One of the nicest watches we’ve seen this year at Baselworld 2019 and a feat of horology thanks to its 1/100th chronograph and its double tourbillon. The new Zenith DEFY Double Tourbillon is not your conventional watch from Zenith. After the revival of the DEFY line with a case design more in line with the historical DEFY watches from the sixties and seventies, the DEFY watches bring a breath of fresh air to a brand that has revolved around the El Primero look for most of his modern history since 1969. While the case of the DEFY might not be everyone’s cup of tea, here at WCL we do like it.
Baselworld 2019: Arnold & Son Time Pyramid Flying Tourbillon in Red Gold and in Stainless Steel. Live Pictures & Price.
The Arnold & Son Time Pyramid was first released in stainless steel in 2014 and now comes back with a skeletonized flying tourbillon. The tourbillon and the two power reserve indicators are superposed by a sapphire crystal dial indicating the hours itself, crowned with a rhodium plated ring for the minutes. This exclusive construction offers a lively-look and three-dimensional face to the timepiece and, to further enhance the balance and symmetry, the crown is positioned at six o’clock.
Baselworld 2019: Angelus U50 Diver Tourbillon Black Edition. Live Pictures & Price.
Originally released in 2018, the Angelus U50 Diver Tourbillon was the brand’s first diver’s watch. With a high level of skeletonization of its movement allowing for maximum transparency and an incredible view of all of its components, the Angelus U50 Diver Tourbillon is now also available in a Black Edition. The new Angelus U50 Diver Tourbillon Black Edition maintains the same proportions at 45 mm as its predecessor, but now in a very stealthy-looking iteration.
Baselworld 2019: Tudor Black Bay Bronze Slate Grey ref. M79250BA-0001. Live Pictures & Price.
Continuing with the bronze saga, Tudor just launched a grey bronze Black Bay that joins the blue Bucherer and brown bronze Black Bay editions.. The new Tudor Black Bay Bronze Slate Grey ref. M79250BA-0001 comes equipped with the same Bronze/Aluminum alloy case measuring 43 mm as its brown and blue dial siblings. Regardless of the larger case diameter when compared to the Black Bay in stainless steel, the Bronze version doesn't wear that much bigger, to be quite frank.
Baselworld 2019: Patek Philippe Calatrava Weekly Calendar ref. 5212A. Live Pictures & Price.
This year a brand new complication for Patek Philippe as they present the new Calatrava Weekly Calendar ref. 5212A-001 with a semi-integrated mechanism displaying the current week number, in addition to the day and date. A particularly useful feature for the modern businessman. This stainless steel Calatrava Weekly Calendar with a 40 mm case also houses a completely new automatic movement with optimized performance. Patek Philippe has developed a broad spectrum of calendar functions, from the simple aperture date to the extremely complex secular perpetual calendar that is pre-programmed into the 28th century. The patented Annual Calendar, launched in 1996, triggered a small revolution as a full calendar that only needs to be corrected once a year on March 1. In 2013.
Baselworld 2019: Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Regulator ref. 5235/50R. Live Pictures & Price.
The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Regulator ref. 5235G-001 was the first Patek Philippe regulator watch from this manufacture released in 2012 and discontinued in 2018. Today, at Baselworld 2019 Patek Philippe revisits the unique style of its Annual Calendar Regulator by presenting it in rose gold, paired with a two-tone dial in graphite and ebony-black with a vertical satin finish. This exceptional timepiece fitted with a 40.5 mm white gold case and an in-house movement, is pure perfection at its best. Not one of the most popular references from Patek, nonetheless an amazing piece we are happy to see back.
Baselworld 2019: Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5726/1A-014 Blue Dial. Live Pictures & Price.
After the retiring of the Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5726/1A with grey and white dial on bracelet, comes a new iteration of one of our favorite Nautilus watches.The Patek Philippe Nautilus was conceived using the universal shape of a porthole found on most maritime vessels and released just four years after the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak was launched in 1972. The Nautilus Annual Calendar with Moon Phase ref. 5726 is now available in stainless steel with a gorgeous blue dial very similar in hue to that of the Nautilus ref. 5711/1A. and on alligator strap with the black grey dial. The new blue dial is a true chameleon that changes in hue depending on lighting conditions —see pics below.
Baselworld 2019: Patek Philippe Aquanaut Khaki Green ref. 5168G-010. Live Pictures & Price.
After the success of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5168G with blue dial released in 2017 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Aquanaut —full history of this model here—, now comes another Aquanaut in 18K white gold but this time with a khaki green dial and strap under ref. 5168-010. This new reference 5168G fitted with a 42.2 mm case —2.2 mm bigger than reference 5167 and still powered by the same automatic calibre 324 S C powering the Aquanaut ref. 5167 we reviewed here. The watch is simply amazing in person and one that we absolutely loved.
Baselworld 2019: Rolex Novelties. Live Pictures & Prices.
As soon as the doors officially opened for the press at 12pm Basel Time, we headed straight to Rolex to see the novelties for Baselworld 2019. A weak year compared to the incredible lineup presented last year. With novelties across different collections, the main focus centered around the professional models as it is the norm. The new professional models include a White Gold Yach-Master 42 mm ref. 226659 with black dial, black ceramic bezel and Oysterflex strap, a Rolesor —two-tone with yellow gold— Sea-Dweller ref. 126603 equipped with calibre 3235, a new stainless steel GMT Master II ‘Batman’ ref. 126710BLNR now on jubilee bracelet and powered by calibre 3285—oyster bracelet model now officially discontinued…
Baselworld 2019: Breitling Unveils New Superocean Collection. Five Different Sizes for Every Wrist.
With its new Superocean Collection, Breitling has updated and upgraded one of its best-loved and most successful watch families. Breitling Superocean watches have been highly regarded for their diving prowess for more than 60 years. While the members of the new collection reflect the brand’s deep-water DNA, they are certain to appeal to men and women with active lifestyles. With their clean, sporty design and impeccable performance, these new Superoceans will feel at home on any wrist and in any environment. Breitling CEO Georges Kern points out that the watches reflect more than just the brand’s diver’s watch legacy: “Our Surfers Squad and our partnerships with Outerknown and Ocean Conservancy speak volumes about our affection for the seas.
Baselworld 2019: Jacob & Co. Unveils Long-Term Partnership with Bugatti
Jacob & Co. is pleased to announce a long-term partnership with Bugatti, the world’s most celebrated high performance sports car manufacturer, to collaborate on a series of exclusive co-branded products. This partnership brings together two companies that share a passion for cutting-edge design, pushing the limits of what seems mechanically possible. Stephan Winkelmann and Jacob Arabo, the Presidents of Bugatti and Jacob & Co., had just made this partnership official at Baselworld 2019.
Baselworld 2019: Breitling Navitimer ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition. A First for the Brand and a Tribute to a Legend.
For Baselworld 2019, Breitling has just announced the re-edition of the legendary Breitling Navitimer ref. 806 from 1959. In 1952, Breitling developed the Navitimer, a revolutionary wristwatch chronograph that instantly became a mainstay of every cockpit. It was worn by pilots for some of aviation’s most impressive developments, thanks to an innovative slide rule that enabled them to make all critical flight calculations. The new Navitimer ref. 806 1959 Re-Edition, celebrates one of the most iconic early designs of the Navitimer, released exactly 60 years ago. A first for the brand, the re-edition of the ref. 806 marks the subsequent launches also planned for the future.
News: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chrono ref. 26338PT 'Unique Piece' Sells for USD 220,000 at the One Night for One Drop Foundation Gala
Despite its estimated value of USD 112,000, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chrono ‘Unique Piece’ ref. 26338PT.OO.1220PT.01 sold for almost double its price hammering USD 220,000 at the 7th annual One Night for One Drop event imagined by Cirque du Soleil. Sold along five other lots that included a McLaren 570S Spider by MSO —one of six—, a private jet round-trip to a Turks and Caicos Island Villa on Parrot Cay, a Serengeti Safari-Living Experience in Tanzania, a 7-night getaway at the Château Saint Tropez for 12 Guests, and a luxury 7-night Journey aboard the Residential Yacht, The World; this very special unique piece Royal Oak helped in raising funds and awareness to benefit critical water issues worldwide.
Presenting: The C. Purnell Spherion Tourbillon. The World's Fastest Triple-Axis Tourbillon.
Cecil Purnell is a name that only a few hundred watch collectors know very well and a name that only a handful of people in the watch industry understand what it stands for and the type of product they put out there. Luckily, we are within that select group, and that’s why we are presenting you the just-released C. Purnell Spherion watch with our usual live pictures and captivating macro photography. Much like other independent horologists that prefer to remain ultra-exclusive, C. Purnell flies under the radar with little to no advertising, no mass communications, limited distribution, and their unique business model. However, regardless of the lack of media exposure their watches are incredible and a real treat for the eyes.
The Watch Collectors: @RJKama. The Doctor that Likes to Be Called SUPERDOC.
We met @RJKama at an Omega watch collector’s hospitality trip, and after instantly clicking with him, we became close friends. We still remember back then when we would pressure him non-stop about opening an Instagram account, and he wouldn’t do it. Finally, after several attempts on our end, he surprised the social media world with his passion for watches and incredible photography. @RJKama is a doctor that likes to be called SUPERDOC, and that sees health as a sensation of well being instead of an absence of disease. After launching his IG account many years ago, he rapidly became a most follow account for those looking for incredible photography of Omega timepieces with a very particular look and feel. Without a doubt, this is one of the most interesting interviews we’ve published on Watch Collectors here at WCL.
Now, you’ll hear straight from him all that he wants to share about this fantastic hobby that brought us together in the first place.
Experience: Hermès Leather Treasure. Perfectly Designed for those Exploring the World.
When you closely examine the orange hand on the Rolex Explorer II ref. 216570 —which we reviewed here—, you'll notice that its hue, is as close as it gets to the color of those fascinating orange boxes we love from Hermès. The Hermès Leather Treasure is a clever solution for those exploring the world and wanting to take a small amount of their favorite fragrances with them.
Presenting: MB&F Legacy Machine FlyingT. The First MB&F Ladies Timepiece Ever.
The unexpected and a very surprising move by MB&F when they shared with us what is their first ladies timepiece ever. The creative process behind the just released MB&F Legacy Machine FlyingT started four years ago, when Maximilian Büsser began thinking about making something inspired by the feminine influences in his life. “I created MB&F to do what I believe in, making three-dimensional sculptural kinetic art pieces that give the time. But at some point there came a desire to create something for the women in my family. I’ve been surrounded by their influence all my life, so I gave myself the challenge to do something for them” says Büsser. “The last thing I wanted to do, was to take a masculine timepiece, resize it, put a different color on it and call it a ladies’ watch.”
Eye Candy: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance 'Rainbow'. There's a Pot of Gold at the End of Every Rainbow.
With a unique look and following the steps of other watch manufactures like Rolex, comes the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold Double Balance Wheel Openworked ‘Rainbow’ reference 15468BC.YG.1259BC.01. This new model cased in a 37 mm frosted 18K white gold case, sports a bezel featuring 32 baguette-cut ‘rainbow-colored’ sapphires totaling 2.24 carats. The sapphires have been all individually cut and set in a breathtaking way. The openworked rhodium-toned dial exposes the golden double balance wheel mechanism at 8 o’clock, which happens to be visible on both sides of the watch.
News: Breitling Premier Bentley Centenary Limited Edition. Celebrating 17 years of Partnership and 100 Years of Luxury Motoring.
Breitling and Britain’s Bentley Motors enjoy the longest-ever partnership between a watch brand and an automobile manufacturer. In fact, it dates back to 2002, when Bentley, the world’s most admired luxury car brand, launched the very first Continental GT. For this particular car, Bentley commissioned Breitling to create an onboard clock that would reflect the unparalleled luxury, peerless quality, and extraordinary performance of the new grand tourer, which was debuted in 2003. To celebrate their partnership and 100 years of luxury motoring, Breitling just announced the new Breitling Premier Bentley Centenary Limited Edition ref. RB01181A1Q1X1 produced in 18K red gold or stainless steel.
Insider: HYT H1.0 Black Fluid. One of the Best Looking HYT Watches Out There.
A couple of weeks ago we brought you our hands-on review of the new HYT H1.0 collection, and we told you how much we fell in love with it. During Watches & Wonders Miami 2019, the HYT H.10 lineup got even better after the brand added a fourth model with black fluid giving the watch a fascinating color combination. Like we mentioned it before, the new HYT H1.0 is the natural evolution and progression of the minimalist design of the H0 Origin released two years ago at Baselworld 2017. The new HYT H1.0 Black Fluid rises above with an even more futuristic approach as the capillary tube is filled with black fluid and the glass capillary features superluminova C7 in vintage mint green color underneath.
