Known to only produce tourbillon movements, the Swiss watchmaker Purnell is inspired by performance, precision and mechanical prowess, doubling down on its philosophy of bringing more future than past to watchmaking. In just a year since the brand’s introduction at Watches & Wonders Geneva 2020, Purnell has made its mark on the landscape of contemporary high watchmaking, not only with its unmistakable Spherion
Posts filed under Watches & Wonders
W&W 2021: Cartier Libre Baignoire Tortue and Cartier Libre Tortue Serpent
Every year, the Cartier Libre collection explores the Maison’s repertoire of signature-shaped watches. A candid look that revisits and shakes up codes, revealing the wealth of inspiration found in Cartier’s watchmaking repertoire of shapes through unique creations.
W&W 2021: Louis Cartier Tank and Tank Must. The Tank and the Must Fuse into One.
The Tank watch is Cartier elegance embodied, a pure and precise design, an uncompromising line. From its very creation in 1917, Louis Cartier made the distinct aesthetic choice of a rectangular shape, as opposed to the round watches of his generation. The Tank was already an avant-garde piece when launched and continues to be today. The two parallel brancards are its signature.
W&W 2021: Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art Tribute to Great Explorers
They evoke a time when the world had yet to be discovered. They retrace the famous epic journeys of the great 15th century explorers who braved the seas and oceans to discover distant horizons. Vacheron Constantin celebrates the spirit of adventure of Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama, and Pedro Álvares Cabral through a new series of three ten-piece limited editions, the Métiers d'Art Tribute to Great Explorers. Crafted in Grand Feu enamel, each dial depicts selected portions of a 1519 map from the Miller Atlas. These three masterpieces of miniaturization and expertise are driven by the Manufacture 1120 AT movement.
W&W 2021: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds Green. As Deep Green as the Vallée de Joux.
Created in the 1931 by Jaeger-LeCoultre as a convenient watch for polo players, the purpose of the Reverso was to be able to maintain the front of the watch protected during a polo match by virtue of swiveling and exposing a solid case back on the front. Its Art Deco lines and unique reversible case made it one of the most immediately recognizable watches of all time and a true icon in the world of horology.
W&W 2021: Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph ref. 5990/1R in Rose Gold
First released in 2014, the Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph ref. 5990 now appears cloaked in 18K rose gold and sporting a gorgeous blue dial. This amazing complication that features a chronograph with the Travel Time function that indicates the time in two different time zones at a single glance is fitted with the traditional Nautilus case now in rose gold measuring 40.5 mm in diameter. This new watch, combines two highly popular complications and features additional functions for enhanced everyday convenience. A new watch that for sure will give the Nautilus Chronograph 5980/1R a run for its money.
W&W 2021: Presenting the Hublot Big Bang Unico Yellow Magic
Following the release of the Hublot Big Bang Unico Red Magic in 2018, now comes a new iteration in yellow. The Hublot Big Bang Unico Yellow Magic invites you to enjoy the sunny side of life. Although yellow is a primary color that is abundant in nature, this color is still difficult and almost impossible to reproduce in a material such as ceramic. As a real accelerator of innovation, and thanks to its expertise, the Hublot Manufacture has achieved the impossible by creating the first bright yellow ceramic.
Eye Candy: Live Pictures of the New Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 White Gold
Three new versions of the American 1921 are presented to mark the 100th anniversary: two models in 18K white gold and a 100-piece limited edition from the Collection Excellence Platine, powered by the in-house manual-winding movement, Calibre 4400 AS. With its generous 28.50 mm diameter magnified by the transparency of the sapphire case back, this calibre is offset from its usual axis, while its imposing barrel ensures an approximately 65-hour —3-day— power reserve.
W&W 2021: Hublot Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Full Sapphire. Very Impressive to Say the Least.
It is true that sometimes less is more, perhaps a lot more. With the new Hublot Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Full Sapphire reference 455.JX.0120.JX, Hublot has taken its Art of Fusion to its ultimate conclusion. A new integral bracelet and case custom-made from sapphire: this feat affirms yet again the technical proficiency and the exceptional expertise that Hublot has acquired in the working of sapphire. For some, this will seem a natural development. For others, it will be a total disconnect. The final result is a little of each.
W&W 2021: Presenting the Hermès H08
Fully developed in-house, the new Hermès H08 is a new pillar collection for the brand. An everyday, all-terrain watch that embodies Creative Director Véronique Nichanian’s vision of the men’s universe. Light and travels easily for any experience. The design is a collaboration between Véronique, Pierre-Alexis Dumas —Artistic Director, Hermès—, and Philippe Delhotal —Artistic Director, Hermès Horloger. Created completely in-house, the new H08 features the manufacture H1837 movement.
W&W 2021: Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 Quadriptyque. Most Complicated Reverso Ever Made.
Without a doubt, the most impressive timepiece to come out of Watches & Wonders 2021 on day one. The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 is part of JLC’s Hybris Mechanica series of ground-breaking, ultra-complicated timepieces. A watch that took six years in the making, is the first watch in the world with four faces of timekeeping indications. The Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 is the result of over six years of development, combining key areas of savoir-faire at Jaeger-LeCoultre with innovative new astronomical indications.
W&W 2021: Tudor Black Bay Chrono with Black Aluminum Bezel Insert ref. 79360N
Since the launch in 1970 of the Oysterdate model, its first chronograph, Tudor has always produced watches that are closely tied to the world of motor sport. Since 1954, Tudor has likewise been constantly improving its professional divers’ watches. The Black Bay Chrono model combines these traditions in a sports chronograph for purists, with contrasting sub-counters and a high-performance automatic Manufacture Calibre, with column wheel and vertical clutch.
W&W 2021: Rolex Explorer Goes 36 mm ref. 124270, New Two-Tone Explorer ref. 124273 and a Movement Update on the Explorer II ref. 226570
Rolex is presenting the latest creations brought to life by its unique watchmaking expertise. Among these are the new-generation Explorer and Explorer II, watches that take us from the highest mountain peaks to the most isolated polar regions. Watches in the Explorer range have mastered the extreme frontiers of exploration: from mountain tops to the depths of caves, in the biting cold of the Arctic or the searing heat of volcanoes.
W&W 2021: Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Split Seconds Chrono Ultra-Thin Collection Excellence Platine
Mainly crafted from 950 platinum, the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Split Seconds Chrono Ultra-Thin Collection Excellence Platine is released in an individually numbered 15-piece limited series. Through its blend of elegant design and technical excellence, the Traditionnelle collection embodies the spirit of haute horlogerie cherished by Vacheron Constantin. Combining the refinement of its style, the prestige of platinum and the performance of in-house Calibre 3500, the new model Traditionnelle split-seconds chronograph ultra-thin Collection Excellence Platine immediately finds its natural place at the very pinnacle of this watch line.
W&W 2021: Presenting the Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers 'Planetaria' ref. 9820C
A highly technical single-piece edition, the Vacheron Constantin Armillary Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar ‘Planetaria’ watch stages sophisticated complications in a manner bearing a unique aesthetic signature. Equipped with a new Calibre 1991 in-house movement, this timepiece celebrates the astronomical function par excellence: the perpetual calendar with precision moon phases.
W&W 2021: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin in White Gold and Two Different Dials
For the very first time the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-thin is presented in 18K white gold with two different dial variants. A skeleton version and another with a blue lacquered dial and sunburst satin finish. It’s incredibly slim case with a 41.5 mm diameter and just 8.1 mm thick embodies an art of diversity reflected in the three interchangeable bracelet/straps delivered with each watch.
W&W 2021: Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 White Gold to Celebrate its 100th Anniversary (Live Pictures)
In 1921, Vacheron Constantin seized the powerful momentum of the Roaring Twenties to create a watch with an avant-garde design produced primarily for the American market. In 2021, the Maison is celebrating the 100th anniversary of this icon, with three new interpretations of the American 1921 model. A contemporary take on a legendary watch, honoring the visionary boldness of the Manufacture. These novelties presented at Watches & Wonders 2021, as well as the historical models epitomize the Maison’s ‘classic with a twist’ theme for 2021.
News: Greubel Forsey First Ever Integrated Bracelet on the GMT Sport
Taking the center stage for the first time on the GMT Sport, the distinctive Greubel Forsey bezel now subtly relieved of the relief engraved key values, takes on a completely new profile to flow with a brand new integrated bracelet, a first ever for the brand. With hand-finished horizontal straight-graining on top and the hand-polished contour and flanks taking on a soft yet striking new form, the bezel is beautifully refined, opening up the dial to attract even greater focus to the essential: the Greubel Forsey movement and hand-finishing, a characteristic of every timepiece.
News: Presenting the Cartier Ballon Bleu de Cartier New Size at 40 mm and New Dials
The Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch was created in 2007. Worn by both men and women alike, who appreciate its personality and comfort when worn, this piece has rapidly become a resounding success and a Cartier icon. Whether Fine Watchmaking models or jewelry versions, Ballon Bleu has inspired Cartier to create many different variants on metal bracelets or leather straps.
Breaking News: Watches & Wonders 2021 In-Person Event Cancelled. Another All-Digital Edition Coming Up.
In view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Watches and Wonders Geneva Exhibitor Committee has taken the decision not to hold the physical Salon that would have been held at the Palexpo, scheduled from April 7 to 13, 2021. An all-digital edition will be proposed on the same dates at watchesandwonders.com, where participating brands will be able to present their new watches for 2021 and interact directly with their audiences.
