An important part of our watch collecting lifestyle is to find the right box or boxes to safely keep our precious timepieces at home or while traveling. In the past, we've shared with you here the Tiffany & Co. watch box we own and which we think is the ultimate watch travel box that we recommend for most watchlifestylers in terms of quality, looks and price. However, this time we are bringing you another special box owned by one of our contributors. Part of the many joys of owning a watch is the ability to just admire them when they are not on our wrists. We often find ourselves spending way too much time just looking at our own collections and while it may sound silly to those who don’t share our passion for watches, the rest of us watchlifestylers surely get what we mean.
To make that time looking at your pieces much more enjoyable, our contributor JK was fortunate to be given this wonderful Goyard watch box —Coffret 4 Montres Noir— as an anniversary gift this year. Interestingly, the box that houses part of JK's amazing Audemars Piguet collection, is befitting of the watches inside it.
Breguet and its President & CEO Marc A. Hayek are renewing their support to ONLY Watch by participating in the 6th edition of the biennial charity auction co-organized by the Monaco Association against Muscular Dystrophy and the Monaco Yacht Show. Within this context, the Maison has developed a one-of-a-kind creation for this sale, from which the proceeds will benefit research on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The watch, a special Type XXI chronograph, made for the first time in platinum. This model will be on show in Monaco at the end of September before moving on to Hong Kong, Beijing, New York and London. It will end its tour in Geneva, where it will be sold to the highest bidder on November 7th 2015. Stemming from the wrist chronographs produced by Breguet in 1935, the first Type XX watches were developed to order for the French military and delivered to its air force and navy from 1954 onwards through to the 1970s. Supplied to pilots as standard issue, the Type XX soon became a cult object much sought-after by aviators. This enthusiasm incited Breguet to produce a contemporary civilian version some years later.
The Ulysse Nardin El Toro/Black Toro GMT Perpetual ref. 326-03-3 is fitted with a very robust solid 18K rose gold case measuring 43mm in diameter and topped off with a fixed black ceramic 24-hour bezel and a black rubber strap with deployant buckle. El Toro, is perhaps the most robust and most user friendly Perpetual Calendar out there that also happens to also come with a sophisticated dual time zone complication. This watch is fitted with a stunning black dial with Côtes de Genève that could be perceived as slightly busy but somehow its striking design and beauty makes all elements flow nice and evenly. The dial features the traditional oversized skeletonized hands with luminescent material on the tips, day and month apertures next to the center pinion, seconds register at 9, year aperture at 6 and big date aperture at 1 o'clock. The black dial is nicely accentuated and balanced by the blued screws and the gold accents.
There are watches and then there are what we like to call very special watches or grail timepieces. Therefore, today we bring you a truly unique Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore ref. 25721BA.OO.1000BA.03. This fascinating Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore in 18K yellow gold, is the first AP that NBA superstar LeBron James had ever owned. Yes ladies and gentlemen, this watch used to sit on LeBron James' wrist and today it sits in the watch collection of a very close and special friend of ours.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore in 18K yellow gold ref. 25721BA is not only a true grail timepiece for AP fans, but a beast of a watch weighing 398 grams/14 ounces —almost a whole pound of precious metal.
Referred to as modern day alchemists, it has taken just eleven short years for two watchmaking devotees to build what history will doubtless view as the foundations of 21st century horology. 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, a fourth generation descendant of watchmakers. Passion is at once the watchword, the winning formula and the reward for the constant personal commitment of these exceptional men. The De Bethune DB28 Dark Shadows clearly embraces the principles and values of the manufacture. Fitted with a sandblasted anthracite zirconium round shaped middle case with a diameter 42.60 mm and a thickness of 9.20 mm, the DB28 Dark Shadows features the traditional short and long floating lugs also in sandblasted anthracite zirconium. The finish of the middle case and the floating lugs is smooth and precise as good as it gets. The blackness of the case design along with the openworked dial create an endless symphony of avant-garde design.
This time, we bring you our in-depth hands-on review with a very large number of live pictures we took under natural light and our recommendation on why you should get this exceptional chronograph from our friends from Le Locle. The Zenith El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow ref. 03.2061.405/21.M2060 just like most of the timepieces in the Stratos Flyback collection, is fitted with a robust and very solid case measuring 45 mm in diameter that features a highly polished case with alternating satin brushed finished lugs. A heir to the Zenith military chronograph legacy, the new El Primero Stratos Flyback Rainbow pays tribute to the 1997 Zenith Rainbow watch, but in our opinion, with a much nicer design that will take the test of time way better.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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