Available in stainless steel for the first time, Girard-Perregaux the manufacture based out of La-Chaux-de-Fonds unveils the new Girard-Perregaux 1966 in a metal never used before for this collection. Often suggested, long imagined, Girard-Perregaux presents the eagerly awaited steel edition of the 1966 collection. Girard-Perregaux is a Manufacture known for its haute horlogerie and emblematic Three Gold Bridges. Its expertise in finishing movements has earned it the status as one of the most prestigious supporters of workmanship. The Manufacture of la Chaux-de-Fonds presents a minimalist style by introducing a new material to its flagship 1966 collection: steel. The new star of the collection mixes styles and genres —male-female and classic-contemporary— but maintains the iconic aesthetic and manufacture movement of the 1966 line. The model joins the ranks of watchmaking “must-haves”. Like a piece of Haute Couture designed with expertise and precision, this Girard-Perregaux 1966 steel watch delivers all the messages of traditional watchmaking.
Insider: Tudor Heritage Chrono ref. 70330N. As Good as it Gets for the Price.
Mirroring the original shape and proportions of the original Tudor Chronograph Monte Carlo 1970s model —references 7149, 7159/0, 7169/0 and the 7031/0 —the Tudor Heritage Chrono ref. 70330N launched five years ago in 2010, brings the best of the vintage world into modern times with a flawless execution that will captivate those watchlifestylers wanting to avoid the headaches that vintage shopping can bring. The Tudor Heritage Chrono ref. 70330N really brings that vintage feel without the headaches or budget issues that purchasing a vintage Tudor Monte Carlo might bring, especially considering all the fakes and redone dials out there. If you like vintage Tudors as much as we do, this is the way to go. Fitted with a generous 42 mm case that wears slightly smaller, the Tudor Heritage Chrono is a robust sporty looking timepiece that can be worn in any setting or with any outfit —even better when wearing your fancy orange Hermès ties.
News: Introducing the Hautlence Tourbillon 01. The First Tourbillon for this Manufacture and Powered by H. Moser & Cie. Calibre HMC 802.
Contemporary watchmaker Hautlence enlarges its Atelier collection with the addition of the Tourbillon 01, an elegant timepiece featuring H. Moser & Cie.’s exclusive Calibre Tourbillon HMC 802 beating at its heart. Equipped with a dual-time function, a one-minute tourbillon, a three-day power reserve and an automatic winding system, the Tourbillon 01 introduces new synergies between two brands owned by the Meylan family company, MELB Holding. The new Hautlence Tourbillon 01 reinterprets all of the design codes that are dear to Hautlence and follows in particular the aesthetics of the very first HL05 timepieces, offering a three-dimensional dial with a multi-level reading of time. Demonstrating Hautlence’s avant-garde approach to design, this new timepiece is housed in a round 44 mm two-tone case crafted out of rose gold and black PVD-coated titanium. Built on several levels, the dial highlights a black enamelled base embellished by Côtes de Genève decoration.
Insider: MB&F Legacy Machine 101. Dominated by the Monumental Suspended Balance Wheel. Live Pictures and Pricing.
MB&F does it again and this time they're wowing us with the new Legacy Machine 101. For a classically sized 40 mm watch with a immaculate satin-brushed finished case, the Legacy Machine 101 —LM101— covers a lot of ground. Or to be more precise, LM101 covers a lot of time: over 100 years between inspiration and realization. Legacy Machine 101 embodies and accentuates the very essence of 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.
News: Introducing the New Richard Mille RM 011 RED TPT Quartz. The New Little Red Devil on the Block in a 50-piece Limited Edition.
Continuing with the recent launches of new watches from Richard Mille, may we present you the new Richard Mille RM 011 Red TPT Quartz, and when we say quartz we are not talking about a battery operated watch but the quartz used in the case material. Coupled with its RM 011 automatic flyback chronograph caliber, Richard Mille presents the latest incarnation of its TPT quartz case dressed in vibrant red. A unique color in fine watchmaking, it redefines the graphic limitations of this material. Since it was unveiled two years ago, Richard Mille’s NTPT carbon has enabled the Jura-based brand to produce cases and components with exceptional mechanical performances. Originally developed for the manufacture of racing boat sails, this material finds applications in Formula 1 chassis construction, aeronautic and now watchmaking, since it has rapidly become the brand’s trademark composite material.
Insider: Armin Strom Gravity Earth. A 100-Piece Limited Edition with Skeletonization and Micro-Rotor at its best.
As all of you know, Armin Strom is a brand very well known for mastering the art of skeletonization and the Gravity Earth ref. ST13-GE.90 we are reviewing here, happens to be one of our favorite watches from this manufacture, especially when fitted with a black rubber strap and tang buckle. This relatively young manufacture, was founded in 1967 by Armin Strom in the picturesque town of Burgdorf located northwest of Bern the capital of Switzerland. Armin Strom's first masterpiece was a gold pocket watch, with a hand-engraved dial in polished blue lapis lazuli. Armin's mature manual dexterity and incredible attention to detail soon made the him aware of where to specialize in his valuable items: the art of skeletonization. The Armin Strom Gravity Earth like all other Armin Strom timepieces in the Gravity collection, is fitted with a case measuring 43.4 mm in diameter and 13.4 mm thick. The Gravity collection is composed of four different watches that represent the four terrestrial elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water.
News: Introducing the Richard Mille RM 26-02 Tourbillon Evil Eye. A $575,000 USD Watch in a 25-Piece Limited Edition.
The concept of the Evil Eye, also known as Ayin Harsha in Arabic, Mauvais OEil in French, Dhristi in Hindu and Ayin Ha’ra in Hebrew, is recorded in every culture from early history. This universal symbol of foreboding summons suffering and misfortune to whoever is exposed to its power. The Evil Eye knows no bounds except those imposed on it by various protective talismans, such as the Eye of Horus amulet, the Jewish red string or the Irish four leaf clover, to name just a few. Today, a new talisman to protect against these negative energies in the 21st century has been developed by a visionary of contemporary watchmaking. Nonconformist by nature, Richard Mille seized on this imagery as inspiration for the new Richard Mille RM 26-02 Tourbillon Evil Eye just unveiled at Watches & Wonder 2015 in Hong Kong. In the same way as he did when creating the earlier RM 052 skull timepiece —recalling the spirit of Memento Mori— with its remembrance of our personal mortality, both of these technical masterpieces, born in the Swiss Jura, go far beyond the norm to bring timekeeping to inspirational and intriguing levels of expression.
News: Introducing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic Universal Time. Our Favorite World Timer at the Moment.
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.
