Insider: Valbray Oculus Minotaurus Red Gold. Fitted with an Obturator System and a Pinball Maze.

Valbray is one of those independent Swiss watch companies that has gone above and beyond with their watch designs and has created very unique timepieces that are quite easy to identify thanks to their revolutionary obturator system —inspired by the diaphragm shutter in photographic cameras— that allows for the user to fully or partially close the dial with a micro-mechanism that is fitted in between the dial and the sapphire crystal. Valbray spent over two years of research and design and after tackling several challenges they finally perfected it and registered its first patent in 2010. The Valbray Oculus Minotaurus ref. VR03W featured here, not only features the revolutionary obturaror system but also a pinball tridimensional maze on its dial that gets its inspiration from the enigmatic theme of the labyrinth and the Minotaur from the Greek mythology. If you were born in the 70s, you probably had several of these pinball maze games to entertain yourself.

The obturator system is composed of 16 extra thin blades, entirely integrated in a rotating bezel measuring only 43 mm in diameter and 7 mm in width. The diaphragm opens and closes by slowly sliding the blades on each other on a constant and regular circular shape. Protected by three layers of ultra technical coating, they maintain their elasticity and color and resistance to rubbing. At the maximum aperture of the bezel, the blades completely disappear, releasing a different underlying dial measuring 30 mm in diameter, while at the minimum aperture, only the central pinion and the hands are visible right above the diaphragm when fully closed. The bezel is waterproof and requires no button or bar to be operated. The entire system is thoroughly hidden, completely independent of the watch movement and is activated manually by turning the bidirectional bezel. This innovative system makes the Valbray timepieces interactive and intriguing at the same time.

The Valbray Oculus Minotaurus is fitted with a very generous black PVD stainless steel case with 18K 5N Red gold bezel —bezel also available in white gold— measuring 43 mm in diameter and featuring alternating satin-brushed finished and highly polished areas. The dial on this new timepiece released at Baselworld 2014 features a very interesting multilayer design fitted with a tridimensional pinball maze. The maze is finished in matte gold and accentuated by the white ceramic pinball, the skeletonized hour and minute hands with black tips and a highly contrasting red seconds hand. Now, for those of you concerned with the quality of the timepiece per the look of the hands in these pictures, it is important to mention that we photographed a prototype and not the final watch. Based on other Valbray timepieces we have perused in the past, we are confident that the final product will be immaculately finished. The case back is finely engraved with the iconic Minotaur and the limited edition information, which in this case is limited to 77 pieces.

Now, let's share some interesting Greek mythology for those of you wondering what the maze has to do with the Minotaur. Well, according to the legend, the maze of Knossos was built by the King Minos of Crete to imprison the Minotaur —a fabulous monster with the body of a man and the head of a bull. Once construction has been completed, the building was such a tangle of streets, theaters and galleries, that even his engineer Daedalus and his son Icarus found themselves prisoners into the inside. Each year, the city of Athens, under the rules of Minos, had to offer in sacrifice seven Athenians boys and seven girls to the Minotaur, who was eating humans. Until the day Theseus, son of the King of Athens, killed the Minotaur and managed to find the way out of the maze, thanks to the thread given by Arianne —the daughter of Minos—, which he used to scroll along the way. As you can see in these pictures, the level of detail and depth on the maze is remarkable.

The rotating bezel in 18K 5N Red gold is very solid and finished with a satin-brushed finish on the top and highly polished around the edges. The bezel features deep diagonal teeth making it very easy to grip and turn. The black flange around the dial features gold engraved markers that help round out the overall design of the watch in conjunction with its black PVD case. The crown is nicely finished replicating the diagonal teeth on the bezel and also finished in black PVD stainless steel.

The watch is fitted with a black alligator strap with pin buckle in black PVD stainless steel and 18K 5N Red gold insert with the Valbray logo. The strap is elegantly finished with black stitching and is also very supple and comfortable. The beating heart powering the Oculus Minotaurus is the Valbray automatic movement with 21 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 42 hours when fully wound.

On the wrist, the watch wears slightly bigger than its actual size and quite comfortably. The wrist presence is extremely unique and this is a watch that for sure will get a lot of attention from other watchlifestylers. Now, if you have children, be prepared to have them ask for your watch every time you put it on so that they can entertain themselves like you used to in the old days.

Sticker Price 13,700 CHF ex VAT. For more info on Valbray click here.

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Other Brands, Valbray and tagged Valbray Minotaurus Red Gold Valbray Oculus Minotaurus Valbray ref. VR03W Most Popular.

Insider: Christophe Claret Maestoso. A Timepiece with Detent Escapement, Constant Force and Actual Precious Rubies on its Movement.

In the old days, watch movements were fitted with precious rubies to reduce the friction and wear on certain key metal components in them. Today, those precious rubies have been commonly replaced by manufactures by synthetic rubies that do the work, but that don't look merely as beautiful. The new Christophe Claret Maestoso ref. MTR.DTC07.000-020 presented at Baselworld 2014, is actually one of the few watches in the market that features actual precious rubies on its fascinating movement.

News: A. Lange & Söhne Sponsors the 'Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este'. A Special Unique Piece of the Lange 1 Time Zone was Created for the Competition.

With the glamour of the 20s, this will be the third time that A. Lange & Söhne supports the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. In 2014, this exclusive competition of classic cars and visionary concept designs will evoke the atmosphere of “The Roaring Twenties”. The owner of the most elegant car will win a unique timepiece from A. Lange & Söhne. The 85th edition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este will be held in Cernobbio, Italy from May 23rd thru 25th, 2014. A. Lange & Söhne takes the stage as sponsor of this traditional competition that celebrates the motor car as design icon and art object. The theme of this year’s event, “The Great Gatsby”, promises to conjure up the glittering atmosphere of the “Roaring Twenties”, setting the scene in front of the impressive backdrop of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and its landscaped grounds on the shores of Lake Como. The lavish aesthetics underlying the Hollywood film versions of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s celebrated 1925 novel constitute the basis for the supporting events and the choice of vehicles. The programme will be rounded off by a special exhibition to mark the 110th anniversary of the Rolls-Royce brand and the “100 years of Maserati” jubilee.

In the view of A. Lange & Söhne CEO Wilhelm Schmid, the Concorso d’Eleganza represents a logical complement to the brand’s commitment to the cultural field and he mentions: "Both the automobile sector and fine watchmaking have marked historically important milestones in the development of technology and design that creates interesting cross-connections which make this event so attracive to our customers". A. Lange & Söhne has created an individual special model of the Lange 1 Time Zone for the competition. Its hand-engraved case back in white gold displays the competition's coat of arms.

On the city ring of this time-zone watch, central European time is represented by the town of Como. Wilhelm Schmid will present this unique watch to the winner of the 'Best of Show' category at the award ceremony on May 25th, 2014.

For more info on A. Lange & Söhne click here.

Posted on April 20, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under A Lange Sohne, Automobiles and tagged Concorse d'Eleganza Villa d'Este A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 Time Zone 2014.

Experience: Smythson of Bond Street Leather Card Case. Classic and Functional as a Rolex GMT Master ref. 1675 Pepsi.

Smythson of Bond Street is one of the leading names in the luxury leather goods industry around the world and an icon in the UK. Smythson of Bond Street was established in 1887 and is the proud holder of three Royal warrants, granted by Her Majesty The Queen in 1964, HRH The Prince of Wales in 1980, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1987 and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in 2002. While holding The Queen Mother's Warrant, Smythson was one of only eight companies in the world to hold all four warrants simultaneously. Royal Warrants are a mark of recognition given to companies or individuals that have supplied goods or services for at least five years to the households of the British Royal Family. As users of the most functional and classic pigskin card case, we can attest that their quality, design and craftsmanship is exceptional.

This beautiful black pigskin card case gets its inspiration from an early card case launched by Smythson back in 1925 and described in their catalogue at the time as 'perfectly finished and available in the finest leather'. At that time the card case was fitted with a thin sterling silver mount on the border of the top cover and embossed with gold foil lettering.

Today, the current model of their card case features a simple, functional and durable design that catches the eyes of other watchlifestylers every time we pull it out to hand out one of our business cards. Measuring only 4" tall by 2.75" wide, the card case is light, sturdy but not too bulky at less than 0.5" at its thickest point.

Besides its functionality and design, something else we love about this card case is how discreet the Smythson of Bond Street branding was done. The branding is only visible as you pull the top cover off to take out one of your business cards. This is a nice and elegant touch that gets enhanced even more, if your business cards happen to have silver foiling.

This elegant Smythson of Bond Street card case is as functional as that Rolex GMT Master ref. 1675 Pepsi you've been wanting to buy for months. The best part about Smythson leather goods, is how exclusive they are and how only a very few watchlifestylers will be pulling out one of these cases out of their bespoke suit pockets.

If you are walking around New Bond Street in London or 57th Street in New York City, make sure to pay them a visit and look at all their leather goods selection that includes everything from bags, wallets, card holders and cases, leather accessories, books, diaries and even some amazing chess sets and watch boxes.

Sticker Price £115. For more info on Smythson click here.

Posted on April 19, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Fashion & Style, Rolex and tagged Smythson of Bond Street Smythson Card Case Rolex GMT Master ref. 1675 Pepsi 2014.

Insider: HYT H1 Alumen Blue. Far From Conventional and One of Our Favorite Watches from Baselworld 2014.

This year at Baselworld 2014, we perused and reviewed almost a hundred new timepieces; however, this new HYT H1 Alumen Blue ref. 148-AB-31-GF-RU happens to be one of our favorite watches this year because of its unique case material, finish and color combination.

The new HYT Alumen Blue is fitted with an ALUN 316B composite case that is shot-peened and satin-finished measuring 48.8 mm in diameter and 17.9 mm in thickness, a screw-down rubber clad screw-lock crown a titanium black DLC dome at 6 o'clock, a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and a black rubber strap with titanium pin buckle. The finish of the case is so unique that you need to touch one to fully understand what we mean.

Just like all other HYT watches, the HYT H1 Alumen Blue tells time with their advanced hydromechanical system that consists of two flexible reservoirs fixed to each end of a capillary at 6 o'clock. In one of the reservoirs there is an aqueous liquid filled with fluorescein, and in the other, a transparent viscous liquid. While the first reservoir compresses, the second expands, and the other way round, resulting in the movement of the liquid in the capillary. As the hours go by, the fluorescent liquid advances. The meniscus, in the shape of a half moon, marks the breaking point with the other fluid in the tube, indicating the time. At 6 o'clock, the fluorescent liquid comes back to its original position, going backwards. But what is the secret that gets the reservoirs going? Two bellows made of a highly resistant, flexible electro-deposited alloy, each driven by a piston. And this is where watchmaking comes in to activate the system.

Equipped with green fluid to indicate the hours, the watch features a blue ALUN 316B hour dial with white indexes and Arabic numerals, a blue ALUN 316B minute regulator dial at 12 o'clock with luminescent markers and grey minute hand with luminescent material, a small seconds black turbine-shaped wheel between 9 and 10 o'clock and a 65-hour power reserve indicator between 2 and 3 o'clock.

The HYT is fitted with the exclusive manual-wound HYT calibre 101 that provides a power reserve of 65 hours when fully wound and which is fully visible via the display case back. As it is the norm with HYT timepieces, the calibre is a real treat for the eyes and just spectacular.

The HYT H1 Alumen Blue is a limited edition watch that only 50 lucky watchlifestylers will get to enjoy. As expected, on the wrist, the watch wears very light due to the aluminum composite but with very strong and immaculate wrist presence.

If you are far from conventional, if you don't like following others and you like to set yourself apart through the timepieces you choose to wear, then this 'haute horlogerie' piece is just perfect for you. One thing we can assure you, is that while wearing this timepiece you are sending a very clear message to the world: "I like 'haute horlogerie' and I can afford it."

Sticker Price $69,000 USD. For more info on HYT click here.

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under HYT and tagged HYT H1 Alumen Blue ref. 148-AB-31-GF-RU HYT Calibre 101 2014.

Insider: Konstantin Chaykin Decalogue Luah Shana. Russian Watchmaking at its Finest with a Special Jewish Focus.

Konstantin Chaykin is an independent manufacture established in Moscow, Russia lead by its founder Konstantin Chaykin, whom about 10 years ago discovered a passion for watchmaking in St. Petersburg. Konstantin began his watchmaking career repairing and restoring clocks and watches, and after finally mastering the intricacies of creating watch movements he decided to launch his own line of timepieces with unique concepts and intricate in-house movements. The watches, completely Russian made, stay true to Konstantin's ideas, beliefs and mastery in watchmaking. Today, Konstantin Chaykin runs his own manufacture and has registered over 10 patents for his innovative movements and inventions. This is a unique achievement for such a young watchmaker who is famous for the complex movements he has developed, especially for his astronomical clock ‘Resurrection’ with Easter calendar, the Lunokhod watch and the 'Carpe Diem'. Konstantin, is also the only Russian watchmaker who has become a member of the 'Academie Horlogere Des Createurs Independants'. Something very interesting about this manufacture, is their ability to create custom unique pieces on-demand, where the clients even get to participate in the development and creation of that unique timepiece.

Before we go into the details of this fascinating timepiece called 'Decalogue Luah Shana', we want to keep very clear that our publication is not associated to any specific religion, spiritual belief or creed. As we have said it before, we will continue to talk about timepieces that we feel are worth talking about, even if they are not Swiss made or if they happen to be specifically designed for the followers of an specific religion or creed. Therefore, in this instance, we will be talking about an exceptional timepiece that has been designed by Konstantin Chaykin specifically for Jewish consumers and that brings his finest Russian watchmaking to the table. May we now present you the fascinating Konstantin Chaykin Decalogue Luah Shana fitted with a movement specifically invented and created to turn the hour and minute hands counterclockwise and that was inspired by the complexity and astronomical precision of the Jewish calendar.

The Decalogue Luah Shana is the new iteration of the 'Decalogue' timepiece and it's available in stainless steel or 18K white gold fitted with a generous round case measuring 42 mm in diameter and featuring a manual-wound reverse movement system with a power reserve of 48 hours and fitted with 17 jewels. The round case is superbly finished with alternating satin-brushed and high-polished areas and is properly rounded out by the delicately finished winding crown that is just like a cherry on top of a cake. The case band features a small and discreet corrector for the moon phase at 1 o'clock and the overall look of the watch is very well balanced and extremely elegant.

This elegant watch features an ruthenium dial with two overlapping circles and three different guilloché finishes including vertical columns that are supposed to resemble the columns on the Temple of Salomon. At the top of the dial, right under the 'Clous de Paris' guilloché pattern, there is an hour/minutes off-centered subdial with applied letters from the Jewish alphabet that are meant to be read from left to right as the hands move in counterclockwise direction. Towards the center of the dial, there is a moon phase aperture and underneath it right at 6 o'clock, there is a half moon circle displaying the days of the moon phases in reverse order topped by two columns with ten Aramaic letters carefully engraved and which reproduce the two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments —Decalogue— given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai on the fiftieth day after the Exodus from Egypt.

Fitted with an elegant black alligator strap with pin buckle, the watch features a display case back that allows for full view of the beautifully finished manual-wound reverse movement featuring 'Côtes de Genève', an appliqué with Konstantin Chaykin's logo and a gorgeous blue engraved 'Star of David' —Magen David— on the ratchet wheel. The movement also shows some its jewels in gold chatons and some perlage underneath the balance wheel. Around the bottom part of the case back, one can find more Hebrew letters that are nicely engraved.

On the wrist, the watch wears slightly bigger than its actual size and with very strong wrist presence. If you are wearing this watch, regardless of your religious beliefs, be prepared to have many inquisitive watchlifestylers ask you about it. This is for sure a watch with a very nice story behind and definitely a very unique conversation timepiece.

Sticker Price 23,900 Euro for 18K White Gold, 16,500 Euro for Stainless Steel. For more info on Konstantin Chaykin click here.

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Other Brands, Konstantin Chaykin and tagged Konstantin Chaykin Decalogue Luah Shana.

Insider: Girard-Perregaux Chrono Hawk Hollywoodland. Perfectly Suited for a Night at the Chinese Theatre.

Girard-Perregaux celebrates the art of cinema with a special edition of the Hawk Collection with the Chrono Hawk Hollywoodland special edition. This special timepiece highlights once again Girard Perregaux’s passion for the cinema, and its engagement to celebrate movies. The all-new Chrono Hawk Hollywoodland features a black ceramic case measuring 44 mm in diameter and 15.4 mm in thickness with a gleaming satin-brushed 18K rose gold bezel. The watchmakers pay playful homage to Hollywood with a keen eye toward the materials they used with alternating matte and gloss finishes accentuating the relief carving of the case.

The cream color dial works features a honeycomb pattern that is accentuated by its black counters carved in relief, its black flange, a date aperture at 6, a running seconds register at 3 o'clock and its rose gold applied markers with luminescent material. The chronograph functions are traditional but its performance is pervasive, fitted with rectangular pushers and a 30-minute register at 9 o'clock. The finish of the dial is strikingly beautiful and extremely sporty, all perfectly visible via the anti-reflective treated sapphire crystal on this watch.

The beating heart inside the Girard-Perregaux Chrono Hawk Hollywoodland is the automatic movement Girard-Perregaux calibre GP03300-0073 that is fully visible via the display case back. The calibre features 61 jewels and provides a power reserve of 46 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph. The movement is nicely finished with Côtes de Genève and perlage.

The Chrono Hawk Hollywoodland, of course, was designed in tribute to Hollywood with a dream of a watch paying fealty to the industry that makes dreams spring vividly to life. This timepiece also highlights the Brand’s commitment to celebrate movies as in 2012 Girard-Perregaux announced it would be the Exclusive Timekeeper and a Founding Supporter of the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, to be located in Los Angeles. On the wrist, the watch wears very comfortably thanks to its technological rubber base coated with black alligator and folding buckle in PVD titanium with ceramic cover. If you are ready to spend an spectacular night at the Chinese Theatre this is a watch that is perfectly suited for that crazy night in the heart of Hollywood.

Sticker Price 20,300 CHF ex VAT. For more info on Girard-Perregaux click here.

Posted on April 16, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Girard-Perregaux and tagged Girard-Perregaux Hawk Chrono Hollywoodland Girard-Perregaux ref. 49970-34-132-BB6A 2014.

News: Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane 'Revolución'. Celebrating Three Iconic Latin American Revolutionaries.

Yesterday, we brought you the news regarding Jean-Frederic Dufour departing Zenith to join Rolex as the CEO. Today, we bring you these three new amazing Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane 'Revolución' Limited Edition timepieces that were just released by Zenith to celebrate three of the most iconic revolutionaries from Latin America.

These three new watches are only available in an exceptional three-piece limited edition that can be purchased individually or as a box-set with all three references included. Like all the watches in the line, the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane 'Revolución' stands out immediately from the rest of the Zenith collection. The open dial architecture gives pride of place to the movement, making it possible to see and admire the three original mechanisms: the barrel with fusée-chain transmission appearing between 10:30 and 1:30 on the dial, the gravity control gyroscopic module that shows an entirely hand-crafted micro-painting depiction of the Southern hemisphere and the high-frequency regulator at 6 o’clock.

The incredible technicality of this timepiece also stems from intensive aesthetic research calling upon the talents of the best craftsmen, whose skills Zenith is committing to maintaining. The three gold subdials —hours/minutes at 12, small seconds at 9 and power reserve at 4 o’clock— have been finely guilloché and then enameled, equipped with blued steel hands reflecting the finest watchmaking traditions and screwed to the plate with blued steel screws. The plate has been hollowed out to fit the shape of the dials and the gyroscopic module. On the remaining super-light structure, five stars including Zenith’s, have been carved in relief and coated in midnight blue varnish. In parallel, the decor of the gravity control system’s counterweight shows an entirely hand-crafted micro-painting depiction of the Southern hemisphere.

On the case-back, the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane 'Revolución' has three big surprises in store. As its name indicates, the timepiece is available in three versions paying tribute to three iconic revolutionaries from Latin America: Simón Bolívar, Ernesto “Che” Guevara and Emiliano Zapata. These are veritable miniature paintings produced by the best craftsmen with the help of a sophisticated system of gold appliques fixed directly onto the movement.

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On the first model, fitted with a 950 Platinum case, there is a white gold portrait of the Venezuelan general and politician, Simón Bolívar —'Libertador' of the Americas— to the left of the counterweight of the gyroscopic module depicting the Southern hemisphere. Above him also in white gold, is his sword, and to the right of the counterweight are his pistols. In the background he is riding a white horse that one can see is prancing. Finely carved and painted by hand, these details are achieved with the utmost delicacy and under a microscope.

On the back of the second model fitted with an 18K Pink Gold case, there is a white gold portrait of Ernesto Guevara, known as the “Che”, wearing his famous beret with a star. This Argentinian, who was one of the men behind the Cuban revolution, is standing proudly above the counterweight of the gyroscopic module, while, on both sides, his followers are depicted brandishing their guns. The characters are in gold and carved by hand, while the details of the Cuban flag, on the left, and the ocean with the island of Cuba, in the top right hand corner, were painted under a microscope.

The back of the third model fitted with an 18K Yellow Gold case, catches the eye with its reference to the Mexican Revolutionary art movement, with bright colors surrounding a white gold portrait of a 'calavera' horse and his rider astride the gyroscopic module. On the bottom right, a cactus sits opposite the white gold portrait of the iconic Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata on the left side of the gyroscopic module. To round out the design of this particular model, ancient Aztec iconography was added around the top right side corner. Here too, this exceptional work on the tiniest details was done under a microscope. Completely hand-finished by skilled craftsmen, these extraordinarily delicate adornments transform the three Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane 'Revolución' into authentic collector’s items.

To make this limited edition even more special, Zenith decided to fit them with a very special presentation box. The three timepieces composing the Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane 'Revolución' edition are presented in a mahogany box adorned with corner trims and an ox-bone lock. The effigies of the three characters after which the models are named are silk screened onto a piece of papyrus embedded in the cover. Additionally, this exceptionally created box can be transformed into a very exclusive cigar humidor that can accommodate up to 200 cigars.

Sticker Price $419,000 USD for each reference. For more info on Zenith click here.

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Technical Specifications Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane 'Revolución' Edition

Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Revolución Tribute to Simón Bolívar ref. 40.2213.8805/36.C714 950 Platinum case on Black alligator leather strap with 18-carat white gold triple-blade folding clasp.

Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Revolución Tribute to 'Che' Guevara ref. 18.2214.8805/36.C713 18K Pink Gold case on Brown alligator leather strap with 18K pink gold triple-blade folding clasp.

Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Revolución Tribute to Emiliano Zapata ref. 34.2210.8805/36.C713 18K Yellow Gold case on Brown alligator leather strap with 18K yellow gold triple-blade folding clasp.

Case: 950 platinum, 18K Pink Gold and 18K Yellow Gold respectively with a diameter of 45 mm and a thickness of 21.80 mm with a cambered sapphire crystal with glare-resistant treatment on both sides, protective domes for the gyroscopic module.

Dial: Enameled 'champlevé' gold dials with blued hands.

Movement: El Primero manual wound Calibre 8805 composed of 939 parts, 53 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 50 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 36,000 vph.

Water resistance: 30 meters.

Posted on April 15, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Zenith, News and tagged Zenith Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane 'Revolución' Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Revolución Tribute to 'Che' Guevara Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Revolución Tribute to Emiliano Zapata Academy Christophe Colomb Hurricane Revolución Tribute to Simón Bolívar 2014.

Breaking News: Jean-Frédéric Dufour CEO of Zenith Manufacture Departs. Appointed Today New CEO for Rolex SA Replacing Gian Riccardo Marini.

Photo: Jean-Frédéric Dufour at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève 2013. ©GPHG.org

Earlier today April 14, 2014, we heard the news from watch industry-insider Gregory Pons via his website Business Montres, that Rolex had announced to their employees that Jean-Frédéric Dufour —former CEO of Zenith— had been appointed as the new CEO of Rolex SA. With this strategic move, Dufour will be replacing Gian Riccardo Marini who had been the CEO leading Rolex SA since May 3, 2011. Dufour now becomes the sixth CEO that Rolex SA has ever had since its founding more than a century ago in 1905 by Hans Wildorf.

Up until now, Jean-Frédéric Dufour —45 years old— had been the Chief Executive Officer and President of Zenith Manufacture of LVMH since June 2009 and the Managing Director of Maison Ruinart at LVMH since September 15, 2011. Dufour joined LVMH after being heavily immersed in different areas of the business at several renowned watch manufactures including Chopard, Swatch Group and Ulysse Nardin. A graduate from the University of Genèva, he is now the leader of one of the top watch groups in the world.

Based in Genèva, Rolex is today not only one of the leading brands in the Swiss watchmaking industry but also a company that enjoys unparalleled reputation worldwide for its watchmaking quality and know-how. Its Oyster watches, all certified chronometers for their precision, are symbols of excellence and elegance, performance and prestige. The firm pioneered the wristwatch as early as 1905, and is at the origin of numerous major innovations that have marked the history of contemporary watchmaking. Among them the Oyster, born in 1926, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, and self-winding via the Perpetual rotor introduced in 1931. The brand has filed more than 400 patents in the course of its history.

So far, neither Rolex or Zenith have confirmed the news. For more information on Rolex click here and on Zenith here.

Posted on April 14, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Rolex & Tudor and tagged Zenith CEO Jean-Frederic Dufour Zenith LVMH 2014.

News: Richard Mille RM38-01 Tourbillon G-Sensor Bubba Watson. Limited Edition of 50 Pieces.

After the success of the Richard Mille Limited Edition RM 038 Golfer’s Tourbillon released in 2011, Richard Mille has undertaken the development of yet another specific tourbillon watch for Bubba Watson with added functionality to complement his powerful drives on the course. The result is the RM 38-01 Tourbillon G-Sensor Bubba Watson, a timepiece that combines a patented G-sensor with a tourbillon mechanism, thus providing new insights for golfers during their game. The mechanical G-sensor, a Richard Mille world first containing more than 50 moving parts within a mere 17mm, allows the user to see the accumulated motion of their swing in G’s. The sensor, placed under 12 o’clock, is able to record the force generated by a golfer’s swing, specifically during the last segment. Now, this new watch is not the watch that Bubba Watson was wearing while playing The Masters this weekend and while winning his second green jacket at this tournament. Instead, Bubba was wearing the Richard Mille RM038 released in 2011.

In reality this means that the RM 38-01 can record up to 20-G’s of acceleration, a very important insight for golfers such as Bubba Watson, renowned for his ability to hit a ball at more than 310 kilometers per hour. Resetting the sensor back to zero for the following swing is done by simply pressing the aerodynamically formed pusher at 9:00 once.

The G-sensor mechanism is integrated into the heart of a manual winding tourbillon movement calibre RM38-01 which provides a 48-hour power reserve when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph. The movement is a technological marvel with its highly skeletonized, asymmetrical flying bridges and plates machined from grade 5 titanium with PVD treatment. The display case back allows for full view of the movement that almost resembles the grooves on the sweet spot of a golf clubface.

On looking at the RM 38-01 Bubba Watson, one’s attention is immediately drawn to the unique green case —Bubba’s favorite color— which upon closer examination again demonstrates the mastery and insight of Richard Mille in the revolutionary application of industrial materials for 21st century watchmaking. Additionally, the watch also features a crown cap with the unmistakeable dimples and glossy finish of a golf ball.

The front and back bezels of the tripartite case measuring 42.70 x 49.94 x 16.15 mm are created in TZP-G, a ceramic class of material based on microscopic tubes of alumina oxide powder injected with green colorant at a pressure of 2,000 bars. This is followed by a long and difficult machining and grinding process with diamond tooling in order to obtain the exact complex curves and arcs typical of Richard Mille’s designs. The result is a material that offers 20-30% more stiffness in comparison to traditional ceramics. These qualities make this the ideal material for a bezel that is commonly highly exposed to impact. In the last stage, the material is then delicately worked in order to create an attractive matte surface finish and further complemented with a central caseband in grade 5 titanium molded with white rubber, thus providing comfort and lightness for the user under all conditions. The tripartite case is water resistant to 50 meters, ensured by two Nitril O-ring seals and it is assembled using 20 grade 5 titanium spline screws and abrasion-resistant washers in 316L stainless steel.

Released in an edition of 50 pieces worldwide, the RM 38-01 Tourbillon G-sensor Bubba Watson provides all golfers with new insights about the strength of their swing and thus allows them to better adapt the power of their technique accordingly to the playing requirements of each course they compete on. It represents the perfect synthesis of haute horlogerie with 21st century innovation, comfort and usefulness for today’s golf enthusiasts worldwide.

Sticker Price $820,000 USD. For more info on Richard Mille click here.

Posted on April 13, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Richard Mille and tagged Richard Mille RM38-01 Tourbillon G-Sensor Bubba Watson 2014.

Experience: Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale. This Year's Special Car at Baselworld 2014.

Last year we presented you a beautiful Rolls Royce Phantom that was our car highlight during Baselworld 2013. This year at Baselworld 2014, we were greeted by a special Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale that was parked right outside the media center. This particular Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale’s refined design is the ideal synthesis of aerodynamics and style: the marque’s distinctive radiator grille between the two front light units, is topped by a carbon fiber engine hood with its aggressive central air intake and two side air vents, derived from those used on the race-track GranTurismo MC Trofeo. Although conceived as a road car, the GranTurismo MC Stradale is as exciting and powerful as a racing car, all thanks to its powerful flat 4.7 liter V8 engine with 460hp at 7,000 rpm.

While the GranTurismo offers five electronic handling modes, the MC Stradale has three: Auto, Sport and the exclusive “MC Race”. This setup is unique to this model, and is activated by pressing the “Race” button on the dashboard. This is all it takes to make the car even more aggressive and sporty, and the six-speed gearbox allows lightning-fast gear shifts in just 60 milliseconds. The setting of the MC Stradale’s suspensions is 10 mm lower and they have been conceived and developed with the aid of racetrack technology. The springs and dampers have been stiffened to restrict lateral load transfers, while the stabilizer bar diameter has been increased from 24 to 25 mm at the front and from 21 to 23 mm at the rear to reduce the roll angle and gradient and optimize handling. Subjected to the most severe testing on the most famous circuits, the Brembo braking system with carbon-ceramic discs weighs around 60% less than the traditional system with steel discs. The front is equipped with 380 x 34 mm ventilated discs, operated by a powerful six-piston caliper. The rear disks measure 360 x 32 mm, with a four-piston caliper. The stopping distance is just 33 meters at 100 km/h, with an average deceleration of 1.2 g.

The unmistakable roar that emerges from the exhaust tailpipes makes this engine’s thrust and elasticity felt at once, while its throaty baritone is underlined by the permanent opening of the by-pass valves in Race mode. On the rear the tailpipes and the carbon fiber trunk spoiler are the perfect combination for a super car and a racing machine like this.

While retaining all the characteristics of a fast, powerful, lightweight “street legal” racing car in its genes, the new GranTurismo MC Stradale delivers the same levels of comfort and spaciousness as the other models in the GranTurismo range: for the first time, a restyled four-seater interior is combined with the racing-derived exquisite aerodynamic lines and high-tech solutions. The new racing-style seats with integral headrest are designed to offer the best driving position and a high level of lateral restraint, together with unbeatable comfort. Soft Poltrona Frau leather is combined with a central section with a special Alcantara finish, designed to set the pulses racing. Fine stitching around the edges of the backrest highlights the exquisite craftsmanship of the seats. To convey the unmistakable “feel” of a racing-car interior, lavish use of Alcantara is extended to a wide variety of zones, from the central console to the doors and the instrument panel brow, all with exquisite ornamental stitching. The racing connotations are also emphasized by the Nero Soft finish used on the trims, including the special bezel underneath the front seat headrests.

Sticker Price $153,000 USD. For more info on Maserati click here.

Posted on April 13, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Automobiles, Baselworld and tagged Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale Baselworld 2014.

Budget Watches: New Seven Friday M1 Watch. The Traveling Watch Prototype We Woke Up With and Brought to Chicago With Us.

Since today is Friday, why not post the history behind this new Seven Friday M1 watch presented at Basel a couple of weeks ago. As you probably can imagine, the parties and after-parties during the week of Baselworld can get a little intense and out of control. Even when our friends from Seven Friday didn't have a booth or pavilion at Baselworld 2014, they did throw a great party kitty-corner from the main exhibition hall at the Fair & Square Restaurant right next door to the Swissôtel and brought with them some novelties.

Seven Friday is a brand that in a little bit over a year, has quickly become a very interesting 'watch phenomena' thanks to their viral marketing efforts and their huge solid fan base on Instagram. While we are not huge Seven Friday fans because of their use of automatic Japanese Miyota movements, we do have to say that we love their designs and that we find their watches very appealing and very reasonably priced. If you want a cool, inexpensive mechanical watch, look no further.

If you follow us on Instagram, you probably have already read the crazy story behind this prototype of the new Seven Friday M1 watch we are featuring here. Now, if you don't follow us on Instagram, you then need to go there and follow us, but regardless, here's the full story for you.

Upon our arrival at the Seven Friday party during Baselworld 2014, a good friend that represents the brand in the U.S. strapped this prototype of the new Seven Friday M1 to our right wrist. After several rounds of drinks, tons of collective wristshots with our good friends from Watch-Anish, MCT Manufacture Contemporaine du Temps, SLYDE, Icebox Diamonds & Watches, Seven Friday USA and even Seven Friday Mexico —represented by 'Los Hermanos Coraje' as we like to call them—, a food feast at a delicious Indian Restaurant and a very long train ride back to Zürich, we woke up the next morning with the watch still on our wrist. Here are some pics that should sum up the crazy night.

After contacting our friend to inform him about the watch that came with us the night before, he said: "just keep it", little did he know that what we had on the wrist was the prototype for the new Seven Friday M1. A day later, as we are heading back to Chicago and we are riding the tram between terminals at Zürich's airport, we were approached by two gentleman from Singapore asking us how we had gotten the new Seven Friday M1. We shared with them the crazy story behind the watch and we proceeded to take one of our usual collective wrist shots to celebrate the encounter.

To make a long story short, we landed in Chicago with the watch still on and surprised by a voice mail from Seven Friday asking for the watch back. Finally, after posting a few pictures of the watch on our Instagram and after taking some very close and personal pictures for our readers, we shipped the prototype of the new Seven Friday M1 back to its rightful owner. These macro shots should give you an excellent idea of what this new watch looks like and what they have in store for you later this year. One thing we love about this new model is that the hours, minutes and seconds are indicated by rotating discs with their respective apertures and with no hands at all. Nicely done Seven Friday!

Lastly, here's the picture that we took of the watch inside our Porsche that ended up circling the globe around Instagram after several watch blogs reposted it. Unfortunately, the guys from Seven Friday Venezuela felt it was OK to repost our picture without giving us photo credit and created a whole mess between us and some very close friends that reposted the image without knowing it was ours. Fortunately all is good now but remember, credit to whom credit is due.

Sticker Price Approximately $1,600 USD. For more info on Seven Friday click here.

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Other Brands, Seven Friday, Budget Watches and tagged Seven Friday M1.

Baselworld 2014: Arnold & Son CTB. A True Beat Seconds Chronograph. Live Pictures and Pricing.

The new Arnold & Son CTB —Chronograph True Beat— ref. 1CHAS.S02A.C121SCTB features an in-house mechanical movement with a true beat seconds chronograph. Fitted with a highly polished generous case measuring 44 mm in diameter in stainless steel or 18K rose gold, the magnificent Arnold & Son CTB represents the brand's second chronograph where a central true beat seconds hand and a central chronograph seconds hand had been incorporated on the same axis but with different jumping intervals —a huge technical challenge to have both functions operating from the central pinion.

This new watch featuring a subsidiary hour/minutes dial at 12 and a subsidiary running seconds register at 6 o'clock is fitted with a true beat seconds 60-minute chronograph a.k.a dead beat seconds which is a precision function wherein the seconds beat incrementally as opposed to sweeping along the dial, thus allowing for more accurate reading. To accomplish this function Arnold & Son has taken the idea to new heights by incorporating the true beat seconds on the same axis as the chronograph seconds hand. The result, when the continually running chronograph hand is started, is visually amazing. It gives the impression that it can catch up to the true beat seconds hand, but this never happens since the true beat seconds hand jumps away each second in a delightful and entrancing game of cat and mouse. The stainless steel timepiece is offered with a light-grey and silvery opaline dial while the 18K rose gold model features a more off-white dial. The dial has a complex multi-level structure with at least three different finishes that offer breathtaking depth and dimension.

The A&S7103 automatic calibre is a proprietary movement with column-wheel operated chronograph and is fully visible via the display case back. The 31-jewel movement beats at 28,800 vph and offers more than 50 hours of power reserve when fully wound. Each movement is NAC grey treated and meticulously completed in Haute Horlogerie finishing with hand-chamfered bridges with polished edges, fine circular graining and Côtes de Genève rayonnantes, brushed and skeletonized rotor, and screws with bevelled and mirror-polished heads.

The movement is configured to give optimum balance and beauty to the dial, with off-centered hour and minutes at 12 o'clock, big central true beat seconds and central chronographs seconds and 60-minutes chronograph indicator at 6 o'clock. While the winding crown and pushers have been meticulously finished and designed to resemble antique marine chronometers in a very elegant way.

This line is inspired by the timepieces produced during the second part of John Arnold's life when he and his son, John Roger, dedicated themselves to the quest for absolute precision establishing themselves as official suppliers to the Royal Navy.

On the wrist, just as expected, the watch wears true to its size and very elegantly. If you like to play with your chrono while listening to a boring conference call with your partners down in Tokyo, this is a perfect timepiece to help you kill time and keep time with precision during your Six Sigma training.

Sticker Price $26,500 USD Stainless Steel, $42,500 USD 18K Rose Gold. For more info on Arnold & Son click here.

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Arnold and Son and tagged Arnold & Son CTB Ref. 1CHAS.S02A.C121SCTB 2014.

Baselworld 2014: JEANRICHARD Terrascope with Bronze Dial. A Watch Perfectly Suited for an African Safari. Live Pictures and Pricing.

JEANRICHARD—sister company to Girard-Perregaux— takes its name from a legendary name in watchmaking, Daniel Jeanrichard. This genius pioneered the development of the watchmaking industry in the Neuchâtel mountains in the late 17th century. Daniel Jeanrichard was born in the hamlet of Les Bressels, midway between La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Locle. In 1681, he created his first watch, then set up his watchmaking workshop. Daniel Jeanrichard was also a major driving force behind the watchmaking industry. He was ahead of his time, demonstrating a talent for innovation. In addition to the production of watches, the region’s watchmakers are indebted to him for the invention of machines and tools, and for establishing the basis for learning the art of watchmaking itself. At Baselworld 2014, JEANRICHARD presented several new watches including this new Terrascope with satin-brushed bronze dial and a gorgeous ostrich strap. This watch just like the rest of the watches in JEANRICHARD's Terrascope collection is fitted with a stainless steel vertical satin-brushed finished case measuring 44 mm in diameter.

This Terrascope is powered by the JEANRICHARD automatic calibre JR60 with 26 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 38 hours when fully wound. The watch features a solid case back and is waterproof to a depth of 100 meters, regardless of the lack of a screw-down crown.

On the wrist, the watch has great wrist presence and craftsmanship for the price. This is actually one of our favorite new JEANRICHARD timepieces unveiled at Baselworld this year. The uniqueness of its dial along with the ostrich strap, make this watch a perfect companion for that next safari to the Serengeti.

Sticker Price 2,600 CHF ex VAT. For more info on JEANRICHARD click here.

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, JEANRICHARD and tagged JEANRICHARD Terrascope.

News: Jaeger-LeCoultre Presents the Geophysic 1958 Limited Edition. A Tribute to Science and Watchmaking.

Today April 10, 2014 at the Explorer's Club in New York City, Jaeger-LeCoultre unveiled the new Geophysic 1958, a watch that pays tribute to science and precision in watchmaking in three limited editions including a stainless steel model, an 18K pink gold and a platinum version. Back in 1958 when the scientific community composed of researchers from many different countries was preparing to undertake a program of major scientific explorations as part of the International Geophysical Year, this manufacture decided to associate with this unique initiative by creating an exceptional precision instrument named the Geophysic.

The reissue of this legendary Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece comes back to life with a larger case with a diameter of 38.5 mm and a thickness of 11.40 mm —taking into account current watch size preferences while remaining entirely true to the design of the original model— and with a pure, highly legible dial. Inspired by the original model, the design of these watches further enhances the excellent legibility and aesthetic distinction of the historic instrument. In the spirit of the calibre 478BWSbr —originally fitted inside the first Geophysic from 1958—, the Geophysic 1958 is equipped with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 898/1 composed of 202 parts, 29 jewels and considered one of the most precise and reliable in-house automatic movements on the market today. This automatic calibre provides a power reserve of 43 hours when fully wound.

Three central hands indicating the hours, minutes and seconds glide steadily over the grained white dial bearing the inscription “Geophysic” along with the brand signature at 12 o’clock. The circle of applied hour-markers is interrupted by 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock numerals, thereby reproducing the layout and design codes of this legendary model. These Haute Horlogerie timepieces offering a unique combination of usefulness and aesthetic appeal bear the unmistakable imprint of the Grande Maison, as reflected in the luminescent coating in the historical color on the dots facing the hour-markers around the inner bezel ring. Meanwhile, the dagger-shaped hands are rhodium-plated on the steel version and radiate a warm golden glow on the 18-carat pink gold variation. Entirely in tune with the perfectly restrained dial of which the purely functional nature accentuates the timeless elegance, the refined case embodies a range of truly exceptional qualities. Water-resistant to 100 meters, its back displays the signature emblem playing with the J and L initials of Jaeger-LeCoultre superimposed on a globe crisscrossed by latitude and longitude lines.

Each version of the Geophysic watch is fitted with an alligator leather strap secured by an unusual pin buckle in colors matching the metal of the case: black for the steel model and chocolate brown for the pink gold variation. This new legendary instrument will be reserved for a circle of passionate enthusiasts who will enjoy the privilege of wearing a timepiece paying homage to a fascinating chapter in the history of science. The Geophysic 1958 watch will be available in an 800-piece limited edition for the steel version with a black alligator strap—, a 300-piece for the 18K pink gold with brown alligator strap and a Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutique exclusive platinum model produced in a limited series of 58 pieces with blue alligator strap and a slightly different dial that only includes the 12 and 6 numerals.

Sticker Price $9,800 Stainless Steel ref. Q8008520, $20,800 18K Pink Gold ref. Q8002520 and $32,000 Platinum ref. Q800652j. For more info on Jaeger-LeCoultre click here.

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Jaeger-LeCoultre, News and tagged Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic 1958 Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 478BWSbr Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 898/1 Jaeger-LeCoultre ref. Q8008520 Jaeger-LeCoultre ref. Q8002520 Jaeger-LeCoultre ref. Q800652j 2014.

Baselworld 2014: Badollet Stellaire Pièce Exceptionnelle. A Tourbillon with 1,600 Diamonds and a Very Exclusive Presentation Box. Live Pictures and Pricing.

You guys know that we are not big on diamonds and we typically stay away from flashy bling watches; however, because Badollet is the name behind this timepiece, we felt it was worth talking about it here. Not only the diamond encrusting work is just out of this world, but the mechanical movement inside this timepiece is a perfect example of 'haute horlogerie'. The new Badollet Stellaire Pièce Exceptionnelle Tourbillon is fitted with a 44 mm 18K white gold palladium coated case encrusted with 1,600 VVS1 diamonds, weighing close to 13 carats, blued hands and a very elegant black alligator strap with deployant buckle. As you will be able to see in these pictures, the diamond setting on the case, dial, case lugs, crown and even on the tourbillon itself, is literally pure perfection.

The beating heart inside this timepiece is the Badollet manual-wound calibre BAD1630 with tourbillon, baseplate out of meteorite and aluminum and lithium bridges representing galactic circles. The movement includes 27 jewels, a power reserve indicator visible only on the back and the tourbillon visible on the dial side at 6 o'clock. The movement —fully visible via the display case back— is entirely hand-engraved and it provides a power-reserve of five days when fully wound.

While we typically won't feature the presentation boxes of the watches, unless we are doing a feature all the way from the unboxing, the presentation box accompanying this watch is definitely worth talking. When you pay close to half a million dollars for a timepiece, you want to make sure that the box is up to par with the timepiece. In this case, we can attest that it is. The watch is presented in a wooden and glass exhibition display box fitted with a natural grain leather cover —by the way, very Hermès looking. The wooden and glass display is approximately 25 inches tall and is fitted with three drawers. Two drawers that serve as valets for cufflinks, rings, money clips, or extra straps and the third one to hold the elegant leather travel case that comes with it. A set of keys is also provided to keep the timepiece safe while left unattended. Frankly, we have never seen any other presentation case like this before.

If you like bling watches a.k.a iced out timepieces, this is the way to go. While we are not into iced out watches ourselves, we can appreciate the work and passion behind creating a timepiece like this. Now remember, this is not your average run-of-the-mill diamond encrusted watch that recording artists are wearing left and right. If you want diamonds and can afford a tourbillon with 1,600 of them, then this timepiece is made just for you.

Sticker Price 420,000 CHF ex VAT —approximately $462,000 USD. For more info on Badollet click here.

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Badollet and tagged Badollet Stellaire Piece Exceptionnelle.

Baselworld 2014: De Bethune DB29 Maxichrono Tourbillon. A Mono-Pusher 24-Hour Chronograph with Central Hands. Live Pictures and Pricing.

Last week we presented to you the new DB28 Digitale by De Bethune here. Today, we bring you another one of their exceptional novelties presented at Baselworld 2014. This time we are talking about the amazing De Bethune DB29 Maxichrono Tourbillon featuring a mono-pusher 24-hour chronograph with five hands on the central pinion and a 30-second indication tourbillon via the half hunter display case back. This new watch is fitted with a 5N rose gold case measuring 46 mm in diameter and 11.70 mm in thickness. The highly polished round case features cone-shaped lugs and a hinged half hunter case back that allows for full visibility of the movement and the tourbillon when opened via a very small push piece located below the winding crown. To round out the elegant look of this watch, De Bethune chose to fit it with an extra supple brown alligator strap with pin buckle.

This exceptional timepiece features an amazing horological complication where all chrono functions are operated via a mono-pusher on the winding crown and where all chrono hands are located in the central pinion along with the hour and minute hands. The De Bethune DB29 Maxichrono Tourbillon is fitted with a very elegant and well balanced silver-toned dial that features four different levels to provide exceptional depth and a domed shape towards its perimeter to maximize readability. From the center to the periphery one can find the 24-hour central chrono register, a chapter ring with Arabic numerals to read the time and lastly a chapter ring with minute indicators for the chronograph minutes and seconds. The five central hands —four blued steel and one rose gold for the chrono minutes register— are perfectly curved on their tips and perfectly contrasting. While the hour and minute hands are Breguet style-shaped hands, the rest of the hands are needle type with the 24-hour chrono hand being the smallest of them all.

Once you focus your attention to the half hunter solid case back on the watch and after pressing the small push-piece located right below the crown, a wonderful surprise and a real treat for the eyes awaits. As you open the half hunter case back, you can contemplate the fascinating manual-wound De Bethune calibre DB2039 with 30-seconds indication tourbillon. This in-house movement which is composed of 410 parts, 49 jewels and three column wheels is fully crafted and decorated by hand. The beating heart provides an outstanding power reserve of five full days.

On the wrist, this watch is an absolute treat wearing slightly smaller than its actual size —due to the shape of its lugs— and very comfortably. One of the nicest touches on this watch is the lack of branding on the dial that makes it even more unique and exclusive. Only those watchlifestylers in the know, will be able to call you out on what brand you are wearing. This timepiece will be produced in a very small batch of 20 timepieces per year without being a limited edition watch 'per se'.

Sticker Price 270,000 CHF ex VAT. For more info on De Bethune click here.

Posted on April 9, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, De Bethune and tagged De Bethune DB29 Maxichrono Tourbillon De Bethune Calibre DB2039 2014.

Experience: Twelve Lots You Just Can't Miss at Leslie Hindman's Fine Timepieces Auction. A Little Bit of Everything for Everyone. UPDATE: Hammer Prices.

In a little bit over two weeks, Leslie Hindman Auctioneers here in Chicago will host their most important fine timepieces auction ever with 91 lots. We have already shown you the star of their auction, the Patek Philippe 18K yellow gold Perpetual Calendar with Moon Phases ref. 3448 with Tiffany & Co. dial here, as well as a very interesting Rolex Explorer II ref. 1655 'Freccione' a.k.a Steve McQueen here; however, there are at least twelve other lots —out of a total of 86— that are quite exceptional and that also caught our wandering eyes while we previewed them last week. These timepieces are definitely worth talking about and previewing on site before April 8th. Among our favorite timepieces to be auctioned, there are a wide variety of vintage and modern Patek Philippe watches, several vintage Vacheron Constantin, a couple Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars, two Rolex Submariners ref. 6536/1 and two chronographs we really liked. Now, let's show you these twelve exceptional watches we really liked.

In the auction, there are three Patek Philippe Pagoda ref. 5500 that were released in 1997 as limited edition watches to commemorate the opening of the new Patek Philippe manufacture. The watches were produced in the following quantities: 1,100 in yellow gold, 500 in rose gold, 250 in white gold and 150 in platinum. During the auction, all models with the exception of the white gold reference will be offered in individual lots all accompanied by their boxes, papers, certificates and even a commemorative silver coin mint by Patek Philippe to commemorate the occasion. Interestingly enough, the yellow gold model still has the 'Poinçon de Genève' —Geneva Seal— tag attached to it. Our favorite Pagoda ref. 5500 is the rose gold model. Estimates range all the way from $12,000 to 50,000 USD depending on the metal. UPDATE: Platinum fetched a hammer price of $32,500, 18K Pink Gold $27,500 and Yellow Gold $21,250.

Another interesting timepiece is a Patek Philippe ref. 5015 with moon phase, subsidiary seconds and power reserve indicator that is being offered with box and papers including the certificate. The Patek Philippe ref. 5015 is one of the most iconic Patek references and a watch equipped with a hinged solid case back that can be opened like on vintage pocket watches to admire the movement. The estimate for this piece is $15,000-20,000 USD. UPDATE: Hammer Price before Buyer's Fees $25,000.

The Patek Philippe ref. 5100 was released in 2000 as a limited edition watch —1,500 pieces in yellow gold, 750 in rose gold, 450 in white gold and 300 pieces in platinum— to commemorate the arrival of the new millennium. The watch fitted with a case that recalls the lines of a manta-ray in 18K yellow gold, houses a 10-day power reserve manual wound movement. A beautiful silvered dial with power reserve indicator at 12 and subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock rounds out the elegant look of this watch. This watch is also accompanied by box, papers, certificate and a commemorative silver coin. Estimate $30,000-50,000 USD. UPDATE: Hammer Price $35,000 USD.

These two vintage Vacheron Constantin manual wound watches circa 1950 —in individual lots but why not getting them as a pair. One of them in 18K rose gold with matte silvered dial and Arabic numerals and the other in 18K yellow gold with a so called 'tuxedo' dial have very fair estimates and feature extremely appealing dials with subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock. Frankly, it really doesn't get more classic and elegant than with a pair like this. Estimates ranging between $3,000-6,000 USD.

Now, let's talk about one of our favorite Vacheron Constantin watches to be auctioned. We are talking about a vintage 18K rose gold Vacheron Chronograph circa 1949. The watch features rectangular chrono pushers, silver dial with applied markers and Roman numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock, a running seconds register at 9, a 30-minute chrono register at 3 o'clock and a telemeter scale on the perimeter of the dial. Estimate $15,000-20,000 USD.

Another amazing timepiece and likely to be a heavy hitter in this auction, will be a skeletonized Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Quantieme Perpetuel in 18K yellow gold. This perpetual calendar watch is a perfect example of the attention to detail and craftsmanship from our friends from Le Brassus. The estimate —somewhat low in our opinion— has been set between $15,000-20,000. The other Audemars Piguet that we liked, is a Jules Audemars Day and Date circa 1990 fitted with a gorgeous white ceramic dial with black Roman numerals chapter ring and accompanied by its box, leather case and instruction booklet. This is a perfect first Audemars Piguet watch for any young collector wanting to avoid breaking the bank. Estimate $3,000-5,000 USD.

At the beginning of our post, we told you about two Rolex Submariners ref. 6536/1, well, here you have them. While these two Rolex Submariners ref. 6536/1 might not be in the best condition, they might still fetch some interesting dollar amounts because of their cases and bezel inserts. One of them, an example circa 1957 is fitted with a red triangle 12 o'clock marker bezel insert and a refinished dial —a collector's disgrace. To make matters worse, the dial on this watch is no longer a gilt dial —as it should've been—, but a dial with the sloppiest refinishing job we've ever seen. As you can see in the pictures even the hands got painted white and everything else on the dial looks really off, but if you can get past that then it might be a good opportunity. Estimate for the first watch $2,000-4,000 USD. UPDATE: Hammer Price $8,750 USD.

The second Rolex Submariner ref. 6536/1 circa 1956 features a beautiful ghost bezel insert, a dial that appears to be correct for the time period, riveted oyster bracelet marked 7-62 and hands that to our trained eyes seem to be off. Estimate for this one $8,000-12,000 USD. UPDATE: Hammer Price $10,625 USD.

Lastly, we have two favorite chronographs. The first one, a vintage 18K yellow gold Longines Flyback Chronograph 13ZN circa 1945 and the other, a mint Girard-Perregaux Ferrari Edition Chronograph in Titanium with Carbon Fiber dial. While the Longines is a two-pusher example of the 13ZN Flyback chronograph with a very nice silvered dial with applied gold Arabic numerals and blue telemeter scale with an estimate of $3,000-5,000 USD, the Girard-Perregaux is an exceptional example of their collaboration with Ferrari in the late 90s and early 2000s with an estimate between $1,000-2,000 USD.

Ladies and gentlemen, you now have a good idea of what's in store for you at the upcoming Leslie Hindman fine timepieces auction. If nothing here sparked your interest, there are more timepieces in their catalog that you might fancy so make sure you download your copy. Now, if after that you still don't feel like bidding on anything, at least you will have fun guessing what some of these watches will end up fetching. We will for sure update you with the results from the auction.

Disclaimer: Please do not use our images or content as your buying guide or condition report for these watches. Only Leslie Hindman Auctioneers can provide you with such information.

For more info on Leslie Hindman Auctioneers click here.

Posted on April 9, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under News, Watch Auctions and tagged Patek Philippe Pagoda ref. 5500 Patek Philippe ref. 5100 Millennium Patek Philippe ref. 5015 Vacheron Constantin Vintage Chronograph Girard-Perregaux Ferrari Chronograph Rolex Submariner ref. 6536/1 Rolex Explorer ref. 1655 Freccione Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Day and Date Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Quantieme Perpetuele Longines Vintage Chrono 13ZN.

Rare Bird: Rolex Explorer II ref. 1655 'Freccione' a.k.a Steve McQueen. A Collector's Dream with Frog Foot Dial and Straight Seconds Hand. UPDATE: Hammer Price.

Earlier this week, we told you about the upcoming Timepieces auction sale at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers to take place here in Chicago on April 8th. We also told you that we would be featuring some of the most interesting timepieces to be auctioned; therefore, today, we are talking about this amazing vintage Rolex Explorer II ref. 1655 'Freccione' a.k.a Steve McQueen featuring a correct time period MK I 'Frog Foot' Rolex coronet dial, MK I bezel, straight seconds hand and accompanied by the original warranty papers dated 1972.

This fabulous 'one-owner' watch was originally purchased in Buenos Aires at the renowned jeweler Walser, Wald & Cia. The punched papers show a purchase date of August 25, 1972 and we can tell by the condition of the watch, that it was probably the owner's daily beater for more than 40 years. Something we love about vintage Rolexes like this one, is the rich history that comes with them and the memories that were collected by the timepiece while on the owner's wrist for decades.

The Rolex Explorer II ref. 1655 nicknamed by collectors as the Steve McQueen or 'Freccione' by some Italian collectors because of the bright orange arrow-shaped 24-hour hand on the watch —the word 'Freccione' comes from the Italian word 'Freccia' which means "arrow"— was only produced by Rolex from 1971 through 1984. During the time of its production, the Rolex Explorer II ref. 1655 'Freccione' a.ka. Steve McQueen watch went through up to five slight dial variations —which we will explain later—, two different seconds hands —straight seconds hand and seconds hand with dot— and even up to four different bezel variations including a MK I bezel with thick font and numbers closer to the plexiglass, a MK II bezel with thick font and centered numbers, a MK III bezel with thin font full size numbers and lastly a MK IV bezel with thin font and slightly reduced numbers when compared to those on the MK III.

At the time of its launch, the watch was intended to be a 'tool' watch for cave explorers that after spending days in a cavern, couldn't tell if it was day or night outside. A problem that was easily solved by the 24-hour orange arrow-shaped hand that along with the 24-hour military time bezel, would help them identify day or night times with ease. Interestingly enough, the 24-hour hand was originally crimson red between 1971 and 1974 as seen on Rolex catalogs and advertisements from the era, but today, discolored by time, they appear orange to yellow and sometimes almost white as in the so called 'Albino' Explorers.

Now, when it comes to the dial variations, the Explorer II ref. 1655 'Freccione' experienced some variations that included the use of different Rolex coronets such as the 'Frog Foot' shaped coronet —one of the most unique and rare and only present on watches from 1972 thru 1977—, the use of a slightly bigger font and different alignment on the 'Superlative Chronometer...' writing originating the Mark III 'Rail Dial' from 1974 thru 1977 and lastly around 1977-1978 the inclusion of the writing 'T Swiss <25 T' —instead of 'T Swiss T'— on the MK IV and MK V dials. The purpose of including the 'T Swiss <25 T' writing was to alert owners of the use of tritium —a radioactive substance emitting less than 25 mCi— as the luminescent material used on the hands and markers of the watches.

This particular Explorer II ref. 1655 'Freccione' circa 1972 that will be up for auction at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers at the beginning of April, features a correct time period 'straight seconds hand' with no dot —a characteristic that is only present on 1655s produced between 1971 and 1974—, a MK I bezel, silver calendar wheel with open 9s and 6s, reference and case number engravings visible to the naked eye, original oyster folded link bracelet with service clasp and what to our trained eyes seem to be the original hands.

On the wrist, the iconic presence of this reference is just fascinating and breathtaking. One thing we've always noticed when wearing an Explorer II ref. 1655 'Freccione' is that the watch wears slightly smaller than its actual size, but frankly, who cares about that when shopping for a highly coveted discontinued Rolex reference like this one.

Leslie Hindman gave this watch an estimate between $8,000 and $12,000 USD —which seems quite reasonable. It will be quite interesting to see next month how much this watch ends up fetching. UPDATE: Hammer Price $15,000 USD.

For more info on Leslie Hindman Auctioneers click here.

Disclaimer: Please do not use our images or content as your buying guide or condition report for this watch. Only Leslie Hindman Auctioneers can provide you with such information.

Posted on April 9, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Rolex & Tudor, Watch Auctions and tagged Rolex Explorer II ref. 1655 Rolex Explorer Freccione Rolex Explorer Steve McQueen 2014.

Baselworld 2014: Patek Philippe Retrograde Perpetual Calendar ref. 5496 Honey Brown Dial. Live Pictures.

This time we present you another one of Patek Philippe's novelties from Baselworld 2014 and one of our absolute favorites. The Patek Philippe Retrograde Perpetual Calendar ref. 5496 is now presented with a beautiful honey brown dial. This amazing grand complication fitted with a platinum case measuring 39.5 mm in diameter features a retrograde perpetual calendar with day, month and leap year indicator in apertures at 9, 3 and 12 o'clock respectively, a retrograde date ring with hand indicator and moon phases at 6 o'clock. Rounding out the elegant look of this timepiece the watch comes with a hand-stitched shiny brown alligator strap with fold-over clasp. Perhaps the biggest difference between this dial and the silvery dial on its predecessor —besides the obvious color difference—, is the engraving below the moon phase aperture that completes a full circle.

This Patek Philippe ref. 5496 is fitted with the automatic Patek calibre 324 S QR composed of 361 parts, 30 jewels, 9 bridges and which provides a power reserve of 45 hours when fully wound. The calibre is fully visible via the display case back but the watch is provided with an interchangeable back to go from full back to display case back.

This new Patek Philippe ref. 5496 with honey brown dial is one that for sure will become a popular watch amongst Patek collectors. The beauty of its new dial and the magnificent complication housed inside this watch create a perfect 'haute horlogerie' symphony for perpetual calendar lovers.

Sticker Price TBC. For more info on Patek Philippe click here.

Posted on April 8, 2014 by Editor & Publisher and filed under Baselworld, Patek Philippe and tagged Patek Philippe ref. 5496P-014 Patek Philippe Annual Calendar ref. 5496 2014.