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Your search term 'Made in China' returned 28 results
» Tourbillions Made in China
They fabricate in South China and are mostly based in Hongkong[…] … And they get ready to challenge Swiss watch manufactures where it hurts most – automatic watches with extensive complications and going as far as Tourbillons[…] … While simple Chinese mechanical watches with complications were mostly not of high quality, most recently the mechanical watches and especially Tourbillions have, for Chinese financial measures, a comparatively high price[…] … When Vacheron Constantin or Patek Philippe charge a five-figure amount or more for a watch, it is launched by China with a surprisingly good quality for a fraction of this price – normally less than 3000 Euros[…] … With a stainless steel case, with an alloy L316, engine turned and with refinement, with sapphire crystals in the front and at the bottom and with blued hands[…] … But when a watchmaker readjusts the Tourbillion, the accuracy enhances to 8 or 10 seconds per day in most of the cases[…] … Certainly, some Swiss manufacturer will feel uncomfortable now[…] … Because these values are within the specifications of Swiss watch industry for confederate Tourbillions[…] … So it seems that one today more than ever has to pay attention to watches “Made in China”[…] … Because China is already the “factory of the world”, so what we see now could be something like a new socialism of luxury watches[…]
» Breguet Museum has acquired an extremely prestigious pocket-watch
The Breguet Museum has acquired an extremely prestigious watch, made in 1808 for a dignitary of the Ottoman Empire, for the sum of CHF 650,000[…] … This represents a record bid for a Turkish-style Breguet watch, and also a record for a pocket-watch auctioned on the youthful inland China market[…] … This historical piece was ordered in 1807 by His Excellency Esseid Ali Effendi, former Turkish ambassador to Paris of the nation nicknamed “The Sublime Portal”, and a personal friend of Abraham-Louis Breguet[…] … He contributed to the latter’s early awareness of the Turkish market’s significance, especially since Turkey was the only major power still allied with Napoleonic France… One may recall at this juncture that Napoleon’s gift to mark the instatement of Sultan Mahmud II in 1813 was a Breguet sympathique clock covered in precious stones – the most expensive object ever made by A[…] … Breguet, and which is still kept in the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul[…] … The Breguet N° 1090 Grande Complication watch is a quarter-repeating model with independent grande and petite sonnerie featuring a case and double-case enamelled in the classic Turkish style, along with a dial graced with ancient Arabic numerals – all in an exceptionally good state of conservation[…] … This piece was the highlight of the sale held by Poly Auction in Beijing and generated intense bidding[…] … It will thus now be joining the other Breguet Museum treasures and will be exhibited in a few weeks’ time in Paris in the Breguet Museum located above the iconic boutique on the Place Vendôme[…]
» Two new Breguet Boutiques in China
Montres Breguet confirms its attachment to China by opening two new boutiques[…] … The first covers 90m2 at the heart of the prestigious Scitech Plaza complex in Beijing; while the second 220m2 store is located in the city of Ningbo, to the south of Shanghai[…] … Revealing an exclusive selection of the latest creations by Montres Breguet, the boutiques welcome visitors into an elegant and refined setting paying eloquent tribute to the brand’s key attributes[…] … Royal blue is the predominant colour, subtly echoing the pocket-watch made for the Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon Bonaporte, a loyal Breguet patron[…] … The monumental glass walls reflect the guilloché motifs on the dials, while the gilded casings evoke the finely fluted patterns highlighting the profiles of the watch cases[…] … These magnificent new showrooms are enriching the special circle of brand boutiques around the world: Paris, Cannes, Geneva, Zurich, London, Vienna, Moscow, Ekaterinburg, New York, Los Angeles, Dubai, Seoul, Tokyo, Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macao[…]
» Swiss watch exports in the first half of 2011
Following the clear recovery of 2010, watch exports continued to grow in the first half of 2011[…] … 7 billion francs, an increase of 19[…] … This strong increase placed the sector above the benchmark result of 2008[…] … Watch exports were unflinching in the first half-year, with all months showing two-digit levels of growth[…] … Indeed in April and May the level exceeded 30%[…] … The watch industry continues to record excellent results, while other sectors experience difficulties[…] … However the impact on exports of a strong franc is having a serious effect[…] … Margins are being hit at all levels in the distribution chain and the prices of products sold abroad are rising[…] … In this context, which is likely to continue, industry forecasts remain optimistic and point to sustained growth for the year 2011[…] … Products Wristwatches made up the lion’s shareof clock and watch industry exports[…] … 1 billion francs in the first half-year, an increase of 19[…] … In six months, Swiss manufacturers exported 14[…] … This level represents an increase of 2[…] … The main constituent materials of watches showed an upward trend[…] … Gold watches played an important role in terms of growth by value, while in volume terms, steel and the category of other materials did most to underpin the general increase[…] … All price segments recorded two-digit growth, both in value and volume terms[…] … The 200-500 franc category (export price) registered an increase in excess of 30%, following the example of 2010[…] … Watches costing less than 200 francs accounted for more than 70% of exports in volume terms and recorded a high level of growth[…] … Timepieces costing more than 3,000 francs showed a flat progression at a high level[…] … Other watchmaking products exported by Switzerlandalso recorded increases[…] … Exports of movements saw their value increase (+9[…] … Markets All of the Swiss watch industry’s main markets recorded a positive trend in the first half-year[…] … 3%) increased at a higher rate than Europe (+13[…] … This market saw its value increase by 23[…] … 6%, rising to nearly double that of its nearest rival, the United States[…] … The latter maintained a stable level of growth of almost 20% throughout the first half-year[…] … China moved up one place in the ranking after recording the highest increase across the board[…] … Singapore, South Korea and Thailand also made strong showings between January and June[…] … Japan continued its gradual recovery and ended the half-year on a positive note despite the earthquake in March[…] … In Europe, the positive assessment allowed for different interpretations according to markets[…] … France continued to be influenced by products in transit and therefore recorded growth higher than the world average[…] … Other markets on the Old Continent showed less marked changes[…]
» Children’s dreams soar free on an enchanted MB&F HM4
MB&F returns to the Only Watch charity auction with another emotionally charged piece, this time in collaboration with Chinese artist, Huang Hankang[…] … The HM4 Only Watch featuring a miniature flying panda bear is a magical synthesis of children's dreams and cutting-edge haute horlogerie[…] … It isn’t known why dreams of flight diminish from adolescence; however, it may be that adult imaginations become more constrained as they are rooted in the realities of everyday life[…] … Children with duchenne muscular dystrophy suffer from progressively diminished mobility leading to paralysis; however, while their bodies may be trapped, their young spirits can escape in their dreams and imaginations[…] … A fantasy dream world This MB&F piece for Only Watch transports us to a fantasy dream world with a friendly panda piloting a unique space-age HM4 jet[…] … While visiting an art gallery a few years ago, MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser noticed a painting of a panda flying on a rocket that lifted his spirits so much that he bought it[…] … That painting was by Paris-based Chinese artist, Huang Hankang, and for Only Watch, Huang used HM4 as his canvas to convey a childlike liberation of the spirit[…] … When Huang was asked if he was interested in collaborating with MB&F on the Only Watch project, it only took one glance at HM4 Thunderbolt for him to realise that while this was an artistic medium he had not considered before—or even knew existed—he relished in the challenge and the cause[…] … Huang first imagined and then painted a delightful, carefree panda bear flying free on top of HM4 and MB&F set about transforming Huang’s painting into a horological expression[…] … Huang’s original painting accompanies the HM4 Only Watch[…] … As Huang relates, “I saw MB&F’s work as art, not watchmaking[…] … It comes from unfettered imagination, just like my paintings[…] … ”HM4 Only Watch features the dream-world scenario of a solid gold panda bear riding on top of the HM4 jet, which he controls with reins made of twisted gossamer filaments made of gold[…] … The panda was hand-carved and then cast in 18k white gold using the “lost wax” technique[…] … And while the HM4 Only Watch is a celebration of the fantasy of children’s dreams, there is also a feature for those obliged to ground their feet in reality from time to time: the panda and his reins have been micro-engineered to be completely detachable so that HM4 transforms from a flying machine into a Horological Machine[…] … In collaboration with American artist Sage Vaughn, MB&F expressed an emotionally powerful sentiment at Only Watch 2009[…] … The 2011 HM4 Only Watch continues this praxis of creating compelling messages by seamlessly blending art and horology[…] … Only Watch 2011 The HM4 Only Watch 2011 will be auctioned at Only Watch, the charity auction to benefit research into duchenne muscular dystrophy, which will be held in Monaco on the 22nd of September 2011 under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II[…] … The auction is held every two years and brings together the cream of Switzerland’s haute horlogerie watchmakers[…] … Maximilian Büsser, MB&F and Only Watch Maximilian Büsser knew that he would participate in Only Watch the moment he spoke to Luc Pettavino, the President of AMM (Monegasque Association against Muscular Dystrophies)[…] … But for a child just starting out, it is a tragedy[…] … ”While Büsser would never claim to understand the suffering of a child with this disease, childhood holds a special significance for him[…] … For all their sophistication, the lovingly crafted time machines he dreams up have their roots in his own earliest years[…] … It was only after his father passed away that Büsser felt free to cast off the chains of reality and let his creative spirit soar free[…] … ” His father’s death prompted him to leave what he admits was a dream job (head of Harry Winston Timepieces) and form Maximilian Büsser and Friends (MB&F), a concept laboratory dedicated solely to designing and crafting small series of radical concept watches in collaboration with talented professionals[…] … In Büsser’s own words, he was “letting my heart speak instead of my head[…] … ” Joining the battle to save children from muscular dystrophy Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a serious genetic disorder affecting 1 out of every 3,500 boys[…] … It is characterised by a progressive weakening of the muscles, resulting in respiratory and cardiac problems that become fatal as the child gets older[…] … There are around 30,000 sufferers of the disease in Europe alone[…] … There is no cure for the disease, but researchers are making considerable progress[…] … One of the most important breakthroughs is the development of saut d’exon—a surgical technique that enables the cellular machinery to “forget” to read the part of the gene that’s carrying the abnormality[…] … CNRS is a key player in the field of duchenne muscular dystrophy and is one of twenty research teams benefitting from AMM’s financial support[…] … Huang Hankang Born in 1977 in Suzhou, China, Huang Hankang began painting when he was just seven years old[…] … After earning an art degree, he moved to Paris to further his artistic education, learn more about the world outside of China and experience a different culture[…] … His talent was internationally recognised in 2007 with an exhibition in New York and subsequent exhibitions in Europe[…] … Huang usually paints with watercolours, utilising their nuanced delicacy and light colours to code powerful yet often sublime messages[…] … Huang’s paintings ask the viewer intriguing questions rather than make cut-and-dry statements[…] … These paintings often feature juxtapositions of animals in unusual situations or positions—a panda bear flying a horological spaceship is certainly a consistent expression of his philosophy[…] … The Only Watch project with MB&F provided an unusual horological canvas on which to “paint” his message; however, he jumped at the opportunity upon discovering that MB&F’s Horological Machines are closer to art than to watchmaking and are as much products of Maximilian Büsser's fertile imagination as Huang’s paintings are to his own imagination[…]
» URWERK presents the UR-103 Phoenix for charity auction
The human body has to be one of the most beautiful machines that there is[…] … But like any fine-tuned piece of machinery, it is not without failings that can sometimes carry painful consequences, such as the devastating effects of Duchenne muscular dystrophy[…] … The doctors and researchers whose sterling work has helped to improve the lives of so many sufferers of this genetic disorder have shown an extraordinary determination in their medical quest[…] … At URWERK, while our forte is just balance wheels and pinions, we share that very same drive and a desire to instil that little extra something in our creations, investing all our passion and savoir-faire[…] … However, to dedication and know-how, we must add the financial means necessary to make progress[…] … That is why Felix Baumgartner, master watchmaker and URWERK co-founder, is proud to announce URWERK's presence at Only Watch, the charity auction to benefit research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy, held in Monaco on the 22nd of September 2011, under the patronage of HSH Prince Albert II[…] … As an expression of commitment to the Only Watch cause, URWERK will be auctioning the UR-103 Phoenix, a unique timepiece made of white gold and hand-decorated by master engraver maker Jean-Vincent Huguenin, one of the most gifted artists in this field[…] … Fascinated by universal cultures and legends, Jean-Vincent did not take long to decide on the theme of this mythical bird, revered in Ancient Greece as well as being a legendary hero in China and Japan[…] … In his steady hand, Jean-Vincent has been able to conjure up one of URWERK's iconic creations and give it a new, universal dimension[…] … And so, in recognition of all those engaged in the battle to save children from muscular dystrophy, the UR-103 sports that most quintessential symbol of resistance and resilience: A phoenix rising from the flames[…] … "In our daily lives we all have objects that are slightly talismanic," says watch artist and URWERK co-founder Martin Frei[…] … "We love to have them at our side, in touching distance[…] … Without giving them a mystical value, we assign them a virtue, an 'aura'[…] … With this in mind, we have designed the UR-103 as a veritable talisman – a source of energy for its future owner[…]
» Longines strengthens its support to the young tennis talents
In line with the values it has always upheld, Longines, official partner and timekeeper for the French Open, strengthens its support to the young tennis talents[…] … The famous Swiss watchmaker is looking to the future by organising the Longines Future Tennis Aces, a tournament aimed at promoting sport and encouraging the values of respect, fair play and tolerance which it holds dear[…] … The draw of the tournament has been made by tennis star and Longines Ambassadress of Elegance Francesca Schiavone on the rooftop of the Galeries Lafayette in Paris[…] … The brand presented the Longines Rising Tennis Stars, a program that aims to support young tennis talents in the development of their careers[…] … Longines can boast a long-term commitment to the world of international top-class tennis[…] … Apart from being the official partner and timekeeper for the French Open at Roland-Garros, Longines is also present at the Kremlin Cup in Moscow, as well as at the Rakuten Japan Open in Tokyo, the oldest tournament of the ATP tour in Asia[…] … Longines is thrilled to count two of the most famous tennis legends among its Ambassadors of Elegance, namely Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf, and to support their respective foundations[…] … The involvement of the brand also includes a partnership with the new queen of Italian tennis, Francesca Schiavone, as a Longines Ambassadress of Elegance[…] … Longines is also looking to the future of tennis[…] … As such, the brand is organizing the Longines Future Tennis Aces tournament and decided to sponsor promising youngsters from every corner of the world with Longines Rising Tennis Stars[…] … This program aims to support young tennis talents aged between 17 and 21 years old in the development of their careers[…] … The Longines Rising Tennis Stars Grigor Dimitrov Grigor Dimitrov is the number one tennis player from Bulgaria at 20 years old[…] … 64 on the ATP Tour rankings, Grigor has won four ATP Challenger tournaments (three ATP Challenger tournaments back-to-back in 2010) and most recently reached the quarterfinals at the ATP 250 tournament in Munich (Germany)[…] … He reached a career high junior ranking of No[…] … 3 in the world[…] … Born and raised in Haskovo (Bulgaria) Grigor learned to play tennis at the age of five[…] … He trains at the Mouratoglou Academy outside of Paris, France and is coached by Peter McNamara[…] … 1 in the world[…] … 392 at 18 years old and is internationally recognized as the next up-and-coming tennis sensation from South America[…] … Tiago’s professional accomplishments include reaching the finals at the ATP Challenger in Recife (Brazil) in 2011 and the semifinals in three ITF Futures events in Brazil[…] … As a junior professional, Tiago reached a career high junior ranking of No[…] … 1 in the world[…] … His junior career highlights include, Australian Open Junior Champion (2010), Roland Garros Junior Quarterfinalist (2010), US Open Junior Quarterfinalist (2009) and five ITF Junior titles[…] … Tiago was born in Maceio (Brazil) and is coached by Larri Passos[…] … Tsung-Hua Yang Tsung-Hua Yang (Taiwan) is the first player from Taiwan to be awarded with the title of number one junior player in the world[…] … Yang competes on the ATP Challenger Tour and the ATP World Tour, both in singles and doubles[…] … In 2008, he was the winner of the Junior Grand Slam at Roland-Garros and he was the first from Asia to win the 2008 Junior World Champion Award[…] … Besides these achievements he defends his country as a member of the Chinese Taipei Davis Cup Team[…] … Yang represented Chinese Taipei and won two gold medals at the 2010 Asian Games, in Guangzhou (China)[…] … Last year, he was awarded as Athlete of the year 2010 for Chinese Taipei[…] … Sabine Lisicki Sabine Lisicki (Germany) was introduced to tennis by her father at the age of 7 and quickly realized she had a natural talent and love for the sport[…] … After beginning her career on the ITF Circuit in 2004, Sabine rapidly established herself as a major force in the women’s junior game[…] … Her breakthrough season came in 2008, and was highlighted by reaching her first WTA Tour final[…] … She made history during the 2009 Family Circle Cup, by becoming the lowest ranked player ever to win the title in Charleston (USA)[…] … Sabine, who is coached by her father Richard and trains at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton (USA) is known for her tenacious spirit on the court[…] … 22 in August 2009[…] … An injury in March 2010 took her out for 7 months[…] … She came back on track lately with good tournaments in Miami, Charleston and Stuttgart[…] … Ryan Harrison Ryan Harrison (USA) began playing at the age of 2[…] … He is one of the youngest ever to win an ATP Tour match[…] … He lives in Bradenton (USA) and trains at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy[…] … 7 in world junior rankings in April 2008[…] … 119 on the ATP Tour rankings, he reached the Fourth Round of Indian Wells this year where he beat Chardy, Garcia-Lopez and Raonic before losing to Federer[…] … Ryan won the Singles and Doubles titles at the Honolulu Challenger in January 2011[…] … This was his first singles title at the Challenger level[…] … Roberto Carballes Baena Roberto Carballes Baena (Spain) is 18 years old[…] … 11 in the world on ITF Junior World ranking[…] … Roberto lives in Barcelona and his coach is Miguel Sanchez[…] … So far this year, he played 11 tournaments and won 2 titles in Spain[…] … Sai-Sai Zheng Sai-Sai Zheng (China) represented her country in the inaugural youth Olympic in Singapore in 2010 where she won the gold medal in the double and the silver medal in the single tournament[…] … 650 at the beginning of the year[…]
» Excellent prices for vintage Reverso Watches
Antiquorum's May auction of "Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces", held on Sunday, May 16 at the Geneva Mandarin Oriental, totaled 7,675,999 CHF, with 80% of the lots sold[…] … This brought the total of Antiquorum's spring sales to 14,133,936 CHF[…] … In addition to strong in-room attendance, there were many telephone and Internet bidders, with international participation coming from Hong Kong, Singapore, The Netherlands, Belarus, China and Japan[…] … The top lot of the auction was the unique and exceptional Vacheron & Constantin "30 days, Constant Force" clock made in 1933 (lot 579)[…] … Other outstanding clocks achieving noteworthy results were the Breguet silver humpback carriage clock sold to the Marquise de Béthisy (lot 549), the most complicated known Breguet humpback clock, which sold for CHF 200,500; and the Cartier rock crystal desk clock (lot 578) which attained CHF 100,900[…] … Etienne Leménager, Director & Watch Expert at Antiquorum Geneva, noted: "The results obtained today for these exceptional clocks show that highly technical movements combined with perfect aesthetics continue to have a strong appeal for sophisticated and demanding collectors the world over"[…] … One of the most important complicated watches of the 19th century with Julian & Gregorian double perpetual calendar, two time zones, minute-repeating and chronograph functions, it sold for CHF 200,500[…] … Rolex sports watches obtained excellent results[…] … 5514, went for an impressive CHF 170,500, while the Military Submariner Rolex, Ref[…] … 5517, made in 1972 for the British Military (lot 159) was hammered down at CHF 134,500[…] … 1665 (lot 160), attained CHF 122,500; and the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, Explorer II, Ref[…] … This limited edition was made in 2000 with the collaboration of Arnold Schwarzenegger[…] … 130 (lot 567), selling for CHF 170,500, the white gold Patek Philippe Ref[…] … 5970 G (lot 512), reaching CHF 116,500, and the Ref[…] … 3970 E second generation (lot 440) going for CHF 86,500[…] … The second session opened with a special "Reverso Chapter", celebrating the 80th anniversary of the iconic watch[…] … The selection of 35 exceptional Reverso watches drew great interest from collectors, leading to an outstanding total of CHF 618,875, with all lots sold[…] … Bidding was fierce, particularly for the original watches from 1931, which achieved incredible results including several record prices[…] … 201 with red lacquered dial (lot 225), which reached the astounding record price of CHF 35,000 - over 6 times the low estimate[…] … 201 with chocolate dial (lot 226) obtained an impressive CHF 30,000, or almost 5 times the low estimate[…] … Lot 229, the King's Royal Rifle Corps Reverso Ref[…] … 201, made in 1936, was hammered down at CHF 31,250[…] … 01/25 made in 1996 (lot 255), was acquired for CHF 134,500[…] … The only Reversos to be made with enamel dials, these watches were sold exclusively by Jaeger-LeCoultre; it is extremely rare to find an entire set that has remained complete[…] … The Jaeger-LeCoultre "Reverso - Tourbillon Platinum Number Two", made in a limited edition of 500 pieces in 2003 (lot 253), went for CHF 50,000, while the "Reverso - Répétition Minute", made in a limited edition of 500 pieces in 1994 (lot 252), brought CHF 31,250; and the "Reverso Septantième - 8 Days", made in a limited edition of 500 pieces to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the legendary "Reverso" model in 2002 (lot 254), sold for CHF 30,000[…] … Julien Schaerer, Managing Director & Watch Expert of Antiquorum Geneva, commented: "We are delighted that our collaboration with Jaeger was such a tremendous success[…] … This sale, along with Jaeger's launch of their Tribute to Reverso watch, have shown a spotlight on the fantastic history of the Reverso and have given collectors new understanding and appreciation for this iconic wristwatch, which richly deserves the amazing results obtained[…] … " Antiquorum's next auction will take place on Wednesday, June 8 in New York,[…]
» Antiquorum's March auction: An outstanding total of CHF 6,457,937
Antiquorum's March auction of "Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces", held at the Mandarin Oriental in Geneva on Sunday, March 27, closed with the outstanding result of CHF 6,457,937[…] … Of the 564 timepieces offered, a remarkable 83 % was sold, representing 138[…] … The auction enjoyed strong Internet bidding in addition to the many telephone and commission bidders[…] … International participation came from Japan, the Netherlands, China, Hong Kong, Turkey and the Russian Federation[…] … Julien Schaerer, Managing Director and Auctioneer, noted: "The ever-growing strength of Asian bidders, due to their growing knowledge and discernment, is remarkable[…] … While the effects are felt in the tremendous interest shown for enamel pocket watches, they also extend to the appreciation of vintage wristwatches and complicated Patek Philippe wristwatches[…] … " The highlight of the sale was undoubtedly the unique collection of 33 erotic watches and animated objects belonging to a Swiss collector, which attracted great interest, particularly on the part of collectors from Asia, Turkey and the Russian Federation[…] … After an intense session of fierce bidding, the collection totaled an exceptional CHF 719,200 CHF, twice the high estimate[…] … Pieces obtaining notable results include "Musique d'Amour" by Henry Capt (lot 187), a repeating musical watch with concealed erotic automaton which sold for CHF 200,500; a watch by John Bittleston with a concealed erotic scene (lot 174) which was acquired for an incredible CHF 67,300 - over 7 times the high estimate - while lot 173, a quarter-repeating watch with three concealed erotic scenes reached CHF 64,900, more than 10 times the high estimate[…] … The watch with concealed erotic scene by Girardier l'Aîné (lot 170) also achieved the noteworthy result of CHF 16,250 and lot 171, "The Priest's Surprise", a Swiss-made pocket watch made circa 1810, sold for CHF 20,000[…] … Etienne Leménager, Director and watch expert, remarked: "We expected good results for the erotic collection, but nothing as extraordinary as this[…] … Many of the watches in the collection were bought at Antiquorum over the past 15 years, and a number of them sold for 3 or 4 times their estimate, if not more[…] … Estimated at CHF 130,000 - 190,000, this beautiful timepiece obtained an astounding CHF 662,500, a world record for a time-only Rolex wristwatch as well as a record for a Rolex cloisonné enamel dial timepiece[…] … According to Etienne Leménager: "Black-background enamel dials are always sought after due to the technical difficulty of achieving a beautiful rich black, so we knew there would be great interest in this watch[…] … " Other Rolex watches also did very well, including the Rolex stainless steel Ref[…] … Patek Philippe timepieces continued to command high prices: the Ref[…] … 3939 HP (lot 564), in platinum with enamel dial sold for CHF 428,500; the Ref[…] … 2514/1 (lot 543), a minute-repeating wristwatch retailed by Gübelin Lucerne, achieved CHF 374,500; and the Ref[…] … 3970E in platinum (lot 563) went for CHF 115,300[…] … A group of 20 fine clocks belonging to a French collector also excited great interest, bringing a total of CHF 201,625 - two and a half times the low estimate of 76,300 - with several of the pieces obtaining outstanding results[…] … Leroy & Cie carriage clock with signed & dated Limoges enamel panels by Claudius Popelin, sold for CHF 55,000; and lot 266, a very rare late 20th century L'Epée gilt brass and champlevé enamel carriage clock with one-minute tourbillon regulator sold for CHF 20,000[…] … With Asian market interest for exceptional decorative and automaton pocket watches continuing to grow, Asian collectors competed fiercely for many pieces in the sale[…] … "The Knife Grinder" by Esquivillon et Deschoudens (lot 434), a quarter-repeating pocket watch with varicolored gold striking Jacks and an additional automaton scene depicting a knife grinder's workshop, sold for CHF 104,500, while the unique single-hand Vacheron & Constantin Ref[…] … 4582 (lot 338), a 20k yellow gold keyless dress watch with champlevé enamel and diamond-set dial, attained an incredible CHF 68,500[…] … The exquisite Faberge Musical Egg Clock, a table clock in the Faberge tradition by workmaster Victor Mayer (lot 436) sold for CHF 98,500[…] … The guilloché and opalescent enameled egg whose dome is carved from a single piece of transparent rock crystal, is lavishly set with 492 diamonds and 8 blue sapphires; it plays Claude Debussy's "Clair de Lune"[…] … Antiquorum's next auction will be on Sunday May 15th in Geneva[…]
» Antiquorum's Auction achieves CHF 7,006,275
Geneva - Antiquorum's weekend sale of « Important Vintage and Modern Timepieces » held on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th of November at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Geneva, realised CHF 7'006'275 with 80% of the lots being sold[…] … In addition to the 339 online bidders, there was a substantial presence in the room as well as numerous telephone bidders[…] … Attendance came from around the world , including Germany, Italy, the United States, Romania, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Singapore and Canada[…] … "We are very satisfied by the results achieved this weekend in Geneva, in particular with the impressive price obtained for the Everest Rolex of Alfred Gregory", said Julien Schaerer, Managing Director & Auctioneer[…] … "This demonstrates the great interest of collectors for timepieces that not only have historical significance, but also bear great emotional value[…] … 2499, in Pink Gold (lot 643), which sold for a remarkable CHF 1'082'500[…] … Other Patek Philippe timepieces achieved very good results, including the Ref[…] … 866/75 in yellow gold (lot 636), with enamel hunting scene on the case back: "Departure of the pack at daybreak" that reached CHF 92'500[…] … 6098 (lot 621) worn by Alfred Gregory on Everest during the successful expedition of 1953, drew a lot of attention and excitement among the collectors[…] … After fierce bidding in the room against the phone and internet, this watch of enormous historic significance sold for an exceptional CHF 145'300, more than 5 times its high estimate[…] … Another timepiece of great interest, the Quarter-Repeating Navette-Shaped Ring Watch (one of only two known examples) given to The Emperor Napoleon I[…] … Girard-Perregaux wristwatches also obtained notable results including the "Opera Two, Tourbillon, Carillon 'Westminster' Minute Repeater with Tourbillon," No[…] … The "Vintage 1945 Collection Prestige Set Unique" (lot 547), comprising four exceptional platinum wristwatches, sold for CHF 112'900[…] … "Superb complicated modern wristwatches made both by the renowned Manufacturers and the independent artisan makers draw increasing interest amongst a new generation of collectors, seeking exclusive and limited series watches", commented Etienne Leménager, Director & Watch Expert[…] … These timepieces evoked great enthusiasm among bidders and achieved the exceptional result of CHF 223,250, with 100% of the lots being sold[…] … Some of the highlights included the "Speedmaster Professional" Apollo XIII Ref[…] … 3450022 (lot 12) which sold for CHF 9'375, the "Speedmaster Professional" 999 Galaxy Train Ref[…] … 50 (lot 25), made especially for the Japanese market which attained CHF 10'000 and the "Speedmaster Professional" Ref[…] … Finally, the Panerai "Luminor" Ref[…] … 6152/1, made for the Italian military frogmen circa 1950 achieved an outstanding result of CHF 100'900[…] … "The Italian bidders have proven once again that they are key players within the European market continuing their traditional great interest for vintage wristwatches, in particular for Patek Philippe, Rolex and Panerai timepieces", said Thomas Perazzi, Watch Director & Auctioneer[…]
» Antiquorum and Mission: MS Raise Over a Quarter of a Million Dollars
Watch enthusiasts poured into Antiquorum's auction room Wednesday evening, October 20th to get a closer look at and bid on the outstanding timepieces offered at the Mission: MS sale, the first of a planned annual watch auction, organized by Philip Duffell and conducted by Antiquorum Auctioneers benefiting The National Multiple (MS) Sclerosis Society[…] … Active bidding came from all over the world including from the Russian Federation, China, Hong Kong, Italy, Switzerland, Germany as well as the United States[…] … The proceeds from this evening's sale will support ground-breaking research and important programs funded by The National MS Society[…] … We would like to thank all the participants whose support have made this auction a spectacular success and help spread awareness across the globe," said Evan Zimmermann, President & CEO, Antiquorum[…] … MS interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and can stop people from moving[…] … For some, this means living with unpredictable symptoms that can come and go, like numbness and blurred vision[…] … "I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for the first of what will be many Mission MS: Watch Auctions", says Philip Duffell, Founder of Mission: MS[…] … "Because of the generosity of the brands participating and the incredible support from Antiquorum, this year's event has been a true success and will help change the lives of those living with multiple sclerosis[…] … The unique, semi-skeletonized, ceramic 18K gold chronograph sold for $23,000 after heated bidding between the internet and phone bidders[…] … Phillip Duffell, who developed this event, is a 25 year veteran of the jewelry industry and manages an exclusive watch and jewelry store in midtown Manhattan[…] … Philip was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007 and saw this event as a way to raise money and awareness for others affected by MS[…] … About National Multiple Sclerosis Society The National MS Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now-to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis[…] … MS stops people from moving[…] … We help each person address the challenges of living with MS through our 50-state network of chapters[…] … The Society helps people affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward[…] … Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis[…] … Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at www[…]
» Antiquorum auction results in Hong Kong confirm increasing strength of Asian Market
Antiquorum's fall auction of "Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces" held at the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong on Saturday, October 9, 2010, achieved outstanding results totalling HKD 43'538'750, one of the best auction results in Hong Kong since July 2007[…] … The auction room was full and enjoyed a lively and competitive atmosphere, with many lots being sold in the room[…] … International bidding came from across the globe including France, England, Indonesia, Martinique, Switzerland and the United States[…] … "The strong in-room presence and the outstanding results achieved today confirm the ever increasing strength of the Asian market, especially mainland China and Hong Kong" said Julien Schaerer, Auctioneer and Watch Director[…] … The highlight of the sale was the Audemars Piguet Cabinet Watch No[…] … 5, "Millenary Perpetual Calendar with Deadbeat Seconds, Power-Reserve Indication" (lot 327)[…] … This extremely rare platinum wristwatch with perpetual calendar, leap-year indications and deadbeat seconds sold for an impressive HKD 2'780'000[…] … Another highlight of the sale, unquestionably was the Les Freres Rochat gold and mother pearl singing bird jewel box that belonged to the Empress Josephine[…] … This magnificent and exceptionally rare piece drew of lot of interest especially among the Asian collectors and reached a remarkable HKD 2'120'000[…] … In addition, the Cartier Petite Sonnerie Gold & Nephrite Comet Clock (lot 426), the second most complicated Comet clock made by Cartier and the only example with petite sonnerie to be offered at auction sold for HKD 1'520'000[…] … Furthermore, very good results were achieved for unique and rare Patek Philippe enamel timepieces, with the Patek Philippe, unique watch with enamel miniatures on both sides "Chasse a Courre, le Debucher et le Bien Aller" by Madame Bischoff (lot 427)[…] … This 18K yellow gold, hunting cased keyless dress watch with both covers with polychrome painted on enamel miniatures of hunting scenes after Carle Vernet signed M[…] … The Patek Philippe Watch with unique enamel miniature "La Cervara" (lot 428), 18k yellow gold keyless dress watch with an exceptional polychrome painted on enamel miniature depicting part of Corot's "La Cervara" by Suzanne Rohr, was acquired for HKD 872'000[…] … In addition, the Longines - Magnificent Sculptural Watch Specially made for Russia (lot 122) was also part of the selection of exceptional and rare pocket watches offered at auction[…] … This 14k pink gold and cast silver keyless exhibition-type watch with chronograph and minute repeater, especially made for the Russian market and one of the fewer than five pieces made, sold for HKD 800'000[…] … "We are very pleased that many bidders from all regions of China were in the auction room and on the phone[…] … There was fierce competition among people from Beijing, Hangzhou, Dalin and Shanghai[…] … Our customers are loyal to us and we appreciate it greatly" said John Tsukahara, Managing Director of Asia Patek Philippe wristwatches raised a lot of interest among the collectors with the Ref[…] … 3971, 1st generation (lot 429), in 18k yellow gold that obtained HKD 884'000; and the Ref[…] … 130 in steel (lot 425), which sold for HKD 824'000[…] … Finally, the Richard Mille 'PERINI NAV I CUP' RM014 (lot 270) and the Daniel Roth Baguette and Brilliant Diamond Bracelet Watch no[…]
» 88% of all Lots sold at Antiquorum Fall Auction in New York
Antiquorum, the world’s premiere watch auction house, fall auction of Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces inspired highly competitive bidding resulting in an impressive 88% of all the lots being sold, totaling $3,426,386[…] … The auction of 344 exceptional timepieces attracted 454 registered online bidders in addition to the many room, phone and commission bidders[…] … Active bidding came from countries across the globe including Italy, Taiwan, Macao, Australia, Russia, China and Israel as well as the United States “We are encouraged by the superb results we achieved today for our first auction of the fall season,” said Julien Schaerer, Auctioneer & Watch Director, Antiquorum USA[…] … "Our September sale confirms that attractively priced timepieces continue to drive strong interest from the worldwide collector community[…] … The 18K white gold diamond wristwatch with one-minute tourbillon and chronograph [lot 120] sold for a remarkable $242,500 after intense competition between room and telephone bidders[…] … Also attracting worldwide attention was the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon 25th anniversary wristwatch [lot 119] which sold for an outstanding $110,500[…] … In addition, the unique Jean Dunand with 12 complications [lot 344] , offered at auction for the first time, stirred interest both in Asia as well as America, selling for $212,500[…] … Breguet obtained an important result in the auction, with the Breguet “Tourbillon Skeleton Perpetual” in platinum [lot 343] achieving $116,500[…] … Furthermore, Vacheron Constantin and FP Journe attained superb results; The Vacheron Constantin “Tourbillon Malte Squelette”, made in a limited edition of 10 pieces [lot 212], brought an incredible $104,500; while the FP Journe “Chronometre a Resonance” in 18K pink gold [lot 269] sold for $37,500[…] … “The outcome for our September sale validates the strong demand for exceptional vintage and rare, modern or limited edition watches such as the Vacheron Malte which sold for an impressive $104,500 in today’s auction,” said Charles Tearle, Watch Expert & Director, Antiquorum USA[…] … 3971 chronograph with perpetual calendar in yellow gold [lot 331] which realized $ 94,900 as well as the Patek Philippe ref[…] … 3970 in white gold [lot 332] that sold for $ 86,500[…] … Additionally, customized Rolex watches continue to do well at auction; the Bamford & Son “Paul Newman” limited edition PVD Daytona [lot 159] sold for $36,250[…] … Furthermore, vintage Rolex sport watches with unusual dials are also sought after by collectors such as the Rolex ref[…] … 6085 with special soccer dial [lot 170] that attained $25,000 in the September sale[…] … “As online participation continues to increase in our traditional sales, we look forward to offering our clients DirectBid, a new continuous online bidding platform that is available at www[…] … “This new bidding system will allow clients to bid 365 days a year on affordable timepieces with a competitively low buyer’s premium that will appeal to new clients as well as to collectors[…] … ” Antiquorum’s next auction will take place in Hong Kong on October 9th which will feature a singing bird box that belonged to Empress Josephine, vintage Patek Philippe watches, as well as several exceptional enamel watches[…]
» Antiquorum’s May Auction in Geneva achieves excellent results
Geneva – Antiquorum’s last Geneva spring sale “Collecting Modern & Vintage Timepieces”, held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on Saturday 8 & Sunday May 9th, achieved excellent results totalling CHF 6'327’428, with 84% of the 500 lots being sold[…] … The auction enjoyed strong in-room presence as well as lively telephone and Internet bidding, with international participation including bidders from France, Germany, Switzerland, USA and the United Kingdom[…] … Asian bidders from Hong Kong, Taiwan and China competed aggressively to acquire some of the most important pocket watches and vintage timepieces[…] … The top lot of the sale was the Grande & Petite Sonnerie Tourbillon Clockwatch (lot 500) attributed to Victorin Piguet, with the tourbillon carriage by Albert Pellaton-Favre, which sold to a collector from Taiwan for an impressive CHF 366’000 after fierce telephone bidding against a European bidder[…] … Jaeger-LeCoultre timepieces achieved very good results, including the Grande Complication Gyrotourbillon No[…] … Furthermore, the Private Collection of over 60 Jaeger-LeCoultre clocks attracted the attention of collectors worldwide with several pieces obtaining remarkable results[…] … Certain fine examples in the pure Art Deco style sold for up to four times the lower estimate such as the Jaeger “Heures Sautantes” (lot 236) and the “Duo Face” (lot 239), double face crystal table clock, both attained CHF 9’600[…] … The unusual and rare Jaeger “Mappemonde”, illuminated world globe table clock (lot 214) sold for an impressive CHF 11’400, while the glass and chrome Jaeger-LeCoultre pendulette baguette, retailed by Hermès (lot 189) was acquired by a collector over the phone after a very animated bidding session[…] … “We are very pleased to see that the collection of Jaeger-LeCoultre clocks drew great international interest, especially on the part of American, Asian and European collectors[…] … In particular, lot 189, the Art Deco Jaeger-LeCoultre Pendulette Baguette with an 8-day going movement and retailed by Hermès, reached an impressive 12’000 CHF more than four times its lower estimate”, said Etienne Leménager, Director and Watch Expert at Antiquorum[…] … Offered at auction for the very first time by its original owner, the Patek Philippe Ref[…] … 5004 in yellow gold (lot 172) obtained CHF 210’000, while the Ref[…] … Collectors were very interested by lot 489, the Vacheron & Constantin « The Mermaid », a yellow and white gold wristwatch with polychrome cloisonné enamel dial, sold for CHF 100’800[…] … Vacheron & Constantin made only a few watches with cloisonné enamel dials and the mermaid motif is rare[…] … Among the selection of fine Rolex wristwatches offered at auction, the Yellow Gold Ref[…] … 6263 First Series Rolex, “Oyster, Cosmograph” (lot 466), bearing a rare non C[…] … Modern complicated timepieces continue to achieve very good results such as the extremely fine and unusual cushion-shaped Ellicott “Springfield Tourbillon ECW1”, No[…] … 1700 (lot 111), acquired for CHF 168’000; the Gérald Genta White Gold Minute-Repeating Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar Squelette No[…] … 4 (lot 91), sold for CHF 121'000 and the Harry Winston & Speake-Marin "Project Z3 Sport Tourbillon 110 Hours", No[…] … Speake-Marin, reached CHF 81'600[…] … “We are very satisfied by the overall excellent result of CHF 13’349’428 achieved for Antiquorum two spring auctions, which indicate that the market for collectible timepieces continues to be strong in 2010”, said William Rohr, COO & Managing Director[…]
» Five years of intense development: The ZENITH Christophe Colomb
With this highly sophisticated model christened in tribute to Christopher Columbus, the bold 15th century explorer who was the first to tackle the ocean head on rather than following coastlines, Manufacture ZENITH proudly presents one of the great modern-day horological accomplishments stemming from over five years of intense development[…] … The decision to name this watch after Christopher Columbus relates to the very nature of this ultra-complex model which addresses one of the key issues that faced this adventurous seafarer and still haunts the contemporary watch industry to this day: how to achieve precision measurements with instruments that are subjected to constant motion that is detrimental to their accuracy[…] … However, this name is not merely a tribute to one of the greatest maritime adventurers of all time; it also points to a historical heritage, as Zenith produced a Lépine chronometer movement at the beginning of the 20th century whose escapement was already known as the “Echappement Colomb” (Columbus Escapement)[…] … This 20½‘’’ NVI chronometer was awarded three First Prizes by the Neuchâtel Observatory and an “Especially Good Class A Certificate” from the Kew Observatory, Teddington[…] … Maintaining precision against all odds A century or so after Christopher Colombus’ bold feats, maritime navigation was to be considerably improved by the development of a shipboard compass featuring a “Cardan suspension” on gimbals, a type of universal joint in a shaft that enables it to rotate when out of alignment[…] … This system proved particularly useful in keeping the instrument so vital to survival at sea upright even when a ship was pitching and rolling on the waves[…] … While 16th century mathematician Girolamo Cardano after whom the joint is named did not claim its invention, he described it in detail and apparently drew inspiration from a sedan chair made for the Emperor Charles V and featuring an ingenious system cancelling out the slope of the terrain so as to ensure that the sovereign’s chair would remain flat and stable even if a bearer were to stumble[…] … Subsequently used to equip marine chronometers, this Cardan suspension system has now inspired the Manufacture ZENITH movement design engineers in seeking to compensate for the effects of gravity on the precision of a wristwatch[…] … While the tourbillon was specifically designed for this purpose in respect to vertically-carried pocket-watches, wristwatches move through constantly varying positions and thus required an entirely different approach[…] … Given the well-known fact that keeping the regulating organ in a horizontal position generates the best possible amplitude of the balance and thus considerably enhances timing precision, Manufacture ZENITH decided to ensure that the regulating organ and the escapement were indeed permanently kept in this position[…] … This was of course easier said than done however, especially when one considers the numerous challenges of keeping a wristwatch flat in various daily or sporting activities such as driving, golfing, or skippering a boat[…] … Applying this to a movement beating at the exceptionally high rate of 10 vibrations per second further complicated matters, which does much to explain why a full five years of development have gone into presenting one of the major recent accomplishments in the watch industry[…] … Even the numbers give an idea of the sheer complexity of the task, since this daring complication comprises 166 components, while a tourbillon has approximately 66[…] … The result is the first wristworn timepiece in which the rate is completely independent of its wearers’ movements[…] … A noble exterior to house a prestigious mechanism The hand-wound 45-jewel, 36,000 VpH Academy 8804 manual winding movement with 50-hour power reserve, features a unique gyroscopic system ensuring perfect horizontal positioning of the regulating organ[…] … This system consists in a cage composed of 166 parts, 10 conical-geared wheels (with 6 spherical wheels) and 6 ball bearings[…] … The 45 mm-diameter case comes in a choice of white, rose or yellow gold and is fitted with cambered glareproofed sapphire crystals on both sides, with the Gyroscopic system topped by its own sapphire crystal “dome”[…] … The eminently readable silvered dial is adorned with a barleycorn guilloché motif[…] … The off-centred hour and minute subdial appears at 12 o’clock opposite the gyroscopic cage, while the small seconds are displayed at 9 o’clock and the power reserve on a segment extending from 2 to 4 o’clock[…] … The faceted hands are in blued steel, as are the applied numerals and hour-markers[…] … Finally, this handsome model with its revolutionary interior is secured to the rest with a crocodile leather strap and fastened by an 18-carat gold triple folding clasp[…] … A shared will to explore uncharted territory When intrepid navigator Christopher Columbus set his course westwards in an attempt to reach Cathay (China) – rather than eastwards like everyone else at the time – little could he have imagined that his voyage would lead him to the unexpected and epoch-making discovery of the New World[…] … The watchmakers and movement design-engineers of the Manufacture ZENITH undoubtedly sense a feeling of affinity with this determination to do things their own way, and their tireless exploration has led to a discovery also destined in its own way and quite literally to change the very face of time[…] … Brain candy for tech-lovers The rating precision of a classic watch varies according to its position[…] … Gravity attracts the escapement components, which do not operate in exactly the same way according to the direction in which they are attracted[…] … The friction between the various components is also different and the amplitude of the balance may be disturbed, causing it to gain or lose[…] … The need to improve the precision of clocks for navigation led to the invention of marine chronometers, in which the entire movement is mounted on gimbals and remains horizontal despite the ship’s movements[…] … This was the only way of achieving chronometric precision enabling a reliable measurement of position when at sea by comparing local solar noon with Greenwich Mean Time for example[…] … When it became important to make pocket-watches more accurate, the same means could not be used, because that would have involved placing in the pocket a large mechanism measuring 50 mm[…] … Working on the principle that a watch in a pocket remains in a vertical position and that only the stem leans to the left or the right, the tourbillon watch was invented[…] … This system does not prevent the position-related flaw from occurring, but instead averages out the flaw over the 4 vertical axes every minute[…] … Since the watch does not move very much, it is adjusted to this particular average[…] … With the arrival of wristwatches, the positions of the watch were diversified by adding positions with the horizontal dial pointing downward or upward[…] … Classic tourbillons continue to correct 4 positions out of 6 and already enhance precision, although only partially[…] … Inclined tourbillons or gyrotourbillons average out more positions, but this is still the average of several errors, and they are only briefly in a horizontal position[…] … The ultimate step thus lay in adapting the best solution, that of the constant horizontal escapement, to the wristwatch[…] … To avoid making a huge mechanism, only the part most sensitive to variations in position is mounted on gimbals and thus benefits from a more or less constant horizontal position – as well as a slightly gyroscopic stabilising effect of the balance[…] … It was however necessary to find a system that enabled the two parts of the movement – the one that follows the position on the wrist and the one mounted on gimbals – to remain perfectly coordinated[…] … This perfect coordination is achieved in an extremely elegant manner by Zenith’s patented 0G system[…] … In this system, a gear system harnesses the rotations of the axes of the carriage and a reverser differential gear instantly compensates for all the relative movements of the various elements[…] … The cadence of the operation of the gear train indicating the time on the part connected to the wrist movements is imparted by the escapement situated in the carriage, which constantly seeks to find its point of equilibrium determined by gravity[…] … If the watch is moved in such a way as to set the carriage spinning on its axis, the coordination system compensates for this rotation and the hands continue imperturbably indicating the correct time, whatever the speed of the direction of this rotation[…] … For all these reasons, Manufacture ZENITH considers this system to be the ultimate evolution in comparison to the existing tourbillon systems[…]
» Exceptional timepieces: Métiers d’Art La Symbolique des Laques
The Métiers d’Art “La Symbolique des Laques” watch series was born of a respect for traditions and for the watchmaking creativity that since 1755 has been convincing Vacheron Constantin of the need to pass on skills, art and the craftsman’s motions so they will be written on the pages of history[…] … This is more than a conviction; it is a calling to perpetuate the skills that combine virtuosity with precision, in both the technical and decorative realms[…] … These talents, inherited from past centuries and handed down from generation to generation, are continually enriched by the quest for excellence and the support for creativity that are two of Vacheron Constantin’s key values[…] … La Symbolique des Laques Echoing the Métiers d’Art “Les Masques” series born of the encounter between Vacheron Constantin and Geneva’s Barbier-Mueller Museum, the Métiers d’Art “La Symbolique des Laques” opus is another illustration of the alchemy between the cultural, artistic and Fine Watchmaking crafts[…] … The vision of a timepiece as a cultural bridge between countries is one that, in the eighteenth century, was already impelling François Constantin to travel around the world and extend the Manufacture’s expertise to other continents[…] … What better tribute to its origins could Vacheron Constantin now pay than this Art collection that brings together watchmaking technique, history and decorative technique? As a human adventure, an invitation to discover new horizons and to explore a new place where craftsmanship and innovation meet at their zenith, the Métiers d’Art “La Symbolique des Laques” series relates the encounter between the men of one of the oldest Japanese lacquer firms – Zohiko, located in Kyoto since its founding in 1661 – and those of Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest watchmaker to have been producing continuously since its creation in 1755[…] … While chance and luck play a role in every meeting, a true relationship can be built only on the basis of deep affinities and shared values[…] … Experts in the art of maki-e, Zohiko’s craftsmen carry on an unequalled tradition of excellence built on artistic continuity and continuously renewed creativity[…] … Maki-e, which as the most sophisticated technique of the art of lacquering is the province of a few rare craftsmen, means “sprinkled picture[…] … ” It consists of creating a design by sprinkling gold or silver dust over lacquer – usually black – while it is still wet[…] … The lacquer is made from the sap of the lacquer tree, Rhus verniciflua, which originated on the high plateaus of central Asia and Tibet but today grows only in southern China, Vietnam and Japan[…] … Maki-e developed very early in Japanese history[…] … It fully matured as an art form between the eighth and twelfth centuries, becoming the predominant method of decoration beginning in the seventeenth century and remaining so to this day[…] … Because it knows what time means, Vacheron Constantin kept to the natural pace of exceptional creations[…] … True to the spirit of the Métiers d’Art collection, the “La Symbolique des Laques” series was created over three years; each year saw a new set of three watches in a limited series of twenty[…] … Incarnations of longevity, luck and strength, the turtle, frog and carp disclose their attributes in stylised waters on the enamelled dials[…] … Each animal lends a powerfully symbolic face to the passing of time orchestrated by the skeletonised version of the ultra-thin Calibre 1003 calibre[…] … Here made in 18-carat gold, which is harder to work, this legendary movement is treated with ruthenium to match the dials and humbly allow the superlative excellence of the art of maki-e to shine through[…] … Bearing the Geneva hallmark, a guarantee of quality manufacture in the purest Geneva watchmaking tradition, Calibre 1003 remains one of the standards of reference in Fine Watchmaking history[…] … It is the world’s thinnest hand-wound mechanical movement, at only 1[…] … It was designed, developed and manufactured entirely within Vacheron Constantin’s workshops[…] … The sapphire crystals on both sides of the watches reveal exceptional finishes, including chamfering, drawing and engraving, all done by hand[…] … In an echo of Japanese culture, the simplicity of the round case that serves as the setting for this exceptional movement and for the two maki-e dials reflects the collection’s zen-like spirit[…] … ” In the imaginary realm, for Japanese, the turtle embodies longevity[…] … In the purest maki-e tradition, the animal’s shell is brought out by a light momidasi polishing done using oil stones, in such a way that the light reflects on its patterns, setting off their geometric precision[…] … Its eye is incrusted with shell using the raden technique, while the taka maki-e technique lends a relief effect to the leaves floating on the shimmering waves[…] … Frog (Kaeru) and Hydrangea Watch Venerated since the dawn of time in Asia, the frog is the symbol of returning[…] … ” The frog is known for its faithfulness; legend says that it always returns to its starting point, no matter how great the distance[…] … Living along rivers and rice paddies, the frog has always been very close to Man[…] … It is naturally associated with prosperity in an essentially agricultural, rice-growing economy[…] … Its croaking is often heard in spring, the season of renewal[…] … And if it decides to live in someone’s garden, it protects that person from danger and bad luck[…] … Paired with the hydrangea, the frog is one of the most glorified animals in Far-Eastern mythical traditions[…] … Its glistening eye is made using the hirame technique, which consists of spreading hirame powder before applying a lacquer that is to be darkened; its body captures the light thanks to momidashi polishing done with oil stones[…] … The kakiwari technique, which reveals the underlying layer of lacquer, is used to depict the detailed veining in the plants’ leaves[…] … The regular round pools, which seem to ripple away to infinity on the dial, reflect the calm and serenity that emanate from this watch[…] … Carp (Koi) and Waterfall Watch Originally representing perseverance, the carp is also famous for its courage and determination[…] … Many Chinese and Japanese legends praise its ability to swim upstream to negotiate rivers and waterfalls, despite currents that often are very strong[…] … Even though carp usually live in calm waters in Japan, they are often represented as moving, bursting powerfully from the water[…] … A symbol of success and good fortune, the carp is behind the May 5 Japanese holiday known as tanngo no sekku or “kodomo no hi,” the Children’s Day festival[…] … The coloured lacquers, applied to the maki-e powder using the iro-katame technique and then polished, contrast with the black background[…] … These three watches are three unique illustrations of the culture of the Beautiful and of surpassing oneself[…] … The art of maki-e has come down through the ages without losing either its personality or its rarity[…] … Its technical mastery is crowned by a symbolic aura that anchors it even more firmly in the collective memory, Japanese history, Far Eastern history, and the world’s artistic heritage[…] … Each pattern depicted – whether animal, vegetable, or mineral – tells a story[…] … In combination, they are transformed into attributes and point back to age-old legends and literary or poetic works[…] … This year, the theme of longevity is the thread that ties the three new watches together, but more symbolically, which bears witness to the continuity of the arts and of cultures throughout the world – a continuity that Vacheron Constantin carefully perpetuates in each of its creations[…]
» East meets West: A synthesis of traditional skills
A Japanese artist proclaimed a “Living National Treasure” by the authorities of his country, Kiichiro Masumura has supervised the creation of unique dials for Chopard based on the time-honoured Urushi techniques[…] … These magnificent works of art are magnificently showcased within the understated lines of the L[…] … C XP, an ultra-thin model equipped with the mechanical self-winding L[…] … The quintessence of ancestral Japanese art combined with the highest degree of Swiss horological refinement: these twin concepts sum up the new L[…] … C XP Urushi watches born from the encounter of Chopard and Kiichiro Masumura, who has been awarded with the title “Living National Treasure” by the Japanese government[…] … The watches feature the traditional Urushi and Maki-e techniques, magnificently highlighted by the pure, understated design of the ultra-thin L[…] … The “Living National Treasure” concept was developed in 1950 by the Japanese government and used to define all those to contribute to preserving a heritage, a culture and ancestral skills such as Urushi[…] … An art and a time-honoured form of expertise Urushi is the ancestral Japanese art of lacquering[…] … The varnish is made from the sap of the Urushi tree, also know as the “lacquer tree” or the “Japanese varnish tree” – and which mainly grows in Japan and China[…] … The harvesting of the resin, somewhat like the rubber from the hevea Brasiliensis or “rubber tree”, can only be done once a year and in very small quantities[…] … Three to five years after being harvested, the resin is treated to make an extremely resistant, honey-textured lacquer[…] … It is applied in exceptionally fine successive layers, traditionally on daily objects such as bowls or boxes[…] … Maki-e is a specific Urushi technique that consists of sprinkling the lacquer with metal powder – in this case gold – in order to accentuate its contours[…] … The gold dust is applied using bamboo tubes and small brushes made from rat’s hair, in order to trace extremely fine lines[…] … This art calls for extreme expertise and only a few “Urushi Masters” – including Kiichiro Masumura – still exercise it today with consummate skill[…] … C XP Urushi is the first timepiece with a dial adorned in this way[…] … In 2009, a few initial models were crafted and presented exclusively in Japan[…] … Chopard presents a collection of nine different dials technically supervised by Kiichiro Masumura and designed, painted and adorned with gold dust by the Yamada Heiando Company an official supplier to the Emperor of Japan[…] … These works represent the five basic elements of the universe according to the ancient philosophy of Chinese natural science, and one portrays the universe itself[…] … The five legendary creatures – the dragon with a blue horn, the phoenix, the qilin in the moonlight, the crouching tiger and the genbu (a blend of precious snake and tortoise) respectively evoke wood, fire, earth, metal and water[…] … Each meticulously painted and unique model reveals a wealth of original details imbued with a deep sense of poetry[…] … C XP, the perfect showcase Such works of art could not have hoped for a finer setting than that of the L[…] … This supremely elegant ultra-thin model measuring a mere 6[…] … 8 mm thickness is the epitome of perfect watchmaking mastery[…] … Designing and producing a mechanical self-winding movement equipped with two barrels and a 65-hour power reserve that could be accommodated within such a thin case is a truly impressive accomplishment[…] … The watchmakers of Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier have achieved this feature by means of a clever construction based on an off-centred rotor[…] … 5 mm diameter to give it a sleeker profile with a thin bezel and an extremely fine “caseband”[…] … The result is a set of light, dynamic and wonderfully elegant lines[…] … Featuring a case crafted in 18-carat rose gold (or white gold for the Universe dial version only), and fitted with a black alligator leather strap, the L[…] … C XP Urushi models are delivered with a special presentation box also decorated according to Urushi techniques[…] … Black on the inside and adorned in Maki-e gold on the outside, its octagonal shape is an oriental symbol of gaiety[…] … A small silk cord serving as a lock, along with the seals of Kiichiro Masumura and Yamada Heiando, endow this object a truly timeless dimension[…] … All informations about the watch fair: BASELWORLD[…]
» OMEGA Celebrates the Constellation Luxury Edition
Swiss luxury watchmaker OMEGA celebrated the Constellation Luxury Edition at an evening gala held at “Bubble” – Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal – located at the shore of Huangpu River in Shanghai, China’s fashion capital, with supermodel Cindy Crawford, who has been an OMEGA brand ambassador since 1995[…] … Stepping onto the red carpet that led to a venue bathed in the glittering reflection of light on the Huangpu River cast by the Pudong skyscrapers, it was the perfect setting for Cindy Crawford, who wore the Constellation Luxury Edition watch, and a roster of Chinese celebrities including actor Simon Yam and his model/actress wife, Qi Qi, acting couple Lu Yi and Bao Lei, and fashion designer Alex Wang[…] … Fashion icon Cindy Crawford Fashion icon Cindy Crawford has made significant contribution to the OMEGA Constellation's reputation as a fashion watch line, not only by appearing in advertising campaigns but through her involvement in product design, giving her personal input and suggesting the finishing touches[…] … The result is that the Constellation collection has been famously promoted as “Cindy’s Choice”[…] … The Constellation has long been synonymous with the art of luxurious precision in its most refined form[…] … Since 1982 it has featured the iconic "griffes" or claws that make it one of the world's most recognizable timepieces[…] … In 2009, OMEGA redesigned and upgraded the Constellation[…] … While the watches in the new line have all the elements that have made Constellation such a success for so many years, they also proclaim their own identity[…] … Within the new Constellation collection, the Constellation Luxury Edition was created to express the values of the line at its most glamorous[…] … The uncompromising luxury delivered in this edition is represented by one of the most elegant wristwatch collections released in OMEGA’s history of more than 160 years[…] … A symbol of luxury and prestige In his remarks, Stephen Urquhart, President of OMEGA, said, “A symbol of luxury and prestige, Constellation has long been one of the standard-bearers of our brand[…] … For almost thirty years, the Constellation claws have been a recognizable symbol of the Constellation line[…] … It is fitting that we are introducing the Constellation Luxury Edition in Shanghai[…] … Like this dynamic city, the Luxury Edition is defined in equal parts by respect for tradition and its modernity[…] … This event reflects our commitment to China and its importance to OMEGA[…] … ” OMEGA’s My Choice campaign, featuring an image of a popular OMEGA ambassador along with a photograph of a watch from Constellation family, and a text limited to the subject’s name and the words MY CHOICE, has been always popular with Chinese consumers and has contributed to OMEGA's clear leadership position in the Chinese market[…] … On this evening, the latest advertisement featuring Cindy and the Constellation Luxury Edition was unveiled for the first time[…] … Dressed in a black evening gown, Cindy looked as stunning as ever, remaining uncompromisingly Cindy[…] … She remains as vigorous and beautiful as she was she joined the brand[…] … Cindy, wearing Constellation Luxury Edition, made a catwalk entrance on the gala runway[…] … The guests reacted enthusiastically to the supermodel whose face and body adorned the covers of a staggering 1,000 magazines in the course of her career[…] … The Constellation My Choice watches Looking back on her years as an OMEGA brand ambassador, Cindy Crawford sad, “I will never forget the moment fifteen years ago when I was invited to OMEGA’s workshop in Bienne, which is where I made the definitive choice for the final design of the Constellation My Choice watches[…] … The watch is quite feminine[…] … ” Prior to the gala evening event, Cindy Crawford and OMEGA president Stephen Urquhart made a tour of OMEGA’s two new Corporate Flagship Stores located at The Swatch Art Peace Hotel and Xintiandi[…] … These two stores, with their unique historic architectural features, amazed the supermodel who commented that they would surely let customers enjoy "a special OMEGA experience in the house of the brand[…] … " On the afternoon of the previous day, Cindy spent two hours as the “Supermodel Mentor” at a local professional modeling agency[…] … Standing at the center of a group of Chinese models, she talked about her experiences and what she had learned from modeling in her long, successful career[…] … She also shared professional modeling techniques such as how to walk and pose[…] … On every occasion of her stop in Shanghai, Cindy Crawford wore the OMEGA Constellation Luxury Edition[…]
» Maradona has accepted the challenge of the HUBLOT Million Dollar Wall
On 29 September at 18:00, on the roof terrace of the Tsum department store in the heart of Moscow, Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona for the first time faced the challenge of the Hublot Million Dollar Wall[…] … He was delighted to accept the invitation from Hublot to meet the following challenge: 10 balls, at 10 targets from 10 metres, with just of different diameters, each representing a value of $25,000 to $300,000[…] … With a first shot at $ 300’000, he ultimately raised the total sum of $ 500’000 which will be donated in its entirety to the Raisa Gorbacheva Memorial Institute for Children Hematology and Transplantation at the Pavlov State Medical University of Saint Petersburg[…] … The prize was presented to Professor Afanasiev, Director of the Institute, as a first symbolic gift towards more substantial steps in bringing the vital project of an unrelated bone marrow donor registry to life[…] … Also in attendance to mark the event was Professor Mikhail Didur, Doctor of Medical Science and Head of the Saint Petersburg State Medical University named after I[…] … After the challenge, Diego Maradona descended with Mr Ricardo Guadalupe, General Director of Hublot - to Hublot’s Moscow Boutique on the 1st floor of Tsum to present the first piece of the new Hublot Maradona limited series, made from gold and ceramic, and especially created to celebrate this living legend and commemorate his "Russian challenge"[…] … "We both love to show originality and generosity in setting up events as exceptional as this one million dollar challenge, which will help take the first step towards setting up a registry for unrelated bone marrow donors for children in Russia[…] … 40 m) was set up with 10 circular holes of different diameters, each representing a sum of $ 25,000 to $ 300,000[…] … With just 10 balls before him, and at the familiar distance of 16 metres, Maradona took a shot at each hole in sequence, with each successful shot raising the total of the donation by the amount indicated under the hole[…] … We should clarify that there will be no losers, regardless of his performance: Hublot has already promised a significant contribution, one worthy of the event, to the Raisa Gorbacheva Memorial Institute for Children Hematology and Transplantation[…] … Manchester United's footballers volunteered for the challenge in Hangzou, China, before repeating the event – in view of its huge success - in the heart of New York, at the foot of the Flatiron building[…] … A Hublot Maradona gold and ceramic watch – in a limited edition of just 100 pieces - to celebrate the living legend and commemorate his "Russian Challenge" After the creation by Hublot of a first Big Bang Chronograph Maradona in black ceramic, which achieved dazzling success, the two partners unveiled in Moscow a Big Bang in polished red gold, with a black ceramic bezel and black dial bearing Diego Maradona's signature in blue, and his iconic jersey number “10” on the counter at 3 o'clock[…] … The indices and seconds hand are coloured the same blue and white, as is the special 45-minute counter at 9 o'clock (alluding to the duration of half a football match[…] … The black alligator Gummy strap is stitched with three threads, two blue and one white as a not to the flag of Argentina[…] … The case-back bears a drawing of the football legend in person, with his arms raised in a Victory sign[…] … Maradona – The Living Legend From Argentina to the rest of the world, Diego Maradona, also known as "the footballer of the 20th Century", has been crowned with a host of distinctions[…] … A brilliant, intense, wholehearted genius, he has scored some of the most spectacular goals in the history of football, and at the age of 25 achieved his childhood dream of leading Argentina’s national team to victory in the 1986 World Cup[…] … In 1995 he was awarded the Ballon d’Or – the ultimate distinction for an international footballer - for his career achievements[…] … Most recently, he was an outstanding and passionate head coach and leader of his national team at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa[…]
» Swiss watchmaking in August 2010: Faster growth
07 billion), nearly equalling the 2008 result[…] … With two-thirds of the year now behind us, the branch is 20[…] … 1% higher and has grown at a sustained pace since last January[…] … Gold watches set the tone in August with a gain of almost 40% in value[…] … In terms of the number of pieces, all the materials moved ahead[…] … The increase was more pronounced for precious metals and bimetal watches[…] … Wrist watches in the 200 to 500 franc price range (export price) and those costing more than 3000 francs reported gains of almost 40%[…] … Progress was slower in the other segments[…] … This monthly trend does not fully reflect the cumulative result since January; in that period sales growth of the four price ranges has been more uniform[…] … Several markets reported particularly strong growth in August[…] … The value of sales to Singapore showed one of the strongest upward variations of all[…] … Although China has posted by far the most sustained growth in the first eight months of the year, its pace has slowed in recent months[…] … Growth in August can only be described as modest[…] … 6%), made strong gains for the third month in a row, significantly reversing a medium-term trend which remains negative[…]
»
While very few Manufactures can lay claim to a century and a half of horological passion, this venerable age is being celebrated at Vulcain to the sound of innovation, energy and fine workmanship[…] … The limited editions released to mark the occasion are complemented by the emergence of resolutely sporting new collections[…] … Setting the crowning touch to this important jubilee, Vulcain publishes a book providing a wealth of information and retracing its 150 years of history[…] … 1858 – 2008 A century and a half of watchmaking passion, as well as 150 years of creation, innovation and expertise patiently acquired and now devoted to defending the demanding values of Haute Horlogerie[…] … Founded in 1858, the workshop of the Ditisheim brothers – which was to give rise to the Vulcain brand – immediately earned itself an enviable reputation through its complication watches, which received awards at several World Fairs[…] … Almost a century later, Vulcain launched the first ever mechanical alarm movement, which soon achieved worldwide fame[…] … The legendary Cricket calibre took flight before finding its place in the history books as “The Presidents’ Watch”[…] … American heads of state Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon and Lyndon Johnson all wore a Vulcain on their wrist, a fact that earned the brand its prestigious reputation[…] … But the technical qualities of Vulcain watches also appealed to explorers and adventurers[…] … From the 1950s onwards, the brand in Le Locle was to partner famous mountaineering and maritime expeditions[…] … To retrace this rich and fascinating history, the Manufacture is publishing a 144-page book that looks back over the key stages and the main events that have forged the destiny of the company over a century and a half[…] … Each chapter also opens with a nod to the artistic creations of the period in question, shedding light on the constant interaction between aesthetics and industry[…] … Limited editions The firm has also decided to celebrate this important milestone by top-flight creations such as the Vulcain Anniversary Heart[…] … Epitomising the know-how cultivated by the Manufacture, its craftsmen have developed a new alarm calibre, code-named V-18[…] … Specially anthracite coated and displaying meticulous finishing, it thereby complies with the stringent codes of Haute Horlogerie[…] … The Vulcain Anniversary Heart model is issued in limited editions of 150 in rose gold and 450 in steel[…] … Eager to toast this anniversary in delightful feminine company, Vulcain looked to China for inspiration in creating the Vulcanova “Butterfly Lovers”[…] … Enthralled by the legend bearing the same name, the oriental alter ego of the Romeo and Juliet story, the Manufacture has crafted a mother-of-pearl dial featuring two colourful butterflies[…] … Available in three limited versions of 150 each, the Vulcanova “Butterfly Lovers” models beat to the steady cadence of a mechanical self-winding movement[…] … Action, sport and ocean depths 2008 is also a dynamic and sporting year for Vulcain[…] … The sophisticated and powerful new Vulcain Cricket GMT X-TREME conveys the brand’s renewed ambitions in the field of sport and exploration[…] … Water-resistant to 100 metres, the generous 44 mm-diameter case is made of black titanium and steel or titanium and 18-carat rose gold[…] … The sporting spirit of the Vulcain Cricket GMT X-TREME model is also expressed by a new notched bezel in steel or rose gold, and by vulcanised rubber or water-resistant leather strap[…] … Vulcain also pursues its underwater explorations this year by presenting the Vulcain Cricket DIVER X-TREME[…] … A complete measuring instrument, this new timepiece features a bidirectional rotating bezel adjustable by means of a screw-locked crown[…] … Powered by Cricket Calibre V-10, the Vulcain Cricket DIVER X[…] … TREME is available in titanium/steel or in titanium/18-carat rose gold versions[…] … The warmth of the dragon Encouraged by a determination to ensure the survival of the specific crafts inherent to Haute Horlogerie, Vulcain has made a point since its revival of producing limited-edition models featuring finely enamelled dials[…] … This year, a five-clawed dragon adorns the face of the Vulcain Aviator GMT “The Dragon” limited edition[…] … Crafted with meticulous care using the cloisonné enamel technique, this dial is produced in a limited, numbered series of 30 and is framed by an 18-carat rose gold case[…]
» SIHH 2010: La symbolique des laques of Vacheron Constantin
No one at Vacheron Constantin can be unaware of what a passion for fine watchmaking involves[…] … And though yesterday’s cabinotiers have disappeared, their memory lingers on near the workbenches in the halls of the Manufacture, and today is reawakened by each watchmaker and craftsman, whose movements rekindle their spirit and perpetuate their knowledge[…] … Undoubtedly, one of Vacheron Constantin’s greatest qualities is that it remains faithful to these visionaries and virtuosi of another age[…] … Embracing the philosophy of one’s forebears, when it includes this essential humanism, brings a kind of happiness that few are privileged to enjoy[…] … Vacheron Constantin is deeply committed to handing down and developing the watchmaking trades, especially the artistic crafts, which bring together the quintessential skills of the highly specialized decorative arts used in watchmaking (enameller, engraver, guillocheur, and gem-setter)[…] … This commitment continues today through timepieces that are true works of art and whose manufacturing secrets survive in the workshops of only a few masters and craftsmen[…] … The Métiers d’Art collection… When knowledge of the spirit resides in the hand that gives life to the object, man endows each of his creations with a soul[…] … When Vacheron Constantin institutionalised the Métiers d’Art collection in 2004 with the limited series of Tribute to the Great Explorers timepieces, it demonstrated its unshakeable will to perpetuate one of its core values: carrying on the traditions of craftsmanship found in fine watchmaking’s artistic trades[…] … So, for this initial collection, master watchmakers combined their talents with master enamellers – each working in their respective crafts as masters and lovers of their art – to combine ancient and modern techniques and give birth to watches that are exceptional for both their mechanics and their aesthetics[…] … The patented movement combined an astonishing display of the time with a dial made even more beautiful by an ancient and complex art: grand feu enamelling[…] … On the same principle, the Masques series in the Métiers d’Art collection – the first set of which was presented in 2007 – also illustrated to perfection how skills and expertise can be combined[…] … In this case, the skills and expertise were those of master watchmakers and master engravers, who worked hand in hand to create timepieces that were true invitations to travel through time and space in search of humanity’s roots, and to reflect upon one of the most beautiful expressions of its soul[…] … The incredible reaction to the Métiers d’Art – Les Masques collection born of the encounter between Vacheron Constantin and Geneva’s Barbier-Mueller Museum has only strengthened the watch manufacturer’s conviction that today, more than ever, it is important to match the cultural and artistic trades with watchmaking of the highest technical quality[…] … Such a combining of talents, associating both technical and decorative virtuosity with accuracy, perfectly illustrates Vacheron Constantin’s core values: seeking excellence, supporting creativity, being open to the world, respecting and handing down traditions, and finally, sharing the passion[…] … Now, the brand is opening up a whole new horizon for combining watchmaking and decorative techniques, by offering for the first time a Métiers d’Art collection in which part of the work is done outside Geneva – and in fact on a far-off continent, since mysterious term maki-e refers to the crown jewel of traditional ancestral Japanese lacquer techniques[…] … How the “Métiers d’Art – La symbolique des laques” collection came about The idea of a project combining maki-e and watchmaking had long been filed away in the drawers of Vacheron Constantin’s design department[…] … But the spark that would bring it to life had never been found[…] … The spark was finally to come from Zôhiko, which had the same idea in reverse – combining the talents of the watchmaking arts with those of the lacquer arts[…] … The reference to “Masks” is no coincidence: it was the technical and artistic boldness and the beauty of this collection that encouraged Zôhiko to introduce itself to Vacheron Constantin in the autumn of 2007, to explore the possibility of cooperating[…] … While chance and luck play a role in every meeting, a true relationship can be built only on the basis of deep affinities and shared values[…] … Vacheron Constantin is the repository of an uninterrupted history dating back to 1755, and Zôhiko, founded in 1661, is almost a century older[…] … It is a voyage through and exploration of an unknown “great beyond” in which craftsmanship and innovation come together at their zenith[…] … Of this union between the craftsmen of one of the oldest Japanese lacquer companies, Zôhiko – headquartered in Kyoto since its founding in 1661 – and Vacheron Constantin – the world’s oldest watchmaker, which has been making watches in Geneva without interruption since its beginnings in 1755 – was born a remarkable embodiment of the same core values: the Métiers d’Art – La symbolique des laques collection[…] … Three Years, Nine Designs, Sixty Sets True to the spirit of the Métiers d’Art collection, the symbolique des laques theme will change over a period of three years, with each year bringing a new set of three watches in a limited series of twenty[…] … Each design, which may stem from the world of animals, plants, or minerals, has meaning and can be combined with another: divine or heroic figures are associated with animals, these animals with plants, the plants with virtues or abstract qualities, and so on[…] … From a watchmaking standpoint, the legendary ultra-thin Caliber 1003 has been chosen by Vacheron Constantin to equip this series of timepieces – and more specifically a skeletonized version of the movement crafted in 14-carat white gold[…] … Nonetheless, so as to magnify the overall harmony and to ensure that the maki-e craftsmanship is suitably highlighted, Vacheron Constantin even went so far as to opt for a ruthenium treatment which – by toning down the natural radiance of gold – creates a particularly elegant effect on this model[…] … The sapphire crystals on either side enable one to admire the exceptional finishing, and in particular the bevelling craftsmanship performed in the workshops of the Geneva-based Manufacture[…] … Meanwhile the deceptively simple lines of the delicately rounded case radiate an exemplary understatement and purity entirely in tune with the zen spirit of the Métiers d’Art – La symbolique des laques collection[…] … Longevity The first set will explore the theme of long life with “The Three Friends of Winter” – Saikan no sanyû 歳寒三友 : the pine tree, bamboo, and the plum tree[…] … This classic trio of the Chinese symbolic system was a very early arrival in Japan, where it is just as popular as in its country of origin[…] … By virtue of their resistance to extreme cold, the “Three Friends of Winter” have longevity as their primary symbolic meaning[…] … By extension, they are also associated with the loyalty of a friendship that survives the hard times symbolized by winter[…] … Pine trees are venerated for their age and strength[…] … They are also held in high esteem because they remain green in the winter[…] … Bamboo is seen as a perfect gentleman, flexible in the face of change but without ever giving up its ideal: once the storm has passed, it returns to its original position[…] … The plum tree is respected because it is the first tree to flower, while winter still holds sway, and it is the longest-lived fruit tree[…] … The ideal of well-read Chinese and Japanese was to be “strong like the pine, tough like bamboo, and pure like the plum tree[…] … ” Each of the “Three Friends of Winter” is paired with a Bird For example, the long-lived pine is accompanied by the crane, whose whiteness recalls the accumulation of years[…] … Bamboo is associated with the sparrow, whose ceaseless activity symbolizes the vitality of the continually renewed bamboo[…] … Finally, the plum tree is matched with the nightingale, because both celebrate the arrival of spring, one with its early flowers and the other with its song[…] … Vacheron Constantin chose this combination of three double motifs in close cooperation with Zôhiko[…] … Each watch has a double face lacquered using the maki-e technique[…] … The main design of the tree on the front of the watch is matched by the bird design on the back, facing the wrist[…] … Here, too, Vacheron Constantin’s choice falls within a Japanese tradition, as many Japanese lacquerware objects are decorated even on their hidden surfaces, for example, on the insides of lids or the bottoms of boxes[…] … The Pine Tree and Crane Watch – Matsu to tsuru 松と鶴 In Japan, the pine tree has always been prized for its wood and the beauty of its twisted shapes[…] … Even so, its pre-eminent role in art and literature largely reflects traditions borrowed from the continent[…] … These traditions were inspired in large part by the fact that the pine is an evergreen, and so is associated with longevity and steadfastness[…] … Both Chinese art and Japanese art considered the pine to be one of the “virtuous” plants, both as the symbol of winter and the new year, and as the main symbol of long life and even immortality[…] … Like the pine tree, the crane has also always been a symbol of longevity and noble elegance[…] … Alongside the phoenix, it is one of the birds most wreathed in the legend and mystery of Far Eastern traditions[…] … It is said that not only can it achieve incredible longevity, but once it reaches an age of 600 years, it can live on nothing but cool water[…] … Furthermore, at the beginning of its 2000th year, its immaculate white plumage turns deep black[…] … In Japan, the crane’s mythical qualities are joined by a purely aesthetic dimension related to its gracefulness and beautiful plumage[…] … The seasonal arrival of cranes that come to winter in Japan was welcomed joyfully and considered a harbinger of prosperity[…] … They were reserved strictly for the Emperor’s pleasure, and until the Meiji restoration in 1868, hunting them was prohibited[…] … The Bamboo and Sparrow Watch – Take to suzume 竹と雀 In Taoism, and to a lesser extent Buddhism, the tubular structure of bamboo symbolises the notion of emptiness[…] … Like Tao, “the way,” which rises up from emptiness and returns to it, the centre of the bamboo is empty[…] … This emptiness, or space, also represents the simplicity of tolerance and open-mindedness[…] … Bamboo’s flexibility and toughness, which allow it to bend without breaking, represent integrity[…] … Though it does not live as long as the pine, bamboo is also associated with longevity[…] … While a single bamboo shoot does not live long, an entire grove can grow from a single shoot[…] … Similarly, bamboo dies after it flowers, but many kinds flower only once each century, which means that they do, after all, reach a respectable age[…] … Bamboo groves make especially attractive nesting sites for flocks of sparrows[…] … Despite their restless and sometimes quarrelsome ways, sparrows are considered to be a symbol of loyalty in Japan[…] … They never stop singing “chu, chu, chu[…] … ” In collections of popular legends, the sparrow is often represented as having a strong sense of honour and duty[…] … The pairing of bamboo and the sparrow also frequently appears in the paintings of Zen Buddhism, in which bamboo signifies the ideal of awakening and freedom from worldly attachments, and the sparrow represents spontaneity and joie de vivre[…] … The Plum Tree and Nightingale Watch – Ume to uguisu 梅と鴬 The plum tree is known above all for the fact that its delicate, pink-tinged white flowers open in mid-winter[…] … Their subtle perfume spreads through the coldest month of winter, awakening the first hope of spring[…] … Although neither the plum tree nor its flowers are particularly magnificent, they have such a fresh, exquisite character that they delight the spirit in the midst of winter’s desolation[…] … The plum tree serves as a metaphor for inner beauty and humility in the face of the world’s adversities[…] … The pairing of the plum tree and the nightingale seems to be more of a Japanese development[…] … Both are the first messengers of spring: the first song of the nightingale is called hatsune 初音, or “the first sound of the year[…] … ” There are countless examples in art and poetry associating the plum tree and the nightingale[…] … They are frequently depicted with snow as well, as plum trees often open so early that their flowers seem to blend in with the snowflakes[…] … What is maki-e? Maki-e 蒔絵 – which literally means “sprinkled picture” – is the most sophisticated of all lacquer techniques, designating a decorative operation in which the design is created by delicately sprinkling gold or silver dust over lacquer – usually black – while it is still wet[…] … The lacquer is made from the sap of the lacquer tree, Rhus verniciflua[…] … This tree, a relative of poison ivy, originated on the high plateaus of central Asia or Tibet[…] … Today, it grows only in southern China, Korea, Vietnam and Japan, but it seems to have had a much wider range in the past[…] … In Japanese, the word for the substance and the name of the tree are the same: urushi 漆[…] … The three categories most representative of the lacquer arts are carving, inlay, and maki-e[…] … The number of possibilities is almost infinite, and the invention of maki-e and its variations by the Japanese is one of the most remarkable marriages of technical mastery and aesthetic sophistication in all the history of art[…] … This decorative technique developed very early in Japanese history[…] … , becoming the predominant method of ornamentation beginning in the seventeenth century and remaining so to this day[…] … It does not seem to have been used in China – or if it was, it disappeared very early on[…] … It was highly prized there, however, as evidenced by the many orders placed from the continent over the centuries[…] … Maki-e’s own rise allowed the techniques it involves to blossom as well[…] … Beginning in the mid-tenth century, this technique far surpassed all its rivals and was heavily preferred over them for the delicacy of its execution, its quality of being distinct yet misty at the same time, and its incredibly poetic presence[…] … One of the greatest beauties of lacquer is that it can decorate the most precious of objects as easily as those used in everyday life[…] … Lacquerware bowls and crockery have come down through the centuries, as have variously shaped boxes with all sorts of uses: document holders, tea caddies, incense boxes, paintbrush holders, inkwells, card cases, pill boxes, etc[…] … While there has always been lacquered furniture, the preference has almost always been for small objects, for work that is enchanting in its meticulous perfection[…] … Zôhiko In 1661, Yasui Shichibei 安井七兵衛 (1632–1692) opened a shop he named Zôgeya 象牙屋 “At the Sign of the Ivory”, where he sold lacquerware and Chinese products[…] … The shop remained in the family for five generations before passing to Nishimura Hikobei 西村彦兵衛 (1719–1773), then head of production, because there were no heirs in the Kusunoki branch[…] … Kusunoki Jirôbei 楠治郎兵衛 (1723–1784) left not only the shop but also the task of caring for his family’s tombs to his senior assistant, thus creating an indissoluble tie of successorship[…] … Zôhiko’s current director is the ninth Nishimura Hikobei[…] … One of his most remarkable pieces is a maki-e panel representing the Fugen Bodhisattva on a white elephant[…] … History says that the people of Kyoto were so charmed by the beauty of this image that they named it the “Zôhiko panel,” with “Zô” meaning the elephant and “Hiko” being the first part of Hikobei’s first name[…] … This is the origin of Zôhiko’s company name[…] … Zôhiko has had a longstanding relationship with the Japanese Imperial Court[…] … The fourth Hikobei was one of the Court’s official suppliers, and the current director made the reigning emperor’s official seat[…] … The workshop’s first exports date to the very end of the nineteenth century, upon Japan’s opening to abroad after the Meiji restoration[…] … He was unanimously considered to be a pioneering figure in the lacquer industry[…] … Zôhiko’s long history reflects a tradition of excellence that is unparalleled in its respect for both artistic continuity and continually renewed creativity[…] … While continuing to cultivate a tradition that is already over a thousand years old, Zôhiko upon to the world[…] … Sharing with Vacheron Constantin gave rise to an extraordinarily intense collaboration, the fruit of which is called the Métiers d’Art – La symbolique des laques collection[…] … Vacheron Constantin and Japan… a resolutely long-term relationship During the early years of 1800 an eminent Swiss historian, Alfred Chapuis, referred to Vacheron Constantin’s first commercial contacts with Asia, especially China[…] … Elsewhere in the world during the same period, the company was present in South America, with a permanent representative in Brazil[…] … In Russia, it was a regular supplier of the Imperial Court, and in 1847 it gained access to the Indian market[…] … Indeed, between the beginning of the seventeenth century and the middle of the nineteenth, the shogun military government saw to it that the country was almost entirely cut off from the rest of the world[…] … In 1862 the Swiss Federal Council decided to send a Swiss delegation to Japan, and invited “Mr[…] … Vacheron, watchmaker” to a preparatory meeting[…] … On February 6, 1864, Switzerland signed its first official document with Japan: a commercial treaty allowing Swiss citizens to settle in the country’s open ports[…] … At this time, Vacheron Constantin was already held in high regard in Japan, since in 1867 – the year of his coronation – the Meiji Emperor had planned to visit the company’s workshops during his visit to Geneva[…] … He was prevented by a last-minute invitation from Monsieur de Rothschild[…] … In 1884 Japan adopted universal time, which Switzerland did not do until 1892, or France until 1911[…] … Up to that point, Japan had divided the hours unequally between day and night, and depending on the season[…] … So Japanese clocks, or wadokei 和時計, were of different design than western clocks, and the adoption of universal time involved more just than a simple adjustment[…] … The “Japanese Style” In 1906, Vacheron Constantin opened its first shop on the island in the heart of Geneva[…] … Right from the beginning, the shop built up a regular and discriminating Japanese clientele from contacts made with people passing through as well as orders from Japan[…] … From 1917 on, Vacheron Constantin was represented in Japan in the three cities of Tokyo, Yokohama and Kobe[…] … The period during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries that followed the World’s Fair in Paris and the Exhibition of Arts in Japan, which created sensations, marked the golden age of “Japanism” in Europe[…] … Ferdinand Verger and his descendants, Vacheron Constantin’s Paris representative until 1939, were true creative geniuses who knew how to take advantage of the general fascination with Japan[…] … He made many Japanese-inspired watches for Vacheron Constantin, some of them playing with enamel to create the illusion of lacquer, and others in genuine lacquer that are still part of the private Vacheron Constantin heritage collection[…] … In 1953, His Imperial Highness Prince Akihito, now the reigning Emperor of Japan, visited Vacheron Constantin’s manufacture and the original shop on the island, and did not neglect to sign the Company’s guest book[…] … This tree produces a whitish juice that the Japanese use to varnish their furniture, their dishes, their wooden plates that are used by all kinds of people, from the Emperor to the peasants: for at Court and at the monarch’s table, varnished utensils are preferred over those of gold and silver[…] … Engelbert Kaempfer, a German physician travelling in Japan This excerpt sums up the basic essentials of Japanese lacquer[…] … Today, there are three main categories of lacquer: true lacquer, lac, and varnishes[…] … True lacquer is the sap of a tree that is found only in the Far East[…] … Lac is a resin made from the secretions of an insect that lives in India and Southeast Asia[…] … These two forms of lacquer differ in colour, and even more in their strength and solidity[…] … Varnishes include all of the European substitutes for oriental lacquer[…] … There are all kinds of such imitations, both plant- and animal-based versions, and now synthetics as well, of highly variable quality[…] … These include, for example, the varnishes used on a Stradivarius violin as well as much more humble and commonplace variants[…] … But none of them can compete with true lacquer’s inherent qualities[…] … Lacquer: Magnificence and Origins in the Far East In both China and Japan, the use of lacquer dates back to the Neolithic age[…] … Archaeological excavations have established the oldest dates as being close to 6000 B[…] … Two pigments were used to colour the lacquer: cinnabar for red, and wood charcoal for black[…] … China and Japan quickly developed the lacquer arts to their highest level[…] … While it was China that got things started with a high-level artistic tradition, Japan soon caught up to the Chinese masters; since the first millennium A[…] … , the story of lacquer in these two countries has been one of constant dialogue and emulation[…] … So it was that Japan developed the magic of maki-e, the technique now found in the Métiers d’Art – La symbolique des laques collection[…] … The History of Lacquer in Japan In the fifth and sixth centuries, China’s political and cultural influence on Japan was extremely strong[…] … It touched all areas, and Chinese lacquer techniques, which at this time were much more highly developed, were also transmitted to Japan[…] … Lacquer’s importance to the Japanese economy is attested by the Taiho Code (Japanese constitution), of 701, which provided for the creation of a Lacquer Bureau, Nuribe no tsukasa 漆部司, within the Department of Finances; this office required aristocrats to plant lacquer trees on their properties and pay part of their taxes in lacquerware[…] … Workshops produced lacquered items for the Imperial Court, especially, and for temples throughout the country as demand continued to increase[…] … The lacquer techniques of that day still relied very heavily on China and it is not always easy to determine an object’s provenance[…] … In contrast, the essentials of this technique were present, as witnessed by the variety of lacquered objects preserved at the Shosoin treasury in Nara[…] … This treasure, dating to the eighth century, still exists today[…] … The seven lacquer techniques identified among the Shosoin objects highlight the importance of this art form from very early in Japanese history[…] … Most of the processes used later were variations and improvements on these original techniques[…] … The Golden Age of Lacquer – The end of the eighth century marked Japan’s return to its own values, to such an extent that continental influence suffered a drastic decline[…] … Artistically speaking, a purely Japanese aesthetic, characterized by unparalleled gracefulness and meticulous workmanship, began to develop[…] … The lacquer arts were fully representative of this new development, and in the history of Japanese lacquer, the period from the late eighth century to the twelfth is called the golden age[…] … At this juncture, ceramic techniques had not yet begun to develop rapidly, and utilitarian objects such as furniture were made primarily of wood – an excellent base for lacquer[…] … This period saw the dawning of maki-e’s refined techniques, the delicacy of which perfectly matched the era in which flourished an aristocratic and sophisticated culture steeped in poetry and the arts[…] … Lacquer, Tea and Zen – Around the thirteenth century, Zen Buddhism was introduced to Japan, along with tea[…] … At first, tea was used by the monks for its curative properties, but this expanded into the tea ceremony, which was highly prized among the warrior aristocracy[…] … Many of the objects used to store or serve tea are lacquered pieces: tea caddies and boxes for incense, trays, bamboo spoons, etc[…] … Lacquer and the West – The first contacts between Japan and the West were made by Portuguese and Spanish Jesuits during the first half of the sixteenth century[…] … These missionaries also introduced Japan to the first European clocks, which were presented as gifts[…] … In addition, they instituted watchmaking classes, which led the Japanese to develop their own clocks[…] … These timepieces, called wadokei 和時計, were adapted to the Sino-Japanese system for measuring time, in which the hours are of variable length[…] … These same Jesuits were behind the first exportation of Japanese lacquerware to the West[…] … The European aristocracy developed a wild infatuation with lacquered pieces, creating a true export industry in Japan with products specifically tailored to western tastes[…] … In Europe, offices and drawing rooms decorated entirely with lacquer furniture were all the rage[…] … One of the most famous lacquerware collections is that of Queen Marie Antoinette (1755-1793), which she had inherited from her mother, Maria-Theresa of Austria (1717-1780)[…] … While China was also exporting lacquer, interest in Japanese lacquerware was so great in Europe between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries that the term “japan” became a synonym for lacquer, just as “china” has come to mean porcelain[…] … The Birth of Zôhiko Between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries, lacquer became more democratic[…] … Originally reserved for the upper echelons of society, lacquerware became accessible to a broader public[…] … It was in this context that in 1661, Yasui Shichibei opened the shop that was later to become Zôhiko[…] … ” The most sought-after of these were medicine containers or seal cases, inrô 印籠, and pipe cases – both of which became settings for highly perfected lacquer techniques[…] … In 1868, after over two centuries of turning inward during which contact with the outside world was extremely limited, Japan again opened up to the world, and the West in particular[…] … The subsequent wave of modernization and industrialization was so strong that it threatened to swallow up many traditions of craftsmanship[…] … Paradoxically, it was foreign enthusiasm for some such traditions — including lacquer — that ensured, first, their survival, then their revival[…] … What is True Lacquer? Lacquer is made from the sap of the lacquer tree, Rhus verniciflua[…] … This tree, a relative of poison ivy, originated on the high plateaus of central Asia or Tibet[…] … Today, the lacquer tree grows only in southern China, Korea, Vietnam and Japan, but it seems to have had a much wider range in the past[…] … In Japanese, the word for the substance and the name of the tree are the same: urushi[…] … Harvesting – A tree must be about ten years old before sap can be harvested from it[…] … Five to ten parallel horizontal gashes are made on the trunk, and a thick greyish sap is collected[…] … The quality of the sap depends on many factors, including the age of the tree, climate, soil, and season[…] … It is harvested throughout the spring and summer, but the best-quality lacquer is gathered between June and August; it comes from the central section of the trunk and is collected and processed separately from the rest of the harvest[…] … It is reserved for the top coats of lacquer and for finishing pieces[…] … Lacquer of lower quality is used for the underlying layers[…] … First, it has the extraordinary quality of drying only in a humid environment[…] … In its pure state, it can dry only if applied in extremely thin layers: beyond thicknesses of 0[…] … 3 mm, it remains partially liquid beneath the hardened surface film[…] … Once it has dried, lacquer will seal porous materials such as wood, bamboo, paper or fabric, which then become completely resistant to moisture, salt, heat, liquids – including alcohol – food, and even acids[…] … As a result, lacquer containers are especially well-suited to serving, storing and transporting food and drink[…] … It is used as a glue, especially for repairing ceramics[…] … Lacquer’s great strength, solidity and stability depend mainly on the number of layers applied to the object[…] … There can be anywhere from ten to a hundred layers, with the thickness of each ranging from 0,8 to 1 mm[…] … A good-quality lacquer finish will not erode even after one or two centuries[…] … By way of comparison, an oil painting begins to flake after ten years, and chemical varnishes retain their shine for only twenty or thirty years[…] … The Chemistry of Lacquer – The hardening of lacquer is an oxidation process that has nothing in common with ordinary drying or evaporation[…] … The main constituents of raw lacquer are an antioxidant molecule called urushiol, and an enzyme, laccase[…] … In the presence of oxygen, laccase acts as a catalyst for the oxidation of urushiol and causes permanent hardening of the raw lacquer, which originally is viscous[…] … In its raw liquid state, lacquer is toxic and causes severe skin irritation, though some people are immune to this[…] … In Japan, lacquers benefit from the particularly high percentage of urushiol in the native trees[…] … Japanese sap contains 70–80% urushiol to 7% gum, while in the sap of Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai trees, the ratio is more nearly 50% urushiol to 20% gum[…] … Preparation – Once harvested, the lacquer is stored in a wooden barrel before being refined[…] … Then the water in the sap is removed by evaporation[…] … To accomplish this, the sap is stored from twelve to twenty-four hours in drying chambers (muro, “room” or urushiburo “lacquer bath”), kept at a temperature of 20 to 25°C and a humidity of 75 to 85%[…] … The drying chambers also serve to protect the objects from dust between two layers of lacquer[…] … Supports – Refined lacquer can be applied to many materials, including textiles, bamboo, leather, ceramic, and metal[…] … But the main base material has always been wood, usually evenly-grained wood that can be worked until it is very thin[…] … For example, elm wood, keyaki 欅, can be made nearly translucent[…] … In addition to elm, cedar sugi 杉, Japanese cypress hinoki 檜, paulownia kiri 桐, and magnolia hônoki 朴, lend themselves to this type of work[…] … For wood, this would be woodworkers specializing in assembled, turned, or bent wood, depending on what is required for the object[…] … The first layers are the thickest, the last the thinnest[…] … The same is true of the abrasives used: the first are the coarsest, the last are the finest[…] … After these steps, which protect the object, the truly decorative part of the work can begin[…] … Techniques – Lacquer techniques vary by country, quality of the lacquer and the use for which the objects are intended[…] … There are approximately one hundred and fifty lacquered pieces from the eighth century preserved in the Shosoin museum in Nara, and seven different processes were used for these pieces alone[…] … But the three most representative categories of the lacquer arts are carving, inlay and maki-e[…]
» MARC & SONS: SWISS-MADE Watches from Marco Heimrich
The inflation of the watch brands cannot be stopped any more in times of the Internet[…] … The domain is secured, a nice homepage is set up, and the watches are then sold on the common online sales channels like Amazon, Ebay and Yatego[…] … No wonder that Marco Heimrich is doing big business on Ebay as member „shoppingtrend“ with over 4[…] … 000 ratings[…] … There he sells – according to own advertisement – watches of the brands „Citizen, Seiko, Tag Heuer, Invicta, Festina and many more for truly good value[…] … “ Real Swiss-Made, but[…] … Remarkable at MARC & SONS is that here, apparently only watches with the label „Swiss Made“ and no China watches were offered over the traading agency Marco Heimrich until now[…] … The quality characteristic „SWISS-MADE“ is then praised to the highest ranks[…] … It says: „All watches offered here are produced according to the highest quality standards in Switzerland[…] … MARC & SONS watches are produced solely using Swiss brand values and best materials[…] … “ At first glance, an impressive business model[…] … At second glance the very ambitious prices for the models mainly equipped with a quartz work and the automatic watches in Rolex style catch the eye[…] … Profitable business Private-Label-Watches Chrono AG from Solothurn in Switzerland produces such watches as so-called private-label-watches at cheap prices with any brand[…] … In our opinion, a very ambitious calculation for such a Swiss watch with German brand[…] … For Marco Heimrich it is a profitable business[…] … As „manufacturer“ without intermediary and specialist trade the profit margin for him in direct end customer sales is much more interesting than that of the brand watches that he sells otherwise on Ebay "only" as a trader[…] … Especially, as some prices for his MARC & SONS watches are significantly above those of comparable specialist trading goods[…] … SWISS-MADE-Initiative The hope remains that the Swiss Federal Council realizes the «Swissness»-draft supported by the Swiss watch industry very fast[…] … For industry products 60 percent of the manufacturing costs shall be generated in Switzerland, for mechanic watches even 80 percent, in order to be allowed to carry the quality label „SWISS-MADE“[…] … „The watch manufacturers want to sharpen the brand identity and defend the credibility of their products“, explained the President of the watch association FH, Jean-Daniel Pasche[…] … Should the draft be realized, this may by a death penalty for cheapest watches from Switzerland and some business models[…]
» Original Tourillon-automatic-work in Tourbillon-style
As „watch of the month“, an „ASTRON Master-Tourillon“ is offered for 89 Euro plus 7,60 Euro shipping[…] … A watch in – as stated - in „Tourbillon-look“ is actually nothing else than a watch with a simple open balancing wheel, which have been offered especially in China works for years now[…] … Unfortunately, this has very little to do with a Tourbilllon and even the 24 h advertisement does not justify the price in our opinion[…] … „Here original Swiss watches are still mainly made in manual work[…] … The produced quantities per edition are accordingly small and the effort is correspondingly high[…]
» Vacheron Constantin unveils its Flagship Boutique at 1881 Heritage
Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest Haute Horlogerie manufacturer with over 250 years of uninterrupted history, opened its newest exclusive flagship boutique at 1881 Heritage, the revitalized site of one of Hong Kong’s famous government buildings, in the presence of Juan-Carlos Torres, CEO of Vacheron Constantin, Marc Guten, International Director of Vacheron Constantin and Yann Bouillonnec, Managing Director of Vacheron Constantin Asia Pacific[…] … 1881 Heritage encompasses the former Marine Police Headquarters compound and, like Vacheron Constantin, is dedicated to preserving its traditions while integrating itself into contemporary lifestyle, making it the perfect location for the new boutique[…] … This is Vacheron Constantin’s third boutique in Hong Kong[…] … In line with the design aesthetic of its Vacheron Constantin Maison in Geneva, the new boutique is discreetly decorated with a contemporary luxurious interior design harmonizing with the brand: precious wood, leather, and fixtures and furnishings emanating a warm and serene atmosphere[…] … The boutique makes an intimate and welcoming space for watch enthusiasts and collectors, displaying its exquisite timepieces in refined showcases[…] … Adjacent to the retail and private sales area is the Customer Service Centre that, going far beyond traditional standards, offers after-sales services for wrist watch maintenance by a resident Swiss Watchmaker, previously only available in Geneva[…] … This falls in line with the tradition of horological excellence to which the brand has always remained faithful[…] … An exclusive series of 3 exceptional timepieces featuring Dragons Guilloché, in limited edition To celebrate the opening of the new flagship boutique in Hong Kong, and honoring the brand’s long history with China, the Swiss manufacture introduces a very exclusive limited series of 3 “Dragons” watches, each of them available in only 9 numbered pieces, only available at 1881 Heritage in Hong Kong, Vacheron Constantin Mansions in Geneva & Shanghai and Vacheron Constantin boutique in Moscow[…] … These timepieces featuring dragons on the dial, Chinese symbol of prosperity, creative and divine strength, are hand-made with Métiers d’Art ancestral Guilloché work[…] … The motif stems, calling for exceptional dexterity, are from the alternating use of two machines: one to engine-turn straight lines; and the other curves and circles as if on a lathe[…] … This original combination of these two techniques has made it possible to create non-geometrical patterns entirely different to anything that has been done before[…] … As the result, the design is composed of irregular lines and a multitude of details with variously coloured metallized coatings, which takes Guilloché well beyond its traditional role as an abstract geometrical decoration to achieve the status of a figurative art in its own right[…] … The Grand Opening will also be the occasion to discover some exceptional antique timepieces exhibited from the Vacheron Constantin heritage collection in Geneva, each one a unique masterpiece in its own right, highlighting the brand’s rich history and milestones[…] … Most notably, Vacheron Constantin’s first-ever watch, an enamelled dial pocket watch created in 1755 by the founder himself, Jean-Marc Vacheron, will be on display[…] … In addition, watch enthusiasts and journalists were invited to share Vacheron Constantin’s genuine passion in watch-making and legendary brand history at a private luncheon and dinner held at the Peninsula Hotel[…] … There, the Garden Suite was transformed into a time tunnel[…] … Gracing its walls were impressions of the brand’s major milestones and timepieces, reminding guests of the extraordinary influence Vacheron Constantin has made, and continues to make, on the world of luxury timepieces since 1755[…]