The A. Lange & Söhne Double Split Chronograph ref. 404.032 is the world’s first and only mechanical chronograph with a double-rattrapante function. It features two pairs of stopwatch hands that can run together as well as separately. For the first time, they allow time comparisons, lap-time and reference-value measurements as well as fastest/slowest measurements of events that last up to 30 minutes. This exceptional timepiece that pushes the limits of horology is available in a generous 18K rose gold case with a diameter of 43.2 mm and a thickness of 15.3 mm. Even though this timepiece is quite robust, it is not top heavy as it weighs only 150 grams. If you are looking for a masterpiece of horology straight from Saxony, look no further. The images on this hands-on review, are living proof of what the master horologists at this German manufacture can accomplish.
Insider: Breguet Classique Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon ref. 3797. Definitely Worth Its Price Tag.
The Breguet Classique Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon ref. 3797 is a perfect example of a watch that is worth its price tag. Fitted with a generous 41 mm 18K rose gold case, the Breguet Classique Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon ref. 3797 is one of those amazing timepieces that leaves you in awe as you hold them and inspect them. The Classique Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon ref. 3797 is pure Breguet DNA in its maximum expression. Its 'hand-guilloché' dial with four different patterns is simply stunning. Its beautiful silvered dial features a stunning large tourbillon cage with blued three-spoke running seconds indicator at 6, a retrograde date indicator at 12, a day of the week indicator at 9 and a month and leap year indicator at 3 o'clock. Additionally, the hours are marked by an off-centered floating sapphire chapter disc with Roman numerals and blued steel Breguet open-tipped hands.
News: Introducing the MB&F Horological Machine 'X' HMX. Celebrating the Brand's 10th Anniversary with an Entry Level Priced Limited Edition.
MB&F celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2015, and there is one basic fact about birthdays that is fairly safe to assume: The one celebrating usually gets the presents. However, for the most significant anniversary of its decadelong existence, MB&F turns that one basic assumption on its head. Rather than expecting to receive, the creative lab has conceived HMX —“X” as in the Roman numeral for ten— as a thank you to the friends who have supported the brand over the last 10 years. Instead of developing an ultra-complicated, ultra-expensive anniversary piece —the standard practice in the luxury watchmaking world—, MB&F has cut sales margins without sacrificing quality, offering a true Horological Machine at an unprecedented price. Paradoxically, creating such a Machine also made HMX one of the most difficult to develop as MB&F considered, tested and rejected a plethora of combinations of forms, finishes and details before being satisfied that everything was “just right”.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Patek Philippe ref. 5270R in 18K Rose Gold. Live Pictures and Pricing of the Quintessential Perpetual Calendar Chronograph.
The Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 5270 was originally launched at Baselworld 2011 as a new complicated wristwatch with a rich 70-year heritage of tradition and innovation. This year at Baselworld 2015, Patek presented a new iteration of the ref. 5270 in 18K rose gold. Unfortunately, this exceptional timepiece didn't get as much attention as the new Patek Philippe Calatrava Pilot Travel Time ref. 5524G-001 featured here. Nevertheless, the new Patek Philippe ref. 5270R-001 is without a doubt the quintessential Perpetual Calendar Chronograph —in a perfectly sized case measuring 41 mm in diameter— and one of the most coveted references among Patekaholics. The Patek Philippe ref. 5270 available up until now only in 18K white gold —or platinum with diamonds under reference 5271—, combines the functionality of a perpetual calendar with the new classic chronograph caliber that is crafted entirely in-house.
Insider: A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk in Platinum. A Perfect Digital Display Mechanical Timepiece in a 200-Piece Limited Edition.
Let's start this hands-on review firstly by saying that the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk is not your typical watch. The Zeitwerk, is an exceptional mechanical watch fitted with a digital display unlike any other watch out there. Its superb craftsmanship, clean lines and iconic design has captivated watchlifestylers around the globe since the day it was launched back in 2009.
News: Introducing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher. The World's First Mechanical Chronograph with Independent Memory and Three Column Wheels.
Today in Givrins, Switzerland at the Corinna Schumacher CS Ranch, Audemars Piguet unveiled the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher ref. 26221FT.OO.D002CA.01. The watch, was a true collaboration between Audemars Piguet and Michael Schumacher, taking five years to come to fruition after Schumacher challenged Audemars Piguet to create a watch with the ability to measure and record an extended series of consecutive lap times. In late 2010, F1 legend and Audemars Piguet ambassador Michael Schumacher posed an apparently simple question to the engineers at Audemars Piguet: would it be possible to create a mechanical wristwatch designed specifically for use in motorsport which would make it possible to measure and record an extended series of consecutive lap times?
Insider: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon. Thin, Automatic and Quintessential.
The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon ref. 1323420 is the epitome of elegance with its 40 mm white gold case with a thickness of merely 11.3 mm. This ultra thin automatic tourbillon is not only a true horological feat but also one of the best tourbillons money can buy. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon is the quintessential tourbillon for those seeking a supremely elegant watch from this manufacture. Fitted with a gorgeous silvered grain dial with applied white gold markers and dauphine hands, the tourbillon carriage at 6 o'clock rises in all its glory, all rounded out by the beautifully hand finished black alligator strap with double folding clasp.
Insider: Patek Philippe Chronograph ref. 5170G-010. A Chronograph with Breguet Numerals Like No Other.
The Patek Philippe Chronograph ref. 5170 in white gold is one of the most iconic and classic dressy chronograph timepieces out there. This year, Patek Philippe decided to give this watch a facelift and added a new ebony black opaline dial with white gold applied Breguet numerals and white minute track. Up until now, the Patek Philippe ref. 5170G was only available with silvery dial with pulsometer —graduation pour 15 pulsations. This new 517-G-010 is simply stunning and extremely comfortable with its 18K white gold case measuring short of 40 mm at 39.4 mm in diameter. Powered by the manual wound calibre CH 29-535 PS a column-wheel chronograph with center chronograph hand and 30-minute chrono register at 3 o'clock, this watch is pure perfection. Below you will find a few pictures of the previous iteration of this chronograph, the Patek Philippe ref. 5170G-001.
Insider: Patek Philippe Celestial ref. 6102R-001. Even More Beautiful than its Platinum Counterpart, If that is Even Possible.
he Patek Philippe Celestial ref. 6102R-001 was launched back in March at Baselworld 2015. This exceptional reference, was originally launched as reference 5102 in 2002 and discontinued in 2012 when it was replaced by ref. 6102P-001 in platinum with blue dial. One of the main differences between the ref. 6102 and its predecessor ref. 5102 besides the relatively different case construction is the addition of a date function. For those of you in love with gold, we have some great news, the legendary Patek Philippe Celestial ref. 6102 is now also available in 18K rose gold with a stunning black dial. Fitted with robust, yet elegant case measuring 44 mm in diameter and a dial featuring what is called a 'Sky Chart', this reference is one of the most fascinating horological complications ever developed by Patek Philippe. The 'Sky Chart' is composed of three different sapphire crystal disks.
News: Patek Phillipe Monopusher Chronograph ref. 130 in Stainless Steel from 1927 Sells for $4.6 Million Swiss Francs. How is this possible?
Last night May 10th, 2015 at the long awaited inaugural Phillips Watches Auction One held in Geneva, a new historical record was set by a stainless steel Patek Philippe Monopusher Chronograph ref. 130 Doctor's Watch selling for $4,645,00 Millions Swiss Francs —buyer's premium included. Yes ladies and gentleman, this is not a typo, this watch from 1927 sold short of $5 Million USD at today's exchange rate of $1.07 USD per CHF 1. Last night, this watch set many records including the most expensive chronograph ever sold at auction and a new high for any stainless steel wristwatch sold at auction. While many watch collectors feel that the sky is the limit when it comes to owning a piece of history or a rare vintage watch like this, we think that it's finally time for watch collectors to spend some time analyzing why this is happening.
News: The Inaugural Phillips Watches Auctions Sell $31.8 Million USD. Setting World Records with Four Watches Over One Million USD Each.
The inaugural watch auctions held by Phillips, in association with Aurel Bacs and Livia Russo, on May 9th and 10th, 2015 realized a combined total of $29,649,363 Swiss Francs —$31,834,734 USD— selling 97% by lot. The auctions sold four watches for over $1 million and established multiple records including for any stainless steel wristwatch, for any Rolex sold at auction and for any Rolex Day-Date. The top lot was an extremely rare Patek Philippe single button doctor’s chronograph in stainless steel with a superbly aged off-white silvered dial, highlighted by a pulsations scale and a sector design. At the auction on Sunday May 10th, after 21 minutes of bidding between clients from 4 continents, it eventually sold to an anonymous bidder on the telephone for $4,645,000 Swiss Francs —$4,987,383 USD— more than doubling its low estimate of $1-2 million Swiss Francs and setting a new record price for any stainless steel wristwatch sold at auction.
News: Presenting the Richard Mille RM 030 Automatic 'White Rush'. A 50-Piece Limited Edition for the Americas.
Richard Mille unveils the RM30 Automatic 'Whtie Rush' a 50-Piece limited edition watch available exclusively in the Americas. The new Richard Mille RM30 'White Rush' features a new white ceramic and black NTPT carbon case and an automatic with declutchable rotor movement. This new timepiece embodies Richard Mille’s most famous attributes with its tonneau-shaped tripartite case; boundary-pushing new materials; and a hand-finished innovative movement that achieves a new level of performance for haute horlogerie. The white ATZ sand-blasted ceramic forms the front and back bezels of the RM 030 White Rush limited edition. Along with its white rubber strap, the front and back bezels perfectly contrast against the black NTPT carbon caseband and crown, as well as a sapphire dial that features scarlet hands and winding indicator at 9 o'clock. Inside the case of the RM 030 beats an automatic caliber featuring a rotor that declutches automatically.
News: Presenting the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chonograph Limited Edition Tribute to Italy ref. 26326ST. 500 Pieces Right On Time for the Expo 2015 in Milan.
2015 will be a rich year for Italy and it will be even more so for Milan, the host city for the World's Exhibition Expo 2015 taking place from May 1st thru October 31st. As a Tribute to Italy, Audemars Piguet presents the Royal Oak Chronograph Limited Edition ref. 26326ST.OO.D027CA.01 in a 500-piece limited edition. An occasion not to be missed, has been seized by the manufacture from Le Brassus, creating this special limited edition of the Royal Oak Chronograph in stainless steel. The Italian touch is found in the details, such as the indices on the 30-minute counter; which borrow the iconic green, red and white of the Italian flag. Other special features not to be missed include the case back that bears the engraving “Swiss Made Limited Edition” and a rubber strap that is truly unique. In fact, in the past, a Royal Oak Chronograph —the City of Sails limited edition created in 2002— was the only watch to feature this material on its strap.
Insider: Introducing the HYT H4 Gotham. A Perfect Hybrid Between the H1 Dracula DLC and the Skull.
The new HYT H4 Gotham is a genuine composition of color on a theme of contrast, dazzling, profiled and suited to the twists of the H4 Gotham components, to bring out the finest details. The new HYT H4 Gotham ref. 151-CB-03-RF-RN is also equipped with a new sapphire case back. With a chromium-plated metalized finish, that has a double role: in contact with the skin, the metalized finish reproduces a smoky glass effect. On the movement side, inside the case, the chromium-plated finish gives the illusion of a mirror. So the H4 is adorned with a complex play of lights and mirrors, which provides, depending on the angle, a view of the light penetrating the movement, its areas of shadow or even your own reflection. On the dial side, red has been chosen to inhabit the capillary of the H4 Gotham. It marks the progress of the hours, with the retrograde display, signature of the brand. This 'bloody' tone is also adopted by the seconds wheel at 9 o'clock, as well as the power reserve at 3 o'clock and the strap's top stitching.
News: Presenting Three New Officine Panerai Radiomir Watches. Radiomir Black Seal 8 Days PAM 609, Radiomir 8 Days PAM 610 and Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic Titanium PAM 619.
Officine Panerai is pleased to introduce three new timepieces within the Radiomir family. As you all know, the Radiomir line features a 45 mm case across the board with the exception of the Radiomir 1940 3 Days which is fitted with a 47 mm case construction —powered by the in-house calibre P.3000 which also powers the 47 mm Radiomir 1940 Marina Militare 3 Days PAM 587 presented here and the Luminor 1950 3 Days PAM 372 reviewed here. The three new models are the Radiomir Black Seal 8 Days in stainless steel —PAM 609—, the Radiomir 8 Days in stainless steel —PAM 610— and the Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic in titanium —PAM 619. In the 1930s, the men in the Italian Royal Navy's Gamma Group, carried out their maneuvers astride human torpedoes a.k.a. "pigs" or indeed "black seals".
Insider: H. Moser & Cie. Endeavour Perpetual Calendar 'Funky Blue'. Breaking the Paradigm of What a Perpetual Calendar Should Look Like.
Just as if the launch of its non-conventional looking perpetual calendar in 2006 —winner of the Grand Prix at the GPHG— wasn't enough, H. Moser & Cie. continues to tear down preconceptions with the Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Funky Blue, a bold reinterpretation of this haute horlogerie model featuring a sky-blue dial and a kudu leather strap. As the discussion around smartwatches builds, the independent watchmaker H. Moser & Cie. takes a clear but distinctive position today. H. Moser & Cie. has produced smart watches for over 100 years by combining a clean interface, state-of-the-art ergonomics, ingenious functions and long power autonomy – without compromise. Today, they continue to nurture the next generation of watch lovers launching the Endeavour Perpetual Calendar Funky Blue, a watch that both looks smart and is in fact very clever. This is the original smart watch and as H. Moser & Cie. likes to say it, "very rare".
Insider: Introducing the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Night Vision. Equipped with a Ceramicised Aluminum Case.
The new Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Night Vision is one of those watches that not only brings out the best in the DNA of a legendary brand, but it also features exceptional material advancements when it comes to its case construction. This new Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Night Vision ref. 24.2160.4068/21.R573 from our friends from Le Locle, is fitted with a beautiful 45 mm ceramicised aluminum case, that evokes the virtues of the ancient alchemists by constructing this watch's case from the transformation of aluminum into ceramic. Powered by the legendary automatic El Primero calibre 4068, the dial side reveals the silicon escape wheel as well as the balance wheel. Fitted with a black dial with gray border with black nickel plated faceted markers with black superluminova, the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Night Vision is simply beautiful and extremely sporty. Is the type of watch that you would want to see on the wrists of a special ops commando.
Insider: Introducing the Bell & Ross BR-X1 Carbone Forgé Limited Edition. A Forged Carbon Case as Good as it Gets.
Always ahead of its time, Bell & Ross continues to innovate this time with the launch of the new Bell & Ross BR-X1 Carbone Forgé —Forged Carbon— limited edition ref. BRX1-CE-CF-BLACK. This new sporty chronograph in a limited edition of 250 pieces, follows the exciting launch of the BR-X1 Skeleton Chronograph last year. Fitted with a stunning 45 mm forged carbon case only comparable with the forged carbon used by Audemars Piguet but with slightly more marbling —we heard through the grapevine that the French aeronautics company that worked with AP is now involved with Bell & Ross—, the new BR-X1 Carbone Forgé is simply our favorite Bell & Ross watch to date. With its revolutionary design and directly inspired by on-board flight instruments the BR-X1 line is a tribute to the Bell X-1 —the first American experimental rocket plane to break the sound barrier in 1947. The square case of the BR-X1 is covered with a high-tech band made from ceramic and rubber. It is designed as a cover around the edges, acting as a defensive shield that protects it from possible impacts.
Experience: Alberto Moretti Arfango No. 1 Velvet Loafers. Perfect Match to the MCT Sequential Two S200.
Velvet loafers a.k.a. Albert Slippers —we'll explain the name in a little bit— have always been reserved for royalty, celebrities or for those watchlifestylers with enough panache to sport them outside their homes or their cigar smoking lounges. The history behind the velvet loafers a.k.a Albert Slippers tells us that they were originally created to be used as an indoor type of shoe with a velvet upper often embroidered with a royal crest and fitted with leather soles. Back during Victorian times in England, regal men would replace their shoes at the front entrance with Albert slippers to avoid dragging dirt, gravel or sand into the finely finished hardwood floors of their homes. The name Albert comes from Prince Albert —Queen Victoria's husband who made them popular.
In this day and age, velvet loafers had turned into a statement type of shoe, more than just being an elegant men's slipper destined to be worn indoors.
Insider: Blancpain Jour Nuit 'Day Night'. A Strikingly Beautiful and Refined Timepiece for Ladies.
We typically don't feature ladies watches on our website unless it's a piece that we really like. Therefore, we are featuring the new Blancpain 'Day Night' —Jour Nuit— released at Baselworld 2015 last month. Equipped with an exclusive movement incorporating two retrograde indications, the new Blancpain Day Night distinguishes itself with substantial technical innovations and by the fine craftsmanship of its disk. Once more Blancpain has reinforced its DNA and its tradition of innovation with this demonstration of savoir-faire in a new caliber created especially for its collection Women. Fitted with a generous case in 18K red gold with encrusted diamond bezel and a diameter of 40 mm, this timepiece offers an harmonious balance between its diameter and thickness at 11.35 mm. The dial is fashioned entirely in mother-of-pearl and is divided into three parts on four levels. The differences in height create an impression of great depth.
