Renowned for its horological mastery and its creative talent, Jaeger-LeCoultre now wishes to share the fruits of its expertise with a broader public. This is why it is introducing an original collection with a pure, uncluttered design, driven by a new Haute Horlogerie calibre encapsulating the inventive spirit of the Manufacture. In 1958, the International Geophysical Year, Jaeger-LeCoultre created a chronometer for scientists on mission. Capable of withstanding the magnetic fields of the North Pole while losing nothing of its formidable precision, its overriding characteristic was extreme resistance. The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time with its 41.6 mm is available in either stainless steel or 18K pink gold. This new watch is fitted with a stunning dial that features a planisphere where the sea is depicted with subtly graded lacquered shades of blue, while the engraved continents are graced with a magnificent sunburst finish.
News: Introducing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second. A Dead Beat Seconds Timepiece at its Finest.
Renowned for its horological mastery and its creative talent, Jaeger-LeCoultre now wishes to share the fruits of its expertise with a broader public. This is why it is introducing an original collection with a pure, uncluttered design, driven by a new Haute Horlogerie calibre encapsulating the inventive spirit of the Manufacture. In 1958, the International Geophysical Year, Jaeger-LeCoultre created a chronometer for scientists on mission. Capable of withstanding the magnetic fields of the North Pole while losing nothing of its formidable precision, its overriding characteristic was extreme resistance. The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second with its 39.6 mm x 11.7 mm case is available in either stainless steel or 18K pink gold. This new watch is fitted with a stunning silver grain dial with applied markers matching the metal of the case. Its finely grained dial lends added texture and further accentuates the readability of the information provided. The hands and hour-markers stand out clearly against their backdrop.
News: Introducing the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Ultra-Thin Calibre 1731. The Thinnest Minute Repeater in the World, Now in Two New Platinum-Clad Versions.
Here we have another two new pieces also just unveiled at 2015 Watches & Wonders in Hong Kong. The new Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Ultra-Thin Calibre 1731 is the thinnest manual wound calibre and the thinnest manual wound minute repeater watch on the market, at respectively 3.9 and 8.1 mm thick. Initially introduced in 18K 5N pink gold, this timepiece now appears clothed in a platinum case —framing a silvered opaline or slate-colored opaline dial— naturally bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva. The first repeater watch appeared in the 18th century in an age before the advent of electric lighting. The timepiece enabled its owner to tell the time in the dark by means of an audible indication. While this complication is no longer an imperious necessity, it nonetheless remains a pinnacle of the watchmaking art. Each minute repeater watch is indeed unique and carries the signature of the master artisan who made it.
News: Introducing the Vacheron Constantin Maître Cabinotier Perpetual Calendar Regulator. A 'Pièce Unique' That is Simply Amazing.
Here's the new one-of-a-kind Vacheron Constantin Maître Cabinotier Perpetual Calendar Regulator ref. 4000C/000R-B121 right on time for the 2015 Watches & Wonders in Hong Kong. With this new watch —a unique-piece—, Vacheron Constantin showcases its expertise in creating original and exclusive calibers providing a highly specific time read-off. This exceptional timepiece is distinguished by its regulator-type display, inspired by the precision clocks used to adjust watches from the 17th century onwards. Along with this dissociated display of the hours and minutes, the 2460 RQP movement specially designed for this model also drives a major horological complication: the perpetual calendar. An elegant hand-guilloché dial accentuates the exclusive nature of this watch certified by the Hallmark of Geneva, crafted in keeping with the spirit of the 18th century Geneva cabinotiers.
News: Introducing the Bell & Ross BR 01 Skull Bronze Limited Edition. Hands-On Live Pictures and Pricing.
In 2009, Bell & Ross made a lasting impression by breaking with traditional watchmaking codes with its first "Skull" BR 01. This year, the brand presents a surprising variant in a limited edition of 500 pieces. The new Bell & Ross BR 01 Skull Bronze —the inspiration for the Bell & Ross Skull Tourbillon for ONLY Watch auction— with its distinctive character, pays tribute to the epic of the parachutists of the Second World War. On their jumpsuits, these elite fighters proudly wore a crest bearing a skull and these words: "Death from Above". Falling from the sky at dawn on June 6, 1944, the troops of the 101st and 82nd American airborne divisions played a vital role in the Normandy landings. From time immemorial, the most formidable fighters have shown their courage by sporting such skulls, both to intimidate their adversaries and to ward off bad fortune. Today, while it continues to figure on a lot of military equipment —such as uniforms, emblems and even airplanes—, the famous "Jolly Roger" as decorative element appears as a talisman or a rebel symbol.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Pride of Argentina' Limited Edition ref. 26365OR. A 50-Piece Limited Edition in 18K Rose Gold.
he Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Pride of Argentina' Limited Edition ref. 26365OR.OO.D801CR.01 is one of those Offshores that didn't cause much furor or excitement when it was launched on June 2 of 2010. However, this particular watch, is one of our favorite 'country inspired' Pride Offshores —other Pride Offshores include the Pride of Mexico reviewed by us here, the Pride of Russia with an engraving of the Russian Imperial emblem of the two-headed crowned eagle, the Pride of China with The Great Wall of China engraved on its case back, the Pride of Siam honoring Thailand and the just released Pride of Indonesia— and one that is particularly hard to get —so hard to get that it took us many years to find one for this hands-on review. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 'Pride of Argentina' was released as a tribute to the Bicentenary of the 1810 May Revolution in Argentina. This limited edition piece bears a beautiful engraving of the 'Cabildo de Bueno Aires' on its case back.
Experience: Burberry Wiltshire Long Heritage Trench Coat. A Must Have for Fall and a Perfect Match to Black Dial Timepieces.
Fall is here and its time to pull those Burberry trench coats out of the closet and pair them with your black dial timepieces. Even better if its with a gorgeous Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver ref. 15703ST just in case some heavy downpour is on the forecast. The Burberry Wiltshire Long Heritage trench coat is a must have in every men's wardrobe. Designed with a modern fit, the Wiltshire is tailored to the body with a tapered waist. Made in England from weatherproof cotton gabardine invented by Thomas Burberry in 1879, the Burberry trench coat is perhaps one of the most iconic pieces of garment designed to be a classic for all seasons and occasions. Unlike other coats, the trench coat can be worn belted over tailoring or open and relaxed over denim and t-shirts as one of the most versatile garments for demanding watchlifestylers. Inspired by the Burberry Heritage Archive, the Burberry Wiltshire trench coat features the iconic check undercollar and its design is available in two sleeve lengths.
News: Introducing the New Ferdinand Berthoud Brand and its First Creation, the Chronomètre FB1. An In-House Fusée-Chain Chronometer with Tourbillon in White or Rose Gold.
Ferdinand Berthoud is the latest resurrection of a very well-known name in the horological world but forgotten by many. The responsible for the resurrection of the Ferdinand Berthoud name is Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, the co-president of Chopard and founder of Chopard's in-house manufacture L.U.C division. Fueled by the rich history of the horologist after which their manufacture has been named, last night September 22, 2015 at the Hotel de Vendôme in Paris, the brand was officially launched and its first creation the Chronometer FB1 presented. Ferdinand Berthoud was a master watchmaker and chronometer-maker that left an indelible imprint on history with his fabulous creations, including the 18th century Marine Clocks that guided the vessels of the King of France towards new horizons.
Insider: Patek Philippe Nautilus Silvery-White Dial ref. 5711/1A-011. Even Better than its Black-Blue Dial Counterpart.
While we have already reviewed Genta's second most iconic creation in the past here, we decided to now spend some time talking about the silvery-white dial Nautilus ref. 5711/1A-011 that for many, seems way more beautiful than its blue dial counterpart. As you all know, the Patek Philippe Nautilus was conceived using the shape of a porthole found on most boats and following Audemars Piguet's footsteps, Patek Philippe anticipated the trend well in advance and responded to it in 1976 by launching the Nautilus Ref. 3700. While it was designed to appeal to a new customer segment, it was also intended to convince current Patek Philippe owners to complement their precious gold one with a ruggedly strong alternative in a steel case. Just like on the rest of Genta's creations, the alternating brushed and polished areas on the bezel as well as the flat top cases are part of the design. With its unmistakeable black-blue dial, this timepiece was released in 1976 as ref. 3700/1 in stainless steel and nicknamed 'Jumbo' due to its large case diameter at the time —42 mm including the hinges/ears.
Photo Gallery: Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date. A Day by the Pool.
It's been a while since we've posted a photo gallery for your viewing pleasure. While most of the time we are busy doing and posting hands-on reviews, it is at times refreshing to just focus on the images and spend some time with a timepiece doing one of the best things in life: relaxing. The Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date we reviewed a few weeks ago here, proved to be a wonderful pool companion thanks to its ultra comfortable rubber strap. If you like underwater watch photography this gallery will be right up your alley, regardless of how much you like Glashütte Original. Now, if you are not a big fan, we are confident that after going over these images, you will definitely be a changed watchlifestyler.
News: Presenting the Vacheron Constantin ref. 57260. The Most Complicated Watch Ever Made in the History of Horology.
oday, September 17th, 2015 will be forever remembered in the history of horology as the most complicated watch ever created gets unveiled. In François Constantin's words: “ Do better if possible, and that is always possible”. The very essence of this motto drives Vacheron Constantin to cultivate special ties with the great patrons and exceptional men whose dreams have fired them to contributing to the advancement of art and of haute horlogerie over the past two centuries. To celebrate the 260th anniversary of Vacheron Constantin, the manufacture has created the most complicated timepiece ever made featuring 57 complications —three of them never seen in a watch before. The pocket watch ref. 57206 was developed and finished over the course of eight years by the hands of three master watchmakers. Below are some of the complications never before seen in a watch and that are included in the new Vacheron Constantin ref. 57260. Up to date the most complicated watches ever made were the Patek Philippe Calibre 89 with 33 complications, the Patek Philippe Star Calibre 2000 with 21 complications, the Patek Philippe Henry Graves Jr. Supercomplication and the Vacheron Constantin Tour de l'Ile with 16 complications.
Insider: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2. Haute Horlogerie on Steroids.
Jaeger-LeCoultre is not only one of the most respected watch manufactures in the world, but also a brand —when it comes to value equation— where you get a lot of watch for the money you pay without compromising on quality, design or craftsmanship. When thinking of Jaeger-LeCoultre, most watchlifestylers think of the iconic Reverso, the Memovox, the Geophysic or their perpetual calendars. However, not often enough they think about the Master Extreme sporty line of JLC watches. A line that brings the best of the manufacture to the extreme, to the rugged sporty haute horlogerie timepieces that can withstand the abuse of the most extreme environments. Therefore, this time we wanted to bring the hands-on review of one of our favorite sporty watches from Jaeger-LeCoultre, the Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 ref. 203T541 in titanium. This rugged looking watch is equipped with a completely new mechanical chronograph movement specially designed for the most extreme environments. This new timepiece combines maximum ergonomics with unmatched precision and reliability. Several innovations make this watch the ideal instrument for explorers of the extreme.
News: Introducing the New Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar ref. 26574. Now with a 41 mm Case and the New Automatic Calibre 5134.
After the release of the amazing Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Acoustic Research Episode 1 we brought you here and the Royal Oak Concept Laptimer Michael Schumacher we presented you here, our friends from Le Brassus are hitting another home run with the launch of the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar ref. 26574. This Royal Oak Quantieme Perpetuel returns to the center stage with four different versions —two in stainless steel and two in 18K pink gold with either silver toned/white dial or blue dial. The reference numbers are as follows: 26574OR.00.1220OR.01 18K rose gold with silver toned dial, 26574OR.00.1220OR.02 18K rose gold with blue dial, 26574ST.00.1220ST.01 in stainless steel with silver toned dial and 26574ST.00.1220ST.02 in stainless steel with blue dial. Continuing with the shift in watch case size that began in 2012, the new Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar is now 41 mm —instead of the classic 39 mm like the one we featured here—, yet still extremely thin.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15400SR 'Two-Tone' SIHH 2015. Stunning is an Understatement.
Back in January 2015, we brought you the news fresh from the SIHH 2015 in Geneva regarding the launch of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 15400SR.OO.1220SR.01 'Two-Tone'. Today, we bring you our usual live images with as many macro shots as possible so you can see its beauty for yourself. This Royal Oak needs like introduction as we reviewed its stainless steel predecessor here. The new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'Two-Tone' powered by the in-house automatic calibre 3120 is fitted with the largest case ever made on a Royal Oak measuring 41 mm in diameter. This novelty marks the return of one of our all-time favorite Royal Oaks phased out in the 1990s and originally launched under reference 5402SA as a 'Two-Tone' Royal Oak Jumbo in 1976. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Jumbo 'Two-Tone' ref. 5402SA was only produced for a few years and only 951 were ever created.
Macros: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver. All About Mastering the Details in Watchmaking.
A few days ago, we took some macro pictures of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver ref. 15703ST.OO.A002CA.01. These pictures are a perfect example of what attention to detail means when it comes to watchmaking.
As it is the norm with Audemars Piguet timepieces, attention to detail is one thing that this 'Haute Horlogerie' really masters. From the glossy look and details on the Méga tapisserie dial to the perfectly brushed finish of the case and the rubberclad crowns, all design elements of this watch join in a symphony that only Audemars Piguet can play.
News: Introducing the Richard Mille RM 011 Flyback Chronograph 'Midnight Fire'. 88-Piece Limited Edition for the Americas.
Introducing the new Richard Mille RM 011 Flyback Chronograph 'Midnight Fire'. This new watch is available in a 88-piece limited edition exclusively available in the Americas. Fire glows brightest in the darkest of night. Richard Mille’s new limited edition version of the RM 011 Automatic Flyback Chronograph, “Midnight Fire,” employs high-tech materials to capture the deepest black of the night’s darkest hour, and ignites it with fiery red details. Black TZP ceramic is extremely resistant to scratches while not being brittle. For the RM 011 Midnight Fire, the material is blasted to provide a matte finish, then formed into the front and back bezels of the timepiece’s tripartite case. The center caseband of the Midnight Fire is crafted from NTPT —North Thin Ply Technology — carbon. Already used in the fields of aerospace technology, the manufacture of racing sales, and Formula 1 racecar design, NTPT carbon is incredibly strong and light, and composed of multiple layers of parallel filaments obtained by dividing carbon fibers.
Insider: Presenting the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster 1969 'Tribute to the Rolling Stones'. Live Pictures and Pricing.
In 1969, just a few months before humankind’s first steps on the moon, Zenith presented El Primero, the world’s first integrated automatic chronograph movement. That same year, one of the world’s best known rock bands reached the height of its fame. To celebrate this pivotal date, Zenith is launching a new second version of the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 Tribute to The Rolling Stones. Zenith naturally wished to celebrate its friendship with the rock’n’roll legends The Rolling Stones by crafting a modern watchmaking legend. This new version of the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 'Tribute to the Rolling Stones', is being issued in a 1,000-piece limited edition. As a truly worthy heir to the model that revolutionised the watch industry more than 40 years ago, the El Primero Chronomaster 1969 'Tribute to The Rolling Stones' limited edition reprises its codes while introducing a very dark, contemporary, rock-style look.
News: Introducing the HYT H2 Aviator. A Limited Edition of 40 Pieces for Aviation Lovers.
With an already imposing name, the H2 Aviator is the first time HYT creates a timepiece destined for aviation lovers which each step of its concept designed to satisfy aeronautical codes. The H2 Aviator isn’t simply an evolution, it is a true transformation of HYT’s iconic H2 launched in 2013, a piece easily distinguishable by its ‘V’ shaped positioned bellows. "The H2 Aviator is a well thought out design conceived to go the distance over years, to evolve, follow and even anticipate horological trends and to think that our creations are all of this quality, gives me enormous satisfaction." says HYT CEO Vincent Perriard. "The H2 transcends different orbs and is now propelled 10,000 feet upward as if it had always been meant for this." The H2’s new aviatic garb underlines the piece’s legibility, a defining element for all flight instruments. The path and the color of the minute hand has been redrawn with its quarter hour indexes enlarged and in red.
Insider: Zenith Pilot Montre d'Aéronef Type 20 Extra Special 'Bronze'. Hands-On with One of Our Favorite Bronze Watches Out There.
The new Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special 'Bronze' ref. 29.2430.679/21.C753 is the successor to the Pilot Type 20 Extra Special ref. 03.2430.3000/21.C738 launched last year. This new watch opposed to its predecessor, features a case made of bronze, a metal that is now highly coveted in the watch industry and which became extremely popular after the launch of the Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 'Bronzo' PAM 382 and its successor the PAM 507. Today, numerous watches are now available in bronze all the way from C-list 'wannabes' like the Helson or the Armida, to the exceptional IWC Aquatimer 'Expedition Charles Darwin' featured here. The new Zenith Pilot Type 20 Extra Special ref. 29.2430.679/21.C753 is fitted with a robust 45 mm case that is just very unique an destined to develop a gorgeous patina as it gets worn by its owner.
News: The Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève Announces the Finalists for the 2015 GPHG Prize. Some of Our Favorites are There.
The list of watches pre-selected by the 2015 jury is now available on the official website of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, gphg.org. These 72 timepieces will be competing to win the prestigious “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix or one of the 16 prizes awarded for contemporary creative talent and watchmaking expertise. By consulting this list, watchmaking enthusiasts from all over the world are invited to vote for their favorite watch. They will thus take part in electing a model to be awarded the Public Prize and automatically participate in the draw to win a timepiece. The 2015 awards will be revealed on October 29th at the Grand Théâtre de Genève. Presented jointly by Frédéric Beigbeder and Gaspard Proust, the prize-giving ceremony will be attended by Alain Berset, Federal Councillor, and will see representatives from the international watchmaking community congregate in Geneva to recognize the dynamic buoyancy of their sector. The event will be broadcasted live on gphg.org.
