This week at the SIHH 2015, we were fortunate to finally peruse the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph fitted with an spectacular selfwinding movement. The new in-house calibre 2897 which has been especially developed to be the beating heart of this watch, is comprised of 335 parts. Fully visible via the display case back, this new movement is a true, micro mechanical work of art. Among the many revolutionary components used in this new calibre 2897, it stands out that the movement features a peripheral oscillating weight made from satin-brushed, 950 platinum. The calibre and its oscillating weight are also visible via a special aperture at the one o’clock position on the dial side as well as underneath the clear flange.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Cartier Rêves de Panthères Day/Night Complication. A Dream of Femininity.
A timeless subject of artistic watchmaking expression at Cartier, the dreamlike panther enters the decoration —at once diurnal and nocturnal— of a Day/Night movement that belongs to the great tradition of the Maison’s complications. A complete and tangible vision of time measurement that resembles a jewellery dream lulled by a precious sky that changes from starry night to shining sun. The figurehead of an incredible watchmaking journey, the panther, over the years, has ventured from one movement to another, sometimes skeletonised, sometimes oscillating, giving rise a creative repertoire to which the latest Rêves de Panthères watch belongs. The famous feline appears for the first time in a pack, surrounding a fabulous disc: a graphic, feminine and jewelled interpretation of one of Cartier’s most recent fine watchmaking movements. Driven by the automatic calibre 9916 MC, the sun and the moon take turns indicating the time, appearing and disappearing in an alternating astral display, a magical spectacle observed by the three panthers. Entirely pavé-set with diamonds, this celestial watch is an ode to Cartier’s emblematic animal. On the Rêves de Panthères watch, their silhouettes spotted with black lacquer mark the timeless aesthetic with their enchanting trace.
The new Cartier Rêves de Panthères watch presented at the SIHH 2015 is fitted with a 42 mm 18K white gold case set with brilliant-cut diamonds, a beaded crown set with a brilliant-cut diamond, sword-shaped hands in blued steel and a dial in 18K white gold set with brilliant-cut diamonds. The watch is delivered on a dark blue alligator strap with folding buckle in 18K white gold also set with brilliant-cut diamonds. The display case back reveals the in-house Cartier automatic calibre 9916 MC composed of 240 parts and 36 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 48 hours when fully wound.
Sticker Price TBC. For more info on Cartier click here.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Clé de Cartier. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Today we bring you the new Clé de Cartier just released at the SIHH 2015 in Geneva. With this new watch Cartier seeks to pare down silhouettes and reduce them to their essence, with a focus on precision, balance and proportion. Great mastery was employed to create a seamless flow, a minimalist elegance and a harmonious design. Sharp edges were eliminated. The bezel is gently rounded, the horns smoothly tapered. All of which evoke an intangible perfection. “Clé” means “key” in French and the crown’s resemblance to one is unmistakable. The act of resetting the time and date introduces a new gesture to the world of watchmaking, one that recalls the traditional turning of a key to wind up a clock. Elongated and pure, it is adorned with a sapphire that is not set in a classical manner. Instead, it is ingeniously inserted to remain flush with the metal surrounding it.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New IWC Portugieser Annual Calendar. Live Pictures and Pricing.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the birth of an iconic watch —the IWC Portuguese— IWC continues to enhance its Portugieser watch family with new eye-catching complications. After the minute repeater in 1995, the 7-day power reserve in 2000, the perpetual calendar in 2003, the Tourbillon Mystère in 2004, the constant-force tourbillon in 2011 and the recent 8-day hand-wound movement presented in 2013, consolidated the Portugieser watches’ reputation as one of the leading lights of haute horlogerie. In 2015, the Year of the Portugieser, IWC’s newly developed annual calendar is another interesting additional feature to complement the perpetual calendar. The complication is powered by the new IWC in-house 52850 calibre. Both are found for the first time in the Portugieser Annual Calendar Ref. 5035. The watch thus symbolizes the launch of an IWC initiative to produce further series of in-house calibre families in the years ahead.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Officine Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 CarboTech 3 Days Automatic PAM 616. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Today, we were able to check all the Panerai novelties that include three Luminor Submersible 1950s, a couple Equation of Time pieces and a Mare Nostrum in titanium with tobacco dial. Here, we have the live pictures we took of the new Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 CarboTech 3 Days Automatic PAM 615. The Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech 3 Days Automatic presents a remarkable new technical innovation with its case made of Carbotech, a composite material based on carbon fiber, never before used in the world of watchmaking and a technology owned by Panerai.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar with Meteorite Dial. Live Pics and Pricing.
Our favorite Master Calendar to date was just released by Jaeger-LeCoultre. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar ref. 1558421 automatic watch presents the different information of its calendar in a harmonious and extremely clear manner: day, month, date and moon phases. Its design is inspired by the historical watch with calendar by Jaeger-LeCoultre in 1945. Fitted this time with a striking beautiful meteorite dial, every piece comes with a very unique look due to the material used in its creation. Fitted with a stainless steel or rose gold case measuring 39 mm in diameter, this elegant timepiece is one that will for sure conquer your pocket. Faithful to the aesthetic codes of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control line of watches, this model combines a pure, refined design with exceptional technical performances, all in gently reduced proportions, allowing it to suit all wrists.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15400SR 'Two-Tone'. The Return of Our Favorite Royal Oak. Live Pics and Pricing.
Ladies and gentleman, may we present the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15400 in stainless steel and 18K rose gold. This novelty marks the return of one of our all-time favorite Royal Oaks phased out in the 1990s and originally launched under reference 5402SA as a 'Two-Tone' Royal Oak Jumbo in 1976. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo 'Two-Tone' ref. 5402SA was only produced for a few years and only 951 were ever created. This new watch highly reminiscent of its predecessor will be available in 41 mm and in a 33 mm ladies size with diamond encrusted bezel. Later today, we will bring you more pictures and our full review with wristshot of this new timepiece.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver in Stainless Steel with White Dial and Display Case Back. Live Pics and Pricing.
Following the release of the other four Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Divers —stainless steel with black dial, forged carbon, black ceramic and white ceramic—, the Manufacture that turns 140 this year is releasing the Royal Oak Offshore Diver in stainless steel now with a striking white dial and a display case back. The Royal Oak Offshore Diver in stainless steel with black dial, like all its counterparts, will now be fitted with a display case back moving forward.
SIHH 2015: Live Coverage from Geneva, Switzerland. The Salon Opens at 8:30AM Geneva Time on January 19th.
We have arrived in Geneva, Switzerland for the 25th edition of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. With sixteen manufactures presenting the novelties for the year, this is one of the top watch events in the world. We will begin our coverage tomorrow January 19th, 2015 as soon as the Salon opens at 8:30am Geneva Time. Make sure you follow all our updates via Instagram, Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter and here.
We are excited to see the novelties from all the brands but particularly from Audemars Piguet who is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year, Vacheron Constantin celebrating 260 years of uninterrupted history, Jaeger-LeCoultre, A. Lange & Söhne who wowed us last year with the amazing Terraluna, Panerai with their historical inspired timepieces, Cartier, Van Cleef and Arpels, Richard Mille, Greubel Forsey, IWC who had a wonderful repertoire last year with the revamped Aquatimer line, Roger Dubuis and Piaget amongst others.
Ladies and gentleman stay tuned for the best coverage of the SIHH 2015 starting tomorrow.
News: Pre-Baselworld 2015 Linde Werdelin Presents the Oktopus Double Date Carbon Green. A Limited Edition of 88 Pieces.
Today, Linde Werdelin presents to you the Oktopus Double Date Carbon Green, a sporty and refreshing take on the Oktopus dive watch. Featuring champagne gold detailing, it revitalizes the Linde Werdelin collection of revolutionary diving timepieces for an active lifestyle. A numbered limited series of just 88 pieces has been individually crafted using 3DTP™ —Three-Dimensional Thin Ply—, the first ever carbon technology conceived for Swiss watchmaking, engineered to sculpt the iconic and angular Oktopus case by layering thin layers of carbon into a mold to give the finished product it's ultra-unique appearance with those horizontal lines, just like the rings inside a tree trunk.
News: Audemars Piguet Opens Boutique at the Shops at Crystals in Las Vegas. A Partnership with Westime.
Audemars Piguet announces the arrival of its third boutique in the United States with the opening of an elegant new location at The Shops at Crystals in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 1,270-square-foot boutique, situated on the first floor between Tom Ford and Louis Vuitton stores showcases an original concept design that captures the 140-year old brand’s core values: origins, artistry and extraordinary relationships.
The new boutique in Las Vegas is the newest project developed between Westime and Audemars Piguet, a partnership that dates back to 1994. “We are proud to further reinforce our relationship with Westime through the opening of the Audemars Piguet boutique at The Shops at Crystals. Las Vegas has always been an exciting market for Audemars Piguet and with the new boutique we are better able to present the brand’s complete collection offering while reaching one of the most diverse international audiences," explained Xavier Nolot, CEO of Audemars Piguet North America.
Pre-Baselworld 2015: Arnold & Son Unveils the Golden Wheel. World's First Wandering Hours and True Beat Seconds Watch.
With a rich British watchmaking heritage that dates back to the 18th century, Arnold & Son masterfully reinterprets history with a visionary eye to the future. Underscoring its watchmaking prowess, Arnold & Son regularly unveils complicated watches with a unique twist. The patented Golden Wheel deftly reflects the brand’s ingenuity and commitment to Haute Horlogerie. The Golden Wheel timepiece is a unique three-dimensional interpretation of the ancient wandering hours complication that has roots in table clocks of the mid-17th century. In fact, the first implementation of the wandering hours complication in pocket watches was most likely made in England at the beginning the 18th century. Thus, it is a fitting complication for the Arnold & Son watchmakers —inspired by British watchmaking heritage— to reinvent anew, perpetuating the long tradition of wandering hour watches.
News: Presenting the New HYT Skull. The Hydro Mechanical Horologists Do it Again.
The Skull, HYT’s new extraordinary and unprecedented creation, breaks all the rules. You don’t need to be an expert to appreciate the power of its design. Even at first glance the Skull makes a striking impression, simply because it epitomizes and at the same time breaks away from everything that HYT represents. It is provocative, unique and has a bold design supported by the fluid mechanics that have become the brand’s signature style. The Skull speaks for itself. Its development, however, was anything but obvious. The use of a capillary, which carries a fluid to act as the hour marker, is a concept that is already mastered by HYT and its partners. However, any significant changes in form require extensive background work. For the Skull, the skull shape of the tube, which measures less than one millimeter in diameter, was a significant challenge in itself. The issue centered on the capillary’s four angles, two of which are almost 90° at the base. These curves meant that bending the glass was a particularly delicate task.
News: Pre-SIHH 2015 Presenting the New IWC Portugesier Annual Calendar. Five Years to Develop and Simply Stunning.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the birth of an iconic watch —the IWC Portuguese— IWC continues to enhance its Portugieser watch family with new eye-catching complications. After the minute repeater in 1995, the 7-day power reserve in 2000, the perpetual calendar in 2003, the Tourbillon Mystère in 2004, the constant-force tourbillon in 2011 and the recent 8-day hand-wound movement presented in 2013, consolidated the Portugieser watches’ reputation as one of the leading lights of haute horlogerie. In 2015, the Year of the Portugieser, IWC’s newly developed annual calendar is another interesting additional feature to complement the perpetual calendar. The complication is powered by the new IWC in-house 52850 calibre. Both are found for the first time in the Portugieser Annual Calendar Ref. 5035. The watch thus symbolizes the launch of an IWC initiative to produce further series of in-house calibre families in the years ahead.
Insider: F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain Boutique Edition. The Watch that Made Us Break a Promise.
They say that one of the principles of good journalism is to be objective and neutral about what or who you write about. Considering the circumstances between the brand F.P. Journe and our publication, we will do our best to keep this post as objective and neutral as possible. Sometimes, no matter how nice you are to people and how hard you work, you still run into arrogant executives in the watch industry that disrespect you or that think that because they work for a very special brand, you as a watch publication are obliged to take their attitude and still write about their watches.
Back in 2013 during the SIAR, we promised the F.P. Journe brand that we would never write about them as long as we owned this website. Today, we are breaking this promise just to pamper a very close and dear friend of ours that recently acquired the only F.P. Journe Chronomètre Souverain Boutique Edition ref. CS that has made it to the American continent. Not only our friend wanted for us to do a special review of this special timepiece that he now owns, but we also felt that this watch is well worth talking about.
Insider: MB&F Legacy Machine No. 2. An Exceptional Timepiece with Dual Flying Balances.
Admiring one of these timepieces in person is what we consider a true horological experience. The adrenaline rush we experienced while taking these pictures was just something we only feel when we are in the presence of true horological masterpieces and all we can say is that the new MB&F Legacy Machines are wondrous reinterpretations of significant horological inventions by the greatest watchmakers in history.
This exceptional timepiece is only available in 18K white gold with dark grey dial, 18K rose gold with silver dial or in a limited edition of 18 pieces in 950 platinum with blue dial. Now, remember that this majestic timepiece is best admired from the side thanks to its marvelous and beautiful high domed crystal, so honestly the color of the movement base plate that conforms the dial, is like a cherry on top of a delicious birthday cake.
Experience: Merry Christmas to Each and Everyone of You. A Collection of Christmas Inspired Images with an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
Most people outside of the U.S. in Europe and Latin America celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. Since we also share the tradition of celebrating on Christmas Eve, we decided to prepare a small collection of Christmas inspired images today, to wish each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas. May you and your families be blessed with health and may all your dreams come true.
Hopefully your Christmas tree is keeping one of these Royal Oaks nice and warm inside a gift box for tomorrow morning.
Enjoy!
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept GMT Tourbillon Titanium. Up to Par and Almost as Pricey as a Ferrari F12 Berlinetta.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept was first launched in 2002 as ref. 25980AI.OO.0003SU.01 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the launch of the iconic Royal Oak in a limited edition of 150 pieces. That first Royal Oak Concept, was fitted with an ultra rare sculpted-shaped case made of Alacrite 602 with a hardness of 430 vickers and a titanium bezel. The Alacrite 602 is a super-alloy composed of 57% cobalt, 31% chrome, 5% tungsten and the remaining 6% of carbon, silicon and iron.
While the first Royal Oak Concept did feature a tourbillon, it didn't come with a GMT function. Alternatively, it was equipped with a dynamograph, a power reserve indicator showing the number of turns of the barrel and a Kevlar aramid fiber strap.
News: Pre-SIHH 2015 Presenting the Greubel Forsey GMT Black. Even More Stunning than its Predecessor.
Pre-SIHH 2015, Greubel Forsey is pleased to announce the launch of the GMT Black exploring a new design with a titanium case and treated with vacuum deposited ADLC. This is a unique edition of 22 pieces worldwide. The timepiece features a case measuring 43.5 mm in diameter housing a GF05 in-house movement with 24 second tourbillon inclined at a 25 degree angle, GMT function, three-dimensional globe for day/night indication, rotating disc with 24 different time zones, daylight savings indication, and 72 hour power reserve. This watch is the exact same watch as its predecessors in platinum, rose gold or white gold GMTs reviewed here but with a DLC Titanium case. The 25° inclined Tourbillon '24 Secondes' cage at 5 o'clock is one of Greubel Forsey’s major patented inventions. The single inclined tourbillon cage undergoes rapidly changing positions with a high angular velocity, thus minimizing the effects of gravity on the regulating organ and maximizing timekeeping accuracy.
Experience: Patek Philippe ref. 5975 Multi-scale Chronograph. Taking Delivery of one of Patek's 175th Anniversary Limited Edition Pieces.
Two months ago on October 12th, 2014, Patek Philippe presented 25 timepieces to celebrate its 175th anniversary as reported here. One of these 25 commemorative timepieces is the Patek Philippe ref. 5975, a Multi-Scale Chronograph available in three precious metal variations and with a dial fitted with a tachymeter, telemeter and a pulsometer. With these chronographs Patek Philippe has returned to the source of the chronograph by creating a multiple-scale instrument whose face combines technical panache with finesse. Patek Philippe has always accorded a prominent role to the chronograph. Between 2005 and 2012, reaffirmed its know-how and supremacy by developing a range of eight chronograph movements built entirely in its own workshops. They extend from the classic manually wound chronograph with column wheel and horizontal clutch to the self-winding chronograph with vertical disc clutch and to the highly complex split-seconds chronograph, with or without perpetual calendar.
