The Vacheron Constantin FiftySix collection was released last year and for this year at the SIHH 2019 it just got even better —if that’s even at all possible. Inspired by the iconic reference 6073 —launched in 1956— two of the three models are now also sporting a gorgeous Petrol Blue dial. The blue dial with opaline center and sunburst exterior is now also available for the stainless steel versions of the FiftySix Self-Winding and the FiftySix Complete Calendar ref. 4000E with moonphase indicator. With an extremely well balanced dial thanks to its double apertures at 12 and a gorgeous moonphase indicator at six o'clock, this is without a doubt, one of the best looking Vacheron Constantin watches out there.
SIHH 2019: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin White Gold ref. 15202BC with Pink Toned Dial
First released in 2012 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Royal Oak Jumbo ref. 5402, the Royal Oak Extra-Thin Jumbo ref. 15202 is the closest one can get to the original Royal Oak from 1972. After several iterations have been released of this watch in stainless steel, 18K rose gold, 18K yellow gold with green dial for The Hourglass and more recently in 18K yellow gold with two different dials, the saga of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin continues this year at the SIHH 2019 with an 18K white gold case and a pink gold toned dial —very salmon looking at least in these images provided by AP. We’ll have to see once we see the watch in person.
SIHH 2019: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 44 Grey Ceramic ref. 26405CG
Much like in the previous two years, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore 44 collection keeps getting updated every year at the time of the SIHH. This time at the SIHH 2019, the Royal Oak Offshore 44 mm ref. 26405CG.OO.A004CA.01 is being given a grey ceramic case with grey ceramic bezel, crown and pushers and a rubber strap in a hue that brings out the grey “Méga Tapisserie” dial with blue counters and inner bezel also in blue. The rubber strap is fastened by a titanium pin buckle and the watch continues to be powered by the calibre 3126/3840 with a power reserve of 50 hours.
SIHH 2019: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin Black Ceramic ref. 26522CE. A 100-Piece Limited Edition.
After the success of the black ceramic Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar, Audemars Piguet brings back the heat this time with the intense blackness of this limited edition of 100 pieces of the Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin. The black ceramic satin-finished and polished case measuring 41 mm is seven times harder than steel. Featuring a sunburst pattern on the dial radiating all the way from the cage of the tourbillon to the perimeter, the new Royal Oak Tourbillon Extra-Thin Black Ceramic ref. 26522CE.OO.1225CE.01 sports what is called the “Tapisserie Evolutive” pattern.
Pre-SIHH 2019: A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 "25th Anniversary". A 250-Piece Limited Edition in White Gold.
Since it premiered on 24 October 1994, it has epitomized the core and the identity of A. Lange & Söhne. With its unique combination of classic style elements and technical innovations, it stands for the determination of the Saxon manufacture to craft the world's finest watches. Even in its 25th year, the famous watch family created by A. Lange & Söhne remains an unconditional success. With its asymmetric dial, the three-day movement, and the first outsize date in a regularly produced wristwatch, the Lange 1 elicited enthusiasm when it debuted. A quarter of a century later, the instantly recognizable watch joined the roster of the 20th century’s great timepiece classics. That is why, despite its new movement, it has remained almost unchanged externally.
Pre-SIHH 2019: Armin Strom Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance Sapphire. The First Sapphire Case for the Brand.
Just released back in October 2018, the Masterpiece 1 Dual Time Resonance by Armin Strom is a horological Masterpiece and the first watch in a new collection. Combining the practicality of two completely independent time indications with the increased precision of two independent movements in resonance, the Dual Time Resonance now is released with a sapphire crystal case which is a first for the brand. In a distinctive oval case, two independent movements sit side-by-side, their regulators wedded by Armin Strom’s patented Resonance Clutch Spring performing a continually horological two-step between the dual eye-catching counter-oscillating balances.
Pre-SIHH 2019: H. Moser Nature Watch. As Alive as Nature itself in a Mechanical Timepiece.
Following the crazy creations they unveil every year right before the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Genève, H. Moser & Cie. strikes again with an incredible timepiece like no other. They had a dream of an era where time is infinite. It passes quietly, in perfect peace. It is within everyone's reach. They’ve realized this in the form of a promise, a warning to future generations: the Moser Nature Watch, a mechanical watch that is 'green' and living but not eternal. Since we don't live in utopia, time —like the natural world impacted by our actions— is increasingly fragile and precious. Each of us must take the utmost care of it.
News: L’Epée 1839 Time Fast D8. 1950s Racing Cars Meet Swiss Clockmaking.
The new L’Epée 1839 Time Fast D8 limited edition clock evokes the excitement of becoming a race driver or experiencing the thrills of speed, as intended by its creator, Georg Foster. This vintage-inspired race car and a modern clock in one is a kinetic sculpture that tells the time. It was designed by Georg Foster, a promising young newcomer and major contributor to this second collaboration between ECAL —Ecole cantonale d’art de Lausanne— and the Swiss manufacture. The piece features a number of eye-catching details, such as the long protruding engine hood, the typical 1950s radiator grill, the large spoked wheels, the driving seat positioned to the rear and the sloping back section.
Pre-SIHH 2019: MB&F Horological Machine No. 6 Space Pirate Final Edition. An 8-Piece Limited Edition in Stainless Steel.
Back in November 2014, when MB&F launched the Horological Machine No.6 —HM6 Space Pirate— they announced they would manufacture only 100 movements in total of this watch. Today, less than a week from the SIHH 2019 —Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Genève— they are presenting the HM6 Final Edition. The MB&F Horological Machine No. 6 Space Pirate was first launched in titanium in a limited edition of 50 pieces, followed by 18 pieces in rose gold and then two 10-piece SV/Sapphire Vision editions, one in platinum and the other in rose gold. Then in 2017, four unique pieces were presented as the ‘Alien Nation’ crafted entirely in sapphire crystal, each with its crew of miniature aliens.
Eye Candy: MB&F Legacy Machine No. 1 Platinum. Avant-garde Design Combined with Traditional Watchmaking Principles.
After the successful launch of the Legacy Machine No. 1 in white gold and red gold came the LM1 platinum in a limited edition of 33 pieces more than four years ago. A wild, extreme, outrageous, unrestrained timepiece with a traditional and classical round shape. With its monumental central balance; completely independent dual time zones and unique vertical power reserve indicator the MB&F Legacy Machine No. 1 —LM1— is a watch that combines the most avant-garde design with the most traditional watchmaking principles and finishing. But above all, an authentic three-dimensional MB&F Machine like no other.
Insider: Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5905P. This is Patek in Full.
Released in 2015, the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5905P in platinum quickly became one of the hottest watches and a grail watch for many. Available in two dial variations —blue or black—this is a perfectly designed Patek featuring a solid platinum case —with a total weight of 130.3 grams to be precise— that even at 42 mm in diameter, it’s not too big nor too small. As far as its complications, the Patek Philippe ref. 5905P is equipped with an annual calendar and a 60-minute chronograph. Even though the annual calendar automatically takes into account the differing lengths of individual months it is still unable to factor in the differing length of the month of February or the leap years like a Perpetual Calendar would.
The Watch Collectors: @Jfdorozco. A Watch Collecting Journey Destined to Own the Most Iconic Watches in the World.
When you think of that one watch collector on Instagram that is always striving to get his hands on the most pristine examples of some of the most iconic watches in the world, the first name that comes to mind is @Jfdorozco. From his mint Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 3700 to his ultra crisp Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 5402ST and everything in between, the condition of his vintage watches is simply out of this world and a real treat for the eyes. A real watch collector and not a watch dealer disguised as watch collector like many out there, @Jfdorozco holds very high standards when it comes to the watches he buys and the same rule applies to how he chooses to engage with his followers on Instagram.
Experience: Hermès Pavage Watch Box. There are Watch Boxes and Then There's this One.
When it comes to watch boxes, the options are infinite. From leather, to fabric, to wood, watch boxes come in all sorts of shapes and forms. And just like some watch boxes are meant to be taken around the world as you travel with your precious possessions, other watch boxes are meant to simply stay at home and be that one statement décor piece that you lust after day after day. Just like we like to say that there are watches and then there are certain watches, the same goes to watch boxes. There are watch boxes and then there’s the Hermès Pavage watch box for ten watches.
Insider: Bell & Ross BR-X2 Tourbillon Micro Rotor. Hands-on with a 99-Piece Limited Edition.
In a limited edition of 99 pieces comes the Bell & Ross BR-X2 Tourbillon Micro Rotor ref. BRX2-MRTB-ST. Following the trend set by brands like Richard Mille, Greubel Forsey, MB&F and Hublot, Bell & Ross first released their BR-X1 Tourbillon Sapphire priced at a whopping almost half a million dollars in order to play within a much higher price point in the market. As a sequel to the BR-X1, Bell & Ross released the BR-X2 Tourbillon Micro Rotor —also available in a fully skeletonized version— at a much more affordable price point but sill way too high for what anyone would be willing to pay for a Bell & Ross.
Experience: Five Incredible Greubel Forsey Watches for Holiday Gift Giving. For Those That Can Have it All.
Greubel Forsey is at the pinnacle of watchmaking and probably at the lowest in terms of top of mind when it comes to Holiday gift shopping. Ultimately, who in its right mind would gift someone a Greubel Forsey? Well, we’ve seen crazy things and gifting a loved one a Greubel Forsey timepiece is not completely out of the question when you have the means to do so. Therefore, for those of you that can afford it all, we’ve pulled five Greubel Forsey watches from our archives that would make an incredible gift under the Christmas tree.
News: Jaquet Droz Opens Pop-Up Store on New York City's Fifth Avenue. Celebrating 280 Years of Achievements in Watchmaking and Artistry.
Jaquet Droz announces the opening of a New York pop-up store for the 280th anniversary celebrations of the brand. A prestigious pop-up store on New York’s Fifth Avenue will close out a cycle of exhibitions that has flitted from Milan to Zurich, Singapore to Tokyo, and Macau to Moscow via Hong Kong and Beijing. Over the past year the brand has brought its most precious craftsmanship to friends and collectors across the globe. The traveling exhibition has given visitors on all continents the opportunity to admire the brand’s historic pieces and most exclusive new creations.
Rare Bird: Richard Mille RM11-01 Roberto Mancini Titanium. The Perfect Chronograph for Soccer Lovers.
If you are a soccer fan, the Richard Mille RM11-01 Roberto Mancini needs no introduction. Released a number of years ago and now totally sold out, this is one of our favorite Mille watches out there. Specifically designed for the king of all sports, the Richard Mille Roberto Mancini honors Italian soccer player and coach of the Italian National team with a colorful chronograph who’s primary function is to assist the timekeeping of a soccer match. Cased in titanium or in red gold and titanium —we personally prefer the full titanium model we have here—, the Richard Mille RM11-01 Mancini was released as a regular production watch and not in a limited edition. Despite that, it is nearly impossible to find one nowadays.
Breaking News: SIHH and Baselworld to Coordinate Their Dates for 2020. Good or Bad? We'll Wait and See.
As of 2020, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie Genève —SIHH— and Baselworld, the two major events in the watch industry, will synchronise their calendars to take place back to back. Starting 2020, the SIHH will be held from April 26th thru the 29th in Geneva, followed immediately by Baselworld from April 30th to May 5th in Basel. Until 2019, the SIHH will continue to take place in mid-January while Baselworld will take place at the end of March. Due to this, professionals, press, and clients shared by large watchmaking brands would have to travel to Switzerland twice in the space of just a couple of months. With the new calendar synchronized until 2024, one trip will now be required.
Eye Candy: Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711/1R. One of Gerald Genta's Icons.
The Patek Philippe Nautilus is a watch that needs little introduction. Launched in 1976, quickly became a legendary and iconic watch just like every other watch designed by Gerald Genta. Perhaps Genta was gifted with the 'Midas Touch' or maybe he was just the biggest visionary the horological world has had so far. Either way, the Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5711 is one of the sexiest watches out there, specially in its 18K rose gold version with matching integrated bracelet.
Pre-SIHH 2019: Cartier Libre Collection. A Technicolor Vision Revealing Cartier's Wealth of Inspiration.
In preparation for the SIHH 2019 Cartier has just announced the Cartier Libre collection. In this latest edition, creativity shifts lines and meets a technicolor vision with the Tank Chinoise Red, the Diagonale watch and the Baignoire Allongée watches. Year after year, this union between watchmaking and creativity shifts lines, revisits established conventions and reveals Cartier’s wealth of inspiration in terms of form. By highlighting or putting certain aspects into perspective, the color exposes previously imperceptible facets. These four new watches revisit some of the oldest watches ever released by Cartier in the 20s bringing to the table three exceptional timepieces in white gold and one in yellow gold.
