Renowned for its engraving and enamel painting workshops as well as its Damascene timepieces, Blancpain has added the Les Métiers d'Art Shakudō unique pieces to their collection. Of Japanese origin, shakudō is an alloy principally composed of copper and gold, which acquires a dark patina between blue and black, according to variations in its composition and texture. The black patina is obtained following a process called passivation, which calls for the application of a solution. This solution, which is composed of copper acetate —green gray—, has been traditionally fabricated in Japan where it is known as rokushō. According to the number of applications of the rokushō solution, the black becomes successively deeper and more intense. The shakudō was used historically among other things to create swords, decorative objects and jewelry.
Insider: De Bethune DB25T Zodiac. A Discreet Tourbillon for those in Love with Astrology.
If you are a regular to our website, De Bethune needs little to no introduction. Just in case you're not, let's give you some basic background. In 2002, when David Zanetta, a collector with a passion for art, history and timepieces, decided to join forces in founding De Bethune with Denis Flageollet, the son, grandson and great-grandson of watchmakers. Not doing more, but instead doing better has been the guiding principle for their creations. Almost four years ago in November of 2011, De Bethune received the GPHG 'Aiguille d’Or' —Grand Prize at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève. David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet, are now masterfully accompanied at the head of the company by Pierre Jacques. Today, their vision and philosophy has given birth to some of the most fascinating and understated horological creations we've seen in the last ten years. Such is the case of the recently launched De Bethune DB25T Zodiac, a tourbillon tailored for those in love with astronomy and those who allow their destiny to be guided by the zodiac signs and the constellations these represent.
Insider: Introducing the Bremont ALT1-ZT Zulu Time. One of the Most Iconic Timepieces from Bremont Gets a Facelift.
This year at Baselworld 2015, we had the opportunity to review the new Bremont ALT1-ZT Zulu Time. The ALT1-Z Zulu has been been part of the launch collection since 2007 and since then it has been an iconic Bremont timepiece over the years. Well this time, this iconic Bremont watch gets a facelift. The ALT1-Z Zulu is a model which was designed with aviators and world travelers in mind and features direct aviation inspired design cues such as the artificial horizon indicator. ‘Z’ stands for Zulu Time and allows the wearer to display local time together with the official world time standard. Championed by one of TV’s most adventurous travelers, Charley Boorman, who certainly tested his ALT1-Z beyond endurance for the TV documentary series Long Way Round with Ewan McGregor, Bremont was thrilled to hear him remark, “That first watch I had was a grey ALT1-Z and it did its job perfectly”.
Insider: Introducing the New MB&F Legacy Machine 101 'Frost' LM101. Live Pictures and Pricing.
First presented in 2014, Legacy Machine 101 embodies and accentuates what is essential in a wristwatch: the balance wheel, which is responsible for regulating precision; how much power remains in the mainspring, which indicates when it needs to be next wound; and of course, the time. Inspired by the frosted finish on timepieces created in the old days, MB&F presents the new Legacy Machine 101 'Frost' LM101. While the word 'frost' refers to those uneven ice crystals that cover your lawn during the beginning of the cold season, when it comes to horology it conveys something different. Abraham-Louis Breguet is credited with inventing the 'frosted' finish —'finition grenée' in French— in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. At the time, the operation of frosting protected dials and movements from oxidation —more common in Breguet’s day— and added subdued vivacity to movement plates.
Insider: Introducing the New Patek Philippe Split Seconds Chronograph ref. 5370P-001. A Stunning Timepiece with Black Enamel Dial and Breguet Numerals.
Yet, here we bring you another amazing timepiece released by Patek Philippe last month at Baselworld 2015. Here are our live pictures and hands-on review of the new Patek Philippe Split Seconds Chronograph in platinum ref. 5370P-001. Almost a century later, Patek wows everyone with the most amazing chronograph of all chronographs. It was in 1920 when Patek Philippe presented its first wristwatch chronometer with a rattrapante function right from the start. In 2009, when Patek Philippe presented the caliber CH 29-535 PS, its then latest proprietary chronograph movement based on classic principles —manually wound, column wheel, horizontal clutch—, it was already clear that some day, it would be followed by a caliber with the acronym CHR, which stands for CHronographe à Rattrapante —the French term for split-seconds chronograph.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Breguet Tradition Automatic Retrograde Seconds ref. 7097. Live Pictures and Pricing.
In 2005, Breguet launched its iconic Tradition collection with the 7027 model, the first timepiece to showcase the mechanisms of the movement on top of the baseplate. Much imitated but never equalled, this collection has since filled out and this year welcomes an outstanding new model: the new Breguet Tradition Automatique Seconde Rétrograde ref. 7097 —Automatic Retrograde Seconds. This new watch, like the rest of the collection, is inspired by the 'subscription watches' and recalls the genius of Abraham-Louis Breguet who first produced these one-hand watches in 1796. They were fitted with a very simple movement and sold by subscription: a down payment of a quarter of the price on order and the balance on delivery. Abraham-Louis Breguet also used the movements of his 'subscription' watches for his first tact watches. The new Tradition ref. 7097 pays further tribute to the mechanisms of the 'subscription' and tact watches by revealing the bridges, wheels, escapement, barrel and other components of the movement, which are usually hidden beneath the baseplate.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Breguet B Crazy High Jewelry Watch. Live Pictures of a $1.8 Million USD Timepiece.
If technical developments are closely bound up with Breguet’s history, so are its decorative principles. The company’s signature aesthetic codes and the outstanding level of finish done by hand according to age-old techniques permeate all its collections. Breguet is one of the few watch manufacturers that does all its engine-turned engravings in the traditional way, and it has recently expanded its workshops to keep ancient craft skills alive and to unite its artistic crafts in one location. This respect for tradition, constantly reformulated, is expressed in every timepiece. Breguet’s distinguished past is thus frequently revived by its craftsmen and women, who constantly create new timepieces that pay tribute to the past in a contemporary way. A few years ago, Breguet demonstrated its skills in gem setting by revealing a technique that gave diamonds unprecedented movement. This is how the Crazy Flower and Petite Fleur collections enlivened watches and jewellery. Breguet today presents an even more outstanding model called the B Crazy ref. GJ25BB8989DDDD as a direct descendent of these exceptional watches.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the New MCT Manufacture Contemporaine du Temps Frequential One F110. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Up until the very end of 2013, MCT was an independent manufacture very well known and highly regarded for its signature prisms hours display mechanism and for its cushion shaped cases in watches like the Sequential One S100 and the S110 reviewed here , then, last year at Baselworld 2014, MCT decided to continue its evolution and present the Sequential Two S200 with a round-shaped case —reviewed here by us— and a top sapphire crystal that was not simply placed on the bezel, but stepped down and invisibly screwed to the case, therefore, allowing light to illuminate the prism displays from nearly every angle. Well, this time and just in time for Baselworld 2015, Manufacture Contemporaine du Temps continues to evolve and this time with a new watch named Frequential One F110 designed by Fabrice Gonet.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent Limited Edition. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Already and only after our day one at Baselworld 2015, we can fairly say that so far, blue has been the color of choice for several of the novelties presented across different manufactures we've met with so far. Here, we present you one of our favorite watches from the fair as we type, we are talking about the impressive Hublot Big Bang Italia Independent Limited Edition ref. 411.YL.5190.NR.ITI15 which is the latest in a long line of innovative Hublot timepieces that combine inspirational design with state-of-the-art materials. The new Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent Limited Edition of 500 pieces in either denim blue or denim gray, is fitted with a robust case measuring 45 mm in a brand new material that is exclusive to the brand and that is named Texalium. This new material highly resembling the typical pattern on carbon fiber comes with a slightly different sheen, product of the aluminum-coated carbon fiber used on its case. After doing this hands-on review, we can tell you that this new watch is worth the money.
News: Introducing the Richard Mille RM60-01 Flyback Chronograph Regatta 'Les Voiles de Saint Barth'. 100-Piece Limited Edition.
The sixth edition of the sailing race 'Les Voiles de Saint Barth' will get underway on April 14th, 2015. Over 1,000 yachtsmen and women of 20 different nationalities—including some of the biggest names in sailing such as Loïc Peyron and Terry Hutchinson—will compete during a week of racing in an electric atmosphere. In celebration of the brand’s role as principal partner for the sixth year in a row, Richard Mille unveils a new limited edition RM60-01 Automatic Flyback Chronograph Regatta 'Les Voiles de Saint Barth'. This new 100-piece limited edition will be available exclusively through Richard Mille authorized retailers in the Americas and it will be revealed publicly for the first time during next week’s regatta.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Bell & Ross Vintage WW1 Edición Limitada. A Watch Inspired by Cigars and Made for Cigar Lovers. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Continuing with our coverage of Baselworld 2015, here we bring you our hands-on review of this new Bell & Ross Vintage WW1 Edición Limitada —Limited Edition in Spanish— limited to 99 pieces. Because time is easily forgotten when you’re enjoying yourself, Bell & Ross has chosen to equip its new Vintage WW1 Edición Limitada ref. BRWW1-GRM-PG with a movement with a 5-day power reserve with a manual wound mechanism that is armed with a double barrel. On the matte grainy tobacco brown dial, one can appreciate an exposed balance wheel at 9 o'clock and a power reserve indicator with the inscription in Spanish “Reserva de Marcha 5 días” —5-day Power Reserve. Fitted with an elegant highly polished pebble-shaped 5N 18K red gold case measuring 42 mm in diameter, the new Bell & Ross Vintage WW1 Edición Limitada exudes class and elegance, while evoking the Latin American tones that gave its inspiration.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Carbon Limited Edition. Live Pictures and Pricing.
This time, we bring you the new Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Carbon. This new watch presented at Baselworld 2015 a few weeks ago is the result of the continued partnership between Hublot and Ferrari. The new Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Carbon is available in a 45 mm case in either 18K King Gold ref. 401.OJ.0123.VR or Titanium ref. 401.NJ.0123.VR. Both watches in a limited edition of 500 and a 1000 pieces respectively, are fitted with one of the most unique bezels we've seen in the market. Sharing the same vision of performance, innovation, and the use of precursor materials, the result is a carbon bezel incrusted with gold or titanium with a micro-blasted coating for extra hardness and a silky metallic-effect appearance.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the De Bethune DBS Tourbillon 10th Anniversary. Live Pictures and Pricing.
De Bethune is one of those 'haute horlogerie' manufactures that knocks it out of the park every time they release a new piece. As if the new De Bethune DB25 Quetzalcoatl —featured here— wasn't impressive enough, David Zanetta and the De Bethune team, decided to create a 10th anniversary DBS Tourbillon to be presented at Baselworld 2015. Ten years ago, David Zanetta and Denis Flageollet decided to support the 'Only Watch Project' —an auction placed under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco on behalf of research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy— by creating the first DBS, an incredibly high-tech model with an innovative design. The white gold case of the DBS testified to a new thought process undertaken by the brand founders in terms of ensuring a wristwatch makes an ideally comfortable fit, and marked the start of in-depth work on forging a specific De Bethune functional aesthetic.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Arnold & Son Golden Wheel. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Continuing with our coverage of the novelties presented at Baselworld 2015, here we bring you the impressive horological feat by Arnold & Son called the Golden Wheel. The new Arnold & Son Golden Wheel is the 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 of the 18th century. Thus, it is a fitting complication for the Arnold & Son watchmakers to reinvent anew, perpetuating the long tradition of wandering hour watches.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the HYT H2 Full Bronze. Live Pictures and Pricing.
In 2013, HYT launched its second collection engineered in partnership with Audemars Piguet Renaud Papi. This year at Baselworld 2015 HYT and Vincent Perriard came with the new H2 Full Bronze keeping the same unbelievable DNA based on hydro-mechanical horology and daring to step out of conformity and added unique metallic shades on each of those cases architecture giving bronze tones. Firstly, the position of the bellows, positioned at 6 o'clock in "V" and rising, clearly evokes the most outstanding achievements of automotive and aeronautical engineering. This optimizes the integration of the interface that connects the watch mechanisms with the fluidic system. Fitted with a titanium bronze PVD case measuring 48.8 mm in diameter and 17.9 mm in thickness, this new HYT H2 Full Bronze ref. 248-TB-00-RF-MM is really huge but spectacular. The case is very nicely finished with polished, micro blasted and satin finishes.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tour Auto Edition. Live Pictures and Pricing.
After partnering with Audemars Piguet for several years and after the release of two Royal Oak Offshore limited editions, the legendary Paris-Biarritz race Tour Auto Optic 2000 is now partnering with Zenith. They will finally come together on the starting line of the 24th Tour Auto. Zenith will be the official timekeeper of the competition, and three connoisseurs of mechanical beauty and speed will set off, along with their co-drivers, under its banner. On their wrists, the new Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tour Auto Edition, a sporty model specially designed for the event in a limited edition of 500 pieces. This new watch, crystallizes the spirit of its partnership with the Tour Auto. Haute Horlogerie and collector's cars are linked by fastidious expertise, as well as a desire for perfection and elegance. The new Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tour Auto Edition joins them forever by combining the revolutionary chronograph movements for which the Le Locle Manufacture has become famous, with a design whose finely nuanced colors and symbolic elements reveal a subtle automotive influence.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Arnold & Son Royal TEC 1 Black Guilloché. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Yet, here's another amazing timepiece unveiled at Baselworld 2015 by Arnold & Son. Here's the turn for the new Royal TEC1 with a stunning black guilloché dial and a palladium case. The TEC1 wristwatch is at once both alluring and intriguing. It masterfully integrates three complexities never before combined by the brand in such an elegant rendition. A tourbillon, a column wheel chronograph and an automatic winding system deftly blend in a superb avant-garde yet classic timepiece. The TEC1 is part of the sophisticated Royal Collection, which is inspired by the timepieces created in the early part of John Arnold’s life for King George III and members of the royal court. The sophisticated TEC1 is a worthy example of Arnold & Son’s innovative spirit, technical prowess and artistic achievement. The challenge for Arnold & Son’s Research and Development team in creating this timepiece was the integration of a high-frequency tourbillon, a chronograph and an automatic winding system in a way that is elegant and technically advanced.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M 'James Bond' Spectre Limited Edition. Live Pictures and Pricing.
In anticipation of the release of the 24th James Bond film 'Spectre' scheduled to open later this year, Omega has created a limited edition Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M model inspired by the Bond family coat of arms. This new Omega just unveiled at Baselworld 2015 over a week ago. The dial, in the most interesting hue of midnight blue, features the coat of arms repeatedly interlocking to create a dynamic pattern on the watch’s blue dial. The coat of arms is also found near the tip of the yellow central seconds hand and a yellow minute track completes the amazing look of this new timepiece. Powered by the completely new Omega Master Co-Axial calibre 8507, this timepiece is resistant to magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss —however the brand played with the 007 number and added it to the gauss rating on the dial as 15,007
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon New Four Variants. Live Pictures and Pricing.
It was the adventures and the accomplishments of the Apollo 8 astronauts that inspired the all black, ceramic Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon, but it is the mystique of the Earth’s nightlight and its ever-changing yet constant presence that has spurred the creation of four new Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon timepieces that are now part of the collection. These four new variants are the Dark Side of the Moon Black Black, Dark Side of the Moon Sedna Black, Dark Side of the Moon Pitch Black and the Dark Side of the Moon Vintage Black —our favorite by the way. These four new timepieces just released at Baselworld 2015 share a case back design that hints at their common inspiration: the original Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon. The black ceramic case back ring of each of these models features matt chromium nitride marks as well as the name of this iconic collection: “Dark Side of the Moon”. Each of these black ceramic timepieces is powered by the Omega Co-Axial calibre 9300.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Patek Philippe Nautilus in 18K Rose Gold with Matching Bracelet ref. 5711/1R-001. Live Pictures and Pricing.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus is a watch that needs little introduction. Launched in 1976, quickly became a legendary and iconic watch just like every other watch designed by Gerald Genta. Perhaps Genta was gifted with the 'Midas Touch' or maybe he was just the biggest visionary the horological world has had so far. Either way, the Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711 is now also available in 18K rose gold with matching integrated bracelet. Fitted with a stunning light/dark brown gradated dial with gold applied hour markers with luminescent coating, the new Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711/1R-001 is simply a stunner. Still powered by the same calibre as the rest of the 5711s, the automatic calibre 324 S C, this new timepiece is definitely one of our favorite watches from Baselworld 2015.
