For the first time in the Villeret Collection, Blancpain is offering the complication of a grand date. This new watch Blancpain Villeret Grande Date is both elegant and practical. This new watch fitted with a perfectly sized case measuring 40 mm in diameter is available in stainless steel or 18K red gold. Fitted with an elegant opaline dial featuring Roman numerals, leaf hands and a double date aperture at 6 o'clock, this new watch uses a side-by-side calendar for optimal readability. When Blancpain’s watchmakers conceived the automatic caliber 6950, they had as their objective to maximize legibility of the date, while at the same time enabling an instant change at midnight. At the same time, they set out to ensure that the mechanism would not significantly increase the movement’s profile. The result, an automatic movement with two mainspring barrels and a date mechanism designed to resist shocks. It further distinguishes itself with its free sprung balance with a silicium spiral and regulated by gold regulation screws.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time ref. 5524G. Live Pictures and Pricing.
As soon as the doors opened up for 'Press Day' at Baselworld 2015 five days ago on Wednesday March 18th, 2014, we were some of the first journalists to head straight to the Patek Philippe pavilion to see for the very first time in person, the new Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time ref. 5524G-001. As soon as the first images of this timepiece hit the web, a wave of controversial comments started to arise. While the Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time caught more than one purist by surprise —in an unexpected move by the most traditional horological maison from Geneva—, we preferred to remain objective and enjoyed this new watch in its true form. While many felt that this watch didn't make any sense within the Patek Philippe lineup, we completely disagree with such take. The new Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time ref. 5524G-001 is definitely based on old Patek DNA from scientific instruments released by the brand in the 1930s and exhibited at the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva that we featured here.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Omega Speedmaster Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award. Live Pictures and Pricing.
On April 17, 1970, the world watched as the Apollo 13 Command Module landed in the Pacific Ocean after an unexpected crisis occurred 200,000 miles away from Earth. Apollo 13 was the seventh manned mission in the Apollo programme and the third that was intended to land on the Moon —a goal that was dashed when one of the two oxygen tanks on the Service Module exploded on route. The mission was aborted and the astronauts completed a number of mid-course corrections in order to achieve the trajectory that would allow them to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. This new Omega —just unveiled at Baselworld 2015— under the name Speedmaster Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award pays homage to that unforgettable mission 45 years ago and celebrates the teamwork, quick thinking, ingenuity and courage that brought Commander Jim Lovell, Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert and Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise home safely.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the HYT H3. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Known for blurring the lines, HYT the HydroMechanical Horologists have once again defied the limits of what is possible. As if mastering telling time with fluids wasn't already impressive enough, the new HYT H3 is even a more complex part of the HYT evolution and their continued pursuit to push the limits of horology. The H3 is a massive timepiece in terms of size but what's inside is even greater than the sum of its case size measuring 62 x 41 mm. Its movement —like out of sci-fi movie speaks for itself. HYT and its partners at APRP —Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi— have succeeded in creating a timepiece with a highly complex architecture. One of the main challenges was the machining of the case and the special curved sapphire crystal. When it came to the movement, one of the most delicate steps in creating the H3 involved recovering the energy provided in the retrograde movement, which then powered the semi-instantaneous rotation of the watch's dial with use of the fluid going back and delivering the necessary energy.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Glashütte Original Senator Cosmopolite. Live Pictures and Pricing.
The new Glashütte Original Senator Cosmopolite is not your average multiple travel time type of watch. Not only this new watch from the German manufacture sports the brand new calibre 89-02 but it also gives you 37 time zones taking into consideration quarter hour, half hour and three quarter hour time zones variances. This new timepiece —following the launch of the Grande Cosmopolite Tourbillon in 2012— consolidates the ability of this Saxon manufacture at crafting spectacular timepieces from an horological feat standpoint as well as from a functional perspective. Fitted with a very nicely finished generous case with satin brushed and polished areas measuring 44 mm in diameter and a thickness of 14 mm, the beating heart inside this timepiece is a new in-house developed calibre. The new automatic calibre 89-02 with a power reserve of 72 hours powering this amazing timepiece, was fully conceived and developed in-house. Fitted with a silvered-grain dial this watch allows world travelers to keep two different time zones in check indicated by the airport IATA codes for each of the 37 cities via the apertures located at 8 o'clock.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the New Angelus U10 Tourbillon Lumière. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Two weeks ago we brought you the news regarding the rebirth of the Angelus manufacture, which has now been revived by Manufacture La Joux-Perret. The latter, spent four years developing the next generation of visionary timepieces and here's the first one of them. May we now present you this hands-on review with some of the first live pictures on any other watch website of the new Angelus U10 Tourbillon Lumière. Boasting a radically deconstructed movement, the U10 Tourbillon Lumière features hours, minutes, dead beat seconds and a one-minute flying tourbillon, plus a 90-hour linear power reserve indicator on the case profile. The clean, modernist displays pay tribute to Angelus’ acclaimed travel clocks as well as taking cues from iconic industrial designs and designers of the 1960s and ‘70s. Powering the U10 Tourbillon Lumière is an innovative, finely finished, in-house calibre complete with oversized one-minute flying tourbillon, which is offset from the movement. Visible from five sides in its own sapphire crystal showcase, the circular ballet of the tourbillon is on full display. The generously-proportioned —62.75 mm x 38 mm x 15 mm— case, which took over two years to develop, features no fewer than seven sapphire crystals. All the crystals are bevelled, polished and subtly protrude from the case, creating expressive tridimensionality.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Breguet Tradition Minute Repeater Tourbillon ref. 7087. Live Pictures and Pricing.
A watch of this caliber requires very little to no preamble, may we present you one of the most impressive novelties at Baselworld 2015, we are talking about the Breguet Tradition Répétition Minutes Tourbillon —Minute Repeater Tourbillon— ref. 7087BR/G1/9XV. This impressive minute repeater that also happens to feature a tourbillonat 6 o'clock and off-centered hours/minutes dial at 1:30 is nothing but exceptional. Fitted with a robust 18K rose gold case measuring 44 mm in diameter and with a delicately fluted caseband —typical Breguet design characteristics—, the watch features welded lugs with screw bars.
Its dial silvered 18K gold dial with the most beautiful 'Guilloché' is nothing but impressive. The off-centered dial at 1:30 is individually numbered and signed Breguet. The dial features hours chapter ring with Roman numerals and Breguet open-tipped hands in blued steel.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Bell & Ross BR 03-94 Rafale Limited Edition. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Inspired by the history of aviation and its technological advances, Bell & Ross collections pay homage to the key periods in civil and military aviation from 1900 to the present day. The military world has always been a pioneer in numerous fields. Its innovations have had various applications in civilian life, such as the Internet, GPS or even the first business jets. Creating avant-arde technological ties between its civil and military activities, Dassault Aviation has acquired unquestionable expertise of the highest standard. Bell & Ross and Dassault Aviation share the same passion for aviation, which guides them in their respective creations. In 2013, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Falcon business jet, Bell & Ross paid homage to the civil aviation of the 1960s by presenting the Vintage Falcon model. This year, the two companies are joining forces once again to celebrate the most successful multi-role fighter aircraft on the market: the Rafale.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Evolved Manufacture Contemporaine du Temps MCT Sequential One S110. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Right on time for Baselworld 2015, Manufacture du Temps presents the evolution of their iconic Sequential One S110 timepiece. This time, the watch is not only also available in Anthracite PVD White Gold but its typography, movement decoration and dial get more classic and even more stunning. The workshop of MCT —Manufacture Contemporaine du Temps— located in the heart of the Swiss watchmaking region of Lake Neuchâtel and lead by François Candolfi is living example of the level of innovation and the creative spirit of independent watchmaking companies. The evolved MCT Sequential One S110 maintains all of its technical specifications in terms of case size, movement and functioning. There are two new models that were just presented and in order to explain the main differences between the evolved model and the predecessor you will find side-by-side shots of the watches.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the New Tudor North Flag with In-House Movement. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Today, Tudor presented the latest addition to its lineup. We are talking about the new Tudor North Flag ref. 91210N available with integrated stainless steel bracelet or with a rugged texturized black leather strap with yellow contrast stitching. Inspired by iconic watches from the 1970s like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the IWC Ingenieur, the Tudor Ranger or even the Rolex Oysterquartz, this new Tudor watch measures 41 mm in diameter and is equipped with a satin brushed monobloc case with double bezel in stainless steel and black ceramic. Its black matte dial with white applied markers and a flange with yellow and white minute track are simply stunning. However, what really makes this watch special —besides its looks— is the fact that this is the first Tudor watch to be powered by a fully developed in-house calibre.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the New Tudor Pelagos Blue and the Redesigned Pelagos Black. Both Now with In-House Movement. Live Pictures and Pricing.
The Tudor Pelagos needs no introduction. This time we present you the new iteration of this fantastic titanium diving watch measuring 42 mm in diameter. The new Tudor Pelagos Blue ref. 25600TB features a beautiful blue dial and bezel to resemble the Tudor Snowflakes worn by the French Navy. Besides the obvious color variation, there are three additional elements that differentiate this new Tudor Pelagos from its black predecessor ref. 25500TN. The new Tudor Pelagos Blue ref. 25600TB is also powered by a newly designed in-house movement just like the new Tudor North Flag but without its power reserve indicator.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the De Bethune DB25 Quetzalcoatl. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Quetzalcoatl is a composite name in the Nahuatl language derived from 'quetzalli' and used to describe the large, precious green feathers of the sacred quetzal bird; and 'coatl', meaning snake. It is one of the main divinities of the Mesoamerican civilizations and the feathered serpent, its most iconic incarnation, reigned for many long centuries over pre-Columbian America. This powerful symbol of Mesoamerican culture was the core of worship and sacred rituals. The related myths and legends appear in the writings of the colonial period. In conjunction with the evening star, it was considered to govern the cycle of time from dawn to dusk. This deity of the summer winds was naturally closely associated with agriculture and in particular with corn farming, as well as being the sovereign protector of goldsmiths and artisans, and the inventor of the calendar.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the New Zenith El Primero Sport. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Reporting live from Baselworld 2015, we bring you the exciting news about a new Zenith El Primero Chronograph. We are talking about the new Zenith El Primero Sport, a new chronograph in its iconic collection interpreted through three classically sophisticated variations, this timepiece is a worthy heir to the grand tradition of sports chronographs. Its 45 mm diameter stainless steel case houses the famous El Primero 400 B automatic chronograph calibre beating at a rate of 36,000 vph. The iconic El Primero collection welcomes a new range of sophisticated chronographs embodying the grand tradition of sports chronographs. Presented in three initial versions, the new El Primero Sport model asserts a resolutely masculine personality accentuated by the generous size of its steel case and the eminently sporty nature of its functions. Its distinctive character reflects the very essence of sports watches and naturally makes it part of a proud lineage of timeless models.
Insider: Zenith Academy George Favre-Jacot. A Manual Wound Timepiece with High-Frequency and Constant Force.
To mark its 150th anniversary, Zenith presents another amazing horological creation, we are talking about the Academy Georges Favre-Jacot which offers a magnificent compendium of the multiple watchmaking skills exercised within the Manufacture. More than a mere tribute, this Haute Horlogerie model testifies to a profound respect for the spirit of the founder without whom nothing would have ever have taken shape. On the technical side, the Academy Georges Favre-Jacot houses a high-frequency manual El Primero 4810 movement. Occupying the entire lower right-hand side of the dial, the power reserve display between 4 and 5 o’clock topped by the inscriptions 'Force constante' and 'High frequency', gives an immediate indication of the movement’s high quality. To its left, the small seconds subdial between 7 and 8 o’clock bears the logo of the Manufacture with the guiding star.
Experience: The Patek Philippe Museum. The Most Amazing Horological Museum in the World.
The Patek Philippe Museum is a must see for any watchlifestyler. Located in the heart of Geneva on Rue des Vieux-Grenadiers 7, this museum holds the largest collection of horological pieces and the most fascinating horological exhibit in the world. The Patek Philippe Museum holds more than 2,200 timepieces within their collection divided in two segments, the antique collection dating from 1500-1850 and the Patek Philippe collection that includes not only almost every single reference ever released by Patek Philippe —including commemorative pieces from their various anniversaries as well as unique pieces— but also some of the impressive Henry Graves Jr.'s timepieces, the Supercomplication 'Duke of Regla', the Calibre 89 and a special exhibit with all the pieces commemorating the 175th anniversary amongst others. Once you make yourself into the museum an air of grandeur fills every corner.
Experience: Fourteen Vintage Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Advertisements. From 1972 to 1998.
Presented in 1972 as the first sports watch in stainless steel priced higher than most gold timepieces, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak made a statement immediately. A watch made for those that want the best and won't settle for less. A watch than can only be spotted by those that are in the know and a timepiece that after 40 years has remained true to its essence and core values.
These vintage advertisements are living testament of the launch and evolution of an iconic timepiece. Well thought out taglines and powerful images characterize these ads. Here, you will find fourteen of the most iconic and our favorite Royal Oaks advertisements of all-time —all the way from 1972 thru 1998.
Because "Some Things In Life Speak for Themselves" and the Royal Oak is "Known Only By Those Who Know", everyone knows now that "It Takes More than Money to Wear the Royal Oak".
Now, let's start enjoying the eye candy and the time machine.
Experience: Lino Ieluzzi's Al Bazar Milano. A True Haberdasher and a Watchlifestyler at Heart.
If you recognize these hands or you are a regular attendee of Pitti Uomo, you obviously know who we are talking about. A morning spent with legendary fashionisto and haberdasher Lino Ieluzzi, is a morning very well spent and quite an experience. Lino is not only a man that has been setting fashion trends around the streets of Milano for decades, but his unique style and personality has also captivated many followers around the globe and especially in places like Japan. Considered by many publications as one of the fifty most elegant men in the planet, Lino is easily recognizable by his double-breasted suits, the light blue color palette he usually chooses and his iconic lucky 7 embroidered ties. To us, Lino is the epitome of a true watchlifestyler with an unlimited love for watches as you can see by the picture opening this post.
News: Legendary Angelus S.A. Manufacture is Back. Dormant for 30 Years and Rising High Like a Phoenix.
After lying dormant for more than 30 years, Angelus has now been revived by Manufacture La Joux-Perret, which has spent four years developing the next generation of visionary timepieces. The Angelus’ manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds is just a stone’s throw from where the Stolz brothers established their original manufacture. Dating back nearly 125 years, Angelus has been one of the most influential horological manufactures of the last century. Connoisseurs of high-end watchmaking have universally hailed Angelus' pioneering, in-house developed movements and timepieces, which continue to be coveted by collectors all over the world. Angelus was founded in 1891 by the brothers Albert and Gustav Stolz with the establishment of the Angelus watchmaking manufacture in Le Locle, Switzerland. Over the past century, Angelus forged a fine reputation for creating exceptional chronograph and multi-complication wristwatches, multi-display travel clocks with long power reserves, and alarm watches.
Experience: Grand Opening of the Jaeger-LeCoultre New York City Flagship. A Celestial Night Full of Stars and The Good Life.
This past Tuesday March 3, 2015, we were part of the exclusive celebration that took place in New York City for the official grand opening of the new Jaeger-LeCoultre New York City Flagship Boutique on 701 Madison Avenue. The new boutique is nested right next to Panerai and just a few steps from the Hermès flagship between 62nd and 63rd street. This new Jaeger-LeCoultre boutique clearly conveys what the brand stands for with a very intimate and welcoming layout that is accentuated by its circular showcase underneath a majestic chandelier right next to its main entrance. The grand opening was attended by VIP collectors, friends of the brand, a few select press representatives and also executives of Jaeger-LeCoultre from throughout the world. Friends of the brand Canadian actress Sarah Gadon and British actor Clive Owen also joined the event to celebrate this new home for Jaeger-LeCoultre, officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside Jaeger-LeCoultre's CEO Daniel Riedo and North America President Philippe Bonay.
Pre-Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Frederique Constant and Alpina Swiss Horological Smartwatches. Finally Someone Had to Do It Right.
Finally, what everyone was expecting in the watch industry. The new Frederique Constant and Alpina Horological Smartwatches are 'wearable' smartwatches that you won't be ashamed of wearing and you will want to wear. There's no need to forfeit Swiss craftsmanship and a good decent looking timepiece, no more. Frederique Constant and Alpina are really setting the tune for what the future of Smartwatches should be like by launching two new timepieces that you really would care about wearing, instead of strapping the ridiculously looking Apple Watch. The two companies lead by Peter Stas are building the bridge between Silicon Valley and the Swiss Watch Industry by launching two Swiss Made timepieces powered by MotionX. These new watches are capable of bi-directional communication with iPhone and Android apps and are referred to as Horological Smartwatches.
