When the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar was presented at the SIHH 2019 I was quite impressed by it, but unfortunately I didn’t get to spend much time with it back then. Later that year, I got to peruse the watch a second time and it continued to grow on me. Then, recently, I ran into a collector who was wearing one and I thought I should talk more about it because I still can’t understand why this watch is not more popular.
Posts tagged #Haute Horlogerie
Insider: HYT H1.0 Black Fluid. One of the Best Looking HYT Watches Out There.
A couple of weeks ago we brought you our hands-on review of the new HYT H1.0 collection, and we told you how much we fell in love with it. During Watches & Wonders Miami 2019, the HYT H.10 lineup got even better after the brand added a fourth model with black fluid giving the watch a fascinating color combination. Like we mentioned it before, the new HYT H1.0 is the natural evolution and progression of the minimalist design of the H0 Origin released two years ago at Baselworld 2017. The new HYT H1.0 Black Fluid rises above with an even more futuristic approach as the capillary tube is filled with black fluid and the glass capillary features superluminova C7 in vintage mint green color underneath.
Insider: Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar. A Feat of Horology that Blends Classic and Modern Watch Design Cues.
A big highlight of the SIHH 2019 and a true feat of horology is the new Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar. Inspired by the seasonal system from the Japanese Edo Period which divided day and night into six segments —of which the length varied from day to night and from one season to another—, the clocks from this period were equipped with a single or double foliot balance enabling automatic changes in their operating speed. And just like those clocks, the Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar beats at a high frequency when worn and on demand, it can be slowed down by pressing a pusher in order to guarantee an extended outstanding power reserve of at least 65 days when the watch is not been worn.
Insider: HYT H1.0 Blue, Red and Green. Unconventional Fluidic Timekeeping with a Skeletonized Dial.
The HYT H1.0 is the latest and greatest iteration of the hydro-mechanical timepieces by the avant-garde house that is nestled in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. HYT is the only watchmaking company to display time with fluids and it was launched in 2012 with the introduction of the H1 at BaselWorld. Today, after much work done in the R&D department, HYT has consolidated as one of the top independent watchmaking brands with a truly unique offering that remains unrivaled and that awarded them the innovation prize at the Grand Prix de Horlogerie de Genève in 2012.
Insider: Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre a Chronographe. The Art of the Chronograph.
Back in 1833, in the remote mountains of Jura, Switzerland, inventor Antoine LeCoultre revolutionized the art of horology and turned the Vallée de Joux into the cradle of fine Swiss watchmaking. Later on, the LeCoultre family would join forces with Parisian watchmaker Edmond Jaeger in 1903. Elegance and refinement are the keynotes of their creations. With 398 patents that have changed the course of watchmaking, hundreds of inventions and 180 years of history, Jaeger-LeCoultre timepieces are a living legend. From the launch of the iconic Reverso in 1931 to the first lubricant-free watch in horological history, Jaeger-LeCoultre complications mark the culmination of centuries of research in the watchmaking field and the Duomètre a Chronographe with its 'Dual-Wing' movement is not the exception.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre ref. 6012420 Duomètre a Chronographe is the true expression and meaning of 'haute horlogerie'. This watch contains two independent mechanisms united by a shared regulating organ. One mechanism is fully devoted to a 12-hour chronograph, while the other is devoted to time keeping.
Available in limited series of 200 in three precious metals —18K White Gold, Platinum or 18K Rose Gold— with a 42 mm robust, yet elegant case, alligator strap with deployant buckle and a display sapphire case back, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Duomètre a Chronographe is powered by the manual winding 50-hour power-reserve calibre 380.
With an off-white dial featuring hour, minute, central seconds, power-reserve indicators for both mechanisms and a chronograph with concentric hour and minute, minute-unit indicator, seconds and jumping seconds, this watch is really a true masterpiece of horology and artful in every way.
The chronograph hands —including the power reserve indicator— are anodized blue providing the right contrast and readability against the dial. The pushers are easy to operate, the dial easy to read and the craftsmanship of the timepiece couldn't be any better.
In summarize, this watch is easy to use, very comfortable to wear and extremely elegant. Could we ask for anything else here?
Sticker price $47,900. For more info click here.
Baselworld: Jaquet Droz. Pure Art.
Next to Omega and across from Glashütte, we find Jaquet Droz. This legendary watchmaker with 275 years of history and artful creations, dominates the corner on the first turn towards the back of the Exhibition Hall 1.0 Full of artistic pieces and some amazing complications, Jaquet Droz continues to make a statement in 'Haute Horlogerie' just like it did back in November of 2012 with the launch of the acclaimed Bird Repeater. Founded in 1738 by Pierre Jaquet-Droz, this company remains focused on artistic creations and outstanding complications.
For more info click here. To see the Bird Repeater in action click here.
