Here at WCL we are suckers for any sneakers made by Lanvin and these orange Mesh Cross-Trainer sneakers are the latest addition from the oldest haute couture brand to their wide selection of shoes and sneakers. While Balenciaga tries to make their oversized geek-ready 'wanna be cool' sneakers —that were truly designed to make small feet look big— a trend, Lanvin —founded in 1889 by Madame Jeanne Lanvin— releases well designed and proportioned sneakers for those with a discerning taste when it comes to shoes and watches.
Insider: Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Military Limited Edition. Hands-on with two Vintage Looking Chronometer Watches.
Invigorating its Marine collection and trying to reach a much younger clientele comes the Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Military Limited Edition as an ode to the sea and homage to WWII torpedo boats in a vintage inspired limited edition with two dial variations. Each dial variation is available in a limited edition of 300 pieces each and cased in a bead blasted 44 mm stainless steel case. Simple but very well executed, both watches feature vintage font Arabic numerals as well as running seconds subdials at 6 o'clock and vintage inspired spade and whip hands.
Insider: Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar ref. 4010T. A Timeless Classical Complication in a Very Contemporary Modern Execution.
Released at the SIHH 2018 the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar ref. 4010T is one of those watches that screams Vacheron a mile away. Available in platinum ref. 4010T/000P-B345 or in 18K 5N pink gold ref. 4010T/000R-B344, this new watch is the perfect modern expression of the grandeur in watchmaking from the oldest watch manufacture in the world. The new Traditionnelle Traditionnelle Complete Calendar ref. 4010T features a generous 41 mm case with a stepped round construction, angular lugs, slender bezel, a fluted rim on its display case back, railway-type minute track, “bâtons de Genève” hour-markers and dauphine hands.
News: Panerai Releases Two New Radiomir Watches with the New Calibre P.6000. Radiomir Logo PAM 753 and Radiomir Black Seal Logo PAM 754.
The Radiomir is the first watch ever created by Panerai and one of the most legendary watches from the brand. Continuing with their strategy of making their watches slimmer and more wearable amongst those that were not necessarily Paneristi, Panerai has just released two new Radiomir watches equipped with the new manual wound in-house calibre P.6000. The two new watches are the Radiomir Logo —pictured below— and the Radiomir Black Seal Logo —on the picture above.
Insider: Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Chronograph Platinum. A Stunning Blue Dial for Its Massive Platinum Case.
For 20 years, Chopard Manufacture has been creating the watches in the L.U.C collection shaking up the classic codes of complicated Haute Horlogerie. Originally introduced in 2016 and one of our favorite watches back then, the new Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Chrono ref. 161973-9001 is now available in platinum and in a highly exclusive limited edition of only 20 pieces. A very well executed complication, the Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Chrono combines a manual wound chronograph with a finely crafted perpetual calendar in a remarkable in-house movement.
Experience: Alfred Dunhill Cadogan Engine-Turn Slip Card Case. A Perfect Match for a GMT Watch.
As traditional billfold wallets become more scarce with the use of electronic currency and credit cards, well made cardholders have become a necessity and here at WCL they're one of those items we absolutely love. While the Alfred Dunhill Cadogan Engine-Turn Slip card case might not be as exclusive as pulling out a Faure Le Page or Goyard card holder, it still seems to be the perfect pairing for a Tudor Black Bay GMT; at the end of the day the Greenwich Mean Time —GMT— is the mean solar time at the Royal Observatory in London where Alfred Dunhill is from.
From the Editor: Swatch Group Pulls Out of Baselworld. Is this the End of the Show as We Know It?
Earlier this year on my 'Letter from the Editor' published in the third issue of Watch Collecting Lifestyle print magazine, I talked about Baselworld 2018 and its future. Back on March 22, 2018, Swatch Group was already sending alarming signals about pulling out of Baselworld and so did Breitling. Right after Baselworld 2018 was over, Georges Kern CEO of Breitling sent out a statement confirming their participation in Baselworld's 2019 edition; however, Swatch Group didn't confirm participating or not, until this weekend Nick Hayek CEO of the Swatch Group announced on a statement via the Swiss newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung that his group of watch and jewelry companies would no longer be at Baselworld from 2019 onwards.
Insider: Tudor Black Bay GMT ref. M79830RB. The Hottest Tudor at the Moment.
The Tudor Black Bay GMT ref. 79830RB was released at Baselworld 2018 and without a doubt, right now is the hottest Tudor watch and even selling well above its retail price of $3,900 USD. While we really didn't care much to see the watch while we were at Baselworld —as all the attention was centered on the new Rolex GMT Master II 'Pepsi' that was released at the same time—, Rolex's little brother seemed to have hit a home run with the release of this new Black Bay GMT 'Pepsi'.
News: Linde Werdelin Releases Two New Classic 3 Timers After Being Dormant for Several Years
After pulling out of Baselworld and going dormant for several years, Linde Werdelin has announced today the addition of two new watches to the Classic 3 Timer Ocean line. With no new product releases for years, last year Linde Werdelin released a watch for watch connoisseur and old friend Kristian Haagen. Kristian had expressed an interest in owning the 3 Timer brown dial that sold out within a month when it was released in 2009 and Morten Linde thought it would be the perfect opportunity to offer Kristian his own customized edition 3 Timer.
Rare Bird: Daniel Roth Sports Automatic 50th Birthday Limited Edition. Created by One of the Greatest Independent Watchmakers of our Time.
Released in 1995 on the occasion of his 50th birthday, this Daniel Roth limited edition watch is a perfect example of the mastery and finesse achieved by one of the first watchmakers to become an independent, after a successful career in the Swiss watchmaking industry that included companies like Breguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre and even Audemars Piguet. Now 72 years old, Daniel Roth is very well known for becoming an independent watchmaker after a very long tenure at Breguet and launching his own brand and atelier in the Vallée de Joux in 1989. After going selling his brand to Bulgari in 2000…
Experience: Jaquet Droz The Signing Machine. The King of All Automatons.
When we thought we had seen it all when it comes to Jaquet Droz, the brand wowed us one more time with the release of an object of desire unlike any other. If you thought it would be impossible that one day a mechanical machine would sign for you all your important documents with fresh ink, well, Jaquet Droz just decided to prove everyone wrong. This Jaquet Droz automaton is the ultimate luxurious toy for those that can have it all. By means of highly complex movements and driven by a set of cams that are handmade in order to produce a fluid, natural script, the Jaquet Droz Signing Machine duplicates its owner’s signature.
Insider: Understanding the Different Types of Audemars Piguet Tapisseries and How They're Done
We often run into watch collectors that frequently mistaken one type of Audemars Piguet tapisserie for another. Even though we have explained this topic in the past, we decided to to a revised post with more images and further explanation on the matter. While many know their names, few know the real difference between them. Additionally, many don't know how these dials are done and which models feature a stamped dial plate versus a rose engine machines one. The iconic 'Clous de Paris' guilloché pattern on the Royal Oak dials and Royal Oak Offshores is one of the most unmistakable elements of their design.
News: Audemars Piguet to Open Boutique in East Hampton, New York. Material Good Will Operate It.
Audemars Piguet to unveil a year-round boutique in East Hampton, New York within the exclusive East End enclave. The new AP Boutique at the swanky Hamptons will open up before the end of the summer in mid-August. In addition to the AP boutiques in New York City, Las Vegas, Bal Harbour and Beverly Hills, this new retail addition to one of the world’s most exclusive beach destinations will be a singular shopping experience in the Hamptons.
Experience: El Rey del Mundo 'Exclusivo Francia'. A Mild Habano with Strong Character Like the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse.
Just like a Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse ref. 3738, the El Rey del Mundo, is a cigar reserved for connoisseurs. While the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse might not be the most popular watch in the Patek line-up, it is one of those references that is instantly recognizable. With its divine proportions, the case of the Golden Ellipse, launched in 1968, has no doubt inspired one of the most beautiful chapters of horological history. Thanks to its unique blend of bold simplicity and formal purity, this watch has become one of the flagships of the Patek Philippe collection. The same goes to El Rey del Mundo, a cigar that might not be the most popular among cigar connoisseurs that enjoy Habanos, but for sure one of the most iconic brands in the Habanos, S.A. line-up.
Insider: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time ref. 7900V. With In-House Movement and a Blue Dial, it is an Absolute Winner.
The first generation of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time was discontinued a couple of years ago with the release of the updated Vacheron Constantin Overseas collection presented in 2016. Released at the end of 2017, the new Overseas Dual Time is now powered by an in-house calibre and boasts a new case design and dial layout. Fitted with a 41 mm case —1.5 millimeters smaller than the previous iteration of the Overseas Dual Time ref. 47450—, the watch is available in either 18K 5N rose gold or stainless steel with its iconic bezel evoking Vacheron Constantin’s famous Maltese cross emblem.
Insider: A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Outsize Date. Another Great Example of Saxonian Fine Watchmaking.
Black dials and black calendar discs characterize the latest A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia Outsize Date watches available in pink or white gold. The signature Lange outsize date sports a new design and much better look now that the white discs with black numerals have been replaced by the black ones with white printed numerals. The latest newcomer in the Saxonia watch family combines exciting design elements with technical finesse. Now endowed with an outsize date display, the new calibre L086.8 movement powering the Saxonia ensures that the debut timepiece will run with benchmark dependability.
Insider: Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special Bronze Blue Dial. One of Our Favorites from This Line of Chronos.
A great addition to the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special models is the new blue dial version cased in bronze that was released a few months ago at Baselworld 2018. The fifth chronograph released within this family joins two ton-up versions that are tribute to the Café Racer Spirit and two bronze models, one the Cohiba Limited Edition and the other a matte black dial version also cased in bronze. Featuring a navy blue matte dial, the Zenith Pilot Type 20 Chronograph Extra Special Bronze Blue Dial is equipped with a dark blue oily nubuck strap with a titanium pin buckle.
Eye Candy: Jaquet Droz Ateliers d'Art Petite Heure Minute Pink Flamingo. The Art of Dial Painting.
When it comes to watch brands, Jaquet Droz is very well known for the artistic timepieces they make. In the 18th century, the watch masters in the Jaquet-Droz family were pioneers in the art of luxury decoration, generating work for an entire generation of craftsmen. The Ateliers d'Art collection from the brand, highlights different horological art techniques including painting, enameling, paillonné enameling, intaglio printing, bas-relief engraving and sculpting, amongst other watch art techniques.
Insider: Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph ref. 81020. A Great Looking Chrono for the Price.
Two years after its return to the Girard-Perregaux collections, the Laureato is writing a new chapter in its history with the introduction of an enriched range of chronographs. In this natural and eagerly awaited extension of an eminently sporting chic collection, the Laureato once again demonstrates the strength and relevance of the design of this iconic watch, born in 1975. With a 42 mm case that is very proportionate for its design, the new Laureato Chronograph ref. 81020 is available on bracelet or alligator strap —with the exception of the rose gold model only available on alligator strap— and with three different dial options for the stainless steel models —panda, blue and black with blue chrono registers— for the stainless steel models.
News: MB&F Announces Certified Pre-Owned Sales Program. A Great Move from this Independent Watchmaking Brand.
Today’s announcement is not about a new timepiece, but an exciting new initiative for MB&F. The luxury independent watchmaking brand hasdecided to jump into the least exploited territory of watch sales, the Certified Pre-Owned area where only a few like Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin or Richard Mille have gone into just recently. If Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, Porsche or Lamborghini offer pre-owned cars under a CPO program, why wouldn't luxury watch brands do it, correct?
