Anzeige
On the strength of its long experience in timing, Longines has designed a timepiece that pays tribute to the various timing mechanisms developed during the company’s history. Named the Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph, this model houses a brand new calibre whose exclusive development by ETA was mandated and financed by Longines and other brands within the Swatch Group.
In 1970 OMEGA launched a watch which had been created to withstand the crushing pressures endured by divers working deep below the ocean’s surface. It was the Seamaster 600, the so-called “Ploprof” (the first letters of plongeurs professionnels – the French words meaning “professional divers”) and it was one of the most rugged, robust and seaworthy divers’ wristwatches ever manufactured.
Continuing his aim to bring together sport, state of the art engineering, architecture and modern art, Franc Vila has created a deep and vibrant contemporary blue version of his impressive skeleton tourbillon movement FV Nº 6, aesthetically inspired by contemporary art. FVa Nº 6 Tourbillon Planétaire Skeleton SuperLigero Concept was first introduced in Baselworl 2008. Its movement has been built for the first time ever in a Lithium-based alloy christened ”lightnium”.
After winning the world record for water resistance in automatic diving watches in 2005 with their 12'000 FEET by CX Swiss Military Watch™ model Frank M. Bürgin and his team of watchmakers and engineers were contemplating their next move. Only one goal seemed acceptable – not only to beat their own record but also the new world record Rolex had set in 2008 with 3’900 meters of water resistance.
The latest creation of the Hamilton Lab, the ODC X-02 Quartz, takes watch design to totally new frontiers. In a futuristic shaped case, appropriately modelled on the cross-section of an aircraft’s wing, this timepiece allows the wearer to be in three places at once. This is possible thanks to three separate, oblong dials, each revealing the time in a different location.
Porsche Design stands for timelessness, functionality and purism. These qualities come to the fore in the Three-Hands and Chronograph models of the Flat Six line being premiered by Porsche Design licensee Eterna at the Baselworld World Watch and Jewellery Show, to be held from March 26th to April 2nd 2009. The proven aesthetics of the Flat Six collection are enhanced by new colour com-binations and PVD-coated cases.
In 1959, Mido first designed what was destined to become one of the most appreciated of all classical watches, the Commander. In 2009, which will mark the 50th anniversary of the collection, this creation is still sought after as a safe value of Swiss luxury watchmaking. In tribute to this model, which remains true to its elegant and original allure, Mido presents a gold edition in a limited series of 50 pieces.
The term “chronometer” denotes an especially accurate watch, such as those that were necessary in the past for determining the time needed for sea and air navigation. Today, just as in the past, official independent institutes test the exacting level of rate precision of these timepieces utilizing standardized measuring procedures. Only with certification from an authorized institute is a timepiece allowed to be called a chronometer.
Historically, regulators are extremely high-precision pendulum clocks for scientific applications. Since hours are a unit of minor importance in these applications, they are represented on a subsidiary dial so as to avoid reading errors. This highly balanced dial design was adopted for a number of clocks, such as marine chronometers with power reserve indicator or for chronographs.
RSW new Diving Tool model enters the small circles of exclusive diving watches. The diver's watch remains in its robustness and reliability the sports watch “par excellence”. Diving Tool with its strong and very masculine contemporary case fully marries this saying. The unidirectional rotating bezel is with graduated scale measuring the duration of immersion.
FRANC VILA unveiled in Baselworld 2009 a new tourbillon watch in which nanotechnology, state of the art engineering and inspiration from nature come together: FVa Nº Cuatro Tourbillon Chronograph SuperLigero Concept. The brand goes a step further with the evolution of their successful FVa Nº Cuatro chronograph tourbillon bringing it into the SuperLigero concept which debuted in 2008 with the introduction of the FVa Nº 6 SuperLigero Concept.
”Because it is there!“ In the Twenties of the last century, this was the answer of the famous mountain climber George Mallory on the question, why he was trying to reach the summit of Mount Everest – the mountain of superlatives. Pretty much the same love of adventure affected our designers when planning the NIVREL Shark Sea (Ref. N 350.001). It is also a watch of superlatives.
A classically elegant masterpiece is the latest result of the long-time collaboration between the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory and the Glashütte Original watch manufactory. Two world-famous Saxon inventions unite in the Senator Meissen Tourbillon: Meissen porcelain and the flying tourbillon. The latter is an invention by Alfred Helwig from 1920, who served as an instructor at the German School of Watchmaking in Glashütte.
The watch features a 45 mm polished titanium case, which is perfectly skin friendly, with a unidirectional rotating bezel in either 18 ct rose gold or stainless steel. The wave-patterned rubber strap has been especially created to complement the attractive dial, which is integrated on the rotary bezel.
After fascinating devotees of watch making during the year 2008 by unveiling Dream Watch One, a unique piece in pursuit of perfect horological harmony. Now the DE BETHUNE is giving watch aficionados the opportunity to acquire this exceptional timepiece. It is a real technological achievement. The display is just as exciting on the dial as it is on the back of the watch.
In celebrating its 125th anniversary, Breitling is reaffirming its passion for chronographs more powerfully than ever, by reminding people of the key role the brand has played in developing this type of instruments. But the history of Breitling is also closely intertwined with that of aviation, thanks to the cockpit instruments and pilots’ chronographs that have made the company the "official supplier to world aviation".
After many experiments the first special wristwatch for divers was launched by Rolex in 1953: The Rolex Submariner. Aside from the Day-Date, the Submariner is surely one of the most famous models of the Rolex watches and the perfect first step into the world of Rolex. The simple yet classic design, the robust case, the clearness of the display, a very good and precise movement with low maintenance costs are the characteristics that make the Rolex Submariner a true classic.
It was only in October 2008 that Montblanc presented the Grand Tourbillon Heures Mystérieuses to celebrate the 150-year history of Minerva. Now, ahead of next January's Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie, the Montblanc Collection Villeret 1858 has been extended to include another new model. The Grand Chronographe Régulateur is further proof of the innovative impetus at the Institut Minerva de Recherche en Haute Horlogerie provided through cooperation with Montblanc, the aim of which was to generate one new movement every year.
This watch preserves time. The new Portuguese Tourbillon Mystère Squelette from IWC Schaffhausen is a generously dimensioned, precision mechanical masterpiece, whose origins can be traced back to centuries past. The movement combines the pinnacle of watchmaking, the tourbillon, with the traditional craftsman’s arts of skeletonising, engine- turning and engraving. It is housed in a classic Portuguese case.
In today’s hectic world, time is gold. Designed for businessmen and decision-makers, the Classima Executives by Baume & Mercier welcomes a collection in a metal as precious as the time it measures. Clothed in yellow or red gold, this new edition draws its harmony and elegance from the classic and timeless values of traditional watchmaking: a medium-sized (39mm) round case, a mechanical movement, Roman numerals and hour-markers, along with a black alligator leather strap.
Imagine a few of the world’s greatest watchmakers, including Christophe Claret and Peter Speake-Marin, collaborating to develop just one timepiece. Imagine no longer. The first chapter of a brand new story called Maîtres du Temps is written. And the watch, appropriately named Chapter One, is simply astounding.
In Chinese mythology, the five-clawed dragon is the prerogative of the Emperor and his family. The finely enamelled dial of this Vulcain Aviator GMT “The Dragon” depicts this powerful symbol embodying cosmic energy and movement. A fiery gaze, shimmering scales coating a long, supple body, a fierce mouth, a tapering crest: the dragon on the Vulcain Aviator GMT “The Dragon” undulates proudly over the dial of this exclusive limited-edition model. To honour the ancient culture of the “Middle Empire”, the brand from Le Locle calls upon the talent of the most skilled artisans.
At Baselworld 2008, the tradition-rich Swiss watch brand Milus is presenting the women's mechanical watch MEREA 'TriRetrograde Seconds Skeleton' for the first time as a heavenly 'Joaillerie' variation. Scintillating precision emanates radiantly and consummately from the MEREA universe. The extravagant MEREA line for women takes its name from the star Mira, whose brightness varies regularly.
Can a mechanism remember? From now on, the answer is “yes”! Maurice Lacroix developed the first memory function for a mechanical watch. This completely new Grande Complication, which will find its initial application in the exclusive Mémoire 1 chronograph, limited to 20 pieces, is a new milestone in the history of the art of Swiss watchmaking.
In Chinese mythology, the five-clawed dragon is the prerogative of the Emperor and his family. The finely enamelled dial of this Vulcain Aviator GMT “The Dragon” depicts this powerful symbol embodying cosmic energy and movement. A fiery gaze, shimmering scales coating a long, supple body, a fierce mouth, a tapering crest: the dragon on the Vulcain Aviator GMT “The Dragon” undulates proudly over the dial of this exclusive limited-edition model. To honour the ancient culture of the “Middle Empire”, the brand from Le Locle calls upon the talent of the most skilled artisans.
The connoisseur now faces a choice: one of the most exquisite watches in the world, the Grande Complication from IWC, is available in platinum, in yellow gold and now also in a rose gold case. But only in a limited series of 50 each year – in total. Maximum. For the master watchmakers in Schaffhausen, who are used to encountering tourbillons, perpetual calendar watches and minute repeating mechanisms on their workbenches, the Grande Complication remains the horological crowning glory.
His face appeared on the old ten Swiss Frank note, adorns a special stamp, and now also sets a watch apart: Oris is launching the Leonhard Euler jubilee watch to commemorate the 300th anniver-sary of the birth of the great Swiss mathematician. Leonhard Euler (1707-1783) pioneered natural science, laid the foundations for modern technol-ogy, and ranks on the level of Newton and Ein-stein for productivity.
The new Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 912 features two additional functions that globetrotters had hitherto dreamed of in vain: world time, in order to get their bearings instantly amid the maze of time zones; and an alarm mechanism endowed with unusual properties and that drew upon the full force of expertise within the Manufacture.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of its historical Geneva boutique, Vacheron Constantin presents a tourbillon in a steel watch case for the very first time, issued in a limited series of just 10 and available exclusively in Geneva.
From the very first glance, Glycine's new INCURSORE Black Jack conveys simplicity and elegance in black. It's only when you look again that you notice the playful details on both chronographs, linked to the Black Jack from which it takes its name.
The new Khaki Tachymiler by Hamilton is the perfect co-pilot – both on the ground and in the air. This dynamic chronograph integrates precision functionality for measuring time and distance, even fulfilling the toughest demands of sport and acrobatic pilots in the cockpit. Its design achieves a unique combination of nostalgia and technology – its performance can be fuelled by anything from jogging to adrenalin.
Since 1990, it has been a part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It graces the wrists of many architects, designers and other style setters across the world – Flemming Bo Hansen’s “WATCH”. A sublime watch when it comes to simplicity and clean lines.
The Portuguese Regulateur from IWC, which, with the distinctive arrangement of its hands, evokes the mother of all precision watches, is enhanced with a tourbillon. Two horological developments, which complement one another ideally, are combined here in the service of accuracy. Exclusivity is guaranteed with an edition of 100 examples each in platinum, white gold and rose gold.
Aficionados have long awaited a new Patek Philippe chronograph. Now, a year after having presented the world's thinnest split-seconds chronograph, the Geneva workshops can delight connoisseurs with a new, self-winding chronograph wristwatch which is crafted entirely in-house: the Patek Philippe Ref. 5960P Annual Calendar Chronograph.
Bell & Ross has made its name as a benchmark in Haute Horlogerie and the exclusive world of professional users with watches that totally respond to requirements of extreme conditions.
Indeed, Bell & Ross watches are designed to support professionals cope with extreme temperatures, violent speed accelerations or to resist dangerous pressure levels.
Drawing on their experience in the aeronautical and military industries, master watchmakers, designers and professional users have successfully combined their skills to create a new professional diving instrument.
With an incredible 3657 meters water resistance, the CX 12’000 FEET beats all diving records and enters the Guinness Book of World Records. In exclusive cooperation with the University of Southampton, Frank Bürgin developed this exceptional divers`Ž chronometer. The result is a unique diversŽ watch for professional use. Swiss Military was also the only manufacturer which tested its watch under real conditions of over 3500 meters in the Atlantic Ocean. The price of this impressive diversŽ chronometer is 3657 Euro.
Genève, March 2007:
After the sustained success of the Heart Beat Manufacture, first launched in 2004, and the introduction of the first automatic version of the Heart Beat calibre in 2006, Frédérique Constant proudly introduces a new version in 2007, the Heart Beat Manufacture Automatic Moonphase-Date.
Patek Philippe refines the design of its legendary ultra-thin perpetual calendar. With its sophisticated movement and sleek classic design, the ultra-thin perpetual calendar is one of the most beautiful examples of Patek Philippe’s synthesis of technology and style. This slightly enlarged variation accents the ultra-thin case and optimizes the watch’s readability.
Among seasoned travelers and businesspeople who have a penchant for extraordinary mechanical watches, the Patek Philippe World Time enjoys cult status. It is now available in a new version with a slightly enlarged case, a smartly updated dial, and an unusual ring-shaped hour hand. New horizons open up for a timeless classic.
From the very first glance, Glycine's new INCURSORE Black Jack conveys simplicity and elegance in black. It's only when you look again that you notice the playful details on both chronographs, linked to the Black Jack from which it takes its name. The most important number in Black Jack, 21, takes centre stage in the design of Glycine's new twin watches, the INCURSORE Black Jack Limited Edition. The number is accentuated on both watches simply, but in a striking colour.
Flying B. For decades, the famous "winged B" ruled the roads as the mascot of the most prestigious British automobiles. Symbolising luxury, elegance and performance, it embodied the Bentley style with its unique blend of tradition and innovation. The Flying B: by a fascinating twist of fate, this dynamic emblem closely resembles Breitling's own "winged B" signature, the seal of excellence embodying its know-how in the field of fine mechanical watches.
Marc Guten, Vacheron Constantin’s International Director, and Nicolas Deflers, Director of Vacheron Constantin Russia, presented a Malte Quantième Perpétuel Rétrogradant timepiece, created exclusively for Vacheron Constantin’s Moscow boutique, to a group of Russian collectors. Manufactured in a very limited series of only five pieces in 18K 5N pink gold, this model has two exclusive features.
After springing a magnificent surprise with its amazing Flying B, Breitling is enriching the Breitling for Bentley collection with a chronograph version of this stylish timepiece. The new model features the same daring rectangular case with its inimitably opulent lines, enhanced by two smoothly integrated lever pushpieces.
In December 2006 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its historical Geneva boutique, Vacheron Constantin presented a tourbillon in a steel watch case for the very first time, limited to 10 timepieces part of the Malte collection, exclusively available in the Geneva Boutique. All the pieces are already pre-sold.
Breitling springs a surprise by enriching the Breitling for Bentley collection with a rectangular watch featuring an original design. An exceptional timepiece dedicated to the "winged B", the historical emblem of the famous British manufacturer. A Bentley is far more than a car: it is a work of art, crafted with infinite concern for detail
Breitling. Bentley. Once upon a time there were two brands sharing much common ground. The same passion for fine mechanical engineering. The same heritage of excellence, symbolised by a winged B signature. This alliance of prestige and performances has given rise to a line of exceptional chronographs called Breitling for Bentley.
1946. The legendary Bentley Mark VI emerged from the new factory in Crewe, England. It was the first Bentley produced in these workshops, where the world's most prestigious automobiles are still assembled to this day. Now associated with the famous British car manufacturer, Breitling revives the legend by presenting the Bentley Mark VI special edition, a chronograph designed in the spirit of tradition and performance characterising the entire Breitling for Bentley collection.
Breguet is introducing a new line of watches this year called “Breguet Tradition”. An invitation to a journey through time and beyond, it constitutes a spirited salute to the me mory of A.- L. Breguet. This model thus embodies both a return to Breguet’s origins and a vision of its future.
While universally known for its extremely masculine high-end sports watches, BREITLING is nonetheless careful never to neglect women. Working on the principle that technical sophistication should not rule out beautiful lines, the brand designers have created the STARLINER, the most feminine model within its collection.
Mulliner, the jewel in the crown of the Bentley factory in Crewe… Behind the closed doors of this prestigious workshop, a hundred or so craftsmen and technicians lavish the utmost care on fulfilling the most specific wishes of Bentley owners. Embodying a blend of technology and tradition, commissioning is taken to its ultimate conclusion.
IWC’s new Ingenieur in many ways is not a new watch. By descent, it rightfully claims a heritage that spans a full half-century. Its foundations are unmistakable, and it is more evolutionary than revolutionary. Above all else, the Ingenieur is an IWC watch. Not merely in name or by virtue of the place of its birth, but because it stands for principles that embody the foundations of IWC.
Mulliner, the jewel in the Bentley crown... In the secret of the Mulliner workshop at the Bentley factory in Crewe, some hundred craftsmen and technicians fashion metal, wood and leather to fulfill each and every wish of the privileged Bentley owners. The specially commissioned features created to grace these prestigious vehicles embody the ultimate blend of technology and tradition.
As a reminder of the almost forgotten 1884 World Conference in Washington, Andersen Genève has designed a special watch. Andersen Genève pays homage to Sir Stanford Fleming who was the driving force behind the introduction of our global time system. The watchmaker company Andersen Genève has designed his “1884” watch to reproduce Sanford Fleming’s model of time spanning the world.
Breguet’s Type XX retour -en-vol chronograph marks its 50th anniversary this year with a new development — the Type XXI — designed to meet the expectations of a generation that looks ahead. The new automatic chronograph Type XXI 3810 retains the military bearing of the original watch Breguet developed for the French naval air arm in the 1950s. The Type XX was ahead of its time, and word soon spread to civilians of its exceptional reliability.
United under the "winged B", Breitling and Bentley form an alliance based on their shared values of exclusivity, prestige and performance. Know-how and tradition are two other such values. At Bentley, these reach their fullest expression in the exclusive Mulliner workshops, where several hundred uniquely talented specialists devote their experience and knowledge to personalising a Bentley.
A.-L. Breguet’s invention of the Tourbillon revolutionized the art of watchmaking in 1801 and set a new standard for timekeeping. For centuries, scientists and philosophers had used the term Tourbillon to refer to the regular rotation of planets around the sun, despite the world Tourbillon, or whirlwind, being somewhat of a misnomer for the ordered regularity of the universe.
The luxury brand Montblanc is well known for manufacturing unique and remarkable writing instruments. Worldwide collectors and aficionados of precious fountain pens are enthusiastic about the most luxurious “Solitaire” versions covered with diamonds or about special order writing instruments with rubies und sapphires. With the “Montblanc Meisterstück Solitaire Royal Black Diamond” Montblanc has created a novelty: A fountain pen, completely covered with glittering black diamonds.
According to archeological discoveries, astronomy is one of the oldest preoccupations of mankind. A science dealing with all celestial bodies in the universe, including the planets and their satellites, comets and meteors, the stars and interstellar matter, quasars, the systems known as galaxies, astronomy has aroused the curiosity of ancient people. Concern and questions (fears of eclipses and meteors) resulted in countless myths and many religious beliefs all around the globe.
The Portuguese family announces a cocktail of variations: new elegant dials complement the highly distinctive range from IWC, and a new yellow gold version makes the trilogy in gold complete. The Portuguese Chrono-Automatics from IWC are watches for active people who appreciate a superb and distinctively elegant timekeeping companion. These are people who may be prepared to go without many supplementary functions, but not without the protective case which confers the accolade of suitability for everyday use on a watch.
In just a few short months we will witness an event experienced by only a handful of generations: the start of a new millennium. While most people occupy themselves with speculation about the exciting innovations that lie ahead in the next one thousand years, the watchmakers at the tradition-steeped International Watch Co. in Schaffhausen have decided to celebrate the event in their own special way. With the Da Vinci Tourbillon, a mechanical chronograph which can only be described in superlatives, they have set up a fitting memento to the mechanical millennium and established an ambitious bridge into the future.
In a world of electronically generated sound, where phones can be programmed to play a melody and mobiles announce their presence in any number of ways, there is a distinct need for a return to genuine sound. Thankfully, we now have it. In the GST automatic alarm from IWC. The third and latest addition to the new sports watch line from Schaffhausen comes with two distinctive crowns that immediately give the game away.