Posts filed under 'Clocks & Watches'
The exceptional one and anything else , this tourbillon could not obviously be only one tourbillon. Bright proof that there remain still territories to be explored in the very high clock industry, this one thus joins together two technical prowesses. The first hides in the form even module: inclined with 30 degrees - from where its name Tourbillon Emotion 30° - which only the best clock and watch makers are capable to carry out.
Why 30 degrees? To allow the beam to permanently oscillate in all the plans (the compensation of the differences in walk due to the terrestrial attraction being limited more to the only vertical plane) and to offer to the watch a perfect precision. Second prowess: in addition to the posting of the hours/minutes and small second, by means of three counters, one in vain looks at, scans, passes the dial to the fine comb, one sees only the tourbillon.
Quite simply because the wheels are invisible, or rather because they were offset under the bridge masking all the right part of the dial! Harry Winston and Greubel Forsey thus succeeded in integrating this fantastic module into the Opus spirit, creating a watch virtuoso: the bridge is screwed on the bottom of the box, releasing the swirl of its traditional cage and offering to the sight a mechanism suspended of an absolute purity bus freed from the wheels which usually tend to the vampiriser.
April 15th, 2006
Like the high-performance, luxury sports car that inspired it, the TAG Heuer SLR for Mercedes-Benz is an audacious creation, blending Classicism and Avant-Garde, with an overall design that reflects the values of the “dream car”: power, performance, motor-racing spirit, innovation and elegance. Launched in a limited edition of 3,500 pcs, its pushbuttons are boldly positioned on the top of the case, ergonomically inclined at 45 degrees; a timekeeping scale is audaciously placed inside the case on a rotating, mechanic, unidirectional ring driven by a second crown at 9 o’clock. The exterior bezel, elegantly polished in black finish and engraved “SLR,” is thus able to feature a tachymeter, like those used by professional racers to calculate speed.
To accentuate these innovations even further, the dial features superbly high-end finishings: ten double index diamond facets have been applied by hand one-by-one; two rhodium-plated rings elegantly circle the counters at 3 and 9 o’clock; and the hands have been diamond-tipped by hand.
April 13th, 2006
Audemars Piguet always affirmed: he is women who appreciate the timeless refinement of a traditional language associated the sophistication and the performances of a clock making movement. For them, Manufacture created the Tourbillon Ladies Jules Audemars. The collection Jules Audemars, of the name of the one of the two founders of Manufacture, is a traditional line dedicated to the watches with complications. Its distinctive signs: a round case and delicately convex sides, which point out the first watches of pocket. For the case of this new interpretation, the clock making Masters of Audemars Piguet chose pink gold or the white gold, and raised its glasses of a delicate setting of brilliances. Ultimate detail, they crimped the crown of a sapphire cabochon. This invaluable association is sublimated by a white natural mother-of-pearl dial. Delicately engraved of a flinque reason spiral, its iridescent bottom decorates Roman numerals taking again the color of the gold of the case. Each figure is surmounted by a brilliance, except the twelve, which is decorated of two brilliances. Gold needles polished, reproducing the shape of a sheet, come to perfect this balance. But the specificity of this dial is unquestionably the swirl which, suspended in its mobile cage, is placed there at 6 a.m. Revealed by a circular counter, it offers to the glances the subtlety of its mechanism and the completions of each one of its components. Ultimate refinement, the bottom sapphire of the Tourbillon Ladies Jules Audemars reveals the sophistication of the movement with manual reassembly, letting see the two bridges, whose drawing, engraved with the hand, outlines small dancing spirals which point out the reasons for the dial.
April 12th, 2006
The superb white gold dial features the exclusive guillochage that can be found only on the anniversary pieces, furthermore the aesthetic exclusivity is enhanced by the hands inspired from a model dating from 1926 and which also can uniquely be found in the anniversary models. Finally a secret signature, which can be only seen with a loupe, is engraved on the dial at 12 o’clock representing the anniversary date: 1755-2005.
Named in reference to one of the historical sites of Vacheron Constantin located next to the current Maison Vacheron Constantin on the Quai de l’Ile this true feat of horological craftsmanship is housed in the special case designed for all the anniversary pieces with channelled bezels, redesigned Maltese Cross symbol crowns and distinctive and absolutely gorgeous lugs. I know that it may seem disproportionate to talk about the lugs when standing before the world’s most complicated wristwatch, but one thing that I have come to appreciate and truly admire from Vacheron Constantin is their different lug designs and this one is no exception. Their shape can only be attained by hand finish and many long hours of painstaking shaving and polishing is required for each individual lug.
Keeping time seems so simple until you run up against something like the Tour de l’Ile from Vacheron Constantin. After seven years in development and three years of assembly, the Swiss watchmaker marked its 250th anniversary this year with the world’s busiest timepiece–at least for now. The Tour de l’Ile has 834 separate parts and 16 complications, including tourbillon, power reserve, striking-mechanism torque, moon phase, perpetual calendar, sunrise time, leap-year indicator, sunset time, sky chart and others. At $1.5 million, it’s the priciest timepiece in Vacheron Constantine’s anniversary line.
April 4th, 2006
Vacheron Constantin creates the feeling and gives rise to a myth, Kallista. This masterpiece of all the absolutes remains always the unequalled reference in the marriage of the clock industry and the jewellery.Genevese manufacture presents today its worthy downward, the model Kalla Duchesse High Joaillerie.
Chacun of diamonds marrying box 162 (9 carats) or 182 (11,63 carats) according to its size - fact thus the object of an entirely manual and artisanal treatment. Once selected, each stone is cut individually to take the form which is assigned to him: rod, square and trapezoid. The prowess carried out on Kalla Duchesse holds with the shape of the case in white gold 18 carats, of spherical form barrel, equipped with diamonds with size trapezoid. The horizontal ray, which is with its maximum in the center of the box, gradually comes to die out in the bracelet.
The sophistication of the forms presupposes, for each diamond of size rod, an adjustment forms trapezoid of it before being individually adjusted in its housing. The bracelet of Kalla Duchesse High Jewellery makes it possible to the setter to exert his art according to another very particular technique, called emmaillement Parisian. It makes it possible the bracelet to marry to perfection the wrist while avoiding the possible days which could appear between the meshs on the profile because of the rigidity of the carrying structure worked in the white gold 18 carats, and of diamonds. It is honoured with the most strict standard qualitative and highest suitable for be applied to a mechanical movement, the Punch of Geneva. The watch model Kalla Duchesse large entirely paved of 841 diamonds adds up more than 58 carats whereas the small size, crimped of a total of 617 diamonds, counts more than 44 carats. Authenticate chief of work, the model Kalla Duchesse High Jewellery sublimates the synthesis of arts of the jewellery and the High Clock industry to transcend them in a creation of alive light.
April 2nd, 2006
A masterpiece of haute horlogerie was created in the Glashütte Original manufactory, emerging from the strive for perfection and the traditional values of the demanding art of watchmaking: the modern Tourbillon Regulator in platinum, limited to 100 pieces worldwide.
The spatial separation of the hours, minutes, and seconds on the dial has a long tradition in Glashütte’s watchmaking. This type of time display was previously used as an exact instrument for timekeeping. It was less the display of hours that was so important, and more the display of precise minutes and seconds.
The Tourbillon Regulator interprets the extraordinary design of a classic regulator display in a modern manner. The displays for hours, minutes, and seconds are separated from each other and arranged vertically in a highly legible manner. The tourbillon builds the visual center of the dial, and it is from here that the ray-shaped guilloché pattern emanates, visually symbolizing the flow of energy. The tripartite, three-dimensional dial made of white gold is hand-guilloché and galvanized black. The middle part forms the base segment of this lavishly created dial.
The expressiveness and precision of the dial is continued in the solid platinum case and movement design. Its structure is evident in the satin-finished case with polished bezels on the front and back. The gear train bridge represents a premiere for Glashütte Original as it has been hand-engraved with a floral pattern. The crown is topped off by an onyx cabochon.
The Tourbillon Regulator in platinum is limited to 100 pieces worldwide.
April 1st, 2006
For men: Resolutely asserting the neoclassical style of the collection, the Millenary line for men features an oval case endowed with polished curves that contrast with its straight, satin-brushed sides. And despite its generous (45 mm) size and oversized crown, its ergonomic design ensures absolute wearer comfort.
Available in pink or white gold, the case is enhanced by a crocodile leather strap in a shade that matches the dial. The latter is immediately recognisable, since the gold luminescent hands sweep over an hour zone forming an offset circle within the minute zone. The former is adorned with applied gold Roman numerals, while the second displays Arabic numerals, in a variety of colours according to the versions.
Finally, the sapphire case-back of the Millenary for men reveals the subtle intricacies of selfwinding
Calibre 3120, an exclusive movement developed by Audemars Piguet and blending reliability and excellent rating precision.
For women: Within the Millenary line designed for women, the sensuality of the oval is sublimated by delicately curving soft lines and generous, distinctive proportions. The case is topped with a slightly raised bezel adorned with diamonds that light up the dial. In the steel version, the latter combines a light silvered colour with a delightfully fresh shade of pastel.
When the case comes in white, pink or yellow gold versions, this crown of diamonds underscores the subtle charm of a white natural mother-of-pearl dial; while in the jewellery variation, the gold of the case, bezel and lugs is set with brilliants standing out against a black or chocolate brown dial with diamond-pavé hour zone.
As in the men’s Millenary line, this ladies’ collection is graced with a dial playing on the theme of circles and ovals: arranged around a central disc, the hour and minute zones are both off-centred, with the former displaying Arabic numerals and the latter Roman numerals. The astonishingly modern appeal of this design is highlighted by figures that change size as the hours go by, just like the colours of time itself.
March 31st, 2006
Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest Manufacture in constant activity since its founding in 1755, is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year. One quarter of a millennium after its creation, the prestigious Maison specialising in Haute Horlogerie continues to perpetuate its venerable tradition of exclusivity through a refined production range, of which the most sophisticated horological creations will now be presented in a warm, intimate Moscow showcase. Vacheron Constantin is inaugurating a proprietary Boutique there, a place imbued with the same spirit that prevails in its historical Geneva boutique. Located at 5, Rue Stolechnikov, the new 80 square-metre boutique is entirely dedicated to Haute Horlogerie and exudes a companionably friendly atmosphere. It offers connoisseurs and collectors the entire Vacheron Constantin collection, including some of the most significant Haute Horlogerie creations.
A place imbued with the same spirit that prevails in its historical Geneva boutique. The official inauguration was held on October 13th, unveiling an exceptional watchmaking “embassy” to an admiring crowd of guests. They discovered a sparingly decorated area featuring an architecture and interior design in harmony with the prestigious watchmaking House: precious wood, leather and cleverly arranged fittings radiate an atmosphere pervaded by a sense of intimacy and serenity. In keeping with the spirit consistently upheld by Vacheron Constantin, the boutique is a place conducive to culture and sharing, in which everyone is welcome to come and discover the collection, or just to discuss Haute Horlogerie over a cup of tea or coffee.
March 29th, 2006
As soon as a mechanical watch offers more than the hour, the minute and the second, it is included theoretically in the category of the watches to complications, because any additional mechanism is regarded as a complication. Without wanting to exploit the words, it should well be said that this concept evokes the repetition minute rather that the simple addition of the date to standard posting. In an intuitive way and without formalizing it, the clock making world and the amateurs make the distinction between the large ones and the small complications, placing the great ringing at the top and the simple day of the month at the ground floor.
The posting of the date goes up however very high in the hierarchy when it is one perpetual day of the month, this complex mechanism which will require a correction only in year 2100. The very complicated watches cumulate several devices of high flight, ballasted of astronomical indications. Sometimes taking forms of club-sandwich, these stratospheric make dream, but remain out of reach the common run of people. Fortunately, there are the small complications which can be useful and much less expensive: days of the week, time zones, the indicator of the reserve of walk, the stop watch. They can be ludic also, with for first merit animating the dial. The clock and watch makers enjoy to associate them. The model which lance this year in Basel de Grisogono illustrates perfectly this step. What from the start jumps to the eyes, it is the strong design of this FG ONE, with its rectangular bent case, its vertical grooves and its two dials. Do not seek the crown of reassembly and setting per hour of the two spindles: it is dissimulated under the bracelet, at midday. The small useful complication, one included/understood it, is the second spindle which posts in the counter smile of the principal dial, to 6 h. Its posting is known as trailing or progressive in opposition to that of the hour of the first spindle, at midday, which is one hour jumping. The retrograde minute is given in a vast arc of 230 degrees swept by a dauphine needle. In the same register of visual animation, a second dial in half-moon offers one second retrograde.
March 29th, 2006
A hot breath sweeps the plain. The sun splits the ground, the white light strikes the brown stone. Here, nature doesn’t lost its rights forever. With far is detached a proud silhouette overlapping a thoroughbred race. Warriors massed, sentinels of the desert, assemble the guard on the rock. Coppered skin, hair with the wind, it carries new the Baby Open Star Coils. Small last of the range, it comes S? to add to the Open Star, the stop watch become in the whole world of female emblem of Manufacture ZENITH. Whereas its large on reveals in its heart the exhaust of the gauge El Primero, the Baby Open Star Coils shelters in a case reduced to 32 mm a new automatic movement Elite 68. Placed in a design dedicated to the love, it palpitates, valiant, proudly exhibant its small second in the shape of heart which makes a full rotation on itself in one minute. Round like the curves of femininity, it proposes a new interpretation with the removed from rim partition of passion: a removable bracelet of force out of oiled silk, oversize indices, a fleshier heart, a softened case. Condensed, but always also burning, it speaks about love, with tenderness.
To the colors fetishes of the red range passion, major black or luminous white are added in limited series the 2006 beige sands, purple Parma and the brown ZENITH, out of Star as in Baby Star. On the models in yellow gold or pink, the dial becomes animated in folded sun and a shiver undulates under the ice sapphire. On the glasses, a setting glance lights the fire of the desire.
Always also daring, the range associates happiness the spirit Manufacture and a creativity in freedom. It affirms high and strong that the beauty and the intelligence can cohabit, and that insolence is possible when it allots absolute quality. Because one can face the codes of the propriety only in only one condition: a perfect technique been useful by an exemplary know-how.
March 27th, 2006
Next Posts
Previous Posts
