Continuing with our coverage of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015, with our hands-on reviews and live pictures, we now bring you another amazing novelty from the French Maison established in 1847 by Louis-François Cartier. The new Rotonde de Cartier Flying Tourbillon Reversed Dial is another exceptional creation by the team lead by Carole Forestier-Kasapi. This new timepiece is fitted with a generous 46 mm 18K white gold case, beaded 18K white gold crown set with a blue sapphire cabochon, 18K white gold sunray guilloché dial, blued-steel sword-shaped hands and a black alligator strap with double adjustable folding 18K white gold buckle.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon. Live Pictures and Pricing.
This year at the SIHH 2015, Cartier the French Maison that is very well known for their very high end jewelry creations, presented a handful of novelties that will continue to position the brand as one of the top haute horlogerie houses. While most of these novelties are not necessarily the most affordable from a pricing standpoint, there are for sure exceptional when it comes to watchmaking. In 2010, Cartier offered a new vision of traditional tourbillon design with the Rotonde de Cartier Astrotourbillon watch. For the first time, this complication was no longer limited solely to its function, which consists of guaranteeing better timekeeping and reducing the effects of gravity, but instead was fully incorporated into the aesthetics of the watch. Indeed, unlike classic tourbillons which rotate around their own axis, the Astrotourbillon is distinguished by its elongated cage that enables the balance to make a complete circle of the dial in a minute, thus marking the seconds and evoking a star. In 2012, on the back of research led by the innovation programme responsible for the ID One and ID Two concept watches, which explore, among other areas, the performance of materials never before seen in watchmaking, Cartier decided to use carbon crystal for the Astrotourbillon, thus making it the first Cartier movement available for purchase to benefit from this incredible technical advancement.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Rotonde de Cartier Grande Complication Skeleton. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Along with seven other new models that were presented by Cartier at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015 in Geneva, this exceptional complication was also unveiled. The new Rotonde de Cartier Grande Complication Skeleton ref. W1556251 showcases one of the most sophisticated movements in fine watchmaking with a perpetual calendar, a flying tourbillon and a minute repeater all housed in a generous and elegant 45 mm platinum case. Fitted with a pusher instead of a lever to activate the minute repeater mechanism, the new Rotonde de Cartier Grande Complication Skeleton is definitely one of the watches that takes the central stage at the SIHH this year. The Rotonde de Cartier Grande Complication watch is an incredible feat of watchmaking. 578 components, 5 years of development, 15 weeks of production at the Manufacture, 10 weeks of decorating and finishing and 5 weeks of assembly. The result is measured in millimeters. A thickness of 5.49 mm for a self-winding mechanical movement that brings together three of the most prestigious fine watchmaking complications: a perpetual calendar, a minute repeater and a flying tourbillon. Of all Cartier watchmaking creations, this timepiece is the most complex.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Officine Panerai Radiomir 1940 Equation of Time 8 Days PAM 516 and Luminor 1950 Equation of Time 8 Days PAM 601. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Continuing with our hands-on reviews of all the novelties presented at the SIHH 2015, here we have a pair of new timepieces from Panerai that are very special. We are talking about the new Officine Panerai Radiomir 1940 Equation of Time 8 Days in stainless steel PAM 516 and its counterpart the Luminor 1950 Equation of Time 8 Days also in stainless steel PAM 601. Both watches display the sophisticated complication called the “equation of time” via a linear indicator on the dial located at 6 o'clock. The difference between the mean time indicated by a watch and the true time indicated by the solar meridian is called the “equation of time” and it is the result of the combination of the Earth’s inclination and its elliptical orbit. The linear equation of time indicator displays this difference in time and it is set automatically when the date and the month are set on the watch. The date and month are indicated at 3 while the running seconds are at 9 o'clock.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Vacheron Constantin Harmony Dual Time. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Last week while we were still in Geneva reporting live from the SIHH 2015 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie we told you that this year, Vacheron Constantin is celebrating its 260th anniversary and to commemorate such important milestone, they released nine fascinating timepieces —seven of them in a new collection called the Harmony collection featuring cushion shaped cases. Since we have already presented you the three new Vacheron Constantin Harmony Monopusher Chronographs here and the two new Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art Mécaniques Gravées here, well then now its the turn to talk about the new Vacheron Constantin Harmony Dual Time of which three different models are available —two for men and one for women.
Insider: Richard Mille RM 61-01 Yohan Blake 'All Black'. Only 100 Pieces of this Exceptional Timepiece.
While we were at the SIHH 2015 we were fortunate to run into this amazing new timepiece from Richard Mille and work on this hands-on review with tons of live pictures like we like it. The new Richard Mille RM 61-01 Yohan Blake 'All Black' is the new version of the first Yohan Blake Richard Mille watch with green and yellow flying bridges and flange inspired by the Jamaican origins of the legendary track runner. The new iteration of this exceptional timepiece, features the same case construction as its predecessor but this time in an 'all black' color scheme with black and white flying bridges. Fitted with a tripartite case measuring 50.23 L x 42.70 W x 15.84 T made of TZP black ceramic —bezel and case back— with a matte finish and a middle case of NTPT carbon, a material composed of multiple layers of parallel filaments obtained by dividing carbon fibers. These layers, with a maximum thickness of 30 microns are impregnated with resin, then woven and finally heated up at a pressure of 6 bars. Assembled with 20 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and washers in stainless steel the watch is water resistant to 50 meters.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art Mécaniques Gravées 14-Day Tourbillon and Métiers d'Art Mécaniques Gravées. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Following up with our SIHH 2015 of Vacheron Constantin's novelties presented last week at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, we bring you two exceptional creations from the manufacture that is celebrating its 260th anniversary this year. Vacheron Constantin enriches its Métiers d'Art collection with two new timepieces equipped with entirely hand-engraved movements. At the heart of a platinum case, calibres 2260/1 and 4400/1 are adorned with acanthus leaves, an inexhaustible source of inspiration since Antiquity. Métiers d'Art Mécaniques Gravées is a further demonstration of technical and artistic excellence.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the Vacheron Constantin Harmony Monopusher Chronographs. Live Pictures and Pricing.
This year, Vacheron Constantin is celebrating its 260th anniversary and has just released nine fascinating timepieces —seven of which are part of what is now called the Harmony collection and all fitted with cushion shaped cases— that include three monopusher chronographs that are out of this world.
Inspired by the Vacheron Constantin Chronograph ref. 3306 from 1928, these new creations are fitted with elegant cushion shaped cases and powered by the very sophisticated calibres 3300, 3200 and 3500 with Maltese cross on the column wheel. These creations vividly reflect the excellence of the Manufacture in terms of both horological expertise, with new watches bearing the Hallmark of Geneva, and of artistic crafts embodying the unique skills cultivated by the Maison. All three chronographs additionally feature a convenient power reserve indicator at 6 o'clock.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Vision. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Commemorating its 10th anniversary this year, Greubel Forsey presented just a few novelties at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015 in Geneva. One of those novelties that received a lot of attention —in addition to his project in collaboration with Philippe Dufour called 'Naissance d'une Montre'— at the SIHH 2015 was the new Greubel Forsey Tourbillon 24 Secondes Vision. The rationale behind the creation of this new watch was to present their third invention in a case that is as slender as possible and yet able to accommodate the inclined tourbillon cage. It was the lateral projections of their asymmetrical models that gave them the idea for an original solution. By incorporating a dome —with flat top for ergonomics and wearing comfort— into the sapphire crystal on the back of the timepiece, they created enough extra volume to allow the tourbillon cage to overlap the reference surface of the rear bridges. The dome is a new and intriguing element that directs attention to the lower bridge of the tourbillon.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Richard Mille RM 51-02 Tourbillon Diamond Twister. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Here we are now presenting you the second and last novelty presented by Richard Mille this year at the SIHH 2015 in Geneva. The new Richard Mille RM 51-02 Tourbillon Diamond Twister is a high jewelry tourbillon that takes all of its cues from the swirling form of a spiral comprised of diamonds emanating outwards the tourbillon in 14 rays as a spiral vortex like that of the milky way, paying homage to the meaning of the word 'tourbillon' in English that stands for 'whirlwind'. Each spiral ray of the new Richard Mille RM 51-02 Tourbillon Diamond Twister is perfectly set with flawless diamonds and black sapphires around the case. Fitted with the classic tripartite tonneau-shaped Richard Mille case in 18K white gold measuring 47.95 mm L x 39.70 mm W x 12.60 mm T, the bezel side and the case back had to be perfectly assembled around the middle case to prevent any damage to the black sapphires. The dial made of 18K white gold, features 270 diamonds in its twister and hour/minutes hands with luminescent tips.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Mystère Rétrograde. Live Pictures and Pricing.
For watch lovers, one of the most fascinating aspects of the new IWC Portugieser Tourbillon Mystère Rétrograde just unveiled at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015 is the unusual presentation of the flying tourbillon, consisting of 82 parts, as a “12” indicator that appears to come to life. Fitted with a robust 44.2 mm case in platinum, after the 31st day of the month, the retrograde date display automatically jumps back to the 1st; in shorter months, the hand can be directly advanced using a rapid-advance system until it reverts to the 1st. The 7-day power reserve display indicates how much energy remains in the IWC 51900 calibre. To mark the 75th anniversary of the Portugieser watch family, IWC has given a timepiece swathed in mystery an additional touch of luxury.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month 75th Anniversary Edition. Live Pictures and Pricing.
The digital perpetual calendar is one of IWC’s most outstanding technological advances. With the new Portugieser Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month “75th Anniversary” edition ref. IW397201 just released at the SIHH 2015, the Portugieser watch family now includes a model featuring a digital display for the date and month. This exclusive timepiece packs a wealth of IWC watchmaking expertise into its 45 mm case. Equipped with a perpetual calendar, digital large date display, leap year display, chronograph with flyback function and the IWC in-house calibre 89801 calibre with its efficient double-pawl winding mechanism and quick-action switch. This calibre provides a power reserve of 68 hours when fully wound and is fitted with 51 jewels and solid gold oscillating weight.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New IWC Portugieser Grande Complication. Live Pictures and Pricing.
One of the most sophisticated watches in the world was presented by IWC at the SIHH 2015 in Geneva. The new Portugieser Grande Complication ref. 3776 brings together many of watchmaking’s most significant achievements in a massive yet elegant 45 mm case either in 18K red gold ref. IW377602 or platinum ref. IW377601 of which 250 pieces are available respectively. This new complication brings with it the perpetual calendar, which is mechanically programmed until 2499 and requires just three adjustments in what would normally be leap years —2100, 2200 and 2300— but are not. Further complications include the perpetual moon phase display, chronograph and minute repeater. When activated by the repeating slide, the latter chimes out the precise time in harmonious tones. A total of 20 functions are made possible by the interplay of 659 individual mechanical parts. Despite its complex construction and numerous controls, the case is water-resistant to 3 bar. Several design modifications further enhance the value of the model in the new collection.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Rotonde de Cartier Annual Calendar. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Among the seven new timepieces that were unveiled by Cartier at the SIHH 2015, one that we really liked is the new Rotonde de Cartier Annual Calendar ref. WHRO0002. There's something so special about annual calendars that we really fancy this new watch. The new Rotonde de Cartier Annual Calendar features a solid and nicely sized 40 mm 18K pink gold case with an in-house calibre. Fitted with a beaded 18K pink gold crown set with a blue sapphire cabochon, white galvanized guilloché dial, blued-steel sword-shaped hands, hammer-shaped hand with a red tip and brown alligator leather strap with double adjustable folding 18K pink gold buckle, the new Rotonde de Cartier Annual Calendar ranks high when it comes to our favorite watches at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie this year in Geneva. This beautiful complication with days indicated by a hammer-shaped hand and months by a disc with large date at 12 o'clock is one of the most refined and elegant watches we saw at the salon. Its dial with 'guilloché' center and Roman numerals stays true to the values and DNA of Cartier.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Dual Time, Saxonia Automatic and Saxonia. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Last week at the SIHH 2015 along with the amazing presentation of the new A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater in platinum we presented you here, our friends from Saxony unveiled new design accents for three Saxonia family classics. As part of the revamping of the Saxonia watch family, the watches have been fitted with a new dial design that further enhances their intrinsic gracefulness. The three revamped models are the Saxonia, Saxonia Automatic and the Saxonia Dual Time. “Never stand still” is not only Walter Lange’s personal motto but it also motivates the product developers at A. Lange & Söhne to continue improving their perfect creations. Their tireless pursuit of the perfect watch has inspired the discreet dial design refinements of these three Saxonia models. Particularly in a watch family innately characterised by such elegance and purity, each element, be it ever so small, has a visual impact on the overall appearance of the respective model.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New IWC Portugieser Perpetual Calendar ref. 5034. Live Pictures and Pricing.
This year IWC celebrates the 75th anniversary and with it, a whole new range of calibres and timepieces from the Portugieser collection were unveiled at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015 in Geneva. In addition to the unveiling of 14 new timepieces, the Portugieser line went through a thorough facelift that IWC Schaffhausen refers to as the 'Evolutionary Aesthetic Enhancements'. These enhancements included adding new integrated strap horns to improve ergonomics, an arched-edge sapphire crystal and new handmade alligator leather straps done by Italian renowned shoemaker Santoni —straps come with an orange lining just like the shoes from this brand.
The Portugieser Perpetual Calendar ref. 503401 features now, for the first time ever, a new dial design with railway-track-style chapter ring and aesthetically enhanced subdial arrangement to improve readability.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Officine Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanium PAM 614 and PAM 615. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Last week at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015 in Geneva, Panerai unveiled seven new timepieces that we have been showing here on our website. This time is the turn to present you our live pictures of the other two new Officine Panerai Luminor Submersible watches after we presented you the Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech here last week. The Officine Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanium PAM 614 and PAM 615 are two of our favorite releases from Panerai this year.
The new Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanium fitted with a very robust titanium Luminor 1950 case measuring 47mm in diameter incorporates features which have in common the military context of their origins and it appears as a contemporary watch with a strongly sporting character, with great personality and the purest Panerai identity.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Continuing with our extensive coverage of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2015, we bring you another novelty —with its live pictures— presented by IWC Schaffhausen this year. The new IWC Portugieser Yacht Club is now also available in 18K red gold under ref. IW390501 and its case has been downsized from 45.4 mm to 43.5 mm. While this change in size seems barely noticeable in the numbers, it does make a big difference in the way the watch wears now. Powered by the in-house automatic calibre 89361, the new IWC Portugieser Yacht Club the chronograph demonstrates its sporting qualities with a flyback function and an additional flange with quarter-second calibration for short stop times. Stop times longer than a minute are shown like the time of day on a separate analogue subdial.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Minute Repeater in Platinum. Live Pictures and Pricing.
This year at the SIHH 2015 just like last year, some of the most expected novelties were those from A. Lange & Söhne. This year, the experts from Saxony surprised us with an amazing timepiece that unfortunately feel somewhat short when compared with the Terraluna launched last year and reviewed here. The new Zeitwerk Minute Repeater in platinum is an impressive minute repeater that taps into the best from A. Lange & Söhne in terms of research, development, technology and craftsmanship.
This is not your average minute repeater, this is a water resistant decimal minute repeater —hammers the minutes in fractions of 10 minutes instead of quarter hours as with traditional repeaters— with constant-force escapement and it is fitted with a push piece to activate the minute repeater mechanism opposed to having a lever. However, when it comes to acoustics and sound level, we think the timepiece falls short.
SIHH 2015: Introducing the New Montblanc Tourbillon Cylindrique Geosphères Vasco da Gama Limited Edition. Live Pictures and Pricing.
The pioneering spirit of the Montblanc Manufacture in Villeret honors the legacy of one of history’s greatest explorers. For 157 years Villeret’s master watchmakers have traditional Swiss watchmaking with the same combination of innovation, precision and determination that guided Vasco da Gama on his historic expedition. Their voyage into the uncharted territories of the watchmaking world continues with the Tourbillon Cylindrique Geosphères Vasco da Gama.
This new timepiece just released at the SIHH 2015 unites —for the first time ever— a cylindrical tourbillon and unique, functional worldtime indication. Strictly limited to 18 pieces, the Tourbillon Cylindrique Geosphères Vasco da Gama is a revolutionary timepiece that pushes the boundaries of fine watchmaking with utmost performance and spectacular artisanal beauty. The precisely beating heart of the Montblanc Manufacture Calibre MB M68.40 is a 1-minute tourbillon.
