The Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5270 was originally launched at Baselworld 2011 to replace the iconic Patek reference 5970. Some of the main differences between the ref. 5970 and the ref. 5270 include a bigger case measuring now 41 mm vs. 39 mm on the ref. 5970 and an in-house movement powering the ref. 5270 instead of the Lemania 2310-based CH27 calibre in the ref. 5970. Additionally, there are some other changes on the dial of the ref. 5270G-018 when compared to its predecessor.
Insider: Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase & Retrograde Date ref. 4010U. Hands-on with a Stunning Timepiece with a Very Interesting Complication.
When one thinks of Vacheron Constantin, some of the first watches that come to mind are complications like the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Moon Phase and Retrograde Date. Featuring a timelessly understated round case measuring 42.5 mm in diameter and available in either in 18K pink gold or 18K white gold, this timepiece takes its inspiration by the models created by the Vacheron Constantin in the 1950s.
Experience: The Negroni. The Quintessential Cocktail That is as Florentine as a Panerai.
For the last seven years the Negroni has been our cocktail of choice. Surprisingly, despite its recent popularity and comeback, this cocktail is not necessarily well known by all bartenders and often we find ourselves explaining how it needs to be served and what goes in it. The Negroni, just like Panerai, comes from the cradle of the renaissance and the home to the Medici, Florence, Italy. As Florentine as an Officine Panerai wristwatch, the Negroni is a quintessential and very distinctive cocktail.
Insider: Urwerk UR-105 CT Streamliner. Like Wearing a Military Inspired Object on the Wrist.
Less than two weeks ago, we brought you the news about the new Urwerk UR-105 CT Streamliner released to celebrate the 20 years of this independent manufacture. Today, we bring you our hands-on review with this impressive timepiece that is as much of a watch as it is an object of desire. Designed by Felix Baumgartner and Martin Frei with New York in mind, we see more of a military look on this new watch than an urban concrete jungle feel to it.
News: Presenting the MB&F Octopod Clock in Collaboration with L'Epée 1839. A 50-Piece Limited Edition.
After the release of the HM7 Aquapod, MB&F first aquatic wristwatch, the brand dives once again deep into the marine world presenting their latest collaboration with L'Epée 1839 in the form of a table clock. The new MB&F Octopod clock takes its inspiration from the octopus, marine compasses and the bathysphere from the 1989 classic 'The Abyss'.
News: Presenting the new A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst. A 20-Piece Limited Edition.
First launched at the SIHH 2013 and awarded two prizes at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève the same year —not only it received the Grande Complication Prize but also the Public Prize—, the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar which we reviewed here, just got even better, if that is even possible at all. The new A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Rattrapante Perpetual Calendar Handwerkskunst just unveiled in Florence, Italy demonstrates how artisanal virtuosity becomes truly grand art.
News: Presenting the Zenith Defy Lab. The World's Most Accurate Mechanical Wristwatch with a Totally New Oscillator.
Today, Thursday September 14th, 2017, Zenith is writing its future and starting a new chapter in the history of the Swiss watch industry. Following the rich horological prowess that gave birth to the Zenith El Primero, the first ever automatic chronograph introduced in 1969 —capable of measuring tenths of a second, the unit of time naturally stemming from a 5 Hz oscillation frequency—, Zenith is now renewing ties with innovation and fundamental research by presenting Defy Lab.
News: Introducing the New Breitling for Bentley GT Dark Sapphire Edition. A Limited Edition of 500 pieces.
With its ultra-light case made of Breitlight enhanced by a bluish 'Dark Sapphire' tint and its movement with a 30 seconds chronograph, the new Breitling for Bentley GT Dark Sapphire Limited Edition watch, pays a vibrant tribute to the all-new Bentley Continental GT automobile recently unveiled by the British car manufacturer.
Eye Candy: Richard Mille RM 50-02 ACJ Tourbillon Split Seconds Chronograph. One of the Most Impressive Watches Out There.
As it is the norm, Richard Mille doesn't do things halfway through. Therefore, the Richard Mille RM 50-02 ACJ Tourbillon Split Seconds Chronograph overdelivers in terms of design, looks, quality and craftsmanship and it is by far one of the most impressive watches out there. Additionally, when they decide to partner with someone, they are very careful on who they choose and why they are choosing them.
Experience: The Hakushu 12 Years Single Malt Japanese Whisky. Refined and Understated like a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony.
While Japanese whiskys have increasingly become more popular lately, there are still a few whiskys that still remain understated and very refined just like a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony on the wrist. The Hakushu 12 Years Japanese Whisky is distilled by the Suntory Distillery in Japan, the same distillery that gave the world the exquisite Yamazaki whisky, the Hibiki and the Suntory Whisky Toki.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph Openworked x Material Good ref. 26347. Hands-on with the Latest Skeletonized Creation from AP.
Audemars Piguet continues its tradition of innovation with its latest skeletonized creation. The timepiece, which features a tourbillon and chronograph complication, was conceived out of a creative dialogue between Audemars Piguet and SoHo luxury retailer, Material Good in New York City. The watch available in both 18K rose gold and in titanium, is exclusively available at Audemars Piguet boutiques and at Material Good in New York City.
News: Presenting the new Urwerk UR-105 CT Streamliner. In a New York State of Mind Celebrating 20 Years of the Brand.
Urwerk is now 20 years old and to celebrate the occasion, the brand has released yet another spectacular timepiece in their own crazy impeccable way. It was 20 years ago that 22-year-old Felix Baumgartner set foot in New York, where Martin Frei had made his home. The new Urwerk UR-105 CT Streamliner was designed with New York in mind.
Insider: Patek Philippe Aquanaut ref. 5167/1A-001. Even Better on its Stainless Steel Bracelet.
Usually seen on its black rubber 'tropical' strap under reference 5167A-001, the Patek Philippe Aquanaut on stainless steel bracelet ref. 5167/1A-001 is a timepiece that is rarely seen around. Since we've already reviewed the reference Patek Philippe reference 5167 right here, for this particular insider review, we will focus on the stainless steel bracelet, its construction and overall look of the watch with it.
Insider: Vacheron Constantin Patrimony 42 mm ref. 1110U White Gold. An Elegant and Timeless Watch Reminescent of the 1950s.
For most people, any thin wristwatch with a diameter under 38 mm that is fitted with an alligator strap is considered a dress watch and meant to be worn with a suit or in a formal setting. Well, since most people think that way, Vacheron Constantin decided to break the mold and created a larger case size for its Patrimony watch making it more suitable for everyone and for most occasions. While we can't deny that this watch looks much better when paired with a suit or a tuxedo, we also can't deny the fact that it also looks great while wearing a pair of jeans and sneakers.
News: Cartier Releases 13 New Watches to Celebrate 100 Years of the Cartier Tank.
The Tank watch was born in 1917 as the result of a powerful vision and the culmination of a lengthy design process. It was a timepiece which swept aside tradition, shook up habits and ushered modern design into the workshops, destined to become a watchmaking icon. Now 100 years old, Cartier celebrates its birthday with 13 new watches that make the Cartier Tank as new as it was in 1917 when it was first released. The Tank is a universal symbol of style and elegance that has taken an unprecedented path spanning an entire century centered around three cult models: the Tank Louis Cartier, the Tank Américaine and the Tank Française.
Insider: Vacheron Constantin Quai de L'Ile Date ref. 86050/000T Titanium. A Customizable Timepiece from the Oldest Watch Manufacture in the World.
The Quai de L'Ile is the most modern collection offered by Vacheron Constantin, the oldest watch manufacture in continuous operation in the world established in 1755 by Jean-Marc Vacheron. This collection, launched in 2008, not only offers watches in materials like titanium or palladium —materials typically not used by someone like Vacheron Constantin—, but also the ability to customize and personalize the watch with no less than 700 possible combinations allowing the client to choose everything from the middle case, to the bezel, the case band —flanks—, the strap, the buckle, the dial and the movement.
Insider: Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon High Jewelry ref. 5349PT. A Platinum Case and 417 Diamonds Compose this Massive Grand Complication.
There are 'iced out' timepieces and then there's the Breguet Classique Double Tourbillon High Jewelry ref. 5349PT. While we are not fans of 'iced out' watches or watches with diamond accents here at WCL, we do have to recognize that this Breguet Double Tourbillon is a masterpiece of horology and high jewellery. Fitted with a massive 50 mm case and a total of 417 diamonds throughout its dial and case, this Grande Complication is simply as special as it gets, thanks to its twin rotating tourbillons.
Insider: Panerai Radiomir 1940 3 Days Green Dial PAM 736. One of the Best 47 mm Radiomirs Ever Released.
With a very distinctive green dial in a hue that sits in between the green of the Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Bronzo PAM 382 and the green of the Panerai Luminor Marina Harrods Limited Edition PAM 693, the just released Panerai Radiomir 1940 PAM 736 brings another breathe of vintage air to the Radiomir 1940 collection. Fitted with a highly polished 47 mm stainless steel cushion-shaped case, this is by far one of the best Radiomir 1940s ever released by the brand.
Insider: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 44 ref. 26401RO. Hands-on with One of the 'Big Boy' AP Watches.
Released several years ago, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph 44 ref. 26401RO.OO.A002CA.01 in 18K rose gold quickly became one of the hottest rose gold watches amongst AP lovers and anyone else that wanted to own one of the 'Big Boy' watches from Audemars Piguet. Fitted with a larger and more robust case than the original Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph line, the AP ROO Chrono ref. 26401RO measures 44 mm in diameter and 14.12 mm in thickness.
Insider: Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Quantieme Annuel. Hands-on with a Great Looking Annual Calendar.
As an ode to the sea and the maritime nature of Ulysse Nardin comes the new Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronometer Quantieme Annuel ref. 1133-210/E3 with a strikingly beautiful 'Grand Feu' blue enamel dial with wave guilloché pattern. With an easy to read layout, its dial features a 60-hour power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock and a month and date indicator at 6.
