breguet is paying homage to its founder’s invention, which opened up a new world of precision, stability, and elegance in fine horology. Breguet’s tribute comes in the form of the Breguet Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Anniversaire 5365.
Introducing: Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition
The partnership first revealed in early 2021 between Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin has led to the creation of a new timepiece, the Laureato Chronograph Aston Martin Edition. Its styling masterfully plays with shapes, textures, and light, tailored to those who appreciate luxury and performance in a limited edition of 188 pieces.
Introducing: Panerai Submersible Chrono Flyback Mike Horn Edition PAM1291
Through single-minded dedication to each of his historic endeavors —from trekking to the North Pole in the unremitting darkness of winter to summiting some of the world’s highest and most challenging peaks without supplemental oxygen— Mike Horn secured a place among the world’s greatest living explorers. Unwavering focus on reaching heights is a trait Panerai shares with the adventurer and environmental activist.
Introducing: The Unnamed Society Golden Boy Clock by L'Epée 1839
Today, the partnership between The Unnamed Society and l’Epée 1839 opens the second chapter of its unfolding history. With Golden Boy comes the second stunning creation imagined for those who set the bar for the Art of Gifting a bit higher than the rest, for appreciators of the finer things, and for visionary collectors. The Golden Boy clock remains true as ever to the spirit of “creating the impossible that defies the imagination” by looking not just at a timekeeper as an expression of aesthetic, engineering and artisanship excellence, but as a true witness of its time. Golden Boy is the logical sequel to the Pancho Villa’s Bisley Colt clock.
Introducing: Patek Philippe World Time Flyback Chronograph ref. 5930P-001
The new Patek Philippe World Time Flyback Chronograph reference 5930P-001 is a new version in platinum with a green dial and a green alligator strap. Inspired by a one-of-a-kind model from 1940, this new reference 5930 combines two functions: a self-winding flyback chronograph and World Time. Initially, this model was launched in 2016 in a white gold version with a blue dial and matching strap.
Introducing: Patek Philippe Flyback Chronograph Annual Calendar ref. 5905/1A-001
The new Patek Philippe Flyback Chronograph Annual Calendar reference 5905/1A-001 is a resolutely sporty version in steel with an integrated bracelet and a sunburst green dial. Launched as a platinum model in 2015, then in rose gold in 2019, reference 5905 combines two practical and easy-to-use complications: an automatic flyback chronograph and a patented Annual Calendar.
Introducing: Patek Philippe Split-Seconds Chronograph Perpetual Calendar ref. 5204R-011
Patek Philippe introduces three new versions of chronographs with additional complications expanding its vast selection of chronographs by unveiling three variations of the 5204, 5905, and 5930 models that illustrate its expertise in the field of complications, particularly in the measurement of short times. The chronograph has always played a leading role amid the vast repertoire of Patek Philippe complicated watches.
Introducing: BA111OD Chapter 4.1 The Veblen Dilemma. Swiss Made Tourbillon Under 4,000 Swiss Francs.
Despite the use of a brand name that could’ve not been any worse —trying to convey the founder’s last name Baillod using a combination of letters and ones—, Chapter 4.1 The Veblen Dilemma is the latest from Swiss watch brand BA111OD. This Swiss-made tourbillon is offered under CHF 4,000 Swiss Francs —approximately $4,300 USD—, bringing a breath of fresh air to an overtly saturated industry where Swiss-made tourbillons are typically not available at a low price point.
News: GPHG 2021 Jury Announced and it Includes Halim Trujillo Founder of WCL
Today October 12, 2021 in Geneva, Switzerland the jury for the 2021 edition of the GPHG was officially announced. The GPHG jury is composed of 30 personalities from the world of art and watchmaking. The jury will be presided by its new president Nick Foulkes. This jury will determine the 2021 prize list. For the very first time the jury includes Halim Trujillo the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of our publication Watch Collecting Lifestyle.
Introducing: Angelus U53 Flying Tourbillon
Angelus continues to explore the endless possibilities of its diving models. The new Angelus U53 Flying Tourbillon is plunged into a sportsmanlike and contemporary shade of green. Its design and watchmaking vision can only be equaled by its technical features and high-level finishes —remarkable for a timepiece meant for diving in deep water.
Introducing: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon Gemset
Audemars Piguet presents a small series of six new Royal Oak Concept Flying Tourbillon models in white or pink gold glittering with an array of graded colored gemstones and diamonds, each offering unexpected and variegated plays of light. Haute Horlogerie meets Haute Joaillerie in these complex timepieces blending traditional techniques with avant-garde design. With their unique characters and surprising contrasts, these multifaceted pieces will be true statements when worn on the wrist.
News: Jaeger-LeCoultre Opens the Sound Maker Exhibition in New York City
Jaeger-LeCoultre celebrated its American debut of The Sound Maker exhibition this Monday, September 20th in New York City at 70-74 Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District. A fascinating display devoted to exploring the uniquely rich heritage of chiming watches at La Grande Maison, the experience was designed to immerse visitors in the creative and culture universe of Jaeger-LeCoultre.