Franc Vila Cuatro Tourbillon Dial-Side Column Wheel Monopusher Chronograph
February 24, 2010
From the very beginning, the Franc Vila brand positioned itself as the haute de gamme sector player with entry-level models starting at a respectable CHF 20,000 mark and going through the roof to eye-popping CHF 500,000 for the highly-exclusive models with tourbillons, minute repeaters and such.
Although the company openly refuses to become a Manufacture, they have a number of models powered by extremely complicated calibers developed in-house but produced by third-party independent manufacturers. These are designated from non-original movements by a FVN index, while the former bear a normal FV in their model number indices. The model in question is powered by the FV Cuatro movement featuring three complications. Namely, a single push-button chronograph with column wheel, a power reserve indicator and a tourbillon.
Built on 32 jewels and beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph, the hand-decorated FVN Cuatro caliber consists of 262 parts and features an impressive power reserve of 120 hours.
The watch is coming in FVs trademark Esprit Unique case featuring a figure-eight dial with a chronograph seconds indicator visible at 2 o’clock, tourbillon escapement at 6 o’clock, power reserve dial at 9 o’clock, and a chronograph minutes indicator at 10 o’clock.
Unlike most skeletonized watches, this one is quite legible thanks to the use of contrasting materials for the hands (gold) and the movement (steel).
Like all Franc Vila watches featuring a tourbillon complication, the Tourbillon Dial-Side Column Wheel Monopusher Chronograph watch will be limited to just eight units.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Extreme LAB2
February 19, 2010
Always a force for technical innovation in traditional luxury watchmaking, Swiss manufacture Jaeger-LeCoultre proves a point at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie in Geneva with the automatic Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2. Read more
Milus Watch Company at a turning point
January 9, 2010
The year 2009 marks a turning point for Milus—and for several reasons. This year, the brand that was founded in 1919 will celebrate its 90th anniversary. In 2009, Milus will also celebrate the fifth year of its relaunch under the direction of Jan Edöcs, who breathed new life into the brand. And lastly, 2009 will also mark a new turning point in its restructuration.
Chow Tai Fook enters the picture
Following the dissolution of the Peace Mark group that, in 2002, had purchased Milus from Paul Junod, a descendant of the founder (who was a true pioneer, giving Milus an uncompromising design in the Bauhaus style, but who was way before his time, and who saw his ideas pilfered by the large fashion brands), Milus passed into the fold of another Chinese group, Chow Tai Fook. Read more
Hublot Aero Bang Drive ACF Watch
December 11, 2009
This could very well be the last Big Bang of the year. We love this model and their desire to help world collectors by introducing multiple variations and limited editions of their Bang series. The Aero Bang Drive ACF Watch features a microblasted black ceramic case measuring 44.5mm. It has an AR-coated sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 100 meters. “The rotor is tungsten carbide with black PVD treatment.” A ‘banger’ for sure. 250 units are being produced! Get your own while you can! Big Boy Toys!
Pop Star Mika Wears Brown Dial Piaget Altiplano
November 23, 2009
Swiss watchmaker and jeweler Piaget finds itself a suitable wrist in pop star Mika in the music video to his single ‘Rain’ from the album The Boy Who Knew Too Much. The watch, which gets a fair bit or screen time in the video, is the chocolate dial version of the Altiplano 40mm.
The ultra-thin Altiplano model is a standard bearer for Piaget and this variant doesn’t get much press so it’s nice to see the watch out and about. Aside from the dial color and the 18 carat pink gold of the case, this model is the same in every way as the regular Altiplano.
Monaco V4 TAG Heuer
October 11, 2009
TAG Heuer in History: Pioneer of Swiss watchmaking since 1860
For 150 years, TAG Heuer has challenged traditions, defied rules, and set major Swiss watchmaking milestones. The world leader in luxury sports watches and chronographs since 1860, it maintains this preeminence by ceaselessly reinventing itself, and, in the process, changing the world of watchmaking — revolutionizing what watches and chronographs can do, how they work, and the way they look.
In 2004, the company unveiled the Monaco V4 Concept Watch, the world’s first watch with belt drives, linear mass and ball bearings. In only 5 short years, the dream comes true… Read more
Panerai presents the Luminor 1950 – Regatta Rattrapante 44 mm
August 13, 2009
The long tradition linking the Officine Panerai to the Yachting world is celebrated once again this year with a special edition dedicated to the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge.
This international vintage boat event sponsored by the Florentine company sees the most incredible yachts from years gone by, restored and returned to their ancient splendour and ready to battle it out in a series of regattas on an international circuit, with stages in both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
As in the past, just 500 numbered examples have been produced of this special limited edition watch, the Luminor 1950 Regatta Rattrapante 44 mm, DLC (PAM00332). It is a split-second chronograph, complete with chronometer certificate, that counts down the 5 minutes to the start of the regatta. A highly specialised model and therefore a real sailor’s instrument, not just by name but also due to its technical content.
The new Luminor 1950 Regatta Rattrapante has a leather strap with burnished buckle bearing the Panerai logo. It comes complete with a spare strap that can be fitted with the tool provided.
Source: Panerai
www.panerai.com
Movements in Time – Panerai Hong Kong Exhibition
July 23, 2009
Luxury watchmaker Officine Panerai brings its know-how to Hong Kong in July with the Manifattura Collection exhibition at the Atrium, The Landmark, Central.
A perennial favorite amongst watch enthusiasts and collectors, Panerai has shown its commitment to innovation and raising standards in haute horlogerie with a series of magnificent mechanical movements. Headlining the current exhibition, which is the brand’s second such showing in Hong Kong, is the P.9000 range of calibres introduced this year at the trade show in Geneva.
The exhibition will be opened for free admission to the public at the Atrium, The Landmark, Central from 26 to 29 July 2009, between 11am to 8pm daily.
The P.9000 calibres are the P.9000, P.9001 and P9002 and all three share certain technical design characteristics unique to Panerai. Of course, they are also hallmarks of the brand’s technical excellence and watchmaking prowess. Calibres P.2002, P.2003, P.2004, P.2005 and P.2006 will also be on display, along with historical pieces and other key elements of the brand’s storied past.
SWISS MILITARY-HANOWA Revenge Dual Time
June 15, 2009
Since it was founded in 1963, Swiss Military – Hanowa has excelled in the production of watches that are both sporty and trendy. With its new “Revenge Dual Time”, the emblematic Swiss army brand combines these two attributes more strongly than ever before. Read more
Richard Mille Ties A Celtic Knot
May 27, 2009
Richard Mille sees to it that women have their own tourbillon to play with this year in a long-awaited expansion to the collection for the fairer sex. The baseplate of the ladies tourbillon RM019 Celtic Knot has been crafted out of black onyx while diamonds grace the Celtic Knot that crisscrosses the movement.
The RM019 is as technically impressive – with hours, minutes and power reserve, along with the tourbillon – as the diver’s watch but its design cues inform the mystique of feminine time. The watch will be available in 18 carat white gold and red gold.
Breitling Bentley Motors Speed 2009 Edition
April 6, 2009
The Bentley Motors Speed chronograph, the new spearhead of the Breitling for Bentley collection, exudes originality and exclusiveness from every angle in a sporty and elegant design inspired by Bentley cars. It also features matchless engineering in the 25B calibre, a worthy heir of a 1926 Breitling patent and distinguished by a unique mechanism called the 30-second chronograph. The centre hand goes around the dial every 30 seconds – rather than the usual 60 – to allow for a very accurate reading to 1/8 of a second.
Corum Golden Bridge Titanium
March 30, 2009
Independent watchmaker Vincent Calabrese may be working over at Blancpain now but the spirit of his early innovation at Corum lives on, thanks to the legendary Golden Bridge watch. Back in 1980, this watch was possibly the first non-skeleton wristwatch to put the movement front and center.
Corum honors this breathtaking historic piece with a new version in titanium. The movement – manual-winding calibre CO113 – has its plates and lone bridge executed in 18k rose gold. Take note of the usual high degree of finishing on this bridge as well as the combination of satin and polished surfaces of the case.
Titanium watches usually feature only satin surfaces. Notice also that sapphire crystal is used on the sides of the case as well as the front and back. The 34mm X 51mm watch sports a variable inertia balance wheel and 40 hours of power reserve. It is limited to 188 pieces.
Thanks – www.corumtimepieces.com
Boucheron Returns, Unique Timepieces
March 29, 2009
After an absence of several years, Boucheron makes a welcome return to BaselWorld to launch some intriguing and eye-catching timepieces. With its new collection entitled ‘Bestiare Seconde Folle’ the brand will certainly turn a few heads with its light-hearted depiction of the frog, chameleon and the owl that adorn the dials and bezels of the watches. Working with Girard-Perregaux, Boucheron has developed a new mechanical automatic movement on the base of Girard-Perregaux’ existing GP 4000 Calibre. The seconds counter on these timepieces is situated at 7 o’clock and is not a hand, but a disc that makes a complete revolution in sixty seconds.
The 42 mm watch case is in 18 carat white gold and there are six models based on the three animal themes. The ‘Bestiare Seconde Folle’ Grenouille (frog) is set with diamonds (1.0 carats), the dial is of chalcedony and the frog and the water lily, which spread over on the bezel, comprise 350 precious stones (3.0 carats). The bracelet is in pink galuchat.
The ‘Chouette’ (owl) enjoys the same Calibre automatic movement and is set with 0.8 carats of diamonds. The dial is of aventurine and the animal is set with a total of 378 precious stones (3.3 carats), which like its brother frog overflows on the watch’s bezel.
The bracelet is of mauve satin.
Something special for us all…
For the more conservative connoisseur, Boucheron introduces the Reflet XL Seconde Folle, a re-interpretation of the iconic rectangular watch with interchangeable bracelets introduced by the brand back in 1947. Once again, using the specially created Girard-Perregaux automatic movement, this timepiece is more graphic in styling with vertical fluting on the dial, a date aperture at 1 o’clock and an oval turning seconds disc at 7 o’clock with its trompe l’oeil depiction of a seconds hand. This Reflet XL is available in either stainless steel or 18 carat rose gold.
All in all, a fascinating and creative collection of high quality, innovative timepieces for Boucheron’s return to the hallowed halls of BaselWorld.
Thanks EuropaStar
Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars
March 16, 2009
Luxury Swiss watchmaking maison Audemars Piguet revealed the fruits of its research and development labors at the recently concluded Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. The watch itself is a time-only proposition, with power reserve indication (56 hours), but it is a horological masterpiece.
This is actually visible, since the escapement assembly (at 4 o’clock in the image) is meant to function dial-side. Given that it operates at 43,200 vibrations per hour and features the double balance spring direct-impulse escapement (revealed to the world in 2006), the visible action of this escapement is a treat.
With this series-production watch, Audemars Piguet demonstrates both the stability of their balance assembly and the necessary improved shock resistance. No information is available at present on the rate of the watch.
This is a massive 17 2/3 lignes movement, with the open three-dimensional aesthetic showing off the true scale of the engine. It also confirms the brand’s commitment to producing large watches, with this model cased in platinum 250 at 46mm. Given the current real estate of this movement, calibre 2908, it will be interesting to see how the brand executes a chronograph or perpetual calendar display.
Richard Mille RM 025 Tourbillon Chronograph
February 2, 2009
The implausible has finally happened: The Swiss watch industry’s enfant terrible Richard Mille has created a round watch. Famous for engineering what he calls a ‘rupture’ with classical watchmaking, Richard Mille turns to functionality for his Read more
Daniel Roth Papillon Chronograph
January 5, 2009
The watchmaking workshops of Daniel Roth in Le Sentier are awe-inspiring for collectors, in particular, the brand’s prowess with adapting base calibers and for its know-how with minute repeaters. However, Daniel Roth is no slouch when it comes to the chronograph.
The brand launched its first chronograph – an automatic column wheel piece – in 1990 and today continues to refine its expertise in this ever-popular complication. The Papillon Chronograph – featuring the now-famous ellipsocurvex case – revisits the 1999 chronograph issued to celebrate the brand’s 10th anniversary.
To be precise, it references the 2005 Papillon Chronograph, minus the cover that hid the action of the pivoting minute hands. Significantly, the Girard-Perregaux movement of 2005 has been replaced with a Frederic Piguet caliber (reference 1185).
Santos Collection for Cartier
December 26, 2008
Famed for its design acumen, the mighty house of Cartier was a pioneer in the wristwatch segment with the Santos watch. The watch proved so popular that it remains in production to this day, with a staggering multiplicity of variants. Created in 1904 Read more
Limited Edition Parmigiani Bugatti Faubourg
December 8, 2008
Bugatti and Parmigiani Fleurier have updated their collaborative Bugatti Type 370 watch collection with an edition that pays tribute to Bugatti’s Veyron Faubourg Par Hermes car. The new edition comes with dials in colors that match the colors of the car and in two new materials – rose gold and brushed white gold.
The automobile makes its presence felt along the transversal movement (a horological premiere at that time) in which the movement is laid out on its side, spread between five plates in perfect alignment, highly evocative of a car engine. The dial is effectively on the case-middle, between the lugs, to allow easy reading of time for the wearer behind the wheel.
Apart from the movement, the aesthetics of the watch are a nod to the Italian-founded French marque, with certain wheels in the watch’s “engine” cut to resemble the trademark Bugatti wheel rims.
The movement – with the motions of the gear train clearly visible – is on show behind sapphire crystals that take the place of the traditional watch face and the case back. The watch is limited to 20 pieces, with Hermes leather strap, in 18-carat rose gold (10 pieces) or brushed white gold (10 pieces).
Romain Jerome Moon Dust-DNA Collection
November 23, 2008
Legitimately proud of its Titanic-DNA collection dedicated to the world ‘s greatest maritime legend, Romain Jerome launches out into space in homage to the most fascinating human adventure of all : the conquest of space. Second legend from the « DNA of Famous Legends » concept, the Collection Moon Dust-DNA, limited to 1969 pieces, incorporate authentic elements from the aerospace universe such as moon dust as well as fragments of the Apollo XI and Soyuz space shuttles and the International Space Station ISS.
Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX 2 DBS Transponder
November 15, 2008
Swiss luxury watchmaker Jaeger-Lecoultre joins forces once again with Aston Martin to create a watch with unique properties. Built specifically for owners of the new Aston Martin DBS, the Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX 2 DBS Read more
MB&F Horological Machine No3
November 13, 2008
Max Busser of MB&F was in Singapore to unveil the new MB&F Horological Machine No3 (HM3) to the press and a select group of collectors.
As with the previous two Horological Machines, the HM3 defies expectations yet simultaneously affirms all that horology enthusiasts have come to expect from MB&F.
Busser reveals that his inspiration was twofold: he wanted to build a spaceship for the wrist and a wristwatch that was simply cool. When one looks at this eminently wearable timepiece, one might think of the Millennium Falcon from Star Wars.
The watch comes in two configurations, one with its cones in line with the wearer’s arm (Starcruiser) and the other with its cones perpendicular to the wearer’s arm (Sidewinder).
The story here is told by both the shape of the watch and the configuration of the movement, with balance assembly and rotor appearing dial-side.
Hours and minutes are delivered by the two cones (via the ceramic ball bearings visible through the caseback) while the date is supplied via a ring around the movement. Thus the movement appears to be framed by the display of time.
luxury-insider dot com
ROMAIN JEROME Titanic DNA Day & Night
November 8, 2008
Romain Jerome presents its own special interpretation of time in this extraordinary creation. Limited to a series of nine, it is the world’s first watch not to display the time. Read more
Van Cleef & Arpels Gorgeous Purple w/ diamonds
November 7, 2008
With a heavenly sent wedding between Estelle Arpels and Alfred Van Cleef in 1896, Van Cleef & Arpels began as most fairy tales’ ends.
(Van Cleef & Arpels “Lady Arpels Féerie”, Pièce Unique. A very fine 18k white gold diamond-set (D-E-F) lady’s wristwatch with a purple guilloché dial. The delicate white gold and diamonds fairy indicates the time thanks to an hour and minute retrograde mechanical movement. Sold: 70,000 EUR)
Estelle was the daughter of a precious stone wholesaler and the sister of expert gemologists, while Alfred was the son of a diamond merchant from Amsterdam.
In 1906, Alfred Van Cleef and his brother-in-law, Charles, register the name «Van Cleef & Arpels», and the shop settles into 22 Place Vendôme Paris.
Van Cleef & Arpels’ contemporary watch creations are the finest expression of a successful union of exceptional watch making and high fashion jewellery. Audaciously innovative and stylish, Van Cleef & Arpels watches feature classic forms enhanced with rare and original new features. By reinterpreting its own great classics, applying the jeweller’s art to watch cases and dials, and creating complications that surprise and delight, Van Cleef & Arpels confirms its talent as a master jeweller in the world of fine watches.
http://www.vancleef-arpels.com/
Fleurette Van Cleef & Arpels WJPI0019
November 3, 2008
Van Cleef and Arpels has revisited the simple elegance of square and rectangular cases in platinum and diamonds, adding a touch of glamour and refinement with mother-of-pearl. Two Fleurette patterns join the case to the platinum and diamond bracelet.
ICELINK 6 Timezone – Snow
November 3, 2008
The sixth dial of Icelink’s already legendary 6Timezone is a snow flurry of diamonds, precious flakes that float gently in IceFuel® liquid. An acclamation of bold luxury, this spectacular watch catches traditional watchmaking off-guard, but without rejecting its values. Uniting the creative folly of Los Angeles with the rigours of a Swiss winter, Icelink heralds the new “no complex” era.
EMILE CHOURIET – King Version
October 9, 2008
All the nobility and exquisite charm of old Europe’s royal palaces are concentrated in this sumptuous King model. Set with over 500 precious stones, this truly luxurious timepiece is a highly successful marriage of classicism and modernity.
| Movement | Automatic ETA 2836 |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, day and date |
| Case | Stainless steel Bezel set with 74 diamonds (0.64 ct) and 4 blue baguette sapphires (0.8 ct) Sapphire crystal and back Water-resistant to 30 m |
| Dial | Paved with 432 diamonds (2.16 cts) and 10 blue baguette sapphires Blued hands Day and date window at 3 o’clock |
| Bracelet/Strap | Black leather with folding clasp |
Unique Opus 8
October 2, 2008
This is one of the very cool pieces in Basel 2008. The Opus 8 is the latest addition to the Opus lineup.
I am certain that many of us can identify with the 70′ish Pulsar look. That is actually what it is meant to be. I remember being obsessed in my youth with these LEDs. Plus, seeing James Bond with one did not help. Finding one of these today in good condition is a difficult task. There are Some Jaeger and even Omegas out there that I would love to put my hands on. Alas, you only see them from time to time and they are just impossible to procure.
The Opus 8 is quite an exercise to say the least. Being able to make a mechanical version of what in our youths we only dream of having is certainly a challenge. The mechanism works by raising a template up onto the indicator pad by means of a lever. Once activated the template pushes the corresponding micro pillars upwards, as you can see in the picture. The lever is very easily mistaken by a repeater complication but instead of chiming this will make the hour appear only to recess back in its flat mode after a few seconds. Just like the Pulsar back then. The minutes are displayed in five minute increments on the right side. To be honest I would not mind a version with this design and with a real LED interior just for fun. I shouldn’t be expensive of course.
Even if (as a watch addict) I am not to hot on jewelers making watches I must admit that the “Opus” are something that I can only dream to have. Unfortunately, like for most of us, this is only to bee seen from a distance…
WYLER GENÈVE Official Watch of the Italian National Football Team
October 1, 2008
Geneva (Switzerland) Wyler Genève has signed a new licensing agreement to produce the official watch of the Italian national football team, almost 75 years after the pioneering Italian Wyler distributor Innocente Binda put the company’s watches on the wrists of the Read more
New & Exciting De Grisogono Otturatore
September 29, 2008
De Grisogono defies the fundamentals of watchmaking with the launching of its Otturatore, a timepiece combining audacity, refinement and modernism. Its mobile dial features a sequential display of seconds, date, moon phases and power reserve, with 3 of them Read more
Philip Stein starts fresh with new Elite collection
September 28, 2008
Philip Stein, leader in mind-body wellness through frequency-based technology, is releasing its latest collection of luxury watches known as the Prestige collection. Read more
-
Recent Articles
- Franc Vila Cuatro Tourbillon Dial-Side Column Wheel Monopusher Chronograph
- Buy Now: Cessna 525 CitationJet CJ1
- Apple Launch iPad – Next Best Thing Since Sliced Bread
- Bugatti Veyron Comes With Matching Transport Truck
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Extreme LAB2
- Peugeot SR1 Concept revealed
- Gold Ipod by Amosu
- Wavepiercer: Gorgeous 50 meters yacht
- Hypersonic passenger airplane travels Mach 5 speeds
- Milus Watch Company at a turning point
- Sabdes concept luxury megayacht in car red livery
- McIntosh 60th anniversary catalog gets $7,500 Integrated Tabletop Audio System
- Hublot Aero Bang Drive ACF Watch
- ICON A5 SPORTS AIRCRAFT AND PILOT TRAINING FOR TWO
- 2010 Devon GTX
Sponsor
Sponsor
