To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Royal Oak Offshore launched in 1993, AP has decied to present a reissue of the original Royal Oak Offshore 25721ST from 1993. Today, we've finally checked the watch in person and its really stunning. The new Royal Oak Offshore ref. 26237ST.OO.1000ST.01. is as similar as possible to the original Royal Oak Offshore ref. 25721ST.OO.1000ST.01 a.k.a. 'The Beast'. You can read everything about the original Royal Oak Offshore ref. 25721 in this special comprehensive guide we published a few months ago.
SIHH 2018: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar ref. 4300V. The Perfect QP in 18K 5N Pink Gold.
A few weeks ago we brought you the news on the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time. Today at the SIHH 2018, Vacheron Constantin has announced a new Overseas Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar ref. 4300V/000R-B064 with a slender case in 18K 5N pink gold case measuring just 8.1 mm thick and powered by a new calibre 1120 QP/1. This new Overseas Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar reveals its technical complexity while exuding an aura of understated distinction. This timepiece, representing one of the slimmest movements on the market, houses the iconic Vacheron Constantin Caliber 1120 QP/1, an ultra-thin mechanical automatic movement powering perpetual calendar and moon-phase indications.
An authentic feat of miniaturization, this barely 4.05 mm thick movement comprising 276 parts keeps track of calendar irregularities with no need for correction until 2100. Beating at a frequency of 19,800 vph and endowed with an approximately 40-hour power reserve, it drives the hours and minutes, perpetual calendar —day of the week, date, month and leap year on a 48-month counter— as well as moon-phase functions.
Its 18K 5N pink gold case, measuring 41.5 mm in diameter and water-resistant to 50 meters, frames a translucent silver-toned lacquered dial punctuated by 18K gold hands and hour markers highlighted with luminescent material.
Fitted with a sapphire crystal case back, the movement is fully visible with its 22K oscillating weight adorned with a wind rose.
Secured by an interchangeable 18K 5N pink gold folding clasp, the equally interchangeable dark blue alligator or rubber straps provide a chic way of accentuating the refinement of this model.
Sticker Price $74,500 USD. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.
SIHH 2018: Vacheron Constantin FiftySix. A Brand New Collection with Three Retro-Contemporary Looking Timepieces in two Metals.
Today, a new collection makes its way to the Vacheron Constantin lineup. The new collection named FiftySix is inspired by a historical Vacheron Constantin watch from 1956. With a retro-contemporary style the new FiftySix is a modern interpretation of the iconic reference 6073, launched in 1956. Available in stainless steel or 18K 5N pink gold, there are three new watches that are part of this new collection and which are distinguished their shape and lugs, each representing a branch of the Maltese cross which has become an emblem of the Manufacture.
SIHH 2018: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 'Jumbo' Extra-Thin ref. 15202IP. A Titanium and Platinum Masterpiece.
After the huge success of the Titanium and Platinum Royal Oak Chronograph released at the SIHH 2017, Audemars Piguet has just presented a new iteration of the Royal Oak Extra-Thin with the same combination of metals. The new Royal Oak 'Jumbo' Extra-Thin ref. 15202IP.OO.1240IP.01 features a sleek satin-finished titanium case and bracelet that are set off by a polished platinum bezel and polished bracelet links.
SIHH 2018: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver Funky Colors. Four New Colors for Year Round Wear.
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver ref. 15710ST keeps getting more colorful. Adding to the colorful AP Diver Chronographs and the black and silvered dial options, comes a new set of four funky colors for year round wear. The Royal Oak Offshore Diver still maintains its 42 mm case construction, display case back and AP calibre 3120 for these new iterations. All four new watches come with the traditional sturdy AP Diver rubber straps and rubber clad crowns, this time matching the color of the dials.
SIHH 2018: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver 18K Pink Gold Case and Titanium Bezel ref. 15711IO. A Seductive Combination.
After the success of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Scuba Bartorelli that combined a black PVD case with a bronze bezel and the Royal Oak Offshore Diver QEII Cup 2014 Limited Edition that featured a tantalum case with 18K pink gold bezel —featured here—, it was about time that AP launched a similar combination in one of our favorite metals. The new AP Royal Oak Offshore Diver is fitted with an 18K pink gold case and a titanium bezel, titanium plots, a grey dial and a matching grey rubber strap.
SIHH 2018: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak RD#2 ref. 26586PT.OO.1240PT.01. The World's Thinnest Automatic Perpetual Calendar.
With the largest number of watches ever released at the SIHH, Audemars Piguet presents the new Royal Oak RD#2 ref. 26586PT.OO.1240PT.01, the world’s thinnest automatic perpetual calendar at just 6.30 mm thick, marking a new watchmaking record, the latest in a long line of world firsts for this Manufacture. Almost 2 mm thinner than the Royal Oak Extra-Thin ref. 15202 and regardless of featuring an automatic Perpetual Calendar, the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak RD#2 took five years to develop.
Pre-SIHH 2018: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 44 "Combat" ref. 26400SO.OO.A054CA.01. Not your Average Royal Oak Offshore and a Real Stunner.
Just released through a sneak peek via Audemars Piguet's website a new iteration of the Royal Oak Offshore in 44 mm, this time sporting a green ceramic bezel referred to as 'khaki' by AP. The new watch that we have decided to nickname the 'AP Combat' seems to be a stunner by the stock image published on AP's website. Fitted with a camo pattern rubber strap, a beige and brown dial and a green ceramic bezel, this new stainless steel watch will be available as of July 2018 under reference 26400SO.OO.A054CA.01.
News: H. Moser & Cie. Presents the Frankenstein Swiss Icon Watch. When Mockery is Used as a Marketing Tool to Gain Traction.
Up until now, we've had a lot of respect for all the creations coming from H. Moser & Cie. including their Swiss Mad Watch Unique Piece with a case made out of hardened Swiss cheese and presented last year on the occasion of the SIHH 2017 as we featured it here. However, yesterday H. Moser & Cie. announced a watch that plainly makes mockery of many of the well established Swiss watch brands and this time, we unfortunately can't praise them for that.
Rare Bird: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph ref. 25977ST.OO.1205ST.01. The Blue King of Aces.
Released back in 2002, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph ref. 25977ST.OO.1205ST.01 is one of the most coveted grails from this manufacture. Combining two noble complications like the tourbillon and the chronograph, this Royal Oak in stainless steel is not for the faint of heart with its close to a quarter of a million dollars price tag. Fitted with a 44 mm case that in reality wears more like a 42 mm thanks to its slender profile, the Royal Oak Tourbillon Chronograph ref. 25977ST is typically seen on a matching stainless steel bracelet.
Insider: Panerai Mare Nostrum 42 MM PAM 716. A Vintage Inspired Watch in a Unique Edition of 1,000 Pieces.
Inspired by the legendary Panerai Mare Nostrum, the first chronograph produced by the brand in the 1940s or 1950s for the Italian Navy, comes the new Panerai Mare Nostrum PAM 716 with a stainless steel case measuring 42 mm in diameter and powered by a non-in-house calibre. With a much smaller size than the original Mare Nostrum and the 2010 and 2015 reissues Mare Nostrum PAM00300 and the Mare Nostrum Titanium PAM00603 —both measuring 52 mm in diameter—, the new PAM 716 is the third modern iteration of the Mare Nostrum with the first one being released in 1993 by Panerai under reference number 5218-301/A with a 42 mm case.
Experience: The Gastown Steam Clock. The World's First Steam Powered Clock and a Must See When Visiting Vancouver BC Canada.
Designed and built by Canadian horologist Raymond L. Saunders and located in Vancouver BC, Canada, the Gastown Steam Clock is the world's first steam powered clock and a must see for those in love with city clocks and horology. Situated at the northeast corner of Water Street and Cambie Street, this beautiful clock whistles the Westminster chimes every quarter hour and a single whistle every hour. One of the few steam powered clocks in the world, the antique-looking Gastown Steam Clock was inaugurated only 40 years ago on September 24th, 1977.
Rare Bird: A. Lange & Söhne Cabaret Yellow Gold. The Rectangular Unicorn Watch from the Masters of Saxonian Watchmaking.
One of the least desirable timepieces from A. Lange & Söhne and what could be considered a unicorn amongst the Lange lineup, the Cabaret is one of those rare birds worth talking about. Released during the rebirth era of A. Lange & Söhne, this timepiece was introduced in 18K rose gold, platinum, 18K white gold and very scarcely in 18K yellow gold. Launched as a men's watch and fitted with a rectangular case measuring 36.3 mm x 25.5 mm, this wristwatch was definitely better suited for women rather than men.
Insider: Hublot Classic Fusion Vendôme Collection. Fitted with a Bronze Dial with 'Verdigris' in a 100-Piece Limited Edition.
As a tribute to the eponymous square in Paris, the 'Place Vendôme' comes the Hublot Classic Fusion Vendôme Collection. Exclusively sold at the Hublot Boutique in Paris situated right across the famous Vendôme column, this Classic Fusion Vendôme features a special Hublot logo at 12 o'clock where the stylized H has been tweaked to feature the Vendôme column on the right part of the letter 'H'. Fitted with a 45 mm case in titanium the watch is somewhat vintage looking and very interesting.
Insider: Chopard L.U.C Heritage Grand Cru. When the Shape of the Watch Follows the Shape of its Mechanical Movement.
Endowed with a relatively small case in 18K rose gold measuring 38.5 mm wide and 38.8 mm long, the new L.U. Chopard Heritage Grand Cru is one of the most traditional and elegant looking watches from this young manufacture. Similar in looks to a Cartier, the Heritage Grand Cru is fitted with a white lacquered dial with black Roman numerals and small red accents.
Experience: Our 10 Favorite Timepieces of 2017. Happy New Year to Everyone.
Without a doubt, 2017 was a year full of incredible new watches and exceptional releases from the majority of the brands at the SIHH and Baselworld; however, just like with everything else, we can only pick a handful of watches that took our breath away for one reason or another. From million dollar watches to incredible celestial complications, perpetual calendars, striking time watches and everything in between, here are our 10 favorite watches released this year to wrap up the year 2017.
News: Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance with Hand Guilloché Dials. Partnering with Master Watchmaker Kari Voutilainen.
Last year in November of 2016, we brought you the news regarding the Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance Fire in 18K rose gold, the first truly Resonance timepiece in the market. Then six months later, in May of 2017, Armin Strom released their Resonance watch also in stainless steel. Well, today after the great success of the inaugural rose gold limited edition and the visually technical stainless steel edition, Armin Strom’s most innovative piece to date, will now be offered to collectors with superb, hand-executed guilloché dials, creating an outstanding synthesis of tradition and innovation —two values dear to the brand.
Insider: Hublot Classic Fusion Chrono Aero Carbon 'Best Buddies' Limited Edition. With a Good Cause Behind it.
You guys know we are not big fans of the Classic Fusion collection from Hublot; however, this particular watch comes with two things that we really like. The first one, a very good cause behind it and the second one, a spectacular brushed carbon fiber case. The Hublot Classic Fusion Chrono Aero Carbon 'Best Buddies' Limited Edition ref. 525.QX.1799.QR.BBE15 was created as a 100-piece limited edition to support 'Best Buddies International', a nonprofit dedicated to creating opportunities for friendship, employment and leadership training for people with IDD —intellectual and developmental disabilities. This partnership is not surprising at all, as Tom Brady —New England Patriots Quarterback and Best Buddies Global Ambassador— is a huge watchlifestyler and up until now, he had been a well-known friend of Audemars Piguet. However, after this partnership between Hublot and 'Best Buddies International', any chances Brady could've had to work more closely with AP are now long gone.
Experience: Zaha Hadid's Condo at the W South Beach. A $6.5 Million Dollar Modern and Eclectic Space Like No Other.
Here at WCL we are suckers for modern architecture and design and when you get to step into late Zaha Hadid's condo at the W South Beach Residences it is for sure an afternoon to remember. Considered the most prominent and successful female architect of the century, Zaha Hadid was an Iraqi-British architect who was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004 and the UK's Stirling Prize architectural award in 2010 and 2011.
Insider: IWC Ingenieur Chronograph Racer ref. IW378508. Our Favorite Ingenieur Ever.
The IWC Ingenieur was originally launched in 1944 and since then, it has experienced several changes and major redesigns. Today, even though the IWC Ingenieur Chronograph Racer ref. IW378508 has been discontinued, it remains our favorite Ingenieur ever. Released in 2013 as the result of the collaboration between IWC and the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team, the IWC Ingenieur Chrono Racer ref. IW378508 maintains the essence of the original iconic Ingenieur design with a much more robust construction.
