To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Ferdinand Adolph Lange, A. Lange & Söhne has just released one of the most beautiful watches we've seen lately. The new A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Tourbillon Handwerkskunst ref. 730.048F is the first A. Lange & Söhne watch that combines a stop-seconds device for the tourbillon and the zero-reset mechanism. At the close of the anniversary year that commemorates the 200th birthday of Ferdinand Adolph Lange, this paragon of precision timekeeping is being presented in a limited 'Handwerkskunst' —artisanship— edition featuring extraordinary dial and movement decorations.
News: MB&F Launches 'The Tribe' Owners Section On Their Website and Gives an Extended 2-Year Warranty on all Watches Ever Created Regardless of Their Purchase Date.
Some great news from MB&F this morning. In order to celebrate the end of this amazing year and their 10th year anniversary, they have a very special gift for all collectors of MB&F Machines.
Insider: Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar in Stainless Steel. The Best Complete Calendar You Can Buy Under $10,500 USD.
We are suckers for complete calendars as they are one of the most fascinating complications without having to go for the whole nine yards and getting a Perpetual Calendar. If you like to know what day you are living in and have the month, day, date and moon phase on your wrist, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar in stainless steel is the best value for your money and a fascinating timepiece with wonderful wrist presence.
Experience: H. Upmann Petit Coronas. JFK's Favorite Cuban Cigar Brand.
Just like the Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black ref. 79220B is reminiscent of another era, the H. Upmann Petit Coronas is a cigar that will also transport you back in time. Well known among cigar connoisseurs, as president John F. Kennedy's favorite cigar brand, the H. Upmann Petit Coronas is a cigar that delivers way more than its size conveys. Similar in size to the 'Petit Upmann' —Kennedy's favorite H. Upmann cigar—, the Petit Coronas are as close as it gets to the now discontinued 'vitola' that JFK used to love. The H. Upmann brand gets its name from a German banker named Herman Upmann who decided to move to Cuba because of his love for Cuban cigars. In 1844, he set up a bank that closed in the early 1920s but his cigar making factory still remains as a fine example of a light to medium Habano like no other. H. Upmann Petit Coronas is definitely a cigar that goes well in any occasion and one that is a joy to smoke.
Insider: Armin Strom Manual Air. An Exceptional Time Only Manual Wound Watch.
The Armin Strom Manual Air is one of the four watches within the entry level Manual collection for this Swiss manufacture from Biel/Bienne. While the words 'entry level' might typically convey lower price point in the watch category; when it comes to independent watch manufactures like Armin Strom, we are talking more about a price point situated above the $10,000 USD mark. But hey, one thing we can assure you, is that you get what you are paying for, no more no less. With a very limited production of around 500 pieces a year —all of them of course handmade— Armin Strom has quickly gained momentum in less than 50 years. Established in 1967 in Altstadt area of Burgdorf, Armin Strom watches were initially only available through his shop and it wasn't until 1984 when Armin Strom officially entered the watch world by presenting at the Basel Watch and Jewellery Fair —Baselworld.
Insider: Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second. Ticks Like a Quartz, but is Equipped with One of the Finest Automatic Movements Out There.
Renowned for its horological mastery and its creative talent, Jaeger-LeCoultre presented the new Geophysic True Second a few months ago. Inspired by Jaeger-LeCoultre's iconic Geophysic watch released in 1958 for the the International Geophysical Year, the manufacture from Le Sentier went above and beyond for the creation of the new Jaeger-LeCoultre Geophysic True Second. This new watch —that might fool those not well versed with horology due to its seconds hand ticking like a quartz watch—, is equipped with the new JLC in-house calibre 770 that features an atypical balance wheel featuring a non-circular configuration named the Gyrolab. This new device was initially developed in a laboratory version back in 2007 to equip the Master Compressor Extreme Lab 1 watch and it took eight years to transition from the prototype stage to the final product that could be incorporated into an entire watch line.
News: Pre-SIHH 2016 Presenting the Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic PAM 655. First Radiomir Ever with a White Dial.
A little bit over a month before the SIHH 2016 kicks off, Panerai presents the first Radiomir to have a white dial. The new Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic PAM 655 takes its inspiration directly from the 1940s model but in an absolutely contemporary style. Subtle, light, distinguished by its essential lines and maximum clarity of reading and setting, it is a sports watch adapted to every situation. For the first time in a watch in the Radiomir 1940 collection, the dial of the new Radiomir 1940 3 Days Automatic is offered in white. Its graphic design maximizes the dial’s clarity and legibility, with the large black figures corresponding to the hour markers and the small seconds dial at nine o’clock, a characteristic of Panerai watches of the 1940s. The cushion case, in AISI 316L stainless steel with polished finish, measures 42 mm in diameter and only 10.93 mm in thickness.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin Tourbillon ref. 26510OR. Hands-on with Our Favorite Tourbillon in the Market.
Sublime, exceptional and elegant, are the words we like to use to describe what we consider to be the 'our favorite Tourbillon in the market'. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon has a very rich history within Audemars Piguet. The first Royal Oak Tourbillon was released in 1992 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Royal Oak and its name the Royal Oak Jubilee. Then in 1997, one of the most unique and rare Royal Oaks ever made was presented by Audemars Piguet. We are talking about the Royal Oak Automatique Tourbillon 25th Anniversary ref. 25831 of which only 5 pieces were ever made in 18K rose gold to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak as we featured it here. This exceptional limited edition watch was produced in very limited quantities in stainless steel —only 25 pieces—, 18K yellow gold —5 pieces—, 950 platinum —5 with blue dial and 5 with salmon dial— and it is the only Royal Oak Tourbillon fitted with an automatic calibre up to date.
News: Presenting the RJ-Romain Jerome Super Mario Bros. A $19,000 USD 85-piece Limited Edition Watch for Nintendo Fanatics.
For all Super Mario fans the long wait is finally over, RJ-Romain Jerome is now releasing the Super Mario Bros. collection. In honor of the game’s 30th anniversary, RJ is adding the center piece to its Generational Icons collection. In a 46mm case RJ has recreated the essence of the original Super Mario Bros. game from 1985. Nintendo’s legendary character Mario is exceptionally dressed in his recognizable red shirt and blue overalls with his famous jump and iconic mushroom. These most symbolic elements of the game are depicted on the dial and are all captured in the visual style that captivated a generation. The Super Mario Bros. timepiece is limited to 85 pieces to echo 1985, the year the game launched.
The new collaboration between RJ-Romain Jerome and Nintendo is a tribute to this genre-defining video game of the 8-bit era, the first of its kind.
Insider: Breguet Classique ref. 7787. Hands-on with a Simple, Elegant and Beautiful Timepiece.
Today, we bring you our hands-on review of the Breguet Classique ref. 7787BR/12/9V6, a simple, elegant and extremely good looking timepiece. The Breguet Classique ref. 7787 is a perfect example of Breguet's DNA in a timepiece that offers a moon phase and power reserve complications. Fitted with an 18K rose gold case —also available in 18K white gold— measuring 39 mm in diameter by 10.2 in thickness, the Classique ref. 7787 brings the best from this manufacture at a somewhat reasonable price. The Classique ref. 7787 not only features all the traditional Breguet elements, but seems to be one of the best selling Breguets out there for those looking for a point of entry timepiece from this manufacture.
Photo Gallery: Armin Strom One Week Skeleton. Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to all Our U.S. Readers.
In 2009, Armin Strom presented their first in-house movement the manual wound calibre ARM09, which happens to be the same base calibre powering the exceptional One Week Skeleton. The One Week Skeleton ref. RG14-WS.5N is fitted with a satin brushed 18K rose gold case measuring 43.4 mm in diameter and 13.00 mm in thickness. Fitted with a highly polished bezel and an anti-reflective treated sapphire crystal, the view of the skeletonized dial is uncompromised. A perfect watch with brown tones to celebrate Thanksgiving. To all of you in the U.S. celebrating Thanksgiving, we wish you the best day with these captivating images of a stunning watch. We are thankful for your support, for our advertisers and for another year full of blessings and great watches. Now on to the photo gallery.
Insider: Richard Mille RM 38-01 Tourbillon G-Sensor Bubba Watson. Hands-On with the 50-Piece Limited Edition Worth $825,000 USD.
After the success of the Richard Mille Limited Edition RM 038 Golfer’s Tourbillon released in 2011, Richard Mille has undertaken the development of yet another specific tourbillon watch for Bubba Watson with added functionality to complement his powerful drives on the course. Finally, after a long wait, we were able to get our hands on one of these 50-piece limited edition watches and work on a proper hands-on review with live pictures. The Richard Mille RM 38-01 Tourbillon G-Sensor Bubba Watson, is a timepiece that combines a patented G-sensor with a tourbillon mechanism, thus providing new insights for golfers during their game. The mechanical G-sensor, a Richard Mille world first containing more than 50 moving parts within a mere 17mm, allows the user to see the accumulated motion of their swing in G’s. The sensor, placed under 12 o’clock, is able to record the force generated by a golfer’s swing, specifically during the last segment.
Insider: A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual 18K White Gold. A Stunning Flyback Chronograph with Perpetual Calendar.
Our friends from Saxony, A. Lange & Söhne have decided to expand its range of dial and metals for its Datograph chronograph collection several months ago. 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. The Datograph Perpetual —available in 18K pink gold and silver dial up until now— is now also available in 18K white gold with a grey dial making it even more appealing to watch connoisseurs. The argenté-colored subsidiary dials and deep-blue moon disc on the new model of the Datograph Perpetual stand out particularly clearly thanks to the dial’s subtle grey background. Since 2006, the name has represented a combination of a flyback chronograph and a perpetual calendar, which will not require correction until 2100. If this does ever become necessary, however, the calendar indicators can be advanced either individually or synchronously. Its chronograph can measure times to an accuracy of one-fifth of a second.
Insider: A. Lange & Söhne Lange 31. Equipped with an Outstanding 31-Day Power Reserve.
If you ever thought that an 8-day power reserve was impressive, the A. LAnge & Söhne Lange 31 is the first mechanical wristwatch with a power reserve of 31 days. Yes, this exceptional timepiece will run for a whole month when fully wound so that rotate timepieces in your collection as frequently as you want without losing a single beat or having to set your calendar because your timepiece stopped while wearing other watches in your collection. Additionally, the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 31 it features a patented constant-force escapement, which makes it possible for the first time to actually harness such an extreme power reserve. This mechanism assures high rate stability and thus consistent rate accuracy for an entire month.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph Tribute to Italy ref. 26326ST. Hands-On with this 500-Piece Limited Edition.
As you all know, 2015 has been a very important year for Milan as they hosted the World's Exhibition Expo 2015 from May 1st thru October 31st. As a Tribute to Italy, earlier this year, Audemars Piguet presented the Royal Oak Chronograph Tribute to Italy ref. 26326ST.OO.D027CA.01 in a 500-piece limited edition. Our friends from Le Brassus, seized the opportunity by creating this special limited edition of the Royal Oak Chronograph in stainless steel, a metal always favored by Italian AP connoisseurs. What we love the most about this limited edition because the color combination with plenty of blue in it, is the subtle touches that bring Italy into the design of this 'Tribute to Italy' Royal Oak Chronograph. Those subtle details that include the color blue —a preferred color among Italians— and the indices on the 30-minute counter; which borrow the iconic green, red and white of the Italian flag. The watch just like all other Royal Oak Chronos measuring 41 mm is perfectly fitted for every day wear.
Watch Shopping Guide: Zurich. All That You Dreamed of and More.
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland approximately 25 miles from the German border. Zurich is a very cosmopolitan, affluent city considered one of the top financial centers of the world —home to several global financial companies and banks including UBS and Credit Suisse— and a perfect destination for watch shopping.
Experience: The New Patek Philippe Salon at De Boulle River Oaks District in Houston. A Perfect Evening.
Last Tuesday November 17, 2015, we had the pleasure to attend the celebration of the opening of the new Patek Philippe salon at the new De Boulle location in the ultra upscale River Oaks District in Houston. The River Oaks District, is a luxury retail paradise comparable to the Miami Design District or to Oak Street in Chicago. The new modern development is located on the famous Westheimer Rd. next to the Afton Oaks neighborhood and a block away from Hotel Derek. The River Oaks District is set to become the top shopping destination in Houston with boutiques that include Brunello Cucinelli, Canali, Chopard, Dior, De Boulle, Etro, Giuseppe Zanotti, Intermix, Moncler, Roberto Cavalli, Stella McCartney, Tom Ford, our favorite Vilebrequin swimwear and also our favorite Vietnamese restaurant from New York and Chicago, Le Colonial. After more than a decade without the opening of a new Patek Philippe Salon in the United States, De Boulle presents a unique shopping experience at its new location.
Insider: Jaeger-LeCoultre Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Duoface. A Very Elegant Dual Time Zone Watch.
Very little introduction is needed for a Grande Reverso, but this Reverso Ultra Thin Duoface is unlike any other Reverso as it is fitted with a second dial on the verso side instead of the traditional case back perfectly suited for engraving. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duoface was first created in 1994, reinventing the reading of a second time zone, thanks to the magic of its reversible capabilities. This year, Jaeger-LeCoultre takes this amazing watch one step further by releasing it in an ultra thin case. Opposed to what most people think, this watch is powered by one single movement. Fitted with a pink gold case measuring 46.8mm long, 27.4mm wide and only 9.1mm thick, the Grande Reverso Ultra Thin Duoface ref. 3782520, features a silvered opaline dial with small seconds on the recto side while on the verso side is equipped with a gorgeous black 'Clous de Paris' 'guilloché' dial for the second time zone with a 24-hour day/night indicator and luminescent material on the hands.
Insider: HYT Skull Maori. A 15-Piece Limited Edition with a Rare Hand Engraved Maori Tribal Tattoo.
Today, we are bringing you our hands-on review of the new HYT Skull Maori. The HYT Skull was released in January 2015 in two model variations —Green Eye and Red Eye— and we brought you our hands-on review here. If you thought that the HYT Skull Green Eye or Red Eye was impressive, the new HYT Skull Maori brings the watch to a new level, thanks to its hand engraved skull featuring a Maori tribal tattoo. The Maori, are a tribe of indigenous people from New Zealand that commonly have a body art, known as 'Moko' or Maori tattooing. This body art form was brought to the New Zealand Maori from Eastern Polynesia. Maori tattooing is considering a sacred form of body art and a legend states that the Maori tattooing came from the underworld. This legend states that a young warrior called Mataora, fell in love with the princess of the underworld, named Niwareka. After marrying and mistreating Niwareka, Mataora sent her back to the underworld, but then filled with guilt, decided to follow her in order to apologize.
News: Pre-SIHH 2016 Presenting the Richard Mille RM 67-01 Extra Flat. First Time Richard Mille Does an Extra Flat in a Tonneau Shaped Case.
The Richard Mille collection distinguishes itself by having created not one, but several models within a short timespan that have become recognized by collectors and insiders alike as ultimate icons of contemporary watchmaking. And one of the most popular icons must certainly be the RM 010 Automatic, whose pure lines and functions have always found resonance with clients everywhere. Never one to sit still, Richard Mille felt that the moment has arrived to present a new iteration destined to become another icon of the future: the RM 67-01 Automatic Extra Flat. The mechanical aspect of creating a thin automatic has its own set of particular difficulties, but one of the dual challenges is to combine this type of movement design with the creation of a sense of visual depth within the movement —a central tenet to Richard Mille’s approach.
