Our friends from Saxony, A. Lange & Söhne have decided to expand its range of dial and metals for its Datograph chronograph collection. Two new highly attractive models, one a Datograph Up/Down in 18K pink gold with black dial and the other, an 18K white gold Datograph Perpetual with grey dial are now available. Industry experts regard the A. Lange & Söhne Datograph as one of the most popular chronographs. Presented in 1999 as the world's first column-wheel chronograph with a flyback function, precise jumping minute counter and outsize-date display, the Datograph caused quite a sensation in the watchmaking circles. It has long since, achieved cult status. It is not only the technical finesse that is unique, but also the harmonious integration of function and aesthetics. The Datograph Up/Down introduced in 2012, offers a longer power reserve of 60 hours as well as a power-reserve indicator with an Up/Down scale that gave this watch its name.
Insider: Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Speciale Black Ceramic and Grey Ceramic. Our Favorite Ferrari Tribute Watches in a 250-Piece Limited Edition.
The newly released Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Speciale watches in black ceramic and grey ceramic are by far our favorite watches coming from the successful partnership between the manufacture from Nyon and Maranello's 'Cavallino Rampante'. These new timepieces released in a limited edition of 250 pieces each under ref. 401.FX.1123.VR —Grey Ceramic— and 401.CX.1123.VR —Black Ceramic— incorporate elements of the Ferrari design in a very clever and exceptional way. Fitted with a 45 mm case with alternating polished and satin brushed finished areas, these two new Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Speciale Ceramic pieces are sure to be gone before you know it. What we like about this particular limited edition, is that Hublot did a great job at incorporating certain elements of the Ferrari Speciale 458 into the look of the watch without compromising their DNA or without going over the top compromising the overall look of the watch.
Insider: Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute American Eagle. Pure Art and Perfection in Only Eight Pieces.
As we've mentioned before, Jaquet Droz is a watch manufacture well known for their impressive 'Grand Feu' a.k.a. fired enamel dials with some of the most beautiful designs in the horological world. These dials embody the essence and fine watchmaking values of this manufacture. The Jaquet Droz Petite Heure Minute American Eagle is a limited edition timepiece with a striking 'Grand Feu' enamel dial featuring the iconic American bald eagle flying over a city skyline. This is as American as a Swiss made 'haute horlogerie' piece gets. One great thing about the fired enamel dials on the Petite Heure Minute timepieces is that the lack of a seconds register provides the perfect layout to decorate the bottom part of the dial with any motif or design. For those that don't know the difference between enamel dials and 'Grand Feu' —fired enamel dials— we'll explain it now. A regular enamel dial, sometimes referred to as an 'enamel lacquered dial', is a dial that has been painted with a shiny paint that hardens as it dries out.
Insider: Glashütte Original Senator Diary. A Fascinating Mechanical Timepiece with Alarm Mechanism.
There are several mechanical timepieces fitted with an alarm mechanism and some iconic historical alarm watches, nevertheless, the Glashütte Original Senator Diary is a fascinating watch unlike any other. Fitted with a robust and very solid 42mm case available in 18K rose gold, 18K white gold or stainless steel, the Senator Diary is perhaps the best alarm complication out there as it allows for you to set the alarm also on an specific date as an appointment reminder. The beautifully designed on this watch case features polished and satin-brushed finished areas that are a treat for the eyes.
The Glashütte Original Senator Diary ref. 100-13-01-01-04 in 18K rose gold features a very sophisticated mechanical alarm mechanism that can be used as a friendly appointment reminder or just as a wake up call on your wrist.
Insider: Breguet Classique 'La Musicale' ref. 7800. A Fascinating Musical Playing Timepiece.
The Breguet “La Musicale” ref. 7800BB/11/9YV is one of the most fascinating and mesmerizing complications we have reviewed recently. This amazing timepiece turns into a musical box that plays a crystal-toned version of "The Thieving Magpie” overture by Rossini. The music can be played on demand or as an alarm —a melodic reminder at a desired time.
This watch features a robust white gold case measuring 48mm in diameter and 16.3mm in thickness that is fitted with two off-centered push buttons on the left side of the case and two off-centered crowns on the right side. The top push button is used to activate the musical box on demand and the bottom one is used to turn the alarm/musical reminder between the on and off positions. The bottom crown is used to wind and power up the alarm module and also to set the desired alarm time. The top crown is used to wind the movement and set the hours and minutes. This watch is not fitted with a seconds hand or a seconds register in order to keep its design nice and clean.
News: Richard Mille Presents Two New Felipe Massa Limited Editions for the 10th Anniversary of Their Partnership. The RM056 Sapphire Tourbillon Chronograph and the RM011 10th Anniversary.
Felipe Massa has now achieved 40 podiums in his career by finishing third at the Austrian GP this weekend. "It’s an incredible moment for me, but the whole team is feeling this too. The team has a great history and we continue to build on that. It’s a special day" said Felipe Massa. After 8 Grand Prix this year, Felipe is now sixth in the World Driver’s Championship with a total of 62 points. Brazilian Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa is the first sporting figure to have joined the Richard Mille family. A long-time test driver for Richard Mille watches, it was he who enabled the brand to initiate and accomplish astonishing feats in watchmaking development. Such triumphs included the manufacture of a carbon nanofiber baseplate, first tested with the RM 006 FM then used in a number of other models, as well as the processing of new materials such the Alusic cases on the RM 009 FM.
Experience: Tom Ford Rock Sunglasses. A Retro-Modern Jetsetter Look.
For some strange reason, Tom Ford is one of the favorite brands among most of our watchlifestyler friends, perhaps for the same reason that they also love Porsches, Range Rovers and Barbour jackets. Well, let's get back on topic and leave the marketing discussion for another time.
These particular Tom Ford Rock sunglasses are perfectly designed to give you a retro-modern look in a very classy and stylish way. After turning Gucci into an icon of sexy, modern fashion, American designer Tom Ford introduced his own collection in 2005 including 'pret-a-porter' and eye-wear designs that were instantly sported by celebrities and international jetsetters. The gold 'T' on the frames is a subtle way of telling others that you are in the know and you like the finer things in life.
News: Presenting the HYT Air Limited Edition Collection. H1 Air RC44, H1 Air Classic and H1 Air Black Pixel.
This is the first time HYT unveils a complete collection of limited pieces in one shot. Secondly, the pieces explore unchartered territory such as the maritime world or camouflage. But the third and most surprising aspect to the air collection is that HYT presents its first classical piece. The H1 Air RC44 stands out from the collections like no other as it is the first piece HYT ever creates as part of a partnership. As February 2015, HYT is the official timekeeper for the RC44 regatta created by Russell Coutts, 5 times winner of the America’s Cup, one of the most difficult circuits in the world. He adds, ‘for this occasion, we needed a piece that of course leveraged on our fluid technology but also ensured the performance and the lightness of a monocoque.
News: Presenting the Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 London Flagship Special Edition. British Racing Green Dial and 'Big Ben' on its Back.
To celebrate the opening of its new London flagship boutique, Jaeger-LeCoultre has released a new Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 Special Edition watch with a strikingly beautiful British Racing Green dial and a very special engraving on its case back side. The Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 Special London Flagship edition features a stainless steel case in the same dimensions as the other Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 timepieces from the manufacture and is available in a very small number of pieces. This new timepiece is the most limited in the tribute series of the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin 1931 collection. With only 26 pieces to be made, following on from the acclaimed “Rouge” model and the delicious “Chocolat” model in this tribute collection, the special London Flagship edition dial is a beautiful deep green lacquered dial, reminiscent of the rolling British countryside and of course with a nod to the legendary sporting color.
News: Presenting the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Pride of Indonesia'. A 100-Piece Limited Edition with 18K Rose Gold Case Back.
The new 'Pride of Indonesia' is an interesting addition to the other Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Prides'. The manufacture from Le Brassus just released last week, the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Pride of Indonesia' ref. 26179IR.OO.A005CR.01. This new watch fitted with a 42 mm titanium case with the same construction as the original Royal Oak Offshore —not with the revamped case design unveiled during the SIHH 2014 with beefier crown guards and ceramic pushers and crown— with rubber clad pushers/crown and an 18K rose gold case back engraved with the legend "Royal Oak Offshore Pride of Indonesia" and Indonesia's national symbol the Javanese eagle Garuda —a large bird-like humanoid creature that appears in both Hinduism and Buddhi.
Insider: Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso 1931 Seconde Centrale. One of the Most Classic and Iconic Watches of All Time Keeps Getting Better and Better.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso 1931 Seconde Centrale ref. 381357J is the latest iteration of the legendary Reverso Tribute to 1931 collection. As we all know, the Reverso is one of the most iconic watches in the world and one of the most legendary timepieces of all time. The Reverso was created in the 1930s as a convenient watch for polo players who wanted to be able to protect the crystals and dials of their watches while playing. The Reverso is a perfect example of the Art Deco movement with its unmistakeable geometric silhouettes and timeless design. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso 1931 Seconde Centrale unlike all other Reversos, now features a central seconds hand to make things even better. This iconic tribute watch, features a matte black dial —that appears more semi-glossy in person— with creamy powdered markers and creamy bâton hands. To reflect the vintage aspect of the first Reverso watches, the luminescent material used on the Grande Reverso 1931 Seconde Centrale features the same color of the 1931 model guaranteeing an unbeatable vintage feel to it.
Insider: Linde Werdelin SpidoSpeed Black Orange. A Perfect Match to an Exceptionally Rare McLaren MP4-12C Project Alpha.
The Linde Werdelin, just like this McLaren, comes with an exceptional design and fantastic craftsmanship. The SpidoSpeed Black Orange features a tripartite stainless steel case measuring 44mm in diameter. This watch is fitted with a two-part black galvanic dial with a perlage surface base center that almost appears like carbon fiber. The dial features orange glossy registers with perforations —the exact same hue of the orange of the Hermès boxes— that are located as follows: hour chrono register at six, running seconds at 9 and chrono minute register at 3 o'clock. The hands are diamond cut and fitted with gray luminescent material that is very bright when exposed to darkness and quite long lasting.
Insider: Ulysse Nardin Freak Phantom. A Superb Horological Complication with No Winding Crown.
Ulysse Nardin was born in Le Locle, Switzerland on 22 January 1823, a region that was already home to a wealth of watchmaking activities. Ulysse started as an apprentice to his father Léonard-Frédéric a watchmaker and then went to work with William Du Bois, one of the greatest experts of his age in precision timepieces, notable marine chronometers and astronomical watches. Ulysse began specializing in complicated watches, and quickly spotted the potential of a niche market as maritime transport grew. In 1846, at the tender age of 23, Ulysse Nardin founded the company that still bears his name today.
After Ulysse Nardin's death in 1876, two generations of his descendents took over the company to later sell in 1983 on the brink of collapse and with just a handful of watchmakers remaining on the team. That year, 1983, marked a turning point in the history of Ulysse Nardin. During a visit to Switzerland, Rolf W. Schnyder, a visionary entrepreneur and watch fanatic soon got together a small group of investors with himself at their head to purchase the company.
Insider: A. Lange & Söhne Double Split. Pushing the Limits of Horology with an Impressive Double Rattrapante Function.
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.
